1
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Pundlik SS, Barik A, Venkateshvaran A, Sahoo SS, Jaysingh MA, Math RGH, Lal H, Hashmi MA, Ramanathan A. Senescent cells inhibit mouse myoblast differentiation via the SASP-lipid 15d-PGJ 2 mediated modification and control of HRas. eLife 2024; 13:RP95229. [PMID: 39196610 DOI: 10.7554/elife.95229] [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] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Senescent cells are characterized by multiple features such as increased expression of senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity (SA β-gal) and cell cycle inhibitors such as p21 or p16. They accumulate with tissue damage and dysregulate tissue homeostasis. In the context of skeletal muscle, it is known that agents used for chemotherapy such as Doxorubicin (Doxo) cause buildup of senescent cells, leading to the inhibition of tissue regeneration. Senescent cells influence the neighboring cells via numerous secreted factors which form the senescence-associated secreted phenotype (SASP). Lipids are emerging as a key component of SASP that can control tissue homeostasis. Arachidonic acid-derived lipids have been shown to accumulate within senescent cells, specifically 15d-PGJ2, which is an electrophilic lipid produced by the non-enzymatic dehydration of the prostaglandin PGD2. This study shows that 15d-PGJ2 is also released by Doxo-induced senescent cells as an SASP factor. Treatment of skeletal muscle myoblasts with the conditioned medium from these senescent cells inhibits myoblast fusion during differentiation. Inhibition of L-PTGDS, the enzyme that synthesizes PGD2, diminishes the release of 15d-PGJ2 by senescent cells and restores muscle differentiation. We further show that this lipid post-translationally modifies Cys184 of HRas in C2C12 mouse skeletal myoblasts, causing a reduction in the localization of HRas to the Golgi, increased HRas binding to Ras Binding Domain (RBD) of RAF Kinase (RAF-RBD), and activation of cellular Mitogen Activated Protein (MAP) kinase-Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase (Erk) signaling (but not the Akt signaling). Mutating C184 of HRas prevents the ability of 15d-PGJ2 to inhibit the differentiation of muscle cells and control the activity of HRas. This work shows that 15d-PGJ2 released from senescent cells could be targeted to restore muscle homeostasis after chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarang Sachin Pundlik
- Metabolic Regulation of Cell Fate (RCF), Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), Bangalore Life Science Cluster, Bengaluru, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Alok Barik
- Metabolic Regulation of Cell Fate (RCF), Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), Bangalore Life Science Cluster, Bengaluru, India
| | - Ashwin Venkateshvaran
- Metabolic Regulation of Cell Fate (RCF), Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), Bangalore Life Science Cluster, Bengaluru, India
| | - Snehasudha Subhadarshini Sahoo
- Metabolic Regulation of Cell Fate (RCF), Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), Bangalore Life Science Cluster, Bengaluru, India
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Mahapatra Anshuman Jaysingh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata (IISER-K), Mohanpur, India
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, United States
| | | | - Heera Lal
- Metabolic Regulation of Cell Fate (RCF), Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), Bangalore Life Science Cluster, Bengaluru, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Maroof Athar Hashmi
- Metabolic Regulation of Cell Fate (RCF), Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), Bangalore Life Science Cluster, Bengaluru, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Arvind Ramanathan
- Metabolic Regulation of Cell Fate (RCF), Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), Bangalore Life Science Cluster, Bengaluru, India
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2
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Casacuberta-Serra S, González-Larreategui Í, Capitán-Leo D, Soucek L. MYC and KRAS cooperation: from historical challenges to therapeutic opportunities in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:205. [PMID: 39164274 PMCID: PMC11336233 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01907-z] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
RAS and MYC rank amongst the most commonly altered oncogenes in cancer, with RAS being the most frequently mutated and MYC the most amplified. The cooperative interplay between RAS and MYC constitutes a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, profoundly influencing tumor development. Together and individually, these two oncogenes regulate most, if not all, hallmarks of cancer, including cell death escape, replicative immortality, tumor-associated angiogenesis, cell invasion and metastasis, metabolic adaptation, and immune evasion. Due to their frequent alteration and role in tumorigenesis, MYC and RAS emerge as highly appealing targets in cancer therapy. However, due to their complex nature, both oncogenes have been long considered "undruggable" and, until recently, no drugs directly targeting them had reached the clinic. This review aims to shed light on their complex partnership, with special attention to their active collaboration in fostering an immunosuppressive milieu and driving immunotherapeutic resistance in cancer. Within this review, we also present an update on the different inhibitors targeting RAS and MYC currently undergoing clinical trials, along with their clinical outcomes and the different combination strategies being explored to overcome drug resistance. This recent clinical development suggests a paradigm shift in the long-standing belief of RAS and MYC "undruggability", hinting at a new era in their therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Íñigo González-Larreategui
- Models of cancer therapies Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Cellex Centre, Hospital University Vall d'Hebron Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Capitán-Leo
- Models of cancer therapies Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Cellex Centre, Hospital University Vall d'Hebron Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Soucek
- Peptomyc S.L., Barcelona, Spain.
- Models of cancer therapies Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Cellex Centre, Hospital University Vall d'Hebron Campus, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
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3
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Yu Y, Cao WM, Cheng F, Shi Z, Han L, Yi J, da Silva EM, Dopeso H, Chen H, Yang J, Wang X, Zhang C, Zhang H. FOXK2 amplification promotes breast cancer development and chemoresistance. Cancer Lett 2024; 597:217074. [PMID: 38901667 PMCID: PMC11290987 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217074] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Oncogene activation through DNA amplification or overexpression is a crucial driver of cancer initiation and progression. The FOXK2 gene, located on chromosome 17q25, encodes a transcription factor with a forkhead DNA-binding domain. Analysis of genomic datasets reveals that FOXK2 is frequently amplified and overexpressed in breast cancer, correlating with poor patient survival. Knockdown of FOXK2 significantly inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, anchorage-independent growth, and delayed tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. Additionally, inhibiting FOXK2 sensitized breast cancer cells to chemotherapy. Co-overexpression of FOXK2 and mutant PI3KCA transformed non-tumorigenic MCF-10A cells, suggesting a role for FOXK2 in PI3KCA-driven tumorigenesis. CCNE2, PDK1, and ESR1 were identified as transcriptional targets of FOXK2 in MCF-7 cells. Small-molecule inhibitors of CCNE2/CDK2 (dinaciclib) and PDK1 (dichloroacetate) exhibited synergistic anti-tumor effects with PI3KCA inhibitor (alpelisib) in vitro. Inhibition of FOXK2 by dinaciclib synergistically enhanced the anti-tumor effects of alpelisib in a xenograft mouse model. Collectively, these findings highlight the oncogenic function of FOXK2 and suggest that FOXK2 and its downstream genes represent potential therapeutic targets in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Wen-Ming Cao
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Feng Cheng
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Zhongcheng Shi
- Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Lili Han
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jinling Yi
- Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Edaise M da Silva
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Higinio Dopeso
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jianhua Yang
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Xiaosong Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Chunchao Zhang
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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4
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Ueno T, Otani S, Date Y, Katsuma Y, Nagayoshi Y, Ito T, Ii H, Kageyama S, Nakata S, Ito K. Myc upregulates Ggct, γ-glutamylcyclotransferase to promote development of p53-deficient osteosarcoma. Cancer Sci 2024. [PMID: 38924236 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) in humans is characterized by alterations in the TP53 gene. In mice, loss of p53 triggers OS development, for which c-Myc (Myc) oncogenicity is indispensable. However, little is known about which genes are targeted by Myc to promote tumorigenesis. Here, we examined the role of γ-glutamylcyclotransferase (Ggct) which is a component enzyme of the γ-glutamyl cycle essential for glutathione homeostasis, in human and mouse OS development. We found that GGCT is a poor prognostic factor for human OS, and that deletion of Ggct suppresses p53-deficient osteosarcomagenesis in mice. Myc upregulates Ggct directly by binding to the Ggct promoter, and deletion of a Myc binding site therein by genome editing attenuated the tumorigenic potential of p53-deficient OS cells. Taken together, these results show a rationale that GGCT is widely upregulated in cancer cells and solidify its suitability as a target for anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Ueno
- Department of Molecular Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shohei Otani
- Department of Molecular Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yuki Date
- Department of Molecular Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yu Katsuma
- Department of Molecular Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yuma Nagayoshi
- Department of Molecular Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomoko Ito
- Department of Molecular Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiromi Ii
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Susumu Kageyama
- Department of Urology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Susumu Nakata
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kosei Ito
- Department of Molecular Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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5
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Gao C, Ge H, Kuan SF, Cai C, Lu X, Esni F, Schoen RE, Wang JH, Chu E, Hu J. FAK loss reduces BRAF V600E-induced ERK phosphorylation to promote intestinal stemness and cecal tumor formation. eLife 2024; 13:RP94605. [PMID: 38921956 PMCID: PMC11208045 DOI: 10.7554/elife.94605] [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] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BRAFV600E mutation is a driver mutation in the serrated pathway to colorectal cancers. BRAFV600E drives tumorigenesis through constitutive downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, but high-intensity ERK activation can also trigger tumor suppression. Whether and how oncogenic ERK signaling can be intrinsically adjusted to a 'just-right' level optimal for tumorigenesis remains undetermined. In this study, we found that FAK (Focal adhesion kinase) expression was reduced in BRAFV600E-mutant adenomas/polyps in mice and patients. In Vil1-Cre;BRAFLSL-V600E/+;Ptk2fl/fl mice, Fak deletion maximized BRAFV600E's oncogenic activity and increased cecal tumor incidence to 100%. Mechanistically, our results showed that Fak loss, without jeopardizing BRAFV600E-induced ERK pathway transcriptional output, reduced EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)-dependent ERK phosphorylation. Reduction in ERK phosphorylation increased the level of Lgr4, promoting intestinal stemness and cecal tumor formation. Our findings show that a 'just-right' ERK signaling optimal for BRAFV600E-induced cecal tumor formation can be achieved via Fak loss-mediated downregulation of ERK phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Gao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghUnited States
| | - Huaibin Ge
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of PittsburghPittsburghUnited States
| | - Shih-Fan Kuan
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghUnited States
| | - Chunhui Cai
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of PittsburghPittsburghUnited States
| | - Xinghua Lu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of PittsburghPittsburghUnited States
| | - Farzad Esni
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghUnited States
| | - Robert E Schoen
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghUnited States
| | - Jing H Wang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of PittsburghPittsburghUnited States
| | - Edward Chu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of PittsburghPittsburghUnited States
| | - Jing Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghUnited States
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6
