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Lawson H, Holt-Martyn JP, Dembitz V, Kabayama Y, Wang LM, Bellani A, Atwal S, Saffoon N, Durko J, van de Lagemaat LN, De Pace AL, Tumber A, Corner T, Salah E, Arndt C, Brewitz L, Bowen M, Dubusse L, George D, Allen L, Guitart AV, Fung TK, So CWE, Schwaller J, Gallipoli P, O'Carroll D, Schofield CJ, Kranc KR. The selective prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor IOX5 stabilizes HIF-1α and compromises development and progression of acute myeloid leukemia. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:916-937. [PMID: 38637657 PMCID: PMC11208159 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00761-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a largely incurable disease, for which new treatments are urgently needed. While leukemogenesis occurs in the hypoxic bone marrow, the therapeutic tractability of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) system remains undefined. Given that inactivation of HIF-1α/HIF-2α promotes AML, a possible clinical strategy is to target the HIF-prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs), which promote HIF-1α/HIF-2α degradation. Here, we reveal that genetic inactivation of Phd1/Phd2 hinders AML initiation and progression, without impacting normal hematopoiesis. We investigated clinically used PHD inhibitors and a new selective PHD inhibitor (IOX5), to stabilize HIF-α in AML cells. PHD inhibition compromises AML in a HIF-1α-dependent manner to disable pro-leukemogenic pathways, re-program metabolism and induce apoptosis, in part via upregulation of BNIP3. Notably, concurrent inhibition of BCL-2 by venetoclax potentiates the anti-leukemic effect of PHD inhibition. Thus, PHD inhibition, with consequent HIF-1α stabilization, is a promising nontoxic strategy for AML, including in combination with venetoclax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Lawson
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - James P Holt-Martyn
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Vilma Dembitz
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Physiology and Immunology and Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Yuka Kabayama
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lydia M Wang
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Aarushi Bellani
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Samanpreet Atwal
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nadia Saffoon
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jozef Durko
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Louie N van de Lagemaat
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Azzura L De Pace
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anthony Tumber
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas Corner
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Eidarus Salah
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christine Arndt
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew Bowen
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Louis Dubusse
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Derek George
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Lewis Allen
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Amelie V Guitart
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale INSERM U1035, Bordeaux, France
| | - Tsz Kan Fung
- Leukemia and Stem Cell Biology Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Haematological Medicine, King's College Hospital, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Chi Wai Eric So
- Leukemia and Stem Cell Biology Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Haematological Medicine, King's College Hospital, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Juerg Schwaller
- University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Gallipoli
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Donal O'Carroll
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Kamil R Kranc
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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van der Heijden EMDL, Lefevre L, Gossner A, Tzelos T, Connelley TK, Hassan MA. Comparative transcriptional analysis identifies genes associated with the attenuation of Theileria parva infected cells after long-term in vitro culture. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8976. [PMID: 38637584 PMCID: PMC11026401 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59197-y] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Autologous administration of attenuated Theileria parva-infected cells induces immunity to T. parva in cattle. The mechanism of attenuation, however, is largely unknown. Here, we used RNA sequencing of pathogenic and attenuated T. parva-infected T-cells to elucidate the transcriptional changes underpinning attenuation. We observed differential expression of several host genes, including TRAIL, PD-1, TGF-β and granzymes that are known to regulate inflammation and proliferation of infected cells. Importantly, many genes linked with the attenuation of the related T. annulata-infected cells were not dysregulated in this study. Furthermore, known T. parva antigens were not dysregulated in attenuated relative to pathogenic cells, indicating that attenuation is not due to enhanced immunogenicity. Overall this study suggests that attenuation is driven by a decrease in proliferation and restoration of the inflammatory profile of T. parva-infected cells. Additionally, it provides a foundation for future mechanistic studies of the attenuation phenotype in Theileria-infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth M D L van der Heijden
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Lucas Lefevre
- Division of Immunology, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anton Gossner
- Division of Immunology, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Thomas Tzelos
- Division of Immunology, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Timothy K Connelley
- Division of Immunology, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Musa A Hassan
- Division of Immunology, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, UK.
