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Oliveira S, Pereira SS, Costa MM, Monteiro MP, Pignatelli D. Ang-Tie Angiogenic Pathway Is Distinctively Expressed in Benign and Malignant Adrenocortical Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105579. [PMID: 35628389 PMCID: PMC9146687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The differential diagnosis between adrenocortical adenomas (ACAs) and adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) relies on unspecific clinical, imaging and histological features, and, so far, no single molecular biomarker has proved to improve diagnostic accuracy. Similarly, prognostic factors have an insufficient capacity to predict the heterogeneity of ACC clinical outcomes, which consequently lead to inadequate treatment strategies. Angiogenesis is a biological process regulated by multiple signaling pathways, including VEGF and the Ang–Tie pathway. Many studies have stressed the importance of angiogenesis in cancer development and metastasis. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of VEGF and Ang–Tie pathway mediators in adrenocortical tumors (ACTs), with the ultimate goal of assessing whether these molecules could be useful biomarkers to improve diagnostic accuracy and/or prognosis prediction in ACC. The expression of the proteins involved in angiogenesis, namely CD34, VEGF, VEGF-R2, Ang1, Ang2, Tie1 and Tie2, was assessed by immunohistochemistry in ACC (n = 22), ACA with Cushing syndrome (n = 8) and non-functioning ACA (n = 13). ACC presented a significantly higher Ang1 and Ang2 expression when compared to ACA. Tie1 expression was higher in ACC with venous invasion and in patients with shorter overall survival. In conclusion, although none of these biomarkers showed to be useful for ACT diagnosis, the Ang–Tie pathway is active in ACT and may play a role in regulating ACT angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Oliveira
- UMIB–Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS–Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.O.); (M.M.C.); (M.P.M.)
| | - Sofia S. Pereira
- UMIB–Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS–Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.O.); (M.M.C.); (M.P.M.)
- ITR–Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-220-428-106
| | - Madalena M. Costa
- UMIB–Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS–Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.O.); (M.M.C.); (M.P.M.)
- ITR–Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana P. Monteiro
- UMIB–Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS–Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.O.); (M.M.C.); (M.P.M.)
- ITR–Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Duarte Pignatelli
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital S. João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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De Sousa K, Abdellatif AB, Giscos-Douriez I, Meatchi T, Amar L, Fernandes-Rosa FL, Boulkroun S, Zennaro MC. Colocalization of Wnt/β-Catenin and ACTH Signaling Pathways and Paracrine Regulation in Aldosterone-producing Adenoma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:419-434. [PMID: 34570225 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) are a common cause of primary aldosteronism (PA). Despite the discovery of somatic mutations in APA and the characterization of multiple factors regulating adrenal differentiation and function, the sequence of events leading to APA formation remains to be determined. OBJECTIVE We investigated the role of Wnt/β-catenin and adrenocorticotropin signaling, as well as elements of paracrine regulation of aldosterone biosynthesis in adrenals with APA and their relationship to intratumoral heterogeneity and mutational status. METHODS We analyzed the expression of aldosterone-synthase (CYP11B2), CYP17A1, β-catenin, melanocortin type 2 receptor (MC2R), phosphorlyated cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB), tryptase, S100, CD34 by multiplex immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry-guided reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Eleven adrenals with APA and 1 with micronodular hyperplasia from patients with PA were analyzed. Main outcome measures included localization of CYP11B2, CYP17A1, β-catenin, MC2R, pCREB, tryptase, S100, CD34 in APA and aldosterone-producing cell clusters (APCCs). RESULTS Immunofluorescence revealed abundant mast cells and a dense vascular network in APA, independent of mutational status. Within APA, mast cells were localized in areas expressing CYP11B2 and were rarely colocalized with nerve fibers, suggesting that their degranulation is not controlled by innervation. In these same areas, ß-catenin was activated, suggesting a zona glomerulosa cell identity. In heterogeneous APA with KCNJ5 mutations, MC2R and vascular endothelial growth factor A expression was higher in areas expressing CYP11B2. A similar pattern was observed in APCC, with high expression of CYP11B2, activated β-catenin, and numerous mast cells. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that aldosterone-producing structures in adrenals with APA share common molecular characteristics and cellular environment, despite different mutation status, suggesting common developmental mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tchao Meatchi
- Université de Paris, PARCC, Inserm, 75015 Paris, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Laurence Amar
- Université de Paris, PARCC, Inserm, 75015 Paris, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Unité Hypertension artérielle, 75015 Paris, France
| | | | | | - Maria-Christina Zennaro
- Université de Paris, PARCC, Inserm, 75015 Paris, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Service de Génétique, 75015 Paris, France
