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Asiatic acid as a leading structure for derivatives combining sub-nanomolar cytotoxicity, high selectivity, and the ability to overcome drug resistance in human preclinical tumor models. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 250:115189. [PMID: 36780832 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Amides and rhodamine B conjugates of different pentacyclic triterpene acids have been shown outstanding cytotoxicity for human tumor cells. Starting from asiatic acid, a new rhodamine B hybrid has been synthesized, and its cytotoxic activity was investigated employing several human tumor cell lines (A375 (melanoma), HT29 (colorectal carcinoma), MCF7 (breast adenocarcinoma), A2780 (ovarian carcinoma), HeLa (cervical carcinoma), (NIH 3T3 (non-malignant murine fibroblasts). For these conjugates of this kind it has been established that the spacer attached to the carboxyl group at ring E governs the magnitude of the cytotoxicity. These asiatic acid - rhodamine B conjugates were highly cytotoxic for human tumor cell lines but also selective. For example, 7, an acetylated homopiperazinyl spacered rhodamine B conjugate, held an EC50 = 0.8 nM for A2780 ovarian carcinoma cells. Additional staining experiments showed the rhodamine B conjugates to act as mitocans and to effect apoptosis. In further tests using 3D spheroid models of colorectal- and mamma carcinoma, 7 demonstrated activity in the lower nanomolar range and the ability to overcome resistance to clinically used standard chemotherapeutic drugs. Therefore 7 induces cytotoxic effects leading to an equal response in the chemotherapy of both sensitive and resistant tumor models. Analyses of mitochondrial function and glycolysis and respiration derived ATP production confirmed compound 7 to act as mitocan but also revealed a rapid perturbation of the cellular energy metabolism as the primary mechanism of action, which is completely different to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs and thereby explains the ability of compound 7 to overcome chemotherapeutic drug resistance.
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Li Y, Huang X, Meng X, Luo Y, Luo S, Wang J. Postoperative recurrence of mixed extragonadal germ cell tumor in the right shoulder: a case report. Diagn Pathol 2023; 18:26. [PMID: 36805679 PMCID: PMC9940327 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-023-01312-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extragonadal germ cell tumours (EGGCTs) originated in Shoulder are extremely rare, with 1 case described in the literature. We report a case of a patient with a primary Right Shoulder mixed EGGCT. CASE PRESENTATION A 36-year-old male patient was hospitalized for 6 months due to progressive right shoulder swelling accompanied by pain. Subsequently, the right shoulder tumor was removed entirely. Gross pathological examination showed that the size of the tumor mass was about 14 × 10 × 6 cm.Mutations were observed in ENPEP (4q25), ZCCHC11, RREB1 (6p24.3), CKAP4 (12q23.3), and other genes were detected by whole exome sequencing. Histology revealed a mixed EGGCT of the Right Shoulder with immature teratoma and yolk sac tumour. The patient went through 6 cycles of chemotherapy. After 7 months of follow-up, the patient is recurrence. CONCLUSION The primary MEGCT of the shoulder is an extremely rare condition. However, the recurrence and metastasis rates are high. Therefore, further research is necessary to determine this rare disease's genetic and clinical characteristics to develop an effective treatment plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Li
- grid.413390.c0000 0004 1757 6938Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province P.R. China
| | - Xiang Huang
- grid.413390.c0000 0004 1757 6938Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province P.R. China
| | - Xue Meng
- grid.413390.c0000 0004 1757 6938Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province P.R. China
| | - Yuqing Luo
- grid.413390.c0000 0004 1757 6938Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province P.R. China
| | - Shuai Luo
- grid.413390.c0000 0004 1757 6938Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province P.R. China
| | - Jinjing Wang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, P.R. China.
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3
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Országhová Z, Kalavska K, Mego M, Chovanec M. Overcoming Chemotherapy Resistance in Germ Cell Tumors. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10050972. [PMID: 35625709 PMCID: PMC9139090 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10050972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) are highly curable malignancies. Excellent survival rates in patients with metastatic disease can be attributed to the exceptional sensitivity of GCTs to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. This hypersensitivity is probably related to alterations in the DNA repair of cisplatin-induced DNA damage, and an excessive apoptotic response. However, chemotherapy fails due to the development of cisplatin resistance in a proportion of patients. The molecular basis of this resistance appears to be multifactorial. Tracking the mechanisms of cisplatin resistance in GCTs, multiple molecules have been identified as potential therapeutic targets. A variety of therapeutic agents have been evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies. These include different chemotherapeutics, targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, CDK inhibitors, and anti-CD30 therapy, as well as immune-checkpoint inhibitors, epigenetic therapy, and others. These therapeutics have been used as single agents or in combination with cisplatin. Some of them have shown promising in vitro activity in overcoming cisplatin resistance, but have not been effective in clinical trials in refractory GCT patients. This review provides a summary of current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of cisplatin sensitivity and resistance in GCTs and outlines possible therapeutic approaches that seek to overcome this chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Országhová
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; (Z.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Katarina Kalavska
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia;
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; (Z.O.); (M.M.)
