1
|
Khurshid S, Montes M, Comiskey DF, Shane B, Matsa E, Jung F, Brown C, Bid HK, Wang R, Houghton PJ, Roberts R, Rigo F, Chandler D. Splice-switching of the insulin receptor pre-mRNA alleviates tumorigenic hallmarks in rhabdomyosarcoma. NPJ Precis Oncol 2022; 6:1. [PMID: 35017650 PMCID: PMC8752779 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-021-00245-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive pediatric tumor with a poor prognosis for metastasis and recurrent disease. Large-scale sequencing endeavors demonstrate that Rhabdomyosarcomas have a dearth of precisely targetable driver mutations. However, IGF-2 signaling is known to be grossly altered in RMS. The insulin receptor (IR) exists in two alternatively spliced isoforms, IR-A and IR-B. The IGF-2 signaling molecule binds both its innate IGF-1 receptor as well as the insulin receptor variant A (IR-A) with high affinity. Mitogenic and proliferative signaling via the canonical IGF-2 pathway is, therefore, augmented by IR-A. This study shows that RMS patients express increased IR-A levels compared to control tissues that predominantly express the IR-B isoform. We also found that Hif-1α is significantly increased in RMS tumors, portraying their hypoxic phenotype. Concordantly, the alternative splicing of IR adapts to produce more IR-A in response to hypoxic stress. Upon examining the pre-mRNA structure of the gene, we identified a potential hypoxia-responsive element, which is also the binding site for the RNA-binding protein CUG-BP1 (CELF1). We designed Splice Switching Oligonucleotides (SSO) against this binding site to decrease IR-A levels in RMS cell lines and, consequently, rescue the IR-B expression levels. SSO treatment resulted in a significant reduction in cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. Our data shows promising insight into how impeding the IGF-2 pathway by reducing IR-A expression mitigates tumor growth. It is evident that Rhabdomyosarcomas use IR alternative splicing as yet another survival strategy that can be exploited as a therapeutic intervention in conjunction with already established anti-IGF-1 receptor therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Safiya Khurshid
- Department of Pediatrics and the Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Matias Montes
- Department of Pediatrics and the Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Daniel F Comiskey
- Department of Pediatrics and the Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Brianne Shane
- Department of Pediatrics and the Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Eleftheria Matsa
- Department of Pediatrics and the Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Francesca Jung
- Department of Pediatrics and the Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Chelsea Brown
- Department of Pediatrics and the Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | | | - Ruoning Wang
- Department of Pediatrics and the Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Peter J Houghton
- Greenhey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Ryan Roberts
- Department of Pediatrics and the Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, 92010, USA
| | - Dawn Chandler
- Department of Pediatrics and the Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xuan B, Ghosh D, Dawson MR. Contributions of the distinct biophysical phenotype of polyploidal giant cancer cells to cancer progression. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 81:64-72. [PMID: 33992783 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) are a commonly observed histological feature of human tumors and are particularly prominent in late stage and drug resistant cancers. The chromosomal duplication conferred by their aneuploidy gives rise to DNA damage resistance and complex tumor cell karyotypes, a driving factor in chemotherapy resistance and disease relapse. Furthermore, PGCCs also exhibit key cytoskeletal features that give rise to a distinct biophysical phenotype, including increased density of polymerized actin and vimentin intermediate filaments, nuclear and cytoskeletal stiffening, increased traction force, and migratory persistence. Despite recent research highlighting the role PGCCs play in cancer progression, this population of tumor cells remains poorly characterized in terms of their biophysical properties. In this review, we will discuss the various aspects of their biomolecular phenotype, such as increased stemness as well as a mixed EMT signature. These features have been extensively associated with tumorigenesis and recurrence, and aggressive cancers. Additionally, we will also examine the distinct PGCC cytoskeletal features of actin and filamentous vimentin. Specifically, how the differential organization of these networks serve to support their increased size and drive migratory persistence. These findings could shed light on potential therapeutic strategies that allow for specific elimination or mitigation of the invasive potential of these polyploid cancer cells. Lastly, we will examine how the biophysical and molecular phenotype of PGCCs combine to tip the scale in favor of promoting cancer progression, presenting an important target in the clinical treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Botai Xuan
- Brown University, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, & Biotechnology, Providence, 02912, USA
| | - Deepraj Ghosh
- Brown University, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, & Biotechnology, Providence, 02912, USA
| | - Michelle R Dawson