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Retinoic acid receptor α as a novel contributor to adrenal cortex structure and function through interactions with Wnt and Vegfa signalling. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14677. [PMID: 31605007 PMCID: PMC6789122 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50988-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most frequent form of secondary arterial hypertension. Mutations in different genes increase aldosterone production in PA, but additional mechanisms may contribute to increased cell proliferation and aldosterone producing adenoma (APA) development. We performed transcriptome analysis in APA and identified retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) signaling as a central molecular network involved in nodule formation. To understand how RARα modulates adrenal structure and function, we explored the adrenal phenotype of male and female Rarα knockout mice. Inactivation of Rarα in mice led to significant structural disorganization of the adrenal cortex in both sexes, with increased adrenal cortex size in female mice and increased cell proliferation in males. Abnormalities of vessel architecture and extracellular matrix were due to decreased Vegfa expression and modifications in extracellular matrix components. On the molecular level, Rarα inactivation leads to inhibition of non-canonical Wnt signaling, without affecting the canonical Wnt pathway nor PKA signaling. Our study suggests that Rarα contributes to the maintenance of normal adrenal cortex structure and cell proliferation, by modulating Wnt signaling. Dysregulation of this interaction may contribute to abnormal cell proliferation, creating a propitious environment for the emergence of specific driver mutations in PA.
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O'Sullivan C, Edgerly M, Velarde M, Wilkerson J, Venkatesan AM, Pittaluga S, Yang SX, Nguyen D, Balasubramaniam S, Fojo T. The VEGF inhibitor axitinib has limited effectiveness as a therapy for adrenocortical cancer. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99:1291-7. [PMID: 24423320 PMCID: PMC3973787 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-2298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis in need of more effective treatment options. Published evidence indicates many ACCs express the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), suggesting inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor signaling could potentially impact tumor growth. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to determine the antitumor efficacy of axitinib (AG-013736), a potent, selective inhibitor of VEGFR1, -2, and -3. DESIGN This was a phase II, open-label trial using a two-stage design. PATIENTS Thirteen patients with metastatic ACC previously treated with at least one chemotherapy regimen with or without mitotane participated in the study. INTERVENTION Starting axitinib dose was 5 mg orally twice daily. Dose escalations were permitted if the administered dose was tolerable. RESULTS Thirteen patients were enrolled. Dose escalation was possible in seven patients, but the majority could not tolerate a dose higher than the starting 5 mg, twice-daily dose for prolonged periods of time. All patients experienced known grade 1/2 toxicities, and 10 of 13 patients had at least one grade 3/4 adverse event. No patient tumor could be scored as a Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors response, although the growth rate on therapy compared with that prior to starting axitinib was reduced in 4 of the 13 patients. The median progression-free survival was 5.48 months, and the median overall survival was longer than 13.7 months. CONCLUSION Axitinib has limited effectiveness in ACC. Together with 48 patients previously reported who received either sorafenib or sunitinib, a total of 61 ACC patients have now been treated with a VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor without an objective Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors response. Future trials in ACC should look to other targets for possible active agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara O'Sullivan
- Medical Oncology Branch (C.O., M.E., M.V., J.W., S.B., T.F.), Center for Cancer Research, Laboratory of Pathology (S.P.), and National Clinical Target Validation Laboratory, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (S.X.Y., D.N.), National Cancer Institute, and Radiology and Imaging Sciences (A.M.V.), Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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Lalli E, Doghman M, Latre de Late P, El Wakil A, Mus-Veteau I. Beyond steroidogenesis: novel target genes for SF-1 discovered by genomics. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 371:154-9. [PMID: 23168267 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Revised: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Steroidogenic Factor-1 (SF-1) is a nuclear receptor transcription factor that has an essential role in the development of adrenal glands and gonads and in the regulation of steroidogenic gene expression. Recent studies using genomic approaches have revealed that SF-1 also has an important role in regulating proliferation of adrenocortical cells and have revealed its role in the control of a variety of biological processes as diverse as angiogenesis, adhesion to the extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton dynamics, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and apoptosis in the adrenal cortex. The identification of the complete set of SF-1 target genes will be of great importance to open new avenues for therapeutic intervention in adrenal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enzo Lalli
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS, UMR 7275, Valbonne, France.