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Michal Chovanec
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; (Z.O.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Nicu AT, Medar C, Chifiriuc MC, Gradisteanu Pircalabioru G, Burlibasa L. Epigenetics and Testicular Cancer: Bridging the Gap Between Fundamental Biology and Patient Care. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:861995. [PMID: 35465311 PMCID: PMC9023878 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.861995] [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: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor affecting young males. Most testicular cancers are testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), which are divided into seminomas (SGCTs) and non-seminomatous testicular germ cell tumors (NSGCTs). During their development, primordial germ cells (PGCs) undergo epigenetic modifications and any disturbances in their pattern might lead to cancer development. The present study provides a comprehensive review of the epigenetic mechanisms–DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, bivalent marks, non-coding RNA–associated with TGCT susceptibility, initiation, progression and response to chemotherapy. Another important purpose of this review is to highlight the recent investigations regarding the identification and development of epigenetic biomarkers as powerful tools for the diagnostic, prognostic and especially for epigenetic-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina-Teodora Nicu
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Genetics, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cosmin Medar
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Clinical Hospital “Prof. dr Theodor Burghele”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of University of Bucharest (ICUB), Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
- Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Liliana Burlibasa
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Genetics, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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Pinto MT, Cárcano FM, Vieira AGS, Cabral ERM, Lopes LF. Molecular Biology of Pediatric and Adult Male Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102349. [PMID: 34068019 PMCID: PMC8152248 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are rare pediatric malignancies, they are the most common malignancies in young adult men. The similarities and differences between TGCTs in adults and children, taking into account the clinic presentation, biology, and molecular changes, are underexplored. In this paper, we aim to provide an overview of the molecular aspects of TGCTs, drawing a parallel between the findings in adult and pediatric groups. Abstract Cancer is a leading cause of death by disease in children and the second most prevalent of all causes in adults. Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) make up 0.5% of pediatric malignancies, 14% of adolescent malignancies, and are the most common of malignancies in young adult men. Although the biology and clinical presentation of adult TGCTs share a significant overlap with those of the pediatric group, molecular evidence suggests that TGCTs in young children likely represent a distinct group compared to older adolescents and adults. The rarity of this cancer among pediatric ages is consistent with our current understanding, and few studies have analyzed and compared the molecular basis in childhood and adult cancers. Here, we review the major similarities and differences in cancer genetics, cytogenetics, epigenetics, and chemotherapy resistance between pediatric and adult TGCTs. Understanding the biological and molecular processes underlying TGCTs may help improve patient outcomes, and fuel further investigation and clinical research in childhood and adult TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Tomazini Pinto
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784400, Brazil; (M.T.P.); (F.M.C.); (E.R.M.C.)
- Brazilian Childhood Germ Cell Tumor Study Group, The Brazilian Pediatric Oncology Society (SOBOPE), Barretos 14784400, Brazil;
| | - Flavio Mavignier Cárcano
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784400, Brazil; (M.T.P.); (F.M.C.); (E.R.M.C.)
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784400, Brazil
- Barretos School of Health Sciences Dr. Paulo Prata—FACISB, Barretos 14785002, Brazil
| | - Ana Glenda Santarosa Vieira
- Brazilian Childhood Germ Cell Tumor Study Group, The Brazilian Pediatric Oncology Society (SOBOPE), Barretos 14784400, Brazil;
- Barretos Children’s Cancer Hospital from Hospital de Amor, Barretos 14784400, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Ramos Martins Cabral
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784400, Brazil; (M.T.P.); (F.M.C.); (E.R.M.C.)
| | - Luiz Fernando Lopes
- Brazilian Childhood Germ Cell Tumor Study Group, The Brazilian Pediatric Oncology Society (SOBOPE), Barretos 14784400, Brazil;
- Barretos Children’s Cancer Hospital from Hospital de Amor, Barretos 14784400, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-17-3321-6600
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Targeting Cancer Stem Cells with Differentiation Agents as an Alternative to Genotoxic Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Malignant Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092045. [PMID: 33922599 PMCID: PMC8122873 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are exceptionally sensitive to genotoxic chemotherapy, resulting in a high cure rate for the young men presenting with these malignancies. However, this treatment is associated with significant toxicity, and a subset of malignant TGCTs demonstrate chemoresistance. Mixed nonseminomas often contain pluripotent embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, the cancer stem cells (CSCs) of these tumors. We hypothesized that differentiation therapy, a treatment strategy which aims to induce differentiation of tumor-propagating CSCs to slow tumor growth, could effectively treat mixed nonseminomas without significant toxicity. The FDA-approved antipsychotic thioridazine and the agricultural antibiotic salinomycin are two drugs previously found to selectively target CSCs, and here we report that these agents differentiate EC cells in vitro and greatly reduce their tumorigenic potential in vivo. Using a novel transformed induced pluripotent stem cell allograft model and a human xenograft model, we show that thioridazine extends the survival of tumor-bearing mice and can reduce the number of pluripotent EC cells within tumors. These results suggest that thioridazine could be repurposed as an alternative TGCT treatment that avoids the toxicity of conventional chemotherapeutics.
