Two sides of the story? Smad4 loss in pancreatic cancer versus head-and-neck cancer

SMAD4 enhances the cytotoxic efficacy of human NK cells against colorectal cancer cells via the m6A reader YTHDF2

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most prevalent malignant neoplasm in terms of both morbidity and mortality. Within the tumor microenvironment (TME) of CRC, the diminished presence and diminished cytotoxic function of natural killer (NK) cells serve as important factors driving the advancement of CRC; however, the precise regulatory mechanisms governing this phenomenon remain incompletely understood. Consequently, the identification of novel, potential anti-CRC targets associated with NK cells emerges as a pressing and paramount concern warranting immediate attention.

Methods

We examined the regulatory mechanism of SMAD4-mediated NK cell cytotoxicity on CRC by utilizing various experimental techniques, such as qRT-PCR, flow cytometry.

Results

Our findings revealed that the expression of SMAD4 is decreased in NK cells within the TME of human CRC. Furthermore, we observed that enforced upregulation of SMAD4 resulted in enhanced cytotoxicity of NK cells towards CRC cells. Furthermore, our research has revealed that YTHDF2 functions as a downstream effector of SMAD4, playing a crucial role in the control of transcription and translation of m6A-modified RNA. Moreover, our investigation demonstrated that increased expression of SMAD4 promoted the activating receptor NKG2D by elevating levels of YTHDF2. Ultimately, the SMAD4-YTHDF2 regulatory axis significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of NK cells against human CRC cells.

Conclusion

Our study unveils a novel mechanism through which SMAD4 modulates the cytotoxicity of NK cells towards CRC cells, suggesting that SMAD4 may hold promise as a potential therapeutic target for NK cell therapy in CRC.

Interaction of the tumor suppressor SMAD4 and WNT signaling in progression to oral squamous cell carcinoma

SMAD4 is a tumor suppressor mutated or silenced in multiple cancers, including oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Human clinical samples and cell lines, mouse models and organoid culture were used to investigate the role that SMAD4 plays in progression from benign disease to invasive OSCC. Human OSCC lost detectable SMAD4 protein within tumor epithelium in 24% of cases, and this loss correlated with worse progression-free survival independent of other major clinical and pathological features. A mouse model engineered for KrasG12D expression in the adult oral epithelium induced benign papillomas, however the combination of KrasG12D with loss of epithelial Smad4 expression resulted in rapid development of invasive carcinoma with features of human OSCC. Examination of regulatory pathways in 3D organoid cultures of SMAD4+ and SMAD4- mouse tumors with Kras mutation found that either loss of SMAD4 or inhibition of TGFβ signaling upregulated the WNT pathway and altered the extracellular matrix. The gene signature of the mouse tumor organoids lacking SMAD4 was highly similar to the gene signature of human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In summary, this work has uncovered novel mechanisms by which SMAD4 acts as a tumor suppressor in OSCC. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Enhancing Therapeutic Efficacy of FLT3 Inhibitors with Combination Therapy for Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations are genetic changes found in approximately thirty percent of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). FLT3 mutations in AML represent a challenging clinical scenario characterized by a high rate of relapse, even after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The advent of FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as midostaurin and gilteritinib, has shown promise in achieving complete remission. However, a substantial proportion of patients still experience relapse following TKI treatment, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. This review critically addresses the current landscape of TKI treatments for FLT3+ AML, with a particular focus on gilteritinib. Gilteritinib, a highly selective FLT3 inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in targeting the mutant FLT3 receptor, thereby inhibiting aberrant signaling pathways that drive leukemic proliferation. However, monotherapy with TKIs may not be sufficient to eradicate AML blasts. Specifically, we provide evidence for integrating gilteritinib with mammalian targets of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors and interleukin-15 (IL-15) complexes. The combination of gilteritinib, mTOR inhibitors, and IL-15 complexes presents a compelling strategy to enhance the eradication of AML blasts and enhance NK cell killing, offering a potential for improved patient outcomes.

Dysregulation of exosomal miRNAs and their related genes in head and neck cancer patients

Aim: The present study aimed to figure out the potential role of exosomal microRNAs, and their targeted genes in HNC detection/diagnosis.Methods: In the present study, exosomes were extracted from the serum samples of 400 HNC patients and 400 healthy controls. Exosomes were characterized using TEM, NTA, TEM-immunogold labeling and ELISA. Quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression level of exosomal miRNA-19a, miRNA-19b and targeted genes SMAD2 and SMAD4 in HNC patients and controls.Results: The deregulation of miR-19a (p < 0.01), miR-19b (p < 0.03), SMAD2 (p < 0.04) and SMAD4 (p < 0.04) was observed in HNC patients vs controls.Conclusion: ROC curve and Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the good diagnostic/prognostic value of selected exosomal microRNAs and related genes in HNC patients.

The targeted next-generation sequence revealed SMAD4, AKT1, and TP53 mutations from circulating cell-free DNA of breast cancer and its effect on protein structure - A computational approach

Breast cancer biomarkers that detect marginally advanced stages are still challenging. The detection of specific abnormalities, targeted therapy selection, prognosis, and monitoring of treatment effectiveness over time are all made possible by circulating free DNA (cfDNA) analysis. The proposed study will detect specific genetic abnormalities from the plasma cfDNA of a female breast cancer patient by sequencing a cancer-related gene panel (MGM455 - Oncotrack Ultima), including 56 theranostic genes (SNVs and small INDELs). Initially, we determined the pathogenicity of the observed mutations using PredictSNP, iStable, Align-GVGD, and ConSurf servers. As a next step, molecular dynamics (MD) was implemented to determine the functional significance of SMAD4 mutation (V465M). Lastly, the mutant gene relationships were examined using the Cytoscape plug-in GeneMANIA. Using ClueGO, we determined the gene's functional enrichment and integrative analysis. The structural characteristics of SMAD4 V465M protein by MD simulation analysis further demonstrated that the mutation was deleterious. The simulation showed that the native structure was more significantly altered by the SMAD4 (V465M) mutation. Our findings suggest that SMAD4 V465M mutation might be significantly associated with breast cancer, and other patient-found mutations (AKT1-E17K and TP53-R175H) are synergistically involved in the process of SMAD4 translocate to nuclease, which affects the target gene translation. Therefore, this combination of gene mutations could alter the TGF-β signaling pathway in BC. We further proposed that the SMAD4 protein loss may contribute to an aggressive phenotype by inhibiting the TGF-β signaling pathway. Thus, breast cancer's SMAD4 (V465M) mutation might increase their invasive and metastatic capabilities.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

HPV-mediated regulation of SMAD4 modulates the DNA damage response in head and neck cancer

Background

Head and Neck cancer (HNC) is a fatal malignancy with poor prognosis. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is becoming the prominent cause of HNC in the western world, and studying the molecular mechanisms underlying its action in cancers is key towards targeted therapy. To replicate, HPV regulates the host DNA damage repair (DDR) pathway. SMAD4 is also involved in the regulation of the DDR machinery and likely plays important role in maintaining cell viability upon genotoxic stress. In this study, we investigated the role of HPV in the upregulation of SMAD4 to control the DDR response and facilitate its lifecycle.

