1
|
Sawant A, Shi F, Lopes EC, Hu Z, Abdelfattah S, Baul J, Powers J, Hinrichs CS, Rabinowitz JD, Chan CS, Lattime EC, Ganesan S, White E. Immune Checkpoint Blockade Delays Cancer and Extends Survival in Murine DNA Polymerase Mutator Syndromes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.10.597960. [PMID: 38915517 PMCID: PMC11195045 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.10.597960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in polymerases Pold1 and Pole exonuclease domains in humans are associated with increased cancer incidence, elevated tumor mutation burden (TMB) and response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Although ICB is approved for treatment of several cancers, not all tumors with elevated TMB respond. Here we generated Pold1 and Pole proofreading mutator mice and show that ICB treatment of mice with high TMB tumors did not improve survival as only a subset of tumors responded. Similarly, introducing the mutator alleles into mice with Kras/p53 lung cancer did not improve survival, however, passaging mutator tumor cells in vitro without immune editing caused rejection in immune-competent hosts, demonstrating the efficiency by which cells with antigenic mutations are eliminated. Finally, ICB treatment of mutator mice earlier, before observable tumors delayed cancer onset, improved survival, and selected for tumors without aneuploidy, suggesting the use of ICB in individuals at high risk for cancer prevention. Highlights Germline somatic and conditional Pold1 and Pole exonuclease domain mutations in mice produce a mutator phenotype. Spontaneous cancers arise in mutator mice that have genomic features comparable to human tumors with these mutations.ICB treatment of mutator mice with tumors did not improve survival as only a subset of tumors respond. Introduction of the mutator alleles into an autochthonous mouse lung cancer model also did not produce immunogenic tumors, whereas passaging mutator tumor cells in vitro caused immune rejection indicating efficient selection against antigenic mutations in vivo . Prophylactic ICB treatment delayed cancer onset, improved survival, and selected for tumors with no aneuploidy.
Collapse
|
2
|
Galant N, Krawczyk P, Monist M, Obara A, Gajek Ł, Grenda A, Nicoś M, Kalinka E, Milanowski J. Molecular Classification of Endometrial Cancer and Its Impact on Therapy Selection. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5893. [PMID: 38892080 PMCID: PMC11172295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115893] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) accounts for 90% of uterine cancer cases. It is considered not only one of the most common gynecological malignancies but also one of the most frequent cancers among women overall. Nowadays, the differentiation of EC subtypes is based on immunohistochemistry and molecular techniques. It is considered that patients' prognosis and the implementation of the appropriate treatment depend on the cancer subtype. Patients with pathogenic variants in POLE have the most favorable outcome, while those with abnormal p53 protein have the poorest. Therefore, in patients with POLE mutation, the de-escalation of postoperative treatment may be considered, and patients with abnormal p53 protein should be subjected to intensive adjuvant therapy. Patients with a DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) deficiency are classified in the intermediate prognosis group as EC patients without a specific molecular profile. Immunotherapy has been recognized as an effective treatment method in patients with advanced or recurrent EC with a mismatch deficiency. Thus, different adjuvant therapy approaches, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy, are being proposed depending on the EC subtype, and international guidelines, such as those published by ESMO and ESGO/ESTRO/ESP, include recommendations for performing the molecular classification of all EC cases. The decision about adjuvant therapy selection has to be based not only on clinical data and histological type and stage of cancer, but, following international recommendations, has to include EC molecular subtyping. This review describes how molecular classification could support more optimal therapeutic management in endometrial cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Galant
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (N.G.); (P.K.); (M.N.); (J.M.)
| | - Paweł Krawczyk
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (N.G.); (P.K.); (M.N.); (J.M.)
| | - Marta Monist
- II Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Adrian Obara
- Institute of Genetics and Immunology GENIM LCC, 20-609 Lublin, Poland; (A.O.); (Ł.G.)
| | - Łukasz Gajek
- Institute of Genetics and Immunology GENIM LCC, 20-609 Lublin, Poland; (A.O.); (Ł.G.)
| | - Anna Grenda
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (N.G.); (P.K.); (M.N.); (J.M.)
| | - Marcin Nicoś
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (N.G.); (P.K.); (M.N.); (J.M.)
| | - Ewa Kalinka
- Department of Oncology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, 93-338 Łódź, Poland;
| | - Janusz Milanowski
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (N.G.); (P.K.); (M.N.); (J.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gustav M, Reitsam NG, Carrero ZI, Loeffler CML, van Treeck M, Yuan T, West NP, Quirke P, Brinker TJ, Brenner H, Favre L, Märkl B, Stenzinger A, Brobeil A, Hoffmeister M, Calderaro J, Pujals A, Kather JN. Deep learning for dual detection of microsatellite instability and POLE mutations in colorectal cancer histopathology. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:115. [PMID: 38783059 PMCID: PMC11116442 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00592-z] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In the spectrum of colorectal tumors, microsatellite-stable (MSS) tumors with DNA polymerase ε (POLE) mutations exhibit a hypermutated profile, holding the potential to respond to immunotherapy similarly to their microsatellite-instable (MSI) counterparts. Yet, due to their rarity and the associated testing costs, systematic screening for these mutations is not commonly pursued. Notably, the histopathological phenotype resulting from POLE mutations is theorized to resemble that of MSI. This resemblance not only could facilitate their detection by a transformer-based Deep Learning (DL) system trained on MSI pathology slides, but also indicates the possibility for MSS patients with POLE mutations to access enhanced treatment options, which might otherwise be overlooked. To harness this potential, we trained a Deep Learning classifier on a large dataset with the ground truth for microsatellite status and subsequently validated its capabilities for MSI and POLE detection across three external cohorts. Our model accurately identified MSI status in both the internal and external resection cohorts using pathology images alone. Notably, with a classification threshold of 0.5, over 75% of POLE driver mutant patients in the external resection cohorts were flagged as "positive" by a DL system trained on MSI status. In a clinical setting, deploying this DL model as a preliminary screening tool could facilitate the efficient identification of clinically relevant MSI and POLE mutations in colorectal tumors, in one go.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gustav
- Else Kroener Fresenius Center for Digital Health, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Zunamys I Carrero
- Else Kroener Fresenius Center for Digital Health, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Chiara M L Loeffler
- Else Kroener Fresenius Center for Digital Health, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marko van Treeck
- Else Kroener Fresenius Center for Digital Health, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tanwei Yuan
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicholas P West
- Pathology & Data Analytics, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Quirke
- Pathology & Data Analytics, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Titus J Brinker
- Digital Biomarkers for Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hermann Brenner
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Preventive Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Loëtitia Favre
- Université Paris Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, Créteil, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier University Hospital, Department of Pathology, Créteil, France
- INSERM, U955, Team Oncogenèse des lymphomes et tumeurs de la Neurofibromatose 1, Créteil, France
| | - Bruno Märkl
- Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Brobeil
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Tissue Bank of the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Hoffmeister
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julien Calderaro
- Université Paris Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, Créteil, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier University Hospital, Department of Pathology, Créteil, France
- INSERM, U955, Team Oncogenèse des lymphomes et tumeurs de la Neurofibromatose 1, Créteil, France
| | - Anaïs Pujals
- Université Paris Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, Créteil, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier University Hospital, Department of Pathology, Créteil, France
- INSERM, U955, Team Oncogenèse des lymphomes et tumeurs de la Neurofibromatose 1, Créteil, France
| | - Jakob Nikolas Kather
- Else Kroener Fresenius Center for Digital Health, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Pathology & Data Analytics, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.
- Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Qiu W, Zhang R, Qian Y. POLE -related gene signature predicts prognosis, immune feature, and drug therapy in human endometrioid carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29548. [PMID: 38660244 PMCID: PMC11040042 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29548] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The POLE subtype of Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is linked to a favourable prognosis in the molecular classification. We proposed to ascertain the potential connection between the POLE subtype and improved prognosis. In order to forecast the prognosis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were employed, and a POLE-related risk signature (PRS) model was developed and validated. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) with the "GSVA" package was employed to analyse immunity characteristics. Drug susceptibility studies were conducted to compare the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of medicines between high- and low-risk groups. The PRS model was generated employing the LASSO Cox regression coefficients of the ELF1, MMADHC, andAL021707.6 genes. Our study demonstrated that the risk score was linked to tumour stage, grade, and survival. Furthermore, the low-risk group possessed elevated levels of gene expression connected with immunological checkpoints and HLA. Our outcomes emerged that the PRS model might have value in identifying patients with a good prognosis and in facilitating personalised treatment in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qiu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No.169, HuShan Road, Nanjing, 211100, China
| | - Runjie Zhang
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1111, XianXia Road, Shanghai, 200336, China
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1111, XianXia Road, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Yingchen Qian
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No.169, HuShan Road, Nanjing, 211100, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang B, Hu H, Wang X, Shao Z, Shi D, Wu F, Liu J, Zhang Z, Li J, Xia Z, Liu W, Wu Q. POLE2 promotes osteosarcoma progression by enhancing the stability of CD44. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:177. [PMID: 38627379 PMCID: PMC11021398 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01875-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent primary malignancy of bone in children and adolescents. It is extremely urgent to develop a new therapy for OS. In this study, the GSE14359 chip from the GEO database was used to screen differentially expressed genes in OS. DNA polymerase epsilon 2 (POLE2) was confirmed to overexpress in OS tissues and cell lines by immunohistochemical staining, qPCR and Western blot. Knockdown of POLE2 inhibited the proliferation and migration of OS cells in vitro, as well as the growth of tumors in vivo, while the apoptosis rate was increased. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that CD44 and Rac signaling pathway were the downstream molecule and pathway of POLE2, which were inhibited by knockdown of POLE2. POLE2 reduced the ubiquitination degradation of CD44 by acting on MDM2. Moreover, knockdown of CD44 inhibited the tumor-promoting effects of POLE2 overexpression on OS cells. In conclusion, POLE2 augmented the expression of CD44 via inhibiting MDM2-mediated ubiquitination, and then activated Rac signaling pathway to influence the progression of OS, indicating that POLE2/CD44 might be potential targets for OS treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baichuan Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Hongzhi Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zengwu Shao
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Deyao Shi
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Fashuai Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jianxiang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhicai Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhidao Xia
- Institute of Life Sciences 2, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Weijian Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shah SM, Demidova EV, Ringenbach S, Faezov B, Andrake M, Gandhi A, Mur P, Viana-Errasti J, Xiu J, Swensen J, Valle L, Dunbrack RL, Hall MJ, Arora S. Exploring Co-occurring POLE Exonuclease and Non-exonuclease Domain Mutations and Their Impact on Tumor Mutagenicity. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:213-225. [PMID: 38282550 PMCID: PMC10812383 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
POLE driver mutations in the exonuclease domain (ExoD driver) are prevalent in several cancers, including colorectal cancer and endometrial cancer, leading to dramatically ultra-high tumor mutation burden (TMB). To understand whether POLE mutations that are not classified as drivers (POLE Variant) contribute to mutagenesis, we assessed TMB in 447 POLE-mutated colorectal cancers, endometrial cancers, and ovarian cancers classified as TMB-high ≥10 mutations/Mb (mut/Mb) or TMB-low <10 mut/Mb. TMB was significantly highest in tumors with "POLE ExoD driver plus POLE Variant" (colorectal cancer and endometrial cancer, P < 0.001; ovarian cancer, P < 0.05). TMB increased with additional POLE variants (P < 0.001), but plateaued at 2, suggesting an association between the presence of these variants and TMB. Integrated analysis of AlphaFold2 POLE models and quantitative stability estimates predicted the impact of multiple POLE variants on POLE functionality. The prevalence of immunogenic neoepitopes was notably higher in the "POLE ExoD driver plus POLE Variant" tumors. Overall, this study reveals a novel correlation between POLE variants in POLE ExoD-driven tumors, and ultra-high TMB. Currently, only select pathogenic ExoD mutations with a reliable association with ultra-high TMB inform clinical practice. Thus, these findings are hypothesis-generating, require functional validation, and could potentially inform tumor classification, treatment responses, and clinical outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE Somatic POLE ExoD driver mutations cause proofreading deficiency that induces high TMB. This study suggests a novel modifier role for POLE variants in POLE ExoD-driven tumors, associated with ultra-high TMB. These data, in addition to future functional studies, may inform tumor classification, therapeutic response, and patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shreya M. Shah
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Science Scholars Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elena V. Demidova
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation
| | - Salena Ringenbach
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
| | - Bulat Faezov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation
- Program in Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark Andrake
- Program in Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Arjun Gandhi
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- University College Dublin School of Medicine and Medical Science, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Pilar Mur
- Hereditary Cancer Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julen Viana-Errasti
- Hereditary Cancer Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Laura Valle
- Hereditary Cancer Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roland L. Dunbrack
- Program in Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael J. Hall
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sanjeevani Arora
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Strauss JD, Pursell ZF. Replication DNA polymerases, genome instability and cancer therapies. NAR Cancer 2023; 5:zcad033. [PMID: 37388540 PMCID: PMC10304742 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been over a decade since the initial identification of exonuclease domain mutations in the genes encoding the catalytic subunits of replication DNA polymerases ϵ and δ (POLE and POLD1) in tumors from highly mutated endometrial and colorectal cancers. Interest in studying POLE and POLD1 has increased significantly since then. Prior to those landmark cancer genome sequencing studies, it was well documented that mutations in replication DNA polymerases that reduced their DNA synthesis accuracy, their exonuclease activity or their interactions with other factors could lead to increased mutagenesis, DNA damage and even tumorigenesis in mice. There are several recent, well-written reviews of replication DNA polymerases. The aim of this review is to gather and review in some detail recent studies of DNA polymerases ϵ and δ as they pertain to genome instability, cancer and potential therapeutic treatments. The focus here is primarily on recent informative studies on the significance of mutations in genes encoding their catalytic subunits (POLE and POLD1), mutational signatures, mutations in associated genes, model organisms, and the utility of chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibition in polymerase mutant tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliet D Strauss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, 70118 LA, USA
| | - Zachary F Pursell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, 70118 LA, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, 70118 LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zheng X, Lin J, Xiong J, Guan Y, Lan B, Li Y, Gao X, Fei Z, Chen L, Chen L, Chen L, Chen G, Guo Z, Yi X, Cao W, Ai X, Zhou C, Li X, Zhao J, Yan X, Yu Q, Si L, Chen Y, Chen C. SETD2 variation correlates with tumor mutational burden and MSI along with improved response to immunotherapy. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:686. [PMID: 37479966 PMCID: PMC10360270 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10920-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SETD2 protects against genomic instability via maintenance of homologous recombination repair (HRR) and mismatch repair (MMR) in neoplastic cells. However, it remains unclear whether SETD2 dysfunction is a complementary or independent factor to microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) and tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) for immunocheckpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment, and little is known regarding whether this type of dysfunction acts differently in various types of cancer. METHODS This cohort study used multidimensional genomic data of 6726 sequencing samples from our cooperative and non-public GenePlus institute from April 1 through April 10, 2020. MSIsensor score, HRD score, RNAseq, mutational data, and corresponding clinical data were obtained from the TCGA and MSKCC cohort for seven solid tumor types. RESULTS A total of 1021 genes underwent target panel sequencing reveal that SETD2 mutations were associated with a higher TMB. SETD2 deleterious mutation dysfunction affected ICI treatment prognosis independently of TMB-H (p < 0.01) and had a lower death hazard than TMB-H in pancancer patients (0.511 vs 0.757). Significantly higher MSI and lower homologous recombination deficiency were observed in the SETD2 deleterious mutation group. Improved survival rate was found in the MSKCC-IO cohort (P < 0.0001) and was further confirmed in our Chinese cohort. CONCLUSION We found that SETD2 dysfunction affects ICI treatment prognosis independently of TMB-H and has a lower death hazard than TMB-H in pancancer patients. Therefore, SETD2 has the potential to serve as a candidate biomarker for ICI treatment. Additionally, SETD2 should be considered when dMMR is detected by immunohistochemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
- Cancer Bio-Immunotherapy Center, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jiani Xiong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
- Cancer Bio-Immunotherapy Center, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
| | | | - Bin Lan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xuan Gao
- Geneplus-Beijing Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaodong Fei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
- Cancer Bio-Immunotherapy Center, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
| | - Lisha Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
- Cancer Bio-Immunotherapy Center, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
| | - Lizhu Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
- Cancer Bio-Immunotherapy Center, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
- Cancer Bio-Immunotherapy Center, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Cancer Bio-Immunotherapy Center, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Pathology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zengqing Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
- Cancer Bio-Immunotherapy Center, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xin Yi
- Geneplus-Beijing Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Weiguo Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinghao Ai
- Department of Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Chest Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengzhi Zhou
- First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Quanzhou First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangtao Yan
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qitao Yu
- Department of Oncology, The Cancer Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Lu Si
- Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China.
- Cancer Bio-Immunotherapy Center, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Chuanben Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China.
- Cancer Bio-Immunotherapy Center, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang Y, Su M, Chen Y, Huang X, Ruan L, Lv Q, Li L. Research progress on the role and mechanism of DNA damage repair in germ cell development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1234280. [PMID: 37529603 PMCID: PMC10390305 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1234280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In the complex and dynamic processes of replication, transcription, and translation of DNA molecules, a large number of replication errors or damage can occur which lead to obstacles in the development process of germ cells and result in a decreased reproductive rate. DNA damage repair has attracted widespread attention due to its important role in the maintenance and regulation of germ cells. This study reports on a systematic review of the role and mechanism of DNA damage repair in germline development. First, the causes, detection methods, and repair methods of DNA damage, and the mechanism of DNA damage repair are summarized. Second, a summary of the causes of abnormal DNA damage repair in germ cells is introduced along with common examples, and the relevant effects of germ cell damage. Third, we introduce the application of drugs related to DNA damage repair in the treatment of reproductive diseases and related surgical treatment of abnormal DNA damage, and summarize various applications of DNA damage repair in germ cells. Finally, a summary and discussion is given of the current deficiencies in DNA damage repair during germ cell development and future research development. The purpose of this paper is to provide researchers engaged in relevant fields with a further systematic understanding of the relevant applications of DNA damage repair in germ cells and to gain inspiration from it to provide new research ideas for related fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, China
| | - Mengrong Su
