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Spinos T, Zografos E, Koutsoukos K, Zagouri F, Kosmas C, Driva TS, Goutas D, Gakiopoulou C, Agrogiannis G, Theochari E, Tzavara C, Lazaris AC. Predictive tissue markers in testicular germ cell tumors: Immunohistochemical expression of MLH1 and REV-7 proteins. Int Urol Nephrol 2024; 56:1887-1898. [PMID: 38285100 PMCID: PMC11090952 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-023-03933-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Testicular Germ Cell Tumors (TGCTs) are the most frequent solid malignancies in young adult men. Regardless of differences in their cell of origin, all TGCTs are considered highly curable malignancies. However, approximately 3-5% of all TGCTs do not respond to platinum-based chemotherapies. The purpose of our paper is to investigate whether immunohistochemical expression of MLH1 and REV-7 can be used as predictive tissue markers for TGCTs. MATERIAL AND METHODS The main demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of 64 male patients with TGCTs who underwent orchiectomy from 2007 to 2022 were retrospectively obtained from two large Oncology Clinics in Greece. Both patients with chemosensitive and chemoresistant disease were included. Immunohistochemical staining for MLH1 and REV-7 proteins was applied in specimens of these patients. RESULTS 31 seminomas and 33 non-seminomas were included. 48 patients had chemosensitive disease, while 16 had chemoresistant disease. 53 specimens showed preserved MLH1 expression, while 11 specimens had lost MLH1 expression. Expression of MLH1 was only significantly associated with patients' age. 16 specimens showed positive REV-7 expression, while 48 specimens were REV-7 negative. Interestingly, 50% of patients with chemoresistant disease and 16,7% of patients with chemosensitive disease were REV-7 positive. This difference was statistically significant. Moreover, REV-7 positivity was significantly associated with chemoresistance, various clinicopathological parameters and patients' prognosis and survival. CONCLUSION Loss of MLH1 expression was only found to be significantly associated with lower patients' age. Positive immunohistochemical REV-7 expression was significantly associated with various clinicopathological parameters, while it was also associated with significantly lower survival and greater hazard. REV-7 positive percentages were significantly higher in patients with chemoresistant disease. Our findings imply that immunohistochemical staining for REV-7 could potentially be used as a predictive tissue marker for TGCT tumors. Moreover, targeting of REV-7 protein, could represent a potential therapeutic strategy for chemoresistant TGCT cases. The implementation of well-designed studies on a larger scale is of utmost importance, in order to draw safer conclusions. Additional studies are needed so as to draw safer conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Spinos
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27, Goudi, Athens, Greece.
| | - Eleni Zografos
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Apodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Koutsoukos
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Apodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Flora Zagouri
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Apodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Kosmas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Unit, Metaxa Memorial Cancer Hospital, Piraeus, Greece
| | - Tatiana S Driva
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Goutas
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Charikleia Gakiopoulou
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - George Agrogiannis
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Theochari
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Chara Tzavara
- Department of Biostatistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas C Lazaris
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27, Goudi, Athens, Greece
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Chen T, Zheng L, Luo P, Zou J, Li W, Chen Q, Zou J, Qian B. Crosstalk between m6A modification and autophagy in cancer. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:44. [PMID: 38576024 PMCID: PMC10996158 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01225-5] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a cellular self-degradation process that plays a crucial role in maintaining metabolic functions in cells and organisms. Dysfunctional autophagy has been linked to various diseases, including cancer. In cancer, dysregulated autophagy is closely associated with the development of cancer and drug resistance, and it can have both oncogenic and oncostatic effects. Research evidence supports the connection between m6A modification and human diseases, particularly cancer. Abnormalities in m6A modification are involved in the initiation and progression of cancer by regulating the expression of oncogenes and oncostatic genes. There is an interaction between m6A modification and autophagy, both of which play significant roles in cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship are still unclear. m6A modification can either directly inhibit autophagy or promote its initiation, but the complex relationship between m6A modification, autophagy, and cancer remains poorly understood. Therefore, this paper aims to review the dual role of m6A and autophagy in cancer, explore the impact of m6A modification on autophagy regulation, and discuss the crucial role of the m6A modification-autophagy axis in cancer progression and treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Chen
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Liying Zheng
- Department of Graduate, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Peiyue Luo
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jun Zou
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wei Li
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qi Chen
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Junrong Zou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Biao Qian
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China.
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3
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Cheng H, Shang D, Zhou R. Germline stem cells in human. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:345. [PMID: 36184610 PMCID: PMC9527259 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01197-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The germline cells are essential for the propagation of human beings, thus essential for the survival of mankind. The germline stem cells, as a unique cell type, generate various states of germ stem cells and then differentiate into specialized cells, spermatozoa and ova, for producing offspring, while self-renew to generate more stem cells. Abnormal development of germline stem cells often causes severe diseases in humans, including infertility and cancer. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) first emerge during early embryonic development, migrate into the gentile ridge, and then join in the formation of gonads. In males, they differentiate into spermatogonial stem cells, which give rise to spermatozoa via meiosis from the onset of puberty, while in females, the female germline stem cells (FGSCs) retain stemness in the ovary and initiate meiosis to generate oocytes. Primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) can be induced in vitro from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells. In this review, we focus on current advances in these embryonic and adult germline stem cells, and the induced PGCLCs in humans, provide an overview of molecular mechanisms underlying the development and differentiation of the germline stem cells and outline their physiological functions, pathological implications, and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhua Cheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China.
| | - Dantong Shang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Rongjia Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China.
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Fukushima H, Turkbey B, Pinto PA, Furusawa A, Choyke PL, Kobayashi H. Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) in Urologic Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122996. [PMID: 35740662 PMCID: PMC9221010 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a novel molecularly-targeted therapy that selectively kills cancer cells by systemically injecting an antibody-photoabsorber conjugate (APC) that binds to cancer cells, followed by the application of NIR light that drives photochemical transformations of the APC. APCs are synthesized by selecting a monoclonal antibody that binds to a receptor on a cancer cell and conjugating it to IRDye700DX silica-phthalocyanine dye. Approximately 24 h after APC administration, NIR light is delivered to the tumor, resulting in nearly-immediate necrotic cell death of cancer cells while causing no harm to normal tissues. In addition, NIR-PIT induces a strong immunologic effect, activating anti-cancer immunity that can be further boosted when combined with either immune checkpoint inhibitors or immune suppressive cell-targeted (e.g., regulatory T cells) NIR-PIT. Currently, a global phase III study of NIR-PIT in recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is ongoing. The first APC and NIR laser systems were approved for clinical use in September 2020 in Japan. In the near future, the clinical applications of NIR-PIT will expand to other cancers, including urologic cancers. In this review, we provide an overview of NIR-PIT and its possible applications in urologic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Fukushima
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (H.F.); (B.T.); (A.F.); (P.L.C.)
