1
|
Ohmura S, Grünewald TGP. Optimizing ATR Inhibition and Cisplatin Synergy in Ewing Sarcoma. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:3358-3360. [PMID: 38861280 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-24-1047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
EWSR1::FLI1-mediated dysregulation of cellular machinery opens up potential new avenues for Ewing sarcoma treatment. A recent study demonstrates that pharmacologic ATR kinase inhibition dramatically synergizes with low-dose cisplatin through EWSR1::FLI1-dependent rewiring of transcription, DNA repair, and translation machinery, which could maximize the therapeutic window of the combinatory therapy. See related article by Jess et al., p. 3533.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunya Ohmura
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas G P Grünewald
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bayanjargal A, Taslim C, Showpnil IA, Selich-Anderson J, Crow JC, Lessnick SL, Theisen ER. DBD-α4 helix of EWSR1::FLI1 is required for GGAA microsatellite binding that underlies genome regulation in Ewing sarcoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.31.578127. [PMID: 38352344 PMCID: PMC10862889 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.31.578127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is the second most common bone cancer in children and young adults. In 85% of patients, a translocation between chromosomes 11 and 22 results in a potent fusion oncoprotein, EWSR1::FLI1. EWSR1::FLI1 is the only genetic alteration in an otherwise unaltered genome of Ewing sarcoma tumors. The EWSR1 portion of the protein is an intrinsically disordered domain involved in transcriptional regulation by EWSR1::FLI1. The FLI portion of the fusion contains a DNA binding domain shown to bind core GGAA motifs and GGAA repeats. A small alpha-helix in the DNA binding domain of FLI1, DBD-𝛼4 helix, is critical for the transcription function of EWSR1::FLI1. In this study, we aimed to understand the mechanism by which the DBD-𝛼4 helix promotes transcription, and therefore oncogenic transformation. We utilized a multi-omics approach to assess chromatin organization, active chromatinmarks, genome binding, and gene expression in cells expressing EWSR1::FLI1 constructs with and without the DBD-𝛼4 helix. Our studies revealed DBD-𝛼4 helix is crucial for cooperative binding of EWSR1::FLI1 at GGAA microsatellites. This binding underlies many aspects of genome regulation by EWSR1::FLI1 such as formation of TADs, chromatin loops, enhancers and productive transcription hubs.
Collapse
|
3
|
Gallo-Oller G, Pons G, Sansa-Girona J, Navarro N, Zarzosa P, García-Gilabert L, Cabré-Fernandez P, Guillén Burrieza G, Valero-Arrese L, Segura MF, Lizcano JM, Sánchez de Toledo J, Moreno L, Gallego S, Roma J. TRIB3 silencing promotes the downregulation of Akt pathway and PAX3-FOXO1 in high-risk rhabdomyosarcoma. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:38. [PMID: 38581035 PMCID: PMC10996176 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00503-9] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), such as other childhood tumors, has witnessed treatment advancements in recent years. However, high-risk patients continue to face poor survival rates, often attributed to the presence of the PAX3/7-FOXO1 fusion proteins, which has been associated with metastasis and treatment resistance. Despite efforts to directly target these chimeric proteins, clinical success remains elusive. In this study, the main aim was to address this challenge by investigating regulators of FOXO1. Specifically, we focused on TRIB3, a potential regulator of the fusion protein in RMS. Our findings revealed a prominent TRIB3 expression in RMS tumors, highlighting its correlation with the presence of fusion protein. By conducting TRIB3 genetic inhibition experiments, we observed an impairment on cell proliferation. Notably, the knockdown of TRIB3 led to a decrease in PAX3-FOXO1 and its target genes at protein level, accompanied by a reduction in the activity of the Akt signaling pathway. Additionally, inducible silencing of TRIB3 significantly delayed tumor growth and improved overall survival in vivo. Based on our analysis, we propose that TRIB3 holds therapeutic potential for treating the most aggressive subtype of RMS. The findings herein reported contribute to our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms driving RMS progression and provide novel insights into the potential use of TRIB3 as a therapeutic intervention for high-risk RMS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Gallo-Oller
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillem Pons
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Júlia Sansa-Girona
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Navarro
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Zarzosa
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lia García-Gilabert
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Cabré-Fernandez
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Lorena Valero-Arrese
- Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel F Segura
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - José M Lizcano
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular and Institut de Neurociències. Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
- Protein Kinases in Cancer Research. Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Sánchez de Toledo
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucas Moreno
- Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Pediatria, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Soledad Gallego
- Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Pediatria, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Roma
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sasagawa S, Kumai J, Wakamatsu T, Yui Y. Improvement of histone deacetylase inhibitor efficacy by SN38 through TWIST1 suppression in synovial sarcoma. CANCER INNOVATION 2024; 3:e113. [PMID: 38946933 PMCID: PMC11212284 DOI: 10.1002/cai2.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Background Synovial sarcoma (SS) is an SS18-SSX fusion gene-driven soft tissue sarcoma with mesenchymal characteristics, associated with a poor prognosis due to frequent metastasis to a distant organ, such as the lung. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDACis) are arising as potent molecular targeted drugs, as HDACi treatment disrupts the SS oncoprotein complex, which includes HDACs, in addition to general HDACi effects. To provide further molecular evidence for the advantages of HDACi treatment and its limitations due to drug resistance induced by the microenvironment in SS cells, we examined cellular responses to HDACi treatment in combination with two-dimensional (2D) and 3D culture conditions. Methods Using several SS cell lines, biochemical and cell biological assays were performed with romidepsin, an HDAC1/2 selective inhibitor. SN38 was concomitantly used as an ameliorant drug with romidepsin treatment. Cytostasis, apoptosis induction, and MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence A/B (MICA/B) induction were monitored to evaluate the drug efficacy. In addition to the conventional 2D culture condition, spheroid culture was adopted to evaluate the influence of cell-mass microenvironment on chemoresistance. Results By monitoring the cellular behavior with romidepsin and/or SN38 in SS cells, we observed that responsiveness is diverse in each cell line. In the apoptotic inducible cells, co-treatment with SN38 enhanced cell death. In nonapoptotic inducible cells, cytostasis and MICA/B induction were observed, and SN38 improved MICA/B induction further. As a novel efficacy of SN38, we revealed TWIST1 suppression in SS cells. In the spheroid (3D) condition, romidepsin efficacy was severely restricted in TWIST1-positive cells. We demonstrated that TWIST1 downregulation restored romidepsin efficacy even in spheroid form, and concomitant SN38 treatment along with romidepsin reproduced the reaction. Conclusions The current study demonstrated the benefits and concerns of using HDACi for SS treatment in 2D and 3D culture conditions and provided molecular evidence that concomitant treatment with SN38 can overcome drug resistance to HDACi by suppressing TWIST1 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Sasagawa
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Research InstituteNozaki Tokushukai HospitalDaitoOsakaJapan
| | - Jun Kumai
- Sarcoma Treatment Laboratory, Research InstituteNozaki Tokushukai HospitalDaitoOsakaJapan
| | - Toru Wakamatsu
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology ServiceOsaka International Cancer InstituteOsakaJapan
| | - Yoshihiro Yui
