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Ji F, Zhu X, Liao H, Ouyang L, Huang Y, Syeda MZ, Ying S. New Era of Mapping and Understanding Common Fragile Sites: An Updated Review on Origin of Chromosome Fragility. Front Genet 2022; 13:906957. [PMID: 35669181 PMCID: PMC9164283 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.906957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Common fragile sites (CFSs) are specific genomic loci prone to forming gaps or breakages upon replication perturbation, which correlate well with chromosomal rearrangement and copy number variation. CFSs have been actively studied due to their important pathophysiological relevance in different diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. The genetic locations and sequences of CFSs are crucial to understanding the origin of such unstable sites, which require reliable mapping and characterizing approaches. In this review, we will inspect the evolving techniques for CFSs mapping, especially genome-wide mapping and sequencing of CFSs based on current knowledge of CFSs. We will also revisit the well-established hypotheses on the origin of CFSs fragility, incorporating novel findings from the comprehensive analysis of finely mapped CFSs regarding their locations, sequences, and replication/transcription, etc. This review will present the most up-to-date picture of CFSs and, potentially, a new framework for future research of CFSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Ji
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China.,Department of Pharmacology and Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinli Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Liao
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China.,Department of Pharmacology and Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liujian Ouyang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingfei Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Madiha Zahra Syeda
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songmin Ying
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China.,Department of Pharmacology and Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Pradhan A, Mukkayyan N, Jakkala K, Ajitkumar P. Mycobacterial Populations Partly Change the Proportions of the Cells Undergoing Asymmetric/Symmetric Divisions in Response to Glycerol Levels in Growth Medium. Cells 2021; 10:1160. [PMID: 34064643 PMCID: PMC8151439 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Twenty to thirty percent of the septating mycobacterial cells of the mid-log phase population showed highly deviated asymmetric constriction during division (ACD), while the remaining underwent symmetric constriction during division (SCD). The ACD produced short-sized cells (SCs) and normal/long-sized cells (NCs) as the sister-daughter cells, but with significant differential susceptibility to antibiotic/oxidative/nitrite stress. Here we report that, at 0.2% glycerol, formulated in the Middlebrook 7H9 medium, a significantly high proportion of the cells were divided by SCD. When the glycerol concentration decreased to 0.1% due to cell-growth/division, the ACD proportion gradually increased until the ACD:SCD ratio reached ~50:50. With further decrease in the glycerol levels, the SCD proportion increased with concomitant decrease in the ACD proportion. Maintenance of glycerol at 0.1%, through replenishment, held the ACD:SCD proportion at ~50:50. Transfer of the cells from one culture with a specific glycerol level to the supernatant from another culture, with a different glycerol level, made the cells change the ACD:SCD proportion to that of the culture from which the supernatant was taken. RT-qPCR data showed the possibility of diadenosine tetraphosphate phosphorylase (MSMEG_2932), phosphatidylinositol synthase (MSMEG_2933), and a Nudix family hydrolase (MSMEG_2936) involved in the ACD:SCD proportion-change in response to glycerol levels. We also discussed its physiological significance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Parthasarathi Ajitkumar
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India; (A.P.); (N.M.); (K.J.)