| | - Baris Turkbey
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (H.F.); (B.T.); (A.F.); (P.L.C.)
| | - Peter A. Pinto
- Urologic Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Aki Furusawa
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (H.F.); (B.T.); (A.F.); (P.L.C.)
| | - Peter L. Choyke
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (H.F.); (B.T.); (A.F.); (P.L.C.)
| | - Hisataka Kobayashi
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (H.F.); (B.T.); (A.F.); (P.L.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-240-858-3069; Fax: +1-240-541-4527
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Giunta EF, Ottaviano M, Mosca A, Banna GL, Rescigno P. Standard versus high-dose chemotherapy in mediastinal germ cell tumors: a narrative review. MEDIASTINUM (HONG KONG, CHINA) 2022; 6:6. [PMID: 35340836 PMCID: PMC8841545 DOI: 10.21037/med-21-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to analyze feasibility and toxicities of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) in comparison to standard dose chemotherapy (SDCT) in patients affected by mediastinal germ cell tumors (MGCTs), discussing factors that may affect therapeutic choices, such as: management of residual disease, early response predictors for chemotherapeutic efficacy and determinants of chemotherapeutic resistance. In this review, we discuss the main clinical experiences with HDCT and SDCT in germ cell tumor (GCT) patients specifically in those affected by MGCT. BACKGROUND MGCTs represent a very small subset characterized by a poor prognosis, despite improvements in their clinical management and in understanding their biology. From early 1970s, HDCT has become an alternative to SDCT for both first-line and salvage therapeutic settings in advanced GCT patients. Several HDCT schedules-either cisplatin or carboplatin-based-have been tested so far, both in clinical randomized trial and in single-center experiences, with divergent results in terms of clinical outcomes and tolerability. Moreover, the majority of these studies included, but were not exclusively designed for, advanced MGCT patients, making difficult to infer data for this specific subset. METHODS an extended review of literature through PubMed was conducted using the keywords "mediastinal germinal cell tumors", "standard dose chemotherapy" and "high dose chemotherapy". CONCLUSIONS HDCT regimens could not be considered to date a standard option as first-line therapy in advanced MGCT patients, whilst they could be an alternative to SDCT regimens in relapsed tumors after proper patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Francesco Giunta
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Margaret Ottaviano
- Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, Naples, Italy
- CRCTR Coordinating Rare Tumors Reference Center of Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mosca
- Multidisciplinary Outpatient Oncology Clinic, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Luigi Banna
- Department of Oncology, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth PO2 8QD, UK
| | - Pasquale Rescigno
- Interdisciplinary Group for Translational Research and Clinical Trials, Urological Cancers (GIRT-Uro), Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
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Voutsadakis IA. Mutations of p53 associated with pancreatic cancer and therapeutic implications. Ann Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg 2021; 25:315-327. [PMID: 34402431 PMCID: PMC8382872 DOI: 10.14701/ahbps.2021.25.3.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a malignancy with rising incidence and grim prognosis. Despite improvements in therapeutics for treating metastatic pancreatic cancer, this disease is invariably fatal with survival time less than a few years. New molecular understanding of the pathogenesis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma based on efforts led by The Cancer Genome Atlas and other groups has elucidated the landscape of this disease and started to produce therapeutic results, leading to the first introduction of targeted therapies for subsets of pancreatic cancers bearing specific molecular lesions such as BRCA mutations. These efforts have highlighted that subsets of pancreatic cancers are particularly sensitive to chemotherapy. The most common molecular lesions in pancreatic adenocarcinomas are mutations in an oncogene KRAS and the TP53 gene that encodes for tumor suppressor protein p53. This paper will review the landscape of pancreatic cancers, focusing on mutations of p53, a major tumor suppressor protein, in pancreatic cancers and possible therapeutic repercussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis A Voutsadakis
- Algoma District Cancer Program, Sault Area Hospital, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada.,Section of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada
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Chen H, Xiang Y, Yin Y, Peng J, Peng D, Li D, Kitazawa R, Tang Y, Yang J. The m6A methyltransferase METTL3 regulates autophagy and sensitivity to cisplatin by targeting ATG5 in seminoma. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:1711-1722. [PMID: 33968659 PMCID: PMC8100844 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-1411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Our previous work shows Autophagy enhanced resistance to cisplatin in seminoma. The expression of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferases METTL3 was significantly increased in the cisplatin-resistant TCam-2 cell line of seminoma. We aimed to investigate the role of m6A methylation in autophagy and the chemosensitivity of seminoma cells. Methods Plasmid and siRNA were used to overexpress and knockdown METTL3. Autophagy was detected by western blot and immunofluorescence, respectively. The expression of downstream targets of METTL3 was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot, and the m6A level of them was detected by MeRIP-qPCR. Chemosensitivity of the TCam-2 cell line was identified through MTT assay. Results Upon METTL3 overexpression, autophagy of TCam-2 cell line was enhanced and its sensitivity to cisplatin was decreased. The use of autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine (3-MA) could reverse the protective effect of METTL3 on TCam-2 cells. We found that the up-regulation of METTL3 could increase the m6A modification level of ATG5 transcript, thus increased expression of ATG5. Moreover, knockdown of ATG5 reduced METTL3-induced autophagy, suggesting that ATG5 was a potential target for METTL3 to promote autophagy. Conclusions In summary, our research unveiled the unique mechanism by which m6A methylation regulates autophagy and chemosensitivity of the TCam-2 cell line and METTL3 was a potential target to overcome the cisplatin resistance of seminoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanfei Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yali Xiang
- Health Management Center, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yinghao Yin
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingxuan Peng
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dongyi Peng
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dongjie Li
- Xiangya International Medical Center, Department of Geriatric Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Riko Kitazawa
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Ehime University Hospital, Toon, Japan
| | - Yuxin Tang
- Department of Urology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jianfu Yang
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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Hoff AM, Kraggerud SM, Alagaratnam S, Berg KCG, Johannessen B, Høland M, Nilsen G, Lingjærde OC, Andrews PW, Lothe RA, Skotheim RI. Frequent copy number gains of SLC2A3 and ETV1 in testicular embryonal carcinomas. Endocr Relat Cancer 2020; 27:457-468. [PMID: 32580154 PMCID: PMC7424350 DOI: 10.1530/erc-20-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) appear as different histological subtypes or mixtures of these. They show similar, multiple DNA copy number changes, where gain of 12p is pathognomonic. However, few high-resolution analyses have been performed and focal DNA copy number changes with corresponding candidate target genes remain poorly described for individual subtypes. We present the first high-resolution DNA copy number aberration (CNA) analysis on the subtype embryonal carcinomas (ECs), including 13 primary ECs and 5 EC cell lines. We identified recurrent gains and losses and allele-specific CNAs. Within these regions, we nominate 30 genes that may be of interest to the EC subtype. By in silico analysis of data from 150 TGCTs from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we further investigated CNAs, RNA expression, somatic mutations and fusion transcripts of these genes. Among primary ECs, ploidy ranged between 2.3 and 5.0, and the most common aberrations were DNA copy number gains at chromosome (arm) 7, 8, 12p, and 17, losses at 4, 10, 11, and 18, replicating known TGCT genome characteristics. Gain of whole or parts of 12p was found in all samples, including a highly amplified 100 kbp segment at 12p13.31, containing SLC2A3. Gain at 7p21, encompassing ETV1, was the second most frequent aberration. In conclusion, we present novel CNAs and the genes located within these regions, where the copy number gain of SLC2A3 and ETV1 are of interest, and which copy number levels also correlate with expression in TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas M Hoff