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Alejandre C, Calle-Espinosa J, Iranzo J. Synergistic epistasis among cancer drivers can rescue early tumors from the accumulation of deleterious passengers. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012081. [PMID: 38687804 PMCID: PMC11087069 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Epistasis among driver mutations is pervasive and explains relevant features of cancer, such as differential therapy response and convergence towards well-characterized molecular subtypes. Furthermore, a growing body of evidence suggests that tumor development could be hampered by the accumulation of slightly deleterious passenger mutations. In this work, we combined empirical epistasis networks, computer simulations, and mathematical models to explore how synergistic interactions among driver mutations affect cancer progression under the burden of slightly deleterious passengers. We found that epistasis plays a crucial role in tumor development by promoting the transformation of precancerous clones into rapidly growing tumors through a process that is analogous to evolutionary rescue. The triggering of epistasis-driven rescue is strongly dependent on the intensity of epistasis and could be a key rate-limiting step in many tumors, contributing to their unpredictability. As a result, central genes in cancer epistasis networks appear as key intervention targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Alejandre
- Centro de Astrobiología (CAB) CSIC-INTA, Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)—Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Calle-Espinosa
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)—Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Iranzo
- Centro de Astrobiología (CAB) CSIC-INTA, Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)—Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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7
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Reimann M, Lee S, Schmitt CA. Cellular senescence: Neither irreversible nor reversible. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20232136. [PMID: 38385946 PMCID: PMC10883852 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20232136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a critical stress response program implicated in embryonic development, wound healing, aging, and immunity, and it backs up apoptosis as an ultimate cell-cycle exit mechanism. In analogy to replicative exhaustion of telomere-eroded cells, premature types of senescence-referring to oncogene-, therapy-, or virus-induced senescence-are widely considered irreversible growth arrest states as well. We discuss here that entry into full-featured senescence is not necessarily a permanent endpoint, but dependent on essential maintenance components, potentially transient. Unlike a binary state switch, we view senescence with its extensive epigenomic reorganization, profound cytomorphological remodeling, and distinctive metabolic rewiring rather as a journey toward a full-featured arrest condition of variable strength and depth. Senescence-underlying maintenance-essential molecular mechanisms may allow cell-cycle reentry if not continuously provided. Importantly, senescent cells that resumed proliferation fundamentally differ from those that never entered senescence, and hence would not reflect a reversion but a dynamic progression to a post-senescent state that comes with distinct functional and clinically relevant ramifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice Reimann
- Medical Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, and Molekulares Krebsforschungszentrum-MKFZ, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Soyoung Lee
- Medical Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, and Molekulares Krebsforschungszentrum-MKFZ, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Johannes Kepler University , Linz, Austria
| | - Clemens A Schmitt
- Medical Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, and Molekulares Krebsforschungszentrum-MKFZ, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Johannes Kepler University , Linz, Austria
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association , Berlin, Germany
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8
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Gao C, Ge H, Kuan SF, Cai C, Lu X, Esni F, Schoen R, Wang J, Chu E, Hu J. FAK loss reduces BRAF V600E-induced ERK phosphorylation to promote intestinal stemness and cecal tumor formation. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-2531119. [PMID: 36778401 PMCID: PMC9915899 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2531119/v2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
BRAF V600E mutation is a driver mutation in the serrated pathway to colorectal cancers. BRAFV600E drives tumorigenesis through constitutive downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, but high-intensity ERK activation can also trigger tumor suppression. Whether and how oncogenic ERK signaling can be intrinsically adjusted to a "just-right" level optimal for tumorigenesis remains undetermined. In this study, we found that FAK (Focal adhesion kinase) expression was reduced in BRAFV600E-mutant adenomas/polyps in mice and patients. In Vill-Cre;BRAFV600E/+;Fakfl/fl mice, Fak deletion maximized BRAFV600E's oncogenic activity and increased cecal tumor incidence to 100%. Mechanistically, our results showed that Fak loss, without jeopardizing BRAFV600E-induced ERK pathway transcriptional output, reduced EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)-dependent ERK phosphorylation. Reduction in ERK phosphorylation increased the level of Lgr4, promoting intestinal stemness and cecal tumor formation. Our findings show that a "just-right" ERK signaling optimal for BRAFV600E-induced cecal tumor formation can be achieved via Fak loss-mediated downregulation of ERK phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jing Wang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center/University of Pittsburgh
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9
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Hamilton G, Stickler S, Rath B. Bromodomain Protein-directed Agents and MYC in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:930-940. [PMID: 38275056 DOI: 10.2174/0115680096272757231211113206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a dismal prognosis. In addition to the inactivation of the tumor suppressors TP53 and RB1, tumor-promoting MYC and paralogs are frequently overexpressed in this neuroendocrine carcinoma. SCLC exhibits high resistance to second-line chemotherapy and all attempts of novel drugs and targeted therapy have failed so far to achieve superior survival. MYC and paralogs have key roles in the oncogenic process, orchestrating proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and metabolism. In SCLC, MYC-L and MYC regulate the neuroendocrine dedifferentiation of SCLC cells from Type A (ASCL1 expression) to the other SCLC subtypes. Targeting MYC to suppress tumor growth is difficult due to the lack of suitable binding pockets and the most advanced miniprotein inhibitor Omomyc exhibits limited efficacy. MYC may be targeted indirectly via the bromodomain (BET) protein BRD4, which activates MYC transcription, by specific BET inhibitors that reduce the expression of this oncogenic driver. Here, novel BET-directed Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are discussed that show high antiproliferative activity in SCLC. Particularly, ARV-825, targeting specifically BRD4, exhibits superior cytotoxic effects on SCLC cell lines and may become a valuable adjunct to SCLC combination chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Hamilton
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Stickler
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Rath
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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10
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Sheng-Fowler L, Tu W, Phy K, Macauley J, Lanning L, Lewis AM, Peden K. Evaluating the sensitivity of newborn rats and newborn hamsters to oncogenic DNA. Biologicals 2023; 84:101724. [PMID: 37977030 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2023.101724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the risk of residual cellular DNA in vaccines manufactured in tumorigenic cell lines, we have been establishing in vivo assays to quantify the oncogenic activity of DNA. We had generated three oncogene-expression plasmids: pMSV-T24-H-ras, which expresses activated H-ras; pMSV-c-myc, which expresses c-myc; and pMSV-T24-H-ras/MSV-c-myc, which expresses both oncogenes. Tumors were induced in mice by pMSV-T24-H-ras plus pMSV-c-myc or by pMSV-T24-H-ras/MSV-c-myc. Because newborn hamsters and newborn rats have been recommended for oncogenicity testing of the DNA from tumorigenic mammalian cell-substrates used for vaccine production, we evaluated their sensitivity. Newborn hamsters and rats were inoculated with different doses of pMSV-T24-H-ras/MSV-c-myc to determine their sensitivity to tumor induction and with the single-oncogene-expression plasmids to determine whether single oncogenes could induce tumors. Newborn rats were more sensitive than newborn hamsters, and activated H-ras but not c-myc induced tumors in newborns of both rodent species. DNA from four cell lines established from tumors induced by pMSV-T24-H-ras/MSV-c-myc was inoculated into newborn rats. Because no tumors were induced by this cellular DNA, which should be optimal as it contains both oncogenes linked and present in several copies, we conclude that available in vivo models are not sensitive enough to detect the oncogenicity of cellular DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Sheng-Fowler
- Division of Viral Products, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Wei Tu
- Division of Viral Products, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Kathryn Phy
- Division of Viral Products, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Juliete Macauley
- Division of Viral Products, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Lynda Lanning
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20888, USA
| | - Andrew M Lewis
- Division of Viral Products, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Keith Peden
- Division of Viral Products, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA.
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11
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Doha ZO, Sears RC. Unraveling MYC's Role in Orchestrating Tumor Intrinsic and Tumor Microenvironment Interactions Driving Tumorigenesis and Drug Resistance. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2023; 30:400-419. [PMID: 37755397 PMCID: PMC10537413 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology30030031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor MYC plays a pivotal role in regulating various cellular processes and has been implicated in tumorigenesis across multiple cancer types. MYC has emerged as a master regulator governing tumor intrinsic and tumor microenvironment interactions, supporting tumor progression and driving drug resistance. This review paper aims to provide an overview and discussion of the intricate mechanisms through which MYC influences tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance in cancer. We delve into the signaling pathways and molecular networks orchestrated by MYC in the context of tumor intrinsic characteristics, such as proliferation, replication stress and DNA repair. Furthermore, we explore the impact of MYC on the tumor microenvironment, including immune evasion, angiogenesis and cancer-associated fibroblast remodeling. Understanding MYC's multifaceted role in driving drug resistance and tumor progression is crucial for developing targeted therapies and combination treatments that may effectively combat this devastating disease. Through an analysis of the current literature, this review's goal is to shed light on the complexities of MYC-driven oncogenesis and its potential as a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinab O. Doha
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, Taibah University, Al-Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rosalie C. Sears
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
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12
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Guo F, Kan K, Rückert F, Rückert W, Li L, Eberhard J, May T, Sticht C, Dirks WG, Reißfelder C, Pallavi P, Keese M. Comparison of Tumour-Specific Phenotypes in Human Primary and Expandable Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13530. [PMID: 37686338 PMCID: PMC10488093 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an ongoing need for patient-specific chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Tumour cells isolated from human tissues can be used to predict patients' response to chemotherapy. However, the isolation and maintenance of pancreatic cancer cells is challenging because these cells become highly vulnerable after losing the tumour microenvironment. Therefore, we investigated whether the cells retained their original characteristics after lentiviral transfection and expansion. Three human primary pancreatic cancer cell lines were lentivirally transduced to create expandable (Ex) cells which were then compared with primary (Pri) cells. No obvious differences in the morphology or epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were observed between the primary and expandable cell lines. The two expandable cell lines showed higher proliferation rates in the 2D and 3D models. All three expandable cell lines showed attenuated migratory ability. Differences in gene expression between primary and expandable cell lines were then compared using RNA-Seq data. Potential target drugs were predicted by differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and differentially expressed pathways (DEPs) related to tumour-specific characteristics such as proliferation, migration, EMT, drug resistance, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were investigated using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. We found that the two expandable cell lines expressed similar chemosensitivity and redox-regulatory capability to gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in the 2D model as compared to their counterparts. In conclusion, we successfully generated expandable primary pancreatic cancer cell lines using lentiviral transduction. These expandable cells not only retain some tumour-specific biological traits of primary cells but also show an ongoing proliferative capacity, thereby yielding sufficient material for drug response assays, which may provide a patient-specific platform for chemotherapy drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Guo
- Department of Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (F.G.); (K.K.); (L.L.); (J.E.); (C.R.)
| | - Kejia Kan
- Department of Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (F.G.); (K.K.); (L.L.); (J.E.); (C.R.)
