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Toadere TM, Ţichindeleanu A, Bondor DA, Topor I, Trella ŞE, Nenu I. Bridging the divide: unveiling mutual immunological pathways of cancer and pregnancy. Inflamm Res 2024; 73:793-807. [PMID: 38492049 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-024-01866-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The juxtaposition of two seemingly disparate physiological phenomena within the human body-namely, cancer and pregnancy-may offer profound insights into the intricate interplay between malignancies and the immune system. Recent investigations have unveiled striking similarities between the pivotal processes underpinning fetal implantation and successful gestation and those governing tumor initiation and progression. Notably, a confluence of features has emerged, underscoring parallels between the microenvironment of tumors and the maternal-fetal interface. These shared attributes encompass establishing vascular networks, cellular mobilization, recruitment of auxiliary tissue components to facilitate continued growth, and, most significantly, the orchestration of immune-suppressive mechanisms.Our particular focus herein centers on the phenomenon of immune suppression and its protective utility in both of these contexts. In the context of pregnancy, immune suppression assumes a paramount role in shielding the semi-allogeneic fetus from the potentially hostile immune responses of the maternal host. In stark contrast, in the milieu of cancer, this very same immunological suppression fosters the transformation of the tumor microenvironment into a sanctuary personalized for the neoplastic cells.Thus, the striking parallels between the immunosuppressive strategies deployed during pregnancy and those co-opted by malignancies offer a tantalizing reservoir of insights. These insights promise to inform novel avenues in the realm of cancer immunotherapy. By harnessing our understanding of the immunological events that detrimentally impact fetal development, a knowledge grounded in the context of conditions such as preeclampsia or miscarriage, we may uncover innovative immunotherapeutic strategies to combat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora Maria Toadere
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Andra Ţichindeleanu
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Daniela Andreea Bondor
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioan Topor
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Şerban Ellias Trella
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iuliana Nenu
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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2
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Tumor Antigenicity and a Pre-Existing Adaptive Immune Response in Advanced BRAF Mutant Colorectal Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163951. [PMID: 36010943 PMCID: PMC9405961 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary BRAF mutant metastatic CRCs (BRAF-mCRCs) are considered a unique clinical entity characterized by a dismal prognosis and that do not respond efficiently to both standard chemotherapy and to orally selective inhibitors of BRAFV600E. In this study, the gene expression profiles of 89 immunotherapy-naïve BRAF-CRCs were generated using the PanCancer IO 360 gene expression panel to improve the knowledge of the mechanisms involved in tumor-suppressive immune functions in BRAF-mCRCs. A significant fraction of BRAF-mCRCs shows a hot/inflamed profile and may be potential candidates for responding to immunotherapy. Only a partial overlap between these hot signatures and the presence of microsatellite instability (MSI) was observed, demonstrating that MSI tumors showed a not differential expression of MHC Class I antigen presentation pathway compared with microsatellite-stable tumors. The analysis of gene expression profiles is a promising strategy both for immune profiling of primary tumors before any treatment and for following the evolution of metastatic disease during therapy. Abstract The main hypothesis of this study is that gene expression profiles (GEPs) integrating both tumor antigenicity and a pre-existing adaptive immune response can be used to generate distinct immune-related signatures of BRAF mutant colorectal cancers (BRAF-CRCs) to identify actionable biomarkers predicting response to immunotherapy. GEPs of 89 immunotherapy-naïve BRAF-CRCs were generated using the Pan-Cancer IO 360 gene expression panel and the NanoString nCounter platform and were correlated with microsatellite instability (MSI) status and with CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) content. Hot/inflamed profiles were found in 52% of all cases, and high scores of Tumor Inflammation Signature were observed in 42% of the metastatic BRAF-CRCs. A subset of MSI tumors showed a cold profile. Antigen Processing Machinery (APM) signature was not differentially expressed in MSI tumors compared with MSS cases. By contrast, the APM signature was significantly upregulated in CD8+ BRAF-CRCs versus CD8− tumors. Our study demonstrates that a significant fraction of BRAF-CRCs may be a candidate for immunotherapy and that the simultaneous analysis of MSI status and CD8+ TIL content increases accuracy in identifying patients who can potentially benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors. GEPs may be very useful in expanding the spectrum of patients with BRAF-CRCs who can benefit from immune checkpoint blockade.
