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Wei L, Huang K, Han H, Liu RY. Human Papillomavirus Infection in Penile Cancer: Multidimensional Mechanisms and Vaccine Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16808. [PMID: 38069131 PMCID: PMC10706305 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Penile cancer (PC) is a rare male malignant tumor, with early lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis. Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a key role in the carcinogenesis of PC. This review aims to summarize the association between HPV infection and PC in terms of virus-host genome integration patterns (the disrupted regions in the HPV and PC genome), genetic alterations, and epigenetic regulation (methylation and microRNA modification) occurring in HPV and PC DNA, as well as tumor immune microenvironment reprogramming. In addition, the potential of HPV vaccination strategies for PC prevention and treatment is discussed. Understanding of the HPV-related multidimensional mechanisms and the application of HPV vaccines will promote rational and novel management of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (L.W.); (K.H.)
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Kangbo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (L.W.); (K.H.)
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Hui Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (L.W.); (K.H.)
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ran-yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (L.W.); (K.H.)
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2
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Tornesello ML, Cerasuolo A, Starita N, Amiranda S, Bonelli P, Tuccillo FM, Buonaguro FM, Buonaguro L, Tornesello AL. Reactivation of telomerase reverse transcriptase expression in cancer: the role of TERT promoter mutations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1286683. [PMID: 38033865 PMCID: PMC10684755 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1286683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase activity and telomere elongation are essential conditions for the unlimited proliferation of neoplastic cells. Point mutations in the core promoter region of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene have been found to occur at high frequencies in several tumour types and considered a primary cause of telomerase reactivation in cancer cells. These mutations promote TERT gene expression by multiple mechanisms, including the generation of novel binding sites for nuclear transcription factors, displacement of negative regulators from DNA G-quadruplexes, recruitment of epigenetic activators and disruption of long-range interactions between TERT locus and telomeres. Furthermore, TERT promoter mutations cooperate with TPP1 promoter nucleotide changes to lengthen telomeres and with mutated BRAF and FGFR3 oncoproteins to enhance oncogenic signalling in cancer cells. TERT promoter mutations have been recognized as an early marker of tumour development or a major indicator of poor outcome and reduced patients survival in several cancer types. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the role of TERT promoter mutations, telomerase expression and telomeres elongation in cancer development, their clinical significance and therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Cerasuolo
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Noemy Starita
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara Amiranda
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bonelli
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Franca Maria Tuccillo
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Franco M. Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Buonaguro
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Lucia Tornesello
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
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Yeh TJ, Luo CW, Du JS, Huang CT, Wang MH, Chuang TM, Gau YC, Cho SF, Liu YC, Hsiao HH, Chen LT, Pan MR, Wang HC, Moi SH. Deciphering the Functions of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase in Head and Neck Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:691. [PMID: 36979671 PMCID: PMC10044978 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are among the ten leading malignancies worldwide. Despite significant progress in all therapeutic modalities, predictive biomarkers, and targeted therapies for HNCs are limited and the survival rate is unsatisfactory. The importance of telomere maintenance via telomerase reactivation in carcinogenesis has been demonstrated in recent decades. Several mechanisms could activate telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), the most common of which is promoter alternation. Two major hotspot TERT promoter mutations (C228T and C250T) have been reported in different malignancies such as melanoma, genitourinary cancers, CNS tumors, hepatocellular carcinoma, thyroid cancers, sarcomas, and HNCs. The frequencies of TERT promoter mutations vary widely across tumors and is quite high in HNCs (11.9-64.7%). These mutations have been reported to be more enriched in oral cavity SCCs and HPV-negative tumors. The association between TERT promoter mutations and poor survival has also been demonstrated. Till now, several therapeutic strategies targeting telomerase have been developed although only a few drugs have been used in clinical trials. Here, we briefly review and summarize our current understanding and evidence of TERT promoter mutations in HNC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Jang Yeh
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wen Luo
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science and Institute of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 717, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Shiun Du
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Tzu Huang
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Min-Hung Wang
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Tzer-Ming Chuang
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Ching Gau
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Feng Cho
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chang Liu
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Hua Hsiao
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Li-Tzong Chen