- European Center of Angioscience ECAS, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Felix Rückert
- Surgical Department, Diakonissen Krankenhaus Speyer, 67346 Speyer, Germany;
| | - Wolfgang Rückert
- Ingenieurbüro Dr. Ing. Rückert Data Analysis, Kirchweg 4, 57647 Nistertal, Germany;
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (F.G.); (K.K.); (L.L.); (J.E.); (C.R.)
- European Center of Angioscience ECAS, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Johannes Eberhard
- Department of Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (F.G.); (K.K.); (L.L.); (J.E.); (C.R.)
| | - Tobias May
- InSCREENeX GmbH, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Carsten Sticht
- Next Generation Sequencing Core Facility, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany;
| | - Wilhelm G. Dirks
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ, German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Inhoffenstraße 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Christoph Reißfelder
- Department of Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (F.G.); (K.K.); (L.L.); (J.E.); (C.R.)
| | - Prama Pallavi
- Department of Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (F.G.); (K.K.); (L.L.); (J.E.); (C.R.)
- European Center of Angioscience ECAS, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael Keese
- European Center of Angioscience ECAS, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Theresienkrankenhaus, 68165 Mannheim, Germany
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13
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Abdul-Aziz A, Devine RD, Lyberger JM, Chang H, Kovacs A, Lerma JR, Rogers AM, Byrd JC, Hertlein E, Behbehani GK. Mass Cytometry as a Tool for Investigating Senescence in Multiple Model Systems. Cells 2023; 12:2045. [PMID: 37626855 PMCID: PMC10453346 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162045] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a durable cell cycle arrest as a result of the finite proliferative capacity of cells. Senescence responds to both intrinsic and extrinsic cellular stresses, such as aging, mitochondrial dysfunction, irradiation, and chemotherapy. Here, we report on the use of mass cytometry (MC) to analyze multiple model systems and demonstrate MC as a platform for senescence analysis at the single-cell level. We demonstrate changes to p16 expression, cell cycling fraction, and histone tail modifications in several established senescent model systems and using isolated human T cells. In bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs), we show increased p16 expression with subsequent passage as well as a reduction in cycling cells and open chromatin marks. In WI-38 cells, we demonstrate increased p16 expression with both culture-induced senescence and oxidative stress-induced senescence (OSIS). We also use Wanderlust, a trajectory analysis tool, to demonstrate how p16 expression changes with histone tail modifications and cell cycle proteins. Finally, we demonstrate that repetitive stimulation of human T cells with CD3/CD28 beads induces an exhausted phenotype with increased p16 expression. This p16-expressing population exhibited higher expression of exhaustion markers such as EOMES and TOX. This work demonstrates that MC is a useful platform for studying senescence at a single-cell protein level, and is capable of measuring multiple markers of senescence at once with high confidence, thereby improving our understanding of senescent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Abdul-Aziz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA; (A.A.-A.)
| | - Raymond D. Devine
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Justin M. Lyberger
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hsiaochi Chang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Amy Kovacs
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - James R. Lerma
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA; (A.A.-A.)
| | - Andrew M. Rogers
- Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME 04102, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - John C. Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA; (A.A.-A.)
| | - Erin Hertlein
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA; (A.A.-A.)
| | - Gregory K. Behbehani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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14
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Tang YJ, Shuldiner EG, Karmakar S, Winslow MM. High-Throughput Identification, Modeling, and Analysis of Cancer Driver Genes In Vivo. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041382. [PMID: 37277208 PMCID: PMC10317066 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The vast number of genomic and molecular alterations in cancer pose a substantial challenge to uncovering the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and identifying therapeutic targets. High-throughput functional genomic methods in genetically engineered mouse models allow for rapid and systematic investigation of cancer driver genes. In this review, we discuss the basic concepts and tools for multiplexed investigation of functionally important cancer genes in vivo using autochthonous cancer models. Furthermore, we highlight emerging technical advances in the field, potential opportunities for future investigation, and outline a vision for integrating multiplexed genetic perturbations with detailed molecular analyses to advance our understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuning J Tang
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Emily G Shuldiner
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Saswati Karmakar
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Monte M Winslow
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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15
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Oei V, Chuang LSH, Matsuo J, Srivastava S, Teh M, Ito Y. RUNX3 inactivates oncogenic MYC through disruption of MYC/MAX complex and subsequent recruitment of GSK3β-FBXW7 cascade. Commun Biol 2023; 6:689. [PMID: 37400551 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05037-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
MYC is one of the most commonly dysregulated proto-oncogenes in cancer. MYC promotes cancer initiation and maintenance by regulating multiple biological processes, such as proliferation and stem cell function. Here, we show that developmental regulator RUNX3 targets MYC protein for rapid degradation through the glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta-F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 7 (GSK3β-FBXW7) proteolytic pathway. The evolutionarily conserved Runt domain of RUNX3 interacts directly with the basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper of MYC, resulting in the disruption of MYC/MAX and MYC/MIZ-1 interactions, enhanced GSK3β-mediated phosphorylation of MYC protein at threonine-58 and its subsequent degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway. We therefore uncover a previously unknown mode of MYC destabilization by RUNX3 and provide an explanation as to why RUNX3 inhibits early-stage cancer development in gastrointestinal and lung mouse cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Oei
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Graduate School, Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Linda Shyue Huey Chuang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Junichi Matsuo
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Supriya Srivastava
- Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ming Teh
- Department of Pathology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yoshiaki Ito
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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16
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D'Artista L, Moschopoulou AA, Barozzi I, Craig AJ, Seehawer M, Herrmann L, Minnich M, Kang TW, Rist E, Henning M, Klotz S, Heinzmann F, Harbig J, Sipos B, Longerich T, Eilers M, Dauch D, Zuber J, Wang XW, Zender L. MYC determines lineage commitment in KRAS-driven primary liver cancer development. J Hepatol 2023; 79:141-149. [PMID: 36906109 PMCID: PMC10330789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Primary liver cancer (PLC) comprises hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), two frequent and lethal tumour types that differ regarding their tumour biology and responses to cancer therapies. Liver cells harbour a high degree of cellular plasticity and can give rise to either HCC or iCCA. However, little is known about the cell-intrinsic mechanisms directing an oncogenically transformed liver cell to either HCC or iCCA. The scope of this study was to identify cell-intrinsic factors determining lineage commitment in PLC. METHODS Cross-species transcriptomic and epigenetic profiling was applied to murine HCCs and iCCAs and to two human PLC cohorts. Integrative data analysis comprised epigenetic Landscape In Silico deletion Analysis (LISA) of transcriptomic data and Hypergeometric Optimization of Motif EnRichment (HOMER) analysis of chromatin accessibility data. Identified candidate genes were subjected to functional genetic testing in non-germline genetically engineered PLC mouse models (shRNAmir knockdown or overexpression of full-length cDNAs). RESULTS Integrative bioinformatic analyses of transcriptomic and epigenetic data pinpointed the Forkhead-family transcription factors FOXA1 and FOXA2 as MYC-dependent determination factors of the HCC lineage. Conversely, the ETS family transcription factor ETS1 was identified as a determinant of the iCCA lineage, which was found to be suppressed by MYC during HCC development. Strikingly, shRNA-mediated suppression of FOXA1 and FOXA2 with concomitant ETS1 expression fully switched HCC to iCCA development in PLC mouse models. CONCLUSIONS The herein reported data establish MYC as a key determinant of lineage commitment in PLC and provide a molecular explanation why common liver-damaging risk factors such as alcoholic or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis can lead to either HCC or iCCA. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Liver cancer is a major health problem and comprises hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), two frequent and lethal tumour types that differ regarding their morphology, tumour biology, and responses to cancer therapies. We identified the transcription factor and oncogenic master regulator MYC as a switch between HCC and iCCA development. When MYC levels are high at the time point when a hepatocyte becomes a tumour cell, an HCC is growing out. Conversely, if MYC levels are low at this time point, the result is the outgrowth of an iCCA. Our study provides a molecular explanation why common liver-damaging risk factors such as alcoholic or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis can lead to either HCC or iCCA. Furthermore, our data harbour potential for the development of better PLC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana D'Artista
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Athina Anastasia Moschopoulou
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Iros Barozzi
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Amanda J Craig
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marco Seehawer
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Lea Herrmann
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Martina Minnich
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Tae-Won Kang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Elke Rist
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Melanie Henning
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Klotz
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Florian Heinzmann
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jule Harbig
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Bence Sipos
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Longerich
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Eilers
- Theodor Boveri Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Dauch
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Zuber
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria; Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Xin Wei Wang
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA; Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lars Zender
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; German Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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17
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Haraoka Y, Miyake M, Ishitani T. Zebrafish imaging reveals hidden oncogenic-normal cell communication during primary tumorigenesis. Cell Struct Funct 2023; 48:113-121. [PMID: 37164759 PMCID: PMC10721949 DOI: 10.1247/csf.23026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations drive tumorigenesis, and single cells with oncogenic mutations act as the tumor seeds that gradually evolve into fully transformed tumors. However, oncogenic cell behavior and communication with neighboring cells during primary tumorigenesis remain poorly understood. We used the zebrafish, a small vertebrate model suitable for in vivo cell biology, to address these issues. We describe the cooperative and competitive communication between oncogenic cells and neighboring cells, as revealed by our recent zebrafish imaging studies. Newly generated oncogenic cells are actively eliminated by neighboring cells in healthy epithelia, whereas oncogenic cells cooperate with their neighbors to prime tumorigenesis in unhealthy epithelia via additional mutations or inflammation. In addition, we discuss the potential of zebrafish in vivo imaging to determine the initial steps of human tumorigenesis.Key words: zebrafish, imaging, cell-cell communication, cell competition, EDAC, senescence, primary tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukinari Haraoka
- Department of Homeostatic Regulation, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mai Miyake