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3
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Chen K, Ma Y, Zhong X, Lan J, Long D, Tian X, Yang Y, Yang Y. Single-cell transcriptome profiling of primary tumors and paired organoids of pancreatobiliary cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 582:216586. [PMID: 38081505 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) and cancer organoid model have shown promise in investigating tumor microenvironment heterogeneity and facilitating chemotherapeutic drug testing to inform treatment selection. It is still unknown whether the scRNA-seq results based on organoid can faithfully reflect the heterogeneity of primary pancreatobiliary cancer. To reveal the similarities and differences between primary tumors and their matched organoids at transcriptome level, we conducted scRNA-seq for paired primary tumors and organoids from one cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and two pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. We identified inter-patient and intra-tumor heterogeneity and found that the organoids retained copy number variation (CNV) patterns of primary tumors. There was no significant difference in cancer stem cell (CSC) properties between the primary tumors and the organoids, whereas organoid from one PDAC case had increased mesenchymal-score and decreased epithelial-score compared with the primary tumors. All organoids showed a transition tendency from the classical subtype to the basal-like subtype in the transcriptional level. Organoids and primary tumors differed in metabolic and unfolded protein response (UPR) signatures. In addition, we revealed the heterogeneity of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and T cells, and explored the developmental trajectory of T cells. Our findings facilitate further understanding of organoid model and confirm its application prospects in pancreatobiliary cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yongsu Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiejian Zhong
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianqiang Lan
- Guangdong Research Center of Organoid Engineering and Technology, Accurate International Biotechnology Co Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Di Long
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Yanlian Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Yinmo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.
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4
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Gong C, Tu Z, Long X, Liu X, Liu F, Liu J, Zhu X, Li J, Huang K. Predictive role of E2F6 in cancer prognosis and responses of immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111302. [PMID: 38071912 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND E2F6 is a member of the E2F transcription factor family. Numerous studies have demonstrated that E2F6 is critical to cancer development and progression, but its role in cancer immunotherapy remains unclear. METHODS Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases were used to obtain RNA-seq data for cancer and normal tissues, and we utilized the cBioPortal to analyze E2F6 genomic alterations in pan-cancer. The protein localization of E2F6 was obtained using the Human Protein Atlas (HPA), and the upregulation of E2F6 expression in clinical glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tissues was detected by Western blot analysis. The ComPPI website was used to analyze the protein interaction information of E2F6. To evaluate the role of E2F6 in pan-cancer prognosis, we used univariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier methods, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was utilized to identify markers associated with E2F6 expression in tumors. TIMER 2.0 was used to study E2F6-related immune cell infiltration in tumor tissues, and the correlation of E2F6 with immunotherapy biomarkers was investigated using Spearman correlation analysis. The role of E2F6 in the cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry, and the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were utilized to determine the proliferative ability of cells. RESULTS In most tumor types, E2F6 was highly expressed and was a good predictor of prognosis. E2F6 was significantly related to markers of immune activation, tumor immune cell infiltration, and immune regulators. Furthermore, E2F6 knockdown significantly attenuated the proliferative ability of glioma cells. Finally, E2F6 effectively predicted anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD1) treatment response. CONCLUSION E2F6 is an effective biomarker that predicts the prognosis of cancer patients treated with anti-immune checkpoint therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuandong Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, the 2(nd) affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; JXHC Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Zewei Tu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the 2(nd) affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; JXHC Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Long
- East China Institute of Digital Medical Engineering, Shangrao, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Xinjun Liu
- People's Hospital of Yingtan City, Yingtan, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Xingen Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the 2(nd) affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; JXHC Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China.
| | - Jingying Li
- Department of Comprehensive Intensive Care Unit, the 2(nd) affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China.
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the 2(nd) affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; JXHC Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China.
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5
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Milletti G, Colicchia V, Cecconi F. Cyclers' kinases in cell division: from molecules to cancer therapy. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:2035-2052. [PMID: 37516809 PMCID: PMC10482880 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01196-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Faithful eucaryotic cell division requires spatio-temporal orchestration of multiple sequential events. To ensure the dynamic nature of these molecular and morphological transitions, a swift modulation of key regulatory pathways is necessary. The molecular process that most certainly fits this description is phosphorylation, the post-translational modification provided by kinases, that is crucial to allowing the progression of the cell cycle and that culminates with the separation of two identical daughter cells. In detail, from the early stages of the interphase to the cytokinesis, each critical step of this process is tightly regulated by multiple families of kinases including the Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), kinases of the Aurora, Polo, Wee1 families, and many others. While cell-cycle-related CDKs control the timing of the different phases, preventing replication machinery errors, the latter modulate the centrosome cycle and the spindle function, avoiding karyotypic abnormalities typical of chromosome instability. Such chromosomal abnormalities may result from replication stress (RS) and chromosome mis-segregation and are considered a hallmark of poor prognosis, therapeutic resistance, and metastasis in cancer patients. Here, we discuss recent advances in the understanding of how different families of kinases concur to govern cell cycle, preventing RS and mitotic infidelity. Additionally, considering the growing number of clinical trials targeting these molecules, we review to what extent and in which tumor context cell-cycle-related kinases inhibitors are worth exploiting as an effective therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Milletti
- DNA Replication and Cancer Group, Danish Cancer Institute, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.