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, China
| | - Xinyu Huang
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, China
| | - Lian Ruan
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, China
| | - Qizhuang Lv
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, China
| | - Li Li
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Labrousse G, Vande Perre P, Parra G, Jaffrelot M, Leroy L, Chibon F, Escudie F, Selves J, Hoffmann JS, Guimbaud R, Lutzmann M. The hereditary N363K POLE exonuclease mutant extends PPAP tumor spectrum to glioblastomas by causing DNA damage and aneuploidy in addition to increased mismatch mutagenicity. NAR Cancer 2023; 5:zcad011. [PMID: 36915289 PMCID: PMC10006997 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcad011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The exonuclease domain of DNA polymerases epsilon's catalytic subunit (POLE) removes misincorporated nucleotides, called proofreading. POLE-exonuclease mutations cause colorectal- and endometrial cancers with an extreme burden of single nucleotide substitutions. We recently reported that particularly the hereditary POLE exonuclease mutation N363K predisposes in addition to aggressive giant cell glioblastomas. We knocked-in this mutation homozygously into human cell lines and compared its properties to knock-ins of the likewise hereditary POLE L424V mutation and to a complete proofreading-inactivating mutation (exo-null). We found that N363K cells have higher mutation rates as both L424V- or exo-null mutant cells. In contrast to L424V cells, N363K cells expose a growth defect, replication stress and DNA damage. In non-transformed cells, these burdens lead to aneuploidy but macroscopically normal nuclei. In contrast, transformed N363K cells phenocopy the enlarged and disorganized nuclei of giant cell glioblastomas. Taken together, our data characterize a POLE exonuclease domain mutant that not only causes single nucleotide hypermutation, but in addition DNA damage and chromosome instability, leading to an extended tumor spectrum. Our results expand the understanding of the polymerase exonuclease domain and suggest that an assessment of both the mutational potential and the genetic instability might refine classification and treatment of POLE-mutated tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Labrousse
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, CRCT, 2 Avenue Hubert Curien, 31000Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Vande Perre
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, CRCT, 2 Avenue Hubert Curien, 31000Toulouse, France
- Oncogenetics Department, Institute Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | - Genis Parra
- Center for Genomic Analysis, CNAG, Carrer de Baldiri Reixac 4, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marion Jaffrelot
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, CRCT, 2 Avenue Hubert Curien, 31000Toulouse, France
- Oncogenetics Department, Institute Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France
- Department of Digestive Oncology, IUCT Rangueil-Larrey, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Laura Leroy
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, CRCT, 2 Avenue Hubert Curien, 31000Toulouse, France
| | - Frederic Chibon
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, CRCT, 2 Avenue Hubert Curien, 31000Toulouse, France
| | - Frederic Escudie
- Laboratoire d’Excellence Toulouse Cancer (TOUCAN), Laboratoire de Pathologie, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Toulouse, Oncopole, 1 Avenue Irene-Joliot-Curie, 31059Toulouse, France
| | - Janick Selves
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, CRCT, 2 Avenue Hubert Curien, 31000Toulouse, France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence Toulouse Cancer (TOUCAN), Laboratoire de Pathologie, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Toulouse, Oncopole, 1 Avenue Irene-Joliot-Curie, 31059Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Sebastien Hoffmann
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, CRCT, 2 Avenue Hubert Curien, 31000Toulouse, France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence Toulouse Cancer (TOUCAN), Laboratoire de Pathologie, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Toulouse, Oncopole, 1 Avenue Irene-Joliot-Curie, 31059Toulouse, France
| | - Rosine Guimbaud
- Oncogenetics Department, Institute Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France
- Department of Digestive Oncology, IUCT Rangueil-Larrey, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Malik Lutzmann
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, CRCT, 2 Avenue Hubert Curien, 31000Toulouse, France
- Institute of Human Genetics, IGH, UMR 9002, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Montpellier, 34396Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Demidova EV, Serebriiskii IG, Vlasenkova R, Kelow S, Andrake MD, Hartman TR, Kent T, Virtucio J, Rosen GL, Pomerantz RT, Dunbrack RL, Golemis EA, Hall MJ, Chen DYT, Daly MB, Arora S. Candidate variants in DNA replication and repair genes in early-onset renal cell carcinoma patients referred for germline testing. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:212. [PMID: 37095444 PMCID: PMC10123997 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09310-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early-onset renal cell carcinoma (eoRCC) is typically associated with pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) in RCC familial syndrome genes. However, most eoRCC patients lack PGVs in familial RCC genes and their genetic risk remains undefined. METHODS Here, we analyzed biospecimens from 22 eoRCC patients that were seen at our institution for genetic counseling and tested negative for PGVs in RCC familial syndrome genes. RESULTS Analysis of whole-exome sequencing (WES) data found enrichment of candidate pathogenic germline variants in DNA repair and replication genes, including multiple DNA polymerases. Induction of DNA damage in peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) significantly elevated numbers of [Formula: see text]H2AX foci, a marker of double-stranded breaks, in PBMCs from eoRCC patients versus PBMCs from matched cancer-free controls. Knockdown of candidate variant genes in Caki RCC cells increased [Formula: see text]H2AX foci. Immortalized patient-derived B cell lines bearing the candidate variants in DNA polymerase genes (POLD1, POLH, POLE, POLK) had DNA replication defects compared to control cells. Renal tumors carrying these DNA polymerase variants were microsatellite stable but had a high mutational burden. Direct biochemical analysis of the variant Pol δ and Pol η polymerases revealed defective enzymatic activities. CONCLUSIONS Together, these results suggest that constitutional defects in DNA repair underlie a subset of eoRCC cases. Screening patient lymphocytes to identify these defects may provide insight into mechanisms of carcinogenesis in a subset of genetically undefined eoRCCs. Evaluation of DNA repair defects may also provide insight into the cancer initiation mechanisms for subsets of eoRCCs and lay the foundation for targeting DNA repair vulnerabilities in eoRCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Demidova
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- Kazan Federal University, Kazan, 420008, Russia
| | - Ilya G Serebriiskii
- Kazan Federal University, Kazan, 420008, Russia
- Program in Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Ramilia Vlasenkova
- Kazan Federal University, Kazan, 420008, Russia
- Program in Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Simon Kelow
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mark D Andrake
- Program in Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Tiffiney R Hartman
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- Arcadia University, Glenside, PA, USA
| | - Tatiana Kent
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - James Virtucio
- Ecological and Evolutionary Signal-Processing and Informatics Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Gail L Rosen
- Ecological and Evolutionary Signal-Processing and Informatics Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Richard T Pomerantz
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Roland L Dunbrack
- Program in Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Erica A Golemis
- Program in Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Michael J Hall
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - David Y T Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Mary B Daly
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA.
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA.
| | - Sanjeevani Arora
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Washif M, Ahmad T, Hosen MB, Rahman MR, Taniguchi T, Okubo H, Hirota K, Kawasumi R. CTF18-RFC contributes to cellular tolerance against chain-terminating nucleoside analogs (CTNAs) in cooperation with proofreading exonuclease activity of DNA polymerase ε. DNA Repair (Amst) 2023; 127:103503. [PMID: 37099849 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic nucleoside analogs, such as cytarabine (Ara-C), are incorporated into genomic DNA during replication. Incorporated Ara-CMP (Ara-cytidine monophosphate) serves as a chain terminator and inhibits DNA synthesis by replicative polymerase epsilon (Polε). The proofreading exonuclease activity of Polε removes the misincorporated Ara-CMP, thereby contributing to the cellular tolerance to Ara-C. Purified Polε performs proofreading, and it is generally believed that proofreading in vivo does not need additional factors. In this study, we demonstrated that the proofreading by Polε in vivo requires CTF18, a component of the leading-strand replisome. We found that loss of CTF18 in chicken DT40 cells and human TK6 cells results in hypersensitivity to Ara-C, indicating the conserved function of CTF18 in the cellular tolerance of Ara-C. Strikingly, we found that proofreading-deficient POLE1D269A/-, CTF18-/-, and POLE1D269A/-/CTF18-/- cells showed indistinguishable phenotypes, including the extent of hypersensitivity to Ara-C and decreased replication rate with Ara-C. This observed epistatic relationship between POLE1D269A/- and CTF18-/- suggests that they are interdependent in removing mis-incorporated Ara-CMP from the 3' end of primers. Mechanistically, we found that CTF18-/- cells have reduced levels of chromatin-bound Polε upon Ara-C treatment, suggesting that CTF18 contributes to the tethering of Polε on fork at the stalled end and thereby facilitating the removal of inserted Ara-C. Collectively, these data reveal the previously unappreciated role of CTF18 in Polε-exonuclease-mediated maintenance of the replication fork upon Ara-C incorporation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mubasshir Washif
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minamiosawa 1-1, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Tasnim Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minamiosawa 1-1, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Md Bayejid Hosen
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minamiosawa 1-1, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Md Ratul Rahman
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minamiosawa 1-1, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Tomoya Taniguchi
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minamiosawa 1-1, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Hiromori Okubo
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minamiosawa 1-1, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Kouji Hirota
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minamiosawa 1-1, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Kawasumi
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minamiosawa 1-1, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Krishnamoorthy K, Sherman LS, Romagano MP, El Far M, Etchegaray JP, Williams SF, Rameshwar P. Low dose acetyl salicylic acid (LDA) mediates epigenetic changes in preeclampsia placental mesenchymal stem cells similar to cells from healthy pregnancy. Placenta 2023; 137:49-58. [PMID: 37071955 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia (PE) affects 2-8% of all pregnancies, and is the leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. We reported on pathophysiological changes in placenta mesenchymal stem cells (P-MSCs) in PE. P-MSCs can be isolated from different layers of the placenta at the interface between the fetus and mother. The ability of MSCs from other sources to be immune licensed as immune suppressor cells indicated that P-MSCs could mitigate fetal rejection. Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is indicated for treating PE. Indeed, low-dose aspirin is recommended to prevent PE in high risk patients. METHODS We conducted robust computational analyses to study changes in gene expression in P-MSCs from PE and healthy term pregnancies as compared with PE-MSCs treated with low dose acetyl salicylic acid (LDA). Confocal microscopy studied phospho-H2AX levels in P-MSCs. RESULTS We identified changes in >400 genes with LDA, similar to levels of healthy pregnancy. The top canonical pathways that incorporate these genes were linked to DNA repair damage - Basic excision repair (BER), Nucleotide excision repair (NER) and DNA replication. A role for the sumoylation (SUMO) pathway, which could regulate gene expression and protein stabilization was significant although reduced as compared to BER and NER pathways. Labeling for phopho-H2AX indicated no evidence of double strand break in PE P-MSCs. DISCUSSION The overlapping of key genes within each pathway suggested a major role for LDA in the epigenetic landscape of PE P-MSCs. Overall, this study showed a new insight into how LDA reset the P-MSCs in PE subjects around the DNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaila Krishnamoorthy
- Dept of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Health, D - Maternal Fetal Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Lauren S Sherman
- Dept of Medicine - Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA; Rutgers School of Graduate Studies at New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Matthew P Romagano
- Dept of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Health, D - Maternal Fetal Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Markos El Far
- Dept of Medicine - Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | | | - Shauna F Williams
- Dept of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Health, D - Maternal Fetal Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
| | - Pranela Rameshwar