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Abstract
Ever since initial suggestions that instability at common fragile sites (CFSs) could be responsible for chromosome rearrangements in cancers, CFSs and associated genes have been the subject of numerous studies, leading to questions and controversies about their role and importance in cancer. It is now clear that CFSs are not frequently involved in translocations or other cancer-associated recurrent gross chromosome rearrangements. However, recent studies have provided new insights into the mechanisms of CFS instability, their effect on genome instability, and their role in generating focal copy number alterations that affect the genomic landscape of many cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Glover
- Department of Human Genetics; the Department of Pathology; and the Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Thomas E Wilson
- Department of Human Genetics; and the Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Martin F Arlt
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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Lange S, Hacker SM, Schmid P, Scheffner M, Marx A. Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the Tumor Suppressor Fhit. Chembiochem 2017. [PMID: 28643453 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201700226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor Fhit and its substrate diadenosine triphosphate (Ap3 A) are important factors in cancer development and progression. Fhit has Ap3 A hydrolase activity and cleaves Ap3 A into adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP); this is believed to terminate Fhit-mediated signaling. How the catalytic activity of Fhit is regulated and how the Fhit⋅Ap3 A complex might exert its growth-suppressive function remain to be discovered. Small-molecule inhibitors of the enzymatic activity of Fhit would provide valuable tools for the elucidation of its tumor-suppressive functions. Here we describe the development of a high-throughput screen for the identification of such small-molecule inhibitors of Fhit. Two clusters of inhibitors that decreased the activity of Fhit by at least 90 % were identified. Several derivatives were synthesized and exhibited in vitro IC50 values in the nanomolar range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Lange
- Department of Chemistry, Konstanz Research School-Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Stephan M Hacker
- Department of Chemistry, Konstanz Research School-Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Philipp Schmid
- Department of Chemistry, Konstanz Research School-Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Martin Scheffner
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Andreas Marx
- Department of Chemistry, Konstanz Research School-Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
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Kujan O, Abuderman A, Al-Shawaf AZ. Immunohistochemical characterization of FHIT expression in normal human tissues. Interv Med Appl Sci 2016; 8:7-13. [PMID: 28250975 DOI: 10.1556/1646.8.2016.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile histidine triad (FHIT) is a tumor suppressor gene that is commonly inactivated in human tumors. Interestingly, the normal pattern of FHIT expression is largely unknown. AIM This study is aimed to characterize the expression of FHIT protein in normal human tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 119 normal human tissue specimens were analyzed for the FHIT expression using immunohistochemistry technique. The inclusion criteria included: normal/inflammatory tissue with no evidence of cellular atypia. RESULTS All studied specimens were stained positively with FHIT and showed either nuclear or cytoplasmic expression. Interestingly, the pattern of FHIT staining was similar among different specimens from each organ. FHIT is located predominantly in the nucleus, although cytoplasmic staining is also present in some cell types. Oral squamous epithelium, breast ductal epithelium, squamous and tubal metaplastic epithelium of the uterine cervix, esophageal squamous epithelium, salivary glands, and bronchial epithelia all strongly expressed the nuclear protein. In connective tissue, FHIT has shown strong cytoplasmic expression in histocytes including macrophages and dendritic cells, fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts. CONCLUSION Documentation of the pattern of FHIT expression in normal tissues will contribute to our understanding of the normal function of this protein and to interpretation of potentially altered FHIT expression in human tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Kujan
- Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, Al-Farabi Colleges, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Hama University, Hama, Syria
| | - Abdulwahab Abuderman
- College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia; Al-Farabi College of Medicine, Al-Farabi Colleges, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Zahi Al-Shawaf
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Baath University , Homs , Syria
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High-resolution whole-genome analysis of skull base chordomas implicates FHIT loss in chordoma pathogenesis. Neoplasia 2013; 14:788-98. [PMID: 23019410 DOI: 10.1593/neo.12526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Revised: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chordoma is a rare tumor arising in the sacrum, clivus, or vertebrae. It is often not completely resectable and shows a high incidence of recurrence and progression with shortened patient survival and impaired quality of life. Chemotherapeutic options are limited to investigational therapies at present. Therefore, adjuvant therapy for control of tumor recurrence and progression is of great interest, especially in skull base lesions where complete tumor resection is often not possible because of the proximity of cranial nerves. To understand the extent of genetic instability and associated chromosomal and gene losses or gains in skull base chordoma, we undertook whole-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism microarray analysis of flash frozen surgical chordoma specimens, 21 from the clivus and 1 from C1 to C2 vertebrae. We confirm the presence of a deletion at 9p involving CDKN2A, CDKN2B, and MTAP but at a much lower rate (22%) than previously reported for sacral chordoma. At a similar frequency (21%), we found aneuploidy of chromosome 3. Tissue microarray immunohistochemistry demonstrated absent or reduced fragile histidine triad (FHIT) protein expression in 98% of sacral chordomas and 67%of skull base chordomas. Our data suggest that chromosome 3 aneuploidy and epigenetic regulation of FHIT contribute to loss of the FHIT tumor suppressor in chordoma. The finding that FHIT is lost in a majority of chordomas provides new insight into chordoma pathogenesis and points to a potential new therapeutic target for this challenging neoplasm.
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Vaiphei K, Rangan A, Singh R. Aberrant crypt focus and fragile histidine triad protein in sporadic colorectal carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2012; 4:250-8. [PMID: 23443232 PMCID: PMC3581850 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v4.i12.250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Revised: 10/31/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To characterize aberrant crypt focus (ACF) in adjoining mucosa in sporadic colorectal carcinoma and to evaluate fragile histidine triad (Fhit) protein and Ki67.
