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Pedersen EA, Verhaegen ME, Joseph MK, Harms KL, Harms PW. Merkel cell carcinoma: updates in tumor biology, emerging therapies, and preclinical models. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1413793. [PMID: 39136002 PMCID: PMC11317257 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1413793] [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: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma thought to arise via either viral (Merkel cell polyomavirus) or ultraviolet-associated pathways. Surgery and radiotherapy have historically been mainstays of management, and immunotherapy has improved outcomes for advanced disease. However, there remains a lack of effective therapy for those patients who fail to respond to these established approaches, underscoring a critical need to better understand MCC biology for more effective prognosis and treatment. Here, we review the fundamental aspects of MCC biology and the recent advances which have had profound impact on management. The first genetically-engineered mouse models for MCC tumorigenesis provide opportunities to understand the potential MCC cell of origin and may prove useful for preclinical investigation of novel therapeutics. The MCC cell of origin debate has also been advanced by recent observations of MCC arising in association with a clonally related hair follicle tumor or squamous cell carcinoma in situ. These studies also suggested a role for epigenetics in the origin of MCC, highlighting a potential utility for this therapeutic avenue in MCC. These and other therapeutic targets form the basis for a wealth of ongoing clinical trials to improve MCC management. Here, we review these recent advances in the context of the existing literature and implications for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mallory K. Joseph
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kelly L. Harms
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Paul W. Harms
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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2
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Rizk NI, Midan HM, Helal GK, Abulsoud AI, Elshaer SS, El-Husseiny AA, Fathi D, Abdelmaksoud NM, Abdel Mageed SS, Elballal MS, Zaki MB, Abd-Elmawla MA, Al-Noshokaty TM, Elrebehy MA, El-Dakroury WA, Abulsoud LA, Doghish AS. The emerging role of miRNAs in Merkel cell carcinoma pathogenesis: Signaling pathway crosstalk. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 249:154771. [PMID: 37611429 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon invasive form of skin cancer that typically manifests as a nodule on the face, head, or neck that is flesh-colored or bluish-red in appearance. Rapid growth and metastasis are hallmarks of MCC. MCC has the second-greatest mortality rate among skin cancers after melanoma. Despite the recent cascade of molecular investigations, no universal molecular signature has been identified as responsible for MCC's pathogenesis. The microRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Variations in the expression of these short, non-coding RNAs have been associated with various malignancies, including MCC. Although the incidence of MCC is very low, a significant amount of study has focused on the interaction of miRNAs in MCC. As such, the current survey is a speedy intensive route revealing the potential involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of MCC beyond their association with survival in MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehal I Rizk
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Heba M Midan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Gouda Kamel Helal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11231, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Ahmed I Abulsoud
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11231 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Shereen Saeid Elshaer
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11823, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A El-Husseiny
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11231 Cairo, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City, 11829 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Doaa Fathi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | | | - Sherif S Abdel Mageed
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Mohammed S Elballal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Bakr Zaki
- Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Menoufia 32897, Egypt
| | - Mai A Abd-Elmawla
- Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tohada M Al-Noshokaty
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Elrebehy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Walaa A El-Dakroury
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Logyna A Abulsoud
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11231 Cairo, Egypt.
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3
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Al-Noshokaty TM, Elballal MS, Helal GK, Abulsoud AI, Elshaer SS, El-Husseiny AA, Fathi D, Abdelmaksoud NM, Abdel Mageed SS, Midan HM, Zaki MB, Abd-Elmawla MA, Rizk NI, Elrebehy MA, Zewail MB, Mohammed OA, Doghish AS. miRNAs driving diagnosis, prognosis and progression in Merkel cell carcinoma. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 249:154763. [PMID: 37595447 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive form of skin malignancy with a high recurrence commonly within two to three years of initial diagnosis. The incidence of MCC has nearly doubled in the past few decades. Options for diagnosing, assessing, and treating MCC are limited. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, non-coding RNA molecules that play an important role in controlling many different aspects of cell biology. Many miRNAs are aberrantly expressed in distinct types of cancer, with some serving as tumor suppressors and others as oncomiRs. Therefore, the future holds great promise for the utilization of miRNAs in enhancing diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approaches for MCC. Accordingly, the goal of this article is to compile, summarize, and discuss the latest research on miRNAs in MCC, highlighting their potential clinical utility as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tohada M Al-Noshokaty
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Mohammed S Elballal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Gouda Kamel Helal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11231, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Ahmed I Abulsoud
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Shereen Saeid Elshaer
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11823, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A El-Husseiny
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City 11829 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Doaa Fathi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | | | - Sherif S Abdel Mageed
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Heba M Midan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Bakr Zaki
- Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Menoufia 32897, Egypt
| | - Mai A Abd-Elmawla
- Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nehal I Rizk
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Elrebehy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Moataz B Zewail
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Osama A Mohammed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
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Mazziotta C, Cervellera CF, Lanzillotti C, Touzé A, Gaboriaud P, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. MicroRNA dysregulations in Merkel cell carcinoma: Molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28375. [PMID: 36477874 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin malignancy with two distinct etiologies. The first, which accounts for the highest proportion, is caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a DNA tumor virus. A second, UV-induced, MCC form has also been identified. Few MCC diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options are available. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules, which play a key role in regulating various physiologic cellular functions including cell cycling, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Numerous miRNAs are dysregulated in cancer, by acting as either tumor suppressors or oncomiRs. The aim of this review is to collect, summarize, and discuss recent findings on miRNAs whose dysregulation has been assumed to play a role in MCC. The potential clinical application of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in MCC is also described. In the future, miRNAs will potentially gain clinical significance for the improvement of MCC diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Pauline Gaboriaud
- "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Zanella A, Vautrot V, Aubin F, Avoscan L, Samimi M, Garrido C, Gobbo J, Nardin C. PD-L1 in circulating exosomes of Merkel cell carcinoma. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:869-877. [PMID: 34994009 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exosomes, as potential circulated biomarkers, have recently become a topic of interest in the field of oncology. Immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1 has recently been detected in circulating exosomes from cancer patients. The purpose of this work was to evaluate PD-L1 levels in circulating exosomes (Exo-PD-L1) isolated from patients' plasma suffering from Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). METHOD We conducted a prospective bicentric cohort study. PD-L1 was analyzed in circulating exosomes from plasma samples of patients suffering from MCC stage I to IV (according to the AJCC 8). RESULTS Exosomes from 34 patients corresponding to 66 samples were analyzed. PD-L1 was identified in circulating exosomes of MCC patients. Exo-PD-L1 levels of MCC patients were similar to healthy donors and lower than other cancers such as melanoma. Exo-PD-L1 levels tended to be higher in MCC patients with distant metastases. Furthermore, Exo-PD-L1 levels did not significantly vary over the course of the disease whatever the disease course or the response to treatment. DISCUSSION This study assessed the presence of PD-L1 in circulating exosomes of MCC patients. The low levels of Exo-PD-L1 and small changes over the course of the disease may be due to the metastatic dissemination of MCC, which is mainly through the skin and lymph nodes rather than blood. CONCLUSION PD-L1 was identified in circulating exosomes of MCC patients and tends to be higher in advanced disease. This preliminary study is a proof of concept of PD-L1 detection in circulating exosomes of MCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Zanella
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Besançon, France
| | - Valentin Vautrot
- INSERM, UMR 1231, Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC, Dijon, France
| | - François Aubin
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Besançon, France.,UMR 1098 RIGHT, University of Besançon, France
| | - Laure Avoscan
- INSERM, UMR 1231, Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC, Dijon, France
| | - Mahtab Samimi
- Dermatology, University Hospital, Tours, France.,UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Carmen Garrido
- INSERM, UMR 1231, Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC, Dijon, France
| | - Jessica Gobbo
- INSERM, UMR 1231, Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC, Dijon, France.,INSERM, CIC-1432, Dijon, France.,University of Burgundy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dijon, France.,Department of Medical Oncology, Early Phase Unit, Georges-François Leclerc Centre, Dijon, France.,NanoDiag, Georges-François Leclerc Centre, Dijon, France
| | - Charlée Nardin
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Besançon, France.,UMR 1098 RIGHT, University of Besançon, France
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6
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Gao J, Shi H, Juhlin CC, Larsson C, Lui WO. Merkel cell polyomavirus T-antigens regulate DICER1 mRNA stability and translation through HSC70. iScience 2021; 24:103264. [PMID: 34761184 PMCID: PMC8567380 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103264] [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: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive skin malignancy, mostly caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). MCPyV T-antigens can induce mature microRNA expressions through the DnaJ domain, but its underlying mechanism is still unknown. Here, we report that the T-antigens induce protein expression and mRNA stability of DICER1, a key factor in microRNA biogenesis, through heat shock cognate 70 (HSC70). HSC70 directly interacts with the AU-rich elements (ARE) of DICER1 mRNA in both coding and 3′ untranslated region in the presence of MCPyV T-antigen. The T-antigen/HSC70 interaction could induce luciferase activity of synthetic ARE-containing reporter, as well as the stability of ARE-containing mRNAs, suggesting a broader role of MCPyV T-antigens in regulating multiple mRNAs via HSC70. These findings highlight a new role for the interaction of HSC70 and MCPyV T-antigens in mRNA regulation and an undescribed regulatory mechanism of DICER1 mRNA stability and translation through its direct interaction with HSC70. MCPyV T-antigen and HSC70 interaction regulates DICER1 expression HSC70 directly binds to ARE in the 3′UTR of DICER1 for expression regulation An unknown motif in DICER1 CDS is also required for its expression regulation by LT The LT-HSC70 interaction can regulate other ARE-containing mRNAs
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Gao
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet; BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Solna, Sweden
| | - Hao Shi
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet; BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Solna, Sweden
| | - C Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet; BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Solna, Sweden.,Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Solna, Sweden
| | - Catharina Larsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet; BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Solna, Sweden
| | - Weng-Onn Lui
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet; BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Solna, Sweden
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7
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Non-coding RNA dysregulation in skin cancers. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:641-655. [PMID: 34414406 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Skin cancers are the most common cancers worldwide. They can be classified in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), the latter includes squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In recent years, the crucial role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in skin cancer pathogenesis has become increasingly evident. NcRNAs are functional RNA molecules that lack any protein-coding activity. These ncRNAs are classified based on their length: small, medium-size, and long ncRNAs. Among the most studied ncRNAs there are microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNA (circRNAs). ncRNAs have the ability to regulate gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and are involved in skin cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Many ncRNAs exhibit tissue- or cell-specific expression while others have been correlated to tumor staging, drug resistance, and prognosis. For these reasons, ncRNAs have both a diagnostic and prognostic significance in skin cancers. Our review summarizes the functional role of ncRNAs in skin cancers and their potential clinical application as biomarkers.
