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E6-Encoded by Cancer-Causing Human Papillomavirus Interacts with Aurora Kinase A To Promote HPV-Mediated Carcinogenesis. J Virol 2023; 97:e0187222. [PMID: 36715516 PMCID: PMC9972942 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01872-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of human papillomavirus (HPV) oncoproteins perturbed multiple cellular events of the host cells, leading to the formation of cancer phenotypes. Our current and previous studies indicated that Aurora kinase A (AurA), a mitotic regulator that is often aberrantly expressed in human cancers, is preferentially bound to E6-encoded by cancer-causing HPV. AurA is believed to be important for the proliferation and survival of HPV-positive cells. Nonetheless, the interaction between AurA and E6, and the mechanism of how this association is involved in carcinogenesis, have not been elucidated clearly. Hence, we performed a series of biochemical assays to characterize the AurA-E6 association and complex formation. We found the C-terminus of E6, upstream of the PDZ binding motif of E6, is important to forming the AurA-E6 complex in the nucleus. We also showed that the expression level of E6 corresponded positively with AurA expression. Meanwhile, the functional consequences of the AurA-E6 association to AurA kinase function and host cellular events were also delineated. Intriguingly, we revealed that AurA-E6 association regulated the expression of cyclin E and phosphor-Histone H3, which are involved in G1/S and mitotic phases of the cell cycle, respectively. Depletion of AurA also reduced the invasive ability of HPV-positive cells. AurA inhibition may not be sufficient to reduce the oncogenic potential exerted by E6. Altogether, our study unleashed the mechanism of how HPVE6 deploy AurA to promote cancer phenotypes, particularly through dysregulation of cell cycle checkpoints and suggests that the AurA-E6 complex possesses a therapeutic value. IMPORTANCE We unveiled the mechanism of how HPV employs Aurora kinase A (AurA) of host cells to exert its oncogenic capability synergistically. We systematically characterized the mode of interaction between E6-encoded by cancer-causing HPV and AurA. Then, we delineated the consequences of AurA-E6 complex formation on AurA kinase function and changes to cellular events at molecular levels. Using a cell-based approach, we unleashed that disruption of AurA-E6 association can halt cancer phenotype exhibited by HPV-positive cancer cells. Our findings are vital for the designing of state-of-the-art therapies for HPV-associated cancers.
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Gupta AK, Kumar M. An integrative approach toward identification and analysis of therapeutic targets involved in HPV pathogenesis with a focus on carcinomas. Cancer Biomark 2023; 36:31-52. [PMID: 36245368 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-210413] [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: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent infection of high-risk HPVs is known to cause diverse carcinomas, mainly cervical, oropharyngeal, penile, etc. However, efficient treatment is still lacking. OBJECTIVE Identify and analyze potential therapeutic targets involved in HPV oncogenesis and repurposing drug candidates. METHODS Integrative analyses were performed on the compendium of 1887 HPV infection-associated or integration-driven disrupted genes cataloged from the Open Targets Platform and HPVbase resource. Potential target genes are prioritized using STRING, Cytoscape, cytoHubba, and MCODE. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis are performed. Further, TCGA cancer genomic data of CESC and HNSCC is analyzed. Moreover, regulatory networks are also deduced by employing NetworkAnalyst. RESULTS We have implemented a unique approach for identifying and prioritizing druggable targets and repurposing drug candidates against HPV oncogenesis. Overall, hundred key genes with 44 core targets were prioritized with transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) regulators pertinent to HPV pathogenesis. Genomic alteration profiling further substantiated our findings. Among identified druggable targets, TP53, NOTCH1, PIK3CA, EP300, CREBBP, EGFR, ERBB2, PTEN, and FN1 are frequently mutated in CESC and HNSCC. Furthermore, PIK3CA, CCND1, RFC4, KAT5, MYC, PTK2, EGFR, and ERBB2 show significant copy number gain, and FN1, CHEK1, CUL1, EZH2, NRAS, and H2AFX was marked for the substantial copy number loss in both carcinomas. Likewise, under-explored relevant regulators, i.e., TFs (HINFP, ARID3A, NFATC2, NKX3-2, EN1) and miRNAs (has-mir-98-5p, has-mir-24-3p, has-mir-192-5p, has-mir-519d-3p) is also identified. CONCLUSIONS We have identified potential therapeutic targets, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators to explicate HPV pathogenesis as well as potential repurposing drug candidates. This study would aid in biomarker and drug discovery against HPV-mediated carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar Gupta