Methods

SMAD4, Rad51 and CHK1 expression was assessed in HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNC using TCGA data, a panel of 14 HNC cell lines and 8 fresh tumour tissue samples from HNC patients. HPV16 expression was modulated by E6/E7 siRNA knock-down or transduction in HPV-positive HNC cell lines and Human Primary keratinocytes respectively. SMAD4 half-life was assessed by cycloheximide treatment in HNC cell lines, together with βTRCP1-dependent SMAD4 ubiquitination. SMAD4 siRNA knock-down was used to determine its role in HPV-mediated regulation of DDR machinery and to assess cisplatin sensitivity in HPV-positive HNC cell lines.

Results

We found that HPV increases SMAD4 expression is both HPV-positive HNC tumours and cell lines, impairing its degradation which is mediated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase βTRCP1. SMAD4 expression highly correlates with the expression of two main players of the DDR pathway, CHK1 and Rad51, which expression is also upregulated by the presence of HPV. In particular, we demonstrate that HPV stabilizes SMAD4 to increase CHK1 and Rad51 expression. In addition, SMAD4-deficient HPV-positive cells have increased sensitivity to cisplatin treatment.

Conclusions

Our results give a clear molecular mechanism at the basis of HPV regulation of the DDR pathway. In particular, we show how HPV stabilizes SMAD4 to promote DDR protein expression, which may be used to facilitate viral replication and HNC onset. Moreover, we found that SMAD4 silencing in HPV-positive HNC cell lines increases sensitivity to cisplatin treatment, suggesting that HPV-positive HNC with low SMAD4 expression may be preferentially susceptible to similar treatments.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02258-9.

Setting up clinical trials for success: Applying preclinical advances in combined TGFβ/PD-L1 inhibition to ongoing clinical studies

Combined TGFβ/PD-L1 inhibition is currently undergoing clinical trials in multiple cancer types. The early reported clinical trials of bintrafusp alfa, a bifunctional fusion protein targeting both of these pathways, have had mixed results. Here, we briefly review recent preclinical advances that can be used to refine these ongoing clinical trials and improve their outcomes.

Aberrations in SMAD family of genes among HNSCC patients

Head and neck cancer is a debilitating disease with several etiological factors. One of the main etiologies to be noticed is the alteration, which is either caused by genetic or environmental factors. Therefore, it is of interest to assess the effect of genetic alterations, especially the non-synonymous mutations of the SMAD gene family and its possible association with HNSCC. Data shows a significant novel mutation in the SMAD gene family in association with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), which would aid in better diagnosis and treatment planning for cancer.

Downregulation of Smad4 expression confers chemoresistance against imatinib mesylate to chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells

Objective: Imatinib mesylate (IM), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, exhibits clinically prominent effects against chronic myeloid leukemia (CML); however, a few patients have shown resistance to IM treatment, resulting in disease progression. Smad4 is a tumor inhibitor that transduces TGF-β signaling and modulates genomic stability. Previous studies have indicated that decreased Smad4 expression played a bidirectional role in chemosensitivity in many types of cancers. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the association between IM sensitivity and decreased Smad4 expression in human CML K562 cells.Methods: Bone marrow (BM) samples were acquired from the patients prior to treatment. qRT-PCR, Western Blotting (WB), colony formation assay (CFA), and apoptosis assay were used to detect relevant indices.Results: Smad4 expression was downregulated in the bone marrow and plasma of patients with multidrug-resistant CML as well as IM-resistant K562 (K562R) cells compared with samples collected from CML patients and K562 cells. Smad4 overexpression inhibited IM-treated K562R cell proliferation and augmented apoptosis, whereas Smad4 silencing promoted viability and inhibited apoptosis in IM-treated K562 cells. In addition, Smad4 expression was inversely correlated with laminin subunit gamma 1 (LAMC1) expression. The upregulation or downregulation of LAMC1 expression partially abolished the effect of Smad4 overexpression or silencing on the IM resistance of CML cells.Conclusion: The downregulation of Smad4 expression might induce drug resistance in CML cells and displayed a possible mechanism through which Smad4 modulates CML cell survival and apoptosis upon IM treatment.

Pancreatic cancer: genetics, disease progression, therapeutic resistance and treatment strategies

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease and the third-highest cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It has a very low five-year survival rate (< 5%) in the United States as well as in the world (about 9%). The current gemcitabine-based therapy soon becomes ineffective because treatment resistance and surgical resection also provides only selective benefit. Signature mutations in pancreatic cancer confer chemoresistance by deregulating the cell cycle and promoting anti-apoptotic mechanisms. The stroma-rich tumor microenvironment impairs drug delivery and promotes tumor-specific immune escape. All these factors render the current treatment incompetent and prompt an urgent need for new, improved therapy. In this review, we have discussed the genetics of pancreatic cancer and its role in tumor evolution and treatment resistance. We have also evaluated new treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer, like targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Preoperative clinical and tumor genomic features associated with pathologic lymph node metastasis in clinical stage I and II lung adenocarcinoma

While next-generation sequencing (NGS) is used to guide therapy in patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), use of NGS to determine pathologic LN metastasis prior to surgery has not been assessed. To bridge this knowledge gap, we performed NGS using MSK-IMPACT in 426 treatment-naive patients with clinical N2-negative LUAD. A multivariable logistic regression model that considered preoperative clinical and genomic variables was constructed. Most patients had cN0 disease (85%) with pN0, pN1, and pN2 rates of 80%, 11%, and 9%, respectively. Genes altered at higher rates in pN-positive than in pN-negative tumors were STK11 (p = 0.024), SMARCA4 (p = 0.006), and SMAD4 (p = 0.011). Fraction of genome altered (p = 0.037), copy number amplifications (p = 0.001), and whole-genome doubling (p = 0.028) were higher in pN-positive tumors. Multivariable analysis revealed solid tumor morphology, tumor SUVmax, clinical stage, SMARCA4 and SMAD4 alterations were independently associated with pathologic LN metastasis. Incorporation of clinical and tumor genomic features can identify patients at risk of pathologic LN metastasis; this may guide therapy decisions before surgical resection.