- Sarcoma Treatment Laboratory, Research InstituteNozaki Tokushukai HospitalDaitoOsakaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wachtel M, Surdez D, Grünewald TGP, Schäfer BW. Functional Classification of Fusion Proteins in Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1355. [PMID: 38611033 PMCID: PMC11010897 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071355] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas comprise a heterogeneous group of malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin. More than 80 entities are associated with different mesenchymal lineages. Sarcomas with fibroblastic, muscle, bone, vascular, adipocytic, and other characteristics are distinguished. Nearly half of all entities contain specific chromosomal translocations that give rise to fusion proteins. These are mostly pathognomonic, and their detection by various molecular techniques supports histopathologic classification. Moreover, the fusion proteins act as oncogenic drivers, and their blockade represents a promising therapeutic approach. This review summarizes the current knowledge on fusion proteins in sarcoma. We categorize the different fusion proteins into functional classes, including kinases, epigenetic regulators, and transcription factors, and describe their mechanisms of action. Interestingly, while fusion proteins acting as transcription factors are found in all mesenchymal lineages, the others have a more restricted pattern. Most kinase-driven sarcomas belong to the fibroblastic/myofibroblastic lineage. Fusion proteins with an epigenetic function are mainly associated with sarcomas of unclear differentiation, suggesting that epigenetic dysregulation leads to a major change in cell identity. Comparison of mechanisms of action reveals recurrent functional modes, including antagonism of Polycomb activity by fusion proteins with epigenetic activity and recruitment of histone acetyltransferases by fusion transcription factors of the myogenic lineage. Finally, based on their biology, we describe potential approaches to block the activity of fusion proteins for therapeutic intervention. Overall, our work highlights differences as well as similarities in the biology of fusion proteins from different sarcomas and provides the basis for a functional classification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Wachtel
- Department of Oncology and Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 75, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Didier Surdez
- Balgrist University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas G. P. Grünewald
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Hopp-Children’s Cancer Center (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a Partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beat W. Schäfer
- Department of Oncology and Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 75, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen TQ, Huang HJ, Zhu SX, Chen XT, Pu KJ, Wang D, An Y, Lian JY, Sun YM, Chen YQ, Wang WT. Blockade of the lncRNA-DOT1L-LAMP5 axis enhances autophagy and promotes degradation of MLL fusion proteins. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:18. [PMID: 38374003 PMCID: PMC10877858 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00488-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) fusion gene caused by chromosomal rearrangement is a dominant oncogenic driver in leukemia. Due to having diverse MLL rearrangements and complex characteristics, MLL leukemia treated by currently available strategies is frequently associated with a poor outcome. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutic targets for hematological malignancies with MLL rearrangements. METHODS qRT-PCR, western blot, and spearman correction analysis were used to validate the regulation of LAMP5-AS1 on LAMP5 expression. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to assess the functional relevance of LAMP5-AS1 in MLL leukemia cell survival. We utilized chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) assay, RNA pull-down assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and immunofluorescence to elucidate the relationship among LAMP5-AS1, DOT1L, and the LAMP5 locus. Autophagy regulation by LAMP5-AS1 was evaluated through LC3B puncta, autolysosome observation via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and mRFP-GFP-LC3 puncta in autophagic flux. RESULTS The study shows the crucial role of LAMP5-AS1 in promoting MLL leukemia cell survival. LAMP5-AS1 acts as a novel autophagic suppressor, safeguarding MLL fusion proteins from autophagic degradation. Knocking down LAMP5-AS1 significantly induced apoptosis in MLL leukemia cell lines and primary cells and extended the survival of mice in vivo. Mechanistically, LAMP5-AS1 recruits the H3K79 histone methyltransferase DOT1L to LAMP5 locus, directly activating LAMP5 expression. Importantly, blockade of LAMP5-AS1-LAMP5 axis can represses MLL fusion proteins by enhancing their degradation. CONCLUSIONS The findings underscore the significance of LAMP5-AS1 in MLL leukemia progression through the regulation of the autophagy pathway. Additionally, this study unveils the novel lncRNA-DOT1L-LAMP5 axis as promising therapeutic targets for degrading MLL fusion proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Qi Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Heng-Jing Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Shun-Xin Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Xiao-Tong Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Ke-Jia Pu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Dan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangdong, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yan An
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Jun-Yi Lian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yu-Meng Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yue-Qin Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China.
| | - Wen-Tao Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lanzi C, Arrighetti N, Pasquali S, Cassinelli G. Targeting EZH2 in SMARCB1-deficient sarcomas: Advances and opportunities to potentiate the efficacy of EZH2 inhibitors. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115727. [PMID: 37541451 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are rare mesechymal malignancies characterized by distintive molecular, histological and clinical features. Many STSs are considered as predominatly epigenetic diseases due to underlying chromatin deregulation. Discovery of deregulated functional antagonism between the chromatin remodeling BRG1/BRM-associated (BAFs) and the histone modifying Polycomb repressor complexes (PRCs) has provided novel actionable targets. In epithelioid sarcoma (ES), extracranial, extrarenal malignant rhabdoid tumors (eMRTs) and synovial sarcoma (SS), the total or partial loss of the BAF core subunit SMARCB1, driven by different alterations, is associated with PRC2 deregulation and dependency on its enzymatic subunit, EZH2. In these SMARCB1-deficient STSs, aberrant EZH2 expression and/or activity emerged as a druggable vulnerability. Although preclinical investigation supported EZH2 targeting as a promising therapeutic option, clinical studies demonstrated a variable response to EZH2 inhibitors. Actually, whereas the clinical benefit recorded in ES patients prompted the FDA approval of the EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat, the modest and sporadic responses observed in eMRT and SS patients highlighted the need to deepen mechanistic as well as pharmacological investigations to improve drug effectiveness. We summarize the current knowledge of different mechanisms driving SMARCB1 deficiency and EZH2 deregulation in ES, eMRT and SS along with preclinical and clinical studies of EZH2-targeting agents. Possible implication of the PRC2- and enzymatic-independent functions of EZH2 and of its homolog, EZH1, in the response to anti-EZH2 agents will be discussed together with combinatorial strategies under investigation to improve the efficacy of EZH2 targeting in these tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Lanzi
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Noemi Arrighetti
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Sandro Pasquali
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana Cassinelli
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang X, Chen Y, Yang B, Shao X, Ying M. Driving the degradation of oncofusion proteins for targeted cancer therapy. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103584. [PMID: 37061213 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103584] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Oncofusion proteins drive the development of about 16.5% of human cancers {AuQ: Edit OK?}, functioning as the unique pathogenic factor in some cancers. The targeting of oncofusion proteins is an attractive strategy to treat malignant tumors. Recently, triggering the degradation of oncofusion proteins has been shown to hold great promise as a therapeutic strategy. Here, we review the recent findings on the mechanisms that maintain the high stability of oncofusion proteins. Then, we summarize strategies to target the degradation of oncofusion proteins through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, and the caspase-dependent pathway. By examining oncofusion protein degradation in cancer, we not only gain better insight into the carcinogenic mechanisms that involve oncofusion proteins, but also raise the possibility of treating oncofusion-driven cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingya Zhang
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yingqian Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuejing Shao
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Meidan Ying
