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Bachiri K, Kantar D, Laurent EM, Gaboriaud P, Durand L, Drouin A, Chollot M, Schrama D, Houben R, Kervarrec T, Trapp-Fragnet L, Touzé A, Coyaud E. DNA damage stress control is a tLT- and EHMT2-dependent central feature of Merkel Cell Carcinoma. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)01860-8. [PMID: 38908781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer with a high mortality rate. MC polyomavirus (MCPyV) causes 80% of MCCs, encoding the viral oncogenes small T (sT) and truncated large T antigens (tLT). These proteins impair the Rb1-dependent G1/S checkpoint blockade and subvert the host cell epigenome to promote cancer. Whole proteome analysis and proximal interactomics identified a tLT-dependent deregulation of DNA damage response (DDR). Our investigation revealed a previously unreported interaction between tLT and the histone methyltransferase EHMT2, to our knowledge. T Antigens knockdown reduced DDR protein levels and increased levels of the DNA damage marker γH2Ax. EHMT2 normally promotes H3K9 methylation and DDR signaling. Given that inhibition of EHMT2 did not significantly change the MCC cells proteome, tLT-EHMT2 interaction could affect the DDR. With tLT, we report that EHMT2 gained DNA damage repair proximal interactors. EHMT2 inhibition rescued proliferation in MCC cells depleted for their T antigens, suggesting impaired DDR and/or lack of checkpoint efficiency. Combined tLT and EHMT2 inhibition led to altered DDR, evidenced by multiple signaling alterations. Here we show that tLT hijacks multiple components of the DNA damage machinery to enhance tolerance to DNA damage in MCC cells, which could explain the genetic stability of these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamel Bachiri
- Univ.Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1192 - Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse - PRISM, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Diala Kantar
- Univ.Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1192 - Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse - PRISM, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Estelle Mn Laurent
- Univ.Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1192 - Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse - PRISM, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Pauline Gaboriaud
- "Biologie des infections à Polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA ISP1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Laurine Durand
- "Biologie des infections à Polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA ISP1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Aurélie Drouin
- "Biologie des infections à Polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA ISP1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | | | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thibault Kervarrec
- "Biologie des infections à Polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA ISP1282, University of Tours, Tours, France; Department of Pathology, University Hospital Center of Tours, Tours, France
| | | | - Antoine Touzé
- "Biologie des infections à Polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA ISP1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Etienne Coyaud
- Univ.Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1192 - Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse - PRISM, F-59000 Lille, France.
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Wohlfarth J, Kosnopfel C, Faber D, Berthold M, Siedel C, Bernhardt M, Schlosser A, Aprati T, Liu D, Schrama D, Houben R, Schadendorf D, Goebeler M, Meierjohann S, Schilling B. Loss of p14 diminishes immunogenicity in melanoma via non-canonical Wnt signaling by reducing the peptide surface density. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38807304 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has achieved tremendous success in melanoma. However, only around 50% of advanced melanoma patients benefit from immunotherapy. Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), encoding the two tumor-suppressor proteins p14ARF and p16INK4a, belongs to the most frequently inactivated gene loci in melanoma and leads to decreased T cell infiltration. While the role of p16INK4a has been extensively investigated, knowledge about p14ARF in melanoma is scarce. In this study, we elucidate the impact of reduced p14ARF expression on melanoma immunogenicity. Knockdown of p14ARF in melanoma cell lines diminished their recognition and killing by melanoma differentiation antigen (MDA)-specific T cells. Resistance was caused by a reduction of the peptide surface density of presented MDAs. Immunopeptidomic analyses revealed that antigen presentation via human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) molecules was enhanced upon p14ARF downregulation in general, but absolute and relative expression of cognate peptides was decreased. However, this phenotype is associated with a favorable outcome for melanoma patients. Limiting Wnt5a signaling reverted this phenotype, suggesting an involvement of non-canonical Wnt signaling. Taken together, our data indicate a new mechanism limiting MDA-specific T cell responses by decreasing both absolute and relative MDA-peptide presentation in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Wohlfarth
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Kosnopfel
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dominic Faber
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marion Berthold
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Siedel
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - Melissa Bernhardt
- Rudolf-Virchow-Centre for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schlosser
- Rudolf-Virchow-Centre for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tyler Aprati
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David Liu
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, Comprehensive Cancer Center (Westdeutsches Tumorzentrum), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and University Hospital Essen, Germany
| | - Matthias Goebeler
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Bastian Schilling
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
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3