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7
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Between a Rock and a Hard Place: An Epigenetic-Centric View of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071506. [PMID: 33805941 PMCID: PMC8036638 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This minireview focuses on the role of epigenetics in testicular cancer. A working model is developed that postulates that epigenetic features that drive testicular cancer malignancy also enable these tumors to be cured at a high rate with chemotherapy. Chemoresistance may occur by epigenetic uncoupling of malignancy and chemosensitivity, a scenario that may be amenable to epigenetic-based therapies. Abstract Compared to many common solid tumors, the main genetic drivers of most testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are unknown. Decades of focus on genomic alterations in TGCTs including awareness of a near universal increase in copies of chromosome 12p have failed to uncover exceptional driver genes, especially in genes that can be targeted therapeutically. Thus far, TGCT patients have missed out on the benefits of targeted therapies available to treat most other malignancies. In the past decade there has been a greater appreciation that epigenetics may play an especially prominent role in TGCT etiology, progression, and hypersensitivity to conventional chemotherapy. While genetics undoubtedly plays a role in TGCT biology, this mini-review will focus on the epigenetic “states” or features of testicular cancer, with an emphasis on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNAs associated with TGCT susceptibility, initiation, progression, and response to chemotherapy. In addition, we comment on the current status of epigenetic-based therapy and epigenetic biomarker development for TGCTs. Finally, we suggest a unifying “rock and a hard place” or “differentiate or die” model where the tumorigenicity and curability of TGCTs are both dependent on common but still ill-defined epigenetic states.
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Differential gene expression in cisplatin-resistant and -sensitive testicular germ cell tumor cell lines. Oncotarget 2020; 11:4735-4753. [PMID: 33473258 PMCID: PMC7771712 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) represent a well curable malignity due to their exceptional response to cisplatin (CDDP). Despite remarkable treatment results, approximately 5% of TGCT patients develop CDDP resistance and die. Exceptional curability makes TGCTs a highly valuable model system for studying the molecular mechanisms of CDDP sensitivity. Our study was aimed at revealing difference in gene expression between the CDDP-resistant and -sensitive TGCT cell lines, and hence at identifying candidate genes that could serve as potential biomarkers of CDDP response. Using gene expression array, we identified 281 genes that are differentially expressed in CDDP-resistant compared to -sensitive TGCT cell lines. The expression of 25 genes with the highest fold change was validated by RT-qPCR. Of them, DNMT3L, GAL, IGFBP2, IGFBP7, L1TD1, NANOG, NTF3, POU5F1, SOX2, WNT6, ZFP42, ID2, PCP4, SLC40A1 and TRIB3, displayed comparable expression change in gene expression array and RT-qPCR, when all CDDP-resistant TGCT cell lines were pairwise combined with all -sensitive ones. Products of the identified genes are pluripotency factors, or are involved in processes, such as cell metabolism, proliferation or migration. We propose that, after clinical validation, these genes could serve as prognostic biomarkers for early detection of CDDP response in TGCT patients.
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Cisplatin Resistance in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: Current Challenges from Various Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061601. [PMID: 32560427 PMCID: PMC7352163 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors share a marked sensitivity to cisplatin, contributing to their overall good prognosis. However, a subset of patients develop resistance to platinum-based treatments, by still-elusive mechanisms, experiencing poor quality of life due to multiple (often ineffective) interventions and, eventually, dying from disease. Currently, there is a lack of defined treatment opportunities for these patients that tackle the mechanism(s) underlying the emergence of resistance. Herein, we aim to provide a multifaceted overview of cisplatin resistance in testicular germ cell tumors, from the clinical perspective, to the pathobiology (including mechanisms contributing to induction of the resistant phenotype), to experimental models available for studying this occurrence. We provide a systematic summary of pre-target, on-target, post-target, and off-target mechanisms putatively involved in cisplatin resistance, providing data from preclinical studies and from those attempting validation in clinical samples, including those exploring specific alterations as therapeutic targets, some of them included in ongoing clinical trials. We briefly discuss the specificities of resistance related to teratoma (differentiated) phenotype, including the phenomena of growing teratoma syndrome and development of somatic-type malignancy. Cisplatin resistance is most likely multifactorial, and a combination of therapeutic strategies will most likely produce the best clinical benefit.