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Pediatric Cancer Research Center, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310052, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Aepala MR, Peiris MN, Jiang Z, Yang W, Meyer AN, Donoghue DJ. Nefarious NTRK oncogenic fusions in pediatric sarcomas: Too many to Trk. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 68:93-106. [PMID: 36153202 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophic Tyrosine Receptor Kinase (NTRK) genes undergo chromosomal translocations to create novel open reading frames coding for oncogenic fusion proteins; the N-terminal portion, donated by various partner genes, becomes fused to the tyrosine kinase domain of either NTRK1, NTRK2, or NTRK3. NTRK fusion proteins have been identified as driver oncogenes in a wide variety of tumors over the past three decades, including Pediatric Gliomas, Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, Spitzoid Neoplasms, Glioblastoma, and additional tumors. Importantly, NTRK fusions function as drivers of pediatric sarcomas, accounting for approximately 15% of childhood cancers including Infantile Fibrosarcoma (IFS), a subset of pediatric soft tissue sarcoma (STS). While tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as larotrectinib and entrectinib, have demonstrated profound results against NTRK fusion-positive cancers, acquired resistance to these TKIs has resulted in the formation of gatekeeper, solvent-front, and compound mutations. We present a comprehensive compilation of oncogenic fusions involving NTRKs focusing specifically on pediatric STS, examining their biological signaling pathways and mechanisms of activation. The importance of an obligatory dimerization or multimerization domain, invariably donated by the N-terminal fusion partner, is discussed using characteristic fusions that occur in pediatric sarcomas. In addition, examples are presented of oncogenic fusion proteins in which the N-terminal partners may contribute additional biological activities beyond an oligomerization domain. Lastly, therapeutic approaches to the treatment of pediatric sarcoma will be presented, using first generation and second-generation agents such as selitrectinib and repotrectinib.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megha R Aepala
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0367, USA
| | - Malalage N Peiris
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0367, USA
| | - Zian Jiang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0367, USA
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0367, USA
| | - April N Meyer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0367, USA
| | - Daniel J Donoghue
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0367, USA; UCSD Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0367, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Deng Q, Natesan R, Cidre-Aranaz F, Arif S, Liu Y, Rasool RU, Wang P, Mitchell-Velasquez E, Das CK, Vinca E, Cramer Z, Grohar PJ, Chou M, Kumar-Sinha C, Weber K, Eisinger-Mathason TK, Grillet N, Grünewald T, Asangani IA. Oncofusion-driven de novo enhancer assembly promotes malignancy in Ewing sarcoma via aberrant expression of the stereociliary protein LOXHD1. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110971. [PMID: 35705030 PMCID: PMC9716578 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (EwS) is a highly aggressive tumor of bone and soft tissues that mostly affects children and adolescents. The pathognomonic oncofusion EWSR1::FLI1 transcription factor drives EwS by orchestrating an oncogenic transcription program through de novo enhancers. By integrative analysis of thousands of transcriptomes representing pan-cancer cell lines, primary cancers, metastasis, and normal tissues, we identify a 32-gene signature (ESS32 [Ewing Sarcoma Specific 32]) that stratifies EwS from pan-cancer. Among the ESS32, LOXHD1, encoding a stereociliary protein, is the most highly expressed gene through an alternative transcription start site. Deletion or silencing of EWSR1::FLI1 bound upstream de novo enhancer results in loss of the LOXHD1 short isoform, altering EWSR1::FLI1 and HIF1α pathway genes and resulting in decreased proliferation/invasion of EwS cells. These observations implicate LOXHD1 as a biomarker and a determinant of EwS metastasis and suggest new avenues for developing LOXHD1-targeted drugs or cellular therapies for this deadly disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qu Deng
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,These authors contributed equally
| | - Ramakrishnan Natesan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,These authors contributed equally
| | - Florencia Cidre-Aranaz
- Max-Eder Research Group of Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Hopp Children’s Cancer Center (KiTZ) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shehbeel Arif
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Reyaz ur Rasool
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Pei Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Erick Mitchell-Velasquez
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Chandan Kanta Das
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Endrit Vinca
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center (KiTZ) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany,Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Hopp Children’s Cancer Center (KiTZ), Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zvi Cramer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Margaret Chou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chandan Kumar-Sinha
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kristy Weber
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - T.S. Karin Eisinger-Mathason
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicolas Grillet
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Grünewald
- Max-Eder Research Group of Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Hopp Children’s Cancer Center (KiTZ) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany,Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Hopp Children’s Cancer Center (KiTZ), Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany,Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Irfan A. Asangani
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Lead contact,Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vibert J, Watson S. The Molecular Biology of Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102548. [PMID: 35626152 PMCID: PMC9139698 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Over the past 20 years, significant advances in the field of genetics and molecular biology have led to the dismantlement of multiple subtypes of sarcomas. As a result, molecular approaches nowadays play a critical role in the diagnosis, prognostic classification, and therapeutic management of numerous mesenchymal tumor subtypes. This review of the current literature illustrates the main uses of molecular biology in the field of soft tissue sarcomas and the future challenges that remain to be addressed. Abstract Soft tissue sarcomas are malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin, encompassing a large spectrum of entities that were historically classified according to their histological characteristics. Over the last decades, molecular biology has allowed a better characterization of these tumors, leading to the incorporation of multiple molecular features in the latest classification of sarcomas as well as to molecularly-guided therapeutic strategies. This review discusses the main uses of molecular biology in current practice for the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue sarcomas, in addition to perspectives for this rapidly evolving field of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Vibert
- INSERM U830, Équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Lab, Institut Curie Research Center, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Sarah Watson
- INSERM U830, Équipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Lab, Institut Curie Research Center, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie Hospital, 75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-172-389-434; Fax: +33-153-104-041
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lanzi C, Cassinelli G. Combinatorial strategies to potentiate the efficacy of HDAC inhibitors in fusion-positive sarcomas. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 198:114944. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
13
|
Zhu D, Xu X, Zhang M, Wang T. TPX2 regulated by miR‑29c‑3p induces cell proliferation in osteosarcoma via the AKT signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2022; 23:143. [PMID: 35340555 PMCID: PMC8931832 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the significance of targeting protein for Xenopus kinesin-like protein 2 (TPX2) expression in osteosarcoma. First, the TPX2 expression and survival analysis data were evaluated from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Next, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to explore the expression of TPX2 in osteosarcoma tissues. The observed potential target relationship between TPX2 and microRNA (miR)-29c-3p was verified using TargetScan and luciferase reporter assays. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine associations between TPX2 expression levels and survival prognosis. TPX2 small interfering RNA was successfully constructed and transfected into osteosarcoma cell lines. The effects of TPX2 on osteosarcoma cell proliferation were then detected by MTT assay. In addition, the expression levels of AKT signaling pathway-associated proteins were identified by western blot analysis. The expression of TPX2 was upregulated and the expression of miR-29c-3p was downregulated in osteosarcoma. High expression of TPX2 was linked to a poor prognosis. Using luciferase assay and the miRNA mimic and inhibitors, miR-29c-3p was able to target and repress TPX2, and siRNA knockdown of TPX2 resulted in the inhibition of osteosarcoma cell proliferation by affecting the AKT pathway. Overall, the study showed that miR-29c-3p could inhibit the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells via TPX2 downregulation, and that TPX2 and miR-29c-3p may serve as promising prognostic indicators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222000, P.R. China