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3
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Arnold PY. Review: HLA loss and detection in the setting of relapse from HLA-mismatched hematopoietic cell transplant. Hum Immunol 2022; 83:712-720. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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4
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Taylor BC, Balko JM. Mechanisms of MHC-I Downregulation and Role in Immunotherapy Response. Front Immunol 2022; 13:844866. [PMID: 35296095 PMCID: PMC8920040 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.844866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become a key therapeutic strategy in the treatment of many cancers. As a result, research efforts have been aimed at understanding mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy and how anti-tumor immune response can be therapeutically enhanced. It has been shown that tumor cell recognition by the immune system plays a key role in effective response to T cell targeting therapies in patients. One mechanism by which tumor cells can avoid immunosurveillance is through the downregulation of Major Histocompatibility Complex I (MHC-I). Downregulation of MHC-I has been described as a mechanism of intrinsic and acquired resistance to immunotherapy in patients with cancer. Depending on the mechanism, the downregulation of MHC-I can sometimes be therapeutically restored to aid in anti-tumor immunity. In this article, we will review current research in MHC-I downregulation and its impact on immunotherapy response in patients, as well as possible strategies for therapeutic upregulation of MHC-I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandie C. Taylor
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Justin M. Balko
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- *Correspondence: Justin M. Balko,
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5
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Olkinuora AP, Peltomäki PT, Aaltonen LA, Rajamäki K. From APC to the genetics of hereditary and familial colon cancer syndromes. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:R206-R224. [PMID: 34329396 PMCID: PMC8490010 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndromes attributable to high penetrance mutations represent 9-26% of young-onset CRC cases. The clinical significance of many of these mutations is understood well enough to be used in diagnostics and as an aid in patient care. However, despite the advances made in the field, a significant proportion of familial and early-onset cases remains molecularly uncharacterized and extensive work is still needed to fully understand the genetic nature of CRC susceptibility. With the emergence of next-generation sequencing and associated methods, several predisposition loci have been unraveled, but validation is incomplete. Individuals with cancer-predisposing mutations are currently enrolled in life-long surveillance, but with the development of new treatments, such as cancer vaccinations, this might change in the not so distant future for at least some individuals. For individuals without a known cause for their disease susceptibility, prevention and therapy options are less precise. Herein, we review the progress achieved in the last three decades with a focus on how CRC predisposition genes were discovered. Furthermore, we discuss the clinical implications of these discoveries and anticipate what to expect in the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa P Olkinuora
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi T Peltomäki
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri A Aaltonen
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristiina Rajamäki
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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6
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Dhatchinamoorthy K, Colbert JD, Rock KL. Cancer Immune Evasion Through Loss of MHC Class I Antigen Presentation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:636568. [PMID: 33767702 PMCID: PMC7986854 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.636568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 372] [Impact Index Per Article: 124.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Major histocompatibility class I (MHC I) molecules bind peptides derived from a cell's expressed genes and then transport and display this antigenic information on the cell surface. This allows CD8 T cells to identify pathological cells that are synthesizing abnormal proteins, such as cancers that are expressing mutated proteins. In order for many cancers to arise and progress, they need to evolve mechanisms to avoid elimination by CD8 T cells. MHC I molecules are not essential for cell survival and therefore one mechanism by which cancers can evade immune control is by losing MHC I antigen presentation machinery (APM). Not only will this impair the ability of natural immune responses to control cancers, but also frustrate immunotherapies that work by re-invigorating anti-tumor CD8 T cells, such as checkpoint blockade. Here we review the evidence that loss of MHC I antigen presentation is a frequent occurrence in many cancers. We discuss new insights into some common underlying mechanisms through which some cancers inactivate the MHC I pathway and consider some possible strategies to overcome this limitation in ways that could restore immune control of tumors and improve immunotherapy.