- Virology Unit and Bioinformatics Centre, Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Chandigarh, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Virology Unit and Bioinformatics Centre, Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Chandigarh, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Ferreira DA, Idris A, McMillan NAJ. Analysis of a hit-and-run tumor model by HPV in oropharyngeal cancers. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28260. [PMID: 36305515 PMCID: PMC9828080 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Several viruses are known to be associated with the development of certain cancers, including human papilloma virus (HPV), an established causative agent for a range of anogenital and head and neck cancers. However, the causality has been based on the presence of the virus, or its genetic material, in the sampled tumors. We have long wondered if viruses cause cancer via a "hit and run" mechanism such that they are no longer present in the resulting tumors. Here, we hypothesize that the absence of viral genes from the tumor does not necessarily exclude the viral aetiology. To test this, we used an HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) tumor model and CRISPR to delete the viral oncogene, E7. Indeed, the genetic removal of HPV E7 oncogene eliminates tumors in vivo. Remarkably, E7 deleted tumors recurred over time and develop new mutations not previously seen in HPV+ OPC tumors. Importantly, a number of these new mutations are found to be already present in HPV- OPC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyelle Assis Ferreira
- Griffith Centre for Cell and Gene Medicine, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Pharmacy and Medical ScienceGriffith UniversitySouthportQueenslandAustralia
| | - Adi Idris
- Griffith Centre for Cell and Gene Medicine, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Pharmacy and Medical ScienceGriffith UniversitySouthportQueenslandAustralia
| | - Nigel A. J. McMillan
- Griffith Centre for Cell and Gene Medicine, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Pharmacy and Medical ScienceGriffith UniversitySouthportQueenslandAustralia
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Genetic deletion of HPV E7 oncogene effectively regresses HPV driven oral squamous carcinoma tumour growth. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113782. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Ghosh S, Mazumdar T, Xu W, Powell RT, Stephan C, Shen L, Shah PA, Pickering CR, Myers JN, Wang J, Frederick MJ, Johnson FM. Combined TRIP13 and Aurora Kinase Inhibition Induces Apoptosis in Human Papillomavirus-Driven Cancers. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:4479-4493. [PMID: 35972731 PMCID: PMC9588713 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-1627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes >5% of cancers, but no therapies uniquely target HPV-driven cancers. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We tested the cytotoxic effect of 864 drugs in 16 HPV-positive and 17 HPV-negative human squamous cancer cell lines. We confirmed apoptosis in vitro and in vivo using patient-derived xenografts. Mitotic pathway components were manipulated with drugs, knockdown, and overexpression. RESULTS Aurora kinase inhibitors were more effective in vitro and in vivo in HPV-positive than in HPV-negative models. We hypothesized that the mechanism of sensitivity involves retinoblastoma (Rb) expression because the viral oncoprotein E7 leads to Rb protein degradation, and basal Rb protein expression correlates with Aurora inhibition-induced apoptosis. Manipulating Rb directly, or by inducing E7 expression, altered cells' sensitivity to Aurora kinase inhibitors. Rb affects expression of the mitotic checkpoint genes MAD2L1 and BUB1B, which we found to be highly expressed in HPV-positive patient tumors. Knockdown of MAD2L1 or BUB1B reduced Aurora kinase inhibition-induced apoptosis, whereas depletion of the MAD2L1 regulator TRIP13 enhanced it. TRIP13 is a potentially druggable AAA-ATPase. Combining Aurora kinase inhibition with TRIP13 depletion led to extensive apoptosis in HPV-positive cancer cells but not in HPV-negative cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data support a model in which HPV-positive cancer cells maintain a balance of MAD2L1 and TRIP13 to allow mitotic exit and survival in the absence of Rb. Because it does not affect cells with intact Rb function, this novel combination may have a wide therapeutic window, enabling the effective treatment of Rb-deficient cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soma Ghosh
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Tuhina Mazumdar
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Reid T. Powell
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Clifford Stephan
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Li Shen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Pooja A. Shah
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Curtis R. Pickering
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | - Jeffery N. Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Faye M. Johnson
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
- Corresponding author. Faye M. Johnson, M.D., PhD., Faculty, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Professor, Thoracic, Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe, Box 432, Houston, TX 77030, phone 713-792-6363, fax 713-792-1220,