| | - Valeria Colicchia
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- IRBM S.p.A., Via Pontina Km 30.60, 00070, Pomezia, Italy
| | - Francesco Cecconi
- Cell Stress and Survival Group, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease (CARD), Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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Hamidi M, Eriz A, Mitxelena J, Fernandez-Ares L, Aurrekoetxea I, Aspichueta P, Iglesias-Ara A, Zubiaga AM. Targeting E2F Sensitizes Prostate Cancer Cells to Drug-Induced Replication Stress by Promoting Unscheduled CDK1 Activity. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194952. [PMID: 36230876 PMCID: PMC9564059 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary E2F1 and E2F2 are highly expressed in many cancer types, but their contribution to malignancy is not well understood. Here we aimed to define the impact of E2F1/E2F2 deregulation in prostate cancer. We show that inhibition of E2F sensitizes prostate cancer cells to drug-induced replication stress and cell death. We found that E2F target genes involved in nucleotide biosynthesis contribute to maintaining genome stability in prostate cancer cells, but their enzymatic activity is insufficient to prevent replication stress after E2F1/E2F2 depletion. Instead, E2F1/E2F2 hinder premature CDK1 activation during S phase, which is key to ensure genome stability and viability of prostate cancer cells. From a therapeutic perspective, inhibiting E2F activity provokes catastrophic levels of replication stress and blunts xenograft growth in combination with drugs targeting nucleotide biosynthesis or DNA repair. Our results highlight the suitability of targeting E2F for the treatment of prostate cancer. Abstract E2F1/E2F2 expression correlates with malignancy in prostate cancer (PCa), but its functional significance remains unresolved. To define the mechanisms governed by E2F in PCa, we analyzed the contribution of E2F target genes to the control of genome integrity, and the impact of modulating E2F activity on PCa progression. We show that silencing or inhibiting E2F1/E2F2 induces DNA damage during S phase and potentiates 5-FU-induced replication stress and cellular toxicity. Inhibition of E2F downregulates the expression of E2F targets involved in nucleotide biosynthesis (TK1, DCK, TYMS), whose expression is upregulated by 5-FU. However, their enzymatic products failed to rescue DNA damage of E2F1/E2F2 knockdown cells, suggesting additional mechanisms for E2F function. Interestingly, targeting E2F1/E2F2 in PCa cells reduced WEE1 expression and resulted in premature CDK1 activation during S phase. Inhibition of CDK1/CDK2 prevented DNA damage induced by E2F loss, suggesting that E2F1/E2F2 safeguard genome integrity by restraining CDK1/CDK2 activity. Importantly, combined inhibition of E2F and ATR boosted replication stress and dramatically reduced tumorigenic capacity of PCa cells in xenografts. Collectively, inhibition of E2F in combination with drugs targeting nucleotide biosynthesis or DNA repair is a promising strategy to provoke catastrophic levels of replication stress that could be applied to PCa treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohaddase Hamidi
- Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48080 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Ainhoa Eriz
- Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48080 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Jone Mitxelena
- Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48080 Bilbao, Spain
- Ikerbasque—Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Larraitz Fernandez-Ares
- Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48080 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Igor Aurrekoetxea
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48080 Bilbao, Spain
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Patricia Aspichueta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48080 Bilbao, Spain
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ainhoa Iglesias-Ara
- Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48080 Bilbao, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.I.-A.); (A.M.Z.); Tel.: +34-94-601-5799 (A.I.-A.); +34-94-601-2603 (A.M.Z.); Fax: +34-94-601-3143 (A.M.Z.)
| | - Ana M. Zubiaga
- Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48080 Bilbao, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.I.-A.); (A.M.Z.); Tel.: +34-94-601-5799 (A.I.-A.); +34-94-601-2603 (A.M.Z.); Fax: +34-94-601-3143 (A.M.Z.)