- Dept of Medicine - Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cohen-Paes A, de Alcântara AL, de Souza Menezes E, Moreira FC, Fernandes MR, Guerreiro JF, Ribeiro-Dos-Santos Â, Dos Santos SEB, dos Santos NPC. Characterization of DNA Polymerase Genes in Amazonian Amerindian Populations. Genes (Basel) 2022; 14:53. [PMID: 36672794 PMCID: PMC9859017 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to their continuing geographic isolation, the Amerindian populations of the Brazilian Amazon present a different genetic profile when compared to other continental populations. Few studies have investigated genetic variants present in these populations, especially in the context of next-generation sequencing. Knowledge of the molecular profile of a population is one of the bases for inferences about human evolutionary history, in addition, it has the ability to assist in the validation of molecular biomarkers of susceptibility to complex and rare diseases, and in the improvement of specific precision medicine protocols applied to these populations and to populations with high Amerindian ancestry, such as Brazilians. DNA polymerases play essential roles in DNA replication, repair, recombination, or damage repair, and their influence on various clinical phenotypes has been demonstrated in the specialized literature. Thus, the aim of this study is to characterize the molecular profile of POLA1, POLE, POLG, POLQ, and REV3L genes in Amerindian populations from the Brazilian Amazon, comparing these findings with genomic data from five continental populations described in the gnomAD database, and with data from the Brazilian population described in ABraOM. We performed the whole exome sequencing (WES) of 63 Indigenous individuals. Our study described for the first time the allele frequency of 45 variants already described in the other continental populations, but never before described in the investigated Amerindian populations. Our results also describe eight unique variants of the investigated Amerindians populations, with predictions of moderate, modifier and high clinical impact. Our findings demonstrate the unique genetic profile of the Indigenous population of the Brazilian Amazon, reinforcing the need for further studies on these populations, and may contribute to the creation of public policies that optimize not only the quality of life of this population, but also of the Brazilian population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Cohen-Paes
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-000, PA, Brazil
| | | | - Elisa de Souza Menezes
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-000, PA, Brazil
| | | | | | - João Farias Guerreiro
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Ândrea Ribeiro-Dos-Santos
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-000, PA, Brazil
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Sidney Emanuel Batista Dos Santos
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-000, PA, Brazil
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Steinkellner L, Luger F, Loidl W. [Importance of genetic testing in prostate cancer]. UROLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 61:1392-1398. [PMID: 36378280 DOI: 10.1007/s00120-022-01977-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Due to the increasing accessibility, molecular diagnostics are becoming more important in urology. There are validated predictive and prognostic biomarkers available for prostate cancer. This has clinical implications for screening diagnosis and personalized treatment options. The best known examples are mutations in the DNA damage repair genes breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) and BRCA2 for which the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor olaparib has been approved in 2020. This continuous progress enables a more tumor-specific and personalized treatment for prostate cancer. In order to provide this precision medicine, it is necessary to know the most important basic principles, have a close-knit interdisciplinary cooperation and access to a molecular tumor board due to the increased complexity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Steinkellner
- Abteilung für Urologie und Andrologie, Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen, Fadingerstraße 1, 4020, Linz, Österreich
| | - Ferdinand Luger
- Abteilung für Urologie und Andrologie, Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen, Fadingerstraße 1, 4020, Linz, Österreich
| | - Wolfgang Loidl
- Abteilung für Urologie und Andrologie, Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen, Fadingerstraße 1, 4020, Linz, Österreich.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Schamschula E, Kinzel M, Wernstedt A, Oberhuber K, Gottschling H, Schnaiter S, Friedrichs N, Merkelbach-Bruse S, Zschocke J, Gallon R, Wimmer K. Teenage-Onset Colorectal Cancers in a Digenic Cancer Predisposition Syndrome Provide Clues for the Interaction between Mismatch Repair and Polymerase δ Proofreading Deficiency in Tumorigenesis. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12101350. [PMID: 36291559 PMCID: PMC9599501 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) in adolescents and young adults (AYA) is very rare. Known predisposition syndromes include Lynch syndrome (LS) due to highly penetrant MLH1 and MSH2 alleles, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), constitutional mismatch-repair deficiency (CMMRD), and polymerase proofreading-associated polyposis (PPAP). Yet, 60% of AYA-CRC cases remain unexplained. In two teenage siblings with multiple adenomas and CRC, we identified a maternally inherited heterozygous PMS2 exon 12 deletion, NM_000535.7:c.2007-786_2174+493del1447, and a paternally inherited POLD1 variant, NP_002682.2:p.Asp316Asn. Comprehensive molecular tumor analysis revealed ultra-mutation (>100 Mut/Mb) and a large contribution of COSMIC signature SBS20 in both siblings’ CRCs, confirming their predisposition to AYA-CRC results from a high propensity for somatic MMR deficiency (MMRd) compounded by a constitutional Pol δ proofreading defect. COSMIC signature SBS20 as well as SBS26 in the index patient’s CRC were associated with an early mutation burst, suggesting MMRd was an early event in tumorigenesis. The somatic second hits in PMS2 were through loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in both tumors, suggesting PPd-independent acquisition of MMRd. Taken together, these patients represent the first cases of cancer predisposition due to heterozygous variants in PMS2 and POLD1. Analysis of their CRCs supports that POLD1-mutated tumors acquire hypermutation only with concurrent MMRd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Schamschula
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Miriam Kinzel
- Medicover Humangenetik—Berlin-Lichtenberg, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Annekatrin Wernstedt
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Klaus Oberhuber
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hendrik Gottschling
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Simon Schnaiter
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | | | - Johannes Zschocke
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Richard Gallon
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Katharina Wimmer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Manils J, Marruecos L, Soler C. Exonucleases: Degrading DNA to Deal with Genome Damage, Cell Death, Inflammation and Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142157. [PMID: 35883600 PMCID: PMC9316158 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although DNA degradation might seem an unwanted event, it is essential in many cellular processes that are key to maintaining genomic stability and cell and organism homeostasis. The capacity to cut out nucleotides one at a time from the end of a DNA chain is present in enzymes called exonucleases. Exonuclease activity might come from enzymes with multiple other functions or specialized enzymes only dedicated to this function. Exonucleases are involved in central pathways of cell biology such as DNA replication, repair, and death, as well as tuning the immune response. Of note, malfunctioning of these enzymes is associated with immune disorders and cancer. In this review, we will dissect the impact of DNA degradation on the DNA damage response and its links with inflammation and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan Manils
- Serra Húnter Programme, Immunology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain;
- Immunity, Inflammation and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge—IDIBELL, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Laura Marruecos
- Breast Cancer Laboratory, Cancer Biology and Stem Cells Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Concepció Soler
- Immunity, Inflammation and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge—IDIBELL, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Immunology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Efficient discrimination against RNA-containing primers by human DNA polymerase ε. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10163. [PMID: 35715491 PMCID: PMC9205888 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14602-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerase ε (Polε) performs bulk synthesis of DNA on the leading strand during genome replication. Polε binds two substrates, a template:primer and dNTP, and catalyzes a covalent attachment of dNMP to the 3' end of the primer. Previous studies have shown that Polε easily inserts and extends ribonucleotides, which may promote mutagenesis and genome instability. In this work, we analyzed the mechanisms of discrimination against RNA-containing primers by human Polε (hPolε), performing binding and kinetic studies at near-physiological salt concentration. Pre-steady-state kinetic studies revealed that hPolεCD extends RNA primers with approximately 3300-fold lower efficiency in comparison to DNA, and addition of one dNMP to the 3' end of an RNA primer increases activity 36-fold. Likewise, addition of one rNMP to the 3' end of a DNA primer reduces activity 38-fold. The binding studies conducted in the presence of 0.15 M NaCl revealed that human hPolεCD has low affinity to DNA (KD of 1.5 µM). Strikingly, a change of salt concentration from 0.1 M to 0.15 M reduces the stability of the hPolεCD/DNA complex by 25-fold. Upon template:primer binding, the incoming dNTP and magnesium ions make hPolε discriminative against RNA and chimeric RNA-DNA primers. In summary, our studies revealed that hPolε discrimination against RNA-containing primers is based on the following factors: incoming dNTP, magnesium ions, a steric gate for the primer 2'OH, and the rigid template:primer binding pocket near the catalytic site. In addition, we showed the importance of conducting functional studies at near-physiological salt concentration.
Collapse
|
19
|
Li JJX, Ip PPC. Endometrial Cancer: An Update on Prognostic Pathologic Features and Clinically Relevant Biomarkers. Surg Pathol Clin 2022; 15:277-299. [PMID: 35715162 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2022.02.006] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The prognosis of endometrial cancers has historically been determined by the evaluation of histologic typing, grading, and staging. Recently, molecular classification, pioneered by the 4 prognostic categories from The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network, has been shown to independently predict the outcome, correlate with biomarker expression, and predict response to adjuvant chemotherapy. In modern-day pathology practice, it has become necessary to integrate the time-honored prognostic pathologic features with molecular classification to optimize patient management. In this review, the significance of the molecular classification of endometrioid carcinomas, the application of practical diagnostic surrogate algorithms, and interpretation of test results will be addressed. Histologic features and theragnostic biomarkers will also be discussed in relation to the molecular subtypes of endometrial cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J X Li
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Philip P C Ip
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong SAR.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wang D, Zhang Y, li R, Li J, Zhang R. Consistency and reproducibility of large panel next-generation sequencing: Multi-laboratory assessment of somatic mutation detection on reference materials with mismatch repair and proofreading deficiency. J Adv Res 2022; 44:161-172. [PMID: 36725187 PMCID: PMC9937796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clinical precision oncology increasingly relies on accurate genome-wide profiling using large panel next generation sequencing; however, difficulties in accurate and consistent detection of somatic mutation from individual platforms and pipelines remain an open question. OBJECTIVES To obtain paired tumor-normal reference materials that can be effectively constructed and interchangeable with clinical samples, and evaluate the performance of 56 panels under routine testing conditions based on the reference samples. METHODS Genes involved in mismatch repair and DNA proofreading were knocked down using the CRISPR-Cas9 technology to accumulate somatic mutations in a defined GM12878 cell line. They were used as reference materials to comprehensively evaluate the reproducibility and accuracy of detection results of oncopanels and explore the potential influencing factors. RESULTS In total, 14 paired tumor-normal reference DNA samples from engineered cell lines were prepared, and a reference dataset comprising 168 somatic mutations in a high-confidence region of 1.8 Mb were generated. For mutations with an allele frequency (AF) of more than 5% in reference samples, 56 panels collectively reported 1306 errors, including 729 false negatives (FNs), 179 false positives (FPs) and 398 reproducibility errors. The performance metric varied among panels with precision and recall ranging from 0.773 to 1 and 0.683 to 1, respectively. Incorrect and inadequate filtering accounted for a large proportion of false discovery (including FNs and FPs), while low-quality detection, cross-contamination and other sequencing errors during the wet bench process were other sources of FNs and FPs. In addition, low AF (<5%) considerably influenced the reproducibility and comparability among panels. CONCLUSIONS This study provided an integrated practice for developing reference standard to assess oncopanels in detecting somatic mutations and quantitatively revealed the source of detection errors. It will promote optimization, validation, and quality control among laboratories with potential applicability in clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duo Wang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, P. R. China,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yuanfeng Zhang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, P. R. China,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Rui li
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, P. R. China,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jinming Li
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, P. R. China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China.
| | - Rui Zhang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, P. R. China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Polymerase Epsilon-Associated Ultramutagenesis in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061467. [PMID: 35326618 PMCID: PMC8946778 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
With advances in next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, efforts have been made to develop personalized medicine, targeting the specific genetic makeup of an individual. Somatic or germline DNA Polymerase epsilon (PolE) mutations cause ultramutated (>100 mutations/Mb) cancer. In contrast to mismatch repair-deficient hypermutated (>10 mutations/Mb) cancer, PolE-associated cancer is primarily microsatellite stable (MSS) In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of this PolE-associated ultramutated tumor. We describe its molecular characteristics, including the mutation sites and mutation signature of this type of tumor and the mechanism of its ultramutagenesis. We discuss its good clinical prognosis and elucidate the mechanism for enhanced immunogenicity with a high tumor mutation burden, increased neoantigen load, and enriched tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. We also provide the rationale for immune checkpoint inhibitors in PolE-mutated tumors.