- Brown University, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, & Biotechnology, Providence, 02912, USA; Brown University, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Providence, 02912, USA; Brown University, School of Engineering, Providence, 02912, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bernauer C, Man YKS, Chisholm JC, Lepicard EY, Robinson SP, Shipley JM. Hypoxia and its therapeutic possibilities in paediatric cancers. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:539-551. [PMID: 33106581 PMCID: PMC7851391 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01107-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In tumours, hypoxia-a condition in which the demand for oxygen is higher than its availability-is well known to be associated with reduced sensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and with immunosuppression. The consequences of hypoxia on tumour biology and patient outcomes have therefore led to the investigation of strategies that can alleviate hypoxia in cancer cells, with the aim of sensitising cells to treatments. An alternative therapeutic approach involves the design of prodrugs that are activated by hypoxic cells. Increasing evidence indicates that hypoxia is not just clinically significant in adult cancers but also in paediatric cancers. We evaluate relevant methods to assess the levels and extent of hypoxia in childhood cancers, including novel imaging strategies such as oxygen-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Preclinical and clinical evidence largely supports the use of hypoxia-targeting drugs in children, and we describe the critical need to identify robust predictive biomarkers for the use of such drugs in future paediatric clinical trials. Ultimately, a more personalised approach to treatment that includes targeting hypoxic tumour cells might improve outcomes in subgroups of paediatric cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Bernauer
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Y K Stella Man
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Julia C Chisholm
- Children and Young People's Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey, UK
- Sarcoma Clinical Trials in Children and Young People Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Elise Y Lepicard
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Simon P Robinson
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Janet M Shipley
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Leibowitz-Amit R, Pintilie M, Khoja L, Azad AA, Berger R, Laird AD, Aftab DT, Chi KN, Joshua AM. Changes in plasma biomarkers following treatment with cabozantinib in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: a post hoc analysis of an extension cohort of a phase II trial. J Transl Med 2016; 14:12. [PMID: 26762579 PMCID: PMC4712499 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0747-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Cabozantinib is an orally available inhibitor of tyrosine kinases including VEGFR2 and c-MET. We performed a post hoc analysis to find associations between select plasma biomarkers and treatment response in patients (pts) with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who received cabozantinib 100 mg daily as part of a phase 2 non-randomized expansion cohort (NCT00940225). Methods
Plasma samples were collected at baseline, 6 weeks and at time of maximal response from 81 mCRPC pts with bone metastases, of which 33 also had measurable soft-tissue disease. Levels of 27 biomarkers were measured in duplicate using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated for the association between biomarker levels or their change on treatment and either bone scan response (BSR) or soft tissue response according to RECIST. Results A BSR and RECIST response were seen in 66/81 pts (81 %) and 6/33 pts (18 %) respectively. No significant associations were found between any biomarker at any time point and either type of response. Plasma concentrations of VEGFA, FLT3L, c-MET, AXL, Gas6A, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, interleukin-8 and the hypoxia markers CA9 and clusterin significantly increased during treatment with cabozantinib irrespective of response. The plasma concentrations of VEGFR2, Trap5b, Angiopoietin-2, TIMP-2 and TIE-2 significantly decreased during treatment with caboznatinib. Conclusions Our data did not reveal plasma biomarkers associated with response to cabozantinib. The observed alterations in several biomarkers during treatment with cabozantinib may provide insights on the effects of cabozantinib on tumor cells and on tumor micro-environment and may help point to potential co-targeting approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Melania Pintilie
- Division of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Leila Khoja
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada.
| | - Arun A Azad
- Department of Medical Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Raanan Berger
- Department of Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
| | | | | | - Kim N Chi
- Department of Medical Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Anthony M Joshua
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Se-methylselenocysteine sensitizes hypoxic tumor cells to irinotecan by targeting hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2010; 66:899-911. [PMID: 20066420 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-009-1238-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2009] [Accepted: 12/26/2009] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hypoxic tumor cells overexpressing hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) are generally resistant to chemo/radiotherapy. We have reported that Se-methylselenocysteine (MSC) therapeutically enhances the efficacy and selectivity of irinotecan against human tumor xenografts. The aim of this study was to delineate the mechanism responsible for the observed efficacy targeting on HIF-1alpha and its transcriptionally regulated genes VEGF and CAIX. METHODS We investigated the mechanism of HIF-1alpha inhibition by MSC and its critical role in the therapeutic outcome by generating HIF-1alpha stable knockdown (KD) human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, FaDu by transfecting HIF-1alpha short hairpin RNA. RESULTS While cytotoxic efficacy in combination with methylselenic acid (MSA) with SN-38 (active metabolites of MSC and irinotecan) could not be confirmed in vitro against normoxic tumor cells, the hypoxic tumor cells were more sensitive to the combination. Reduction in HIF-1alpha either by MSA or shRNA knockdown resulted in significant increase in cytotoxicity of SN38 in vitro against hypoxic, but not the normoxic tumor cells. Similarly, in vivo, either MSC in combination with irinotecan treatment of parental xenografts or HIF-1alpha KD tumors treated with irinotecan alone resulted in comparable therapeutic response and increase in the long-term survival of mice bearing FaDu xenografts. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that HIF-1alpha is a critical target for MSC and its inhibition was associated with enhanced antitumor activity of irinotecan. Inhibition of HIF-1alpha appeared to be mediated through stabilization of PHD2, 3 and downregulation of ROS by MSC. Thus, our findings support the development of MSC as a HIF-1alpha inhibitor in combination chemotherapy.
Collapse
|