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Ren Pan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ching Wang
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Sin-Hua Moi
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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Winkelmann R, Bankov K, Döring C, Cinatl J, Grothe S, Rothweiler F, Michaelis M, Schmitt C, Wild PJ, Demes M, Cinatl J, Vallo S. Increased HRD score in cisplatin resistant penile cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1352. [PMID: 36564761 PMCID: PMC9789628 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10432-7] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION Penile cancer is a rare disease in demand for new therapeutic options. Frequently used combination chemotherapy with 5 fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (CDDP) in patients with metastatic penile cancer mostly results in the development of acquired drug resistance. Availability of cell culture models with acquired resistance against standard therapy could help to understand molecular mechanisms underlying chemotherapy resistance and to identify candidate treatments for an efficient second line therapy. METHODS We generated a cell line from a humanpapilloma virus (HPV) negative penile squamous cell carcinoma (UKF-PEC-1). This cell line was subject to chronic exposure to chemotherapy with CDDP and / or 5-FU to induce acquired resistance in the newly established chemo-resistant sublines (PEC-1rCDDP2500, adapted to 2500 ng/ml CDDP; UKF-PEC-1r5-FU500, adapted to 500 ng/ml 5- FU; UKF-PEC1rCDDP2500/r5-FU500, adapted to 2500 ng/ml CDDP and 500 ng/ml 5 -FU). Afterwards cell line pellets were formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded and subject to sequencing as well as testing for homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Additionally, exemplary immunohistochemical stainings for p53 and gammaH2AX were applied for verification purposes. Finally, UKF-PEC-1rCDDP2500, UKF-PEC-1r5-FU500, UKF-PEC1rCDDP2500/r5-FU500, and UKF-PEC-3 (an alternative penis cancer cell line) were tested for sensitivity to paclitaxel, docetaxel, olaparib, and rucaparib. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The chemo-resistant sublines differed in their mutational landscapes. UKF-PEC-1rCDDP2500 was characterized by an increased HRD score, which is supposed to be associated with increased PARP inhibitor and immune checkpoint inhibitor sensitivity in cancer. However, UKF-PEC-1rCDDP2500 did not display sensitivity to PARP inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ria Winkelmann
- grid.411088.40000 0004 0578 8220Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Katrin Bankov
- grid.411088.40000 0004 0578 8220Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Claudia Döring
- grid.411088.40000 0004 0578 8220Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | | | - Sebastian Grothe
- Dr. Petra Joh Forschungshaus, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany ,grid.411088.40000 0004 0578 8220Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Florian Rothweiler
- Dr. Petra Joh Forschungshaus, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany ,grid.411088.40000 0004 0578 8220Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Michaelis
- grid.9759.20000 0001 2232 2818School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Christina Schmitt
- grid.411088.40000 0004 0578 8220Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Peter J. Wild
- grid.411088.40000 0004 0578 8220Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany ,grid.417999.b0000 0000 9260 4223Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS), Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Melanie Demes
- grid.411088.40000 0004 0578 8220Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Jindrich Cinatl
- Dr. Petra Joh Forschungshaus, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany ,grid.411088.40000 0004 0578 8220Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan Vallo
- grid.411088.40000 0004 0578 8220Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany ,grid.411088.40000 0004 0578 8220Department of Urology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany ,Urologie an der Zeil, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
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Cocuz IG, Cocuz ME, Repanovici A, Sabău AH, Niculescu R, Tinca AC, Vunvulea V, Budin CE, Szoke AR, Popelea MC, Moraru R, Cotoi TC, Cotoi OS. Scientific Research Directions on the Histopathology and Immunohistochemistry of the Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Scientometric Study. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58101449. [PMID: 36295609 PMCID: PMC9611311 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58101449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most frequently occurring types of cancer in humans. Scientometric research is an innovative method for analyzing the research trends in various domains, with great implications in the field of medicine. Materials and Methods: We searched the Web of Science database with the following established query terms: “Squamous cell carcinoma”, “skin”, and “immunohistochemistry”. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 76 articles were selected. The present study aims to analyze, based on the frequency of use of keywords with scientometric algorithms and map-based distributions, the trends of the research concerning cSCCs in 2017–2022. Results: A graphical representation based on 11 scientometric maps presented the division of the keywords into seven clusters, from which seven categories of research interest were defined. The clusters represent a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cSCCs, cancer diagnostics, patient outcomes, histopathological importance, management of cSCCs, role of progression, and adequate treatment of and importance of immunohistochemistry for cSCCs. The distribution of the citations shows the importance of the available research on cSCCs by analyzing the first five most-cited articles included in our study in direct concordance with the seven defined clusters. Conclusion: The scientometric research method reveals the interest of research in the multidisciplinary approach used to obtain the best outcomes for the patient, including a targeted investigation, as well as diagnostic and treatment options. The trends in the research reveal that histopathological diagnostics and immunohistochemistry, combined with molecular techniques, are the most important tools used to establish a personalized diagnosis, thus increasing the quality of life and life expectancy for patients with cSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliu Gabriel Cocuz