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8
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Rotondo JC, Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Tognon M, Martini F. Epigenetic Dysregulations in Merkel Cell Polyomavirus-Driven Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11464. [PMID: 34768895 PMCID: PMC8584046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a small DNA virus with oncogenic potential. MCPyV is the causative agent of Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive tumor of the skin. The role of epigenetic mechanisms, such as histone posttranslational modifications (HPTMs), DNA methylation, and microRNA (miRNA) regulation on MCPyV-driven MCC has recently been highlighted. In this review, we aim to describe and discuss the latest insights into HPTMs, DNA methylation, and miRNA regulation, as well as their regulative factors in the context of MCPyV-driven MCC, to provide an overview of current findings on how MCPyV is involved in the dysregulation of these epigenetic processes. The current state of the art is also described as far as potentially using epigenetic dysregulations and related factors as diagnostic and prognostic tools is concerned, in addition to targets for MCPyV-driven MCC therapy. Growing evidence suggests that the dysregulation of HPTMs, DNA methylation, and miRNA pathways plays a role in MCPyV-driven MCC etiopathogenesis, which, therefore, may potentially be clinically significant for this deadly tumor. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms and related factors may improve diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy for MCPyV-driven MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.T.)
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.M.); (C.L.); (M.T.)
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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9
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Krump NA, You J. From Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection to Merkel Cell Carcinoma Oncogenesis. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:739695. [PMID: 34566942 PMCID: PMC8457551 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.739695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) infection causes near-ubiquitous, asymptomatic infection in the skin, but occasionally leads to an aggressive skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Epidemiological evidence suggests that poorly controlled MCPyV infection may be a precursor to MCPyV-associated MCC. Clearer understanding of host responses that normally control MCPyV infection could inform prophylactic measures in at-risk groups. Similarly, the presence of MCPyV in most MCCs could imbue them with vulnerabilities that-if better characterized-could yield targeted intervention solutions for metastatic MCC cases. In this review, we discuss recent developments in elucidating the interplay between host cells and MCPyV within the context of viral infection and MCC oncogenesis. We also propose a model in which insufficient restriction of MCPyV infection in aging and chronically UV-damaged skin causes unbridled viral replication that licenses MCC tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jianxin You
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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10
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Pietropaolo V, Prezioso C, Moens U. Role of Virus-Induced Host Cell Epigenetic Changes in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158346. [PMID: 34361112 PMCID: PMC8346956 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor viruses human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) account for approximately 15% of all human cancers. Although the oncoproteins of these tumor viruses display no sequence similarity to one another, they use the same mechanisms to convey cancer hallmarks on the infected cell. Perturbed gene expression is one of the underlying mechanisms to induce cancer hallmarks. Epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation, histone modification and chromatin remodeling, microRNA, long noncoding RNA, and circular RNA affect gene expression without introducing changes in the DNA sequence. Increasing evidence demonstrates that oncoviruses cause epigenetic modifications, which play a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. In this review, recent advances in the role of host cell epigenetic changes in virus-induced cancers are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Pietropaolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (U.M.)
| | - Carla Prezioso
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- IRCSS San Raffaele Roma, Microbiology of Chronic Neuro-Degenerative Pathologies, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Moens
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø—The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (U.M.)
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11
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Stachyra K, Dudzisz-Śledź M, Bylina E, Szumera-Ciećkiewicz A, Spałek MJ, Bartnik E, Rutkowski P, Czarnecka AM. Merkel Cell Carcinoma from Molecular Pathology to Novel Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6305. [PMID: 34208339 PMCID: PMC8231245 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon and highly aggressive skin cancer. It develops mostly within chronically sun-exposed areas of the skin. MCPyV is detected in 60-80% of MCC cases as integrated within the genome and is considered a major risk factor for MCC. Viral negative MCCs have a high mutation burden with a UV damage signature. Aberrations occur in RB1, TP53, and NOTCH genes as well as in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. MCC is highly immunogenic, but MCC cells are known to evade the host's immune response. Despite the characteristic immunohistological profile of MCC, the diagnosis is challenging, and it should be confirmed by an experienced pathologist. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is considered the most reliable staging tool to identify subclinical nodal disease. Subclinical node metastases are present in about 30-50% of patients with primary MCC. The basis of MCC treatment is surgical excision. MCC is highly radiosensitive. It becomes chemoresistant within a few months. MCC is prone to recurrence. The outcomes in patients with metastatic disease are poor, with a historical 5-year survival of 13.5%. The median progression-free survival is 3-5 months, and the median overall survival is ten months. Currently, immunotherapy has become a standard of care first-line therapy for advanced MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Stachyra
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Dudzisz-Śledź
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Elżbieta Bylina
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
- Department of Clinical Trials, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Szumera-Ciećkiewicz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Diagnostics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland;
- Department of Diagnostic Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz J. Spałek
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Ewa Bartnik
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Piotr Rutkowski
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Anna M. Czarnecka
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
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12
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Giordano G, D'Adda T, Pizzi S, Campanini N, Gambino G, Berretta R. Neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma of the cervix: A case report. Mol Clin Oncol 2021; 14:92. [PMID: 33767861 PMCID: PMC7976432 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2021.2254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) has been found in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma and respiratory tract infections. Merkel cell carcinoma is a primary aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. It has been demonstrated that MCPyV can be transmitted during sexual activity and may be present in the oral and anogenital mucosa. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether MCPyV coexisted with HPV in three cases of neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma of the cervix using PCR and immunohistochemical analysis Three cases of NSC of the cervix were identified in the pathology archives of Parma University (Italy). Of these, two cases were associated with an adenocarcinomatous component. A set of general primers from the L1 region (forward, L1C1 and reverse, L1C2 or L1C2M) was PCR amplified to detect the broad-spectrum DNA of genital HPV. The presence of MCPyV was investigated via immunohistochemistry using a mouse monoclonal antibody against the MCPyV LT antigen and through PCR analysis to separate viral DNA. HPV DNA was present in all three neuroendocrine carcinomas and in the adenocarcinoma component of the two mixed cases. None of the cases were immunoreactive to CM2B4 and did not contain viral DNA in either their neuroendocrine or adenocarcinomatous component. Whilst it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions from such a small sample size, these data suggested that MCPyV does not coexist with HPV in the cervix. However, in the present study, the absence of detectable MCPyV may have been due to the presence of a genotype that was not detected by the primers used in the PCR analysis or by the antibody used for the immunohistochemical study. MCPyV microRNA may also have been present, inhibiting LT expression. Additional studies with larger cohorts and more advanced molecular biology techniques are required to confirm the hypothesis of the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Giordano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology Unit, University of Parma, Gramsci, I-43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Tiziana D'Adda
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology Unit, University of Parma, Gramsci, I-43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Pizzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology Unit, University of Parma, Gramsci, I-43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Campanini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology Unit, University of Parma, Gramsci, I-43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Gambino
- Department of Obsterics and Gynecology, University of Parma, Gramsci, I-43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Roberto Berretta
- Department of Obsterics and Gynecology, University of Parma, Gramsci, I-43126 Parma, Italy
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Lee D. miR-769-5p is associated with prostate cancer recurrence and modulates proliferation and apoptosis of cancer cells. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:335. [PMID: 33732308 PMCID: PMC7903391 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) are relevant in biological processes, including human prostate cancer. In the present study, the role of miR-769-5p and its targets in prostate cancer were explored. Publicly available data on expression of genes, miRs and disease-free survival of patients with prostate cancer were analyzed along with RNAseq of transfected cell lines. miR-769-5p expression was inversely associated with patient survival and in vitro assays indicated that its inhibition reduced the proliferation and increased apoptosis of prostate cancer cells. miR-769-5p was revealed to target Rho GTPase activating protein 10 (ARHGAP10) and increased expression of ARHGAP10 in tumors was determined to be associated with a favorable prognosis regarding disease-free survival. Of note, ARHGAP10 is a purported tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer, where it inhibits cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) activity and increases apoptosis. Similar effects were observed in prostate cancer cells, where miR-769-5p inhibition increased ARHGAP10 and led to reduced CDC42 activity. Furthermore, miR-769-5p inhibition increased apoptosis, which was partly reversed by additional knockdown of ARHGAP10. These results suggested that miR-769-5p is an oncogene targeting ARHGAP10, which in turn is a candidate tumor suppressor in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lee
- Medical Oncology Service and The Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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14
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Björn Andtback H, Björnhagen-Säfwenberg V, Shi H, Lui WO, Masucci GV, Villabona L. Sex Differences in Overall Survival and the Effect of Radiotherapy in Merkel Cell Carcinoma-A Retrospective Analysis of a Swedish Cohort. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020265. [PMID: 33445741 PMCID: PMC7828197 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020265] [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: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive skin cancer which is believed to be partially caused by a virus or ultraviolet exposure. Most previous studies have shown that MCC is more common in men compared to women, virus associated MCC has a better prognosis and surgery followed by radiotherapy gives a better outcome. In this article, we explore these traits in a Swedish cohort of 113 patients and find that MCC is more common in women and female patients have a longer survival compared to male patients. In addition, we found that virus negative MCC has a worse outcome in male patients and radiotherapy after surgery gives a better outcome for patients who are treated with a curative dosage, irrespective of sex. Abstract Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive skin cancer where Merkel cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) contributes to the pathogenesis. In an adjuvant setting, radiotherapy (RT) is believed to give a survival benefit. The prognostic impact of sex related to MCPyV-status and adjuvant RT were analyzed in patients referred to Karolinska University Hospital. Data were collected from 113 patients’ hospital records and MCPyV analyses were made in 54 patients (48%). We found a significantly better overall survival (OS) for women compared to men and a significant difference in OS in patients receiving adjuvant RT. Furthermore, we found that men with virus negative MCC have an increased risk for earlier death (HR 3.6). This indicates that MCPyV positive and negative MCC act as two different diseases, and it might be due to different mechanism in the immune response between male and female patients. This could have significance in tailoring treatment and follow-up in MCC patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Björn Andtback
- Department Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute and BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden; (H.B.A.); (H.S.); (W.-O.L.); (G.V.M.)