METHODS: ACF was identified grossly and classified histologically in 75 resected specimens. ACF was typed into hyperplastic ACF (HACF) and dysplastic ACF (DACF). Sections of ACF, carcinoma and normal colonic mucosa as control were studied for Fhit and Ki67 expressions by immunohistochemistry and were grouped according to staining intensity and the number of positive stained cells observed in different histological groups. Comparison was done between the different groups by Pearson’s χ2 test and γ test for the ordinal data. P value < 0.05 was considered as significant.
RESULTS: Age range was 40 to 86 years in males (mean = 43.36) and 45 to 70 years in females (mean = 56). HACF was identified in all cases studied in the non-tumorous colonic mucosa; ACF was observed as non-contiguous scattered foci, which supports the hypothesis of acquisition of single focus monoclonality by colonic epithelial cells in tumor generation. Twenty-four (32%) had DACF and were observed as closure to carcinoma foci. Intensity of Fhit expression: (1) HACF - 40% exhibited strong intensity, similar to normal, moderate in 36% and weak in 24%; (2) DACF - strong in 25%, moderate in 37.5% and weak in 37.5%; and (3) carcinoma - negative in 16%, strong in 43% and moderate and weak in 28.5% each. Significant difference was observed in intensity of the Fhit protein expressions by HACF and DACF (P < 0.05). Tumor in older patients showed a stronger Fhit intensity compared to younger patients (P = 0.036). Vegetarian diet intake and non-smokers showed stronger Fhit intensities. Advanced stage tumor, non-vegetarian diet and younger age was associated with loss of Fhit protein. Ki67 positivity was an extended crypt pattern in HACF and DACF showed extension up to the neck region of the crypts and surface epithelium. Carcinomas showed a marked increase in Ki67 expression (P < 0.05). Fhit protein had an inverse association with Ki67 expression.
CONCLUSION: Weaker Fhit intensity was associated with smoking, non-vegetarian diet intake and increasing Ki67 expression. Loss of Fhit protein expression is possibly influenced by environmental factors like smoking and non-vegetarian diet intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Vaiphei
- Kim Vaiphei, Aruna Rangan, Department of Histopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Pin 160012, India
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Ismail HMS, Medhat AM, Karim AM, Zakhary NI. Multiple Patterns of FHIT Gene Homozygous Deletion in Egyptian Breast Cancer Patients. Int J Breast Cancer 2011; 2011:325947. [PMID: 22295218 PMCID: PMC3262564 DOI: 10.4061/2011/325947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene encodes a putative tumour suppressor protein. Loss of Fhit protein in cancer is attributed to different genetic alterations that affect the FHIT gene structure. In this study, we investigated the pattern of homozygous deletion that target the FHIT gene exons 3 to 9 genomic structure in Egyptian breast cancer patients. We have found that 65% (40 out of 62) of the cases exhibited homozygous deletion in at least one FHIT exon. The incidence of homozygous deletion was not associated with patients' clinicopathological parameters including patients' age, tumour grade, tumour type, and lymph node involvement. Using correlation analysis, we have observed a strong correlation between homozygous deletions of exon 3 and exon 4 (P < 0.0001). Deletions in exon 5 were positively correlated with deletions in exon 7 (P < 0.0001), Exon 8 (P < 0.027), and exon 9 (P = 0.04). Additionally, a strong correlation was observed between exons 8 and exon 9 (P < 0.0001).We conclude that FHIT gene exons are homozygously deleted at high frequency in Egyptian women population diagnosed with breast cancer. Three different patterns of homozygous deletion were observed in this population indicating different mechanisms of targeting FHIT gene genomic structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba M S Ismail
- Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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9
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Inhibition of topoisomerase I prevents chromosome breakage at common fragile sites. DNA Repair (Amst) 2010; 9:678-89. [PMID: 20413351 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2010.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2010] [Revised: 03/18/2010] [Accepted: 03/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Common fragile sites are loci that preferentially form gaps and breaks on metaphase chromosomes when DNA synthesis is perturbed, particularly after treatment with the DNA polymerase inhibitor, aphidicolin. We and others have identified several cell cycle checkpoint and DNA repair proteins that influence common fragile site stability. However, the initial events underlying fragile site breakage remain poorly understood. We demonstrate here that aphidicolin-induced gaps and breaks at fragile sites are prevented when cells are co-treated with low concentrations of the topoisomerase I inhibitor, camptothecin. This reduction in breakage is accompanied by a reduction in aphidicolin-induced RPA foci, CHK1 and RPA2 phosphorylation, and PCNA monoubiquitination, indicative of reduced levels of single stranded DNA. Furthermore, camptothecin reduces spontaneous fragile site breakage seen in cells lacking ATR, even in the absence of aphidicolin. These data from cultured human cells demonstrate that topoisomerase I activity is required for DNA common fragile site breaks and suggest that polymerase-helicase uncoupling is a key initial event in this process.