- Doctoral School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
- Pathology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540011 Targu Mures, Romania
- Pathophysiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Maria Elena Cocuz
- Fundamental Prophylactic and Clinical Disciplines Department, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500003 Brașov, Romania
- Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital of Brasov, 500174 Brasov, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Angela Repanovici
- Faculty of Product Design and Environment, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania
| | - Adrian-Horațiu Sabău
- Pathology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540011 Targu Mures, Romania
- Pathophysiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Raluca Niculescu
- Pathology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540011 Targu Mures, Romania
- Pathophysiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Andreea-Cătălina Tinca
- Pathology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540011 Targu Mures, Romania
- Pathophysiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Vlad Vunvulea
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Corina Eugenia Budin
- Pathophysiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Andreea Raluca Szoke
- Pathology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540011 Targu Mures, Romania
- Pathophysiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | | | - Raluca Moraru
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540011 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Titiana Cornelia Cotoi
- Pharmaceutical Technique Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
- Pharmacy No. 2, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540011 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Simion Cotoi
- Pathology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540011 Targu Mures, Romania
- Pathophysiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
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The Drivers, Mechanisms, and Consequences of Genome Instability in HPV-Driven Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194623. [PMID: 36230545 PMCID: PMC9564061 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194623] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cells infected with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) can accumulate DNA damage and eventually transform into HPV-driven cancers. Genome instability, or the progressive accumulation of DNA alterations (e.g., mutations), in HPV-infected cells is directly induced by the HPV genes and indirectly promoted by HPV infection through the consequences of chronic infection maintenance, increased cell growth, and accumulation of damaging mutations in genes that themselves affect genome instability. While the HPV genome typically exists as a separate entity within cells, genome instability increases the chances of HPV integrating within the host (human) genome, which is common in HPV-induced cancers. The DNA regions surrounding HPV integrations are unstable and can undergo complex alterations that affect both human and HPV genes. This review discusses HPV-dependent and -independent drivers and mechanisms of genome instability in HPV-driven cancers, both globally and around sites of HPV integration, and describes the changes induced in the tumour genome. Abstract Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the causative driver of cervical cancer and a contributing risk factor of head and neck cancer and several anogenital cancers. HPV’s ability to induce genome instability contributes to its oncogenicity. HPV genes can induce genome instability in several ways, including modulating the cell cycle to favour proliferation, interacting with DNA damage repair pathways to bring high-fidelity repair pathways to viral episomes and away from the host genome, inducing DNA-damaging oxidative stress, and altering the length of telomeres. In addition, the presence of a chronic viral infection can lead to immune responses that also cause genome instability of the infected tissue. The HPV genome can become integrated into the host genome during HPV-induced tumorigenesis. Viral integration requires double-stranded breaks on the DNA; therefore, regions around the integration event are prone to structural alterations and themselves are targets of genome instability. In this review, we present the mechanisms by which HPV-dependent and -independent genome instability is initiated and maintained in HPV-driven cancers, both across the genome and at regions of HPV integration.
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do Canto LM, da Silva JM, Castelo-Branco PV, da Silva IM, Nogueira L, Fonseca-Alves CE, Khayat A, Birbrair A, Pereira SR. Mutational Signature and Integrative Genomic Analysis of Human Papillomavirus-Associated Penile Squamous Cell Carcinomas from Latin American Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143514. [PMID: 35884575 PMCID: PMC9316960 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary DNA sequencing has been crucial to comprehending cancer mutational patterns, leading to the identification of driver genes and altered signaling pathways. Thus, identifying new pathogenic variants and their impact on tumor onset, progression, and treatment response has fueled tumor biology research. Here, we present novel findings addressing the first whole-exome sequencing (WES) of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) from Latin Americans and its association with pathogenesis. We also compared the molecular profile of the tumors to that of three previous studies from populations with different genetic and socioeconomic backgrounds, the majority of which was HPV-negative. We describe the most altered genes and the main pathogenic variants found in the Latin Americans, ten of which are exclusive to our study sample. The data allowed us to identify molecular pathways and druggable targets with potential