Collapse
|
22
|
Durando ML, Menghani SV, Baumann JL, Robles DG, Day TA, Vaziri C, Scott AJ. Four-Year Disease-Free Remission in a Patient With POLE Mutation-Associated Colorectal Cancer Treated Using Anti-PD-1 Therapy. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2022; 20:218-223. [PMID: 35276675 DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2021.7115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The stability of the human genome depends upon a delicate balance between replication by high- and low-fidelity DNA polymerases. Aberrant replication by error-prone polymerases or loss of function of high-fidelity polymerases predisposes to genetic instability and, in turn, cancer. DNA polymerase epsilon (Pol ε) is a high-fidelity, processive polymerase that is responsible for the majority of leading strand synthesis, and mutations in Pol ε have been increasingly associated with various human malignancies. The clinical significance of Pol ε mutations, including how and whether they should influence management decisions, remains poorly understood. In this report, we describe a 24-year-old man with an aggressive stage IV high-grade, poorly differentiated colon carcinoma who experienced a dramatic response to single-agent checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy after rapidly progressing on standard chemotherapy. His response was complete and durable and has been maintained for more than 48 months. Genetic testing revealed a P286R mutation in the endonuclease domain of POLE and an elevated tumor mutational burden of 126 mutations per megabase, both of which have been previously associated with response to immunotherapy. Interestingly, tumor staining for PD-L1 was negative. This case study highlights the importance of genetic profiling of both early and late-stage cancers, the clinical significance of POLE mutations, and how the interplay between genetic instability and immune-checkpoint blockade can impact clinical decision-making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Durando
- 1Banner-University Medical Center Tucson, Tucson, Arizona.,2Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine.,3University of Arizona Cancer Center
| | | | - Jessica L Baumann
- 5Department of Pathology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, Arizona.,6Now with Roche Tissue Diagnostics, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Danny G Robles
- 1Banner-University Medical Center Tucson, Tucson, Arizona.,7Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Tovah A Day
- 8Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Cyrus Vaziri
- 9Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Aaron J Scott
- 1Banner-University Medical Center Tucson, Tucson, Arizona.,2Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine.,3University of Arizona Cancer Center
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Park VS, Sun MJS, Frey WD, Williams LG, Hodel KP, Strauss JD, Wellens SJ, Jackson JG, Pursell ZF. Mouse model and human patient data reveal critical roles for Pten and p53 in suppressing POLE mutant tumor development. NAR Cancer 2022; 4:zcac004. [PMID: 35252866 PMCID: PMC8892059 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcac004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the exonuclease domain of POLE are associated with tumors harboring very high mutation burdens. The mechanisms linking this significant mutation accumulation and tumor development remain poorly understood. Pole+/P286R;Trp53+/– mice showed accelerated cancer mortality compared to Pole+/P286R;Trp53+/+ mice. Cells from Pole+/P286R mice showed increased p53 activation, and subsequent loss of p53 permitted rapid growth, implicating canonical p53 loss of heterozygosity in POLE mutant tumor growth. However, p53 status had no effect on tumor mutation burden or single base substitution signatures in POLE mutant tumors from mice or humans. Pten has important roles in maintaining genome stability. We find that PTEN mutations are highly enriched in human POLE mutant tumors, including many in POLE signature contexts. One such signature mutation, PTEN-F341V, was previously shown in a mouse model to specifically decrease nuclear Pten and lead to increased DNA damage. We found tumors in Pole+/P286R mice that spontaneously acquired PtenF341V mutations and were associated with significantly reduced nuclear Pten and elevated DNA damage. Re-analysis of human TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) data showed that all PTEN-F341V mutations occurred in tumors with mutations in POLE. Taken together with recent published work, our results support the idea that development of POLE mutant tumors may involve disabling surveillance of nuclear DNA damage in addition to POLE-mediated hypermutagenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivian S Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Meijuan J S Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Wesley D Frey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Leonard G Williams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Karl P Hodel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Juliet D Strauss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sydney J Wellens
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - James G Jackson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Zachary F Pursell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
This overview of the molecular pathology of lung cancer includes a review of the most salient molecular alterations of the genome, transcriptome, and the epigenome. The insights provided by the growing use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in lung cancer will be discussed, and interrelated concepts such as intertumor heterogeneity, intratumor heterogeneity, tumor mutational burden, and the advent of liquid biopsy will be explored. Moreover, this work describes how the evolving field of molecular pathology refines the understanding of different histologic phenotypes of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the underlying biology of small-cell lung cancer. This review will provide an appreciation for how ongoing scientific findings and technologic advances in molecular pathology are crucial for development of biomarkers, therapeutic agents, clinical trials, and ultimately improved patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James J Saller
- Departments of Pathology and Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
| | - Theresa A Boyle
- Departments of Pathology and Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Dong S, Zakaria H, Hsiehchen D. Non-Exonuclease Domain POLE Mutations Associated with Immunotherapy Benefit. Oncologist 2022; 27:159-162. [PMID: 35274726 PMCID: PMC8914489 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyac017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Inactivating mutations in the exonuclease domain of POLE induce somatic hypermutation resulting in a high tumor mutation burden (TMB) and are associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) benefit. POLE mutations outside the exonuclease domain predicted to be deleterious are also observed in cancers, but it is unknown whether they are similarly associated with response to ICIs. We present a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma with a rare POLE mutation (V1368M) outside the exonuclease-domain predicted to be deleterious, a low TMB (1 mut/Mb), and microsatellite stability, who demonstrated an exceptional response to pembrolizumab. To support the generalizability of this finding, an analysis of 1278 patients with advanced cancers harboring low or intermediate TMB treated with ICIs showed that missense non-exonuclease domain POLE mutations were associated with greater overall survival. In contrast, among patients with advanced cancers without ICI exposure, POLE mutations were not associated with overall survival. These results demonstrate that a subset of missense POLE mutations may represent predictive biomarkers independent of TMB. Pathogenic POLE mutations outside the exonuclease domain may result in altered functions beyond DNA replication and proofreading which render cancers sensitive to ICIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharlene Dong
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Heba Zakaria
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - David Hsiehchen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Garmezy B, Gheeya J, Lin HY, Huang Y, Kim T, Jiang X, Thein KZ, Pilié PG, Zeineddine F, Wang W, Shaw KR, Rodon J, Shen JP, Yuan Y, Meric-Bernstam F, Chen K, Yap TA. Clinical and Molecular Characterization of POLE Mutations as Predictive Biomarkers of Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Advanced Cancers. JCO Precis Oncol 2022; 6:e2100267. [PMID: 35108036 PMCID: PMC8820927 DOI: 10.1200/po.21.00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE DNA polymerase epsilon is critical to DNA proofreading and replication. Mutations in POLE have been associated with hypermutated tumors and antitumor response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. We present a clinicopathologic analysis of patients with advanced cancers harboring POLE mutations, the pattern of co-occurring mutations, and their response to ICI therapy within the context of mutation pathogenicity. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of next-generation sequencing data at MD Anderson Cancer Center to identify patient tumors with POLE mutations and their co-occurring mutations. The pathogenicity of each mutation was annotated using InterVar and ClinVar. Differences in therapeutic response to ICI, survival, and co-occurring mutations were reported by POLE pathogenicity status. RESULTS Four hundred fifty-eight patient tumors with POLE mutations were identified from 14,229 next-generation sequencing reports; 15.0% of POLE mutations were pathogenic, 15.9% benign, and 69.1% variant of unknown significance. Eighty-two patients received either programmed death 1 or programmed death ligand-1 inhibitors as monotherapy or in combination with cytotoxic T-cell lymphocyte-4 inhibitors. Patients with pathogenic POLE mutations had improved clinical benefit rate (82.4% v 30.0%; P = .013), median progression-free survival (15.1 v 2.2 months; P < .001), overall survival (29.5 v 6.8 months; P < .001), and longer treatment duration (median 15.5 v 2.5 months; P < .001) compared to those with benign variants. Progression-free survival and overall survival remained superior when adjusting for number of co-occurring mutations (≥ 10 v < 10) and/or microsatellite instability status (proficient mismatch repair v deficient mismatch repair). The number of comutations was not associated with response to ICI (clinical benefit v progressive disease: median 13 v 11 comutations; P = .18). CONCLUSION Pathogenic POLE mutations were associated with clinical benefit to ICI therapy. Further studies are warranted to validate POLE mutation as a predictive biomarker of ICI therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Garmezy
- Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Jinesh Gheeya
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Heather Y. Lin
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Yuefan Huang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Taebeom Kim
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Xianli Jiang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Kyaw Z. Thein
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Clinical Trials Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Patrick G. Pilié
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Fadl Zeineddine
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Wanlin Wang
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Clinical Trials Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Kenna R. Shaw
- Khalifa Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Jordi Rodon
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Clinical Trials Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - John Paul Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Clinical Trials Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Khalifa Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Ken Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Timothy A. Yap
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Clinical Trials Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Khalifa Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- The Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Yin F, Wang K, Hu M, Starostik P, Newsom KJ, Liu X. Deleterious mutations in esophageal carcinoma cuniculatum detected by next generation sequencing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2022; 15:38-45. [PMID: 35145582 PMCID: PMC8822209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal carcinoma cuniculatum (ECC) is a rare form of extremely well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus that is often misdiagnosed preoperatively. The molecular changes underlying ECC remain unknown. This study aimed to explore the molecular signature of ECC using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Five cases of ECC were collected from our pathology database from 2014 to 2019. One patient received chemoradiation and the remaining four patients were treatment-naïve. Areas of normal squamous mucosa, non-invasive component, and invasive component of ECC were circled and macrodissected. Genomic DNA extracted from the macrodissected tissue was sequenced using GatorSeq NGS Panel. Deleterious mutations, predicted by Sorting Intolerant from Tolerant (SIFT), were identified using tumor/normal pairs and annotated by amino acid change. The normal-appearing squamous mucosa in the ECC harbored recurrent deleterious somatic mutations in ROS1 and POLE genes. ECC tumor-specific deleterious mutations were identified on TP53, NOTCH1, and PIK3CA genes. Our results support a mutually exclusive pattern in NOTCH1 and PIK3CA mutation. Non-invasive and invasive components in ECC had identical mutation profiles. Chemoradiation therapy led to disappearance of NOTCH1 mutation in one ECC case. Our results suggest molecular testing may help pre-operative diagnosis, and provide therapeutic targets in patients with advanced or unresectable ECC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Yin