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Hess L, Moos V, Lauber AA, Reiter W, Schuster M, Hartl N, Lackner D, Boenke T, Koren A, Guzzardo PM, Gundacker B, Riegler A, Vician P, Miccolo C, Leiter S, Chandrasekharan MB, Vcelkova T, Tanzer A, Jun JQ, Bradner J, Brosch G, Hartl M, Bock C, Bürckstümmer T, Kubicek S, Chiocca S, Bhaskara S, Seiser C. A toolbox for class I HDACs reveals isoform specific roles in gene regulation and protein acetylation. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010376. [PMID: 35994477 PMCID: PMC9436093 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The class I histone deacetylases are essential regulators of cell fate decisions in health and disease. While pan- and class-specific HDAC inhibitors are available, these drugs do not allow a comprehensive understanding of individual HDAC function, or the therapeutic potential of isoform-specific targeting. To systematically compare the impact of individual catalytic functions of HDAC1, HDAC2 and HDAC3, we generated human HAP1 cell lines expressing catalytically inactive HDAC enzymes. Using this genetic toolbox we compare the effect of individual HDAC inhibition with the effects of class I specific inhibitors on cell viability, protein acetylation and gene expression. Individual inactivation of HDAC1 or HDAC2 has only mild effects on cell viability, while HDAC3 inactivation or loss results in DNA damage and apoptosis. Inactivation of HDAC1/HDAC2 led to increased acetylation of components of the COREST co-repressor complex, reduced deacetylase activity associated with this complex and derepression of neuronal genes. HDAC3 controls the acetylation of nuclear hormone receptor associated proteins and the expression of nuclear hormone receptor regulated genes. Acetylation of specific histone acetyltransferases and HDACs is sensitive to inactivation of HDAC1/HDAC2. Over a wide range of assays, we determined that in particular HDAC1 or HDAC2 catalytic inactivation mimics class I specific HDAC inhibitors. Importantly, we further demonstrate that catalytic inactivation of HDAC1 or HDAC2 sensitizes cells to specific cancer drugs. In summary, our systematic study revealed isoform-specific roles of HDAC1/2/3 catalytic functions. We suggest that targeted genetic inactivation of particular isoforms effectively mimics pharmacological HDAC inhibition allowing the identification of relevant HDACs as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Hess
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Verena Moos
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arnel A. Lauber
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Reiter
- Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Schuster
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Natascha Hartl
- Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Thorina Boenke
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Koren
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Brigitte Gundacker
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Riegler
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Vician
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Miccolo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Susanna Leiter
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mahesh B. Chandrasekharan
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Terezia Vcelkova
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Tanzer
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jun Qi Jun
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - James Bradner
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Gerald Brosch
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Markus Hartl
- Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Bock
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Stefan Kubicek
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanna Chiocca
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Srividya Bhaskara
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Christian Seiser
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Novel Systemic Treatment Modalities Including Immunotherapy and Molecular Targeted Therapy for Recurrent and Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147889. [PMID: 35887235 PMCID: PMC9320653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are the sixth most common cancers worldwide. More than half of patients with HNSCC eventually experience disease recurrence and/or metastasis, which can threaten their long-term survival. HNSCCs located in the oral cavity and larynx are usually associated with tobacco and/or alcohol use, whereas human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly HPV16 infection, is increasingly recognized as a cause of oropharyngeal HNSCC. Despite clinical, histologic, and molecular differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs, current treatment approaches are the same. For recurrent disease, these strategies include chemotherapy, immunotherapy with PD-1-inhibitors, or a monoclonal antibody, cetuximab, that targets epidermal growth factor; these therapies can be administered either as single agents or in combination. However, these treatment strategies carry a high risk of toxic side effects; therefore, more effective and less toxic treatments are needed. The landscape of HNSCC therapy is changing significantly; numerous clinical trials are underway to test novel therapeutic options like adaptive cellular therapy, antibody-drug conjugates, new targeted therapy agents, novel immunotherapy combinations, and therapeutic vaccines. This review helps in understanding the various developments in HNSCC therapy and sheds light on the path ahead in terms of further research in this field.