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7
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Segeren HA, Westendorp B. Mechanisms used by cancer cells to tolerate drug-induced replication stress. Cancer Lett 2022; 544:215804. [PMID: 35750276 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Activation of oncogenes in cancer cells forces cell proliferation, leading to DNA replication stress (RS). As a consequence, cancer cells heavily rely on the intra S-phase checkpoint for survival. This fundamental principle formed the basis for the development of inhibitors against key players of the intra S-phase checkpoint, ATR and CHK1. These drugs are often combined with chemotherapeutic drugs that interfere with DNA replication to exacerbate RS and exhaust the intra S-phase checkpoint in cancer cells. However, drug resistance impedes efficient clinical use, suggesting that some cancer cells tolerate severe RS. In this review, we describe how an increased nucleotide pool, boosted stabilization and repair of stalled forks and firing of dormant origins fortify the RS response in cancer cells. Notably, the vast majority of the genes that confer RS tolerance are regulated by the E2F and NRF2 transcription factors. These transcriptional programs are frequently activated in cancer cells, allowing simultaneous activation of multiple tolerance avenues. We propose that the E2F and NRF2 transcriptional programs can be used as biomarker to select patients for treatment with RS-inducing drugs and as novel targets to kill RS-tolerant cancer cells. Together, this review aims to provide a framework to maximally exploit RS as an Achilles' heel of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrika A Segeren
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Bart Westendorp
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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8
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Hu W, Shi Y, Han T, Liu C, Cao X, Shi G, Zhu W. A Panel of E2F Target Gene Signature Predicting the Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:879299. [PMID: 35591857 PMCID: PMC9110819 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.879299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most malignant tumors, and the therapeutic effects of traditional treatments are poor. It is urgent to explore and identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets to develop novel treatments which are individualized and effective. Three hallmarks, including E2F targets, G2M checkpoint and DNA repair, were collected by GSEA analysis. The panel of E2F-related gene signature consisted of five genes: HN1, KIF4A, CDCA3, CDCA8 and SSRP1. They had various mutation rates ranging from 0.8 to 5% in hepatocellular carcinoma, and patients with gene mutation had poorer prognosis. Among these genes, HN1 has the greatest mutation rate, and SSRP1 has the greatest impact on the model with a B (COX) value of 0.8842. Patients with higher expression of these genes had poorer prognosis. Kaplan-Meier curves in stratified survival analysis confirmed that patients with high risk scores had poor prognosis (p < 0.05). The results of univariate and multivariate COX survival analysis showed that risk score was closely related to the overall survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. For clinical validation, we found that all the genes in the model were upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues compared to normal liver tissues, which was consistent with the previous results we obtained. Our study demonstrated that a panel of E2F target genes signature including five genes could predict the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. This panel gene signature can facilitate the development of individualized and effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenmin Hu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Yongmei Shi
- Department of Gynecology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Tongqin Han
- Department of General Practice, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Caiyun Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xipeng Cao
- Clinical Research Center, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guangjun Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Guangjun Shi, ; Wenjing Zhu,
| | - Wenjing Zhu
- Clinical Research Center, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Respiratory Disease Key Laboratory of Qingdao, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Guangjun Shi, ; Wenjing Zhu,
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9
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Oncogenic RAS sensitizes cells to drug-induced replication stress via transcriptional silencing of P53. Oncogene 2022; 41:2719-2733. [PMID: 35393546 PMCID: PMC9076537 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02291-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells often experience high basal levels of DNA replication stress (RS), for example due to hyperactivation of oncoproteins like MYC or RAS. Therefore, cancer cells are considered to be sensitive to drugs that exacerbate the level of RS or block the intra S-phase checkpoint. Consequently, RS-inducing drugs including ATR and CHK1 inhibitors are used or evaluated as anti-cancer therapies. However, drug resistance and lack of biomarkers predicting therapeutic efficacy limit efficient use. This raises the question what determines sensitivity of individual cancer cells to RS. Here, we report that oncogenic RAS does not only enhance the sensitivity to ATR/CHK1 inhibitors by directly causing RS. Instead, we observed that HRASG12V dampens the activation of the P53-dependent transcriptional response to drug-induced RS, which in turn confers sensitivity to RS. We demonstrate that inducible expression of HRASG12V sensitized cells to ATR and CHK1 inhibitors. Using RNA-sequencing of FACS-sorted cells we discovered that P53 signaling is the sole transcriptional response to RS. However, oncogenic RAS attenuates the transcription of P53 and TGF-β pathway components which consequently dampens P53 target gene expression. Accordingly, live cell imaging showed that HRASG12V exacerbates RS in S/G2-phase, which could be rescued by stabilization of P53. Thus, our results demonstrate that transcriptional control of P53 target genes is the prime determinant in the response to ATR/CHK1 inhibitors and show that hyperactivation of the MAPK pathway impedes this response. Our findings suggest that the level of oncogenic MAPK signaling could predict sensitivity to intra-S-phase checkpoint inhibition in cancers with intact P53.