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10
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Cao J, Chen XP, Li WL, Xia J, Du H, Tang WB, Wang H, Chen XW, Xiao HQ, Li YY. Decreased fragile histidine triad expression in colorectal cancer and its association with apoptosis inhibition. World J Gastroenterol 2007; 13:1018-26. [PMID: 17373735 PMCID: PMC4146863 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i7.1018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To detect the expression of fragile histidine triad (FHIT) in normal colorectal tissue, colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer (CRC) tissue, and to analyze its relationship with the clinicopathological features of CRC, and apoptosis-associated proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, survivin) and apoptosis in colorectal cancer.
METHODS: FHIT mRNA analysis was performed by nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Tissue microarray (TMA) was established to detect the expression of FHIT, Bcl-2, Bax and survivin genes in 80 CRC tissue specimens, 16 colorectal adenoma tissue specimens and 16 hemorrhoid (PPH) tissue specimens during the same period of time as the control. Citrate-microwave-SP was used as immunohistochemical method. The relationship between clinicopathological factors, such as differentiation grades and 5-year survival rate was observed. TUNEL assay was used to detect the apoptosis index in 80 CRC tissue specimens.
RESULTS: Ten out of 26 (38.5%) CRC tissue specimens expressed aberrant FHIT transcripts, none of the aberrant FHIT transcripts was observed in the matched normal tissue and colorectal adenoma tissue by nested RT-PCR assay. The positive rate of FHIT gene expression in normal colorectal tissue, colorectal adenoma and carcinoma tissue was 93.75%, 68.75% and 46.25%, respectively. Clinicopathological analysis of patients showed that the decreased FHIT gene expression was not associated with age, sex, serum CEA levels, tumor site and size, histological classification. However, the expression of FHIT was correlated with differentiation grades, pathological stages, lymph node metastases and 5-year survival rate after operation. The positive rate of apoptosis-associated proteins (Bax, Bcl-2 and survivin) in CRC tissue was 72.50%, 51.25% and 77.50%, respectively. The expression of these apoptosis-associated proteins in CRC tissue was correlated with the expression of FHIT. The mean apoptosis index in FHIT negative tumors was significantly lower than that in FHIT positive tumors (5.41 ± 0.23 vs 0.56 ± 0.10, P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION: The FHIT gene plays an important role in the regulation of apoptosis and decreased FHIT expression plays a key role in the initiation and progression of colorectal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical College, 1# Pang Fu Road, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong Province, China.
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AGRAWAL S, MOORCHUNG N, PRIYA P, KAPOOR VK. Human cancers and the FHIT gene. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-7563.2006.00045.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Zhu Y, McAvoy S, Kuhn R, Smith DI. RORA, a large common fragile site gene, is involved in cellular stress response. Oncogene 2006; 25:2901-8. [PMID: 16462772 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1209314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Common fragile sites (CFSs) are large genomic regions present in all individuals that are highly unstable and prone to breakage and rearrangement, especially in cancer cells with genomic instability. Eight of the 90 known CFSs have been precisely defined and five of these span genes that extend from 700 kb to over 1.5 Mb of genomic sequence. Although these genes reside within some of the most unstable chromosomal regions in the human genome, they are highly conserved evolutionarily. These genes are targets for large chromosomal deletions and rearrangements in cancer and are frequently inactivated in multiple tumor types. There is also an association between these genes and cellular responses to stress. Based upon the association between large genes and CFSs, we began to systematically test other large genes derived from chromosomal regions that were known to contain a CFS. In this study, we demonstrate that the 730 kb retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha (RORA) gene is derived from the middle of the FRA15A (15q22.2) CFS. Although this gene is expressed in normal breast, prostate and ovarian epithelium, it is frequently inactivated in cancers that arise from these organs. RORA was previously shown to be involved in the cellular response to hypoxia and here we demonstrate changes in the amount of RORA message produced in cells exposed to a variety of different cellular stresses. Our results demonstrate that RORA is another very large CFS gene that is inactivated in multiple tumors. In addition, RORA appears to play a critical role in responses to cellular stress, lending further support to the idea that the large CFS genes function as part of a highly conserved stress response network that is uniquely susceptible to genomic instability in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA
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13