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Myeloid cell leukemia-1 expression in cancers of the oral cavity: a scoping review. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:182. [PMID: 35524332 PMCID: PMC9074253 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02603-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family members play important roles in cell survival as well as cell death. The role of myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), an important member of the Bcl-2 family, is well established in hematopoietic malignancies. However, the association between Mcl-1 and oral cavity, cancers is not clearly defined. Methods A scoping review was conducted until June 30, 2021, using four major databases, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Medical subject headings keywords for Mcl-1, along with its other identifiers, and head and neck cancers (only oral cavity tumors) were used to evaluate the expression, function, molecular association, and therapeutic approach of Mcl-1 in oral cavity cancers and precancers. Findings Mcl-1 expression was associated with the progression of oral cavity cancers. The molecular mechanism and pathways of Mcl-1 in oral cavity cancers established via experimental results have been highlighted in this review. Moreover, the various synthetic and naturally derived therapeutic agents targeting Mcl-1 have been documented. Novelty/Improvement Based on our present review, Mcl-1 appears to be an effective anticancer target that can be used in the therapeutic management of oral cancers.
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Repositioning Fenofibrate to Reactivate p53 and Reprogram the Tumor-Immune Microenvironment in HPV+ Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020282. [PMID: 35053444 PMCID: PMC8773501 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A critical need for optimal management of human papillomavirus-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ HNSCC) patients is the development of therapeutic strategies to exploit the inherent vulnerabilities of this unique disease. We identified fenofibrate, an FDA-approved drug, as a potent anti-cancer agent for HPV+ HNSCC. Fenofibrate induced the accumulation of the p53 tumor suppressor and re-programmed the tumor microenvironment to drive immune cell infiltration. We provide compelling evidence to reposition fenofibrate as a single agent or in combination with standard therapies for the HPV+ HNSCC setting. Abstract Human papillomavirus-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ HNSCC) is recognized as a distinct disease with unique etiology and clinical features. Current standard of care therapeutic modalities are identical for HPV+ and HPV− HNSCC and thus, there remains an opportunity to develop innovative pharmacologic approaches to exploit the inherent vulnerabilities of HPV+ HNSCC. In this study, using an inducible HPVE6E7 knockdown system, we found that HPV+ HNSCC cells are addicted to HPVE6E7, such that loss of these viral oncogenes impaired tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo. A number of druggable pathways, including PPAR and Wnt, were modulated in response to HPVE6E7 loss. Fenofibrate showed significant anti-proliferative effects in a panel of HPV+ cancer cell lines. Additionally, fenofibrate impaired tumor growth as monotherapy and potentiated the activity of cisplatin in a pre-clinical HPV+ animal model. Systemic fenofibrate treatment induced p53 protein accumulation, and surprisingly, re-programmed the tumor-immune microenvironment to drive immune cell infiltration. Since fenofibrate is FDA-approved with a favorable long-term safety record, repositioning of this drug, as a single agent or in combination with cisplatin or checkpoint blockade, for the HPV+ HNSCC setting should be prioritized.