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Khalifa J, Fléchon A, Chevreau C. Brain metastases from germ cell tumor: time to reconsider radiotherapy? Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 150:102946. [PMID: 32353705 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.102946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of brain metastases (BMs) from germ cell tumor (GCT) remains a rare situation. BMs predominantly occur among patients with testis primary tumor site, and are almost exclusively associated with non-seminomatous (NS) histologies. Two situations must be distinguished, which differ in terms of clinical presentation, overall prognostic and management. At diagnosis, BMs are almost systematically associated with extra-cerebral metastases and the cornerstone of treatment is chemotherapy, while the role of local treatment remains controversial. In the metachronous setting, BMs more frequently constitute an isolated site of relapse, the outcome is poorer, and the role of local treatment is more consensual. However, all these data widely come from old reports, with outdated radiation techniques. The recent advances in radiation oncology, especially the rising use of stereotactic radiotherapy, could lead to the reconsideration of ancient dogmas regarding the "radiosensitivity" of (NS)GCT and the role of radiotherapy among patients with BMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Khalifa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut Claudius Regaud / Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse - Oncopole, 1 avenue Irène Joliot-Curie, 31000, Toulouse, France.
| | - Aude Fléchon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon-Bérard, 28 rue Laennec, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - Christine Chevreau
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Claudius Regaud / Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse - Oncopole, 1 avenue Irène Joliot-Curie, 31000, Toulouse, France.
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Singh R, Fazal Z, Freemantle SJ, Spinella MJ. Mechanisms of cisplatin sensitivity and resistance in testicular germ cell tumors. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2019; 2:580-594. [PMID: 31538140 PMCID: PMC6752046 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2019.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are a cancer pharmacology success story with a majority of patients cured even in the highly advanced and metastatic setting. Successful treatment of TGCTs is primarily due to the exquisite responsiveness of this solid tumor to cisplatin-based therapy. However, a significant percentage of patients are, or become, refractory to cisplatin and die from progressive disease. Mechanisms for both clinical hypersensitivity and resistance have largely remained a mystery despite the promise of applying lessons to the majority of solid tumors that are not curable in the metastatic setting. Recently, this promise has been heightened by the realization that distinct (and perhaps pharmacologically replicable) epigenetic states, rather than fixed genetic alterations, may play dominant roles in not only TGCT etiology and progression but also their curability with conventional chemotherapies. In this review, it discusses potential mechanisms of TGCT cisplatin sensitivity and resistance to conventional chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratnakar Singh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Zeeshan Fazal
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Sarah J Freemantle
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Michael J Spinella
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,The Carle Illinois College of Medicine , University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,The Cancer Center of Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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Schmidtova S, Kalavska K, Gercakova K, Cierna Z, Miklikova S, Smolkova B, Buocikova V, Miskovska V, Durinikova E, Burikova M, Chovanec M, Matuskova M, Mego M, Kucerova L. Disulfiram Overcomes Cisplatin Resistance in Human Embryonal Carcinoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1224. [PMID: 31443351 PMCID: PMC6769487 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin resistance in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) is a clinical challenge. We investigated the underlying mechanisms associated with cancer stem cell (CSC) markers and modalities circumventing the chemoresistance. Chemoresistant models (designated as CisR) of human embryonal carcinoma cell lines NTERA-2 and NCCIT were derived and characterized using flow cytometry, gene expression, functional and protein arrays. Tumorigenicity was determined on immunodeficient mouse model. Disulfiram was used to examine chemosensitization of resistant cells. ALDH1A3 isoform expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 216 patients' tissue samples. Chemoresistant cells were significantly more resistant to cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin compared to parental cells. NTERA-2 CisR cells exhibited altered morphology and increased tumorigenicity. High ALDH1A3 expression and increased ALDH activity were detected in both refractory cell lines. Disulfiram in combination with cisplatin showed synergy for NTERA-2 CisR and NCCIT CisR cells and inhibited growth of NTERA-2 CisR xenografts. Significantly higher ALDH1A3 expression was detected in TGCTs patients' tissue samples compared to normal testicular tissue. We characterized novel clinically relevant model of chemoresistant TGCTs, for the first time identified the ALDH1A3 as a therapeutic target in TGCTs and more importantly, showed that disulfiram represents a viable treatment option for refractory TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Schmidtova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Katarina Kalavska
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Gercakova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Cierna
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Svetlana Miklikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Verona Buocikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Viera Miskovska
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, Kolarska 12, 812 50 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Erika Durinikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Monika Burikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Chovanec