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sigrid M Kraggerud
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sharmini Alagaratnam
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kaja C G Berg
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjarne Johannessen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maren Høland
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gro Nilsen
- Department of Informatics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole C Lingjærde
- Department of Informatics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Peter W Andrews
- The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ragnhild A Lothe
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Correspondence should be addressed to R A Lothe or R I Skotheim: or
| | - Rolf I Skotheim
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Informatics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Correspondence should be addressed to R A Lothe or R I Skotheim: or
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Wei J, Yin Y, Zhou J, Chen H, Peng J, Yang J, Tang Y. METTL3 potentiates resistance to cisplatin through m 6 A modification of TFAP2C in seminoma. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:11366-11380. [PMID: 32857912 PMCID: PMC7576266 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) rank as the most common malignancy in men aged 20‐34 years, and seminomas are the most type of TGCTs. As a crucial anti‐tumour agent with explicit toxicity, cisplatin may render resistance through intertwined mechanisms, even in disease entities with high curative ratio, such as seminoma. Previously, we established cisplatin‐resistant seminoma TCam‐2 (TCam‐2/CDDP) cells and showed that epigenetic regulations, such as non‐coding RNA (ncRNA) interactions, might orchestrate cell fate decisions in the cisplatin treatment context in seminoma. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification in mRNA. In the present study, we assessed cisplatin resistance in seminoma from the perspective of m6A, another manner of epigenetic modification. The global m6A enrichment of TCam‐2 and TCam‐2/CDDP was depicted. Then, we elucidated whether transcription factor‐activating enhancer‐binding protein 2C (TFAP2C) was functionally m6A‐modified by methyltransferase‐like protein 3 (METTL3), which acted as an m6A ‘writer’, and insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1), which acted as an m6A ‘reader’. Enhanced stability of TFAP2C mRNA promoted seminoma cell survival under cisplatin treatment burden probably through up‐regulation of DNA repair‐related genes. Hopefully, this study will help improve our understanding of the subtleties of the tumour cellular coping strategy in response to chemotherapy. Targeting factors that are involved in m6A methylation may be an effective strategy for circumventing cisplatin resistance in seminoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchao Wei
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinghao Yin
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hanfei Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingxuan Peng
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianfu Yang
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuxin Tang
- Department of Urology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
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10
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Sestakova Z, Kalavska K, Smolkova B, Miskovska V, Rejlekova K, Sycova-Mila Z, Palacka P, Obertova J, Holickova A, Hurbanova L, Jurkovicova D, Roska J, Goffa E, Svetlovska D, Chovanec M, Mardiak J, Mego M, Chovanec M. DNA damage measured in blood cells predicts overall and progression-free survival in germ cell tumour patients. Mutat Res 2020; 854-855:503200. [PMID: 32660824 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2020.503200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Germ cell tumour (GCT) patients who fail to respond to chemotherapy or who relapse have a poor prognosis. Timely and accurately stratifying such patients could optimise their therapy. We identified endogenous DNA damage levels as a prognostic marker for progression-free (PFS) and overall (OS) survival in chemotherapy-naïve GCT patients. In the present study, we have extended our previous results and reviewed the prognostic power of DNA damage level in GCTs. Endogenous DNA damage levels were measured with the comet assay. Receiver operator characteristic analysis was applied to determine the optimal cut-off value and to evaluate its prognostic accuracy. PFS and OS were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Hazard ratio (HR) estimates were calculated by Cox regression analysis. A cut-off value of 6.34 provided the highest sensitivity and specificity, with area under curve values of 0.813 and 0.814 for disease progression and mortality, respectively. A % DNA in tail > 6.34 was significantly associated with shorter PFS (HR = 9.54, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 3.43-26.55, p < 0.001) and OS (HR = 14.62, 95 % CI: 3.14-67.95, p = 0.001) by univariate analysis. The prognostic value of DNA damage measurement was confirmed by multivariate models (HR = 6.45, 95 % CI: 2.22-18.75, p = 0.001 for PFS and HR = 9.40, 95 % CI: 1.70-52.09, p = 0.010 for OS), when HR was adjusted for relevant clinical categories. The added prognostic value of DNA damage in combination with International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) risk groups has been revealed. Endogenous DNA damage is an independent prognosticator for PFS and OS in GCT patients and its clinical use, particularly in combination with IGCCCG risk groups, may help in stratifying these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Sestakova
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Katarina Kalavska
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic; Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Vera Miskovska
- 1(st)Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Katarina Rejlekova
- Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Zuzana Sycova-Mila
- Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Patrik Palacka
- Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Jana Obertova
- Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Andrea Holickova
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Lenka Hurbanova
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Dana Jurkovicova
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Jan Roska
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Eduard Goffa
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Daniela Svetlovska
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Michal Chovanec
- Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic; 2(nd)Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Jozef Mardiak
- Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic; 2(nd)Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Michal Mego
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic; Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic; Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic; 2(nd)Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Miroslav Chovanec
- Department of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
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11
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Khalifa J, Fléchon A, Chevreau C. Brain metastases from germ cell tumor: time to reconsider radiotherapy? Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 150:102946. [PMID: 32353705 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.102946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of brain metastases (BMs) from germ cell tumor (GCT) remains a rare situation. BMs predominantly occur among patients with testis primary tumor site, and are almost exclusively associated with non-seminomatous (NS) histologies. Two situations must be distinguished, which differ in terms of clinical presentation, overall prognostic and management. At diagnosis, BMs are almost systematically associated with extra-cerebral metastases and the cornerstone of treatment is chemotherapy, while the role of local treatment remains controversial. In the metachronous setting, BMs more frequently constitute an isolated site of relapse, the outcome is poorer, and the role of local treatment is more consensual. However, all these data widely come from old reports, with outdated radiation techniques. The recent advances in radiation oncology, especially the rising use of stereotactic radiotherapy, could lead to the reconsideration of ancient dogmas regarding the "radiosensitivity" of (NS)GCT and the role of radiotherapy among patients with BMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Khalifa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut Claudius Regaud / Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse - Oncopole, 1 avenue Irène Joliot-Curie, 31000, Toulouse, France.
| | - Aude Fléchon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon-Bérard, 28 rue Laennec, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - Christine Chevreau
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Claudius Regaud / Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse - Oncopole, 1 avenue Irène Joliot-Curie, 31000, Toulouse, France.