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of MissouriColumbia, MO, USA
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Lab Medicine, University of FloridaGainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ming Hu
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Lab Medicine, University of FloridaGainesville, FL, USA
| | - Petr Starostik
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Lab Medicine, University of FloridaGainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kimberly J Newsom
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Lab Medicine, University of FloridaGainesville, FL, USA
| | - Xiuli Liu
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Lab Medicine, University of FloridaGainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wu X, Tang H, Xu WH, Tang H, Wei S, Anwaier A, Huang H, Qu YY, Zhang H, Zhao S, Li H, Liu W, Chen H, Ding C, Ye D. Protumorigenic Role of Elevated Levels of DNA Polymerase Epsilon Predicts an Immune-Suppressive Microenvironment in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Front Genet 2021; 12:751977. [PMID: 34950188 PMCID: PMC8689073 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.751977] [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: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that DNA polymerase epsilon (POLE), which mediates DNA damage repair, is significantly associated with tumor prognosis. This study aimed to analyze POLE expression in tumor samples and its prognostic value for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). We found significantly elevated POLE expression in ccRCC tissues compared with normal tissues of multiple independent cohorts. The POLE expression levels of 523 patients with ccRCC (The Cancer Genome Atlas RNA-seq data) and 179 patients with ccRCC with immunohistochemical data (Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center) were analyzed to investigate the prognostic implications of POLE expression. Cox regression analyses were implemented to explore the effect of POLE expression on the prognosis of pan-cancer. These findings revealed that elevated POLE expression levels significantly correlated with shorter overall survival (p < 0.001, n = 701) of patients with ccRCC. These data indicate that POLE expression may serve as a prognostic biomarker for cancers. Although POLE mutations were not significantly associated with survival benefits conferred upon patients with ccRCC, a CD4+ T cell-regulated immune microenvironment was significantly activated. Moreover, we found that POLE expression in cancers significantly correlated with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, higher intratumoral heterogeneity, and expression of immune checkpoint genes PDCD1, CTLA4, and CD86, possibly mediated via the JAK/STAT and Notch signaling pathways. In conclusion, the present study is the first to our knowledge to indicate that elevated POLE expression is significantly associated with poor survival and an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment in ccRCC. These findings suggest that POLE can serve as a biomarker for guiding molecular diagnosis and facilitating the development of novel individual therapeutic strategies for patients with advanced ccRCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Wu
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haijia Tang
- Department of Integrated Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen-Hao Xu
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haidan Tang
- Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Guangxi, China
| | - Shiyin Wei
- Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Guangxi, China
| | - Aihetaimujiang Anwaier
- Department of Integrated Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Haineng Huang
- Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Qu
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hailiang Zhang
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wangrui Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Guangxi, China.,Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongjing Chen
- Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Chen Ding
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dingwei Ye
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ottini A, Sepe P, Beninato T, Claps M, Guadalupi V, Verzoni E, Giannatempo P, Baciarello G, de Braud F, Procopio G. Biomarker-driven immunotherapy for precision medicine in prostate cancer. Per Med 2021; 19:51-66. [PMID: 34873959 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2021-0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Although immunotherapy has recently revolutionized standard of care in different cancer types, prostate cancer has generally failed to show dramatic responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors. As in other tumors, the goal in prostate cancer is now to target treatments more precisely on patient's individual characteristics through precision medicine. Defects in mismatch repair, mutations in the exonuclease domain of the DNA polymerase epsilon (POLE), high tumor mutational burden and the presence of biallelic loss of CDK12 among others, are predictive biomarkers of response to immunotherapy. In the present review, we summarize the evolving landscape of immunotherapy in prostate cancer, including precision approaches and strategies to define classes of responsive patients and scale up resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Ottini
- Department of Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Pierangela Sepe
- Department of Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Teresa Beninato
- Department of Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Mélanie Claps
- Department of Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Guadalupi
- Department of Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Verzoni
- Department of Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Giannatempo
- Department of Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Baciarello
- Department of Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo de Braud
- Department of Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Procopio
- Department of Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Yuan H, Ji J, Shi M, Shi Y, Liu J, Wu J, Yang C, Xi W, Li Q, Zhu W, Li J, Gong X, Zhang J. Characteristics of Pan-Cancer Patients With Ultrahigh Tumor Mutation Burden. Front Oncol 2021; 11:682017. [PMID: 33968789 PMCID: PMC8100597 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.682017] [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: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor mutation burden has been proven to be a good predictor for the efficacy of immunotherapy, especially in patients with hypermutation. However, most research focused on the analysis of hypermutation in individual tumors, and there is a lack of integrated research on the hypermutation across different cancers. This study aimed to characterize hypermutated patients to distinguish between these patients and non-hypermutated patients. Methods A total of 5,980 tumor samples involving 23 types of solid tumors from the in-house database were included in the study. Based on the cutoff value of tumor mutation burden (TMB), all samples were divided into hypermutated or non-hypermutated groups. Microsatellite instability status, PD-L1 expression and other mutation-related indicators were analyzed. Results Among the 5,980 tumor samples, 1,164 were selected as samples with hypermutation. Compared with the non-hypermutated group, a significant increase in the mutation rates of DNA mismatch repair genes and polymerase genes was detected in the hypermutated group, and there was an overlap between high TMB and high microsatellite instability or high PD-L1. In addition, we found that EGFR, KRAS and PIK3CA had a high frequency of both single nucleotide variation and copy number variation mutations. These identified mutant genes were enriched in the oncogenic signaling pathway and the DNA damage repair pathway. At the same time, the somatic cell characteristics and distribution of the two groups were significantly different. Conclusions This study identified genetic and phenotypic characteristics of hypermutated tumors and demonstrated that DNA damage repair is critically involved in hypermutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Ji
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Shi
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junwei Wu
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqi Xi
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingyuan Li
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, China
| | - Jingjie Li
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiaoli Gong
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zeng Z, Yang B, Liao Z. Biomarkers in Immunotherapy-Based Precision Treatments of Digestive System Tumors. Front Oncol 2021; 11:650481. [PMID: 33777812 PMCID: PMC7991593 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.650481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (mainly referring to programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockades), derives durable remission and survival benefits for multiple tumor types including digestive system tumors [gastric cancer (GC), colorectal cancer (CRC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)], particularly those with metastatic or recurrent lesions. Even so, not all patients would respond well to anti-programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1 agents (anti-PD-1/PD-L1) in gastrointestinal malignancies, suggesting the need for biomarkers to identify the responders and non-responders, as well as to predict the clinical outcomes. PD-L1expression has increasingly emerged as a potential biomarker when predicting the immunotherapy-based efficacy; but regrettably, PD-L1 alone is not sufficient to differentiate patients. Other molecules, such as tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as well, are involved in further explorations. Overall, there are not still no perfect or well-established biomarkers in immunotherapy for digestive system tumors at present as a result of the inherent limitations, especially for HCC. Standardizing and harmonizing the assessments of existing biomarkers, and meanwhile, switching to other novel biomarkers are presumably wise and feasible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Zeng
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Biao Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengyin Liao
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Deshmukh AL, Porro A, Mohiuddin M, Lanni S, Panigrahi GB, Caron MC, Masson JY, Sartori AA, Pearson CE. FAN1, a DNA Repair Nuclease, as a Modifier of Repeat Expansion Disorders. J Huntingtons Dis 2021; 10:95-122. [PMID: 33579867 PMCID: PMC7990447 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-200448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
FAN1 encodes a DNA repair nuclease. Genetic deficiencies, copy number variants, and single nucleotide variants of FAN1 have been linked to karyomegalic interstitial nephritis, 15q13.3 microdeletion/microduplication syndrome (autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy), cancer, and most recently repeat expansion diseases. For seven CAG repeat expansion diseases (Huntington's disease (HD) and certain spinocerebellar ataxias), modification of age of onset is linked to variants of specific DNA repair proteins. FAN1 variants are the strongest modifiers. Non-coding disease-delaying FAN1 variants and coding disease-hastening variants (p.R507H and p.R377W) are known, where the former may lead to increased FAN1 levels and the latter have unknown effects upon FAN1 functions. Current thoughts are that ongoing repeat expansions in disease-vulnerable tissues, as individuals age, promote disease onset. Fan1 is required to suppress against high levels of ongoing somatic CAG and CGG repeat expansions in tissues of HD and FMR1 transgenic mice respectively, in addition to participating in DNA interstrand crosslink repair. FAN1 is also a modifier of autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. Coupled with the association of these diseases with repeat expansions, this suggests a common mechanism, by which FAN1 modifies repeat diseases. Yet how any of the FAN1 variants modify disease is unknown. Here, we review FAN1 variants, associated clinical effects, protein structure, and the enzyme's attributed functional roles. We highlight how variants may alter its activities in DNA damage response and/or repeat instability. A thorough awareness of the FAN1 gene and FAN1 protein functions will reveal if and how it may be targeted for clinical benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amit L Deshmukh
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antonio Porro
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mohiuddin Mohiuddin
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stella Lanni
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gagan B Panigrahi
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marie-Christine Caron
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology; Laval University Cancer Research Center, Québec City, Quebec, Canada.,Genome Stability Laboratory, CHU de Québec Research Center, HDQ Pavilion, Oncology Division, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Yves Masson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology; Laval University Cancer Research Center, Québec City, Quebec, Canada.,Genome Stability Laboratory, CHU de Québec Research Center, HDQ Pavilion, Oncology Division, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alessandro A Sartori
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christopher E Pearson