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Miroslava Matuskova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Kucerova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Schmidtova S, Kalavska K, Kucerova L. Molecular Mechanisms of Cisplatin Chemoresistance and Its Circumventing in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Curr Oncol Rep 2018; 20:88. [PMID: 30259297 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-018-0730-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) represent the most common solid tumors affecting young men. Majority of TGCTs respond well to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. However, patients with refractory disease have limited treatment modalities associated with poor prognosis. Here, we discuss the main molecular mechanisms associated with acquired cisplatin resistance in TGCTs and how their understanding might help in the development of new approaches to tackle this clinically relevant problem. We also discuss recent data on the strategies of circumventing the cisplatin resistance from different tumor types potentially efficient also in TGCTs. RECENT FINDINGS Recent data regarding deregulation of various signaling pathways as well as genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in cisplatin-resistant TGCTs have contributed to understanding of the mechanisms related to the resistance to cisplatin-based chemotherapy in these tumors. Understanding of these mechanisms enabled explaining why majority but not all TGCTs patients are curable with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Moreover, it could lead to the development of more effective treatment of refractory TGCTs and potentially other solid tumors resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy. This review provides additional insights into mechanisms associated with cisplatin resistance in TGCTs, which is a complex phenomenon, and there is a need for novel modalities to overcome it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Schmidtova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Kalavska
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Klenová 1, 833 10, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Klenová 1, Bratislava, 833 10, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Kucerova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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15
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Facchini G, Rossetti S, Cavaliere C, D'Aniello C, Di Franco R, Iovane G, Grimaldi G, Piscitelli R, Muto P, Botti G, Perdonà S, Veneziani BM, Berretta M, Montanari M. Exploring the molecular aspects associated with testicular germ cell tumors: a review. Oncotarget 2017; 9:1365-1379. [PMID: 29416701 PMCID: PMC5787445 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) represent the most common solid tumors affecting young men. They constitute a distinct entity because of their embryonic origin and their unique biological behavior. Recent preclinical data regarding biological signaling machinery as well as genetic and epigenetic mechanisms associated with molecular patterns of tumors have contribute to explain the pathogenesis and the differentiation of TGCTs and to understand the mechanisms responsible for the development of resistance to treatment. In this review, we discuss the main genetic and epigenetic events associated with TGCTs development in order to better define their role in the pathogenesis of these tumors and in cisplatin-acquired resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Facchini
- Progetto ONCONET2.0, Linea Progettuale 14 per l'Implementazione della Prevenzione e Diagnosi Precoce del Tumore alla Prostata e Testicolo, Regione Campania, Italy.,S.S.D Oncologia Clinica Sperimentale Uro-Andrologica, Dipartimento Corp-S Assistenziale dei Percorsi Oncologici Uro-Genitale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rossetti
- Progetto ONCONET2.0, Linea Progettuale 14 per l'Implementazione della Prevenzione e Diagnosi Precoce del Tumore alla Prostata e Testicolo, Regione Campania, Italy.,S.S.D Oncologia Clinica Sperimentale Uro-Andrologica, Dipartimento Corp-S Assistenziale dei Percorsi Oncologici Uro-Genitale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Cavaliere
- Medical Oncology Unit, ASL NA 3 SUD, Ospedali Riuniti Area Nolana, Nola, Italy
| | - Carmine D'Aniello
- Division of Medical Oncology, A.O.R.N. dei COLLI "Ospedali Monaldi-Cotugno-CTO", Naples, Italy
| | - Rossella Di Franco
- Progetto ONCONET2.0, Linea Progettuale 14 per l'Implementazione della Prevenzione e Diagnosi Precoce del Tumore alla Prostata e Testicolo, Regione Campania, Italy.,Radiation Oncology, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Gelsomina Iovane
- Progetto ONCONET2.0, Linea Progettuale 14 per l'Implementazione della Prevenzione e Diagnosi Precoce del Tumore alla Prostata e Testicolo, Regione Campania, Italy.,S.S.D Oncologia Clinica Sperimentale Uro-Andrologica, Dipartimento Corp-S Assistenziale dei Percorsi Oncologici Uro-Genitale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Grimaldi
- Division of Urology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Piscitelli
- Progetto ONCONET2.0, Linea Progettuale 14 per l'Implementazione della Prevenzione e Diagnosi Precoce del Tumore alla Prostata e Testicolo, Regione Campania, Italy
| | - Paolo Muto
- Radiation Oncology, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy.,Scientific Management, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Sisto Perdonà
- Division of Urology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Veneziani
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Berretta
- Department of Medical Oncology, CRO Aviano, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Micaela Montanari
- Progetto ONCONET2.0, Linea Progettuale 14 per l'Implementazione della Prevenzione e Diagnosi Precoce del Tumore alla Prostata e Testicolo, Regione Campania, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.,Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
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16