Consequences of Mutations and Abnormal Expression of SMAD4 in Tumors and T Cells

SMAD4 is a typical tumor suppressor in the TGF-β signaling pathway. In human cancers, SMAD4 is frequently mutated and inactivated. In recent years, the consequences of mutations and inactivation of SMAD4 are gradually becoming clearer. Most of the mutations have negative consequences and reduce the chances of survival of their carriers. Loss of SMAD4 functions due to mutations or abnormal expression can suppress the inhibition of tumor growth and support the tumor progression. Functions of SMAD4 and its variants in T cells are being studied extensively, to better understand the SMAD4 functions in T cells. In this review, we mainly discuss the recently reported consequences of mutations and abnormal expression of SMAD4 in tumors, and the effects of loss, deficiency or mutation of SMAD4 and its T cells, to show the use of SMAD4 mutations in cancer diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma with early esophageal metastasis: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy with a high propensity to metastasize. Esophageal metastasis manifesting as dysphagia is rarely reported in the literature and has not to our knowledge been reported prior to the appearance of the primary disease.

CASE SUMMARY

A patient presented with progressive dysphagia to solids and a persistent earache. Computed tomography of the neck and chest revealed a 3.0 cm × 1.8 cm heterogeneous mass originating from the upper third of the esophagus, necrotic cervical and supraclavicular lymphadenopathy, and bilateral pulmonary nodules. She underwent a core needle biopsy of a right cervical node, which suggested a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma of unknown primary. She had an upper endoscopy with biopsy of the esophageal mass suggestive of a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Positron emission tomography imaging revealed increased uptake in the esophageal mass, cervical, and mediastinal lymph nodes. She was started on folinic acid, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin. Prior to initiation of cycle 8, the patient was found to have a pancreatic body mass that was not present on prior radiographic imaging, confirmed by endoscopic ultrasonography and biopsy to be pancreatic adenocarcinoma. CA19-9 was > 10000 U/mL, suggesting a primary pancreaticobiliary origin.

CONCLUSION

Esophageal metastasis diagnosed before primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma is rare. This case highlights the profound metastatic potential of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Whole-exome sequencing of cervical carcinomas identifies activating ERBB2 and PIK3CA mutations as targets for combination therapy

The prognosis of advanced/recurrent cervical cancer patients remains poor. We analyzed 54 fresh-frozen and 15 primary cervical cancer cell lines, along with matched-normal DNA, by whole-exome sequencing (WES), most of which harboring Human-Papillomavirus-type-16/18. We found recurrent somatic missense mutations in 22 genes (including PIK3CA, ERBB2, and GNAS) and a widespread APOBEC cytidine deaminase mutagenesis pattern (TCW motif) in both adenocarcinoma (ACC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Somatic copy number variants (CNVs) identified 12 copy number gains and 40 losses, occurring more often than expected by chance, with the most frequent events in pathways similar to those found from analysis of single nucleotide variants (SNVs), including the ERBB2/PI3K/AKT/mTOR, apoptosis, chromatin remodeling, and cell cycle. To validate specific SNVs as targets, we took advantage of primary cervical tumor cell lines and xenografts to preclinically evaluate the activity of pan-HER (afatinib and neratinib) and PIK3CA (copanlisib) inhibitors, alone and in combination, against tumors harboring alterations in the ERBB2/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway (71%). Tumors harboring ERBB2 (5.8%) domain mutations were significantly more sensitive to single agents afatinib or neratinib when compared to wild-type tumors in preclinical in vitro and in vivo models (P = 0.001). In contrast, pan-HER and PIK3CA inhibitors demonstrated limited in vitro activity and were only transiently effective in controlling in vivo growth of PIK3CA-mutated cervical cancer xenografts. Importantly, combinations of copanlisib and neratinib were highly synergistic, inducing long-lasting regression of tumors harboring alterations in the ERBB2/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. These findings define the genetic landscape of cervical cancer, suggesting that a large subset of cervical tumors might benefit from existing ERBB2/PIK3CA/AKT/mTOR-targeted drugs.

The Mutational Landscape of Pancreatic and Liver Cancers, as Represented by Circulating Tumor DNA

The mutational landscapes of pancreatic and liver cancers share many common genetic alterations which drive cancer progression. However, these mutations do not occur in all cases of these diseases, and this tumoral heterogeneity impedes diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic development. One minimally invasive method for the evaluation of tumor mutations is the analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), released through apoptosis, necrosis, and active secretion by tumor cells into various body fluids. By observing mutations in those genes which promote transformation by controlling the cell cycle and oncogenic signaling pathways, a representation of the mutational profile of the tumor is revealed. The analysis of ctDNA is a promising technique for investigating these two gastrointestinal cancers, as many studies have reported on the accuracy of ctDNA assessment for diagnosis and prognosis using a variety of techniques.

Lessons learned from SMAD4 loss in squamous cell carcinomas

SMAD4 is a potent tumor suppressor and a central mediator of the TGFß signaling pathway. SMAD4 genetic loss is frequent in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Reports of SMAD4 expression in SCCs vary significantly possibly due to inter-tumor heterogeneity or technical reasons. SMAD4 loss is an initiation event for SCCs. In tumor epithelial cells, SMAD4 loss causes increased proliferation, decreased apoptosis, and "Brca-like" genomic instability associated with DNA repair defects. SMAD4 loss also plays a role in the expansion of cancer stem cells. Epithelial SMAD4 loss causes overexpression of TGFß that is released into the tumor microenvironment and contributes to SCC progression through proinflammatory and immune evasive mechanisms. SMAD4 loss, while not a direct therapeutic target, is associated with multiple targetable pathways that require further therapeutic studies. Altogether, SMAD4 loss is a potential biomarker in SCCs that should be further studied for its values in prognostic and therapeutic predictions. Such information will potentially guide future biomarker-driven clinical trial designs and improve SCC patient outcomes.

Inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity of SMAD4 loss in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Reports regarding the frequency of SMAD4 loss in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) vary significantly. We have shown that SMAD4 deletion contributes to HNSCC initiation and progression. Therefore, accurately detecting genetic SMAD4 loss is critical to determine prognosis and therapeutic interventions in personalized medicine. We developed a SMAD4 fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay to identify chromosomal SMAD4 loss at the single cell level of primary HNSCC specimens and patient derived xenograft (PDX) tumors derived from HNSCCs. SMAD4 heterozygous loss was detected in 35% of primary HNSCCs and 41.3% of PDX tumors. Additionally, 4.3% of PDX tumors had SMAD4 homozygous loss. These frequencies of SMAD4 loss were similar to those in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). However, we identified significant heterogeneities of SMAD4 loss (partial or complete) among cells within each tumor. We also found that aneuploidy (monosomy and polysomy) contributed greatly to how to define chromosomal SMAD4 deletion. Furthermore, in cultured PDX tumors, SMAD4 mutant cells outcompeted SMAD4 wildtype cells, resulting in establishing homogenous SMAD4 mutant HNSCC cell lines with partial or complete genomic SMAD4 loss, suggesting a survival advantage of SMAD4 mutant cells. Taken together, our study reveals inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneities of SMAD4 chromosomal loss in HNSCCs. Further, SMAD4 FISH assay provides a platform for future clinical diagnosis of SMAD4 chromosomal loss that potentially serves as a molecular marker for prognosis and therapeutic intervention in cancer patients.

Smad7 Promotes Healing of Radiotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis without Compromising Oral Cancer Therapy in a Xenograft Mouse Model

PURPOSE

We previously reported preventive and therapeutic effects of Smad7, a multifunctional protein, on radiotherapy (RT)-induced mucositis in mice without promoting human oral cancer cell survival or migration in vitro. The current study aims to determine whether a Smad7-based biologic can treat existing oral mucositis during radiotherapy for oral cancer and whether this treatment compromises RT-induced cancer cell killing in neighboring oral cancer.Experimental Design: We transplanted human oral cancer cells into the tongues of mice and applied craniofacial irradiation to simultaneously kill tumor cells and induce oral mucositis, thus modeling RT and mucositis in oral cancer patients. We topically applied a recombinant human Smad7 protein fused with the cell-penetrating Tat tag (Tat-Smad7) to the oral mucosa of tumor-bearing mice post RT when oral mucositis began to develop.

RESULTS

Topically applied Tat-Smad7 penetrated cells in both the oral mucosa and oral cancer, attenuating TGFβ and NF-κB signaling as well as inflammation at both sites. Tat-Smad7 treatment alleviated oral mucositis with reductions in DNA damage and apoptosis in keratinocytes, but increased keratinocyte proliferation compared with vehicle-treated mucositis lesions. In contrast, adjacent oral cancer exposed to Tat-Smad7 did not show alterations in proliferation or direct DNA damage, but showed increased oxidative stress damage and apoptosis compared with tumors treated with vehicle.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that short-course Tat-Smad7 application to oral mucositis promotes its healing but does not compromise the cytotoxic effect of RT on oral cancer and has context-specific effects on oral mucosa versus oral cancer.

Roles of Smads Family and Alternative Splicing Variants of Smad4 in Different Cancers

Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β) is one of the most common secretory proteins which are recognized by membrane receptors joined to transcription regulatory factor. TGF-β signals are transduced by the Smads family that regulate differentiation, proliferation, early growth, apoptosis, homeostasis, and tumor development. Functional study of TGF-β signaling pathway and Smads role is vital for certain diseases such as cancer. Alternative splicing produces a diverse range of protein isoforms with unique function and the ability to react differently with various pharmaceutical products. This review organizes to describe the general study of Smads family, the process of alternative splicing, the general aspect of alternative splicing of Smad4 in cancer and the possible use of spliceoforms for the diagnosis and therapeutic purpose. The main aim and objective of this article are to highlight some particular mechanisms involving in alternatives splicing of cancer and also to demonstrate new evidence about alternative splicing in different steps given cancer initiation and progression.

SMAD4 promotes TGF-β-independent NK cell homeostasis and maturation and antitumor immunity

SMAD4 is the only common SMAD in TGF-β signaling that usually impedes immune cell activation in the tumor microenvironment. However, we demonstrated here that selective deletion of Smad4 in NK cells actually led to dramatically reduced tumor cell rejection and augmented tumor cell metastases, reduced murine CMV clearance, as well as impeded NK cell homeostasis and maturation. This was associated with a downregulation of granzyme B (Gzmb), Kit, and Prdm1 in Smad4-deficient NK cells. We further unveiled the mechanism by which SMAD4 promotes Gzmb expression. Gzmb was identified as a direct target of a transcriptional complex formed by SMAD4 and JUNB. A JUNB binding site distinct from that for SMAD4 in the proximal Gzmb promoter was required for transcriptional activation by the SMAD4-JUNB complex. In a Tgfbr2 and Smad4 NK cell-specific double-conditional KO model, SMAD4-mediated events were found to be independent of canonical TGF-β signaling. Our study identifies and mechanistically characterizes unusual functions and pathways for SMAD4 in governing innate immune responses to cancer and viral infection, as well as NK cell development.

Transforming growth factor-β signaling in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Insights into cellular responses

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) arises in the oral cavity, salivary glands, larynx, pharynx, nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, and is characterized by high morbidity and metastasis rates. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a homodimeric protein known to be a multifunctional regulator in target cells and to serve a pivotal role in numerous types of cancer, including HNSCC. The role of TGF-β signaling in carcinogenesis can change from tumor-suppressing to tumor-promoting. In addition, TGF-β induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and restrains immune surveillance on malignant cells. In the present review, the effects of TGF-β signaling at a cellular level were discussed, which includes the regulation of tumor cells, immune cells and other stromal cells, as well as the possible mechanisms underlying the conversion from a tumor suppressor to a tumor promoter in HNSCC. Further research is required to improve the understanding on how this network is involved in carcinogenesis, progression and metastases in HNSCC.