| | - Xiangfei Xu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222000, P.R. China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222000, P.R. China
| | - Tong Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
CIC-mediated modulation of MAPK signaling opposes receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor response in kinase-addicted sarcoma. Cancer Res 2022; 82:1110-1127. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
15
|
Rapid and highly sensitive approach for multiplexed somatic fusion detection. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:1022-1033. [PMID: 35347250 PMCID: PMC9314249 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-022-01058-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Somatic gene translocations are key to making an accurate diagnosis in many cancers including many pediatric sarcomas. Currently available molecular diagnostic approaches to identifying somatic pathognomonic translocations have limitations such as minimal multiplexing, high cost, complex computational requirements, or slow turnaround times. We sought to develop a new fusion-detection assay optimized to mitigate these challenges. To accomplish this goal, we developed a highly sensitive multiplexed digital PCR-based approach that can identify the gene partners of multiple somatic fusion transcripts. This assay was validated for specificity with cell lines and synthetized DNA fragments. Assay sensitivity was optimized using a tiered amplification approach for fusion detection from low input and/or degraded RNA. The assay was then tested for the potential application of fusion detection from FFPE tissue and liquid biopsy samples. We found that this multiplexed PCR approach was able to accurately identify the presence of seven different targeted fusion transcripts with a turnaround time of 1 to 2 days. The addition of a tiered amplification step allowed the detection of targeted fusions from as little as 1 pg of RNA input. We also identified fusions from as little as two unstained slides of FFPE tumor biopsy tissue, from circulating tumor cells collected from tumor-bearing mice, and from liquid biopsy samples from patients with known fusion-positive cancers. We also demonstrated that the assay could be easily adapted for additional fusion targets. In summary, this novel assay detects multiple somatic fusion partners in biologic samples with low tumor content and low-quality RNA in less than two days. The assay is inexpensive and could be applied to surgical and liquid biopsies, particularly in places with inadequate resources for more expensive and expertise-dependent assays such as next-generation sequencing.
Collapse
|
16
|
Lanzi C, Favini E, Dal Bo L, Tortoreto M, Arrighetti N, Zaffaroni N, Cassinelli G. Upregulation of ERK-EGR1-heparanase axis by HDAC inhibitors provides targets for rational therapeutic intervention in synovial sarcoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:381. [PMID: 34857011 PMCID: PMC8638516 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02150-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synovial sarcoma (SS) is an aggressive soft tissue tumor with limited therapeutic options in advanced stage. SS18-SSX fusion oncogenes, which are the hallmarks of SS, cause epigenetic rewiring involving histone deacetylases (HDACs). Promising preclinical studies supporting HDAC targeting for SS treatment were not reflected in clinical trials with HDAC inhibitor (HDACi) monotherapies. We investigated pathways implicated in SS cell response to HDACi to identify vulnerabilities exploitable in combination treatments and improve the therapeutic efficacy of HDACi-based regimens. METHODS Antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of the HDACi SAHA and FK228 were examined in SS cell lines in parallel with biochemical and molecular analyses to bring out cytoprotective pathways. Treatments combining HDACi with drugs targeting HDACi-activated prosurvival pathways were tested in functional assays in vitro and in a SS orthotopic xenograft model. Molecular mechanisms underlying synergisms were investigated in SS cells through pharmacological and gene silencing approaches and validated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS SS cell response to HDACi was consistently characterized by activation of a cytoprotective and auto-sustaining axis involving ERKs, EGR1, and the β-endoglycosidase heparanase, a well recognized pleiotropic player in tumorigenesis and disease progression. HDAC inhibition was shown to upregulate heparanase by inducing expression of the positive regulator EGR1 and by hampering negative regulation by p53 through its acetylation. Interception of HDACi-induced ERK-EGR1-heparanase pathway by cell co-treatment with a MEK inhibitor (trametinib) or a heparanase inhibitor (SST0001/roneparstat) enhanced antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects. HDAC and heparanase inhibitors had opposite effects on histone acetylation and nuclear heparanase levels. The combination of SAHA with SST0001 prevented the upregulation of ERK-EGR1-heparanase induced by the HDACi and promoted caspase-dependent cell death. In vivo, the combined treatment with SAHA and SST0001 potentiated the antitumor efficacy against the CME-1 orthotopic SS model as compared to single agent administration. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides preclinical rationale and mechanistic insights into drug combinatory strategies based on the use of ERK pathway and heparanase inhibitors to improve the efficacy of HDACi-based antitumor therapies in SS. The involvement of classes of agents already clinically available, or under clinical evaluation, indicates the transferability potential of the proposed approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Lanzi
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrica Favini
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Dal Bo
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Tortoreto
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Noemi Arrighetti
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Nadia Zaffaroni
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana Cassinelli
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tang F, Tie Y, Wei YQ, Tu CQ, Wei XW. Targeted and immuno-based therapies in sarcoma: mechanisms and advances in clinical trials. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188606. [PMID: 34371128 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Sarcomas represent a distinct group of rare malignant tumors with high heterogeneity. Limited options with clinical efficacy for the metastatic or local advanced sarcoma existed despite standard therapy. Recently, targeted therapy according to the molecular and genetic phenotype of individual sarcoma is a promising option. Among these drugs, anti-angiogenesis therapy achieved favorable efficacy in sarcomas. Inhibitors targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, mTOR, NTRK, metabolisms, and epigenetic drugs are under clinical evaluation for sarcomas bearing the corresponding signals. Immunotherapy represents a promising and favorable method in advanced solid tumors. However, most sarcomas are immune "cold" tumors, with only alveolar soft part sarcoma and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Cellular therapies with TCR-engineered T cells, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, and nature killer cells transfer show therapeutic potential. Identifying tumor-specific antigens and exploring immune modulation factors arguing the efficacy of these immunotherapies are the current challenges. This review focuses on the mechanisms, advances, and potential strategies of targeted and immune-based therapies in sarcomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Tang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Orthopeadics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Tie
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu-Quan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chong-Qi Tu
- Department of Orthopeadics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xia-Wei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Damerell V, Pepper MS, Prince S. Molecular mechanisms underpinning sarcomas and implications for current and future therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:246. [PMID: 34188019 PMCID: PMC8241855 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00647-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are complex mesenchymal neoplasms with a poor prognosis. Their clinical management is highly challenging due to their heterogeneity and insensitivity to current treatments. Although there have been advances in understanding specific genomic alterations and genetic mutations driving sarcomagenesis, the underlying molecular mechanisms, which are likely to be unique for each sarcoma subtype, are not fully understood. This is in part due to a lack of consensus on the cells of origin, but there is now mounting evidence that they originate from mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs). To identify novel treatment strategies for sarcomas, research in recent years has adopted a mechanism-based search for molecular markers for targeted therapy which has included recapitulating sarcomagenesis using in vitro and in vivo MSC models. This review provides a comprehensive up to date overview of the molecular mechanisms that underpin sarcomagenesis, the contribution of MSCs to modelling sarcomagenesis in vivo, as well as novel topics such as the role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT)/mesenchymal-to-epithelial-transition (MET) plasticity, exosomes, and microRNAs in sarcomagenesis. It also reviews current therapeutic options including ongoing pre-clinical and clinical studies for targeted sarcoma therapy and discusses new therapeutic avenues such as targeting recently identified molecular pathways and key transcription factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Damerell