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Salinas-Montalvo AM, Supramaniam A, McMillan NA, Idris A. RNA-based gene targeting therapies for human papillomavirus driven cancers. Cancer Lett 2021; 523:111-120. [PMID: 34627949 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
While platinum-based chemotherapy, radiation therapy and or surgery are effective in reducing human papillomavirus (HPV) driven cancer tumours, they have some significant drawbacks, including low specificity for tumour, toxicity, and severe adverse effects. Though current therapies for HPV-driven cancers are effective, severe late toxicity associated with current treatments contributes to the deterioration of patient quality of life. This warrants the need for novel therapies for HPV derived cancers. In this short review, we examined RNA-based therapies targeting the major HPV oncogenes, including short-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) as putative treatment modalities. We also explore other potential RNA-based targeting approaches such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and mRNA vaccines as future treatment modalities for HPV cancers. Some of these technologies have already been approved for clinical use for a range of other human diseases but not for HPV cancers. Here we explore the emerging evidence supporting the effectiveness of some of these gene-based therapies for HPV malignancies. In short, the evidence sheds promising light on the feasibility of translating these technologies into a clinically relevant treatment modality for HPV derived cancers and potentially other virally driven human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana María Salinas-Montalvo
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland and School of Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Aroon Supramaniam
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland and School of Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Nigel Aj McMillan
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland and School of Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Adi Idris
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland and School of Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
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Kałafut J, Czerwonka A, Anameriç A, Przybyszewska-Podstawka A, Misiorek JO, Rivero-Müller A, Nees M. Shooting at Moving and Hidden Targets-Tumour Cell Plasticity and the Notch Signalling Pathway in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6219. [PMID: 34944837 PMCID: PMC8699303 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is often aggressive, with poor response to current therapies in approximately 40-50% of the patients. Current therapies are restricted to operation and irradiation, often combined with a small number of standard-of-care chemotherapeutic drugs, preferentially for advanced tumour patients. Only very recently, newer targeted therapies have entered the clinics, including Cetuximab, which targets the EGF receptor (EGFR), and several immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the immune receptor PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1. HNSCC tumour tissues are characterized by a high degree of intra-tumour heterogeneity (ITH), and non-genetic alterations that may affect both non-transformed cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and transformed carcinoma cells. This very high degree of heterogeneity likely contributes to acquired drug resistance, tumour dormancy, relapse, and distant or lymph node metastasis. ITH, in turn, is likely promoted by pronounced tumour cell plasticity, which manifests in highly dynamic and reversible phenomena such as of partial or hybrid forms of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and enhanced tumour stemness. Stemness and tumour cell plasticity are strongly promoted by Notch signalling, which remains poorly understood especially in HNSCC. Here, we aim to elucidate how Notch signal may act both as a tumour suppressor and proto-oncogenic, probably during different stages of tumour cell initiation and progression. Notch signalling also interacts with numerous other signalling pathways, that may also have a decisive impact on tumour cell plasticity, acquired radio/chemoresistance, and metastatic progression of HNSCC. We outline the current stage of research related to Notch signalling, and how this pathway may be intricately interconnected with other, druggable targets and signalling mechanisms in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kałafut
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.P.-P.); (A.R.-M.)
| | - Arkadiusz Czerwonka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.P.-P.); (A.R.-M.)
| | - Alinda Anameriç
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.P.-P.); (A.R.-M.)
| | - Alicja Przybyszewska-Podstawka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.P.-P.); (A.R.-M.)
| | - Julia O. Misiorek
- Department of Molecular Neurooncology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Adolfo Rivero-Müller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.P.-P.); (A.R.-M.)
| | - Matthias Nees
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.P.-P.); (A.R.-M.)