Cooperation Between Pten and Smad4 in Murine Salivary Gland Tumor Formation and Progression

Salivary gland tumor (SGT) is a rare tumor type, which exhibits broad-spectrum phenotypic, biological, and clinical heterogeneity. Currently, the molecular mechanisms that cause SGT pathogenesis remain poorly understood. A lack of animal models that faithfully recapitulate the naturally occurring process of human SGTs has hampered research progress on this field. In this report, we developed an inducible keratin 5-driven conditional knockout mouse model to delete gene(s) of interest in murine salivary gland upon local RU486 delivery. We have deleted two major tumor suppressors, Pten, a negative regulator of the PI3K pathway, and Smad4, the central signaling mediator of TGFβ pathway, in the murine salivary gland. Our results have shown that deletion of either Pten or Smad4 in murine salivary gland resulted in pleomorphic adenomas, the most common tumor in human SGT patients. Deletion of both Pten and Smad4 in murine salivary gland developed several malignancies, with salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) being the most frequently seen. Molecular characterization showed that SACC exhibited mTOR activation and TGFβ1 overexpression. Examination of human SGT clinical samples revealed that loss of Pten and Smad4 is common in human SACC samples, particularly in the most aggressive solid form, and is correlated with survival of SACC patients, highlighting the human relevance of the murine models. In summary, our results offer significant insight into synergistic role of Pten and Smad4 in SGT, providing a rationale for targeting mTOR and/or TGFβ signaling to control SGT formation and progression.

Integrative landscape of dysregulated signaling pathways of clinically distinct pancreatic cancer subtypes

Despite modern therapeutic advances, the survival prospects of pancreatic cancer patients have remained poor. Besides being highly metastatic, pancreatic cancer is challenging to treat because it is caused by a heterogeneous array of somatic mutations that impact a variety of signaling pathways and cellular regulatory systems. Here we use publicly available transcriptomic, copy number alteration and mutation profiling datasets from pancreatic cancer patients together with data on disease outcomes to show that the three major pancreatic cancer subtypes each display distinctive aberrations in cell signaling and metabolic pathways. Importantly, patients afflicted with these different pancreatic cancer subtypes also exhibit distinctive survival profiles. Within these patients, we find that dysregulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, and p53 mediated disruptions of cell cycle processes are apparently drivers of disease. Further, we identify for the first time the molecular perturbations of signalling networks that are likely the primary causes of oncogenesis in each of the three pancreatic cancer subtypes.

Elucidating the gene regulatory networks modulating cancer stem cells and non-stem cancer cells in high grade serous ovarian cancer

The origin and pathogenesis of epithelial ovarian cancer have perplexed investigators for decades. The most prevalent type of it is the high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOv) which is a highly aggressive disease with high relapse rates and insurgence of chemo-resistance at later stages of treatment. These are driven by a rare population of stem cell like cancer cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs). We have taken up a systems approach to find out the common gene interaction paths between non-CSC tumor cells (CCs) and CSCs in HGSOv. Detailed investigation reveals a set of 17 Transcription Factors (named as pivot-TFs) which can govern changes in the mode of gene regulation along these paths. Overall, this work highlights a divergent road map of functional information relayed by these common key players in the two cell states, which might aid towards designing novel therapeutic measures to target the CSCs for ovarian cancer therapy.

Paradoxical roles of TGF-β signaling in suppressing and promoting squamous cell carcinoma

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling either promotes or inhibits tumor formation and/or progression of many cancer types including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Canonical TGF-β signaling is mediated by a number of downstream proteins including Smad family proteins. Alterations in either TGF-β or Smad signaling can impact cancer. For instance, defects in TGF-β type I and type II receptors (TGF-βRI and TGF-βRII) and in Smad2/3/4 could promote tumor development. Conversely, increased TGF-β1 and activated TGF-βRI and Smad3 have all been shown to have tumor-promoting effects in experimental systems of human and mouse SCCs. Among TGF-β/Smad signaling, only TGF-βRII or Smad4 deletion in mouse epithelium causes spontaneous SCC in the mouse model, highlighting the critical roles of TGF-βRII and Smad4 in tumor suppression. Herein, we review the dual roles of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and related mechanisms in SCC, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges of TGF-β/Smad-targeted therapies.

Mechanistic insight into contextual TGF-β signaling

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) controls a wide range of cellular functions by activating both SMADs and non-SMAD pathways. In different tissue or physiological environment, cellular responses to TGF-β can be diverse, even opposite. Complex regulations at the level of ligand mobilization, receptor presentation, and the network of intracellular signal transducers afford the TGF-β pathway with versatile means to induce precise cellular responses in accordance to specific contextual demands. This article summarizes recent development in how cells manage their responses to TGF-β through ligand activation, receptor abundance, as well as SMAD-dependent and SMAD-independent mechanisms.

MicroRNA-1285-5p influences the proliferation and metastasis of non-small-cell lung carcinoma cells via downregulating CDH1 and Smad4

Abnormal expression of microRNAs has been reported to regulate gene expression and cancer cell growth, invasion, and migration. Recently, upregulation of hsa-miR-1285 was demonstrated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from patients with lung cancer and downregulation in plasma level of stage-I lung cancer patients. However, the function and the underlying mechanism of miR-1285 in non-small-cell lung carcinoma have not been elucidated. In this study, we found that miR-1285-5p, the mature form of miR-1285, was significantly upregulated in human non-small-cell lung carcinoma cell lines A549 and SK-MES-1. Additionally, cells transfected with the miR-1285-5p inhibitor LV-anti-miR-1285-5p demonstrated significantly inhibited proliferation and invasion and depressed migration. Further analysis demonstrated that the miR-1285-5p precursor LV-miR-1285-5p attenuated the expression of Smad4 and cadherin-1 (CDH1) but that LV-anti-miR-1285-5p showed opposite results. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-1285-5p targeted Smad4 and CDH1. Mechanism analyses revealed that silence of Smad4 and CDH1 significantly attenuated the inhibitory effects of LV-anti-miR-1285-5p on non-small-cell lung carcinoma growth and invasion. Taken together, our data suggest that miR-1285-5p functions as a tumor promoter in the development of non-small-cell lung carcinoma by targeting Smad4 and CDH1, indicating a novel therapeutic strategy for non-small-cell lung carcinoma patients.

miR-509-5p and miR-1243 increase the sensitivity to gemcitabine by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to various processes in cancer progression, such as metastasis and drug resistance. Since we have already established a cell-based reporter system for identifying EMT-suppressive microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pancreatic cancer cell line Panc1, we performed a function-based screening assay by combining this reporter system and a miRNA library composed of 1,090 miRNAs. As a result, we identified miR-509-5p and miR-1243 as EMT-suppressive miRNAs, although the mechanisms for EMT-suppression induced by these miRNAs have yet to be clarified. Herein, we demonstrated that overexpression of miR-509-5p and miR-1243 increased the expression of E-cadherin through the suppression of EMT-related gene expression and that drug sensitivity increased with a combination of each of these miRNAs and gemcitabine. Moreover, miR-509-5p was associated with worse overall survival in patients with pancreatic cancer and was identified as an independently selected predictor of mortality. Our findings suggest that miR-509-5p and miR-1243 might be novel chemotherapeutic targets and serve as biomarkers in pancreatic cancer.