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12
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Chieffi P, De Martino M, Esposito F. Further insights into testicular germ cell tumor oncogenesis: potential therapeutic targets. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 20:189-195. [PMID: 32164473 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2020.1736566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common neoplasia in the young male population, and the incidence has been constantly increasing in many parts of the world. These tumors are classified into seminomas and non-seminomas, and those divided, in turn, into yolk sac tumors, embryonal cell carcinomas, choriocarcinomas, and teratomas. Although therapeutic approaches have improved, approximately 25% of the patients relapse or, in a small number of cases, show platinum-resistant disease.Areas covered: We review several molecular targets that have recently emerged as powerful tools for both diagnosis and therapy of TGCTs. Moreover, we reviewed the most frequent deregulated pathways involved in TGCT tumorigenesis, reporting drugs that may emerge as novel therapeutic agents.Expert opinion: TGCT treatment is mainly based on platinum-derivative therapy with high cure rates. However, in the refractory patients, there are few alternative treatments. Thus, different pharmacological approaches have to be thoroughly investigated to shed new light on TGCT pathogenesis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Chieffi
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università della Campania, Caserta, Italy
| | - Marco De Martino
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università della Campania, Caserta, Italy.,Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
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13
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Mao CX, Li M, Zhang W, Zhou HH, Yin JY, Liu ZQ. Pharmacogenomics for the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy: Old drugs, new integrated perspective. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 126:110057. [PMID: 32145590 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Platinum-based chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment for many malignancies. However, although therapeutic efficiency varies greatly among individuals, there is a lack of pharmacogenomic biomarkers that can be used in clinical settings to identify chemosensitive patients and allow stratification. With the development of high-throughput screening techniques and systems biology approaches, a growing body of evidence has shown that platinum resistance is a multifactorial, multi-dimensional, dynamic process incorporating genetic background, tumor evolution and gut microbes. This review critically summarizes potential pharmacogenomic biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of platinum drugs and provides a comprehensive, time-varying perspective that integrates multiple markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Xue Mao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410078, PR China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410078, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China
| | - Hong-Hao Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410078, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China
| | - Ji-Ye Yin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410078, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China.
| | - Zhao-Qian Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410078, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China.
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14
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Rosas-Plaza X, de Vries G, Meersma GJ, Suurmeijer AJH, Gietema JA, van Vugt MATM, de Jong S. Dual mTORC1/2 Inhibition Sensitizes Testicular Cancer Models to Cisplatin Treatment. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 19:590-601. [PMID: 31744897 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer type among young men. Despite highly effective cisplatin-based chemotherapy, around 20% of patients with metastatic disease will still die from the disease. The aim of this study was to explore the use of kinase inhibitors to sensitize testicular cancer cells to cisplatin treatment. Activation of kinases, including receptor tyrosine kinases and downstream substrates, was studied in five cisplatin-sensitive or -resistant testicular cancer cell lines using phospho-kinase arrays and Western blotting. The phospho-kinase array showed AKT and S6 to be among the top phosphorylated proteins in testicular cancer cells, which are part of the PI3K/AKT/mTORC pathway. Inhibitors of most active kinases in the PI3K/AKT/mTORC pathway were tested using apoptosis assays and survival assays. Two mTORC1/2 inhibitors, AZD8055 and MLN0128, strongly enhanced cisplatin-induced apoptosis in all tested testicular cancer cell lines. Inhibition of mTORC1/2 blocked phosphorylation of the mTORC downstream proteins S6 and 4E-BP1. Combined treatment with AZD8055 and cisplatin led to reduced clonogenic survival of testicular cancer cells. Two testicular cancer patient-derived xenografts (PDX), either from a chemosensitive or -resistant patient, were treated with cisplatin in the absence or presence of kinase inhibitor. Combined AZD8055 and cisplatin treatment resulted in effective mTORC1/2 inhibition, increased caspase-3 activity, and enhanced tumor growth inhibition. In conclusion, we identified mTORC1/2 inhibition as an effective strategy to sensitize testicular cancer cell lines and PDX models to cisplatin treatment. Our results warrant further investigation of this combination therapy in the treatment of patients with testicular cancer with high-risk relapsed or refractory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena Rosas-Plaza
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Gerda de Vries
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Gert Jan Meersma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Albert J H Suurmeijer
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jourik A Gietema
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel A T M van Vugt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Steven de Jong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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15
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Peng D, Wei J, Gan Y, Yang J, Jiang X, Kitazawa R, Xiang Y, Dai Y, Tang Y. Testis developmental related gene 1 regulates the chemosensitivity of seminoma TCam-2 cells to cisplatin via autophagy. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:7773-7784. [PMID: 31496041 PMCID: PMC6815826 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously identified testis developmental related gene 1 (TDRG1), a gene implicated in proliferation of TCam-2 seminoma cells. Recent evidence has revealed that autophagy influences the chemosensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy. However, whether TDRG1 protein regulates autophagy in seminoma cells and influences their sensitivity to cis-dichlorodiammine platinum (CDDP) remains unknown. In this study, we used TCam-2 cells and male athymic BALB/c nude mice with xenografts of TCam-2 cells to investigate autophagy, cell viability, apoptosis and the p110β/Rab5/Vps34 (PI3-kinase Class III) pathway under the conditions of TDRG1 overexpression or knockdown and with or without CDDP treatment. We found that TDRG1 upregulation promoted autophagy in both TCam-2 cells and seminoma xenografts via p110β/Rab5/Vps34 activation. Inhibition of autophagy reduced cell viability and promoted apoptosis during CDDP treatment of TCam-2 cells. Similarly, TDRG1 knockdown inhibited autophagy, reduced cell viability and promoted apoptosis during CDDP treatment of TCam-2 cells. TDRG1 knockdown inhibited tumour growth and promoted apoptosis in TCam-2 cell xenografts, whereas TDRG1 overexpression had the opposite effect. According to these results, we propose that high expression of TDRG1 promotes autophagy through the p110β/Rab5/Vps34 pathway in TCam-2 cells. TDRG1 overexpression promotes autophagy and leads to CDDP resistance, whereas TDRG1 knockdown inhibits autophagy and promotes chemosensitivity to CDDP both in vivo and in vitro. This study has uncovered a novel role of TDRG1 in reducing chemoresistance during CDDP treatment and provides potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of human seminoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyi Peng
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingchao Wei
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Gan
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianfu Yang
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xianzhen Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Riko Kitazawa
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Ehime University Hospital, Toon, Japan
| | - Yali Xiang
- Department of Health Management Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yingbo Dai
- Department of Urology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yuxin Tang
- Department of Urology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
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16