| | | | - Hao Shi
- Department Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute and BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden; (H.B.A.); (H.S.); (W.-O.L.); (G.V.M.)
| | - Weng-Onn Lui
- Department Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute and BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden; (H.B.A.); (H.S.); (W.-O.L.); (G.V.M.)
| | - Giuseppe V. Masucci
- Department Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute and BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden; (H.B.A.); (H.S.); (W.-O.L.); (G.V.M.)
| | - Lisa Villabona
- Department Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute and BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden; (H.B.A.); (H.S.); (W.-O.L.); (G.V.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-736-63-98-98
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15
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Control of Archetype BK Polyomavirus MicroRNA Expression. J Virol 2020; 95:JVI.01589-20. [PMID: 33115878 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01589-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a ubiquitous human pathogen, with over 80% of adults worldwide being persistently infected. BKPyV infection is usually asymptomatic in healthy people; however, it causes polyomavirus-associated nephropathy in renal transplant patients and hemorrhagic cystitis in bone marrow transplant patients. BKPyV has a circular, double-stranded DNA genome that is divided genetically into three parts: an early region, a late region, and a noncoding control region (NCCR). The NCCR contains the viral DNA replication origin and cis-acting elements regulating viral early and late gene expression. It was previously shown that a BKPyV microRNA (miRNA) expressed from the late strand regulates viral large-T-antigen expression and limits the replication capacity of archetype BKPyV. A major unanswered question in the field is how expression of the viral miRNA is regulated. Typically, miRNA is expressed from introns in cellular genes, but there is no intron readily apparent in BKPyV from which the miRNA could derive. Here, we provide evidence for primary RNA transcripts that circle the genome more than once and include the NCCR. We identified splice junctions resulting from splicing of primary transcripts circling the genome more than once, and Sanger sequencing of reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) products indicates that there are viral transcripts that circle the genome up to four times. Our data suggest that the miRNA is expressed from an intron spliced out of these greater-than-genome-size primary transcripts.IMPORTANCE The BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) miRNA plays an important role in regulating viral large-T-antigen expression and limiting the replication of archetype BKPyV, suggesting that the miRNA regulates BKPyV persistence. However, how miRNA expression is regulated is poorly understood. Here, we present evidence that the miRNA is expressed from an intron that is generated by RNA polymerase II transcribing the circular viral genome more than once. We identified splice junctions that could be generated only from primary transcripts that contain tandemly repeated copies of the viral genome. The results indicate another way in which viruses optimize expression of their genes using limited coding capacity.
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Merkel cell carcinoma-derived exosome-shuttle miR-375 induces fibroblast polarization by inhibition of RBPJ and p53. Oncogene 2020; 40:980-996. [PMID: 33311552 PMCID: PMC7862059 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01576-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly invasive and metastatic skin cancer. While high expression of miR-375 is a characteristic of MCC, it seems not to contribute to the malignant phenotype of MCC cells. miR-375 enrichment in MCC-derived extracellular vesicles suggests its intercellular signaling function. Here, we demonstrate that horizontally transferred miR-375 causes fibroblast polarization toward cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). The polarization is evidenced by phenotypic changes and induction of α-SMA, CXCL2, and IL-1β. Fibroblast polarization is inhibited by specific antagomirs and mimicked by experimental miR-375 expression. Mechanistically, miR-375 downregulates RBPJ and p53, two key players regulating fibroblast polarization. In clinical MCC samples, in situ hybridization located miR-375 in CAFs, which correlated with high α-SMA protein and low RBPJ and TP53 expression; single-cell RNAseq revealed a disparate fibroblast polarization negatively correlating with p53 pathway-related gene expression. Thus, the functional role of miR-375 in MCC is to generate a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment by inducing fibroblast polarization.
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17
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Nikolouzakis TK, Falzone L, Lasithiotakis K, Krüger-Krasagakis S, Kalogeraki A, Sifaki M, Spandidos DA, Chrysos E, Tsatsakis A, Tsiaoussis J. Current and Future Trends in Molecular Biomarkers for Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Predictive Purposes in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E2868. [PMID: 32899768 PMCID: PMC7564050 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9092868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer represents the most common type of cancer among Caucasians and presents in two main forms: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). NMSC is an umbrella term, under which basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) are found along with the pre-neoplastic lesions, Bowen disease (BD) and actinic keratosis (AK). Due to the mild nature of the majority of NMSC cases, research regarding their biology has attracted much less attention. Nonetheless, NMSC can bear unfavorable characteristics for the patient, such as invasiveness, local recurrence and distant metastases. In addition, late diagnosis is relatively common for a number of cases of NMSC due to the inability to recognize such cases. Recognizing the need for clinically and economically efficient modes of diagnosis, staging, and prognosis, the present review discusses the main etiological and pathological features of NMSC as well as the new and promising molecular biomarkers available including telomere length (TL), telomerase activity (TA), CpG island methylation (CIM), histone methylation and acetylation, microRNAs (miRNAs), and micronuclei frequency (MNf). The evaluation of all these aspects is important for the correct management of NMSC; therefore, the current review aims to assist future studies interested in exploring the diagnostic and prognostic potential of molecular biomarkers for these entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taxiarchis Konstantinos Nikolouzakis
- Laboratory of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
- Department of General Surgery, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (K.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori ‘Fondazione G. Pascale’, I-80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Konstantinos Lasithiotakis
- Department of General Surgery, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (K.L.); (E.C.)
| | | | - Alexandra Kalogeraki
- Department of Pathology-Cytopathology, Medical School, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - Maria Sifaki
- Centre of Toxicology Science and Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - Emmanuel Chrysos
- Department of General Surgery, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (K.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Centre of Toxicology Science and Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - John Tsiaoussis
- Laboratory of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
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18
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Pietropaolo V, Prezioso C, Moens U. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus and Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1774. [PMID: 32635198 PMCID: PMC7407210 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses are the cause of approximately 15% of all human cancers. Both RNA and DNA human tumor viruses have been identified, with Merkel cell polyomavirus being the most recent one to be linked to cancer. This virus is associated with about 80% of Merkel cell carcinomas, a rare, but aggressive cutaneous malignancy. Despite its name, the cells of origin of this tumor may not be Merkel cells. This review provides an update on the structure and life cycle, cell tropism and epidemiology of the virus and its oncogenic properties. Putative strategies to prevent viral infection or treat virus-positive Merkel cell carcinoma patients are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Pietropaolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Carla Prezioso
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.P.); (C.P.)
- IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Microbiology of Chronic Neuro-Degenerative Pathologies, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Moens
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø—The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
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19
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van Veenendaal LM, Bertolli E, Korse CM, Klop WMC, Tesselaar MET, van Akkooi ACJ. The Clinical Utility of Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE) Serum Levels as a Biomarker for Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC). Ann Surg Oncol 2020; 28:1019-1028. [PMID: 32529274 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-020-08656-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No adequate biomarker for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) has been identified. Serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) has been tested and is commonly used as a biomarker for several other small cell malignancies. However, the role of NSE in MCC is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of NSE as a biomarker in MCC. METHODS A prospective cohort of MCC patients was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank test, ROC curves, Cox regression, and mixed models. A separate evaluation was performed for patients treated with immunotherapy. RESULTS Eighty-four patients were included [47 males, median age 71 years, stages I & II, III, and IV MCC in respectively 39 (46%), 42 (50%), and 4 (3%) patients at time of diagnosis] with 565 NSE samples (median 15; interquartile range 12.6-22 ng/ml). Baseline NSE had no association with prognosis. NSE correlated with extent of disease (P = 0.01) and increased with 15 ng/ml per class (no tumor load, localized MCC, regional or distant metastases, respectively). NSE was able to detect progression (AUC 0.89). A NSE of 18.2 ng/ml was considered the most optimal level for clinical use (sensitivity 91%, specificity 78%, PPV 48%, NPV 98%). During immunotherapy (N = 23; 248 NSE values), all complete responders (N = 10) had a normalized NSE (< 18.2 ng/ml), all partial responders (N = 5) had a decreasing NSE. In nonresponders (N = 8), all NSE levels remained elevated. CONCLUSIONS NSE could be a valuable biomarker in MCC. NSE correlates with extent of disease; it is able to rule out progression and distinguishes responders from nonresponders during immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linde M van Veenendaal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eduardo Bertolli
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Skin Cancer Department, AC Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Catharina M Korse
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - W Martin C Klop
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margot E T Tesselaar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Kumar S, Xie H, Shi H, Gao J, Juhlin CC, Björnhagen V, Höög A, Lee L, Larsson C, Lui W. Merkel cell polyomavirus oncoproteins induce microRNAs that suppress multiple autophagy genes. Int J Cancer 2020; 146:1652-1666. [PMID: 31180579 PMCID: PMC7003823 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Viruses can inhibit host autophagy through multiple mechanisms, and evasion of autophagy plays an important role in immune suppression and viral oncogenesis. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) T-antigens are expressed and involved in the pathogenesis of a large proportion of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Yet, how MCPyV induces tumorigenesis is not fully understood. Herein, we show that MCPyV T-antigens induce miR-375, miR-30a-3p and miR-30a-5p expressions, which target multiple key genes involved in autophagy, including ATG7, SQSTM1 (p62) and BECN1. In MCC tumors, low expression of ATG7 and p62 are associated with MCPyV-positive tumors. Ectopic expression of MCPyV small T-antigen and truncated large T-antigen (LT), but not the wild-type LT, resulted in autophagy suppression, suggesting the importance of autophagy evasion in MCPyV-mediated tumorigenesis. Torin-1 treatment induced cell death, which was attenuated by autophagy inhibitor, but not pan-caspase inhibitor, suggesting a potential role of autophagy in promoting cell death in MCC. Conceptually, our study shows that MCPyV oncoproteins suppress autophagy to protect cancer cells from cell death, which contribute to a better understanding of MCPyV-mediated tumorigenesis and potential MCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satendra Kumar
- Department of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska Institutet; Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Hong Xie
- Department of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska Institutet; Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center and Department of Pathogen BiologySchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Hao Shi
- Department of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska Institutet; Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Jiwei Gao
- Department of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska Institutet; Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Carl Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska Institutet; Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and CytologyKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Viveca Björnhagen
- Department of Reconstructive Plastic SurgeryKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Anders Höög
- Department of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska Institutet; Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and CytologyKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Linkiat Lee
- Department of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska Institutet; Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Catharina Larsson
- Department of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska Institutet; Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and CytologyKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Weng‐Onn Lui
- Department of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska Institutet; Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
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Highly Expressed miR-375 is not an Intracellular Oncogene in Merkel Cell Polyomavirus-Associated Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030529. [PMID: 32106526 PMCID: PMC7139599 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
miR-375 is a highly abundant miRNA in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In other cancers, it acts as either a tumor suppressor or oncogene. While free-circulating miR-375 serves as a surrogate marker for tumor burden in patients with advanced MCC, its function within MCC cells has not been established. Nearly complete miR-375 knockdown in MCC cell lines was achieved using antagomiRs via nucleofection. The cell viability, growth characteristics, and morphology were not altered by this knockdown. miR-375 target genes and related signaling pathways were determined using Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes (ENCORI) revealing Hippo signaling and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes likely to be regulated. Therefore, their expression was analyzed by multiplexed qRT-PCR after miR-375 knockdown, demonstrating only a limited change in expression. In summary, highly effective miR-375 knockdown in classical MCC cell lines did not significantly change the cell viability, morphology, or oncogenic signaling pathways. These observations render miR-375 an unlikely intracellular oncogene in MCC cells, thus suggesting that likely functions of miR-375 for the intercellular communication of MCC should be addressed.
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Hasham K, Ahmed N, Zeshan B. Circulating microRNAs in oncogenic viral infections: potential diagnostic biomarkers. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-2251-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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23
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Fan K, Gravemeyer J, Ritter C, Rasheed K, Gambichler T, Moens U, Shuda M, Schrama D, Becker JC. MCPyV Large T Antigen-Induced Atonal Homolog 1 Is a Lineage-Dependency Oncogene in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. J Invest Dermatol 2019; 140:56-65.e3. [PMID: 31283928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.06.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the fact that the transcription factor ATOH1 is a master regulator of Merkel cell development, its role in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) carcinogenesis remains controversial. Here, we provide several lines of evidence that ATOH1 is a lineage-dependent oncogene in MCC. Luciferase assays revealed binding of ATOH1 and subsequent activation to the promoter of miR-375, which is one of the most abundant microRNAs in MCCs. Overexpression of ATOH1 in variant MCC cell lines and fibroblasts induced miR-375 expression, whereas ATOH1 knockdown in classical MCC cell lines reduced miR-375 expression. Moreover, ATOH1 overexpression in these cells changed their growth characteristics from adherent to suspension and/orspheroidal growth, that is, resembling the neuroendocrine growth pattern of classical MCC cell lines. Notably, ectopic expression of different Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)-derived truncated large T antigens induced ATOH1 expression in fibroblasts, which was paralleled by miR-375 expression and similar morphologic changes. In summary, MCPyV-associated carcinogenesis is likely to induce the characteristic neuroendocrine features of MCC via induction of ATOH1; thus, ATOH1 can be regarded as a lineage-dependent oncogene in MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiji Fan
- Department of Translational Skin Cancer Research, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jan Gravemeyer
- Department of Translational Skin Cancer Research, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cathrin Ritter
- Department of Translational Skin Cancer Research, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kashif Rasheed
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Thilo Gambichler
- Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ugo Moens
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Masahiro Shuda
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen C Becker
- Department of Translational Skin Cancer Research, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
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24
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Laikova KV, Oberemok VV, Krasnodubets AM, Gal'chinsky NV, Useinov RZ, Novikov IA, Temirova ZZ, Gorlov MV, Shved NA, Kumeiko VV, Makalish TP, Bessalova EY, Fomochkina II, Esin AS, Volkov ME, Kubyshkin AV. Advances in the Understanding of Skin Cancer: Ultraviolet Radiation, Mutations, and Antisense Oligonucleotides as Anticancer Drugs. Molecules 2019; 24:E1516. [PMID: 30999681 PMCID: PMC6514765 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24081516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer has always been and remains the leader among all tumors in terms of occurrence. One of the main factors responsible for skin cancer, natural and artificial UV radiation, causes the mutations that transform healthy cells into cancer cells. These mutations inactivate apoptosis, an event required to avoid the malignant transformation of healthy cells. Among these deadliest of cancers, melanoma and its 'younger sister', Merkel cell carcinoma, are the most lethal. The heavy toll of skin cancers stems from their rapid progression and the fact that they metastasize easily. Added to this is the difficulty in determining reliable margins when excising tumors and the lack of effective chemotherapy. Possibly the biggest problem posed by skin cancer is reliably detecting the extent to which cancer cells have spread throughout the body. The initial tumor is visible and can be removed, whereas metastases are invisible to the naked eye and much harder to eliminate. In our opinion, antisense oligonucleotides, which can be used in the form of targeted ointments, provide real hope as a treatment that will eliminate cancer cells near the tumor focus both before and after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna V Laikova
- Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lenin Boulevard 5/7, 295051 Simferopol, Crimea.
- Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Kiyevskaya St. 150, 295493, Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Volodymyr V Oberemok
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Av. 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
- Nikita Botanical Gardens ⁻ National Scientific Centre RAS, Nikitsky spusk 52, vil. Nikita, 298648 Yalta, Crimea.
| | - Alisa M Krasnodubets
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Av. 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Nikita V Gal'chinsky
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Av. 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Refat Z Useinov
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Av. 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Ilya A Novikov
- Taurida Academy, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Vernadsky Av. 4, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Zenure Z Temirova
- Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lenin Boulevard 5/7, 295051 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Mikhail V Gorlov
- D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Miusskaya sq. 9, 125047 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Nikita A Shved
- Centre for Genomic and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Sukhanova St. 8, 690090 Vladivostok, Russia.
- National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Palchevsky St. 17, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia.
| | - Vadim V Kumeiko
- Centre for Genomic and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Sukhanova St. 8, 690090 Vladivostok, Russia.
- National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Palchevsky St. 17, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia.
| | - Tatiana P Makalish
- Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lenin Boulevard 5/7, 295051 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Evgeniya Y Bessalova
- Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lenin Boulevard 5/7, 295051 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Iryna I Fomochkina
- Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lenin Boulevard 5/7, 295051 Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - Andrey S Esin
- D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Miusskaya sq. 9, 125047 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Mikhail E Volkov
- Ltd "NPF Syntol", Тimiryazevskaya St. 42, 127434 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Anatoly V Kubyshkin
- Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lenin Boulevard 5/7, 295051 Simferopol, Crimea.