Reduced Smad4 expression and DNA topoisomerase inhibitor chemosensitivity in non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

Smad4 is a tumor suppressor that transduces transforming growth factor beta signaling and regulates genomic stability. We previously found that Smad4 knockdown in vitro inhibited DNA repair and increased sensitivity to DNA topoisomerase inhibitors. In this study, we assessed the association between reduced Smad4 expression and DNA topoisomerase inhibitor sensitivity in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and evaluated the relationship between genomic alterations of Smad4 and molecular alterations in DNA repair molecules.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively identified NSCLC patients who received etoposide or gemcitabine. Chemotherapeutic response was quantified by RECIST 1.1 criteria and Smad4 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Relationships between Smad4 mutation and DNA repair molecule mutations were evaluated using publically available datasets.

RESULTS

We identified 28 individuals who received 30 treatments with gemcitabine or etoposide containing regimens for NSCLC. Reduced Smad4 expression was seen in 13/28 patients and was not associated with significant differences in clinical or pathologic parameters. Patients with reduced Smad4 expression had a larger response to DNA topoisomerase inhibitor containing regimens then patients with high Smad4 expression (-25.7% vs. -6.8% in lesion size, p=0.03); this relationship was more pronounced with gemcitabine containing regimens. The overall treatment response was higher in patients with reduced Smad4 expression (8/14 vs 2/16 p=0.02). Analysis of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas revealed that Smad4 mutation or homozygous loss was mutually exclusive with genomic alterations in DNA repair molecules.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced Smad4 expression may predict responsiveness to regimens that contain DNA topoisomerase inhibitors. That Smad4 signaling alterations are mutually exclusive with alterations in DNA repair machinery is consistent with an important role of Smad4 in regulating DNA repair.

Redirecting RNA splicing by SMAD3 turns TGF-β into a tumor promoter

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a well-known growth inhibitor of normal epithelial cells, but it is also secreted by solid tumors to promote cancer progression. Our recent discovery of SMAD3-PCBP1 complex with direct RNA-binding properties has shed light on how this conversion is implemented by controlling pre-mRNA splicing patterns.

Antitumor effects of recombinant human adenovirus-p53 against human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in mice

The present study was conducted to identify the anti-tumor effects of rAd/p53, which is a recombinant human serotype 5 adenovirus, in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Mouse models of human cSCC were constructed by injecting human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cells into both flanks of nude mice. Subsequently, the 75 nude mice with cSCC xenograft tumors were randomly divided into recombinant human serotype 5 adenovirus (rAd)/p53, rAd/p53 + 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) and 5-Fu groups. One side of the tumors was administered the therapeutic agents as the therapeutic group, whereas the remaining side was treated with medical saline as the control. At 24, 48, 72, 120 and 168 h post-intratumoral injection, alterations in tumor volume, tumor necrosis and the expression of several tumor-associated genes, including Smad4, Brca1 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2), were analyzed. Compared with its control group, the rAd/P53 group exhibited a significantly increased tumor necrosis ratio. In addition, Smad4 and Brca1 expression levels increased significantly at various time points (P<0.05), and MMP-2 expression decreased significantly (P<0.05). In the rAd/p53 + 5-Fu group, the tumor necrosis ratio, and Smad4 and Brca1 expression levels also significantly increased at various time points (P<0.05). MMP-2 gene transcription gradually decreased, high expression of Smad4 was prolonged, and high expression of Brca1 was observed in the early period following treatment compared with the rAd/P53 group. In addition, p53 expression exhibited a positive correlation with the tumor necrosis ratio and Smad4 expression, and showed a negative correlation with MMP-2 gene transcription (P<0.05). These findings indicate that rAd/p53 has a potent anti-tumor effect in cSCC via the promotion of tumor necrosis and regulating the expression of various tumor-associated genes.

Fibronectin-guided migration of carcinoma collectives

Functional interplay between tumour cells and their neoplastic extracellular matrix plays a decisive role in malignant progression of carcinomas. Here we provide a comprehensive data set of the human HNSCC-associated fibroblast matrisome. Although much attention has been paid to the deposit of collagen, we identify oncofetal fibronectin (FN) as a major and obligate component of the matrix assembled by stromal fibroblasts from head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). FN overexpression in tumours from 435 patients corresponds to an independent unfavourable prognostic indicator. We show that migration of carcinoma collectives on fibrillar FN-rich matrices is achieved through αvβ6 and α9β1 engagement, rather than α5β1. Moreover, αvβ6-driven migration occurs independently of latent TGF-β activation and Smad-dependent signalling in tumour epithelial cells. These results provide insights into the adhesion-dependent events at the tumour–stroma interface that govern the collective mode of migration adopted by carcinoma cells to invade surrounding stroma in HNSCC.

Tumour microenvironment influences the migration of cancer cells. Here the authors analyse the proteomic constitution of the extracellular matrix and identify a role for fibronectin in regulating the collective migration of squamous cell carcinoma cells.

Upregulation of SMAD4 by MZF1 inhibits migration of human gastric cancer cells

SMAD4 is a tumor suppressor that is frequently inactivated in many types of cancer. The role of abnormal expression of SMAD4 has been reported in developmental processes and the progression of various human cancers. The expression level of SMAD4 has been related to the survival rate in gastric cancer patients. However, the molecular mechanism underlying transcriptional regulation of SMAD4 remains largely unknown. In the present study, we characterized the promoter region of SMAD4 and identified myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF1), as a putative transcription factor. MZF1 directly bound to a core region of the SMAD4 promoter and stimulated transcriptional activity. We also found that the expression of MZF1 influences the migration ability of gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Collectively, our results showed that MZF1 has a role in cellular migration of gastric cancer cells via promoting an increase in intracellular SMAD4 levels. This study might provide new evidence for the molecular basis of the tumor suppressive effect of the MZF1-SMAD4 axis, a new therapeutic target in advanced human gastric cancer.