- Department of Homeostatic Regulation, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tohru Ishitani
- Department of Homeostatic Regulation, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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18
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Smith BAH, Deutzmann A, Correa KM, Delaveris CS, Dhanasekaran R, Dove CG, Sullivan DK, Wisnovsky S, Stark JC, Pluvinage JV, Swaminathan S, Riley NM, Rajan A, Majeti R, Felsher DW, Bertozzi CR. MYC-driven synthesis of Siglec ligands is a glycoimmune checkpoint. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2215376120. [PMID: 36897988 PMCID: PMC10089186 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2215376120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Siglecs (sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins) are glycoimmune checkpoint receptors that suppress immune cell activation upon engagement of cognate sialoglycan ligands. The cellular drivers underlying Siglec ligand production on cancer cells are poorly understood. We find the MYC oncogene causally regulates Siglec ligand production to enable tumor immune evasion. A combination of glycomics and RNA-sequencing of mouse tumors revealed the MYC oncogene controls expression of the sialyltransferase St6galnac4 and induces a glycan known as disialyl-T. Using in vivo models and primary human leukemias, we find that disialyl-T functions as a "don't eat me" signal by engaging macrophage Siglec-E in mice or the human ortholog Siglec-7, thereby preventing cancer cell clearance. Combined high expression of MYC and ST6GALNAC4 identifies patients with high-risk cancers and reduced tumor myeloid infiltration. MYC therefore regulates glycosylation to enable tumor immune evasion. We conclude that disialyl-T is a glycoimmune checkpoint ligand. Thus, disialyl-T is a candidate for antibody-based checkpoint blockade, and the disialyl-T synthase ST6GALNAC4 is a potential enzyme target for small molecule-mediated immune therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A. H. Smith
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Anja Deutzmann
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
| | | | - Corleone S. Delaveris
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Renumathy Dhanasekaran
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Christopher G. Dove
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Delaney K. Sullivan
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Simon Wisnovsky
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Jessica C. Stark
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - John V. Pluvinage
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Srividya Swaminathan
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA91016
- Department of Pediatrics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA91010
| | | | - Anand Rajan
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
| | - Ravindra Majeti
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Dean W. Felsher
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Carolyn R. Bertozzi
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
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19
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Silvis MR, Silva D, Rohweder R, Schuman S, Gudipaty S, Truong A, Yap J, Affolter K, McMahon M, Kinsey C. MYC-mediated resistance to trametinib and HCQ in PDAC is overcome by CDK4/6 and lysosomal inhibition. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20221524. [PMID: 36719686 PMCID: PMC9930170 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20221524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological inhibition of KRAS>RAF>MEK1/2>ERK1/2 signaling has provided no clinical benefit to patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Interestingly, combined inhibition of MEK1/2 (with trametinib [T]) plus autophagy (with chloroquine [CQ] or hydroxychloroquine [HCQ]) demonstrated striking anti-tumor effects in preclinical models and in a patient (Patient 1). However, not all patients respond to the T/HCQ regimen, and Patient 1 eventually developed resistant disease. Here we report that primary or acquired resistance is associated with focal DNA copy number gains encompassing c-MYC. Furthermore, ectopic expression of c-MYC in PDAC cell lines rendered them T/HCQ resistant. Interestingly, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, palbociclib (P), also induced autophagy and overrode c-MYC-mediated T/HCQ resistance, such that P/HCQ promoted regression of T/HCQ-resistant PDAC tumors with elevated c-MYC expression. Finally, P/HCQ treatment of Patient 1 resulted in a biochemical disease response. These data suggest that elevated c-MYC expression is both a marker and a mediator of T/HCQ resistance, which may be overcome by the use of P/HCQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R. Silvis
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Dilru Silva
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Riley Rohweder
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sophia Schuman
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | | | - Jeffrey Yap
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Kajsa Affolter
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Martin McMahon
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Conan Kinsey
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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20
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An in vitro carcinogenesis model for cervical cancer harboring episomal form of HPV16. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281069. [PMID: 36763589 PMCID: PMC9916646 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Deregulated expression of viral E6 and E7 genes often caused by viral genome integration of high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) into host DNA and additional host genetic alterations are thought to be required for the development of cervical cancer. However, approximately 15% of invasive cervical cancer specimens contain only episomal HPV genomes. In this study, we investigated the tumorigenic potential of human cervical keratinocytes harboring only the episomal form of HPV16 (HCK1T/16epi). We found that the HPV16 episomal form is sufficient for promoting cell proliferation and colony formation of parental HCK1T cells. Ectopic expression of host oncogenes, MYC and PIK3CAE545K, enhanced clonogenic growth of both early- and late-passage HCK1T/16epi cells, but conferred tumor-initiating ability only to late-passage HCK1T/16epi cells. Interestingly, the expression levels of E6 and E7 were rather lower in late-passage than in early-passage cells. Moreover, additional introduction of a constitutively active MEK1 (MEK1DD) and/or KRASG12V into HCK1T/16epi cells resulted in generation of highly potent tumor-initiating cells. Thus an in vitro model for progression of cervical neoplasia with episomal HPV16 was established. In the model, constitutively active mutation of PIK3CA, PIK3CAE545K, and overexpression of MYC, in the cells with episomal HPV16 genome were not sufficient, but an additional event such as activation of the RAS-MEK pathway was required for progression to tumorigenicity.
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21
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The RUNX Family Defines Trk Phenotype and Aggressiveness of Human Neuroblastoma through Regulation of p53 and MYCN. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040544. [PMID: 36831211 PMCID: PMC9954111 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040544] [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] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) family, which is essential for the differentiation of cells of neural crest origin, also plays a potential role in neuroblastoma tumorigenesis. Consecutive studies in various tumor types have demonstrated that the RUNX family can play either pro-tumorigenic or anti-tumorigenic roles in a context-dependent manner, including in response to chemotherapeutic agents. However, in primary neuroblastomas, RUNX3 acts as a tumor-suppressor, whereas RUNX1 bifunctionally regulates cell proliferation according to the characterized genetic and epigenetic backgrounds, including MYCN oncogenesis. In this review, we first highlight the current knowledge regarding the mechanism through which the RUNX family regulates the neurotrophin receptors known as the tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk) family, which are significantly associated with neuroblastoma aggressiveness. We then focus on the possible involvement of the RUNX family in functional alterations of the p53 family members that execute either tumor-suppressive or dominant-negative functions in neuroblastoma tumorigenesis. By examining the tripartite relationship between the RUNX, Trk, and p53 families, in addition to the oncogene MYCN, we endeavor to elucidate the possible contribution of the RUNX family to neuroblastoma tumorigenesis for a better understanding of potential future molecular-based therapies.
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22
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Huang MF, Shoemaker R, Lee DF. Bcl11b and Atoh8 Coordinate Cellular Plasticity for Reprogramming and Transformation. Cell Reprogram 2022; 24:324-326. [PMID: 36409720 PMCID: PMC9805845 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2022.0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
By dissecting and comparing the transcriptional trajectories and epigenomic traits of reprogramming and transforming cells at the single-cell resolution, Huyghe et al discovered Bcl11b and Atoh8, two key transcription factors controlling cell plasticity during pluripotent reprogramming and oncogenic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo-Fan Huang
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rachel Shoemaker
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Biosciences, Weiss School of Natural Sciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dung-Fang Lee
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- School of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Precision Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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23
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Brown G. Lessons to cancer from studies of leukemia and hematopoiesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:993915. [PMID: 36204679 PMCID: PMC9531023 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.993915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The starting point to describing the origin and nature of any cancer must be knowledge about how the normal counterpart tissue develops. New principles to the nature of hematopoietic stem cells have arisen in recent years. In particular, hematopoietic stem cells can “choose” a cell lineage directly from a spectrum of the end-cell options, and are, therefore, a heterogeneous population of lineage affiliated/biased cells. These cells remain versatile because the developmental trajectories of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are broad. From studies of human acute myeloid leukemia, leukemia is also a hierarchy of maturing or partially maturing cells that are sustained by leukemia stem cells at the apex. This cellular hierarchy model has been extended to a wide variety of human solid tumors, by the identification of cancer stem cells, and is termed the cancer stem cell model. At least, two genomic insults are needed for cancer, as seen from studies of human childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. There are signature mutations for some leukemia’s and some relate to a transcription factor that guides the cell lineage of developing hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Similarly, some oncogenes restrict the fate of leukemia stem cells and their offspring to a single maturation pathway. In this case, a loss of intrinsic stem cell versatility seems to be a property of leukemia stem cells. To provide more effective cures for leukemia, there is the need to find ways to eliminate leukemia stem cells.
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24
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Comparative roadmaps of reprogramming and oncogenic transformation identify Bcl11b and Atoh8 as broad regulators of cellular plasticity. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:1350-1363. [PMID: 36075976 PMCID: PMC9481462 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00986-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Coordinated changes of cellular plasticity and identity are critical for pluripotent reprogramming and oncogenic transformation. However, the sequences of events that orchestrate these intermingled modifications have never been comparatively dissected. Here, we deconvolute the cellular trajectories of reprogramming (via Oct4/Sox2/Klf4/c-Myc) and transformation (via Ras/c-Myc) at the single-cell resolution and reveal how the two processes intersect before they bifurcate. This approach led us to identify the transcription factor Bcl11b as a broad-range regulator of cell fate changes, as well as a pertinent marker to capture early cellular intermediates that emerge simultaneously during reprogramming and transformation. Multiomics characterization of these intermediates unveiled a c-Myc/Atoh8/Sfrp1 regulatory axis that constrains reprogramming, transformation and transdifferentiation. Mechanistically, we found that Atoh8 restrains cellular plasticity, independent of cellular identity, by binding a specific enhancer network. This study provides insights into the partitioned control of cellular plasticity and identity for both regenerative and cancer biology. Huyghe, Furlan et al. compare pluripotent reprogramming with oncogenic transformation and identify Bcl11b and Atoh8 as regulators of cellular plasticity in both processes, thus offering a unifying theory on the factors constraining cell fate changes.