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25
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Surowy HM, Giesen AK, Otte J, Büttner R, Falkenstein D, Friedl H, Meier F, Petzsch P, Wachtmeister T, Westphal D, Wieczorek D, Wruck W, Adjaye J, Rütten A, Redler S. Gene expression profiling in aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma sheds light on the architecture of a rare sweat gland carcinoma. Br J Dermatol 2019; 180:1150-1160. [PMID: 30472730 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.17446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sweat gland carcinomas are rare cutaneous adnexal malignancies. Aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma (ADPA) represents a very rare subentity, thought to arise almost exclusively from the sweat glands of the fingers and toes. The aetiology of sweat gland carcinomas and ADPA is largely unknown. ADPAs are most likely driven by somatic mutations. However, somatic mutation patterns are largely unexplored, creating barriers to the development of effective therapeutic approaches to the treatment of ADPA. OBJECTIVES To investigate the transcriptome profile of ADPA using a sample of eight formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples of ADPA and healthy control tissue. METHODS Transcriptome profiling was performed using the Affymetrix PrimeView Human Gene Expression Microarray and findings were validated via reverse transcription of RNA and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Transcriptome analyses showed increased tumour expression of 2266 genes, with significant involvement of cell cycle, ribosomal and crucial cancer pathways. Our results point to tumour overexpression of FGFR2 (P = 0·001). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate the involvement of crucial oncogenic driver pathways, highlighting cell cycle and ribosomal pathways in the aetiology of ADPA. Suggested tumour overexpression of FGFR2 raises the hope that targeting the fibroblast growth factor (FGF)/FGF receptor axis might be a promising treatment for ADPA and probably for the overall group of sweat gland carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Surowy
- Heinrich-Heine-University, Medical Faculty, Institute of Human Genetics, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - A K Giesen
- Heinrich-Heine-University, Medical Faculty, Institute of Human Genetics, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - J Otte
- Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - R Büttner
- Pathology, Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - D Falkenstein
- Heinrich-Heine-University, Medical Faculty, Institute of Human Genetics, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - H Friedl
- Klinikum Darmstadt, Department of Dermatology, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - F Meier
- Department of Dermatology, Carl Gustav Carus Medical Center, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumour Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - P Petzsch
- Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - T Wachtmeister
- Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - D Westphal
- Department of Dermatology, Carl Gustav Carus Medical Center, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumour Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - D Wieczorek
- Heinrich-Heine-University, Medical Faculty, Institute of Human Genetics, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - W Wruck
- Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - J Adjaye
- Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - A Rütten
- Dermatopathology, Bodensee, Siemensstrasse 6/1, 88048, Friedrichshafen, Germany
| | - S Redler
- Heinrich-Heine-University, Medical Faculty, Institute of Human Genetics, Düsseldorf, Germany
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26
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Piano MA, Gianesello L, Grassi A, Del Bianco P, Mattiolo A, Cattelan AM, Sasset L, Zanovello P, Calabrò ML. Circulating miRNA-375 as a potential novel biomarker for active Kaposi's sarcoma in AIDS patients. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 23:1486-1494. [PMID: 30549196 PMCID: PMC6349189 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) that could be used as biomarkers in patients at risk for or affected by AIDS‐Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Screening of 377 miRNAs was performed using low‐density arrays in pooled plasma samples of 10 HIV/human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8)‐infected asymptomatic and 10 AIDS‐KS patients before and after successful combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). MiR‐375 was identified as a potential marker of active KS, being the most down‐regulated in AIDS‐KS patients after cART and the most up‐regulated in naïve AIDS‐KS patients compared to naïve asymptomatic subjects. Validation on individual plasma samples confirmed that miR‐375 levels were higher in AIDS‐KS compared to asymptomatic patients, decreased after cART‐induced remission in most AIDS‐KS patients and increased in patients with active KS. In asymptomatic patients miR‐375 was up‐regulated after cART in both screening and validation. Statistical analyses revealed an association between miR‐375 changes and CD4 cell counts, which could explain the discordant cases and the opposite trend between asymptomatic and AIDS‐KS patients. These data suggest that circulating miR‐375 might be a good indicator of active AIDS‐KS. Moreover, changes in miR‐375 levels may have a prognostic value in HIV/HHV8‐infected patients undergoing treatment. Further large‐scale validation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Assunta Piano
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Lisa Gianesello
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Angela Grassi
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Del Bianco
- Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Adriana Mattiolo
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Cattelan
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliera and University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Lolita Sasset
- Infectious Diseases, ULSS 18 - Azienda Ospedaliera, Rovigo, Italy
| | - Paola Zanovello
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padova, Italy.,Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Calabrò
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padova, Italy
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27
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Kumar S, Xie H, Scicluna P, Lee L, Björnhagen V, Höög A, Larsson C, Lui WO. MiR-375 Regulation of LDHB Plays Distinct Roles in Polyomavirus-Positive and -Negative Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:E443. [PMID: 30441870 PMCID: PMC6267432 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10110443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-375 (miR-375) is deregulated in multiple tumor types and regulates important targets involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis. This miRNA is highly expressed in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) compared to normal skin and other non-MCC skin cancers, and its expression is high in Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)-positive (MCPyV+) and low in MCPyV-negative (MCPyV-) MCC tumors. In this study, we characterized the function and target of miR-375 in MCPyV+ and MCPyV- MCC cell lines. Ectopic expression of miR-375 in MCPyV- MCC cells resulted in decreased cell proliferation and migration, as well as increased cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. However, in MCPyV+ MCC cells, inhibition of miR-375 expression reduced cell growth and induced apoptosis. Additionally, the expression of lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB), a known target of miR-375, was inversely correlated with miR-375. Silencing of LDHB reduced cell growth in MCPyV- cell lines, while its silencing in MCPyV+ cell lines rescued the cell growth effect mediated by miR-375 inhibition. Together, our results suggest dual roles of miR-375 and LDHB in MCPyV and non-MCPyV-associated MCCs. We propose that LDHB could be a therapeutic target in MCC and different strategies should be applied in virus- and non-virus-associated MCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satendra Kumar
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Hong Xie
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center and Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Patrick Scicluna
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17165 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Linkiat Lee
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Viveca Björnhagen
- Department of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Anders Höög
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Catharina Larsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Weng-Onn Lui
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
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28
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MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19071873. [PMID: 29949882 PMCID: PMC6073391 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer associated with a poor prognosis. This carcinoma was named after its presumed cell of origin, the Merkel cell, which is a mechanoreceptor cell located in the basal epidermal layer of the skin. Merkel cell polyomavirus seems to be the major causal factor for MCC because approximately 80% of all MCCs are positive for viral DNAs. UV exposure is the predominant etiological factor for virus-negative MCCs. Intracellular microRNA analysis between virus-positive and virus-negative MCC cell lines and tumor samples have identified differentially expressed microRNAs. Comparative microRNA profiling has also been performed between MCCs and other non-MCC tumors, but not between normal Merkel cells and malignant Merkel cells. Finally, Merkel cell polyomavirus encodes one microRNA, but its expression in virus-positive MCCs is low, or non-detectable or absent, jeopardizing its biological relevance in tumorigenesis. Here, we review the results of microRNA studies in MCCs and discuss the potential application of microRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis, progression and prognosis, and treatment of MCC.
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29
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The Role of miRNAs in Virus-Mediated Oncogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041217. [PMID: 29673190 PMCID: PMC5979478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, viruses are reported to be responsible for more than 15% of all tumors worldwide. The oncogenesis could be influenced directly by the activity of viral oncoproteins or by the chronic infection or inflammation. The group of human oncoviruses includes Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) or polyomaviruses, and transregulating retroviruses such as HIV or HTLV-1. Most of these viruses express short noncoding RNAs called miRNAs to regulate their own gene expression or to influence host gene expression and thus contribute to the carcinogenic processes. In this review, we will focus on oncogenic viruses and summarize the role of both types of miRNAs, viral as well as host’s, in the oncogenesis.
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30
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Dysregulation of cellular microRNAs by human oncogenic viruses - Implications for tumorigenesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2018; 1861:95-105. [PMID: 29378330 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Infection with certain animal and human viruses, often referred to as tumor viruses, induces oncogenic processes in their host. These viruses can induce tumorigenesis through direct and/or indirect mechanisms, and the regulation of microRNAs expression has been shown to play a key role in this process. Some human oncogenic viruses can express their own microRNAs; however, they all can dysregulate the expression of cellular microRNAs, facilitating their respective life cycles. The modulation of cellular microRNAs expression brings consequences to the host cells that may lead to malignant transformation, since microRNAs regulate the expression of genes involved in oncogenic pathways. This review focus on the mechanisms used by each human oncogenic virus to dysregulate the expression of cellular microRNAs, and their impact on tumorigenesis.
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31
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Characterization of a novel panel of plasma microRNAs that discriminates between Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and healthy individuals. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184113. [PMID: 28910318 PMCID: PMC5598944 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cavities are important in clinical diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although microRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in the regulation of inflammation, the relation between plasma miRNA and pulmonary tuberculosis with cavity remains unknown. In this study, plasma samples were derived from 89 cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis (CP-TB) patients, 89 non-cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis (NCP-TB) patients and 95 healthy controls. Groups were matched for age and gender. In the screening phase, Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology was employed to analyze miRNA profiles in plasma samples pooled from CP-TB patients, NCP-TB patients and healthy controls. During the training and verification phases, quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was conducted to verify the differential expression of selected miRNAs among groups. Illumina high-throughput sequencing identified 29 differentially expressed plasma miRNAs in TB patients when compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis validated miR-769-5p, miR-320a and miR-22-3p as miRNAs that were differently present between TB patients and healthy controls. ROC curve analysis revealed that the potential of these 3 miRNAs to distinguish TB patients from healthy controls was high, with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) ranged from 0.692 to 0.970. Moreover, miR-320a levels were decreased in drug-resistant TB patients than pan-susceptible TB patients (AUC = 0.882). In conclusion, we identified miR-769-5p, miR-320a and miR-22-3p as potential blood-based biomarkers for TB. In addition, miR-320a may represent a biomarker for drug-resistant TB.
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32
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Loss of miR-514a-3p regulation of PEG3 activates the NF-kappa B pathway in human testicular germ cell tumors. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2759. [PMID: 28471449 PMCID: PMC5520681 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) contributes to the development and progression of many cancer types; however, their functions in the pathogenesis of testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) remain unclear. Here, we determined miRNA expression profiles of TGCTs and normal testes using small RNA sequencing, and identified several deregulated miRNAs in TGCTs, including the miR-506~514 cluster. In functional studies in vitro we demonstrated that miR-514a-3p induced apoptosis through direct regulation of the paternally expressed gene 3 (PEG3), and ectopically expressed PEG3 could rescue the apoptotic effect of miR-514a-3p overexpression. Silencing of PEG3 or miR-514a-3p overexpression reduced nuclear accumulation of p50 and NF-κB reporter activity. Furthermore, PEG3 was co-immunoprecipitated with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) in TGCT cell lysates. We propose a model of PEG3-mediated activation of NF-κB in TGCT. Loss of miR-514a-3p expression in TGCT increases PEG3 expression that recruits TRAF2 and activates the NF-kappa B pathway, which protects germ cells from apoptosis. Importantly, we observed strong expression of PEG3 and nuclear p50 in the majority of TGCTs (83% and 78%, respectively). In conclusion, our study describes a novel function for miR-514a-3p in TGCT and highlights an unrecognized mechanism of PEG3 regulation and NF-κB activation in TGCT.