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michael S Pepper
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Research and Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sharon Prince
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Blattner-Johnson M, Jones DTW, Pfaff E. Precision medicine in pediatric solid cancers. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 84:214-227. [PMID: 34116162 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite huge advances in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancers over the past several decades, it remains one of the leading causes of death during childhood in developed countries. The development of new targeted treatments for these diseases has been hampered by two major factors. First, the extremely heterogeneous nature of the types of tumors encountered in this age group, and their fundamental differences from common adult carcinomas, has made it hard to truly get a handle on the complexities of the underlying biology driving tumor growth. Second, a reluctance of the pharmaceutical industry to develop products or trials for this population due to the relatively small size of the 'market', and a too-easy mechanism of obtaining waivers for pediatric development of adult oncology drugs based on disease type rather than mechanism of action, led to significant difficulties in getting access to new drugs. Thankfully, the field has now started to change, both scientifically and from a regulatory perspective, in order to address some of these challenges. In this review, we will examine some of the recent insights into molecular features which make pediatric tumors so unique and how these might represent therapeutic targets; highlight ongoing international initiatives for providing comprehensive, personalized genomic profiling of childhood tumors in a clinically-relevant timeframe, and look briefly at where the field of pediatric precision oncology may be heading in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Blattner-Johnson
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Pediatric Glioma Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David T W Jones
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Pediatric Glioma Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Elke Pfaff
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Pediatric Glioma Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nishiguchi G, Keramatnia F, Min J, Chang Y, Jonchere B, Das S, Actis M, Price J, Chepyala D, Young B, McGowan K, Slavish PJ, Mayasundari A, Jarusiewicz JA, Yang L, Li Y, Fu X, Garrett SH, Papizan JB, Kodali K, Peng J, Pruett Miller SM, Roussel MF, Mullighan C, Fischer M, Rankovic Z. Identification of Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable Small-Molecule GSPT1/2 Degraders from a Focused Library of Cereblon Modulators. J Med Chem 2021; 64:7296-7311. [PMID: 34042448 PMCID: PMC8201443 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Whereas the PROTAC approach to target protein degradation greatly benefits from rational design, the discovery of small-molecule degraders relies mostly on phenotypic screening and retrospective target identification efforts. Here, we describe the design, synthesis, and screening of a large diverse library of thalidomide analogues against a panel of patient-derived leukemia and medulloblastoma cell lines. These efforts led to the discovery of potent and novel GSPT1/2 degraders displaying selectivity over classical IMiD neosubstrates, such as IKZF1/3, and high oral bioavailability in mice. Taken together, this study offers compound 6 (SJ6986) as a valuable chemical probe for studying the role of GSPT1/2 in vitro and in vivo, and it supports the utility of a diverse library of CRBN binders in the pursuit of targeting undruggable oncoproteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gisele Nishiguchi
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Fatemeh Keramatnia
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Jaeki Min
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Yunchao Chang
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Barbara Jonchere
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Sourav Das
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Marisa Actis
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Jeanine Price
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Divyabharathi Chepyala
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Brandon Young
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Kevin McGowan
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - P Jake Slavish
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Anand Mayasundari
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Jamie A Jarusiewicz
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Xiang Fu
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Shalandus H Garrett
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - James B Papizan
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Kiran Kodali
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Junmin Peng
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States.,Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States.,Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Shondra M Pruett Miller
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Martine F Roussel
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Charles Mullighan
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Marcus Fischer
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States.,Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Zoran Rankovic
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zöllner SK, Amatruda JF, Bauer S, Collaud S, de Álava E, DuBois SG, Hardes J, Hartmann W, Kovar H, Metzler M, Shulman DS, Streitbürger A, Timmermann B, Toretsky JA, Uhlenbruch Y, Vieth V, Grünewald TGP, Dirksen U. Ewing Sarcoma-Diagnosis, Treatment, Clinical Challenges and Future Perspectives. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1685. [PMID: 33919988 PMCID: PMC8071040 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10081685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma, a highly aggressive bone and soft-tissue cancer, is considered a prime example of the paradigms of a translocation-positive sarcoma: a genetically rather simple disease with a specific and neomorphic-potential therapeutic target, whose oncogenic role was irrefutably defined decades ago. This is a disease that by definition has micrometastatic disease at diagnosis and a dismal prognosis for patients with macrometastatic or recurrent disease. International collaborations have defined the current standard of care in prospective studies, delivering multiple cycles of systemic therapy combined with local treatment; both are associated with significant morbidity that may result in strong psychological and physical burden for survivors. Nevertheless, the combination of non-directed chemotherapeutics and ever-evolving local modalities nowadays achieve a realistic chance of cure for the majority of patients with Ewing sarcoma. In this review, we focus on the current standard of diagnosis and treatment while attempting to answer some of the most pressing questions in clinical practice. In addition, this review provides scientific answers to clinical phenomena and occasionally defines the resulting translational studies needed to overcome the hurdle of treatment-associated morbidities and, most importantly, non-survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan K. Zöllner
- Pediatrics III, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - James F. Amatruda
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA;
| | - Sebastian Bauer
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sarcoma Center, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Stéphane Collaud
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, University of Essen-Duisburg, 45239 Essen, Germany
| | - Enrique de Álava
- Institute of Biomedicine of Sevilla (IbiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, CSIC, University of Sevilla, CIBERONC, 41013 Seville, Spain;
- Department of Normal and Pathological Cytology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Steven G. DuBois
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (S.G.D.); (D.S.S.)
| | - Jendrik Hardes
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Sarcoma Center, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hartmann
- Division of Translational Pathology, Gerhard-Domagk Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), Network Partner Site, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Heinrich Kovar
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute and Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Markus Metzler
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - David S. Shulman
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (S.G.D.); (D.S.S.)