- Program of Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,University of Toronto, Program of Molecular Genetics, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hu H, Cai W, Wu D, Hu W, Dong Wang L, Mao J, Zheng S, Ge W. Ultra-mutated colorectal cancer patients with POLE driver mutations exhibit distinct clinical patterns. Cancer Med 2021; 10:135-142. [PMID: 33125191 PMCID: PMC7826451 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
POLE mutations, which lead to an ultramutated phenotype in colorectal cancer (CRC), have been reported as a promising marker in immunotherapy. We performed sequencing of CRC cases in Zhejiang University (ZJU) and extracted obtainable data from recently published results, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Japanese studies and clinical trials, to present clinical patterns of POLE driver-mutated CRC and reveal its heterogeneity. The rate of somatic POLE driver mutations has been reported as 2.60% (ZJU cohort), 1.50% (TCGA cohort), 1.00% (Japan cohort), and 1.00% (Lancet cohort). POLE driver mutations show a clearly increased mutation burden (mean TMB: 217.98 mut/Mb in ZJU; 203.13 mut/Mb in TCGA). Based on pooled data, more than 70.00% of patients with POLE driver mutations were diagnosed before they were 55 years old and at an early disease stage (Stage 0-II >70.00%), and more than 70.00% were male. Among Asian patients, 68.40% developed POLE driver mutations in the left-side colon, whereas 64.00% of non-Asian patients developed them in the right-side colon (p < 0.01). The top three amino acid changes due to POLE driver mutations are P286R, V411L, and S459F. Investigators and physicians should ascertain the heterogeneity and clinical patterns of POLE driver mutations to be better equipped to design clinical trials and analyze the data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanguang Hu
- Department of Medical OncologyThe Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Wen Cai
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education)The Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of GastroenterologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Dehao Wu
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education)The Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Wangxiong Hu
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education)The Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Li Dong Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research of the First Affiliated HospitalState Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Prevention & TreatmentZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Jianshan Mao
- Department of GastroenterologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Shu Zheng
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education)The Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Weiting Ge
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education)The Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zahurancik WJ, Suo Z. Kinetic investigation of the polymerase and exonuclease activities of human DNA polymerase ε holoenzyme. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:17251-17264. [PMID: 33051204 PMCID: PMC7863874 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotic DNA replication, DNA polymerase ε (Polε) is responsible for leading strand synthesis, whereas DNA polymerases α and δ synthesize the lagging strand. The human Polε (hPolε) holoenzyme is comprised of the catalytic p261 subunit and the noncatalytic p59, p17, and p12 small subunits. So far, the contribution of the noncatalytic subunits to hPolε function is not well understood. Using pre-steady-state kinetic methods, we established a minimal kinetic mechanism for DNA polymerization and editing catalyzed by the hPolε holoenzyme. Compared with the 140-kDa N-terminal catalytic fragment of p261 (p261N), which we kinetically characterized in our earlier studies, the presence of the p261 C-terminal domain (p261C) and the three small subunits increased the DNA binding affinity and the base substitution fidelity. Although the small subunits enhanced correct nucleotide incorporation efficiency, there was a wide range of rate constants when incorporating a correct nucleotide over a single-base mismatch. Surprisingly, the 3'→5' exonuclease activity of the hPolε holoenzyme was significantly slower than that of p261N when editing both matched and mismatched DNA substrates. This suggests that the presence of p261C and the three small subunits regulates the 3'→5' exonuclease activity of the hPolε holoenzyme. Together, the 3'→5' exonuclease activity and the variable mismatch extension activity modulate the overall fidelity of the hPolε holoenzyme by up to 3 orders of magnitude. Thus, the presence of p261C and the three noncatalytic subunits optimizes the dual enzymatic activities of the catalytic p261 subunit and makes the hPolε holoenzyme an efficient and faithful replicative DNA polymerase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Walter J Zahurancik
- The Ohio State Biochemistry Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Zucai Suo
- The Ohio State Biochemistry Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Pavlov YI, Zhuk AS, Stepchenkova EI. DNA Polymerases at the Eukaryotic Replication Fork Thirty Years after: Connection to Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3489. [PMID: 33255191 PMCID: PMC7760166 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies on tumor genomes revealed that mutations in genes of replicative DNA polymerases cause a predisposition for cancer by increasing genome instability. The past 10 years have uncovered exciting details about the structure and function of replicative DNA polymerases and the replication fork organization. The principal idea of participation of different polymerases in specific transactions at the fork proposed by Morrison and coauthors 30 years ago and later named "division of labor," remains standing, with an amendment of the broader role of polymerase δ in the replication of both the lagging and leading DNA strands. However, cancer-associated mutations predominantly affect the catalytic subunit of polymerase ε that participates in leading strand DNA synthesis. We analyze how new findings in the DNA replication field help elucidate the polymerase variants' effects on cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youri I. Pavlov
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases and Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Saint-Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Anna S. Zhuk
- International Laboratory of Computer Technologies, ITMO University, 197101 Saint Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Elena I. Stepchenkova
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Saint-Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia;
- Laboratory of Mutagenesis and Genetic Toxicology, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Saint-Petersburg Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Robert J. [Genomic instability, the engine of oncogenesis]. Bull Cancer 2020; 108:38-40. [PMID: 33187684 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Robert
- Université de Bordeaux, Inserm unité 1218, Bordeaux, France.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Yang Y, Jain RK, Glenn ST, Xu B, Singh PK, Wei L, Hu Q, Long M, Hutson N, Wang J, Battaglia S, George S. Complete response to anti-PD-L1 antibody in a metastatic bladder cancer associated with novel MSH4 mutation and microsatellite instability. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2019-000128. [PMID: 32221012 PMCID: PMC7206971 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Microsatellite instability (MSI) occurs in 3% of urothelial carcinomas as a result of germline or somatic loss of function mutation in mismatch repair (MMR) proteins.1 Although MSH4 is a member of the DNA MMR mutS family, the association of MSH4 mutation with MSI has not been described. We report a complete responder to PD-L1 blockade who had MSH4 mutated metastatic bladder cancer with mixed histology and MSI. The genomics of urothelial, plasmacytoid and squamous histology was characterized individually through microdissection. Case presentation An 81-year-old man was diagnosed with metastatic urothelial carcinoma 8 months after a cystectomy for muscle invasive bladder cancer. His disease was primary refractory to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy but attained complete response to second-line atezolizumab. PCR-based assay revealed MSI high. The tumor mutational burden was elevated to 36.7 mut/Mb. However, immunohistochemistry of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2 was intact. Whole exome sequencing confirmed that the above mentioned four classic MMR genes were wild type but revealed a deleterious MSH4 L359I mutation with variant allele fraction of 30% and Polyphen2 score of 0.873. The association of MSH4 alterations and MSI-H was independently verified in two publicly available MSI-H colorectal cancer datasets. Conclusions The novel MSH4 L359I mutation is associated with MSI and high mutational burden leading to remarkable response to PD-L1 blockade. More studies are warranted to establish the causality relationship between MSH4 and MSI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanquan Yang
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA .,Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Rohit K Jain
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Sean T Glenn
- Center for Personalized Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Prashant K Singh
- Center for Personalized Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Lei Wei
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Qiang Hu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Mark Long
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Nicholas Hutson
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Jianming Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | | | - Saby George
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Li S, Shi B, Liu X, An HX. Acetylation and Deacetylation of DNA Repair Proteins in Cancers. Front Oncol 2020; 10:573502. [PMID: 33194676 PMCID: PMC7642810 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.573502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of DNA repair proteins coordinate together to remove the diverse damages for ensuring the genomic integrity and stability. The repair system is an extensive network mainly encompassing cell cycle arrest, chromatin remodeling, various repair pathways, and new DNA fragment synthesis. Acetylation on DNA repair proteins is a dynamic epigenetic modification orchestrated by lysine acetyltransferases (HATs) and lysine deacetylases (HDACs), which dramatically affects the protein functions through multiple mechanisms, such as regulation of DNA binding ability, protein activity, post-translational modification (PTM) crosstalk, and protein–protein interaction. Accumulating evidence has indicated that the aberrant acetylation of DNA repair proteins contributes to the dysfunction of DNA repair ability, the pathogenesis and progress of cancer, as well as the chemosensitivity of cancer cells. In the present scenario, targeting epigenetic therapy is being considered as a promising method at par with the conventional cancer therapeutic strategies. This present article provides an overview of the recent progress in the functions and mechanisms of acetylation on DNA repair proteins involved in five major repair pathways, which warrants the possibility of regulating acetylation on repair proteins as a therapeutic target in cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiqin Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bingbing Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xinli Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Han-Xiang An
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Molecular Heterogeneity of Endometrioid Ovarian Carcinoma: An Analysis of 166 Cases Using the Endometrial Cancer Subrogate Molecular Classification. Am J Surg Pathol 2020; 44:982-990. [PMID: 32384322 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Endometrioid ovarian carcinoma (EOC) has clinical and biological differences compared with other histologic types of ovarian carcinomas, but it shares morphologic and molecular features with endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. To analyze the molecular heterogeneity of EOC according to the new molecular classification of endometrial cancer and to evaluate the prognostic significance of this molecular classification, we have analyzed 166 early-stage EOC by immunohistochemistry for mismatch repair proteins and p53 expression, and by Sanger sequencing for the exonuclease domain of polymerase epsilon (POLE EDM). In addition, we have carried out next-generation sequencing analysis of tumors with POLE EDM mutations to confirm the ultramutated profile. Eight tumors carried POLE EDM mutations and were classified as ultramutated (5%), 29 showed mismatch repair deficiency and were classified as hypermutated (18%), 16 tumors had a mutated pattern of p53 expression and were classified as p53 abnormal (11%), and 114 tumors did not have any of the previous alterations and were classified as no specific type (66%). Five tumors showed >1 classification criteria. The frequencies of ultramutated and hypermutated tumors were lower in EOC compared with the frequency reported in endometrial cancer. Subrogate molecular groups differed in both morphologic features (histologic grade, squamous and morular metaplasia, and necrosis) and immunohistochemical expression of several biomarkers (ARID1A, nuclear β-catenin, estrogen receptors, Napsin A, and HINF1B). In addition, the number of CD8 tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes was higher in ultramutated and hypermutated tumors. The most commonly mutated genes in the ultramutated group were ARID1A (100%), PIK3R1, PTEN, BCOR, and TP53 (67% each), whereas no mutations were detected in KRAS. Although the prognosis did not differ among subgroups in the multivariate analysis, a trend toward a better prognosis in POLE-mutated and a worse prognosis in p53 abnormal tumors was observed. In addition, this classification could have important therapeutic implications for the use of immunotherapy in tumors classified as ultramutated and hypermutated.