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Steinemann G, Dittmer A, Kuzyniak W, Hoffmann B, Schrader M, Schobert R, Biersack B, Nitzsche B, Höpfner M. Animacroxam, a Novel Dual-Mode Compound Targeting Histone Deacetylases and Cytoskeletal Integrity of Testicular Germ Cell Cancer Cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:2364-2374. [PMID: 28838999 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Novel approaches for the medical treatment of advanced solid tumors, including testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT), are desperately needed. Especially, TGCT patients not responding to cisplatin-based therapy need therapeutic alternatives, as there is no effective medical treatment available for this particular subgroup. Here, we studied the suitability of the novel dual-mode compound animacroxam for TGCT treatment. Animacroxam consists of an HDAC-inhibitory hydroxamate moiety coupled to a 4,5-diarylimidazole with inherent cytoskeleton disrupting potency. Animacroxam revealed pronounced antiproliferative, cell-cycle arresting, and apoptosis-inducing effects in TGCT cell lines with different cisplatin sensitivities. The IC50 values of animacroxam ranged from 0.22 to 0.42 μmol/L and were not correlated to the cisplatin sensitivity of the tumor cells. No unspecific cytotoxicity of animacroxam was observed in either cisplatin-sensitive or resistant TGCT cells, even at doses as high as 10 μmol/L. Furthermore, animacroxam induced the formation of actin stress fibers in cancer cells, thereby confirming the cytoskeleton-disrupting and antimigratory properties of its imidazole moiety. When compared with the clinically established HDAC inhibitor vorinostat, the novel dual-mode compound animacroxam exhibited superior antitumoral efficacy in vitro Animacroxam also reduced the tumor size of TGCT tumors in vivo, as evidenced by performing xenograft experiments on tumor bearing chorioallantoic membranes of fertilizes chicken eggs (CAM assay). The in vivo experiments also revealed a very good tolerability of the compound, and hence, animacroxam may be a promising candidate for innovative treatment of TGCT in general and the more so for platinum-insensitive or refractory TGCT. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(11); 2364-74. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustav Steinemann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Physiology
| | - Alexandra Dittmer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Physiology
| | - Weronika Kuzyniak
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Physiology
| | - Björn Hoffmann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Physiology
| | - Mark Schrader
- Clinic of Urology, Helios Clinic Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rainer Schobert
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Bernhard Biersack
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Bianca Nitzsche
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Physiology
| | - Michael Höpfner
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Physiology.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are a model for curable cancer because of exquisite chemosensitivity and incorporation of multimodal therapy. Nevertheless, our ability to predict metastases in early-stage disease and responders to chemotherapy in advanced disease is limited. Treatment options for cisplatin-resistant disease are sparse. A further understanding of TGCT biology may allow for more precise patient counseling and identify novel therapies in patients with cisplatin-resistant disease. RECENT FINDINGS Adult TGCTs are characterized by frequent chromosomal anomalies and low rates of somatic mutations. Large-scale integrated molecular analysis of early-stage TGCT patients is actively underway. In addition to ubiquitous gain of isochromosome 12p, current molecular studies have confirmed mutations of previously described genes (i.e., KIT and KRAS) and described novel mutations. Analysis of cisplatin-resistant cases has identified high rates of alterations within the TP53-MDM2 axis and a high proportion of patients with potentially actionable targets, including TP53-MDM2, PI3 kinase, and MAPK signaling pathway alterations. The role of epigenetics in TGCT development and prognosis is also being further characterized. SUMMARY Further molecular characterization of TGCT may allow for avoidance of unnecessary treatment in patients with early-stage disease and also provide new treatment options in patients with cisplatin-resistant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon L Woldu
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
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18
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Berney DM, Lu YJ, Shamash J, Idrees M. Postchemotherapy changes in testicular germ cell tumours: biology and morphology. Histopathology 2016; 70:26-39. [DOI: 10.1111/his.13078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Berney
- Barts Cancer Institute; Queen Mary University of London; London UK
| | - Yong-Jie Lu
- Barts Cancer Institute; Queen Mary University of London; London UK
| | - Jonathan Shamash
- Barts Cancer Institute; Queen Mary University of London; London UK
| | - Muhammad Idrees
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Indiana University School of Medicine and Indiana Pathology Institute; Indianapolis IN USA
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19
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Jacobsen C, Honecker F. Cisplatin resistance in germ cell tumours: models and mechanisms. Andrology 2014; 3:111-21. [PMID: 25546083 DOI: 10.1111/andr.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have led to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying cisplatin response and resistance in germ cell tumours (GCT), and several promising targets have been identified. Two main mechanisms of the responsiveness to DNA damaging agents have been postulated. Firstly, GCT readily activate a DNA damage response, but show deficits in several damage repair pathways. In particular, they have been found to have defects in interstrand crosslink repair and in homologous recombination (HR). Secondly, GCT, especially embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, show a hypersensitive apoptotic response to DNA damage, which activates p53, and leads to up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic factors Noxa, Puma and Fas in non-resistant EC. These cells fail to activate p21 which induces a G1/S arrest, but accumulate in G2/M phase. In the absence of functional p53, family members like p73 and GTAp63 might be important in initiating this response. Mechanisms involved in cisplatin resistance are as follows: down-regulation of Oct4 (e.g. as a result of hypoxia, treatment with retinoic acid or exposure to cisplatin) and failure to induce Puma and Noxa; changes in the expression levels of micro-RNAs such as miR-17/-106b, miR-302a, or miR-371 to -373; elevated levels of MDM2 and cytoplasmic translocation of p21 by phosphorylation; and activation of the PDGFRβ/PI3K/pAKT pathway. Several approaches to overcome resistance have been successfully examined in vitro and in vivo, including PARP inhibitors, especially in cells showing deficient HR-repair; stabilization of p53 using nutlin-3; inhibition of several components of the PI3K/pAKT pathway using small molecules; and DNA demethylation by 5-azacytidine or 5-aza-deoxy-cytidine, among others. Many of these substances deserve further exploration, alone or in combination with DNA damaging agents, and the most promising approaches should be taken forward to clinical testing. Targeted therapy based on mechanistic insights holds the promise to turn cisplatin-resistant GCT into a curable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Jacobsen