| | - Arne Streitbürger
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Sarcoma Center, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Beate Timmermann
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Particle Therapy, University Hospital Essen, West German Proton Therapy Centre, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Jeffrey A. Toretsky
- Departments of Oncology and Pediatrics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - Yasmin Uhlenbruch
- St. Josefs Hospital Bochum, University Hospital, 44791 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Volker Vieth
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Ibbenbüren, 49477 Ibbenbühren, Germany;
| | - Thomas G. P. Grünewald
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, Hopp-Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Core Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uta Dirksen
- Pediatrics III, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Marx C, Schaarschmidt MU, Kirkpatrick J, Marx-Blümel L, Halilovic M, Westermann M, Hoelzer D, Meyer FB, Geng Y, Buder K, Schadwinkel HM, Siniuk K, Becker S, Thierbach R, Beck JF, Sonnemann J, Wang ZQ. Cooperative treatment effectiveness of ATR and HSP90 inhibition in Ewing's sarcoma cells. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:57. [PMID: 33743824 PMCID: PMC7981928 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00571-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ewing's sarcoma is an aggressive childhood malignancy whose outcome has not substantially improved over the last two decades. In this study, combination treatments of the HSP90 inhibitor AUY922 with either the ATR inhibitor VE821 or the ATM inhibitor KU55933 were investigated for their effectiveness in Ewing's sarcoma cells. METHODS Effects were determined in p53 wild-type and p53 null Ewing's sarcoma cell lines by flow cytometric analyses of cell death, mitochondrial depolarization and cell-cycle distribution as well as fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. They were molecularly characterized by gene and protein expression profiling, and by quantitative whole proteome analysis. RESULTS AUY922 alone induced DNA damage, apoptosis and ER stress, while reducing the abundance of DNA repair proteins. The combination of AUY922 with VE821 led to strong apoptosis induction independent of the cellular p53 status, yet based on different molecular mechanisms. p53 wild-type cells activated pro-apoptotic gene transcription and underwent mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, while p53 null cells accumulated higher levels of DNA damage, ER stress and autophagy, eventually leading to apoptosis. Impaired PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling further contributed to the antineoplastic combination effects of AUY922 and VE821. In contrast, the combination of AUY922 with KU55933 did not produce a cooperative effect. CONCLUSION Our study reveals that HSP90 and ATR inhibitor combination treatment may be an effective therapeutic approach for Ewing's sarcoma irrespective of the p53 status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Marx
- Leibniz Institute On Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Marc U Schaarschmidt
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Clinic, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Research Center Lobeda, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Joanna Kirkpatrick
- Leibniz Institute On Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany.,Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Lisa Marx-Blümel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Clinic, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Research Center Lobeda, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Melisa Halilovic
- Leibniz Institute On Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | | | - Doerte Hoelzer
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Nutrition, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.,Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, Mainz, Germany
| | - Felix B Meyer
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Nutrition, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Yibo Geng
- Leibniz Institute On Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Katrin Buder
- Leibniz Institute On Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Hauke M Schadwinkel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Clinic, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Research Center Lobeda, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Kanstantsin Siniuk
- Leibniz Institute On Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Sabine Becker
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Clinic, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Research Center Lobeda, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - René Thierbach
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Nutrition, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - James F Beck
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Clinic, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen Sonnemann
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Clinic, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany. .,Research Center Lobeda, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany. .,Klinik Für Kinder- Und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
| | - Zhao-Qi Wang
- Leibniz Institute On Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany.,Faculty of Biology and Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Laetsch TW, DuBois SG, Bender JG, Macy ME, Moreno L. Opportunities and Challenges in Drug Development for Pediatric Cancers. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:545-559. [PMID: 33277309 PMCID: PMC7933059 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-0779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The use of targeted small-molecule therapeutics and immunotherapeutics has been limited to date in pediatric oncology. Recently, the number of pediatric approvals has risen, and regulatory initiatives in the United States and Europe have aimed to increase the study of novel anticancer therapies in children. Challenges of drug development in children include the rarity of individual cancer diagnoses and the high prevalence of difficult-to-drug targets, including transcription factors and epigenetic regulators. Ongoing pediatric adaptation of biomarker-driven trial designs and further exploration of agents targeting non-kinase drivers constitute high-priority objectives for future pediatric oncology drug development. SIGNIFICANCE: Increasing attention to drug development for children with cancer by regulators and pharmaceutical companies holds the promise of accelerating the availability of new therapies for children with cancer, potentially improving survival and decreasing the acute and chronic toxicities of therapy. However, unique approaches are necessary to study novel therapies in children that take into account low patient numbers, the pediatric cancer genomic landscape and tumor microenvironment, and the need for pediatric formulations. It is also critical to evaluate the potential for unique toxicities in growing hosts without affecting the pace of discovery for children with these life-threatening diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theodore W Laetsch
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Abramson Cancer Center and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Steven G DuBois
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Margaret E Macy
- Children's Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
| | - Lucas Moreno
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Liu Y, Sun J, Huang Y, Chen Y, Li J, Liang L, Xu J, Wan Z, Zhang B, Li Z, Li S. Metformin-conjugated micellar system with intratumoral pH responsive de-shielding for co-delivery of doxorubicin and nucleic acid. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 189:114453. [PMID: 33545119 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A novel PMet-P(cdmPEG2K) polymeric micellar carrier was developed for tumor-targeted co-delivery of DOX and nucleic acids (NA), based on polymetformin and a structure designed to lose the PEG shell in response to the acidic extracellular tumor environment. NA/DOX co-loaded micelleplexes exhibited enhanced inhibition of cell proliferation compared to DOX-loaded micelles, and displayed a higher level of cytotoxicity at an acidic pH (6.8) which mimicks the tumor microenvironment. The PMet-P(cdmPEG2K) micelles achieved significantly improved transfection with either a reporter plasmid or Cy3-siRNA, and enhanced DOX intracellular uptake in 4T1.2 cells at pH 6.8. Importantly, PMet-P(cdmPEG2K) micelles showed excellent pEGFP (EGFP expression plasmid) transfection in an aggressive murine breast cancer (4T1.2) model. By using a plasmid encoding IL-12 (pIL-12), we investigated the combined effect of chemotherapy and gene therapy. PMet-P(cdmPEG2K) micelles co-loaded with DOX and pIL-12 were more effective at inhibiting tumor growth compared to micelles loaded with DOX or pIL-12 alone. In addition, this micellar system was effective in co-delivery of siRNA and DOX into tumor cells. Our results suggest that PMet-P(cdmPEG2K) has the potential for chemo and nucleic acid combined cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Liu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Jingjing Sun
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Yixian Huang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Yichao Chen
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Jiang Li