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Kosnopfel C, Wendlinger S, Niessner H, Siewert J, Sinnberg T, Hofmann A, Wohlfarth J, Schrama D, Berthold M, Siedel C, Sauer B, Jayanthan A, Lenz G, Dunn SE, Schilling B, Schittek B. Inhibition of p90 ribosomal S6 kinases disrupts melanoma cell growth and immune evasion. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:175. [PMID: 37464364 PMCID: PMC10354913 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02755-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is frequently hyperactivated in malignant melanoma and its inhibition has proved to be an efficient treatment option for cases harboring BRAFV600 mutations (BRAFMut). However, there is still a significant need for effective targeted therapies for patients with other melanoma subgroups characterized by constitutive MAPK activation, such as tumors with NRAS or NF-1 alterations (NRASMut, NF-1LOF), as well as for patients with MAPK pathway inhibitor-resistant BRAFMut melanomas, which commonly exhibit a reactivation of this pathway. p90 ribosomal S6 kinases (RSKs) represent central effectors of MAPK signaling, regulating cell cycle progression and survival. METHODS RSK activity and the functional effects of its inhibition by specific small molecule inhibitors were investigated in established melanoma cell lines and patient-derived short-term cultures from different MAPK pathway-hyperactivated genomic subgroups (NRASMut, BRAFMut, NF-1LOF). Real-time qPCR, immunoblots and flow cytometric cell surface staining were used to explore the molecular changes following RSK inhibition. The effect on melanoma cell growth was evaluated by various two- and three-dimensional in vitro assays as well as with melanoma xenograft mouse models. Co-cultures with gp100- or Melan-A-specific cytotoxic T cells were used to assess immunogenicity of melanoma cells and associated T-cell responses. RESULTS In line with elevated activity of the MAPK/RSK signaling axis, growth and survival of not only BRAFMut but also NRASMut and NF-1LOF melanoma cells were significantly impaired by RSK inhibitors. Intriguingly, RSK inhibition was particularly effective in three-dimensional growth settings with long-term chronic drug exposure and suppressed tumor cell growth of in vivo melanoma models. Additionally, our study revealed that RSK inhibition simultaneously promoted differentiation and immunogenicity of the tumor cells leading to enhanced T-cell activation and melanoma cell killing. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, RSK inhibitors exhibited both multi-layered anti-tumor efficacy and broad applicability across different genomic melanoma subgroups. RSK inhibition may therefore represent a promising novel therapeutic strategy for malignant melanoma with hyperactivated MAPK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Kosnopfel
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149, Muenster, Germany.
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany.
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center Wuerzburg, University Hospital Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - Simone Wendlinger
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center Wuerzburg, University Hospital Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Heike Niessner
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, University of Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Siewert
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Sinnberg
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, University of Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angelika Hofmann
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Wohlfarth
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Marion Berthold
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Siedel
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Sauer
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, University of Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Georg Lenz
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | | | - Bastian Schilling
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Schittek
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, University of Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
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Kannampuzha S, Gopalakrishnan AV, Padinharayil H, Alappat RR, Anilkumar KV, George A, Dey A, Vellingiri B, Madhyastha H, Ganesan R, Ramesh T, Jayaraj R, Prabakaran DS. Onco-Pathogen Mediated Cancer Progression and Associated Signaling Pathways in Cancer Development. Pathogens 2023; 12:770. [PMID: 37375460 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with viruses, bacteria, and parasites are thought to be the underlying cause of about 8-17% of the world's cancer burden, i.e., approximately one in every five malignancies globally is caused by an infectious pathogen. Oncogenesis is thought to be aided by eleven major pathogens. It is crucial to identify microorganisms that potentially act as human carcinogens and to understand how exposure to such pathogens occur as well as the following carcinogenic pathways they induce. Gaining knowledge in this field will give important suggestions for effective pathogen-driven cancer care, control, and, ultimately, prevention. This review will mainly focus on the major onco-pathogens and the types of cancer caused by them. It will also discuss the major pathways which, when altered, lead to the progression of these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Kannampuzha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Hafiza Padinharayil
- Jubilee Centre for Medical Research, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur 680596, India
| | - Reema Rose Alappat
- Jubilee Centre for Medical Research, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur 680596, India
- Post Graduate and Research Department of Zoology, Maharajas College, Ernakulam 682011, India
| | - Kavya V Anilkumar
- Jubilee Centre for Medical Research, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur 680596, India
- Post Graduate and Research Department of Zoology, Maharajas College, Ernakulam 682011, India
| | - Alex George
- Jubilee Centre for Medical Research, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur 680596, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine/Translational Research, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab (CUPB), Bathinda 151401, India