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Lasithiotaki I, Tsitoura E, Koutsopoulos A, Lagoudaki E, Koutoulaki C, Pitsidianakis G, Spandidos DA, Siafakas NM, Sourvinos G, Antoniou KM. Aberrant expression of miR-21, miR-376c and miR-145 and their target host genes in Merkel cell polyomavirus-positive non-small cell lung cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 8:112371-112383. [PMID: 29348831 PMCID: PMC5762516 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel Cell Polyoma Virus (MCPyV) infection has been associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Viruses can manipulate cellular miRNAs or have a profound impact on cellular miRNA expression to control host regulatory pathways. In this study, we evaluated the expression profiles of cancer-associated and virally affected host microRNAs miR-21, miR-145, miR-146a, miR-155, miR-302c, miR-367 and miR-376c in a series of NSCLC tissue samples as well as in samples from “healthy” sites, distant from the tumour region that were either positive or negative for MCPyV DNA. miR-21 and miR-376c were significantly upregulated whereas miR-145 was significantly downregulated in the MCPyV+ve samples compared to the MCPyV-ve tumour samples. Overall, miR-21 and miR-376c expression was higher in tumour compared to healthy tissue samples. No association was observed between the miR-155, miR-146a, miR-302c and miR-367 levels and the presence of MCPyV. The expression of miR-21 target genes (Pten, Bcl-2, Daxx, Pkr, Timp3), miR-376c (Grb2, Alk7, Mmp9) and miR-145 (Oct-4, Sox2, Fascin1) and their associated pathways (Braf, Akt-1, Akt-2, Bax, Hif1a, p53) was altered between MCPyV+ve tumor samples and their corresponding controls. These results show a novel association between miR-21, miR-376c and miR-145 and their host target genes with the presence of MCPyV, suggesting a mechanism of virus-specific microRNA signature in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismini Lasithiotaki
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, University Hospital, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion 71110, Greece.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pneumonology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion Crete 71110, Greece
| | - Eliza Tsitoura
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pneumonology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion Crete 71110, Greece.,Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion Crete 71110, Greece
| | | | - Eleni Lagoudaki
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion Crete 71110, Greece
| | - Chara Koutoulaki
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pneumonology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion Crete 71110, Greece
| | - George Pitsidianakis
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, University Hospital, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion 71110, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion Crete 71110, Greece
| | - Nikolaos M Siafakas
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, University Hospital, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion 71110, Greece
| | - George Sourvinos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion Crete 71110, Greece
| | - Katerina M Antoniou
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, University Hospital, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion 71110, Greece.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pneumonology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion Crete 71110, Greece
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Cohen PR, Tomson BN, Elkin SK, Marchlik E, Carter JL, Kurzrock R. Genomic portfolio of Merkel cell carcinoma as determined by comprehensive genomic profiling: implications for targeted therapeutics. Oncotarget 2016; 7:23454-67. [PMID: 26981779 PMCID: PMC5029639 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is an ultra-rare cutaneous neuroendocrine cancer for which approved treatment options are lacking. To better understand potential actionability, the genomic landscape of Merkel cell cancers was assessed. The molecular aberrations in 17 patients with Merkel cell carcinoma were, on physician request, tested in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) laboratory (Foundation Medicine, Cambridge, MA) using next-generation sequencing (182 or 236 genes) and analyzed by N-of-One, Inc. (Lexington, MA). There were 30 genes harboring aberrations and 60 distinct molecular alterations identified in this patient population. The most common abnormalities involved the TP53 gene (12/17 [71% of patients]) and the cell cycle pathway (CDKN2A/B, CDKN2C or RB1) (12/17 [71%]). Abnormalities also were observed in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway (AKT2, FBXW7, NF1, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, PTEN or RICTOR) (9/17 [53%]) and DNA repair genes (ATM, BAP1, BRCA1/2, CHEK2, FANCA or MLH1) (5/17 [29%]). Possible cognate targeted therapies, including FDA-approved drugs, could be identified in most of the patients (16/17 [94%]). In summary, Merkel cell carcinomas were characterized by multiple distinct aberrations that were unique in the majority of analyzed cases. Most patients had theoretically actionable alterations. These results provide a framework for investigating tailored combinations of matched therapies in Merkel cell carcinoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip R. Cohen
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, CA, USA
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Abraham KJ, Zhang X, Vidal R, Paré GC, Feilotter HE, Tron VA. Roles for miR-375 in Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Tumor Suppression via Notch Pathway Suppression in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 186:1025-35. [PMID: 26877261 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of key miRNA pathways regulating basic cellular processes is a common driver of many cancers. However, the biological roles and/or clinical applications of such pathways in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but lethal cutaneous neuroendocrine (NE) malignancy, have yet to be determined. Previous work has established that miR-375 is highly expressed in MCC tumors, but its biological role in MCC remains unknown. Herein, we show that elevated miR-375 expression is a specific feature of well-differentiated MCC cell lines that express NE markers. In contrast, miR-375 is strikingly down-regulated in highly aggressive, undifferentiated MCC cell lines. Enforced miR-375 expression in these cells induced NE differentiation, and opposed cancer cell viability, migration, invasion, and survival, pointing to tumor-suppressive roles for miR-375. Mechanistically, miR-375-driven phenotypes were caused by the direct post-transcriptional repression of multiple Notch pathway proteins (Notch2 and RBPJ) linked to cancer and regulation of cell fate. Thus, we detail a novel molecular axis linking tumor-suppressive miR-375 and Notch with NE differentiation and cancer cell behavior in MCC. Our findings identify miR-375 as a putative regulator of NE differentiation, provide insight into the cell of origin of MCC, and suggest that miR-375 silencing may promote aggressive cancer cell behavior through Notch disinhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karan J Abraham
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ricardo Vidal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Geneviève C Paré
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harriet E Feilotter
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victor A Tron
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC, cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma) is a rare form of tumor of unclear histogenesis which predominantly occurs in elderly patients on areas exposed to the sun. A higher incidence and occurrence in younger people is predominantly found in immunosuppressed persons which is why a pathogenetic role is also attributed to immunosuppression in addition to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Additionally, in 80% of cases clonally integrated polyomavirus (Merkel cell polyomavirus, MCPyV) could be detected. Clinically MCC represents an uncharacteristic tumor. Histopathologically, monomorphic dermal and/or subcutaneous nodes are found consisting of round or oval medium sized cells with a vesicular nucleus and sparse cytoplasm. The neoplastic cells of MCC express cytokeratin (CK) 20 with a dot-like perinuclear accentuation. In addition, pan-CK, neuroendocrine markers (e.g. chromogranin A and synaptophysin), neurofilament proteins, CD56, CD57, Bcl-2, TdT and PAX-5 are immunohistochemically positive. In most cases CM2B4, an antibody against MCPyV is also positive. Expression of p63 has been observed in some of the cases and in some studies was associated with a favorable prognosis. The markers thyroid transcription factor 1, mammalian achaete scute complex like 1, vimentin, S-100 and CK7 are not normally expressed by MCC. The prognosis is primarily dependent on tumor size and the lymph node status. The presence of intralymphatic tumor complexes is associated with a higher rate of local recurrence and lymph node metastasis. A larger number of intratumoral cytotoxic T-lymphocytes is accompanied by a favorable prognosis and the presence of > 50% of K-67+ neoplastic cells with an unfavorable prognosis. Further morphological, phenotypical and genetic factors have not yet been validated in larger cohorts with respect to the prognostic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Fried
- Forschungseinheit für Dermatopathologie, Klinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Medizinische Universität Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 8, 8036, Graz, Österreich
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Mirzaei H, Gholamin S, Shahidsales S, Sahebkar A, Jaafari MR, Mirzaei HR, Hassanian SM, Avan A. MicroRNAs as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in melanoma. Eur J Cancer 2015; 53:25-32. [PMID: 26693896 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2015.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is a life-threatening malignancy with poor prognosis and a relatively high burden of mortality in advanced stages. The efficacy of current available therapeutic strategies is limited, with a survival rate of less than 10%. Despite rapid advances in biomarker-guided drug development in different tumour types, including melanoma, only a very small number of biomarkers have been identified. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a molecular regulator in the development and progression of melanoma. Aberrant activation of some known miRNAs, e.g. let-7a and b, miR-148, miR-155, miR-182, miR-200c, miR-211, miR-214, miR-221 and 222, has been recognised to be linked with melanoma-associated genes such as NRAS, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, receptor tyrosine kinase c-KIT, AP-2 transcription factor, etc. There is accumulating evidence suggesting the potential impact of circulating miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic markers in diseases. In addition, miRNAs have turned out to play important roles in drug-resistance mechanisms; suggesting their modulation as a potential approach to overcome chemoresistance. This review highlights recent preclinical and clinical studies on circulating miRNAs and their potential role as diagnosis, and therapeutic targets in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sharareh Gholamin
- Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Soodabeh Shahidsales
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Biotechnology Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Mirzaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Biochemistry of Nutrition Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Microanatomy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Molecular Medicine Group, Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biochemistry of Nutrition Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Xie H, Liu T, Wang N, Björnhagen V, Höög A, Larsson C, Lui WO, Xu D. TERT promoter mutations and gene amplification: promoting TERT expression in Merkel cell carcinoma. Oncotarget 2015; 5:10048-57. [PMID: 25301727 PMCID: PMC4259404 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase activation through the induction of its catalytic component TERT is essential in carcinogenesis. The regulatory mechanism and clinical significance underlying cancer-specific TERT expression have been extensively investigated in various human malignancies, but little is known about these in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive neuroendocrine skin tumor. Here we addressed these issues by determining TERT promoter mutations, gene amplification, mRNA expression and association with clinical variables in MCC. TERT mRNA was expressed in 6/6 MCC cell lines and 41 of 43 tumors derived from 35 MCC patients. Telomerase activity was detectable in all 6 cell lines and 11 tumors analyzed. TERT promoter mutations were identified in 1/6 cell lines and 4/35 (11.4%) MCC cases. The mutation exhibited UV signature and occurred in sun-exposed areas. Increased TERT gene copy numbers were observed in 1/6 cell lines and 11/14 (79%) tumors, and highly correlated with its mRNA expression (r = 0.7419, P = 0.0024). Shorter overall survival was significantly associated with higher TERT mRNA levels in MCC patients (P = 0.032). Collectively, TERT expression and telomerase activity is widespread in MCC, and may be attributable to TERT promoter mutations and gene amplification. Higher TERT expression predicts poor patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xie