Smad4 restricts differentiation to promote expansion of satellite cell derived progenitors during skeletal muscle regeneration

Skeletal muscle regenerative potential declines with age, in part due to deficiencies in resident stem cells (satellite cells, SCs) and derived myogenic progenitors (MPs); however, the factors responsible for this decline remain obscure. TGFβ superfamily signaling is an inhibitor of myogenic differentiation, with elevated activity in aged skeletal muscle. Surprisingly, we find reduced expression of Smad4, the downstream cofactor for canonical TGFβ superfamily signaling, and the target Id1 in aged SCs and MPs during regeneration. Specific deletion of Smad4 in adult mouse SCs led to increased propensity for terminal myogenic commitment connected to impaired proliferative potential. Furthermore, SC-specific Smad4 disruption compromised adult skeletal muscle regeneration. Finally, loss of Smad4 in aged SCs did not promote aged skeletal muscle regeneration. Therefore, SC-specific reduction of Smad4 is a feature of aged regenerating skeletal muscle and Smad4 is a critical regulator of SC and MP amplification during skeletal muscle regeneration.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.19484.001

Even in adulthood, injured muscles can repair themselves largely because they contain groups of stem cells known as satellite cells. These cells divide to produce progenitor cells that later develop, or differentiate, into new muscle fibers. However as muscles get older, this repair process becomes less effective, in part because the satellite cells do not respond as strongly to injury. It remains obscure precisely why the repair process declines with age.

A protein called TGFβ is part of a signaling pathway that prevents the muscle progenitor cells from differentiating into muscle fibers, and TGFβ signaling is overactive in older muscles. Most TGFβ signaling operates via a protein called Smad4, and Paris et al. now show that older satellite cells and progenitor cells from the muscles of old mice produce less Smad4 when they are regenerating.

Next, the gene for Smad4 was deleted specifically from the satellite cells of mice. By examining the fate of these cells, Paris et al. found that Smad4 normally maintained the population of satellite cells by preventing them from differentiating into muscle fibers too soon. This was the case when both adult and aged muscle was regenerating.

All in all, Smad4 is clearly important for directing satellite cells to regenerate properly; aged cells have less Smad4 and are less able to regenerate. Future studies are now needed to determine how disrupting Smad4 in other resident cell types may influence the regeneration of muscles in mice.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.19484.002

Direct Regulation of Alternative Splicing by SMAD3 through PCBP1 Is Essential to the Tumor-Promoting Role of TGF-β

In advanced stages of cancers, TGF-β promotes tumor progression in conjunction with inputs from receptor tyrosine kinase pathways. However, mechanisms that underpin the signaling cooperation and convert TGF-β from a potent growth inhibitor to a tumor promoter are not fully understood. We report here that TGF-β directly regulates alternative splicing of cancer stem cell marker CD44 through a phosphorylated T179 of SMAD3-mediated interaction with RNA-binding protein PCBP1. We show that TGF-β and EGF respectively induce SMAD3 and PCBP1 to colocalize in SC35-positive nuclear speckles, and the two proteins interact in the variable exon region of CD44 pre-mRNA to inhibit spliceosome assembly in favor of expressing the mesenchymal isoform CD44s over the epithelial isoform CD44E. We further show that the SMAD3-mediated alternative splicing is essential to the tumor-promoting role of TGF-β and has a global influence on protein products of genes instrumental to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastasis.

KRAS Mutant Pancreatic Cancer: No Lone Path to an Effective Treatment

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the deadliest cancers with a dismal 7% 5-year survival rate and is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths by 2020. KRAS is mutated in 95% of PDACs and is a well-validated driver of PDAC growth and maintenance. However, despite comprehensive efforts, an effective anti-RAS drug has yet to reach the clinic. Different paths to inhibiting RAS signaling are currently under investigation in the hope of finding a successful treatment. Recently, direct RAS binding molecules have been discovered, challenging the perception that RAS is an “undruggable” protein. Other strategies currently being pursued take an indirect approach, targeting proteins that facilitate RAS membrane association or downstream effector signaling. Unbiased genetic screens have identified synthetic lethal interactors of mutant RAS. Most recently, metabolic targets in pathways related to glycolytic signaling, glutamine utilization, autophagy, and macropinocytosis are also being explored. Harnessing the patient’s immune system to fight their cancer is an additional exciting route that is being considered. The “best” path to inhibiting KRAS has yet to be determined, with each having promise as well as potential pitfalls. We will summarize the state-of-the-art for each direction, focusing on efforts directed toward the development of therapeutics for pancreatic cancer patients with mutated KRAS.

Chromodomain-helicase-DNA binding protein 5, 7 and pronecrotic mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein serve as potential prognostic biomarkers in patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinomas

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers with a very poor prognosis. Recently, there has been a significant increase in research directed towards identifying potential biomarkers that can be used to diagnose and provide prognostic information for pancreatic cancer. These markers can be used clinically to optimize and personalize therapy for individual patients. In this review, we focused on 3 biomarkers involved in the DNA damage response pathway and the necroptosis pathway: Chromodomain-helicase-DNA binding protein 5, chromodomain-helicase-DNA binding protein 7, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein. The aim of this article is to review present literature provided for these biomarkers and current studies in which their effectiveness as prognostic biomarkers are analyzed in order to determine their future use as biomarkers in clinical medicine. Based on the data presented, these biomarkers warrant further investigation, and should be validated in future studies.

Integrated Genomic Analysis of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas Reveals Genomic Rearrangement Events as Significant Drivers of Disease

Many somatic mutations have been detected in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), leading to the identification of some key drivers of disease progression, but the involvement of large genomic rearrangements has often been overlooked. In this study, we performed mate pair sequencing (MPseq) on genomic DNA from 24 PDAC tumors, including 15 laser-captured microdissected PDAC and 9 patient-derived xenografts, to identify genome-wide rearrangements. Large genomic rearrangements with intragenic breakpoints altering key regulatory genes involved in PDAC progression were detected in all tumors. SMAD4, ZNF521, and FHIT were among the most frequently hit genes. Conversely, commonly reported genes with copy number gains, including MYC and GATA6, were frequently observed in the absence of direct intragenic breakpoints, suggesting a requirement for sustaining oncogenic function during PDAC progression. Integration of data from MPseq, exome sequencing, and transcriptome analysis of primary PDAC cases identified limited overlap in genes affected by both rearrangements and point mutations. However, significant overlap was observed in major PDAC-associated signaling pathways, with all PDAC exhibiting reduced SMAD4 expression, reduced SMAD-dependent TGFβ signaling, and increased WNT and Hedgehog signaling. The frequent loss of SMAD4 and FHIT due to genomic rearrangements strongly implicates these genes as key drivers of PDAC, thus highlighting the strengths of an integrated genomic and transcriptomic approach for identifying mechanisms underlying disease initiation and progression.