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Garnis C, Buys TPH, Lam WL. Genetic alteration and gene expression modulation during cancer progression. Mol Cancer 2004; 3:9. [PMID: 15035667 PMCID: PMC408463 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-3-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2004] [Accepted: 03/22/2004] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer progresses through a series of histopathological stages. Progression is thought to be driven by the accumulation of genetic alterations and consequently gene expression pattern changes. The identification of genes and pathways involved will not only enhance our understanding of the biology of this process, it will also provide new targets for early diagnosis and facilitate treatment design. Genomic approaches have proven to be effective in detecting chromosomal alterations and identifying genes disrupted in cancer. Gene expression profiling has led to the subclassification of tumors. In this article, we will describe the current technologies used in cancer gene discovery, the model systems used to validate the significance of the genes and pathways, and some of the genes and pathways implicated in the progression of preneoplastic and early stage cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathie Garnis
- Cancer Genetics and Developmental Biology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre; 601 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 1L3
| | - Timon PH Buys
- Cancer Genetics and Developmental Biology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre; 601 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 1L3
| | - Wan L Lam
- Cancer Genetics and Developmental Biology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre; 601 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 1L3
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Abstract
Human cancer is viewed as a disorder of genes originating from the progeny of a single cell that has accumulated multiple genetic alterations. The genetic alterations include point mutation, chromosomal rearrangements and imbalances. Amplifications primarily involve oncogenes whose overexpression leads to growth deregulation, while deletions commonly target tumor suppressor genes that control cell cycle checkpoints and DNA repair mechanisms. With the advent of molecular cytogenetics procedures for global detection of genomic imbalances and for multicolor visualization of structural chromosome changes, as well as the completion of human genome mapping and the development of microarray technology for serial gene expression analysis of the entire genomes, a significant progress has been made in uncovering the molecular basis of cancer. The major challenge in cancer biology is to decipher the molecular anatomy of various cancers and to identify cancer-related genes that now comprise only a fraction of human genes. The complete genetic anatomy of specific cancers would allow a better understanding of the role of genetic alterations in carcinogenesis, provide diagnostic and prognostic markers and discriminate between cells at different stages of progression toward malignancy. This review highlights current technologies that are available to explore cancer cells and outlines their application to investigations in human hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C. Popescu
- National Cancer Institute, 37/3C05, 37 Convent Drive MSC 4255, Bethesda, Md 20892-4255, USA
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15
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Martinez A, Fullwood P, Kondo K, Kishida T, Yao M, Maher ER, Latif F. Role of chromosome 3p12-p21 tumour suppressor genes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: analysis of VHL dependent and VHL independent pathways of tumorigenesis. Mol Pathol 2000; 53:137-44. [PMID: 10897333 PMCID: PMC1186920 DOI: 10.1136/mp.53.3.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Chromosome 3p deletions and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) for 3p markers are features of clear cell renal cell carcinoma but are rare in non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The VHL tumour suppressor gene, which maps to 3p25, is a major gatekeeper gene for clear cell renal cell carcinoma and is inactivated in most sporadic cases of this disease. However, it has been suggested that inactivation of other 3p tumour suppressor genes might be crucial for clear cell renal cell carcinoma tumorigenesis, with inactivation (VHL negative) and without inactivation (VHL positive) of the VHL tumour suppressor gene. This study set out to investigate the role of non-VHL tumour suppressor genes in VHL negative and VHL positive clear cell renal cell carcinoma. METHODS Eighty two clear cell renal cell carcinomas of known VHL inactivation status were analysed for LOH at polymorphic loci within the candidate crucial regions for chromosome 3p tumour suppressor genes (3p25, LCTSGR1 at 3p21.3, LCTSGR2 at 3p12 and at 3p14.2). RESULTS Chromosome 3p12-p21 LOH was frequent both in VHL negative and VHL positive clear cell renal cell carcinoma. However, although the frequency of 3p25 LOH in VHL negative clear cell renal cell carcinoma was similar to that at 3p12-p21, VHL positive tumours demonstrated significantly less LOH at 3p25 than at 3p12-p21. Although there was evidence of LOH for clear cell renal cell carcinoma tumour suppressor genes at 3p21, 3p14.2, and 3p12, both in VHL negative and VHL positive tumours, the major clear cell renal cell carcinoma LOH region mapped to 3p21.3, close to the lung cancer tumour suppressor gene region 1 (LCTSGR1). There was no association between tumour VHL status and tumour grade and stage. CONCLUSIONS These findings further indicate that VHL inactivation is not sufficient to initiate clear cell renal cell carcinoma and that loss of a gatekeeper 3p21 tumour suppressor gene is a crucial event for renal cell carcinoma development in both VHL negative and VHL positive clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Martinez