| | - Harishkumar Madhyastha
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Raja Ganesan
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Thiyagarajan Ramesh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rama Jayaraj
- Jindal Institute of Behavioral Sciences (JIBS), Jindal Global Institution of Eminence Deemed to Be University, Sonipat 131001, India
- Director of Clinical Sciences, Northern Territory Institute of Research and Training, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia
| | - D S Prabakaran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro 1, Seowon-gu, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Srivilliputhur Main Road, Sivakasi 626124, India
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5
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Spurgeon ME, Cheng J, Ward-Shaw E, Dick FA, DeCaprio JA, Lambert PF. Merkel cell polyomavirus large T antigen binding to pRb promotes skin hyperplasia and tumor development. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010551. [PMID: 35560034 PMCID: PMC9132321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Clear evidence supports a causal link between Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and the highly aggressive human skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Integration of viral DNA into the human genome facilitates continued expression of the MCPyV small tumor (ST) and large tumor (LT) antigens in virus-positive MCCs. In MCC tumors, MCPyV LT is truncated in a manner that renders the virus unable to replicate yet preserves the LXCXE motif that facilitates its binding to and inactivation of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRb). We previously developed a MCPyV transgenic mouse model in which MCC tumor-derived ST and truncated LT expression were targeted to the stratified epithelium of the skin, causing epithelial hyperplasia, increased proliferation, and spontaneous tumorigenesis. We sought to determine if any of these phenotypes required the association between the truncated MCPyV LT and pRb. Mice were generated in which K14-driven MCPyV ST/LT were expressed in the context of a homozygous RbΔLXCXE knock-in allele that attenuates LT-pRb interactions through LT's LXCXE motif. We found that many of the phenotypes including tumorigenesis that develop in the K14-driven MCPyV transgenic mice were dependent upon LT's LXCXE-dependent interaction with pRb. These findings highlight the importance of the MCPyV LT-pRb interaction in an in vivo model for MCPyV-induced tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Spurgeon
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jingwei Cheng
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Ella Ward-Shaw
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Frederick A. Dick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - James A. DeCaprio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Paul F. Lambert
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Gafà R, Touzé A, Durand MA, Martini F, Rotondo JC. The Role of Histone Post-Translational Modifications in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:832047. [PMID: 35350569 PMCID: PMC8957841 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.832047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but highly aggressive form of non–melanoma skin cancer whose 5-year survival rate is 63%. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a small DNA tumor virus, is the etiological agent of MCC. Although representing a small proportion of MCC cases, MCPyV-negative MCCs have also been identified. The role of epigenetic mechanisms, including histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) in MCC, have been only partially determined. This review aims to describe the most recent progress on PTMs and their regulative factors in the context of MCC onset/development, providing an overview of current findings on both MCC subtypes. An outline of current knowledge on the potential employment of PTMs and related factors as diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as novel treatment strategies targeting the reversibility of PTMs for MCC therapy is provided. Recent research shows that PTMs are emerging as important epigenetic players involved in MCC onset/development, and therefore may show a potential clinical significance. Deeper and integrated knowledge of currently known PTM dysregulations is of paramount importance in order to understand the molecular basis of MCC and improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic options for this deadly tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Gafà
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Marie-Alice Durand
- ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, 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.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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7
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Inhibition of T-antigen expression promoting glycogen synthase kinase 3 impairs merkel cell carcinoma cell growth. Cancer Lett 2022; 524:259-267. [PMID: 34715251 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive skin cancer frequently caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Since proliferation of MCPyV-positive MCC tumor cells strictly depends on expression of the virus-encoded T antigens (TA), these proteins theoretically represent ideal targets for different kinds of therapeutic approaches. Here we developed a cell-based assay to identify compounds which specifically inhibit growth of MCC cells by repressing TA expression. Applying this technique we screened a kinase inhibitor library and identified six compounds targeting glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) such as CHIR99021 as suppressors of TA transcription in MCC cells. Involvement of GSK3α and -β in the regulation of TA-expression was confirmed by combining GSK3A knockout with inducible GSK3B shRNA knockdown since double knockouts could not be generated. Finally, we demonstrate that CHIR99021 exhibits in vivo antitumor activity in an MCC xenograft mouse model suggesting GSK3 inhibitors as potential therapeutics for the treatment of MCC in the future.