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Schmidtova S, Kalavska K, Gercakova K, Cierna Z, Miklikova S, Smolkova B, Buocikova V, Miskovska V, Durinikova E, Burikova M, Chovanec M, Matuskova M, Mego M, Kucerova L. Disulfiram Overcomes Cisplatin Resistance in Human Embryonal Carcinoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1224. [PMID: 31443351 PMCID: PMC6769487 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin resistance in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) is a clinical challenge. We investigated the underlying mechanisms associated with cancer stem cell (CSC) markers and modalities circumventing the chemoresistance. Chemoresistant models (designated as CisR) of human embryonal carcinoma cell lines NTERA-2 and NCCIT were derived and characterized using flow cytometry, gene expression, functional and protein arrays. Tumorigenicity was determined on immunodeficient mouse model. Disulfiram was used to examine chemosensitization of resistant cells. ALDH1A3 isoform expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 216 patients' tissue samples. Chemoresistant cells were significantly more resistant to cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin compared to parental cells. NTERA-2 CisR cells exhibited altered morphology and increased tumorigenicity. High ALDH1A3 expression and increased ALDH activity were detected in both refractory cell lines. Disulfiram in combination with cisplatin showed synergy for NTERA-2 CisR and NCCIT CisR cells and inhibited growth of NTERA-2 CisR xenografts. Significantly higher ALDH1A3 expression was detected in TGCTs patients' tissue samples compared to normal testicular tissue. We characterized novel clinically relevant model of chemoresistant TGCTs, for the first time identified the ALDH1A3 as a therapeutic target in TGCTs and more importantly, showed that disulfiram represents a viable treatment option for refractory TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Schmidtova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Katarina Kalavska
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Gercakova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Cierna
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Svetlana Miklikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Verona Buocikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Viera Miskovska
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, Kolarska 12, 812 50 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Erika Durinikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Monika Burikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Chovanec
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Miroslava Matuskova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Kucerova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
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17
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Syu SH, Chang CL, Shih HJ. Testicular mixed germ cell tumor presenting with seizure as the initial symptom: a case report and literature review. Int Braz J Urol 2019; 45:629-633. [PMID: 30912892 PMCID: PMC6786113 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2018.0523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Most patients with testicular germ cell tumor present with a painless scrotal mass. We report a 19-year-old patient who presented with neurological complains. Rapid clinical progression to coma was noted during the staging work up. A diagnosis of testicular mixed germ cell tumor with multiorgan metastasis (lymph node, lung, liver and brain) was made. Patients with brain metastasis should receive chemotherapy alone or combined with surgery or radiotherapy. Because the clinical symptoms deteriorated quickly, surgery was used upfront followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the brain tumor. After the first stage of treatment, the clinical symptoms, tumor markers and imaging findings were improved. The residual brain tumor was eliminated by chemotherapy, and only sparse degenerated tumor cells were noted in the brain tissue. Longer follow up is required to assess the impact of our treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syuan-Hao Syu
- Department of Urology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Lun Chang
- Department of Hematology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Jen Shih
- Department of Urology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
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18
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Chieffi P, De Martino M, Esposito F. New Anti-Cancer Strategies in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2019; 14:53-59. [DOI: 10.2174/1574892814666190111120023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: The most common solid malignancy of young men aged 20 to 34 years is testicular germ cell tumor. In addition, the incidence of these tumors has significantly increased throughout the last years. Testicular germ cell tumors are classified into seminoma and nonseminoma germ cell tumors, which take in yolk sac tumor, embryonal cell carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma. There are noteworthy differences about therapy and prognosis of seminomas and nonseminoma germ cell tumors, even though both share characteristics of the primordial germ cells. </P><P> Objectives: The study is focused on different molecular mechanisms strongly involved in testicular germ cell line tumors underlying new strategies to treat this human neoplasia.Methods:Bibliographic data from peer-reviewed research, patent and clinical trial literature, and around eighty papers and patents have been included in this review.Results:Our study reveals that several biomarkers are usefully utilized to discriminate among different histotypes. Moreover, we found new patents regarding testicular germ cell tumor treatments such as the expression of claudin 6, monoclonal antibody (Brentuximab Vedotin), immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with the FDA-approved drugs pembrolizumab and nivolumab or the oncolytic virus Pelareorep, the combination of selective inhibitors of Aurora kinase.Conclusion:Finally, the pathogenesis of testicular germ cell tumor needs to be deeply understood so that it will improve data on stem cells, tumorigenesis and disease tumor management by more selective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Chieffi
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Marco De Martino
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology of the CNR c / o Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine and Surgery of Naples, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
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19
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20
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Wang L, Ma L, Xu F, Zhai W, Dong S, Yin L, Liu J, Yu Z. Role of long non-coding RNA in drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. Thorac Cancer 2018; 9:761-768. [PMID: 29726094 PMCID: PMC6026617 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated death, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85% of all lung cancer cases. Many drugs have been used to treat NSCLC in order to improve patient prognosis. Platinum-based chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for locally advanced or metastatic patients. For patients with activating EGFR mutations, tyrosine kinase inhibitors are the best treatment choice. NSCLC initially exhibits an excellent response to treatment; however, acquired resistance has been observed in many patients, leading to ineffective treatment. Clinical resistance is an impediment in the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC. Many sequencing technologies have shown that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is expressed differently between drug-resistant and drug-sensitive lung cancer cells. We review the literature on lncRNA in drug resistance of NSCLC. The aim of this review is to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance, mainly focusing on the role of lncRNA in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leirong Wang
- Department of OncologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Leina Ma
- Department of OncologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of OncologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Wenxin Zhai
- Department of OncologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Shenghua Dong
- Department of OncologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Ling Yin
- Department of OncologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of PharmacyQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Zhuang Yu
- Department of OncologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
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21
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Aoun F, Kourie HR, Albisinni S, Roumeguère T. Will Testicular Germ Cell Tumors Remain Untargetable? Target Oncol 2017; 11:711-721. [PMID: 27184492 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-016-0439-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Testicular Germ cell tumors (TGCT) represent the most common solid tumors affecting young men. They constitute a distinct entity because of their embryonic origin and their unique biological behavior. Recently, new preclinical data on genetic and epigenetic susceptibility profiles, biological signaling machinery as well as on molecular patterns of tumors and pathways of pathogenesis helped to elucidate the pathogenesis and the differentiation of TGCTs and to understand the mechanisms behind the development of resistance to treatment. In the present work, we have reviewed new clues to the development, differentiation and progression of TGCTs. We focus on the most important epigenetic and molecular biomarkers, and discussed their diagnostic and prognostic accuracy compared to the currently used biomarkers. The mechanisms underlying the development of resistance to cisplatin and commonly used chemotherapeutic agents are also discussed in detail. Finally, we summarize failed and ongoing clinical trials using targeted therapies in resistant TGCTs, and analyze the potential of new targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Aoun
- Department of Urology, Hôtel Dieu de France, Beyrouth, Lebanon.