- Department of Oncology, Haematology, Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pulmology, Hubertus Wald Tumor Center, Hamburg University Medical Center, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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20
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The chemosensitivity of testicular germ cell tumors. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2014; 37:79-94. [PMID: 24692098 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-014-0168-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although rare cancers overall, testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common type of cancer in young males below 40 years of age. Both subtypes of TGCTs, i.e., seminomas and non-seminomas, are highly curable and the majority of even metastatic patients may expect to be cured. These high cure rates are not due to the indolent nature of these cancers, but rather to their sensitivity to chemotherapy (and for seminomas to radiotherapy). The delineation of the cause of chemosensitivity at the molecular level is of paramount importance, because it may provide insights into the minority of TGCTs that are chemo-resistant and, thereby, provide opportunities for specific therapeutic interventions aimed at reverting them to chemosensitivity. In addition, delineation of the molecular basis of TGCT chemo-sensitivity may be informative for the cause of chemo-resistance of other more common types of cancer and, thus, may create new therapeutic leads. p53, a frequently mutated tumor suppressor in cancers in general, is not mutated in TGCTs, a fact that has implications for their chemo-sensitivity. Oct4, an embryonic transcription factor, is uniformly expressed in the seminoma and embryonic carcinoma components of non-seminomas, and its interplay with p53 may be important in the chemotherapy response of these tumors. This interplay, together with other features of TGCTs such as the gain of genetic material from the short arm of chromosome 12 and the association with disorders of testicular development, will be discussed in this paper and integrated in a unifying hypothesis that may explain their chemo-sensitivity.
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21
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Unravelling mechanisms of cisplatin sensitivity and resistance in testicular cancer. Expert Rev Mol Med 2013; 15:e12. [PMID: 24074238 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2013.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Testicular cancer is the most frequent solid malignant tumour type in men 20-40 years of age. At the time of diagnosis up to 50% of the patients suffer from metastatic disease. In contrast to most other metastatic solid tumours, the majority of metastatic testicular cancer patients can be cured with highly effective cisplatin-based chemotherapy. This review aims to summarise the current knowledge on response to chemotherapy and the biological basis of cisplatin-induced apoptosis in testicular cancer. The frequent presence of wild-type TP53 and the low levels of p53 in complex with the p53 negative feed-back regulator MDM2 contribute to cisplatin sensitivity. Moreover, the high levels of the pluripotency regulator Oct4 and as a consequence of Oct4 expression high levels of miR-17/106b seed family and pro-apoptotic Noxa and the low levels of cytoplasmic p21 (WAF1/Cip1) appear to be causative for the exquisite sensitivity to cisplatin-based therapy of testicular cancer. However, resistance of testicular cancer to cisplatin-based therapy does occur and can be mediated through aberrant levels of the above mentioned key players. Drugs targeting these key players showed, at least pre-clinically, a sensitising effect to cisplatin treatment. Further clinical development of such treatment strategies will lead to new treatment options for platinum-resistant testicular cancers.
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Jørgensen A, Blomberg Jensen M, Nielsen JE, Juul A, Rajpert-De Meyts E. Influence of vitamin D on cisplatin sensitivity in testicular germ cell cancer-derived cell lines and in a NTera2 xenograft model. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2013; 136:238-46. [PMID: 23098692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2012.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Revised: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) has anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and pro-differentiating effects in somatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. 1,25(OH)2D3 also augments the anti-tumor effects of several chemotherapeutic agents, including cisplatin, which may have clinical relevance. Given the pro-differentiation effect of vitamin D recently demonstrated in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), we hypothesized that 1,25(OH)2D3 could be a beneficial adjunctive to existing chemotherapy regime used to treat these tumors. In this study, cell survival effects of 1,25(OH)2D3, another pro-differentiation compound, retinoic acid and cisplatin were investigated in TGCT-derived cell lines in vitro. 1,25(OH)2D3 augmented the effect of cisplatin in an embryonal carcinoma-derived cell line (NTera2), possibly through downregulation of pluripotency genes and simultaneous upregulation of the cell cycle regulators p21, p27, p53, p73 and FOXO1, while no significant effects were found in TCam-2 and 2102Ep cell lines (derived from seminoma and embryonal carcinoma, respectively). Anti-tumor effects of cholecalciferol, 1,25(OH)2D3, and cisplatin were subsequently tested in vivo, in a NTera2 xenograft tumor model in nude mice. In xenograft tumors, co-treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 and cisplatin resulted in downregulation of OCT4 and simultaneous upregulation of p21 and p73, but did not reduce tumor growth significantly more than cisplatin alone. Also, cholecalciferol supplemented diet (1100IU daily) after tumor formation did not increase cisplatin sensitivity in vivo. In conclusion, addition of 1,25(OH)2D3 augmented the antitumor effect of cisplatin monotherapy in vitro, but not in this in vivo testicular germ cell cancer model. Future studies are needed to investigate potential beneficial effects of vitamin D with lower cisplatin doses, and to determine whether 1,25(OH)2D3 may increase cisplatin sensitivity in chemotherapy-resistant TGCTs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Vitamin D Workshop'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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23