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7
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HLA class I loss in colorectal cancer: implications for immune escape and immunotherapy. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:556-565. [PMID: 33473191 PMCID: PMC8027055 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00634-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell-mediated immune therapies have emerged as a promising treatment modality in different malignancies including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, only a fraction of patients currently respond to treatment. Understanding the lack of responses and finding biomarkers with predictive value is of great importance. There is evidence that CRC is a heterogeneous disease and several classification systems have been proposed that are based on genomic instability, immune cell infiltration, stromal content and molecular subtypes of gene expression. Human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) plays a pivotal role in presenting processed antigens to T lymphocytes, including tumour antigens. These molecules are frequently lost in different types of cancers, including CRC, resulting in tumour immune escape from cytotoxic T lymphocytes during the natural history of cancer development. The aim of this review is to (i) summarize the prevalence and molecular mechanisms behind HLA-I loss in CRC, (ii) discuss HLA-I expression/loss in the context of the newly identified CRC molecular subtypes, (iii) analyze the HLA-I phenotypes of CRC metastases disseminated via blood or the lymphatic system, (iv) discuss strategies to recover/circumvent HLA-I expression/loss and finally (v) review the role of HLA class II (HLA-II) in CRC prognosis.
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8
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Wang H, Qiu P, Zhu S, Zhang M, Li Y, Zhang M, Wang X, Shang J, Qu B, Liu J, Zhao Q. SET nuclear proto-oncogene gene expression is associated with microsatellite instability in human colorectal cancer identified by co-expression analysis. Dig Liver Dis 2020; 52:339-346. [PMID: 31495599 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2019.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS Microsatellite instability (MSI) is one of the promising biomarkers in human colorectal cancers (CRCs), and it is influenced by an intricate gene interaction network. Hence, we aimed to identify and validate hub genes associated with MSI CRC and to illustrate its underlying mechanisms. METHODS Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to investigate potential regulatory targets and relationships between key modules and hub genes associated with MSI CRC. RESULTS In the red module (r = 0.83), SET nuclear proto-oncogene (SET) was selected due to its high intra-modular connectivity and module membership. In the test sets, SET expression was downregulated in MSI CRCs compared to that in microsatellite stability (MSS) CRCs. SET expression level had a good performance in stratifying patients into MSI or MSS CRCs (area under the curve = 0.953). Moreover, the BRAF V600E mutation was highly associated with SET expression, and MSI/HLA- samples showed lower levels of SET mRNA expression than MSS/HLA- samples. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) indicated that patients in the SET low expression group were enriched in base excision repair. CONCLUSION SET was identified and validated as a novel potential biomarker in MSI CRCs, and SET probably acts through regulating the base excision repair pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizhou Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Peishan Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuyun Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Central Hospital of Enshi Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, China
| | - Mengna Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Yizhang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaobing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Shang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Qu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Central Hospital of Enshi Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, China.
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China.
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China.
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9
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Lang JM. Understanding dynamic interactions in the prostate tumor microenvironment. Urol Oncol 2019; 37:532-534. [PMID: 31300353 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Complex and dynamic are 2 words that best explain the prostate tumor microenvironment (TME). These words also exemplify the challenges inherent in developing and translating the latest therapeutic advances into clinical benefit for patients with localized and advanced prostate cancer. This issue explores the various cell types and interactions in the prostate TME and how new research findings are being leveraged into therapeutic concepts for our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Lang
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI; Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI.