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Colin IM, Denef JF, Lengelé B, Many MC, Gérard AC. Recent insights into the cell biology of thyroid angiofollicular units. Endocr Rev 2013; 34:209-38. [PMID: 23349248 PMCID: PMC3610675 DOI: 10.1210/er.2012-1015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In thyrocytes, cell polarity is of crucial importance for proper thyroid function. Many intrinsic mechanisms of self-regulation control how the key players involved in thyroid hormone (TH) biosynthesis interact in apical microvilli, so that hazardous biochemical processes may occur without detriment to the cell. In some pathological conditions, this enzymatic complex is disrupted, with some components abnormally activated into the cytoplasm, which can lead to further morphological and functional breakdown. When iodine intake is altered, autoregulatory mechanisms outside the thyrocytes are activated. They involve adjacent capillaries that, together with thyrocytes, form the angiofollicular units (AFUs) that can be considered as the functional and morphological units of the thyroid. In response to iodine shortage, a rapid expansion of the microvasculature occurs, which, in addition to nutrients and oxygen, optimizes iodide supply. These changes are triggered by angiogenic signals released from thyrocytes via a reactive oxygen species/hypoxia-inducible factor/vascular endothelial growth factor pathway. When intra- and extrathyrocyte autoregulation fails, other forms of adaptation arise, such as euthyroid goiters. From onset, goiters are morphologically and functionally heterogeneous due to the polyclonal nature of the cells, with nodules distributed around areas of quiescent AFUs containing globules of compact thyroglobulin (Tg) and surrounded by a hypotrophic microvasculature. Upon TSH stimulation, quiescent AFUs are activated with Tg globules undergoing fragmentation into soluble Tg, proteins involved in TH biosynthesis being expressed and the local microvascular network extending. Over time and depending on physiological needs, AFUs may undergo repetitive phases of high, moderate, or low cell and tissue activity, which may ultimately culminate in multinodular goiters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ides M Colin
- Pôle de Morphologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Secteur des Sciences de la Santé, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), UCL-5251, 52 Avenue E. Mounier, B-1200, Bruxelles, Belgium.
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Mariniello B, Rosato A, Zuccolotto G, Rubin B, Cicala MV, Finco I, Iacobone M, Frigo AC, Fassina A, Pezzani R, Mantero F. Combination of sorafenib and everolimus impacts therapeutically on adrenocortical tumor models. Endocr Relat Cancer 2012; 19:527-39. [PMID: 22673336 DOI: 10.1530/erc-11-0337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Treatment options are insufficient in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Based on the efficacy of sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and everolimus, an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin in tumors of different histotype, we aimed at testing these drugs in adrenocortical cancer models. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors (VEGFR1-2) was studied in 18 ACCs, 33 aldosterone-producing adenomas, 12 cortisol-producing adenomas, and six normal adrenal cortex by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry and by immunoblotting in SW13 and H295R cancer cell lines. The effects of sorafenib and everolimus, alone or in combination, were tested on primary adrenocortical cultures and SW13 and H295R cells by evaluating cell viability and apoptosis in vitro and tumor growth inhibition of tumor cell line xenografts in immunodeficient mice in vivo. VEGF and VEGFR1-2 were detected in all samples and appeared over-expressed in two-thirds of ACC specimens. Dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability was observed particularly in SW13 cells after 24 h treatment with either drug; drug combination produced markedly synergistic growth inhibition. Increasing apoptosis was observed in tumor cells treated with the drugs, particularly with sorafenib. Finally, a significant mass reduction and increased survival were observed in SW13 xenograft model undergoing treatment with the drugs in combination. Our data suggest that an autocrine VEGF loop may exist within ACC. Furthermore, a combination of molecularly targeted agents may have both antiangiogenic and direct antitumor effects and thus could represent a new therapeutic tool for the treatment of ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mariniello
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Via Ospedale Civile 105, 35128 Padua, Italy
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Kim BJ, Jones HP. Implications of corticotropin releasing factor in targeted anticancer therapy. J Pharm Pract 2010; 23:86-90. [PMID: 21507800 DOI: 10.1177/0897190009360023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is a need to develop novel anticancer therapies that eliminate adverse side effects produced by current treatments. Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), an endogenous neuroedocrine factor, which typically regulates biological and psychological indicators of stress, has recently been found to be expressed by tumor malignancies. Here, we discuss the implications of CRF as a target for antitumor therapy through regulation of tumor immune escape mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung-Jin Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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