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Wu YC, Ling TY, Lu SH, Kuo HC, Ho HN, Yeh SD, Shen CN, Huang YH. Chemotherapeutic sensitivity of testicular germ cell tumors under hypoxic conditions is negatively regulated by SENP1-controlled sumoylation of OCT4. Cancer Res 2012; 72:4963-73. [PMID: 23002208 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-0673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) generally respond well to chemotherapy, but tumors that express low levels of the transcription factor OCT4 are associated with chemoresistance and poor prognosis. Hypoxia is known to induce drug resistance in TGCTs; however, the mechanistic basis for reduced expression of OCT4 and drug resistance is unclear. Here we show that hypoxia reduces OCT4 levels and increases the resistance of embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells to cisplatin and bleomycin. Furthermore, we show that the loss of OCT4 expression under hypoxia can be triggered by sumoylation, which was regulated by SUMO1 and the SUMO1 peptidase SENP1. Under hypoxic conditions, overexpression of SUMO1gg (the active form of SUMO1) not only increased the level of sumoylated OCT4 (Su-OCT4), but also decreased the stability of OCT4 protein. In addition, overexpression of SENP1 reduced the Su-OCT4 level induced by SUMO1gg overexpression, thereby maintaining OCT4 levels and enhancing chemosensitivity. Mechanistic investigations revealed that OCT4 sumoylation occurred at K123, as overexpression of an OCT4-K123R mutant effectively reduced the level of Su-OCT4 under hypoxic conditions. Taken together, our results showed that hypoxia reduces OCT4 expression levels in ECs to increase drug resistance and that these effects could be countered to ablate the suppressive effects of hypoxia on chemosensitivity. Our findings also highlight SENP1 as a potential therapeutic target for drug resistant TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chih Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Nankang Taipei, Taiwan
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24
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This overview discusses several important developments in testicular germ cell tumors in the last year. RECENT FINDINGS Genomic studies are examining gene expression as possible markers for disease relapse and chemotherapy resistance. Optimal treatment strategies for early-stage nonseminomatous tumors continue to evolve, and advanced disease states continue to be challenging entities in terms of optimizing therapy and outcome. Long-term survivorship issues are also being evaluated in this patient population. SUMMARY Significant challenges remain for treatment of certain categories of testicular germ cell tumors. Treatment and surveillance paradigms continue to be defined and refined as research in these areas continues.
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25
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Zechel JL, MacLennan GT, Heaney JD, Nadeau JH. Spontaneous metastasis in mouse models of testicular germ-cell tumours. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 34:e278-87. [PMID: 21651572 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01160.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Testicular germ-cell tumours (TGCTs) are the most common cancer in young men; the incidence is increasing worldwide and they have an unusually high rate of metastasis. Despite significant work on TGCTs and their metastases in humans, absence of a mouse model of spontaneous metastasis has greatly limited our understanding of the mechanisms by which metastatic potential is acquired and on their modes of dissemination. We report a new model of spontaneous TGCT metastasis in the 129 family of mice and provide evidence that these are true metastases derived directly from primary testicular cancers rather than independently from ectopic stem cells. These putative metastases (pMETs) occur at similar frequencies among TGCT-affected males in six genetically distinct TGCT-susceptible strains and were largely found in anatomical sites that are consistent with patterns of TGCT metastasis in humans. Various lines of evidence support their pluripotency and germ-cell origin, including presence of multiple endodermal, mesodermal and ectodermal derivatives as well as cells showing OCT4 and SSEA-1 pluripotency markers. In addition, pMETs were never found in males that did not have a TGCT, suggesting that metastases are derived from primary tumours. Finally, pMETS and primary TGCTs shared several DNA copy number variants suggesting a common cellular and developmental origin. Together, these results provide the first evidence for spontaneous TGCT metastasis in mice and show that these metastases originate from primary TGCTs rather than independently from ectopic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Zechel
- Department of Genetics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Institute of Pathology, Cleveland OH, USA
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26
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Oncol 2011; 23:303-10. [DOI: 10.1097/cco.0b013e328346cbfa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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27
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Hübner S, Efthymiadis A. Histochemistry and cell biology: the annual review 2010. Histochem Cell Biol 2011; 135:111-40. [PMID: 21279376 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-011-0781-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes recent advances in histochemistry and cell biology which complement and extend our knowledge regarding various aspects of protein functions, cell and tissue biology, employing appropriate in vivo model systems in conjunction with established and novel approaches. In this context several non-expected results and discoveries were obtained which paved the way of research into new directions. Once the reader embarks on reading this review, it quickly becomes quite obvious that the studies contribute not only to a better understanding of fundamental biological processes but also provide use-oriented aspects that can be derived therefrom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Hübner
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstrasse 6, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
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