- Western Finland Cancer Centre (FICAN West), Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20101 Turku, Finland
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van Harten AM, Brakenhoff RH. Targeted Treatment of Head and Neck (Pre)Cancer: Preclinical Target Identification and Development of Novel Therapeutic Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2774. [PMID: 34204886 PMCID: PMC8199752 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) develop in the mucosal lining of the upper-aerodigestive tract. In carcinogen-induced HNSCC, tumors emerge from premalignant mucosal changes characterized by tumor-associated genetic alterations, also coined as 'fields' that are occasionally visible as leukoplakia or erythroplakia lesions but are mostly invisible. Consequently, HNSCC is generally diagnosed de novo at more advanced stages in about 70% of new diagnosis. Despite intense multimodality treatment protocols, the overall 5-years survival rate is 50-60% for patients with advanced stage of disease and seems to have reached a plateau. Of notable concern is the lack of further improvement in prognosis despite advances in treatment. This can be attributed to the late clinical presentation, failure of advanced HNSCC to respond to treatment, the deficit of effective targeted therapies to eradicate tumors and precancerous changes, and the lack of suitable markers for screening and personalized therapy. The molecular landscape of head and neck cancer has been elucidated in great detail, but the absence of oncogenic mutations hampers the identification of druggable targets for therapy to improve outcome of HNSCC. Currently, functional genomic approaches are being explored to identify potential therapeutic targets. Identification and validation of essential genes for both HNSCC and oral premalignancies, accompanied with biomarkers for therapy response, are being investigated. Attentive diagnosis and targeted therapy of the preceding oral premalignant (preHNSCC) changes may prevent the development of tumors. As classic oncogene addiction through activating mutations is not a realistic concept for treatment of HNSCC, synthetic lethality and collateral lethality need to be exploited, next to immune therapies. In recent studies it was shown that cell cycle regulation and DNA damage response pathways become significantly altered in HNSCC causing replication stress, which is an avenue that deserves further exploitation as an HNSCC vulnerability for treatment. The focus of this review is to summarize the current literature on the preclinical identification of potential druggable targets for therapy of (pre)HNSCC, emerging from the variety of gene knockdown and knockout strategies, and the testing of targeted inhibitors. We will conclude with a future perspective on targeted therapy of HNSCC and premalignant changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. van Harten
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tumor Biology & Immunology Section, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; or
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Ruud H. Brakenhoff
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tumor Biology & Immunology Section, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; or
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13
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Johnson NW, Anaya-Saavedra G, Webster-Cyriaque J. Viruses and oral diseases in HIV-infected individuals on long-term antiretroviral therapy: What are the risks and what are the mechanisms? Oral Dis 2020; 26 Suppl 1:80-90. [PMID: 32862541 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
As a result of the extension of life span produced by increasing access to combined antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) face new challenges from comorbidities. Although advances in medical care for HIV infection have dramatically reduced opportunistic infections and AIDS-defining cancers, some non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADC) and specific oral diseases such as periodontitis and salivary gland disease are now more prevalent. Cancer prevention is, therefore, a priority issue in care of PLWH, stressing both restoration of immune function and reduction of non-HIV cancer risk factors (tobacco in all its forms; areca nut; heavy alcohol consumption; diets lacking antioxidant vitamins and minerals; and oncogenic virus infections) through specific interventions, especially tobacco and areca nut cessation and alcohol moderation. Detection of oral high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV) and the universal preventive HPV vaccination among PLWH should be promoted to reduce the malignancy burden, along with routine oral examinations which remain the cheapest, most reliable, most reproducible, and non-invasive tool to identify suspicious lesions. Also, considerations of oral inflammation and periodontal health are important to replication and gene expression of viruses in the mouth. Considering that a key risk factor for this scenario is the presence of oncogenic virus infection such as several members of the human herpesvirus and human papillomavirus families, here we analyze the variables involved in the seeming increase in comorbidities in PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Newell W Johnson
- Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia.,Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College, London, UK
| | - Gabriela Anaya-Saavedra
- Oral Pathology and Medicine Master, Health Care Department, Autonomous Metropolitan University, Mexico City, Mexico
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14