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Bongiovanni L, Andriessen A, Silvestri S, Porcellato I, Brachelente C, de Bruin A. H2AFZ: A Novel Prognostic Marker in Canine Melanoma and a Predictive Marker for Resistance to CDK4/6 Inhibitor Treatment. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:705359. [PMID: 34485433 PMCID: PMC8415453 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.705359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncontrolled proliferation is a key feature of tumor progression and malignancy. This suggests that cell-cycle related factors could be exploited as cancer biomarkers and that pathways specifically involved in the cell cycle, such as the Rb-E2F pathway, could be targeted as an effective anti-tumor therapy. We investigated 34 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples of canine cutaneous melanocytoma, cutaneous melanoma, and oral melanoma. Corresponding clinical follow-up data were used to determine the prognostic value of the mRNA expression levels of several cell cycle regulated E2F target genes (E2F1, DHFR, CDC6, ATAD2, MCM2, H2AFZ, GINS2, and survivin/BIRC5). Moreover, using four canine melanoma cell lines, we explored the possibility of blocking the Rb-E2F pathway by using a CDK4/6 inhibitor (Palbociclib) as a potential anti-cancer therapy. We investigated the expression levels of the same E2F target gene transcripts before and after treatment to determine the potential utility of these molecules as predictive markers. The E2F target gene H2AFZ was expressed in 91.43% of the primary tumors and H2AFZ expression was significantly higher in cases with unfavorable clinical outcome. Among the other tested genes, survivin/BIRC5 showed as well-promising results as a prognostic marker in canine melanoma. Three of the four tested melanoma cell lines were sensitive to the CDK4/6 inhibitor. The resistant cell line displayed higher expression levels of H2AFZ before treatment compared to the CDK4/6 inhibitor-sensitive cell lines. The present results suggest that CDK4/6 inhibitors could potentially be used as a new anti-cancer treatment for canine melanoma and that H2AFZ could serve as a prognostic and predictive marker for patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bongiovanni
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anneloes Andriessen
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Ilaria Porcellato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Brachelente
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alain de Bruin
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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11
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Segeren HA, Andree KC, Oomens L, Westendorp B. Collection of cells for single-cell RNA sequencing using high-resolution fluorescence microscopy. STAR Protoc 2021; 2:100718. [PMID: 34401784 PMCID: PMC8353340 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
FACS sorting followed by single-cell RNA-sequencing (SORT-Seq) is a popular procedure to select cells of interest for single-cell transcriptomics. However, FACS is not suitable for measurement of subcellular distribution of fluorescence or for small samples (<1,000 cells). The VYCAP puncher system overcomes these limitations. Here, we describe a workflow to capture, image, and collect fluorescent human retina pigment epithelium cells for SORT-Seq using this system. The workflow can be used for any cell type with a diameter of ∼5-50 μm. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Segeren et al. (2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrika A Segeren
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Bart Westendorp
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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12
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Brooks RF. Cell Cycle Commitment and the Origins of Cell Cycle Variability. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:698066. [PMID: 34368148 PMCID: PMC8343065 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.698066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exit of cells from quiescence following mitogenic stimulation is highly asynchronous, and there is a great deal of heterogeneity in the response. Even in a single, clonal population, some cells re-enter the cell cycle after a sub-optimal mitogenic signal while other, seemingly identical cells, do not, though they remain capable of responding to a higher level of stimulus. This review will consider the origins of this variability and heterogeneity, both in cells re-entering the cycle from quiescence and in the context of commitment decisions in continuously cycling populations. Particular attention will be paid to the role of two interacting molecular networks, namely the RB-E2F and APC/CCDH1 "switches." These networks have the property of bistability and it seems likely that they are responsible for dynamic behavior previously described kinetically by Transition Probability models of the cell cycle. The relationship between these switches and the so-called Restriction Point of the cell cycle will also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Brooks