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
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McIver B, Grebe SKG, Wang L, Hay ID, Liu W, Goellner JR, Grant CS, Smith DI, Eberhardt NL. FHIT and TSG101 in thyroid tumours: aberrant transcripts reflect rare abnormal RNA processing events of uncertain pathogenetic or clinical significance. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2000; 52:749-757. [PMID: 28796361 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2265.2000.01009.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The chromosomal regions containing the two putative tumour suppressors, fragile histidine triad gene (FHIT) and tumour suppressor gene 101 (TSG101), are deleted frequently in thyroid tumours. We therefore analysed FHIT and TSG101 transcripts in a group of advanced thyroid tumours to establish their role in thyroid tumorigenesis. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of FHIT and TSG101 mRNA transcripts and genomic DNA from cryo-preserved thyroid tumours. TP53, previously shown at the genomic level not to be mutated in this cohort of tumours, served as a control. PATIENTS We analysed nine follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTC), six papillary thyroid carcinomas and six follicular adenomas (FA) and histologically normal thyroid tissue from four of the FA patients. MEASUREMENTS Single stage and nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) products of FHIT, TSG101, and TP53 were analysed by agarose or polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and sequenced. Genomic DNA was also analysed by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing (FHIT) or by Southern blotting (TSG101). Clinical data were correlated with the results of the mutation analysis. RESULTS Truncated FHIT transcripts were observed frequently alongside full length transcripts with nested RT-PCR, most often in FTC, while single stage RT-PCR revealed only normal length transcripts in all tumours. Similar results were obtained for TP53, while abnormal TSG101 transcripts were detectable by single stage RT-PCR. Sequence analysis of the truncated FHIT and TSG101 transcripts revealed mainly exon skipping and alternate RNA processing events. Only a single point mutation (of TSG101) was found. Southern blotting for the TSG101 gene, and PCR amplification and sequencing of the FHIT gene showed no evidence of genomic abnormalities in either case, and there was no evidence of splice site mutations in the FHIT gene, suggesting that the truncated transcripts result from altered RNA processing. There was no relationship between tumour stage, grade or survival and the presence of FHIT or TSG101 abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Truncated FHIT and TSG101 transcripts in thyroid tumours reflect alternate mRNA splicing events, rather than genomic deletions. Such abnormal RNA processing seems to be common and widespread in thyroid neoplasms, as similar results were obtained by analysis of transcripts of TP53, which we had previously shown not to be mutated in these specimens. Although a pathogenetic role for these aberrant transcripts remains possible, no correlation was found with stage, histological grade or outcome in this small group of advanced thyroid malignancies. Relaxation of mRNA splice control appears to be a feature of follicular cell-derived thyroid neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan McIver
- Departments of, Medicine,Experimental Pathology,Surgical Pathology,Surgery,Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic/Foundation,Department of Pathology, Wellington School of Medicine, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Stefan K G Grebe
- Departments of, Medicine,Experimental Pathology,Surgical Pathology,Surgery,Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic/Foundation,Department of Pathology, Wellington School of Medicine, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Liang Wang
- Departments of, Medicine,Experimental Pathology,Surgical Pathology,Surgery,Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic/Foundation,Department of Pathology, Wellington School of Medicine, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Ian D Hay
- Departments of, Medicine,Experimental Pathology,Surgical Pathology,Surgery,Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic/Foundation,Department of Pathology, Wellington School of Medicine, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Wanguo Liu
- Departments of, Medicine,Experimental Pathology,Surgical Pathology,Surgery,Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic/Foundation,Department of Pathology, Wellington School of Medicine, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - John R Goellner
- Departments of, Medicine,Experimental Pathology,Surgical Pathology,Surgery,Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic/Foundation,Department of Pathology, Wellington School of Medicine, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Clive S Grant