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Bortnik V, Wu M, Julcher B, Salinas A, Nikolic I, Simpson KJ, McMillan NA, Idris A. Loss of HPV type 16 E7 restores cGAS-STING responses in human papilloma virus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas cells. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2020; 54:733-739. [PMID: 32768338 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2020.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Human papilloma viruses (HPV) are the main culprit in cervical and oropharyngeal cancers. HPV positive (+) cancers are regarded as 'oncogene addicted', displaying an absolute requirement for the continued expression of the oncogenes for their viability owing their survival, and thus making these genes salient targets for developing specific therapeutic agents. There is a strong association between HPV and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC), a subset of head and neck cancers (HNCs). Alarmingly, HPV-associated OPSCC are on the rise globally, and the number of cases of HPV + OPSCCs surpasses that of cervical cancer in the USA. Here, we show that major HPV oncogenes, E6 and E7, are essential for the survival of HPV positive (+) OPSCCs, making these oncogenes salient targets for HPV-driven OPSCCs. HPV E7 is known to interact with STING, a component of the viral DNA-sensing cGAS-STING machinery which activates a pro-typical anti-viral type I interferon (IFN) response. Our recent work showed that E7 from HPV type 16 is responsible for the blockade of cGAS-STING responses in HPV + OPSCC cells. In this study, we show that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated loss of E7 from HPV + OPSCC cells, SCC2 and SCC104, restored cGAS-STING responses. Future work could involve HPV oncogene targeting leading to HPV + OPSCC tumour regression and that the combined use of STING agonists would induce favourable tumour clearance by activating appropriate anti-tumour responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vuk Bortnik
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michelle Wu
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bryan Julcher
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ana Salinas
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Iva Nikolic
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; oNKo-innate, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia
| | - Kaylene J Simpson
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Nigel Aj McMillan
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adi Idris
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia.
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15
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Sharma VR, Singh M, Kumar V, Yadav M, Sehrawat N, Sharma DK, Sharma AK. Microbiome dysbiosis in cancer: Exploring therapeutic strategies to counter the disease. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 70:61-70. [PMID: 32693015 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer being a multiplex disease which involves many genomic and physiological alterations that occur consistently in the cancerous tissue, making the treatment and management of the disease even more complicated. The human gut microbiota (GM) harbors collective genomes of microbes comprising of trillions of bacteria along with fungi, archaea, and viruses that have the tendency to affect the development and progression of cancer. Moreover, inter-microbial interactions, diversity and distinct differences among the GM populations could influence the course of disease, making the microbiome an ideal target or to be modulated in such a way so as to improve cancer therapeutics with better efficacy and reduced toxicity. Current review focuses upon exploring the association of gut microbiota with the progression of cancer for which a structured search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature has been carried out using focused review questions and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Through this review one could envisage a wide-spectrum role of microbiota in maintaining host metabolism, immune homeostasis paving the way for an anticancer diagnostic and therapeutic solution that has the potential to counter the menace of anti-cancer drug resistance as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Var Ruchi Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Guru Gobind Singh College Sector-26, Chandigarh UT, 160019, India
| | - Manoj Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala Haryana, 133207, India
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala Haryana, 133207, India
| | - Mukesh Yadav
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala Haryana, 133207, India
| | - Nirmala Sehrawat
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala Haryana, 133207, India
| | | | - Anil K Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala Haryana, 133207, India.
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16
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Otoukesh B, Abbasi M, Gorgani HOL, Farahini H, Moghtadaei M, Boddouhi B, Kaghazian P, Hosseinzadeh S, Alaee A. MicroRNAs signatures, bioinformatics analysis of miRNAs, miRNA mimics and antagonists, and miRNA therapeutics in osteosarcoma. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:254. [PMID: 32565738 PMCID: PMC7302353 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01342-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) involved in key signaling pathways and aggressive phenotypes of osteosarcoma (OS) was discussed, including PI3K/AKT/MTOR, MTOR AND RAF-1 signaling, tumor suppressor P53- linked miRNAs, NOTCH- related miRNAs, miRNA -15/16 cluster, apoptosis related miRNAs, invasion-metastasis-related miRNAs, and 14Q32-associated miRNAs cluster. Herrin, we discussed insights into the targeted therapies including miRNAs (i.e., tumor-suppressive miRNAs and oncomiRNAs). Using bioinformatics tools, the interaction network of all OS-associated miRNAs and their targets was also depicted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Otoukesh
- Orthopedic Surgery Fellowship in Département Hospitalo-Universitaire MAMUTH « Maladies musculo-squelettiques et innovations thérapeutiques » , Université Pierre et Marie-Curie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bone and Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science, Postal code : 1445613131 Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- Brain Mapping Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Habib-O-Lah Gorgani