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Anatomy, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Guo H, Zeng B, Wang L, Ge C, Zuo X, Li Y, Ding W, Deng L, Zhang J, Qian X, Song X, Zhang P. Knockdown CYP2S1 inhibits lung cancer cells proliferation and migration. Cancer Biomark 2021; 32:531-539. [PMID: 34275895 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-210189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of lung cancer in Yunnan area ranks firstly in the world and underlying molecular mechanisms of lung cancer in Yunnan region are still unclear. We screened a novel potential oncogene CYP2S1 used mRNA microassay and bioinformation database. The function of CYP2S1 in lung cancer has not been reported. OBJECTIVE To investigate the functions of CYP2S1 in lung cancer. METHODS Immunohistochemistry and Real-time PCR were used to verify the expression of CYP2S1. Colony formation and Transwell assays were used to determine cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Xenograft assays were used to detected cell growth in vivo. RESULTS CYP2S1 is significantly up-regulated in lung cancer tissues and cells. Knockdown CYP2S1 in lung cancer cells resulted in decrease cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro. Animal experiments showed downregulation of CYP2S1 inhibited lung cancer cell growth in vivo. GSEA analysis suggested that CYP2S1 played functions by regulating E2F targets and G2M checkpoint pathway which involved in cell cycle. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients with high CYP2S1 had markedly shorter event overall survival (OS) time. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that CYP2S1 exerts tumor suppressor function in lung cancer. The high expression of CYP2S1 is an unfavorable prognostic marker for patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Guo
- Department of Oncology of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Department of Oncology of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Baozhen Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Oncology of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Liqiong Wang
- Department of Oncology of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chunlei Ge
- Department of Cancer Biotherapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xianglin Zuo
- Department of Biobank of Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Oncology of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Wanbao Ding
- Department of Oncology of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Lei Deng
- Department of Oncology of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Oncology of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoling Qian
- Department of Oncology of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Cancer Biotherapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Peixian Zhang
- Department of Oncology of Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Atypical E2Fs either Counteract or Cooperate with RB during Tumorigenesis Depending on Tissue Context. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092033. [PMID: 33922435 PMCID: PMC8122802 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In virtually all human malignancies, the CDK-RB-E2F pathway is dysregulated resulting in the activation of the E2F transcriptional network. Rb and atypical E2Fs are the most important negative regulators of E2F-dependent transcription during tumorigenesis. However, it is unknown whether they cooporate or act independently in tumor development. Here we show that combined loss of RB and atypical E2Fs in mice enhances tumorigenesis in the liver, while in the pituitary gland, we observe inhibition of tumorigenesis. These findings suggest that the interaction between RB and atypical E2Fs in controlling tumorigenesis occurs in a tissue cell-type specific manner. Abstract E2F-transcription factors activate many genes involved in cell cycle progression, DNA repair, and apoptosis. Hence, E2F-dependent transcription must be tightly regulated to prevent tumorigenesis, and therefore metazoan cells possess multiple E2F regulation mechanisms. The best-known is the Retinoblastoma protein (RB), which is mutated in many cancers. Atypical E2Fs (E2F7 and −8) can repress E2F-target gene expression independently of RB and are rarely mutated in cancer. Therefore, they may act as emergency brakes in RB-mutated cells to suppress tumor growth. Currently, it is unknown if and how RB and atypical E2Fs functionally interact in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that mice with liver-specific combinatorial deletion of Rb and E2f7/8 have reduced life-spans compared to E2f7/8 or Rb deletion alone. This was associated with increased proliferation and enhanced malignant progression of liver tumors. Hence, atypical repressor E2Fs and RB cooperatively act as tumor suppressors in hepatocytes. In contrast, loss of either E2f7 or E2f8 largely prevented the formation of pituitary tumors in Rb+/− mice. To test whether atypical E2Fs can also function as oncogenes independent of RB loss, we induced long-term overexpression of E2f7 or E2f8 in mice. E2F7 and −8 overexpression increased the incidence of tumors in the lungs, but not in other tissues. Collectively, these data show that atypical E2Fs can promote but also inhibit tumorigenesis depending on tissue type and RB status. We propose that the complex interactions between atypical E2Fs and RB on maintenance of genetic stability underlie this context-dependency.
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