Genome-Wide Loss of Heterozygosity and DNA Copy Number Aberration in HPV-Negative Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Their Associations with Disease-Specific Survival

Oral squamous cell cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx (OSCC) is associated with high case-fatality. For reasons that are largely unknown, patients with the same clinical and pathologic staging have heterogeneous response to treatment and different probability of recurrence and survival, with patients with Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal tumors having the most favorable survival. To gain insight into the complexity of OSCC and to identify potential chromosomal changes that may be associated with OSCC mortality, we used Affymtrix 6.0 SNP arrays to examine paired DNA from peripheral blood and tumor cell populations isolated by laser capture microdissection to assess genome-wide loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and DNA copy number aberration (CNA) and their associations with risk factors, tumor characteristics, and oral cancer-specific mortality among 75 patients with HPV-negative OSCC. We found a highly heterogeneous and complex genomic landscape of HPV-negative tumors, and identified regions in 4q, 8p, 9p and 11q that seem to play an important role in oral cancer biology and survival from this disease. If confirmed, these findings could assist in designing personalized treatment or in the creation of models to predict survival in patients with HPV-negative OSCC.

Atlas of Cancer Signalling Network: a systems biology resource for integrative analysis of cancer data with Google Maps

Cancerogenesis is driven by mutations leading to aberrant functioning of a complex network of molecular interactions and simultaneously affecting multiple cellular functions. Therefore, the successful application of bioinformatics and systems biology methods for analysis of high-throughput data in cancer research heavily depends on availability of global and detailed reconstructions of signalling networks amenable for computational analysis. We present here the Atlas of Cancer Signalling Network (ACSN), an interactive and comprehensive map of molecular mechanisms implicated in cancer. The resource includes tools for map navigation, visualization and analysis of molecular data in the context of signalling network maps. Constructing and updating ACSN involves careful manual curation of molecular biology literature and participation of experts in the corresponding fields. The cancer-oriented content of ACSN is completely original and covers major mechanisms involved in cancer progression, including DNA repair, cell survival, apoptosis, cell cycle, EMT and cell motility. Cell signalling mechanisms are depicted in detail, together creating a seamless ‘geographic-like' map of molecular interactions frequently deregulated in cancer. The map is browsable using NaviCell web interface using the Google Maps engine and semantic zooming principle. The associated web-blog provides a forum for commenting and curating the ACSN content. ACSN allows uploading heterogeneous omics data from users on top of the maps for visualization and performing functional analyses. We suggest several scenarios for ACSN application in cancer research, particularly for visualizing high-throughput data, starting from small interfering RNA-based screening results or mutation frequencies to innovative ways of exploring transcriptomes and phosphoproteomes. Integration and analysis of these data in the context of ACSN may help interpret their biological significance and formulate mechanistic hypotheses. ACSN may also support patient stratification, prediction of treatment response and resistance to cancer drugs, as well as design of novel treatment strategies.

Smad4 loss promotes lung cancer formation but increases sensitivity to DNA topoisomerase inhibitors

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common malignancy with a poor prognosis. Despite progress targeting oncogenic drivers, there are no therapies targeting tumor suppressor loss. Smad4 is an established tumor suppressor in pancreatic and colon cancer, however, the consequences of Smad4 loss in lung cancer are largely unknown. We evaluated Smad4 expression in human NSCLC samples and examined Smad4 alterations in large NSCLC datasets and found that reduced Smad4 expression is common in human NSCLC and occurs through a variety of mechanisms including mutation, homozygous deletion, and heterozygous loss. We modeled Smad4 loss in lung cancer by deleting Smad4 in airway epithelial cells and found that Smad4 deletion both initiates and promotes lung tumor development. Interestingly, both Smad4−/− mouse tumors and human NSCLC samples with reduced Smad4 expression demonstrated increased DNA damage while Smad4 knockdown in lung cancer cells reduced DNA repair and increased apoptosis after DNA damage. In addition, Smad4 deficient NSCLC cells demonstrated increased sensitivity to both chemotherapeutics that inhibit DNA topoisomerase and drugs that block double strand DNA break repair by non-homologous end joining. In sum, these studies establish Smad4 as a lung tumor suppressor and suggest that the defective DNA repair phenotype of Smad4 deficient tumors can be exploited by specific therapeutic strategies.

Neoadjuvant therapy for pancreas cancer: Past lessons and future therapies

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains a most deadly malignancy, with an overall 5-year survival of 5%. A subset of patients will be diagnosed with potentially resectable disease, and while complete surgical resection provides the only chance at cure, data from trials of postoperative chemoradiation and/or chemotherapy demonstrate a modest survival advantage over those patients who undergo resection alone. As such, most practitioners believe that completion of multimodality therapy is the optimal treatment. However, the sequence of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy is frequently debated, as patients may benefit from a neoadjuvant approach by initiating chemotherapy and/or chemoradiation prior to resection. Here we review the rationale for neoadjuvant therapy, which includes a higher rate of completion of multimodality therapy, minimizing the risk of unnecessary surgical resection for patients who develop early metastatic disease, improved surgical outcomes and the potential for longer overall survival. However, there are no prospective, randomized studies of the neoadjuvant approach compared to a surgery-first strategy; the established and ongoing investigations of neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer are discussed in detail. Lastly, as the future of therapeutic regimens is likely to entail patient-specific genetic and molecular analyses, and the treatment that is best applied based on those data, a review of clinically relevant biomarkers in pancreatic cancer is also presented.

BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cells express a truncated Smad4 protein upon PI3K and mTOR inhibition

Smad4 is a critical regulator of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling and is defective in numerous human cancers. In total, 30% of pancreatic cancers harbor a homozygous deletion of Smad4. The human pancreatic cancer cell line, BxPC3, has been reported to be Smad4-null due to a homozygous deletion and has been widely used as a Smad4-null model. The present study reports that Smad4 DNA is present in BxPC3 cells, and under conditions of suppressed mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, a truncated Smad4 protein is expressed. While a high level of Smad4 protein can be expressed in these cells, the cells do not respond to TGF-β. The Smad4 defect in BxPC3 cells likely occurs via translocation rather than deletion as previously reported.