treatment value for this still-neglected HPV-associated carcinoma. Abstract High-throughput DNA sequencing has allowed for the identification of genomic alterations and their impact on tumor development, progression, and therapeutic responses. In PSCC, for which the incidence has progressively increased worldwide, there are still limited data on the molecular mechanisms involved in the disease pathogenesis. In this study, we characterized the mutational signature of 30 human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated PSCC cases from Latin Americans, using whole-exome sequencing. Copy number variations (CNVs) were also identified and compared to previous array-generated data. Enrichment analyses were performed to reveal disrupted pathways and to identify alterations mapped to HPV integration sites (HPVis) and miRNA–mRNA hybridization regions. Among the most frequently mutated genes were NOTCH1, TERT, TTN, FAT1, TP53, CDKN2A, RYR2, CASP8, FBXW7, HMCN2, and ITGA8. Of note, 92% of these altered genes were localized at HPVis. We also found mutations in ten novel genes (KMT2C, SMARCA4, PTPRB, AJUBA, CR1, KMT2D, NBEA, FAM135B, GTF2I, and CIC), thus increasing our understanding of the potential HPV-disrupted pathways. Therefore, our study reveals innovative targets with potential therapeutic benefits for HPV-associated PSCCs. The CNV analysis by sequencing (CNV-seq) revealed five cancer-associated genes as the most frequent with gains (NOTCH1, MYC, NUMA1, PLAG1, and RAD21), while 30% of the tumors showed SMARCA4 with loss. Additionally, four cancer-associated genes (CARD11, CSMD3, KDR, and TLX3) carried untranslated regions (UTRs) variants, which may impact gene regulation by affecting the miRNAs hybridization regions. Altogether, these data contribute to the characterization of the mutational spectrum and its impact on cellular signaling pathways in PSCC, thus reinforcing the pivotal role of HPV infection in the molecular pathogenesis of these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Matos do Canto
- Clinical Genetics Department, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, 7100 Vejle, Denmark;
| | - Jenilson Mota da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Health Science, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil;
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil; (P.V.C.-B.); (I.M.d.S.)
| | - Patrícia Valèria Castelo-Branco
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil; (P.V.C.-B.); (I.M.d.S.)
| | - Ingrid Monteiro da Silva
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil; (P.V.C.-B.); (I.M.d.S.)
| | | | | | - André Khayat
- Oncology Research Center, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66073-005, PA, Brazil;
| | - Alexander Birbrair
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Silma Regina Pereira
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil; (P.V.C.-B.); (I.M.d.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-98-32728543
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8
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Starita N, Pezzuto F, Sarno S, Losito NS, Perdonà S, Buonaguro L, Buonaguro FM, Tornesello ML. Mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter and
PIK3CA
gene are common events in penile squamous cell carcinoma of Italian and Ugandan patients. Int J Cancer 2022; 150:1879-1888. [PMID: 35253909 PMCID: PMC9310576 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Penile carcinoma develops either through human papillomavirus (HPV) related or unrelated carcinogenic pathways. Genetic alterations and nucleotide changes in coding regions (ie, TP53, CDKN2A, PIK3CA and NOTCH1) are main cancer driver events either in HPV positive or in HPV negative tumours. We investigated the presence of hotspot nucleotide mutations in TERT promoter (TERTp) and PIK3CA exon 9 and their relationship with HPV status in 69 penile cancer cases from Italian and Ugandan patients. Genetic variations and viral sequences have been characterised by end‐point polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing. The mutant allele frequencies (MAFs) of TERTp −124A/−146A and PIK3CA E545K have been determined by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays. The results showed that TERTp mutations are highly prevalent in penile carcinoma (53.6%) and significantly more frequent in HPV negative (67.6%) than HPV positive (32.4%) cases (P = .0482). PIK3CA mutations were similarly distributed in virus‐related and unrelated cases (25.9% and 26.7%, respectively) and coexisted with TERTp changes in 15.8% of penile carcinoma samples. Notably, MAFs of co‐occurring mutations were frequently discordant indicating that PIK3CA E545K nucleotide changes are subsequent genetic events occurring in subclones of TERTp mutated cells. The frequencies of TERTp and PIK3CA mutations were higher among Italian compared to Ugandan cases and inversely correlated with the HPV status. In conclusion, TERTp mutations are very common in penile carcinoma and their coexistence with PIK3CA in a substantial number of cases may represent a novel oncogenic synergy relevant for patient stratification and use of therapeutic strategies against new actionable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemy Starita
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology UnitIstituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. PascaleNaplesItaly
| | - Francesca Pezzuto
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology UnitIstituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. PascaleNaplesItaly
| | - Sabrina Sarno
- Department of PathologyIstituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. PascaleNaplesItaly
| | - Nunzia Simona Losito
- Department of PathologyIstituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. PascaleNaplesItaly
| | - Sisto Perdonà
- Urology UnitIstituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. PascaleNaplesItaly
| | - Luigi Buonaguro
- Innovative Immunological ModelsIstituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. PascaleNaplesItaly
| | - Franco M. Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology UnitIstituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. PascaleNaplesItaly
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology UnitIstituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. PascaleNaplesItaly
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