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Lei Liang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Jieni Xu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Zhuoya Wan
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Bei Zhang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Zuojun Li
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Song Li
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Grünewald TGP. [Integrative molecular pathology of cancer]. DER PATHOLOGE 2021; 41:67-69. [PMID: 33263807 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-020-00870-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The field of molecular pathology has revolutionized our understanding of relevant oncogenic alterations in cancer and yielded new diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches for personalized oncology, especially for malignancies of adulthood. However, many pediatric tumors, such as Ewing sarcoma, are characterized by a remarkable paucity of recurrent driver mutations, which are usually not suitable as drug targets. Despite the relative homogeneity of the somatic mutational profiles, these tumors nevertheless exhibit a relatively strong clinical heterogeneity, indicating additional modulating factors. In this regard, a recent study could demonstrate that the mode of action of the EWSR1-FLI1 (Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1-Friend leukema integration 1) fusion oncoprotein, which is pathognomonic for Ewing sarcoma, is influenced by inherited genetic variants in regulatory DNA elements, which may ultimately affect the course of the disease and also enable new therapeutic options. Thus, these investigations demonstrate in the Ewing sarcoma model that the function of a driver mutation needs to be interpreted in its germline context, which should be taken into account in an integrative approach by the molecular pathology of the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G P Grünewald
- Abteilung Translationale Pädiatrische Sarkomforschung, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland. .,Hopp-Kinderturmorzentrum (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Deutschland. .,Allgemeine Pathologie und Pathologische Anatomie, Pathologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Goss KL, Koppenhafer SL, Waters T, Terry WW, Wen KK, Wu M, Ostergaard J, Gordon PM, Gordon DJ. The translational repressor 4E-BP1 regulates RRM2 levels and functions as a tumor suppressor in Ewing sarcoma tumors. Oncogene 2020; 40:564-577. [PMID: 33191406 PMCID: PMC7856031 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01552-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), which is a heterodimeric tetramer composed of RRM1 and RRM2 subunits, is the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) and essential for both DNA replication and the repair of DNA damage. The activity of RNR is coordinated with the cell cycle and regulated by fluctuations in the level of the RRM2 subunit. Multiple cancer types, including Ewing sarcoma tumors, are sensitive to inhibitors of RNR or a reduction in the levels of either the RRM1 or RRM2 subunits of RNR. Here, we show that the expression of the RRM2 protein is dependent on active protein synthesis and that 4E-BP1, a repressor of cap-dependent protein translation, specifically regulates the level of the RRM2 protein. Furthermore, inhibition of mTORC1/2, but not mTORC1, activates 4E-BP1, inhibits protein synthesis, and reduces the level of the RRM2 protein in multiple sarcoma cell lines. This effect of mTORC1/2 inhibitors on protein synthesis and RRM2 levels was rescued in cell lines with the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of 4E-BP1. In addition, the inducible expression of a mutant 4E-BP1 protein that cannot be phosphorylated by mTOR blocked protein synthesis and inhibited the growth of Ewing sarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo in a xenograft. Overall, these results provide insight into the multifaceted regulation of RRM2 protein levels and identify a regulatory link between protein translation and DNA replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelli L Goss
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Stacia L Koppenhafer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Torin Waters
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - William W Terry
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Kuo-Kuang Wen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Jason Ostergaard
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Peter M Gordon
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - David J Gordon
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Grünewald TGP, Alonso M, Avnet S, Banito A, Burdach S, Cidre‐Aranaz F, Di Pompo G, Distel M, Dorado‐Garcia H, Garcia‐Castro J, González‐González L, Grigoriadis AE, Kasan M, Koelsche C, Krumbholz M, Lecanda F, Lemma S, Longo DL, Madrigal‐Esquivel C, Morales‐Molina Á, Musa J, Ohmura S, Ory B, Pereira‐Silva M, Perut F, Rodriguez R, Seeling C, Al Shaaili N, Shaabani S, Shiavone K, Sinha S, Tomazou EM, Trautmann M, Vela M, Versleijen‐Jonkers YMH, Visgauss J, Zalacain M, Schober SJ, Lissat A, English WR, Baldini N, Heymann D. Sarcoma treatment in the era of molecular medicine. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e11131. [PMID: 33047515 PMCID: PMC7645378 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201911131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are heterogeneous and clinically challenging soft tissue and bone cancers. Although constituting only 1% of all human malignancies, sarcomas represent the second most common type of solid tumors in children and adolescents and comprise an important group of secondary malignancies. More than 100 histological subtypes have been characterized to date, and many more are being discovered due to molecular profiling. Owing to their mostly aggressive biological behavior, relative rarity, and occurrence at virtually every anatomical site, many sarcoma subtypes are in particular difficult-to-treat categories. Current multimodal treatment concepts combine surgery, polychemotherapy (with/without local hyperthermia), irradiation, immunotherapy, and/or targeted therapeutics. Recent scientific advancements have enabled a more precise molecular characterization of sarcoma subtypes and revealed novel therapeutic targets and prognostic/predictive biomarkers. This review aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in the molecular biology of sarcomas and their effects on clinical oncology; it is meant for a broad readership ranging from novices to experts in the field of sarcoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas GP Grünewald
- Max‐Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma BiologyInstitute of PathologyFaculty of MedicineLMU MunichMunichGermany
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma ResearchGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)HeidelbergGermany
- Institute of PathologyHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - Marta Alonso
- Program in Solid Tumors and BiomarkersFoundation for the Applied Medical ResearchUniversity of Navarra PamplonaPamplonaSpain
| | - Sofia Avnet
- Orthopedic Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine UnitIRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
| | - Ana Banito
- Pediatric Soft Tissue Sarcoma Research GroupGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Stefan Burdach
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Cancer Research Center (CCRC)Technische Universität MünchenMunichGermany
| | - Florencia Cidre‐Aranaz
- Max‐Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma BiologyInstitute of PathologyFaculty of MedicineLMU MunichMunichGermany
| | - Gemma Di Pompo
- Orthopedic Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine UnitIRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Merve Kasan
- Max‐Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma BiologyInstitute of PathologyFaculty of MedicineLMU MunichMunichGermany
| | | | | | - Fernando Lecanda
- Division of OncologyAdhesion and Metastasis LaboratoryCenter for Applied Medical ResearchUniversity of NavarraPamplonaSpain
| | - Silvia Lemma
- Orthopedic Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine UnitIRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
| | - Dario L Longo
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)Italian National Research Council (CNR)TurinItaly
| | | | | | - Julian Musa
- Max‐Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma BiologyInstitute of PathologyFaculty of MedicineLMU MunichMunichGermany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation SurgeryUniversity of HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Shunya Ohmura
- Max‐Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma BiologyInstitute of PathologyFaculty of MedicineLMU MunichMunichGermany
| | | | - Miguel Pereira‐Silva
- Department of Pharmaceutical TechnologyFaculty of PharmacyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
| | - Francesca Perut
- Orthopedic Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine UnitIRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
| | - Rene Rodriguez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de AsturiasOviedoSpain
- CIBER en oncología (CIBERONC)MadridSpain
| | | | - Nada Al Shaaili
- Department of Oncology and MetabolismUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Shabnam Shaabani
- Department of Drug DesignUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Kristina Shiavone
- Department of Oncology and MetabolismUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Snehadri Sinha
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial DiseasesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | | | - Marcel Trautmann