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10
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Walkowska J, Kallemose T, Jönsson G, Jönsson M, Andersen O, Andersen MH, Svane IM, Langkilde A, Nilbert M, Therkildsen C. Immunoprofiles of colorectal cancer from Lynch syndrome. Oncoimmunology 2018; 8:e1515612. [PMID: 30546958 PMCID: PMC6287783 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1515612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancers associated with Lynch syndrome are characterized by defective mismatch repair, microsatellite instability, high mutation rates, and a highly immunogenic environment. These features define a subset of cancer with a favorable prognosis and high likelihood to respond to treatment with anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) drugs. With the aim to define immune-evasive mechanisms and a potential impact hereof in colorectal cancers from Lynch syndrome versus hereditary cases with retained mismatch repair function, we immunohistochemically and transcriptionally profiled 270 tumors. Lynch syndrome-associated tumors showed an overrepresentation of tumor-infiltrating CD3, CD8 and CD68 positive cells, loss of beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) and up-regulation of PD-L1 on tumor cells. The gene expression signature of Lynch syndrome tumors was characterized by upregulation of genes related to antigen processing and presentation, apoptosis, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and T cell activation. Tumors with loss of B2M and up-regulation of PD-L1 showed distinctive immunogenic profiles. In summary, our data demonstrate a complex tumor-host interplay where B2M loss and PD-L1 up-regulation influence immunological pathways and clinical outcome in Lynch syndrome tumors. Immunological classification may thus aid in the preselection of colorectal cancers relevant for treatment with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Walkowska
- The Danish HNPCC Register, Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Thomas Kallemose
- The Danish HNPCC Register, Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Göran Jönsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology and Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mats Jönsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology and Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ove Andersen
- The Danish HNPCC Register, Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Inge Marie Svane
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Anne Langkilde
- The Danish HNPCC Register, Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Mef Nilbert
- The Danish HNPCC Register, Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology and Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,The Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Therkildsen
- The Danish HNPCC Register, Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
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Long non-coding RNA DILC suppresses cell proliferation and metastasis in colorectal cancer. Gene 2018; 666:18-26. [PMID: 29621586 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.03.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in both men and women. The prognosis of CRC remains poor due to the advanced stage and cancer metastasis at the time of diagnosis. However, the exact mechanism of tumorigenesis in CRC remains unclear. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which refer to transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that are not translated into protein, are known to play important roles in multiple human cancers. Lnc-DILC is reported to be an important tumor suppressor gene and its inactivation is closely associated with liver cancer stem cells. However, the role of lnc-DILC in CRC remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we observed that lnc-DILC overexpression inhibited the growth and metastasis of CRC cells. Consistently, lnc-DILC knockdown facilitated the proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells. Mechanically, lnc-DILC suppressed CRC cell progression via IL-6/STAT3 signaling inactivation. More importantly, the specific STAT3 inhibitor S3I-201 and IL-6R inhibitor tocilizumab abolished the discrepancy of growth and metastasis capacity between lnc-DILC-interference CRC cells and control cells, which further confirmed that IL-6/STAT3 signaling was required in lnc-DILC-disrupted CRC cell growth and metastasis. Taken together, our results suggest that lnc-DILC is a novel CRC suppressor and may prove to be an inhibitor of CRC progression by inactivating IL-6/STAT3 signaling.
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12
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Wang JL, Qi Z, Li YH, Zhao HM, Chen YG, Fu W. TGFβ induced factor homeobox 1 promotes colorectal cancer development through activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Oncotarget 2017; 8:70214-70225. [PMID: 29050273 PMCID: PMC5642548 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers, but the mechanisms underlying its initiation and progression are largely unknown. TGIF1 (TGFB induced factor homeobox 1) is a transcriptional corepressor that belongs to the three-amino acid loop extension (TALE) superclass of atypical homeodomains. It has been reported that TGIF1 is highly expressed in mammary cancer and non-small cell lung cancer and can enhance tumor progression. However, the role of TGIF1 in colorectal cancer remains unknown. Here, we report that TGIF1 is significantly upregulated in colorectal cancers, and its high expression predicts poor prognosis. Overexpression of TGIF1 markedly promotes the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, TGIF1 activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and the homeodomain is indispensable for Wnt activation and β-catenin interaction. Taken together, our results suggest that TGIF1 is a novel colorectal tumor promoter and indicate that TGIF1 enhances colorectal cancer tumorigenesis through activating Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Lian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhen Qi