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8
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Maurus K, Kosnopfel C, Kneitz H, Appenzeller S, Schrama D, Glutsch V, Roth S, Gerhard-Hartmann E, Rosenfeldt M, Möhrmann L, Fröhlich M, Hübschmann D, Stenzinger A, Glimm H, Fröhling S, Goebeler M, Rosenwald A, Kutzner H, Schilling B. Cutaneous epithelioid hemangiomas show somatic mutations in the MAPK pathway. Br J Dermatol 2021; 186:553-563. [PMID: 34726260 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.20869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelioid hemangioma (EH) arising from the skin is a benign vascular tumor with marked inflammatory cell infiltration, which exhibits a high tendency to persist and frequently recurs after resection. So far, the underlying pathogenesis is largely elusive. OBJECTIVES To identify genetic alterations by next-generation-sequencing and/or droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in cutaneous EH. METHODS DNA and RNA from an EH lesion of an index patient were subjected to whole genome and RNA sequencing. Multiplex PCR-based panel sequencing of genomic DNA isolated from archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue of 18 cutaneous EH patients was performed. ddPCR was used to confirm mutations. RESULTS We identified somatic mutations in genes of the MAPK pathway (MAP2K1 and KRAS) in cutaneous EH biopsies. By ddPCR we could confirm the recurrent presence of activating, low-frequency mutations affecting MAP2K1. In total, 9 out of 18 analyzed patients showed activating MAPK pathway mutations, which were mutually exclusive. Comparative analysis of tissue areas enriched for lymphatic infiltrate or aberrant endothelial cells, respectively, revealed an association of these mutations with the presence of endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data suggest that EH shows somatic mutations in genes of the MAPK pathway which might contribute to the formation of this benign tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Maurus
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - C Kosnopfel
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - H Kneitz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - S Appenzeller
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - D Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - V Glutsch
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - S Roth
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - M Rosenfeldt
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - L Möhrmann
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Personalized Oncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - M Fröhlich
- Computational Oncology Group, Molecular Diagnostics Program, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - D Hübschmann
- Computational Oncology Group, Molecular Diagnostics Program, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden, Germany
| | - A Stenzinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - H Glimm
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany
- Center for Personalized Oncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - S Fröhling
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden, Germany
- Division of Translational Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M Goebeler
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - A Rosenwald
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - H Kutzner
- Dermatopathology, Friedrichshafen, Germany
| | - B Schilling
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Epigenetic Dysregulations in Merkel Cell Polyomavirus-Driven Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111464. [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] [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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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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Spurgeon ME, Liem A, Buehler D, Cheng J, DeCaprio JA, Lambert PF. The Merkel Cell Polyomavirus T Antigens Function as Tumor Promoters in Murine Skin. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020222. [PMID: 33435392 PMCID: PMC7827793 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Merkel cell polyomavirus, a recently discovered human virus, is linked to the development of a rare form of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma. The virus does not replicate in cancer cells, yet there is continued expression of viral proteins known as T antigens. The T antigens are believed to contribute to Merkel cell carcinoma development, yet how they do so remains an active area of research. In this study, we used transgenic mice expressing the viral T antigens in their skin to determine at which stage of skin cancer development these viral proteins function. We discovered that the Merkel cell polyomavirus T antigens function as tumor promoters, rather than tumor initiators, in the skin. These findings suggest that other tumor-initiating events may cooperate with the tumor-promoting activities of the viral T antigens, thus providing important insight into how Merkel cell polyomavirus can cause cancer in human skin. Abstract Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) causes the majority of human Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC), a rare but highly aggressive form of skin cancer. We recently reported that constitutive expression of MCC tumor-derived MCPyV tumor (T) antigens in the skin of transgenic mice leads to hyperplasia, increased proliferation, and spontaneous epithelial tumor development. We sought to evaluate how the MCPyV T antigens contribute to tumor formation in vivo using a classical, multi-stage model for squamous cell carcinoma development. In this model, two chemical carcinogens, DMBA and TPA, contribute to two distinct phases of carcinogenesis—initiation and promotion, respectively—that are required for tumors to develop. By treating the MCPyV transgenic mice with each chemical carcinogen, we determined how the viral oncogenes contributed to carcinogenesis. We observed that the MCPyV T antigens synergized with the tumor initiator DMBA, but not with the tumor promoter TPA, cause tumors. Therefore, the MCPyV tumor antigens function primarily as tumor promoters, similar to that seen with human papillomavirus (HPV) oncoproteins. These studies provide insight into the role of MCPyV T antigen expression in tumor formation in vivo and contribute to our understanding of how MCPyV may function as a human DNA tumor virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Spurgeon
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Correspondence: (M.E.S.); (P.F.L.)
| | - Amy Liem
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Darya Buehler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Jingwei Cheng
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA;
| | - James A. DeCaprio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Paul F. Lambert
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Correspondence: (M.E.S.); (P.F.L.)