| | - Hampig Raphael Kourie
- Department of Oncology, Jules Bordet Institute, 1 Héger Bordet Street, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Simone Albisinni
- Department of Urology, Erasme Hospital, Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thierry Roumeguère
- Department of Urology, Erasme Hospital, Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium
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22
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Rudolph C, Melau C, Nielsen JE, Vile Jensen K, Liu D, Pena-Diaz J, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Rasmussen LJ, Jørgensen A. Involvement of the DNA mismatch repair system in cisplatin sensitivity of testicular germ cell tumours. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2017; 40:341-355. [PMID: 28536927 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-017-0326-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) are highly sensitive to cisplatin-based chemotherapy, but patients with tumours containing differentiated teratoma components are less responsive to this treatment. The cisplatin sensitivity in TGCT has previously been linked to the embryonic phenotype in the majority of tumours, although the underlying mechanism largely remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system in the cisplatin sensitivity of TGCT. METHODS The expression pattern of key MMR proteins, including MSH2, MSH6, MLH1 and PMS2, were investigated during testis development and in the pathogenesis of TGCT, including germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS). The TGCT-derived cell line NTera2 was differentiated using retinoic acid (10 μM, 6 days) after which MMR protein expression and activity, as well as cisplatin sensitivity, were investigated in both undifferentiated and differentiated cells. Finally, the expression of MSH2 was knocked down by siRNA in NTera2 cells after which the effect on cisplatin sensitivity was examined. RESULTS MMR proteins were expressed in proliferating cells in the testes, while in malignant germ cells MMR protein expression was found to coincide with the expression of the pluripotency factor OCT4, with no or low expression in the more differentiated yolk sac tumours, choriocarcinomas and teratomas. In differentiated NTera2 cells we found a significantly (p < 0.05) lower expression of the MMR and pluripotency factors, as well as a reduced MMR activity and cisplatin sensitivity, compared to undifferentiated NTera2 cells. Also, we found that partial knockdown of MSH2 expression in undifferentiated NTera2 cells resulted in a significantly (p < 0.001) reduced cisplatin sensitivity. CONCLUSION This study reports, for the first time, expression of the MMR system in fetal gonocytes, from which GCNIS cells are derived. Our findings in primary TGCT specimens and TGCT-derived cells suggest that a reduced sensitivity to cisplatin in differentiated TGCT components could result from a reduced expression of MMR proteins, in particular MSH2 and MLH1, which are involved in the recognition of cisplatin adducts and in activation of the DNA damage response pathway to initiate apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Rudolph
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Melau
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John E Nielsen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristina Vile Jensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dekang Liu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Javier Pena-Diaz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Juel Rasmussen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Kalavska K, Cierna Z, Chovanec M, Takacova M, Svetlovska D, Miskovska V, Obertova J, Palacka P, Rajec J, Sycova-Mila Z, Machalekova K, Kajo K, Spanik S, Mardiak J, Babal P, Pastorekova S, Mego M. Prognostic value of intratumoral carbonic anhydrase IX expression in testicular germ cell tumors. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:2177-2185. [PMID: 28454378 PMCID: PMC5403396 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.5745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) represent a highly curable malignancy, however a small proportion of patients fails to be cured with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) is upregulated by hypoxia in several cancer types and correlates with a poor prognosis. The present translational study evaluated expression and prognostic value of CA IX in TGCTs. Surgical specimens from 228 patients with TGCTs were processed by the tissue microarray method and subjected to immunohistochemistry with the M75 monoclonal antibody. CA IX expression was evaluated in tumors vs. adjacent normal testicular tissues and correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcome. CA IX expression was detected in 62 (30.2%) of TGCTs compared to 0 (0%) of normal tissue adjacent to testicular tumor (P<0.001). The highest frequency of the CA IX expression was detected in teratoma (39.0%), followed by seminoma (22.7%), yolk sac tumor (22.2%), embryonal carcinoma (11.9%) and choriocarcinoma (7.7%). None of germ cell neoplasias in situ (GCNIS) exhibited CA IX expression. Patients without the CA IX tumor expression showed significantly better progression-free survival, but not overall survival, compared to patients with the CA IX expression [hazard ratio (HR), 0.57; 95% CI, 0.32-1.02; P=0.037 and HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.29-1.16; P=0.088, respectively]. There was no significant correlation between the CA IX expression and clinicopathological variables. The intratumoral CA IX expression can serve as a prognostic marker in the TGCT patients. These results suggest that activation of the hypoxia-induced pathways may be important in the treatment failure in TGCTs patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Kalavska
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Zuzana Cierna
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Michal Chovanec
- Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Second Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Martina Takacova
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Daniela Svetlovska
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Viera Miskovska
- First Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, 812 50 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Department of Oncology, St. Elizabeth Cancer Institute, 812 50 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Jana Obertova
- Second Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Patrik Palacka
- Second Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Jan Rajec
- Second Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Zuzana Sycova-Mila
- Second Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Katarina Machalekova
- Department of Pathology, Slovak Medical University, 833 03 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Karol Kajo
- Department of Pathology, Slovak Medical University, 833 03 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Stanislav Spanik
- First Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, 812 50 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Department of Oncology, St. Elizabeth Cancer Institute, 812 50 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Jozef Mardiak
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Second Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Pavel Babal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Silvia Pastorekova
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Michal Mego
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Second Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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Shenoy N, Dronca R, Quevedo F, Boorjian SA, Cheville J, Costello B, Kohli M, Witzig T, Pagliaro L. Low hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression in testicular germ cell tumors - a major reason for enhanced chemosensitivity? Chin J Cancer Res 2017; 29:374-378. [PMID: 28947870 PMCID: PMC5592826 DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2017.04.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular basis for enhanced chemosensitivity of testicular germ cell tumors (GCT) has been an area of great interest, as it could potentially give us therapeutic leads in other resistant malignancies. Thus far, however, the increased sensitivity of GCT has been variously attributed to multiple factors — an inability to detoxify cisplatin, a lack of export pumps, an inability to repair the DNA damage, an intact apoptotic cascade and lack of p53 mutation; but a unifying underlying etiology leading to the aforementioned processes and having a translational implication has so far been elusive. Herein, we offer evidence to support a potential significant role for the previously demonstrated low hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression in mediating the general exquisite chemosensitivity of testicular GCT, through the aforementioned processes. This molecular mechanism based hypothesis could have a significant translational implication in platinum refractory GCT as well as other platinum resistant malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraj Shenoy
- Division of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Roxana Dronca
- Division of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | | | | | - John Cheville
- Division of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Brian Costello
- Division of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Manish Kohli
- Division of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Thomas Witzig
- Division of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Lance Pagliaro
- Division of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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25
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Lysine methylation represses p53 activity in teratocarcinoma cancer cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:9822-7. [PMID: 27535933 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1610387113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
TP53 (which encodes the p53 protein) is the most frequently mutated gene among all human cancers, whereas tumors that retain the wild-type TP53 gene often use alternative mechanisms to repress the p53 tumor-suppressive function. Testicular teratocarcinoma cells rarely contain mutations in TP53, yet the transcriptional activity of wild-type p53 is compromised, despite its high expression level. Here we report that in the teratocarcinoma cell line NTera2, p53 is subject to lysine methylation at its carboxyl terminus, which has been shown to repress p53's transcriptional activity. We show that reduction of the cognate methyltransferases reactivates p53 and promotes differentiation of the NTera2 cells. Furthermore, reconstitution of methylation-deficient p53 mutants into p53-depleted NTera2 cells results in elevated expression of p53 downstream targets and precocious loss of pluripotent gene expression compared with re-expression of wild-type p53. Our results provide evidence that lysine methylation of endogenous wild-type p53 represses its activity in cancer cells and suggest new therapeutic possibilities of targeting testicular teratocarcinoma.