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ye-Hua Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hong-Mei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ye-Guang Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
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Siebenkäs C, Chiappinelli KB, Guzzetta AA, Sharma A, Jeschke J, Vatapalli R, Baylin SB, Ahuja N. Inhibiting DNA methylation activates cancer testis antigens and expression of the antigen processing and presentation machinery in colon and ovarian cancer cells. PLoS One 2017. [PMID: 28622390 PMCID: PMC5473589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Innovative therapies for solid tumors are urgently needed. Recently, therapies that harness the host immune system to fight cancer cells have successfully treated a subset of patients with solid tumors. These responses have been strong and durable but observed in subsets of patients. Work from our group and others has shown that epigenetic therapy, specifically inhibiting the silencing DNA methylation mark, activates immune signaling in tumor cells and can sensitize to immune therapy in murine models. Here we show that colon and ovarian cancer cell lines exhibit lower expression of transcripts involved in antigen processing and presentation to immune cells compared to normal tissues. In addition, treatment with clinically relevant low doses of DNMT inhibitors (that remove DNA methylation) increases expression of both antigen processing and presentation and Cancer Testis Antigens in these cell lines. We confirm that treatment with DNMT inhibitors upregulates expression of the antigen processing and presentation molecules B2M, CALR, CD58, PSMB8, PSMB9 at the RNA and protein level in a wider range of colon and ovarian cancer cell lines and treatment time points than had been described previously. In addition, we show that DNMTi treatment upregulates many Cancer Testis Antigens common to both colon and ovarian cancer. This increase of both antigens and antigen presentation by epigenetic therapy may be one mechanism to sensitize patients to immune therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Siebenkäs
- Department of Surgery, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Katherine B. Chiappinelli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (NA); (KBC)
| | - Angela A. Guzzetta
- Department of Surgery, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Anup Sharma
- Department of Surgery, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jana Jeschke
- Department of Surgery, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rajita Vatapalli
- Department of Surgery, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Urology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Stephen B. Baylin
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Nita Ahuja
- Department of Surgery, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (NA); (KBC)
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14
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Hou F, Huang QM, Hu DN, Jonas JB, Wei WB. Immune oppression array elucidating immune escape and survival mechanisms in uveal melanoma. Int J Ophthalmol 2016; 9:1701-1712. [PMID: 28003967 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2016.12.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To examine the genetic profile of primary uveal melanoma (UM) as compared to UM in immune escape. METHODS Dendritic cells (DC) loaded with lysates of UM cells of high metastatic potential were used to stimulate CTLs(CTLs). When CTLs co-cultured with the UM cells, most UM cells could be eliminated. Survival UM cells grew slowly and were considered to be survival variants and examined by a microarray analysis. These differential genes were analyzed further with Venn Diagrams and functions related to immune escape. We additionally examined transcriptional changes of manually selected survival variants of UM cells and of clinical UM samples by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and analyzed the correlation of these expressions and patients' survival. RESULTS Gene expression analyses revealed a marked up-regulation of SLAMF7 and CCL22 and a significant down-regulation of KRT10, FXYD3 and ABCC2. The expression of these genes in the relapsed UM was significantly greater than those in primary UM. UM patients with overexpression of these genes had a shorter survival period as compared with those of their underexpression. CONCLUSION Gene expression, in particular of SLAMF7, CCL22, KRT10, FXYD3 and ABCC2, differed between primary UM cells and survival variants of UM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Hou
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Lab, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Qi-Ming Huang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Lab, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Dan-Ning Hu
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, 310 E.14th St., NY 10003, USA
| | - Jost B Jonas
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Lab, Beijing 100730, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty Mannheim of the Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg 67117, Germany
| | - Wen-Bin Wei
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Lab, Beijing 100730, China
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15