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12
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Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Large T Antigen is Dispensable in G2 and M-Phase to Promote Proliferation of Merkel Cell Carcinoma Cells. Viruses 2020; 12:v12101162. [PMID: 33066686 PMCID: PMC7602435 DOI: 10.3390/v12101162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer frequently caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), and proliferation of MCPyV-positive MCC tumor cells depends on the expression of a virus-encoded truncated Large T antigen (LT) oncoprotein. Here, we asked in which phases of the cell cycle LT activity is required for MCC cell proliferation. Hence, we generated fusion-proteins of MCPyV-LT and parts of geminin (GMMN) or chromatin licensing and DNA replication factor1 (CDT1). This allowed us to ectopically express an LT, which is degraded either in the G1 or G2 phase of the cell cycle, respectively, in MCC cells with inducible T antigen knockdown. We demonstrate that LT expressed only in G1 is capable of rescuing LT knockdown-induced growth suppression while LT expressed in S and G2/M phases fails to support proliferation of MCC cells. These results suggest that the crucial function of LT, which has been demonstrated to be inactivation of the cellular Retinoblastoma protein 1 (RB1) is only required to initiate S phase entry.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive skin cancer, which is associated in 80% of cases with the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Advanced stages respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors in 50% of cases. Major issues remain unanswered regarding its oncogenesis and optimal treatment. RECENT FINDINGS MCPyV-negative and MCPyV-positive MCCs have been hypothesized to derive from distinct cells, although the cell of origin remains a matter of debate. The crucial role the MCPyV small T oncoprotein was recently confirmed by its ability to inactivate p53, together with its contribution to the metastatic progression. In advanced cases, tumoral microenvironment may adequately predict responses to immunotherapies, and several mechanisms of primary and secondary resistance have been investigated. SUMMARY Identifying the mechanisms of oncogenesis allow experimentation of new therapeutic targets, which remain mandatory even at the era of immunotherapies. Although new insights in the mechanisms of primary and secondary resistance pave the way for development of further immunotherapy strategies, neoadjuvant strategies may challenge our whole approach of the disease.
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14
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Kervarrec T, Samimi M, Hesbacher S, Berthon P, Wobser M, Sallot A, Sarma B, Schweinitzer S, Gandon T, Destrieux C, Pasqualin C, Guyétant S, Touzé A, Houben R, Schrama D. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus T Antigens Induce Merkel Cell-Like Differentiation in GLI1-Expressing Epithelial Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071989. [PMID: 32708246 PMCID: PMC7409360 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer frequently caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). It is still under discussion, in which cells viral integration and MCC development occurs. Recently, we demonstrated that a virus-positive MCC derived from a trichoblastoma, an epithelial neoplasia bearing Merkel cell (MC) differentiation potential. Accordingly, we hypothesized that MC progenitors may represent an origin of MCPyV-positive MCC. To sustain this hypothesis, phenotypic comparison of trichoblastomas and physiologic human MC progenitors was conducted revealing GLI family zinc finger 1 (GLI1), Keratin 17 (KRT 17), and SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) expressions in both subsets. Furthermore, GLI1 expression in keratinocytes induced transcription of the MC marker SOX2 supporting a role of GLI1 in human MC differentiation. To assess a possible contribution of the MCPyV T antigens (TA) to the development of an MC-like phenotype, human keratinocytes were transduced with TA. While this led only to induction of KRT8, an early MC marker, combined GLI1 and TA expression gave rise to a more advanced MC phenotype with SOX2, KRT8, and KRT20 expression. Finally, we demonstrated MCPyV-large T antigens’ capacity to inhibit the degradation of the MC master regulator Atonal bHLH transcription factor 1 (ATOH1). In conclusion, our report suggests that MCPyV TA contribute to the acquisition of an MC-like phenotype in epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Kervarrec
- Department of Pathology, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Avenue de la République, 37170 Chambray-les-Tours, France;
- “Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, Université de Tours, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France; (M.S.); (P.B.); (T.G.); (A.T.)