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25
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Palazzo A, Hernandez-Vargas H, Goehrig D, Médard JJ, Vindrieux D, Flaman JM, Bernard D. Transformed cells after senescence give rise to more severe tumor phenotypes than transformed non-senescent cells. Cancer Lett 2022; 546:215850. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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26
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Cook SJ, Lochhead PA. ERK5 Signalling and Resistance to ERK1/2 Pathway Therapeutics: The Path Less Travelled? Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:839997. [PMID: 35903549 PMCID: PMC9315226 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.839997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAS-regulated RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signalling pathway is frequently de-regulated in human cancer. Melanoma in particular exhibits a high incidence of activating BRAFV600E/K and NRASQ61L/K mutations and such cells are addicted to the activity of these mutant oncoproteins. As a result three different BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) have now been approved for BRAFV600E/K- mutant melanoma and have transformed the treatment of this disease. Despite this, clinical responses are typically transient as tumour cells develop resistance. These resistance mechanisms frequently involve reinstatement of ERK1/2 signalling and BRAFi are now deployed in combination with one of three approved MEK1/2 inhibitors (MEKi) to provide more durable, but still transient, clinical responses. Furthermore, inhibitors to ERK1/2 (ERK1/2i) have also been developed to counteract ERK1/2 signalling. However, recent studies have suggested that BRAFi/MEKi and ERK1/2i resistance can arise through activation of a parallel signalling pathway leading to activation of ERK5, an unusual protein kinase that contains both a kinase domain and a transcriptional transactivation domain. Here we review the evidence supporting ERK5 as a mediator of BRAFi/MEKi and ERK1/2i resistance. We also review the challenges in targeting ERK5 signalling with small molecules, including paradoxical activation of the transcriptional transactivation domain, and discuss new therapeutic modalities that could be employed to target ERK5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J. Cook
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela A. Lochhead
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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27
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Vickridge E, Faraco CCF, Nepveu A. Base excision repair accessory factors in senescence avoidance and resistance to treatments. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 5:703-720. [PMID: 36176767 PMCID: PMC9511810 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells, in which the RAS and PI3K pathways are activated, produce high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause oxidative DNA damage and ultimately cellular senescence. This process has been documented in tissue culture, mouse models, and human pre-cancerous lesions. In this context, cellular senescence functions as a tumour suppressor mechanism. Some rare cancer cells, however, manage to adapt to avoid senescence and continue to proliferate. One well-documented mode of adaptation involves increased production of antioxidants often associated with inactivation of the KEAP1 tumour suppressor gene and the resulting upregulation of the NRF2 transcription factor. In this review, we detail an alternative mode of adaptation to oxidative DNA damage induced by ROS: the increased activity of the base excision repair (BER) pathway, achieved through the enhanced expression of BER enzymes and DNA repair accessory factors. These proteins, exemplified here by the CUT domain proteins CUX1, CUX2, and SATB1, stimulate the activity of BER enzymes. The ensued accelerated repair of oxidative DNA damage enables cancer cells to avoid senescence despite high ROS levels. As a by-product of this adaptation, these cancer cells exhibit increased resistance to genotoxic treatments including ionizing radiation, temozolomide, and cisplatin. Moreover, considering the intrinsic error rate associated with DNA repair and translesion synthesis, the elevated number of oxidative DNA lesions caused by high ROS leads to the accumulation of mutations in the cancer cell population, thereby contributing to tumour heterogeneity and eventually to the acquisition of resistance, a major obstacle to clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Vickridge
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, 1160 Pine avenue West, Montreal, Québec H3A 1A3, Canada
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Camila C. F. Faraco
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, 1160 Pine avenue West, Montreal, Québec H3A 1A3, Canada
- Departments of Biochemistry, McGill University, 1160 Pine avenue West, Montreal, Québec H3A 1A3, Canada
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Alain Nepveu
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, 1160 Pine avenue West, Montreal, Québec H3A 1A3, Canada
- Departments of Biochemistry, McGill University, 1160 Pine avenue West, Montreal, Québec H3A 1A3, Canada
- Medicine, McGill University, 1160 Pine avenue West, Montreal, Québec H3A 1A3, Canada
- Oncology, McGill University, 1160 Pine avenue West, Montreal, Québec H3A 1A3, Canada
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28
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Moser R, Gurley KE, Nikolova O, Qin G, Joshi R, Mendez E, Shmulevich I, Ashley A, Grandori C, Kemp CJ. Synthetic lethal kinases in Ras/p53 mutant squamous cell carcinoma. Oncogene 2022; 41:3355-3369. [PMID: 35538224 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02330-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The oncogene Ras and the tumor suppressor gene p53 are frequently co-mutated in human cancer and mutations in Ras and p53 can cooperate to generate a more malignant cell state. To discover novel druggable targets for cancers carrying co-mutations in Ras and p53, we performed arrayed, kinome focused siRNA and oncology drug phenotypic screening utilizing a set of syngeneic Ras mutant squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines that also carried co-mutations in selected p53 pathway genes. These cell lines were derived from SCCs from carcinogen-treated inbred mice which harbored germline deletions or mutations in Trp53, p19Arf, Atm, or Prkdc. Both siRNA and drug phenotypic screening converge to implicate the phosphoinositol kinases, receptor tyrosine kinases, MAP kinases, as well as cell cycle and DNA damage response genes as targetable dependencies in SCC. Differences in functional kinome profiles between Ras mutant cell lines reflect incomplete penetrance of Ras synthetic lethal kinases and indicate that co-mutations cause a rewiring of survival pathways in Ras mutant tumors. This study describes the functional kinomic landscape of Ras/p53 mutant chemically-induced squamous cell carcinoma in both the baseline unperturbed state and following DNA damage and nominates candidate therapeutic targets, including the Nek4 kinase, for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Moser
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kay E Gurley
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Olga Nikolova
- Division of Oncological Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Rashmi Joshi
- New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Christopher J Kemp
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
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29
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Zanotti S, Decaesteker B, Vanhauwaert S, De Wilde B, De Vos WH, Speleman F. Cellular senescence in neuroblastoma. Br J Cancer 2022; 126:1529-1538. [PMID: 35197583 PMCID: PMC9130206 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01755-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a tumour that arises from the sympathoadrenal lineage occurring predominantly in children younger than five years. About half of the patients are diagnosed with high-risk tumours and undergo intensive multi-modal therapy. The success rate of current treatments for high-risk neuroblastoma is disappointingly low and survivors suffer from multiple therapy-related long-term side effects. Most chemotherapeutics drive cancer cells towards cell death or senescence. Senescence has long been considered to represent a terminal non-proliferative state and therefore an effective barrier against tumorigenesis. This dogma, however, has been challenged by recent observations that infer a much more dynamic and reversible nature for this process, which may have implications for the efficacy of therapy-induced senescence-oriented treatment strategies. Neuroblastoma cells in a dormant, senescent-like state may escape therapy, whilst their senescence-associated secretome may promote inflammation and invasiveness, potentially fostering relapse. Conversely, due to its distinct molecular identity, senescence may also represent an opportunity for the development of novel (combination) therapies. However, the limited knowledge on the molecular dynamics and diversity of senescence signatures demands appropriate models to study this process in detail. This review summarises the molecular knowledge about cellular senescence in neuroblastoma and investigates current and future options towards therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Zanotti
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610 Belgium ,grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000 Belgium ,grid.510942.bCancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, 9000 Belgium
| | - Bieke Decaesteker
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000 Belgium ,grid.510942.bCancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, 9000 Belgium
| | - Suzanne Vanhauwaert
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000 Belgium ,grid.510942.bCancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, 9000 Belgium
| | - Bram De Wilde
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000 Belgium ,grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000 Belgium ,grid.410566.00000 0004 0626 3303Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, 9000 Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610 Belgium
| | - Frank Speleman
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000, Belgium. .,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, 9000, Belgium.
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30
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Brown G. The Social Norm of Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Dysregulation in Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095063. [PMID: 35563454 PMCID: PMC9105962 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The hematopoietic cell system is a complex ecosystem that meets the steady-state and emergency needs of the production of the mature blood cell types. Steady-state hematopoiesis replaces worn out cells, and the hematopoietic system is highly adaptive to needs during, for example, an infection or bleeding. Hematopoiesis is highly integrated and the cell hierarchy behaves in a highly social manner. The social tailoring of hematopoietic stem cells to needs includes the generation of cells that are biased towards a cell lineage; these cells remain versatile and can still adopt a different pathway having made a lineage “choice”, and some cytokines instruct the lineage fate of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Leukemia stem cells, which may well often arise from the transformation of a hematopoietic stem cell, sustain the hierarchy of cells for leukemia. Unlike hematopoietic stem cells, the offspring of leukemia stem cells belongs to just one cell lineage. The human leukemias are classified by virtue of their differentiating or partially differentiating cells belonging to just one cell lineage. Some oncogenes set the fate of leukemia stem cells to a single lineage. Therefore, lineage restriction may be largely an attribute whereby leukemia stem cells escape from the normal cellular society. Additional antisocial behaviors are that leukemia cells destroy and alter bone marrow stromal niches, and they can create their own niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Brown
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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31
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Ogle MM, Trevino R, Schell J, Varmazyad M, Horikoshi N, Gius D. Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Acetylation and Regulation of Protein Structure in Breast Cancer Biology and Therapy. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:635. [PMID: 35453320 PMCID: PMC9024550 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The loss and/or dysregulation of several cellular and mitochondrial antioxidants' expression or enzymatic activity, which leads to the aberrant physiological function of these proteins, has been shown to result in oxidative damage to cellular macromolecules. In this regard, it has been surmised that the disruption of mitochondrial networks responsible for maintaining normal metabolism is an established hallmark of cancer and a novel mechanism of therapy resistance. This altered metabolism leads to aberrant accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which, under specific physiological conditions, leads to a potential tumor-permissive cellular environment. In this regard, it is becoming increasingly clear that the loss or disruption of mitochondrial oxidant scavenging enzymes may be, in specific tumors, either an early event in transformation or exhibit tumor-promoting properties. One example of such an antioxidant enzyme is manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD, also referred to as SOD2), which detoxifies superoxide, a ROS that has been shown, when its normal physiological levels are disrupted, to lead to oncogenicity and therapy resistance. Here, we will also discuss how the acetylation of MnSOD leads to a change in detoxification function that leads to a cellular environment permissive for the development of lineage plasticity-like properties that may be one mechanism leading to tumorigenic and therapy-resistant phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith M. Ogle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson, 7979 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.M.O.); (R.T.J.); (J.S.); (M.V.); (N.H.)
- Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Rolando Trevino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson, 7979 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.M.O.); (R.T.J.); (J.S.); (M.V.); (N.H.)
- Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Joseph Schell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson, 7979 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.M.O.); (R.T.J.); (J.S.); (M.V.); (N.H.)
- Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Mahboubeh Varmazyad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson, 7979 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.M.O.); (R.T.J.); (J.S.); (M.V.); (N.H.)
- Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Nobuo Horikoshi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson, 7979 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.M.O.); (R.T.J.); (J.S.); (M.V.); (N.H.)
- Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - David Gius
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson, 7979 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.M.O.); (R.T.J.); (J.S.); (M.V.); (N.H.)
- Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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32
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Comprehensive Metabolic Profiling of MYC-Amplified Medulloblastoma Tumors Reveals Key Dependencies on Amino Acid, Tricarboxylic Acid and Hexosamine Pathways. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051311. [PMID: 35267619 PMCID: PMC8909278 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The oncogene MYC alters cellular metabolism. Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. MYC-amplified medulloblastoma has a poor prognosis, and the metabolism of MYC-amplified medulloblastoma is poorly understood. We performed comprehensive metabolic profiling of MYC-amplified medulloblastoma and found increased reliance on potentially targetable pathways. We also found that the metabolism of MYC-amplified cell lines differed from orthotopic brain tumors in vitro and in flank tumors, suggesting that analyses conducted in vitro or in flank tumors may miss key vulnerabilities. Abstract Reprograming of cellular metabolism is a hallmark of cancer. Altering metabolism allows cancer cells to overcome unfavorable microenvironment conditions and to proliferate and invade. Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor of children. Genomic amplification of MYC defines a subset of poor-prognosis medulloblastoma. We performed comprehensive metabolic studies of human MYC-amplified medulloblastoma by comparing the metabolic profiles of tumor cells in three different conditions—in vitro, in flank xenografts and in orthotopic xenografts in the cerebellum. Principal component analysis showed that the metabolic profiles of brain and flank high-MYC medulloblastoma tumors clustered closely together and separated away from normal brain and in vitro MYC-amplified cells. Compared to normal brain, MYC-amplified medulloblastoma orthotopic xenograft tumors showed upregulation of the TCA cycle as well as the synthesis of nucleotides, hexosamines, amino acids and glutathione. There was significantly higher glucose uptake and usage in orthotopic xenograft tumors compared to flank xenograft tumors and cells in culture. In orthotopic tumors, glucose was the main carbon source for the de novo synthesis of glutamate, glutamine and glutathione through the TCA cycle. In vivo, the glutaminase II pathway was the main pathway utilizing glutamine. Glutathione was the most abundant upregulated metabolite in orthotopic tumors compared to normal brain. Glutamine-derived glutathione was synthesized through the glutamine transaminase K (GTK) enzyme in vivo. In conclusion, high MYC medulloblastoma cells have different metabolic profiles in vitro compared to in vivo, and key vulnerabilities may be missed by not performing in vivo metabolic analyses.
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Diehl JN, Hibshman PS, Ozkan-Dagliyan I, Goodwin CM, Howard SV, Cox AD, Der CJ. Targeting the ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade for the treatment of KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 153:101-130. [PMID: 35101228 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Mutational activation of the KRAS oncogene is found in ~95% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the major form of pancreatic cancer. With substantial experimental evidence that continued aberrant KRAS function is essential for the maintenance of PDAC tumorigenic growth, the National Cancer Institute has identified the development of effective anti-KRAS therapies as one of four major initiatives for pancreatic cancer research. The recent clinical success in the development of an anti-KRAS therapy targeting one specific KRAS mutant (G12C) supports the significant potential impact of anti-KRAS therapies. However, KRASG12C mutations comprise only 2% of KRAS mutations in PDAC. Thus, there remains a dire need for additional therapeutic approaches for targeting the majority of KRAS-mutant PDAC. Among the different directions currently being pursued for anti-KRAS drug development, one of the most promising involves inhibitors of the key KRAS effector pathway, the three-tiered RAF-MEK-ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. We address the promises and challenges of targeting ERK MAPK signaling as an anti-KRAS therapy for PDAC. In particular, we also summarize the key role of the MYC transcription factor and oncoprotein in supporting ERK-dependent growth of KRAS-mutant PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Nathaniel Diehl
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Priya S Hibshman
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Irem Ozkan-Dagliyan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Craig M Goodwin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sarah V Howard
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Adrienne D Cox
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Channing J Der
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
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34
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McMurray HR, Ambeskovic A, Newman LA, Aldersley J, Balakrishnan V, Smith B, Stern HA, Land H, McCall MN. Gene network modeling via TopNet reveals functional dependencies between diverse tumor-critical mediator genes. Cell Rep 2021; 37:110136. [PMID: 34936873 PMCID: PMC8803128 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant cell transformation and the underlying reprogramming of gene
expression require the cooperation of multiple oncogenic mutations. This
cooperation is reflected in the synergistic regulation of non-mutant downstream
genes, so-called cooperation response genes (CRGs). CRGs affect diverse hallmark
features of cancer cells and are not known to be functionally connected.
However, they act as critical mediators of the cancer phenotype at an
unexpectedly high frequency >50%, as indicated by genetic perturbations.
Here, we demonstrate that CRGs function within a network of strong genetic
interdependencies that are critical to the malignant state. Our network modeling
methodology, TopNet, takes the approach of incorporating uncertainty in the
underlying gene perturbation data and can identify non-linear gene interactions.
In the dense space of gene connectivity, TopNet reveals a sparse topological
gene network architecture, effectively pinpointing functionally relevant gene
interactions. Thus, among diverse potential applications, TopNet has utility for
identification of non-mutant targets for cancer intervention. Malignant cell transformation requires the cooperation of multiple
oncogenic mutations. Here, we demonstrate that non-mutated genes function within
a network of strong genetic interdependencies that are critical to the malignant
state. Our network modeling methodology, TopNet, reveals a sparse topological
gene network architecture, effectively pinpointing functionally relevant gene
interactions.
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35
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Trosko JE. The Concept of "Cancer Stem Cells" in the Context of Classic Carcinogenesis Hypotheses and Experimental Findings. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1308. [PMID: 34947839 PMCID: PMC8708536 DOI: 10.3390/life11121308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this Commentary, the operational definition of cancer stem cells or cancer initiating cells includes the ability of certain cells, found in a heterogeneous mixture of cells within a tumor, which are able to sustain growth of that tumor. However, that concept of cancer stem cells does not resolve the age-old controversy of two opposing hypotheses of the origin of the cancer, namely the stem cell hypothesis versus the de-differentiation or re-programming hypothesis. Moreover, this cancer stem concept has to take into account classic experimental observations, techniques, and concepts, such as the multi-stage, multi-mechanism process of carcinogenesis; roles of mutagenic, cytotoxic and epigenetic mechanisms; the important differences between errors of DNA repair and errors of DNA replication in forming mutations; biomarkers of known characteristics of normal adult organ-specific stem cells and of cancer stem cells; and the characteristics of epigenetic mechanisms involved in the carcinogenic process. In addition, vague and misleading terms, such as carcinogens, immortal and normal cells have to be clarified in the context of current scientific facts. The ultimate integration of all of these historic factors to provide a current understanding of the origin and characteristics of a cancer stem cell, which is required for a rational strategy for prevention and therapy for cancer, does not follow a linear path. Lastly, it will be speculated that there exists evidence of two distinct types of cancer stem cells, one that has its origin in an organ-specific adult stem cell that is 'initiated' in the stem cell stage, expressing the Oct4A gene and not expressing any connexin gene or having functional gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). The other cancer stem cell is derived from a stem cell that is initiated early after the Oct4A gene is suppressed and the connexin gene is expressed, which starts early differentiation, but it is blocked from terminal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Trosko
- Department of Pediatrics/Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 048864, USA
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36
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Liu S, Medina-Perez P, Ha-Thi MC, Wieland A, Stecklum M, Hoffmann J, Tchernitsa O, Sers C, Schäfer R. Rapid testing of candidate oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes in signal transduction and neoplastic transformation. Adv Biol Regul 2021; 83:100841. [PMID: 34866037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2021.100841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The COSMIC database (version 94) lists 576 genes in the Cancer Gene Census which have a defined function as drivers of malignancy (oncogenes) or as tumour suppressors (Tier 1). In addition, there are 147 genes with similar functions, but which are less well characterised (Tier 2). Furthermore, next-generation sequencing projects in the context of precision oncology activities are constantly discovering new ones. Since cancer genes differ from their wild-type precursors in numerous molecular and biochemical properties and exert significant differential effects on downstream processes, simple assays that can uncover oncogenic or anti-oncogenic functionality are desirable and may precede more sophisticated analyses. We describe simple functional assays for PTPN11 (protein-tyrosine phosphatase, non-receptor-type 11)/SHP2 mutants, which are typically found in RASopathies and exhibit potential oncogenic activity. We have also designed a functional test for lysyl oxidase (LOX), a prototypical class II tumour suppressor gene whose loss of function may contribute to neoplastic transformation by RAS oncogenes. Moreover, we applied this test to analyse three co-regulated, RAS-responsive genes for transformation-suppressive activity. The integration of these tests into systems biology studies will contribute to a better understanding of cellular networks in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumour Pathology and Cancer Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paula Medina-Perez
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumour Pathology and Cancer Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Minh-Cam Ha-Thi
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumour Pathology and Cancer Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Wieland
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumour Pathology and Cancer Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Stecklum
- Experimental Pharmacology and Oncology GmbH, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, D-13125, Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Jens Hoffmann
- Experimental Pharmacology and Oncology GmbH, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, D-13125, Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Oleg Tchernitsa
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumour Pathology and Cancer Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Sers
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumour Pathology and Cancer Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Reinhold Schäfer
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumour Pathology and Cancer Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany; Charité Comprehensive Cancer Center Berlin, Germany.