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska. Contributed equally to this work
| | - Tiantian Liu
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, PR China. Contributed equally to this work
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska
| | - Viveca Björnhagen
- Department of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Höög
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska
| | | | - Weng-Onn Lui
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska
| | - Dawei Xu
- Department of Medicine-Solna, Division of Hematology and Center for Molecular Medicine. Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
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Theiss JM, Günther T, Alawi M, Neumann F, Tessmer U, Fischer N, Grundhoff A. A Comprehensive Analysis of Replicating Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Genomes Delineates the Viral Transcription Program and Suggests a Role for mcv-miR-M1 in Episomal Persistence. PLoS Pathog 2015. [PMID: 26218535 PMCID: PMC4517807 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is considered the etiological agent of Merkel cell carcinoma and persists asymptomatically in the majority of its healthy hosts. Largely due to the lack of appropriate model systems, the mechanisms of viral replication and MCPyV persistence remain poorly understood. Using a semi-permissive replication system, we here report a comprehensive analysis of the role of the MCPyV-encoded microRNA (miRNA) mcv-miR-M1 during short and long-term replication of authentic MCPyV episomes. We demonstrate that cells harboring intact episomes express high levels of the viral miRNA, and that expression of mcv-miR-M1 limits DNA replication. Furthermore, we present RACE, RNA-seq and ChIP-seq studies which allow insight in the viral transcription program and mechanisms of miRNA expression. While our data suggest that mcv-miR-M1 can be expressed from canonical late strand transcripts, we also present evidence for the existence of an independent miRNA promoter that is embedded within early strand coding sequences. We also report that MCPyV genomes can establish episomal persistence in a small number of cells for several months, a time period during which viral DNA as well as LT-Ag and viral miRNA expression can be detected via western blotting, FISH, qPCR and southern blot analyses. Strikingly, despite enhanced replication in short term DNA replication assays, a mutant unable to express the viral miRNA was severely limited in its ability to establish long-term persistence. Our data suggest that MCPyV may have evolved strategies to enter a non- or low level vegetative stage of infection which could aid the virus in establishing and maintaining a lifelong persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Marie Theiss
- Research Group Virus Genomics, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Günther
- Research Group Virus Genomics, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malik Alawi
- Research Group Virus Genomics, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- Bioinformatics Service Facility, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friederike Neumann
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Uwe Tessmer
- Research Group Virus Genomics, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Fischer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (NF); (AG)
| | - Adam Grundhoff
- Research Group Virus Genomics, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (NF); (AG)
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Jankowski M, Kopinski P, Schwartz R, Czajkowski R. Merkel cell carcinoma: is this a true carcinoma? Exp Dermatol 2015; 23:792-4. [PMID: 25040178 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have brought an enhanced understanding of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) biology, especially with regard to the Merkel cell polyoma virus as a causative agent. Differences between Merkel cell polyomavirus-positive and Merkel cell polyomavirus-negative MCC in morphology; gene expression, miRNA profiles and prognosis have been reported. Origin of MCC is controversial. Presence of neurosecretory granules has suggested that these carcinomas originate from one of the neurocrest derivatives, most probably Merkel cells; the name Merkel cell carcinoma is now widely accepted. Expression of PGP 9.5, chromogranin A and several neuropeptides, initially regarded as specific markers for neural and neuroendocrine cells, has recently been shown in a subset of lymphomas. MCC commonly expresses terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase and PAX5. Their co-expression under physiologic circumstances is restricted to pro/pre-B cells and pre-B cells. These findings lead to the hypothesis by zur Hausen et al. that MCC originates from early B cells. This review was intended to critically appraise zur Hausen's hypothesis and discuss the possibility that MCC is a heterogenous entity with distinct subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Jankowski
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Immunodermatology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhang N, Wang C, Herrler T, Li Q. An updated review of mechanotransduction in skin disorders: transcriptional regulators, ion channels, and microRNAs. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:2091-106. [PMID: 25681865 PMCID: PMC11113187 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1853-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The skin is constantly exposed and responds to a wide range of biomechanical cues. The mechanobiology of skin has already been known and applied by clinicians long before the fundamental molecular mechanisms of mechanotransduction are elucidated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Despite increasing knowledge on the mediators of biomechanical signaling such as mitogen-associated protein kinases, Rho GTPases or FAK-ERK pathways, the key elements of mechano-responses transcription factors, and mechano-sensors remain unclear. Recently, canonical biochemical components of Hippo and Wnt signaling pathway YAP and β-catenin were found to exhibit undefined mechanical sensitivity. Mechanical forces were identified to be the dominant regulators of YAP/TAZ activity in a multicellular context. Furthermore, different voltage or ligand sensitive ion channels in the cell membrane exhibited their mechanical sensitivity as mechano-sensors. Additionally, a large number of microRNAs have been confirmed to regulate cellular behavior and contribute to various skin disorders under mechanical stimuli. Mechanosensitive (MS) microRNAs could not only be activated by distinct mechanical force pattern, but also responsively target MS sensors such as e-cadherin and cytoskeleton constituent RhoA. CONCLUSION Thus, a comprehensive understanding of this regulatory network of cutaneous mechanotransduction will facilitate the development of novel approaches to wound healing, hypertrophic scar formation, skin regeneration, and the progression or initiation of skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,
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Duan Y, Li Z, Cheng S, Chen Y, Zhang L, He J, Liao Q, Yang L, Gong Z, Sun LQ. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression is mediated by EBER-triggered inflammation via the RIG-I pathway. Cancer Lett 2015; 361:67-74. [PMID: 25721089 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 02/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
EBERs (EBER1 and EBER2) are suggested to be involved in cellular transformation and tumor growth. Cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptor-RIG-I, which is characterized by the recognition of viral dsRNAs, could efficiently trigger the downstream pathways of innate immunity. Although some previous reports have shown that EBERs and RIG-I associate with hematological malignancies, the role of EBERs-RIG-I signaling in solid tumors remains to be clarified. Here we demonstrate that EBER mediation of the inflammatory response via RIG-I contributes to NPC development in vitro and in vivo. We first verified that the expression level of RIG-I was associated with EBER transcription in a dose-dependent manner in NPC cells and specimens from NPC patients. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory cytokine transcription and release were sharply reduced after RIG-I knockdown compared with the control shRNA group in the presence of EBERs, accompanied by an attenuation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Consequently, the tumor burden was greatly alleviated in the RIG-I knockdown group in a xenograft model. In addition, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), which promote the maturation and attraction of tumor-associated macrophages, were stimulated upon the introduction of EBERs, and this upregulation conceivably led to the tumor-promoting subset transition of the macrophages. Taken together, our results reveal that EBERs could promote NPC progression through RIG-I-mediated cancer-related inflammation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Carcinoma
- Cell Differentiation
- Coculture Techniques
- Cytokines/genetics
- Cytokines/metabolism
- DEAD Box Protein 58
- DEAD-box RNA Helicases/antagonists & inhibitors
- DEAD-box RNA Helicases/genetics
- DEAD-box RNA Helicases/metabolism
- Disease Progression
- Female
- Humans
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Immunoprecipitation
- Inflammation/immunology
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Inflammation/pathology
- Inflammation Mediators/analysis
- Interferon Regulatory Factor-3/genetics
- Interferon Regulatory Factor-3/metabolism
- Macrophages/immunology
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Macrophages/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- NF-kappa B/genetics
- NF-kappa B/metabolism
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
- Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/immunology
- Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/metabolism
- Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Viral/antagonists & inhibitors
- RNA, Viral/genetics
- RNA, Viral/metabolism
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Receptors, Immunologic
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Tumor Microenvironment
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Duan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; The department of pathology of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Shiyue Cheng
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jiang He
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Qiong Liao
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Lifang Yang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Zhicheng Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
| | - Lun-Quan Sun
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
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The role of Merkel cell polyomavirus and other human polyomaviruses in emerging hallmarks of cancer. Viruses 2015; 7:1871-901. [PMID: 25866902 PMCID: PMC4411681 DOI: 10.3390/v7041871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyomaviruses are non-enveloped, dsDNA viruses that are common in mammals, including humans. All polyomaviruses encode the large T-antigen and small t-antigen proteins that share conserved functional domains, comprising binding motifs for the tumor suppressors pRb and p53, and for protein phosphatase 2A, respectively. At present, 13 different human polyomaviruses are known, and for some of them their large T-antigen and small t-antigen have been shown to possess oncogenic properties in cell culture and animal models, while similar functions are assumed for the large T- and small t-antigen of other human polyomaviruses. However, so far the Merkel cell polyomavirus seems to be the only human polyomavirus associated with cancer. The large T- and small t-antigen exert their tumorigenic effects through classical hallmarks of cancer: inhibiting tumor suppressors, activating tumor promoters, preventing apoptosis, inducing angiogenesis and stimulating metastasis. This review elaborates on the putative roles of human polyomaviruses in some of the emerging hallmarks of cancer. The reciprocal interactions between human polyomaviruses and the immune system response are discussed, a plausible role of polyomavirus-encoded and polyomavirus-induced microRNA in cancer is described, and the effect of polyomaviruses on energy homeostasis and exosomes is explored. Therapeutic strategies against these emerging hallmarks of cancer are also suggested.