- Departments of, Medicine,Experimental Pathology,Surgical Pathology,Surgery,Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic/Foundation,Department of Pathology, Wellington School of Medicine, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - David I Smith
- Departments of, Medicine,Experimental Pathology,Surgical Pathology,Surgery,Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic/Foundation,Department of Pathology, Wellington School of Medicine, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Norman L Eberhardt
- Departments of, Medicine,Experimental Pathology,Surgical Pathology,Surgery,Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic/Foundation,Department of Pathology, Wellington School of Medicine, Wellington, New Zealand
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Zenklusen JC, Hodges LC, LaCava M, Green ED, Conti CJ. Definitive functional evidence for a tumor suppressor gene on human chromosome 7q31.1 neighboring the Fra7G site. Oncogene 2000; 19:1729-33. [PMID: 10763831 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1203488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on human chromosome (hchr) 7 at q31.1 is common in a variety of tumors of epithelial origin. Frequent LOH of a specific chromosomal marker is indicative of a closely linked tumor suppressor gene (TSG). However, recent reports have also indicated that such a high frequency of LOH could be due to the presence in this region of the second most common aphidicolin-inducible fragile site in the human genome (Fra7G). To address this controversy, we introduced single copies of hchr7 or hchr12 into a highly aggressive human prostate carcinoma cell line (PC3) by microcell-mediated transfer. The tumorigenicity of six clones of PC3/hchr7 hybrids and three clones of PCRhchr12 hybrids, obtained in four separate fusion experiments, were studied in BALB/c nude mice. All but one of the PC3/hchr7 hybrids increased tumor latency by at least twofold, whereas none of the PC3/hchr12 hybrids delayed tumor onset. No differences in the in vitro growth rate were observed among any of the cell lines assayed (parental and hybrids) suggesting that the observed tumor suppression was due to factors other than cell cycle regulation. Deletion mapping of the PC3/hchr7 tumors obtained after reversion to the malignant phenotype revealed a common region of loss centred around 7q31.1, supporting the TSG hypothesis. The smallest commonly deleted region was approximately 1.5 Mb in size and flanked by the markers D7S486 and D7S655.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Zenklusen
- Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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18
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Abstract
Histidine triad (HIT) proteins were until recently a superfamily of proteins that shared only sequence motifs. Crystal structures of nucleotide-bound forms of histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein (Hint) demonstrated that the conserved residues in HIT proteins are responsible for their distinctive, dimeric, 10-stranded half-barrel structures that form two identical purine nucleotide-binding sites. Hint-related proteins, found in all forms of life, and fragile histidine triad (Fhit)-related proteins, found in animals and fungi, represent the two main branches of the HIT superfamily. Hint homologs are intracellular receptors for purine mononucleotides whose cellular function remains elusive. Fhit homologs bind and cleave diadenosine polyphosphates (Ap(n)A) such as ApppA and AppppA. Fhit-Ap(n)A complexes appear to function in a proapoptotic tumor suppression pathway in epithelial tissues. In invertebrates, Fhit homologs are encoded as fusion proteins with proteins related to plant and bacterial nitrilases that are candidate signaling partners in tumor suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Brenner
- Kimmel Cancer Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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19
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Zenklusen JC, Weintraub LA, Green ED. Construction of a high-resolution physical map of the approximate 1-Mb region of human chromosome 7q31.1-q31.2 harboring a putative tumor suppressor gene. Neoplasia 1999; 1:16-22. [PMID: 10935466 PMCID: PMC1764836 DOI: 10.1038/sj.neo.7900011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Reports of frequent loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of markers on human chromosome 7q in malignant myeloid disorders as well as breast, prostate, ovarian, colon, head and neck, gastric, pancreatic, and renal cell carcinomas suggest the presence of a tumor suppressor gene (TSG). Functional assays have demonstrated that the introduction of an intact copy of human chromosome 7 (hchr7) can restore senescence to immortalized human fibroblast cell lines having LOH of markers within 7q31-q32 and can inhibit the tumorigenic phenotype of a murine squamous cell carcinoma cell line. To facilitate the cloning of the putative TSG, we have constructed a high-resolution physical map of this region of hchr7, specifically that encompassing the markers D7S522 and D7S677 within 7q31.1-q31.2. By using a lower resolution yeast artificial chromosome-based map as a starting framework, we established complete clone coverage of the implicated critical region in bacterial-artificial chromosomes (BACs) and P1-derived artificial chromosomes (PACs). The resulting BAC/PAC-based contig map has provided suitable clones for the systematic sequencing of the entire interval. In addition, we have already identified 29 clusters of overlapping expressed-sequence tags (ESTs) and 4 known genes contained within these clones. Together, the physical map reported here coupled with the evolving sequence and gene maps should hasten the identification of the putative TSG residing within this region of hchr7.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Zenklusen
- Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4431, USA
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20
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Gemmill RM, West JD, Boldog F, Tanaka N, Robinson LJ, Smith DI, Li F, Drabkin HA. The hereditary renal cell carcinoma 3;8 translocation fuses FHIT to a patched-related gene, TRC8. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1998; 95:9572-7. [PMID: 9689122 PMCID: PMC21380 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.95.16.9572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/1998] [Accepted: 06/08/1998] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The 3;8 chromosomal translocation, t(3;8)(p14.2;q24.1), was described in a family with classical features of hereditary renal cell carcinoma. Previous studies demonstrated that the 3p14.2 breakpoint interrupts the fragile histidine triad gene (FHIT) in its 5' noncoding region. However, evidence that FHIT is causally related to renal or other malignancies is controversial. We now show that the 8q24.1 breakpoint region encodes a 664-aa multiple membrane spanning protein, TRC8, with similarity to the hereditary basal cell carcinoma/segment polarity gene, patched. This similarity involves two regions of patched, the putative sterol-sensing domain and the second extracellular loop that participates in the binding of sonic hedgehog. In the 3;8 translocation, TRC8 is fused to FHIT and is disrupted within the sterol-sensing domain. In contrast, the FHIT coding region is maintained and expressed. In a series of sporadic renal carcinomas, an acquired TRC8 mutation was identified. By analogy to patched, TRC8 might function as a signaling receptor and other pathway members, to be defined, are mutation candidates in malignant diseases involving the kidney and thyroid.
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MESH Headings
- Acid Anhydride Hydrolases
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Base Sequence
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell/pathology
- Chromosome Mapping
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 3
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8
- DNA Primers
- Humans
- Kidney Neoplasms/genetics
- Kidney Neoplasms/pathology
- Membrane Proteins/chemistry
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Proteins/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Translocation, Genetic
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Gemmill
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 4200 East 9th Avenue, Denver, CO 80262, USA.
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Inoue H, Ishii H, Alder H, Snyder E, Druck T, Huebner K, Croce CM. Sequence of the FRA3B common fragile region: implications for the mechanism of FHIT deletion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1997; 94:14584-9. [PMID: 9405656 PMCID: PMC25062 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.94.26.14584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothesis that chromosomal fragile sites may be "weak links" that result in hot spots for cancer-specific chromosome rearrangements was supported by the discovery that numerous cancer cell homozygous deletions and a familial translocation map within the FHIT gene, which encompasses the common fragile site, FRA3B. Sequence analysis of 276 kb of the FRA3B/FHIT locus and 22 associated cancer cell deletion endpoints shows that this locus is a frequent target of homologous recombination between long interspersed nuclear element sequences resulting in FHIT gene internal deletions, probably as a result of carcinogen-induced damage at FRA3B fragile sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Inoue
- Kimmel Cancer Institute, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Siprashvili Z, Sozzi G, Barnes LD, McCue P, Robinson AK, Eryomin V, Sard L, Tagliabue E, Greco A, Fusetti L, Schwartz G, Pierotti MA, Croce CM, Huebner K. Replacement of Fhit in cancer cells suppresses tumorigenicity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1997; 94:13771-6. [PMID: 9391102 PMCID: PMC28382 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.94.25.13771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The candidate tumor suppressor gene, FHIT, encompasses the common human chromosomal fragile site at 3p14.2, the hereditary renal cancer translocation breakpoint, and cancer cell homozygous deletions. Fhit hydrolyzes dinucleotide 5',5"'-P1,P3-triphosphate in vitro and mutation of a central histidine abolishes hydrolase activity. To study Fhit function, wild-type and mutant FHIT genes were transfected into cancer cell lines that lacked endogenous Fhit. No consistent effect of exogenous Fhit on growth in culture was observed, but Fhit and hydrolase "dead" Fhit mutant proteins suppressed tumorigenicity in nude mice, indicating that 5',5"'-P1, P3-triphosphate hydrolysis is not required for tumor suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Siprashvili
- Kimmel Cancer Center and Departments of Microbiology-Immunology and Pathology, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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