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37
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Zhao Y, Seluanov A, Gorbunova V. Revelations About Aging and Disease from Unconventional Vertebrate Model Organisms. Annu Rev Genet 2021; 55:135-159. [PMID: 34416119 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-071719-021009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a major risk factor for multiple diseases. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of aging would help to delay and prevent age-associated diseases. Short-lived model organisms have been extensively used to study the mechanisms of aging. However, these short-lived species may be missing the longevity mechanisms that are needed to extend the lifespan of an already long-lived species such as humans. Unconventional long-lived animal species are an excellent resource to uncover novel mechanisms of longevity and disease resistance. Here, we review mechanisms that evolved in nonmodel vertebrate species to counteract age-associated diseases. Some antiaging mechanisms are conserved across species; however, various nonmodel species also evolved unique mechanisms to delay aging and prevent disease. This variety of antiaging mechanisms has evolved due to the remarkably diverse habitats and behaviors of these species. We propose that exploring a wider range of unconventional vertebrates will provide important resources to study antiaging mechanisms that are potentially applicable to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA; ,
| | - Andrei Seluanov
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA; ,
| | - Vera Gorbunova
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA; ,
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38
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Sacco A, Federico C, Todoerti K, Ziccheddu B, Palermo V, Giacomini A, Ravelli C, Maccarinelli F, Bianchi G, Belotti A, Ribolla R, Favasuli V, Revenko AS, Macleod AR, Willis B, Cai H, Hauser J, Rooney C, Willis SE, Martin PL, Staniszewska A, Ambrose H, Hanson L, Cattaneo C, Tucci A, Rossi G, Ronca R, Neri A, Mitola S, Bolli N, Presta M, Moschetta M, Ross S, Roccaro AM. Specific targeting of the KRAS mutational landscape in myeloma as a tool to unveil the elicited antitumor activity. Blood 2021; 138:1705-1720. [PMID: 34077955 PMCID: PMC9710471 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020010572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in KRAS have been identified as the most recurring somatic variants in the multiple myeloma (MM) mutational landscape. Combining DNA and RNA sequencing, we studied 756 patients and observed KRAS as the most frequently mutated gene in patients at diagnosis; in addition, we demonstrated the persistence or de novo occurrence of the KRAS aberration at disease relapse. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting KRAS have been developed; however, they are selective for tumors carrying the KRASG12C mutation. Therefore, there is still a need to develop novel therapeutic approaches to target the KRAS mutational events found in other tumor types, including MM. We used AZD4785, a potent and selective antisense oligonucleotide that selectively targets and downregulates all KRAS isoforms, as a tool to dissect the functional sequelae secondary to KRAS silencing in MM within the context of the bone marrow niche and demonstrated its ability to significantly silence KRAS, leading to inhibition of MM tumor growth, both in vitro and in vivo, and confirming KRAS as a driver and therapeutic target in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Sacco
- Clinical Research Development and Phase I Unit, CREA Laboratory, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Federico
- Clinical Research Development and Phase I Unit, CREA Laboratory, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Katia Todoerti
- Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Bachisio Ziccheddu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnologies and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Palermo
- Clinical Research Development and Phase I Unit, CREA Laboratory, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Arianna Giacomini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Maccarinelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giada Bianchi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Angelo Belotti
- Hematology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Vanessa Favasuli
- Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Joana Hauser
- Oncology R &D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom; and
| | - Claire Rooney
- Oncology R &D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom; and
| | | | | | | | - Helen Ambrose
- Oncology R &D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom; and
| | - Lyndsey Hanson
- Oncology R &D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom; and
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Rossi
- Hematology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberto Ronca
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonino Neri
- Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Niccolò Bolli
- Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Sarah Ross
- Oncology R &D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom; and
| | - Aldo M. Roccaro
- Clinical Research Development and Phase I Unit, CREA Laboratory, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Sahu B, Pihlajamaa P, Zhang K, Palin K, Ahonen S, Cervera A, Ristimäki A, Aaltonen LA, Hautaniemi S, Taipale J. Human cell transformation by combined lineage conversion and oncogene expression. Oncogene 2021; 40:5533-5547. [PMID: 34302118 PMCID: PMC8429043 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01940-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the most complex genetic disease known, with mutations implicated in more than 250 genes. However, it is still elusive which specific mutations found in human patients lead to tumorigenesis. Here we show that a combination of oncogenes that is characteristic of liver cancer (CTNNB1, TERT, MYC) induces senescence in human fibroblasts and primary hepatocytes. However, reprogramming fibroblasts to a liver progenitor fate, induced hepatocytes (iHeps), makes them sensitive to transformation by the same oncogenes. The transformed iHeps are highly proliferative, tumorigenic in nude mice, and bear gene expression signatures of liver cancer. These results show that tumorigenesis is triggered by a combination of three elements: the set of driver mutations, the cellular lineage, and the state of differentiation of the cells along the lineage. Our results provide direct support for the role of cell identity as a key determinant in transformation and establish a paradigm for studying the dynamic role of oncogenic drivers in human tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswajyoti Sahu
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Pihlajamaa
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kaiyang Zhang
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kimmo Palin
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Saija Ahonen
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alejandra Cervera
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico, Finland
| | - Ari Ristimäki
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pathology, HUSLAB and HUS Diagnostic Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri A Aaltonen
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sampsa Hautaniemi
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jussi Taipale
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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40
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Gonzalez-Pecchi V, Kwan AK, Doyle S, Ivanov AA, Du Y, Fu H. NSD3S stabilizes MYC through hindering its interaction with FBXW7. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 12:438-447. [PMID: 31638140 PMCID: PMC7333476 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjz098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The MYC transcription factor plays a key role in cell growth control. Enhanced MYC protein stability has been found to promote tumorigenesis. Thus, understanding how MYC stability is controlled may have significant implications for revealing MYC-driven growth regulatory mechanisms in physiological and pathological processes. Our previous work identified the histone lysine methyltransferase nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 3 (NSD3) as a MYC modulator. NSD3S, a noncatalytic isoform of NSD3 with oncogenic activity, appears to bind, stabilize, and activate the transcriptional activity of MYC. However, the mechanism by which NSD3S stabilizes MYC remains to be elucidated. To uncover the nature of the interaction and the underlying mechanism of MYC regulation by NSD3S, we characterized the binding interface between both proteins by narrowing the interface to a 15-amino acid region in NSD3S that is partially required for MYC regulation. Mechanistically, NSD3S binds to MYC and reduces the association of F-box and WD repeat domain containing 7 (FBXW7) with MYC, which results in suppression of FBXW7-mediated proteasomal degradation of MYC and an increase in MYC protein half-life. These results support a critical role for NSD3S in the regulation of MYC function and provide a novel mechanism for NSD3S oncogenic function through inhibition of FBXW7-mediated degradation of MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gonzalez-Pecchi
- Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Albert K Kwan
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sean Doyle
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andrey A Ivanov
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yuhong Du
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Haian Fu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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41
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Jahangiri L, Pucci P, Ishola T, Trigg RM, Williams JA, Pereira J, Cavanagh ML, Turner SD, Gkoutos GV, Tsaprouni L. The Contribution of Autophagy and LncRNAs to MYC-Driven Gene Regulatory Networks in Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168527. [PMID: 34445233 PMCID: PMC8395220 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MYC is a target of the Wnt signalling pathway and governs numerous cellular and developmental programmes hijacked in cancers. The amplification of MYC is a frequently occurring genetic alteration in cancer genomes, and this transcription factor is implicated in metabolic reprogramming, cell death, and angiogenesis in cancers. In this review, we analyse MYC gene networks in solid cancers. We investigate the interaction of MYC with long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Furthermore, we investigate the role of MYC regulatory networks in inducing changes to cellular processes, including autophagy and mitophagy. Finally, we review the interaction and mutual regulation between MYC and lncRNAs, and autophagic processes and analyse these networks as unexplored areas of targeting and manipulation for therapeutic gain in MYC-driven malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Jahangiri
- Department of Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK; (L.J.); (T.I.); (M.L.C.)
| | - Perla Pucci
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; (P.P.); (S.D.T.)
| | - Tala Ishola
- Department of Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK; (L.J.); (T.I.); (M.L.C.)
| | - Ricky M. Trigg
- Department of Functional Genomics, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK;
| | - John A. Williams
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK; (J.A.W.); (G.V.G.)
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2SY, UK
| | - Joao Pereira
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| | - Megan L. Cavanagh
- Department of Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK; (L.J.); (T.I.); (M.L.C.)
| | - Suzanne D. Turner
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; (P.P.); (S.D.T.)
- CEITEC, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Georgios V. Gkoutos
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK; (J.A.W.); (G.V.G.)
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2SY, UK
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
- MRC Health Data Research, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Loukia Tsaprouni
- Department of Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK; (L.J.); (T.I.); (M.L.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Ramdzan ZM, Vickridge E, Faraco CCF, Nepveu A. CUT Domain Proteins in DNA Repair and Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13122953. [PMID: 34204734 PMCID: PMC8231510 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Genetic integrity is ensured by complex groups of proteins involved in DNA repair. In particular, base damage is repaired by enzymes of the base excision repair pathway. Recent studies have revealed that some transcription factors can function as accessory factors that stimulate the enzymatic activities of these DNA repair enzymes. It is well known that defects in DNA repair mechanisms cause the accumulation of changes in DNA, called mutations, that increase the possibility that cells become tumorigenic. Paradoxically, once they have emerged certain cancer cells are acutely dependent on the heightened activities of base excision repair enzymes because their metabolism generates highly reactive molecules that cause multiple types of damage to bases. In this context, the function of accessory factors becomes essential to cancer cell survival. As a by-product of this adaptation, cancer cells become more resistant to therapies that cause DNA damage, such as chemotherapy and radiation. Abstract Recent studies revealed that CUT domains function as accessory factors that accelerate DNA repair by stimulating the enzymatic activities of the base excision repair enzymes OGG1, APE1, and DNA pol β. Strikingly, the role of CUT domain proteins in DNA repair is exploited by cancer cells to facilitate their survival. Cancer cells in which the RAS pathway is activated produce an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which, if not counterbalanced by increased production of antioxidants, causes sustained oxidative DNA damage and, ultimately, cell senescence. These cancer cells can adapt by increasing their capacity to repair oxidative DNA damage in part through elevated expression of CUT domain proteins such as CUX1, CUX2, or SATB1. In particular, CUX1 overexpression was shown to cooperate with RAS in the formation of mammary and lung tumors in mice. Conversely, knockdown of CUX1, CUX2, or SATB1 was found to be synthetic lethal in cancer cells exhibiting high ROS levels as a consequence of activating mutations in KRAS, HRAS, BRAF, or EGFR. Importantly, as a byproduct of their adaptation, cancer cells that overexpress CUT domain proteins exhibit increased resistance to genotoxic treatments such as ionizing radiation, temozolomide, and cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubaidah M. Ramdzan
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, 1160 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; (Z.M.R.); (E.V.); (C.C.F.F.)
| | - Elise Vickridge
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, 1160 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; (Z.M.R.); (E.V.); (C.C.F.F.)
| | - Camila C. F. Faraco
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, 1160 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; (Z.M.R.); (E.V.); (C.C.F.F.)
- Departments of Biochemistry, McGill University, 1160 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Alain Nepveu
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, 1160 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; (Z.M.R.); (E.V.); (C.C.F.F.)