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Huang J, Lyu H, Wang J, Liu B. MicroRNA regulation and therapeutic targeting of survivin in cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2014; 5:20-31. [PMID: 25628918 PMCID: PMC4300714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Survivin, the smallest member of IAP (inhibitor of apoptosis) family, is a dual functional protein acting as a critical apoptosis inhibitor and key cell cycle regulator. Survivin is usually expressed in embryonic tissues during development and undetectable in most terminally differentiated tissues. Numerous studies demonstrate that survivin is selectively upregulated in almost all types of human malignancies and its overexpression positively correlates with poor prognosis, tumor recurrence, and therapeutic resistance. This differential expression of survivin in tumors and normal tissues draws a great interest to develop survivin-targeted therapy for cancer treatment. Nonetheless, the molecular mechanisms controlling survivin expression in malignant tumor cells have not been fully understood. While aberrant activation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and the downstream signaling, such as PI-3K/Akt, MEK/MAPK, mTOR, and STAT pathways, have frequently been shown to upregulate survivin, recent data suggest that a class of noncoding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) also play an important role in survivin dysregulation in human cancers. Here, we focus on survivin expression-regulated by specific miRNAs binding to the 3'-UTR of survivin mRNA, and summarize the latest advances on survivin-targeted therapy in clinical trials and the therapeutic potential of survivin-targeting miRNAs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingcao Huang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAurora, CO, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeTianjin, China
| | - Hui Lyu
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAurora, CO, USA
| | - Jianxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeTianjin, China
| | - Bolin Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAurora, CO, USA
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miRNA-34a underexpressed in Merkel cell polyomavirus-negative Merkel cell carcinoma. Virchows Arch 2014; 466:289-95. [PMID: 25491743 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-014-1700-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Revised: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) is frequently detectable in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) tumors, but the significance of MCV infection is not yet totally understood. Thus far, no key regulatory miRNA has been identified for MCC tumorigenesis. However, distinct miRNA expression profiles have been suggested for MCV-positive and MCV-negative tumors. We used microarray hybridization to identify miRNA expression differences in MCC tumor samples according to MCV status and further validated these results by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). When compared with MCV-negative tumors, we detected overexpression of miR-34a, miR-30a, miR-142-3p, and miR-1539 in those MCV positives. In addition, slight underexpression was detectable in MCV-positive tumors of miR-181d. We confirmed the distinct expression of miRNAs in MCV-positive and MCV-negative tumors and confirmed statistically significant underexpression of miR-34a in MCV-negative tumors by both array analysis and qRT-PCR. Neither tumor location nor development of metastases affected miRNA expression.
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MicroRNAs in virus-induced tumorigenesis and IFN system. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2014; 26:183-94. [PMID: 25466647 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Numerous microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs encoded in the human genome, have been shown to be involved in cancer pathogenesis and progression. There is evidence that some of these miRNAs possess proapoptotic or proliferation promoting roles in the cell by negatively regulating target mRNAs. Oncogenic viruses are able to produce persistent infection, favoring tumor development by deregulating cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. It has been recently suggested that cellular miRNAs may participate in host-virus interactions, influencing viral replication. Many mammalian viruses counteract this cellular antiviral defense by using viral proteins but also by encoding viral miRNAs involved in virus-induced tumorigenesis. Interferons (IFNs) modulate a number of non-coding RNA genes, especially miRNAs, that may be used by mammalian organisms as a mechanism of IFN system to combat viral infection and related diseases. In particular, IFNs might induce specific cellular miRNAs that target viral transcripts thereby using this strategy as part of their effectiveness against invading viruses. Therefore IFNs, interferon stimulated genes and miRNAs could act synergistically as innate response to virus infection to induce a potent non-permissive cellular environment for virus replication and virus-induced cancer. The relevance of this reviewed research topic is clearly related to the observation that although virus infections are responsible of specific tumors, other unidentified genetic alterations are likely involved in the induction of malignant transformation. The identification of such genetic alterations, i.e. miRNA expression in transformed cells, would be of considerable importance for the analysis of the pathogenesis and for the treatment of cancer induced by specific viruses as well as for the advancement of the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying virus-host interaction. In this respect, we will review also the important, still little explored, roles of miRNAs acting both as IFN-stimulated anti-viral molecules and as critical regulators of IFNs and IFN-stimulated genes.
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Erstad DJ, Cusack JC. Mutational analysis of merkel cell carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2014; 6:2116-36. [PMID: 25329450 PMCID: PMC4276959 DOI: 10.3390/cancers6042116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy that is associated with a poor prognosis. The pathogenesis of MCC is not well understood, and despite a recent plethora of mutational analyses, we have yet to find a set of signature mutations implicated in the majority of cases. Mutations, including TP53, Retinoblastoma and PIK3CA, have been documented in subsets of patients. Other mechanisms are also likely at play, including infection with the Merkel cell polyomavirus in a subset of patients, dysregulated immune surveillance, epigenetic alterations, aberrant protein expression, posttranslational modifications and microRNAs. In this review, we summarize what is known about MCC genetic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities, and their clinical significance. We also examine aberrant protein function and microRNA expression, and discuss the therapeutic and prognostic implications of these findings. Multiple clinical trials designed to selectively target overexpressed oncogenes in MCC are currently underway, though most are still in early phases. As we accumulate more molecular data on MCC, we will be better able to understand its pathogenic mechanisms, develop libraries of targeted therapies, and define molecular prognostic signatures to enhance our clinicopathologic knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek J Erstad
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - James C Cusack
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Martín-Gómez L, Villalba A, Kerkhoven RH, Abollo E. Role of microRNAs in the immunity process of the flat oyster Ostrea edulis against bonamiosis. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2014; 27:40-50. [PMID: 25008434 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small (∼22nt) non-coding regulatory single strand RNA molecules that reduce stability and/or translation of sequence-complementary target. miRNAs are a key component of gene regulatory networks and have been involved in a wide variety of biological processes, such as signal transduction, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Many miRNAs are broadly conserved among the animal lineages and even between invertebrates and vertebrates. The European flat oyster Ostrea edulis is highly susceptible to infection with Bonamia ostreae, an intracellular parasite able to survive and proliferate within oyster haemocytes. Mollusc haemocytes play a key role in the immune response of molluscs as main cellular effectors. The roles of miRNAs in the immune response of O. edulis to bonamiosis were analysed using a commercial microarray platform (miRCURY LNA™ v2, Exiqon) for miRNAs. Expression of miRNAs in haemocytes from oysters with different bonamiosis intensity was compared. Differential expression was detected in 63 and 76 miRNAs when comparing heavily-affected with non-affected oysters and with lightly-affected ones, respectively. Among them, 19 miRNAs are known to be linked to immune response, being responsible of proliferation and activation of macrophages, inflammation, apoptosis and/or oxidative damage, which is consistent with the modulation of their expression in oyster haemocytes due to bonamiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Martín-Gómez
- Centro de Investigacións Mariñas, Consellería do Mar, Xunta de Galicia, Aptdo 13, 36620 Vilanova de Arousa, Spain.
| | - Antonio Villalba
- Centro de Investigacións Mariñas, Consellería do Mar, Xunta de Galicia, Aptdo 13, 36620 Vilanova de Arousa, Spain
| | - Ron H Kerkhoven
- Central Microarray Facility, NKI (The Netherlands Cancer Institute), Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elvira Abollo
- Fundación CETMAR - Centro Tecnológico del Mar, Eduardo Cabello s/n., 36208 Vigo, Spain
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Moore PS, Chang Y. The conundrum of causality in tumor virology: the cases of KSHV and MCV. Semin Cancer Biol 2014; 26:4-12. [PMID: 24304907 PMCID: PMC4040341 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2013.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Controversy has plagued tumor virology since the first tumor viruses were described over 100 years ago. Methods to establish cancer causation, such as Koch's postulates, work poorly or not at all for these viruses. Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV8) and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) were both found using nucleic acid identification methods but they represent opposite poles in the patterns for tumor virus epidemiology. KSHV is uncommon and has specific risk factors that contribute to infection and subsequent cancers. MCV and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), in contrast, is an example in which mutations to our normal viral flora contribute to cancer. Given the near-ubiquity of human MCV infection, establishing cancer causality relies on molecular evidence that does not fit comfortably within traditional infectious disease epidemiological models. These two viruses reveal some of the challenges and opportunities for inferring viral cancer causation in the age of molecular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S Moore
- Cancer Virology Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
| | - Yuan Chang
- Cancer Virology Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
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Merkel cell carcinoma - recent advances in the biology, diagnostics and treatment. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 53:536-46. [PMID: 24811434 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2014.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon primary cutaneous carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. Since recent discovery of MCCs strong association with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), there has been a rapid increase in the understanding of the carcinomas genetics, molecular biology and pathogenesis. In our study, we reviewed recent advances and controversies concerning MCC histogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostic and prognostic markers. We analyzed the association of MCPyV with MCC and the possible new targets for therapy. We also examined English-based literature regarding MCC pathogenesis published between 2008 and 2013, which lead to a deeper understanding of the topic. Our study showed that the association of MCPyV strongly influences the course of MCC. Additionally, it has been shown that a immunological response to MCPyV may in the future give hope to identify new therapeutic strategies in treatment of this fatal malignancy. This article is part of a Directed Issue entitled: Rare Cancers.
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