- Division of Translational PathologyGerhard‐Domagk‐Institute of PathologyMünster University HospitalMünsterGermany
| | - Maria Vela
- Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ)MadridSpain
| | | | | | - Marta Zalacain
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)Italian National Research Council (CNR)TurinItaly
| | - Sebastian J Schober
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Cancer Research Center (CCRC)Technische Universität MünchenMunichGermany
| | - Andrej Lissat
- University Children′s Hospital Zurich – Eleonoren FoundationKanton ZürichZürichSwitzerland
| | - William R English
- Department of Oncology and MetabolismUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Nicola Baldini
- Orthopedic Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine UnitIRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor SciencesUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Dominique Heymann
- Department of Oncology and MetabolismUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
- Université de NantesInstitut de Cancérologie de l'OuestTumor Heterogeneity and Precision MedicineSaint‐HerblainFrance
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Cassandri M, Fioravanti R, Pomella S, Valente S, Rotili D, Del Baldo G, De Angelis B, Rota R, Mai A. CDK9 as a Valuable Target in Cancer: From Natural Compounds Inhibitors to Current Treatment in Pediatric Soft Tissue Sarcomas. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1230. [PMID: 32903585 PMCID: PMC7438590 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDKs) are well-known reliable targets for cancer treatment being often deregulated. Among them, since the transcription-associated CDK9 represents the sentry of cell transcriptional homeostasis, it can be a valuable target for managing cancers in which the transcriptional machinery is dysregulated by tumor-driver oncogenes. Here we give an overview of some natural compounds identified as CDK inhibitors with reported activity also against CDK9, that were taken as a model for the development of highly active synthetic anti-CDK9 agents. After, we summarize the data on CDK9 inhibition in a group of rare pediatric solid tumors such as rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, synovial sarcoma and malignant rhabdoid tumors (soft tissue sarcomas), highlighting the more recent results in this field. Finally, we discuss the perspective and challenge of CDK9 modulation in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Cassandri
- Department of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Fioravanti
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pomella
- Department of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Del Baldo
- Department of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Biagio De Angelis
- Department of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Showpnil IA, Miller KR, Taslim C, Pishas KI, Lessnick SL, Theisen ER. Mapping the Structure-Function Relationships of Disordered Oncogenic Transcription Factors Using Transcriptomic Analysis. J Vis Exp 2020. [PMID: 32658189 DOI: 10.3791/61564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cancers are characterized by chromosomal translocations which result in the expression of oncogenic fusion transcription factors. Typically, these proteins contain an intrinsically disordered domain (IDD) fused with the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of another protein and orchestrate widespread transcriptional changes to promote malignancy. These fusions are often the sole recurring genomic aberration in the cancers they cause, making them attractive therapeutic targets. However, targeting oncogenic transcription factors requires a better understanding of the mechanistic role that low-complexity, IDDs play in their function. The N-terminal domain of EWSR1 is an IDD involved in a variety of oncogenic fusion transcription factors, including EWS/FLI, EWS/ATF, and EWS/WT1. Here, we use RNA-sequencing to investigate the structural features of the EWS domain important for transcriptional function of EWS/FLI in Ewing sarcoma. First shRNA-mediated depletion of the endogenous fusion from Ewing sarcoma cells paired with ectopic expression of a variety of EWS-mutant constructs is performed. Then RNA-sequencing is used to analyze the transcriptomes of cells expressing these constructs to characterize the functional deficits associated with mutations in the EWS domain. By integrating the transcriptomic analyses with previously published information about EWS/FLI DNA binding motifs, and genomic localization, as well as functional assays for transforming ability, we were able to identify structural features of EWS/FLI important for oncogenesis and define a novel set of EWS/FLI target genes critical for Ewing sarcoma. This paper demonstrates the use of RNA-sequencing as a method to map the structure-function relationship of the intrinsically disordered domain of oncogenic transcription factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iftekhar A Showpnil
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital; Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University
| | - Kyle R Miller
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital
| | - Cenny Taslim
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital
| | - Kathleen I Pishas
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital
| | - Stephen L Lessnick
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital; Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Blood & Marrow Transplant, The Ohio State University
| | - Emily R Theisen
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University;
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Quagliano A, Gopalakrishnapillai A, Barwe SP. Understanding the Mechanisms by Which Epigenetic Modifiers Avert Therapy Resistance in Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:992. [PMID: 32670880 PMCID: PMC7326773 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of resistance to anti-cancer therapeutics remains one of the core issues preventing the improvement of survival rates in cancer. Therapy resistance can arise in a multitude of ways, including the accumulation of epigenetic alterations in cancer cells. By remodeling DNA methylation patterns or modifying histone proteins during oncogenesis, cancer cells reorient their epigenomic landscapes in order to aggressively resist anti-cancer therapy. To combat these chemoresistant effects, epigenetic modifiers such as DNA hypomethylating agents, histone deacetylase inhibitors, histone demethylase inhibitors, along with others have been used. While these modifiers have achieved moderate success when used either alone or in combination with one another, the most positive outcomes were achieved when they were used in conjunction with conventional anti-cancer therapies. Epigenome modifying drugs have succeeded in sensitizing cancer cells to anti-cancer therapy via a variety of mechanisms: disrupting pro-survival/anti-apoptotic signaling, restoring cell cycle control and preventing DNA damage repair, suppressing immune system evasion, regulating altered metabolism, disengaging pro-survival microenvironmental interactions and increasing protein expression for targeted therapies. In this review, we explore different mechanisms by which epigenetic modifiers induce sensitivity to anti-cancer therapies and encourage the further identification of the specific genes involved with sensitization to facilitate development of clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Quagliano
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Anilkumar Gopalakrishnapillai
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Sonali P. Barwe
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Gu Z, Zhou Y, Cao C, Wang X, Wu L, Ye Z. TFAP2C-mediated LINC00922 signaling underpins doxorubicin-resistant osteosarcoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110363. [PMID: 32563982 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been indicated as critical regulators in osteosarcoma (OS). However, the function of lncRNAs in doxorubicin (DXR)-resistant OS remain unclear. Here, present study investigated the functions of lncRNA LINC00922 on the DXR resistance in OS tumorigenesis. LncRNA expression profile was detected using lncRNA microarray in DXR-resistant OS cells (MG63/DXR) and parental cells (MG63). Molecular binding was detected using luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation. DXR sensitivity assay was detected using CCK-8 assay. Results showed that LINC00922 was significantly up-regulated in OS tissue specimens. Cellular assays showed that LINC00922 increased DXR IC50 and the knockdown of LINC00922 repressed the tumor growth of OS cells. Mechanistic assays showed that LINC00922 acts as a sponge of miR-424-5p, and miR-424-5p targeted the 3'-untranslated region of transcription factor activating protein 2 gamma (TFAP2C) mRNA. Moreover, TFAP2C promoted transcription of LINC00922 in a positive feedback loop comprising TFAP2C, LINC00922, and miR-424-5p. Collectively, these findings uncovered the function of TFAP2C/LINC00922/miR-424-5p feedback loop in DXR resistance, suggesting new therapeutic direction for OS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zenghui Gu
- Department of Orthopaedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Yuanxi Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Chenye Cao
- Department of Orthopaedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Xinqiang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Liangbang Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Zhaoming Ye
- Department of Orthopaedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China.
| |
Collapse
|