- Departments of Biochemistry, McGill University, 1160 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
- Departments of Medicine, McGill University, 1160 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
- Departments of Oncology, McGill University, 1160 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +514-398-5839; Fax: +514-398-6769
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Lu Y, Yang Q, Su Y, Ji Y, Li G, Yang X, Xu L, Lu Z, Dong J, Wu Y, Bei JX, Pan C, Gu X, Li B. MYCN mediates TFRC-dependent ferroptosis and reveals vulnerabilities in neuroblastoma. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:511. [PMID: 34011924 PMCID: PMC8134466 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03790-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
MYCN amplification is tightly associated with the poor prognosis of pediatric neuroblastoma (NB). The regulation of NB cell death by MYCN represents an important aspect, as it directly contributes to tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. However, the relationship between MYCN and cell death remains elusive. Ferroptosis is a newly identified cell death mode featured by lipid peroxide accumulation that can be attenuated by GPX4, yet whether and how MYCN regulates ferroptosis are not fully understood. Here, we report that MYCN-amplified NB cells are sensitive to GPX4-targeting ferroptosis inducers. Mechanically, MYCN expression reprograms the cellular iron metabolism by upregulating the expression of TFRC, which encodes transferrin receptor 1 as a key iron transporter on the cell membrane. Further, the increased iron uptake promotes the accumulation of labile iron pool, leading to enhanced lipid peroxide production. Consistently, TFRC overexpression in NB cells also induces selective sensitivity to GPX4 inhibition and ferroptosis. Moreover, we found that MYCN fails to alter the general lipid metabolism and the amount of cystine imported by System Xc(-) for glutathione synthesis, both of which contribute to ferroptosis in alternative contexts. In conclusion, NB cells harboring MYCN amplification are prone to undergo ferroptosis conferred by TFRC upregulation, suggesting that GPX4-targeting ferroptosis inducers or TFRC agonists can be potential strategies in treating MYCN-amplified NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiong Lu
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yubin Su
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yin Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Guobang Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianzhi Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liyan Xu
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoliang Lu
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiajun Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Jin-Xin Bei
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Precision Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaoyun Pan
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Gu
- Clinical Biological Resource Bank, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Precision Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Ando K, Nakagawara A. Acceleration or Brakes: Which Is Rational for Cell Cycle-Targeting Neuroblastoma Therapy? Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11050750. [PMID: 34069817 PMCID: PMC8157238 DOI: 10.3390/biom11050750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Unrestrained proliferation is a common feature of malignant neoplasms. Targeting the cell cycle is a therapeutic strategy to prevent unlimited cell division. Recently developed rationales for these selective inhibitors can be subdivided into two categories with antithetical functionality. One applies a “brake” to the cell cycle to halt cell proliferation, such as with inhibitors of cell cycle kinases. The other “accelerates” the cell cycle to initiate replication/mitotic catastrophe, such as with inhibitors of cell cycle checkpoint kinases. The fate of cell cycle progression or arrest is tightly regulated by the presence of tolerable or excessive DNA damage, respectively. This suggests that there is compatibility between inhibitors of DNA repair kinases, such as PARP inhibitors, and inhibitors of cell cycle checkpoint kinases. In the present review, we explore alterations to the cell cycle that are concomitant with altered DNA damage repair machinery in unfavorable neuroblastomas, with respect to their unique genomic and molecular features. We highlight the vulnerabilities of these alterations that are attributable to the features of each. Based on the assessment, we offer possible therapeutic approaches for personalized medicine, which are seemingly antithetical, but both are promising strategies for targeting the altered cell cycle in unfavorable neuroblastomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyohiro Ando
- Research Institute for Clinical Oncology, Saitama Cancer Center, 818 Komuro, Ina, Saitama 362-0806, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.A.); (A.N.); Tel.: +81-48-722-1111 (K.A.); +81-942-50-8829 (A.N.)
| | - Akira Nakagawara
- Saga International Carbon Particle Beam Radiation Cancer Therapy Center, Saga HIMAT Foundation, 3049 Harakoga-Machi, Saga 841-0071, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.A.); (A.N.); Tel.: +81-48-722-1111 (K.A.); +81-942-50-8829 (A.N.)
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Issac J, Raveendran PS, Das AV. RFX1: a promising therapeutic arsenal against cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:253. [PMID: 33964962 PMCID: PMC8106159 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01952-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory factor X1 (RFX1) is an evolutionary conserved transcriptional factor that influences a wide range of cellular processes such as cell cycle, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, by regulating a number of target genes that are involved in such processes. On a closer look, these target genes also play a key role in tumorigenesis and associated events. Such observations paved the way for further studies evaluating the role of RFX1 in cancer. These studies were indispensable due to the failure of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs to target key cellular hallmarks such as cancer stemness, cellular plasticity, enhanced drug efflux, de-regulated DNA repair machinery, and altered pathways evading apoptosis. In this review, we compile significant evidence for the tumor-suppressive activities of RFX1 while also analyzing its oncogenic potential in some cancers. RFX1 induction decreased cellular proliferation, modulated the immune system, induced apoptosis, reduced chemoresistance, and sensitized cancer stem cells for chemotherapy. Thus, our review discusses the pleiotropic function of RFX1 in multitudinous gene regulations, decisive protein–protein interactions, and also its role in regulating key cell signaling events in cancer. Elucidation of these regulatory mechanisms can be further utilized for RFX1 targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joby Issac
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud.P.O, Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Pooja S Raveendran
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud.P.O, Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Ani V Das
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud.P.O, Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala, India.
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Selvaggio G, Chaouiya C, Janody F. In Silico Logical Modelling to Uncover Cooperative Interactions in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094897. [PMID: 34063110 PMCID: PMC8125147 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The multistep development of cancer involves the cooperation between multiple molecular lesions, as well as complex interactions between cancer cells and the surrounding tumour microenvironment. The search for these synergistic interactions using experimental models made tremendous contributions to our understanding of oncogenesis. Yet, these approaches remain labour-intensive and challenging. To tackle such a hurdle, an integrative, multidisciplinary effort is required. In this article, we highlight the use of logical computational models, combined with experimental validations, as an effective approach to identify cooperative mechanisms and therapeutic strategies in the context of cancer biology. In silico models overcome limitations of reductionist approaches by capturing tumour complexity and by generating powerful testable hypotheses. We review representative examples of logical models reported in the literature and their validation. We then provide further analyses of our logical model of Epithelium to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), searching for additional cooperative interactions involving inputs from the tumour microenvironment and gain of function mutations in NOTCH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Selvaggio
- Fondazione the Microsoft Research—University of Trento Centre for Computational and Systems Biology (COSBI), Piazza Manifattura 1, 38068 Rovereto, Italy;
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Claudine Chaouiya
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
- CNRS, Centrale Marseille, I2M, Aix Marseille University, 13397 Marseille, France
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (F.J.)
| | - Florence Janody
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (F.J.)
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40 Years of RAS-A Historic Overview. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050681. [PMID: 34062774 PMCID: PMC8147265 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been over forty years since the isolation of the first human oncogene (HRAS), a crucial milestone in cancer research made possible through the combined efforts of a few selected research groups at the beginning of the 1980s. Those initial discoveries led to a quantitative leap in our understanding of cancer biology and set up the onset of the field of molecular oncology. The following four decades of RAS research have produced a huge pool of new knowledge about the RAS family of small GTPases, including how they regulate signaling pathways controlling many cellular physiological processes, or how oncogenic mutations trigger pathological conditions, including developmental syndromes or many cancer types. However, despite the extensive body of available basic knowledge, specific effective treatments for RAS-driven cancers are still lacking. Hopefully, recent advances involving the discovery of novel pockets on the RAS surface as well as highly specific small-molecule inhibitors able to block its interaction with effectors and/or activators may lead to the development of new, effective treatments for cancer. This review intends to provide a quick, summarized historical overview of the main milestones in RAS research spanning from the initial discovery of the viral RAS oncogenes in rodent tumors to the latest attempts at targeting RAS oncogenes in various human cancers.
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48
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Cohen C. [Molecular mechanisms of renal aging]. Nephrol Ther 2021; 17S:S108-S114. [PMID: 33910690 DOI: 10.1016/j.nephro.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by the progressive decline of renal function, that occurs once a critical number of nephrons has been lost, regardless the etiology. CKD prevalence is constantly increasing, especially with age. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying this progression are not very well known. With an increasing number of patients with CKD, especially elderly patients, it urges to better understand the pathophysiology of this progression to elaborate new therapeutic strategies. Recent works have highlighted the role of some cellular processes, such as senescence, during age-related kidney dysfunction. Senescence corresponds to a cellular state associated with a cell cycle blockade. Although the cell cannot proliferate, she is able to secrete a lot of proteins grouped under the term of senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Identification of molecular mechansims involved in age related kidney dysfunction could help to determine new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Cohen
- Department of Growth and Signaling, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale U1151, Centre national de la recherche scientifique UMR8253, université Paris Descartes, Institut Necker Enfants-Malades (INEM), 75015 Paris, France; Service de néphrologie-transplantation, hôpital Necker, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France.
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Abstract
In this review, Pilley et al. examine the impact of different p53 mutations and focus on how heterogeneity of p53 status can affect relationships between cells within a tumor. p53 is an important tumor suppressor, and the complexities of p53 function in regulating cancer cell behaviour are well established. Many cancers lose or express mutant forms of p53, with evidence that the type of alteration affecting p53 may differentially impact cancer development and progression. It is also clear that in addition to cell-autonomous functions, p53 status also affects the way cancer cells interact with each other. In this review, we briefly examine the impact of different p53 mutations and focus on how heterogeneity of p53 status can affect relationships between cells within a tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Pilley
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Tristan A Rodriguez
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
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Ito RE, Oneyama C, Aoki K. Oncogenic mutation or overexpression of oncogenic KRAS or BRAF is not sufficient to confer oncogene addiction. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249388. [PMID: 33793658 PMCID: PMC8016361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogene addiction is a cellular property by which cancer cells become highly dependent on the expression of oncogenes for their survival. Oncogene addiction can be exploited to design molecularly targeted drugs that kill only cancer cells by inhibiting the specific oncogenes. Genes and cell lines exhibiting oncogene addiction, as well as the mechanisms by which cell death is induced when addicted oncogenes are suppressed, have been extensively studied. However, it is still not fully understood how oncogene addiction is acquired in cancer cells. Here, we take a synthetic biology approach to investigate whether oncogenic mutation or oncogene expression suffices to confer the property of oncogene addiction to cancer cells. We employed human mammary epithelium-derived MCF-10A cells expressing the oncogenic KRAS or BRAF. MCF-10A cells harboring an oncogenic mutation in a single-allele of KRAS or BRAF showed weak transformation activity, but no characteristics of oncogene addiction. MCF-10A cells overexpressing oncogenic KRAS demonstrated the transformation activity, but MCF-10A cells overexpressing oncogenic BRAF did not. Neither cell line exhibited any oncogene addiction properties. These results indicate that the introduction of oncogenic mutation or the overexpression of oncogenes is not sufficient for cells to acquire oncogene addiction, and that oncogene addiction is not associated with transformation activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reina E. Ito
- Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
- Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Chitose Oneyama
- Division of Cancer Cell Regulation, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Aoki
- Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
- Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
- * E-mail:
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