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bone and Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science, Postal code : 1445613131 Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Farahini
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bone and Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science, Postal code : 1445613131 Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Moghtadaei
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bone and Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science, Postal code : 1445613131 Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Boddouhi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bone and Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science, Postal code : 1445613131 Tehran, Iran
| | - Peyman Kaghazian
- Department of Orthopedic and Traumatology, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Shayan Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Atefe Alaee
- Department of Information Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Cancer Biology and Carcinogenesis: Fundamental Biological Processes and How They Are Deranged in Oral Cancer. TEXTBOOK OF ORAL CANCER 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-32316-5_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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18
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Yang H, Jin X, Dan H, Chen Q. Histone modifications in oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders. Oral Dis 2019; 26:719-732. [PMID: 31056829 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Huamei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Medicine of Carcinogenesis and Management West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Xin Jin
- College of Stomatology Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences Chongqing China
| | - Hongxia Dan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Medicine of Carcinogenesis and Management West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Qianming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Medicine of Carcinogenesis and Management West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University Chengdu China
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19
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cGAS-STING responses are dampened in high-risk HPV type 16 positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells. Microb Pathog 2019; 132:162-165. [PMID: 31054871 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are a major health problem and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. More than 90% of these tumours are head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Amongst the common risk factors for HNCs (tobacco and alcohol use), there is a strong association of human papillomavirus (HPV) with HNSCCs. HPV type 16 (HPV 16), the major high-risk HPV type, is most commonly associated with HPV-driven HNSCCs. The promiscuous nature of the major HPV oncogene, E7, allows its interaction with a myriad of host proteins including STING, a component of the viral DNA-sensing cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) - stimulator of interferon genes (STING) machinery. Sensing of viral DNA by the cGAS-STING machinery results in a type I interferon (IFN)-mediated anti-viral response. Amelioration of IFN responses resulting from the direct blockade of STING by E7 was first demonstrated in high-risk HPV type 18 (HPV 18) positive (+) cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC) cells. However, the role of E7 from HPV 16 (HPV 16E7) in antagonising cGAS-STING responses have not been investigated, let alone in the context of HNSCCs. Here, we show that HPV 16E7+, but not HPV 16E7 negative (-), HNSCC cells respond poorly to cGAS-STING activation stimulus. We further confirm that this inhibition occurred via the highly conserved LXCXE motif in 16E7. This finding contributes to the better understanding of role of high-risk HPV E7 in blocking cGAS-STING pathway, especially in the context of HNSCCs.
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20
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21
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Liquid biopsy: miRNA as a potential biomarker in oral cancer. Cancer Epidemiol 2018; 58:137-145. [PMID: 30579238 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Oral cancer is one of the leading cancers in South-Asian countries. Despite the easy access of the oral cavity, the detection and five year survival rates of OSCC patients are dismal. Identification of non-invasive biomarkers to determine the progression and recurrence of OSCC could be of immense help to patients. Recent studies on oral cancer suggest the importance of non-invasive biomarker development. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are one of the important components of the cell-free nucleic acids available in different body fluids. Here, we have reviewed the current understanding of circulating miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers in different body fluids of oral cancer patients. A number of circulating miRNAs are found to be common in the body fluids of OSCC patients, while many of these are study specific, the possible sources of this variability could be due to differences in sample processing, assay procedure, clinical stage of the disease, oral habit and environmental factors. The prognostic and therapeutic significance of these circulating miRNAs are suggested by several studies. Mir-371, mir-150, mir-21 and mir-7d were found to be potential prognostic markers, while mir-134, mir-146a, mir-338 and mir-371 were associated with metastases. The prognostic markers, mir-21 and mir-7d were also found to be significantly correlated with resistance to chemotherapy, while mir-375, mir-196 and mir-125b were significantly correlated with sensitivity to radiotherapy. Despite the promising roles of circulating miRNAs, challenges still remain in unravelling the exact regulation of these miRNAs before using them for targeted therapy.
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