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26
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Chieffi P. An Overview on Predictive Biomarkers of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. J Cell Physiol 2016; 232:276-280. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Chieffi
- Dipartimento di Psicologia; Seconda Università di Napoli; Caserta Italy
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27
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The functional status of DNA repair pathways determines the sensitization effect to cisplatin in non-small cell lung cancer cells. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2016; 39:511-522. [PMID: 27473273 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-016-0291-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cisplatin can cause a variety of DNA crosslink lesions including intra-strand and inter-strand crosslinks (ICLs), which are associated with the sensitivity of cancer cells to cisplatin. Here, we aimed to assess the contribution of the Fanconi anemia (FA), homologous recombination (HR) and nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathways to cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-derived cells. METHODS The expression of FA, HR and NER pathway-associated genes was assessed by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. siRNAs were used to knock down the expression of these genes. CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays were used to assess the viability and apoptotic rate of NSCLC-derived cells, respectively. Immunofluorescence and alkaline comet assays were used to assess the repair of ICLs. RESULTS We found that acquired cisplatin-resistant NSCLC-derived A549/DR cells exhibited markedly enhanced FA and HR repair pathway capacities compared to its parental A549 cells and another independent NSCLC-derived cell line, Calu-1, which possesses a moderate innate resistance to cisplatin. siRNA-mediated silencing of the FA-associated genes FANCL and RAD18 and the HR-associated genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly potentiated the sensitivity of A549/DR cells to cisplatin compared to A549 and Calu-1 cells, suggesting that the acquired cisplatin resistance in A549/DR cells may be attributed to enhanced FA and HR pathway capacities responsible for ICL repair. Although we found that expression knockdown of the NER-associated genes XPA and ERCC1 sensitized the three NSCLC-derived cell lines to cisplatin, the sensitization effect was more significant in Calu-1 cells than in A549 and A549/DR cells, implying that the innate cisplatin resistance in Calu-1 cells may result from an increased NER activity. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the functional status of DNA repair pathways determine the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to cisplatin. Direct targeting of the pathway that is involved in cisplatin resistance may be an effective strategy to surmount cisplatin resistance in NSCLC.
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Gan Y, Wang Y, Tan Z, Zhou J, Kitazawa R, Jiang X, Tang Y, Yang J. TDRG1 regulates chemosensitivity of seminoma TCam-2 cells to cisplatin via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway. Cancer Biol Ther 2016; 17:741-50. [PMID: 27104982 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2016.1178425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously identified TDRG1 (testis developmental related gene 1), a novel gene with exclusive expression in testis, promoted the proliferation and progression of cultured human seminoma cells through PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling. As increasing evidence reveal that aberrant activation of this signaling is involved in cisplatin resistance. Then, in this study, we further explored whether TDRG1 regulated the chemosensitivity of seminoma TCam-2 cells to cisplatin. Our researches showed TDRG1 could regulate the viability of TCam-2 cells following cisplatin treatment in vitro through control of both cell apoptosis and cell cycle. Mechanistically, we observed TDRG1 positively regulated the expression levels of the key elements in PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway including p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR and also affected the translocation of nuclear p-Akt in TCam-2 cells during cisplatin treatment. Meanwhile, the levels of Bad, cytochrome c, caspase-9 ratio (activated/total), caspase-3 ratio (activated/total) and cleaved-PARP were negatively modulated by TDRG1, which meant the involvement of mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, we found the effect of TDRG1 knockdown or TDRG1 overexpression could be reversed by IGF-1, a PI3K signaling activator, or LY294002, a inhibitor of this pathway, respectively. Similar effects of TDRG1 on cisplatin chemosensitivity and associated molecular mechanism were also confirmed in vivo by employing xenograft assays. In addition, the positive correlation between TDRG1 and p-PI3K, or p-Akt, was found in tumor tissues from seminoma patients. In conclusion, we uncover that TDRG1 regulates chemosensitivity of TCam-2 cells to cisplatin through PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gan
- a Department of Urology , The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Changsha , PR China
| | - Yong Wang
- a Department of Urology , The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Changsha , PR China
| | - Zhengyu Tan
- a Department of Urology , The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Changsha , PR China
| | - Jun Zhou
- a Department of Urology , The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Changsha , PR China
| | - Riko Kitazawa
- b Department of Diagnostic Pathology , Ehime University Hospital, Shitsukawa , Tōon , Ehime Perfecture , Japan
| | - Xianzhen Jiang
- a Department of Urology , The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Changsha , PR China
| | - Yuxin Tang
- a Department of Urology , The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Changsha , PR China
| | - Jianfu Yang
- a Department of Urology , The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Changsha , PR China
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Yao PL, Chen LP, Dobrzański TP, Phillips DA, Zhu B, Kang BH, Gonzalez FJ, Peters JM. Inhibition of testicular embryonal carcinoma cell tumorigenicity by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ- and retinoic acid receptor-dependent mechanisms. Oncotarget 2015; 6:36319-37. [PMID: 26431381 PMCID: PMC4742180 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ (PPARβ/δ) has important physiological functions in control of cell growth, lipid and glucose homeostasis, differentiation and inflammation. To investigate the role of PPARβ/δ in cancer, stable human testicular embryonal carcinoma cell lines were developed that constitutively express PPARβ/δ. Expression of PPARβ/δ caused enhanced activation of the receptor, and this significantly decreased proliferation, migration, invasion, anchorage-independent growth, and also reduced tumor mass and volume of ectopic xenografts derived from NT2/D1 cells compared to controls. The changes observed in xenografts were associated with decreased PPARβ/δ-dependent expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and octamer-binding transcription factor-3/4, suggesting suppressed tumor proliferation and induction of differentiation. Inhibition of migration and invasion was mediated by PPARβ/δ competing with formation of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR)/retinoid X receptor (RXR) complex, resulting in attenuation of RARα-dependent matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and activity. These results demonstrate that PPARβ/δ mediates attenuation of human testicular embryonal carcinoma cell progression through a novel RAR-dependent mechanism and suggest that activation of PPARβ/δ inhibits RAR/RXR dimerization and represents a new therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Li Yao
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Center of Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Li Ping Chen
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Center of Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tomasz P. Dobrzański
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Center of Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dylan A. Phillips