Collapse
|
40
|
Gorlov IP, Amos CI, Tsavachidis S, Begg C, Hernando E, Cheng C, Shen R, Orlow I, Luo L, Ernstoff MS, Parker J, Thomas NE, Gorlova OY, Berwick M. Human genes differ by their UV sensitivity estimated through analysis of UV-induced silent mutations in melanoma. Hum Mutat 2020; 41:1751-1760. [PMID: 32643855 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesized that human genes differ by their sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. We used somatic mutations detected by genome-wide screens in melanoma and reported in the Catalog Of Somatic Mutations In Cancer. As a measure of UV sensitivity, we used the number of silent mutations generated by C>T transitions in pyrimidine dimers of a given transcript divided by the number of potential sites for this type of mutations in the transcript. We found that human genes varied by UV sensitivity by two orders of magnitude. We noted that the melanoma-associated tumor suppressor gene CDKN2A was among the top five most UV-sensitive genes in the human genome. Melanoma driver genes have a higher UV-sensitivity compared with other genes in the human genome. The difference was more prominent for tumor suppressors compared with oncogene. The results of this study suggest that differential sensitivity of human transcripts to UV light may explain melanoma specificity of some driver genes. Practical significance of the study relates to the fact that differences in UV sensitivity among human genes need to be taken into consideration whereas predicting melanoma-associated genes by the number of somatic mutations detected in a given gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan P Gorlov
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | - Colin Begg
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Eva Hernando
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Chao Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ronglai Shen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Irene Orlow
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Li Luo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Marc S Ernstoff
- Department of Medical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm, and Carlton, Buffalo, New York
| | - Joel Parker
- Department of Genetics, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Nancy E Thomas
- Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Olga Y Gorlova
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Marianne Berwick
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Hodel KP, Sun MJS, Ungerleider N, Park VS, Williams LG, Bauer DL, Immethun VE, Wang J, Suo Z, Lu H, McLachlan JB, Pursell ZF. POLE Mutation Spectra Are Shaped by the Mutant Allele Identity, Its Abundance, and Mismatch Repair Status. Mol Cell 2020; 78:1166-1177.e6. [PMID: 32497495 PMCID: PMC8177757 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human tumors with exonuclease domain mutations in the gene encoding DNA polymerase ε (POLE) have incredibly high mutation burdens. These errors arise in four unique mutation signatures occurring in different relative amounts, the etiologies of which remain poorly understood. We used CRISPR-Cas9 to engineer human cell lines expressing POLE tumor variants, with and without mismatch repair (MMR). Whole-exome sequencing of these cells after defined numbers of population doublings permitted analysis of nascent mutation accumulation. Unlike an exonuclease active site mutant that we previously characterized, POLE cancer mutants readily drive signature mutagenesis in the presence of functional MMR. Comparison of cell line and human patient data suggests that the relative abundance of mutation signatures partitions POLE tumors into distinct subgroups dependent on the nature of the POLE allele, its expression level, and MMR status. These results suggest that different POLE mutants have previously unappreciated differences in replication fidelity and mutagenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karl P Hodel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Meijuan J S Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Nathan Ungerleider
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Vivian S Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Leonard G Williams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; BioInnovation Program, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - David L Bauer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Victoria E Immethun
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jieqiong Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Zucai Suo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Hua Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - James B McLachlan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Zachary F Pursell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ganesan S, Mehnert J. Biomarkers for Response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-030419-033604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has significant clinical activity in diverse cancer classes and can induce durable remissions in even refractory advanced disease. However, only a minority of cancer patients treated with ICB have long-term benefits, and ICB treatment is associated with significant, potentially life-threatening, autoimmune side effects. There is a great need to develop biomarkers of response to guide patient selection to maximize the chance of benefit and prevent unnecessary toxicity, and current biomarkers do not have optimal positive or negative predictive value. A variety of potential biomarkers are currently being developed, including those based on assessment of checkpoint protein expression, evaluation of tumor-intrinsic features including mutation burden and viral infection, evaluation of features of the tumor immune microenvironment including nature of immune cell infiltration, and features of the host such as composition of the gut microbiome. Better understanding of the underlying fundamental mechanisms of immune response and resistance to ICB, along with the use of complementary assays that interrogate distinct features of the tumor, the tumor microenvironment, and host immune system, will allow more precise use of these therapies to optimize patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shridar Ganesan
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, USA
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, USA
| | - Janice Mehnert
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, USA
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Li Y, Bian Y, Wang K, Wan XP. POLE mutations improve the prognosis of endometrial cancer via regulating cellular metabolism through AMF/AMFR signal transduction. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 20:202. [PMID: 31864301 PMCID: PMC6925869 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-019-0936-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background The morbidity and mortality of endometrial tumors, a common type of malignant cancer in women, have increased in recent years. POLE encodes the DNA polymerase ε, which is responsible for the leading strand DNA replication. Somatic mutations of POLE have been acknowledged in numerous cancers, resulting in the accumulation of DNA errors, leading to ultra-mutated tumors. Mutations in the exonuclease domain of POLE have been reported to improve progression-free survival in endometrial cancer. However, the potential relationship and underlying mechanism between POLE mutations and the prognosis of endometrial cancer patients remains unclear. Methods The whole exome sequencing data, RNA sequencing data, and clinical information were obtained from the TCGA database and employed for the analyses in this study. The detailed mutational information was analyzed using whole exome sequencing data and the mutated genes were shown with OncoPlot. The survival curves and cox proportional hazards regression analysis were used to accessed patient prognosis, the association of clinical characteristics and prognosis. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed by the edgeR R/Bioconductor package, then the GSEA Pre-ranked tool was used for Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to estimate the function of genes. Expression values were clustered using hierarchical clustering with Euclidean distance and ward linkage by the dendextend R package. Results POLE mutational status was proven to be an independent prognostic factor for endometrial cancer patients. Patients with somatic POLE mutations presented a favorable prognosis. POLE mutations regulated glycolysis and cytokine secretion, affecting cell metabolism and immune response. Autocrine motility factor (AMF)/PGI and AMFR/gp78 exhibited higher expression levels in POLE mutant patients. The comprehensive high expressions of AMFR/gp78 and low expression of POLE were associated with the favorable prognosis of endometrial cancer patients. Conclusions This study showed the POLE mutations a vital factor in endometrial cancer patients, leading to a higher expression of AMF/PGI and AMFR/gp78. These results suggested comprehensive consideration of the POLE mutations, expression of AMF/PGI and AMFR/gp78 may provide a more feasible and effective approach for the treatment of endometrial cancer, which might improve the prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Li
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 2699 Gaoke West Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiding Bian
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 2699 Gaoke West Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Wan
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 2699 Gaoke West Road, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Stasenko M, Tunnage I, Ashley CW, Rubinstein MM, Latham AJ, Da Cruz Paula A, Mueller JJ, Leitao MM, Friedman CF, Makker V, Soslow RA, DeLair DF, Hyman DM, Zamarin D, Alektiar KM, Aghajanian CA, Abu-Rustum NR, Weigelt B, Cadoo KA. Clinical outcomes of patients with POLE mutated endometrioid endometrial cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2019; 156:194-202. [PMID: 31757464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2019.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Assess outcomes of a clinical cohort of patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) harboring somatic POLE exonuclease domain mutations (EDMs). METHODS Patients were consented to a protocol of tumor-normal massively parallel sequencing of 410-468 cancer related genes. EECs subjected to sequencing from 2014 to 2018 were reviewed. Tumors with somatic POLE EDMs were identified. EECs were assessed for microsatellite instability (MSI) using MSIsensor and immunohistochemical analysis for mismatch repair (MMR) proteins. RESULTS Of the 451 EECs sequenced, 23 had a POLE EDM (5%): 20 primary and 3 recurrent tumors sequenced. Nineteen cases (83%) were stage I/II and 4 (17%) were stages III/IV. Thirteen EECs (57%) were of FIGO grades 1/2, 10 (43%) grade 3. All patients were treated with surgery and 17 (89%) received adjuvant therapy. Five (22%) demonstrated loss of DNA MMR protein expression, none were due to Lynch syndrome. MSIsensor scores were conclusive for 21 samples: 19 were microsatellite stable and 2 MSI-high. After median follow-up of 30 months, 4/23 (17%) developed recurrences: 3 with initial grade 3 stage I and 1 with grade 1 stage III disease. One patient with grade 2 stage IV EEC had progressive disease after treatment. CONCLUSIONS Patients with POLE EDM EEC have been shown to have a favorable prognosis. In this real-world cohort of patients, de novo metastatic disease and recurrences in initially uterine-confined cases were observed. Further research is warranted before incorporating the presence of POLE EDM into decision-making regarding adjuvant therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Stasenko
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Irina Tunnage
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles W Ashley
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria M Rubinstein
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alicia J Latham
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arnaud Da Cruz Paula
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer J Mueller
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mario M Leitao
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Claire F Friedman
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vicky Makker
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert A Soslow
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deborah F DeLair
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David M Hyman
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dimitriy Zamarin
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kaled M Alektiar
- Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA; Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carol A Aghajanian
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nadeem R Abu-Rustum
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Britta Weigelt
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karen A Cadoo
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|