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Pérot P, Mullins CS, Naville M, Bressan C, Hühns M, Gock M, Kühn F, Volff JN, Trillet-Lenoir V, Linnebacher M, Mallet F. Expression of young HERV-H loci in the course of colorectal carcinoma and correlation with molecular subtypes. Oncotarget 2016; 6:40095-111. [PMID: 26517682 PMCID: PMC4741882 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Expression of the human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-H family has been associated with colorectal carcinomas (CRC), yet no individual HERV-H locus expression has been thoroughly correlated with clinical data. Here, we characterized HERV-H reactivations in clinical CRC samples by integrating expression profiles, molecular patterns and clinical data. Expression of relevant HERV-H sequences was analyzed by qRT-PCR on two well-defined clinical cohorts (n = 139 pairs of tumor and adjacent normal colon tissue) including samples from adenomas (n = 21) and liver metastases (n = 16). Correlations with clinical and molecular data were assessed. Results CRC specific HERV-H sequences were validated and found expressed throughout CRC disease progression. Correlations between HERV-H expression and lymph node invasion of tumor cells (p = 0.0006) as well as microsatellite instable tumors (p < 0.0001) were established. No association with regard to age, tumor localization, grading or common mutations became apparent. Interestingly, CRC expressed elements belonged to specific young HERV-H subfamilies and their 5′ LTR often presented active histone marks. Conclusion These results suggest a functional role of HERV-H sequences in colorectal carcinogenesis. The pronounced connection with microsatellite instability warrants a more detailed investigation. Thus, HERV-H sequences in addition to tumor specific mutations may represent clinically relevant, truly CRC specific markers for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Pérot
- Cancer Biomarkers Research Group, Joint Unit Hospices Civils de Lyon, bioMérieux, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite, France.,Current address: Institut Pasteur, Laboratory for Pathogen Discovery, Paris, France
| | - Christina Susanne Mullins
- Cancer Biomarkers Research Group, Joint Unit Hospices Civils de Lyon, bioMérieux, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite, France.,Centre d'Investigation des Thérapeutiques en Oncologie et Hématologie, EMR 3738 Lyon Claude Bernard University, Institut de Cancérologie des Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Magali Naville
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS/Université Lyon I, Lyon, France
| | - Cédric Bressan
- Cancer Biomarkers Research Group, Joint Unit Hospices Civils de Lyon, bioMérieux, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Maja Hühns
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Michael Gock
- Department of General, Thoracic, Vascular and Transplantation Surgery, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Florian Kühn
- Department of General, Thoracic, Vascular and Transplantation Surgery, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Jean-Nicolas Volff
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS/Université Lyon I, Lyon, France
| | - Véronique Trillet-Lenoir
- Centre d'Investigation des Thérapeutiques en Oncologie et Hématologie, EMR 3738 Lyon Claude Bernard University, Institut de Cancérologie des Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Michael Linnebacher
- Department of General Surgery, Molecular Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - François Mallet
- Cancer Biomarkers Research Group, Joint Unit Hospices Civils de Lyon, bioMérieux, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite, France
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16
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Echterdiek F, Janikovits J, Staffa L, Müller M, Lahrmann B, Frühschütz M, Hartog B, Nelius N, Benner A, Tariverdian M, von Knebel Doeberitz M, Grabe N, Kloor M. Low density of FOXP3-positive T cells in normal colonic mucosa is related to the presence of beta2-microglobulin mutations in Lynch syndrome-associated colorectal cancer. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1075692. [PMID: 27057447 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1075692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsatellite instability (MSI-H) is caused by DNA mismatch repair deficiency and occurs in 15% of colorectal cancers. MSI-H cancers generate highly immunogenic frameshift peptide (FSP) antigens, which elicit pronounced local immune responses. A subset of MSI-H colorectal cancers develops in frame of Lynch syndrome, which represents an ideal human model for studying the concept of immunoediting. Immunoediting describes how continuous anti-tumoral immune surveillance of the host eventually leads to the selection of tumor cells that escape immune cell recognition and destruction. Between 30 and 40% of Lynch syndrome-associated colorectal cancers display loss of HLA class I antigen expression as a result of Beta2-microglobulin (B2M) mutations. Whether B2M mutations result from immunoediting has been unknown. To address this question, we related B2M mutation status of Lynch syndrome-associated colorectal cancer specimens (n = 30) to CD3-positive, CD8-positive and FOXP3-positive T cell infiltration in both tumor and normal mucosa. No significant correlation between B2M mutations and immune cell infiltration was observed in tumor tissue. However, FOXP3-positive T cell infiltration was significantly lower in normal mucosa adjacent to B2M-mutant (mt) compared to B2M-wild type (wt) tumors (mean: 0.98% FOXP3-positive area/region of interest (ROI) in B2M-wt vs. 0.52% FOXP3-positive area/ROI in B2M-mt, p = 0.023). Our results suggest that in the absence of immune-suppressive regulatory T cells (Treg), the outgrowth of less immunogenic B2M-mt tumor cells is favored. This finding supports the immunoediting concept in human solid cancer development and indicates a critical role of the immune milieu in normal colonic mucosa for the course of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Echterdiek
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, and Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg, Germany, and Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, University Hospital Heidelberg and EMBL Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Jonas Janikovits