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Center of Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bokai Zhu
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Center of Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Boo-Hyon Kang
- Chemon Nonclinical Research Institute, Nampyeong-ro, Yangji-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Frank J. Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Peters
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Center of Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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30
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Maqbool R, Rashid R, Ismail R, Niaz S, Chowdri NA, Hussain MU. The carboxy-terminal domain of connexin 43 (CT-Cx43) modulates the expression of p53 by altering miR-125b expression in low-grade human breast cancers. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2015; 38:443-51. [PMID: 26335100 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-015-0240-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a widely expressed gap junction protein. It can also regulate various gap-junction independent processes, including cellular proliferation. The latter regulatory functions have been attributed to its carboxy-terminal domain, CT-Cx43. CT-Cx43 has been found to be expressed independent of full-length Cx43 in various cell types. Its nuclear localization has additionally raised the possibility that it may regulate the expression of particular genes, including miRNAs, known play a role in the regulation of cellular proliferation. Here, we set out to uncover the molecular mechanism(s) underlying CT-Cx43 mediated gene (de-)regulation in human breast cancer. METHODS Western blotting and quantitative real time PCR were carried to assess the expression of CT-Cx43 and miR-125b in a panel of 60 primary human breast cancer tissues and its paired normal adjacent tissues. In addition, CT-Cx43 was exogenously expressed in the breast cancer-derived cell line MCF-7 and its effect on the expression of miR-125b and its downstream target p53 were evaluated, as well as its effect on cellular proliferation and death using MTT and LDH assays, respectively. RESULTS We found that CT-Cx43, but not full-length Cx43, was down-regulated in low grade human breast cancers. In addition, we found that the tumor suppressor protein p53 exhibited a decreased expression in the CT-Cx43 down-regulated samples. Interestingly, we found that miR-125b, a negative regulator of p53, exhibited an inverse expression relationship with CT-Cx43 in the breast cancer samples tested. This inverse relationship was confirmed by exogenous expression of CT-Cx43 in MCF-7 cells. In addition, we found that CT-Cx43 up-regulation and subsequent miR-125b down-regulation resulted in a decreased proliferation of MCF-7 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest a mechanism by which CT-Cx43 may regulate cell proliferation. Targeting of CT-Cx43 and/or miR-125b may be instrumental for therapeutic intervention in human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raihana Maqbool
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India
| | - Rabiya Rashid
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India
| | - Rehana Ismail
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India
| | - Saif Niaz
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India
| | - Nisar Ahmad Chowdri
- Department of General and Minimal Invasive Surgery, SKIMS, Srinagar, Soura, India
| | - Mahboob Ul Hussain
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India.
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Chieffi P, Boscia F. New discovered molecular markers as promising therapeutic targets in germ cell tumors. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2015.1074070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Ashdown ML, Robinson AP, Yatomi-Clarke SL, Ashdown ML, Allison A, Abbott D, Markovic SN, Coventry BJ. Chemotherapy for Late-Stage Cancer Patients: Meta-Analysis of Complete Response Rates. F1000Res 2015; 4:232. [PMID: 26834979 PMCID: PMC4706056 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.6760.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Complete response (CR) rates reported for cytotoxic chemotherapy for late-stage cancer patients are generally low, with few exceptions, regardless of the solid cancer type or drug regimen. We investigated CR rates reported in the literature for clinical trials using chemotherapy alone, across a wide range of tumour types and chemotherapeutic regimens, to determine an overall CR rate for late-stage cancers. A total of 141 reports were located using the PubMed database. A meta-analysis was performed of reported CR from 68 chemotherapy trials (total 2732 patients) using standard agents across late-stage solid cancers—a binomial model with random effects was adopted. Mean CR rates were compared for different cancer types, and for chemotherapeutic agents with different mechanisms of action, using a logistic regression. Our results showed that the CR rates for chemotherapy treatment of late-stage cancer were generally low at 7.4%, regardless of the cancer type or drug regimen used. We found no evidence that CR rates differed between different chemotherapy drug types, but amongst different cancer types small CR differences were evident, although none exceeded a mean CR rate of 11%. This remarkable concordance of CR rates regardless of cancer or therapy type remains currently unexplained, and motivates further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin L Ashdown
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew P Robinson
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Andrew Allison
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering (CBME), University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Derek Abbott
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering (CBME), University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Brendon J Coventry
- Department of Surgery & Tumour Immunology Laboratory, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Breast, Endocrine & Surgical Oncology Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia, Australia
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You Y, Yang W, Qin X, Wang F, Li H, Lin C, Li W, Gu C, Zhang Y, Ran Y. ECRG4 acts as a tumor suppressor and as a determinant of chemotherapy resistance in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2015; 38:205-14. [PMID: 25707757 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-015-0223-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant type of cancer with an increasing incidence. As yet, however, molecular biomarkers with a strong diagnostic impact and a major therapeutic promise have remained elusive. Here, we identified the esophageal carcinoma related gene 4 (ECRG4) as a novel candidate tumor suppressor gene and a promising therapeutic target for NPC. METHODS RT-PCR, Western blotting, methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing were performed to assess the expression and methylation status of the ECRG4 gene in primary NPC samples, NPC-derived cell lines and patient-derived peripheral blood samples. The NPC-derived cell line CNE1 was selected for treatment with a methylation inhibitor to restore ECRG4 expression. In addition, cell proliferation, invasion and colony formation assays were performed to assess the inhibitory effects of exogenous ECRG4 expression in CNE1 cells. RESULTS Down-regulated ECRG4 expression was found to occur in 82.5% (33/40) of the primary NPC biopsies tested. This down-regulation was significantly correlated with its tumor-specific promoter methylation status (72.5%, 29/40) and was also observed in the matching peripheral blood samples from the NPC patients (57.5%, 23/40). Pharmacologic demethylation through 5-aza-dC treatment led to gene reactivation in ECRG4 methylated and silenced NPC cell lines. Moreover, exogenous expression of ECRG4 in the CNE1 cell line strongly inhibited its growth and invasive capacities, as well as its enhanced chemosensitivity to cisplatin through autophagy induction. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that methylation-mediated suppression of the ECRG4 gene occurs frequently in NPC and that restoration of its expression may have therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie You
- Department of Pharmacy, Luohe Medical College, 148 Daxue-Road, Luohe, 462002, China,
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