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Takahashi J, Suzuki T, Sato M, Nitta S, Yaguchi N, Muta T, Tsuchida K, Suda H, Morita M, Hamada S, Masamune A, Takahashi S, Kamei T, Yamamoto M. Differential squamous cell fates elicited by NRF2 gain of function versus KEAP1 loss of function. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114104. [PMID: 38602872 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114104] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence has revealed that high-level activation of NRF2 caused by somatic mutations in NRF2 (NFE2L2) is frequently detected in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), whereas that caused by somatic mutations in KEAP1, a negative regulator of NRF2, is not. Here, we aspire to generate a mouse model of NRF2-activated ESCC using the cancer-derived NRF2L30F mutation and cancer driver mutant TRP53R172H. Concomitant expression of NRF2L30F and TRP53R172H results in formation of NRF2-activated ESCC-like lesions. In contrast, while squamous-cell-specific deletion of KEAP1 induces similar NRF2 hyperactivation, the loss of KEAP1 combined with expression of TRP53R172H does not elicit the formation of ESCC-like lesions. Instead, KEAP1-deleted cells disappear from the esophageal epithelium over time. These findings demonstrate that, while cellular NRF2 levels are similarly induced, NRF2 gain of function and KEAP1 loss of function elicits distinct fates of squamous cells. The NRF2L30F mutant mouse model developed here will be instrumental in elucidating the mechanistic basis leading to NRF2-activated ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Takahashi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan; Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takafumi Suzuki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Miu Sato
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shuji Nitta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Nahoko Yaguchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Muta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kouhei Tsuchida
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiromi Suda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masanobu Morita
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shin Hamada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takashi Kamei
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan.
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Baird L, Taguchi K, Zhang A, Takahashi Y, Suzuki T, Kensler TW, Yamamoto M. A NRF2-induced secretory phenotype activates immune surveillance to remove irreparably damaged cells. Redox Biol 2023; 66:102845. [PMID: 37597423 PMCID: PMC10458321 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102845] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
While it is well established that the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway regulates the main inducible cellular response to oxidative stress, this cytoprotective function of NRF2 could become deleterious to the host if it confers survival onto irreparably damaged cells. In this regard, we have found that in diseased states, NRF2 promotes the transcriptional activation of a specific subset of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) gene program, which we have named the NRF2-induced secretory phenotype (NISP). In two models of hepatic disease using Pten::Keap1 and Keap1::Atg7 double knockout mice, we found that the NISP functions in the liver to recruit CCR2 expressing monocytes, which function as immune system effector cells to directly remove the damaged cells. Through activation of this immune surveillance pathway, in non-transformed cells, NRF2 functions as a tumour suppressor to mitigate the long-term survival of damaged cells which otherwise would be detrimental for host survival. This pathway represents the final stage of the oxidative stress response, as it allows cells to be safely removed if the macromolecular damage caused by the original stressor is so extensive that it is beyond the repair capacity of the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Baird
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku University, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8573, Japan; Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-Generation Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Keiko Taguchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku University, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8573, Japan
| | - Anqi Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku University, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8573, Japan
| | - Yushi Takahashi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku University, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8573, Japan
| | - Takafumi Suzuki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku University, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8573, Japan
| | - Thomas W Kensler
- Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, United States
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku University, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8573, Japan; Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-Generation Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan.
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Testa U, Castelli G, Pelosi E. The Molecular Characterization of Genetic Abnormalities in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma May Foster the Development of Targeted Therapies. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:610-640. [PMID: 36661697 PMCID: PMC9858483 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30010048] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is among the most common tumors in the world and is associated with poor outcomes, with a 5-year survival rate of about 10-20%. Two main histological subtypes are observed: esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), more frequent among Asian populations, and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), the predominant type in Western populations. The development of molecular analysis techniques has led to the definition of the molecular alterations observed in ESCC, consistently differing from those observed in EAC. The genetic alterations observed are complex and heterogeneous and involve gene mutations, gene deletions and gene amplifications. However, despite the consistent progress in the definition of the molecular basis of ESCC, precision oncology for these patients is still virtually absent. The recent identification of molecular subtypes of ESCC with clinical relevance may foster the development of new therapeutic strategies. It is estimated that about 40% of the genetic alterations observed in ESCC are actionable. Furthermore, the recent introduction of solid tumor immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) showed that a minority of ESCC patients are responsive, and the administration of ICIs, in combination with standard chemotherapy, significantly improves overall survival over chemotherapy in ESCC patients with advanced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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The KEAP1-NRF2 System and Esophageal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194702. [PMID: 36230622 PMCID: PMC9564177 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194702] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of many cytoprotective genes. NRF2 activation is mainly regulated by KEAP1 (kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1) through ubiquitination and proteasome degradation. Esophageal cancer is classified histologically into two major types: esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). ESCC harbors more genetic alterations in the KEAP-NRF2 system than EAC does, which results in NRF2 activation in these cancers. NRF2-addicted ESCC exhibits increased malignancy and acquisition of resistance to chemoradiotherapy. Therefore, it has been recognized that the development of drugs targeting the KEAP1-NRF2 system based on the molecular dissection of NRF2 function is important and urgent for the treatment of ESCC, along with efficient clinical screening for NRF2-addicted ESCC patients. Recently, the fate of NRF2-activated cells in esophageal tissues, which was under the influence of strong cell competition, and its relationship to the pathogenesis of ESCC, was clarified. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge of the KEAP1-NRF2 system and the treatment of ESCC. We propose three main strategies for the treatment of NRF2-addicted cancer: (1) NRF2 inhibitors, (2) synthetic lethal drugs for NRF2-addicted cancers, and (3) NRF2 inducers of the host defense system.
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