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, and Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg, Germany, and Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, University Hospital Heidelberg and EMBL Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Laura Staffa
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, and Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg, Germany, and Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, University Hospital Heidelberg and EMBL Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Meike Müller
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, and Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg, Germany, and Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, University Hospital Heidelberg and EMBL Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Bernd Lahrmann
- Hamamatsu Tissue Imaging and Analysis (TIGA) Center , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Monika Frühschütz
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, and Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg, Germany, and Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, University Hospital Heidelberg and EMBL Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Benjamin Hartog
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, and Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg, Germany, and Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, University Hospital Heidelberg and EMBL Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Nina Nelius
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, and Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg, Germany, and Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, University Hospital Heidelberg and EMBL Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Axel Benner
- Division of Biostatistics, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mirjam Tariverdian
- Department of General, Visceral and Accident Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, and Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg, Germany, and Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, University Hospital Heidelberg and EMBL Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Niels Grabe
- Hamamatsu Tissue Imaging and Analysis (TIGA) Center , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kloor
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, and Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg, Germany, and Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, University Hospital Heidelberg and EMBL Heidelberg , Germany
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17
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Colorectal Cancer Classification and Cell Heterogeneity: A Systems Oncology Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:13610-32. [PMID: 26084042 PMCID: PMC4490512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160613610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease that manifests through diverse clinical scenarios. During many years, our knowledge about the variability of colorectal tumors was limited to the histopathological analysis from which generic classifications associated with different clinical expectations are derived. However, currently we are beginning to understand that under the intense pathological and clinical variability of these tumors there underlies strong genetic and biological heterogeneity. Thus, with the increasing available information of inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity, the classical pathological approach is being displaced in favor of novel molecular classifications. In the present article, we summarize the most relevant proposals of molecular classifications obtained from the analysis of colorectal tumors using powerful high throughput techniques and devices. We also discuss the role that cancer systems biology may play in the integration and interpretation of the high amount of data generated and the challenges to be addressed in the future development of precision oncology. In addition, we review the current state of implementation of these novel tools in the pathological laboratory and in clinical practice.
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18
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Kosoff D, Krueger T, Lang JM. Targeting epigenetic mechanisms for clinical translation: enhancing the efficacy of tumor immunotherapies. Immunotherapy 2014; 5:1243-54. [PMID: 24188678 DOI: 10.2217/imt.13.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to evade host immune surveillance is critical for the survival of tumor cells and is correlated with poor clinical outcomes. Many tumor types have been found to downregulate expression of genes involved in antigen production, processing and presentation to evade immune detection. Recent findings suggest that the mechanisms underlying these immune evasion phenomena extend beyond alterations in DNA sequence to include epigenetic modifications of DNA and associated proteins, including hypermethylation of DNA and altered histone acetylation patterns. This review will summarize alterations in antigen presentation machinery identified in malignant cells, epigenetic mechanisms that can be employed in the downregulation of genes relevant for antigen presentation and translational strategies to target these processes to enhance the efficacy of antitumor immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kosoff
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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19
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Davoli T, Xu AW, Mengwasser KE, Sack LM, Yoon JC, Park PJ, Elledge SJ. Cumulative haploinsufficiency and triplosensitivity drive aneuploidy patterns and shape the cancer genome. Cell 2013; 155:948-62. [PMID: 24183448 PMCID: PMC3891052 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 551] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Revised: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Aneuploidy has been recognized as a hallmark of cancer for more than 100 years, yet no general theory to explain the recurring patterns of aneuploidy in cancer has emerged. Here, we develop Tumor Suppressor and Oncogene (TUSON) Explorer, a computational method that analyzes the patterns of mutational signatures in tumors and predicts the likelihood that any individual gene functions as a tumor suppressor (TSG) or oncogene (OG). By analyzing >8,200 tumor-normal pairs, we provide statistical evidence suggesting that many more genes possess cancer driver properties than anticipated, forming a continuum of oncogenic potential. Integrating our driver predictions with information on somatic copy number alterations, we find that the distribution and potency of TSGs (STOP genes), OGs, and essential genes (GO genes) on chromosomes can predict the complex patterns of aneuploidy and copy number variation characteristic of cancer genomes. We propose that the cancer genome is shaped through a process of cumulative haploinsufficiency and triplosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Davoli
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrew Wei Xu
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kristen E. Mengwasser
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Laura M. Sack
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - John C. Yoon
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Peter J. Park
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stephen J. Elledge
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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20
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Reimers MS, Zeestraten ECM, Kuppen PJK, Liefers GJ, van de Velde CJH. Biomarkers in precision therapy in colorectal cancer. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2013; 1:166-83. [PMID: 24759962 PMCID: PMC3937997 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/got022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Europe. Because CRC is also a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, a lot of research has been focused on the discovery and development of biomarkers to improve the diagnostic process and to predict treatment outcomes. Up till now only a few biomarkers are recommended by expert panels. Current TNM criteria, however, cause substantial under- and overtreatment of CRC patients. Consequently, there is a growing need for new and efficient biomarkers to ensure optimal treatment allocation. An ideal biomarker should be easily translated into clinical practice, to identify patients who can be spared from treatment or benefit from therapy, ultimately resulting in precision medicine in the future. In this review we aim to provide an overview of a number of frequently studied biomarkers in CRC and, at the same time, we will emphasize the challenges and controversies that withhold the clinical introduction of these biomarkers. We will discuss both prognostic and predictive markers of chemotherapy, aspirin therapy as well as overall therapy toxicity. Currently, only mutant KRAS, mutant BRAF, MSI and the Oncotype DX® Colon Cancer Assay are used in clinical practice. Other biomarker studies showed insufficient evidence to be introduced into clinical practice. Divergent patient selection criteria, absence of validation studies and a large number of single biomarker studies are possibly responsible. We therefore recommend that future studies focus on combining key markers, rather than analysing single markers, standardizing study protocols, and validate the results in independent study cohorts, followed by prospective clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies S Reimers
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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21
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von Knebel Doeberitz M, Kloor M. Towards a vaccine to prevent cancer in Lynch syndrome patients. Fam Cancer 2013; 12:307-12. [DOI: 10.1007/s10689-013-9662-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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22
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Zhen ZJ, Ling JY, Cai Y, Luo WB, He YJ. Impact of HLA-E gene polymorphism on HLA-E expression in tumor cells and prognosis in patients with stage III colorectal cancer. Med Oncol 2013; 30:482. [PMID: 23377987 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-013-0482-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-E can contribute to the escape of cancer cells from host immune mechanisms. However, it is unknown whether HLA-E gene polymorphisms might play a role in cancer immune escape. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between HLA-E gene polymorphisms and HLA-E expression in tumor tissue and determine the effects on clinical outcome of patients with stage III colorectal cancer. Two hundred thirty patients with stage III colorectal cancer were enrolled. HLA-E expression was detected in patient-derived tumor tissues with immunohistochemistry. HLA-E gene alleles in tumor tissues were detected with the polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer method. In colorectal cancer tissue and in the normal tissue adjacent to the tumor, the HLA-E expression rates were 72.2 and 15.1 %, respectively (P < 0.05). Patients with overexpression, low expression, and no expression of HLA-E exhibited disease-free survival of 55.3, 72.9, and 72.1 %, respectively. Patients with HLA-E overexpression exhibited the lowest long-term survival rate. No relationship was observed between the type of HLA-E gene polymorphism and its expression level in tumor tissues; moreover, no polymorphisms appeared to affect the long-term survival of patients with colorectal cancer. The type of HLA-E polymorphism did not have an impact on HLA-E expression in tumors or the prognosis in patients with stage III colorectal cancer. However, the level of HLA-E expression in tumor tissue strongly predicted long-term survival in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Jun Zhen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China.
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