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (S.H.); (M.W.); (B.S.); (S.S.); (R.H.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mahtab Samimi
- “Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, Université de Tours, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France; (M.S.); (P.B.); (T.G.); (A.T.)
- Dermatology Department, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Avenue de la République, 37170 Chambray-les-Tours, France
| | - Sonja Hesbacher
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (S.H.); (M.W.); (B.S.); (S.S.); (R.H.); (D.S.)
| | - Patricia Berthon
- “Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, Université de Tours, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France; (M.S.); (P.B.); (T.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Marion Wobser
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (S.H.); (M.W.); (B.S.); (S.S.); (R.H.); (D.S.)
| | - Aurélie Sallot
- Plastic Surgery Department, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Avenue de la République, 37170 Chambray-les-Tours, France;
| | - Bhavishya Sarma
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (S.H.); (M.W.); (B.S.); (S.S.); (R.H.); (D.S.)
| | - Sophie Schweinitzer
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (S.H.); (M.W.); (B.S.); (S.S.); (R.H.); (D.S.)
| | - Théo Gandon
- “Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, Université de Tours, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France; (M.S.); (P.B.); (T.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Christophe Destrieux
- Neurosurgery Department, UMR 1253, i Brain, Université De Tours, CHU de Tours, Boulevard Tonnelé, 37044 Tours, France;
| | - Côme Pasqualin
- CNRS ERL 7368, Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires, Equipe Transferts Ioniques et Rythmicité Cardiaque, Groupe Physiologie des Cellules Cardiaques et Vasculaires, Université de Tours, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France;
| | - Serge Guyétant
- Department of Pathology, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Avenue de la République, 37170 Chambray-les-Tours, France;
- “Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, Université de Tours, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France; (M.S.); (P.B.); (T.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Antoine Touzé
- “Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, Université de Tours, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France; (M.S.); (P.B.); (T.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (S.H.); (M.W.); (B.S.); (S.S.); (R.H.); (D.S.)
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (S.H.); (M.W.); (B.S.); (S.S.); (R.H.); (D.S.)
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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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CRISPR/Cas9 Editing of the Polyomavirus Tumor Antigens Inhibits Merkel Cell Carcinoma Growth In Vitro. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091260. [PMID: 31466237 PMCID: PMC6770690 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive type of skin cancer whose main causative agent is Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). MCPyV is integrated into the genome of the tumor cells in most MCCs. Virus-positive tumor cells constitutively express two viral oncoproteins that promote cell growth: the small (sT) and the large (LT) tumor antigens (TAs). Despite the success of immunotherapies in patients with MCC, not all individuals respond to these treatments. Therefore, new therapeutic options continue to be investigated. Herein, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to target the viral oncogenes in two virus-positive MCC cell lines: MS-1 and WAGA. Frameshift mutations introduced in the target sequence upon repair of the Cas9-induced DNA break resulted in decreased LT protein levels, which subsequently impaired cell proliferation, caused cell cycle arrest, and led to increased apoptosis. Importantly, a virus-negative non-MCC cell line (HEK293T) remained unaffected, as well as those cells expressing a non-targeting single-guide RNA (sgRNA). Thus, we presumed that the noted effects were not due to the off-target activity of the TAs-targeting sgRNAs. Additionally, WAGA cells had altered levels of cellular proteins involved in cell cycle regulation, supporting the observed cell cycle. Taken together, our findings provide evidence for the development of a CRISPR/Cas9-based therapeutic option for virus-positive MCC.
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17
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Kervarrec T, Samimi M, Guyétant S, Sarma B, Chéret J, Blanchard E, Berthon P, Schrama D, Houben R, Touzé A. Histogenesis of Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review. Front Oncol 2019; 9:451. [PMID: 31245285 PMCID: PMC6579919 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. This neoplasia features aggressive behavior, resulting in a 5-year overall survival rate of 40%. In 2008, Feng et al. identified Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) integration into the host genome as the main event leading to MCC oncogenesis. However, despite identification of this crucial viral oncogenic trigger, the nature of the cell in which MCC oncogenesis occurs is actually unknown. In fact, several hypotheses have been proposed. Despite the large similarity in phenotype features between MCC tumor cells and physiological Merkel cells (MCs), a specialized subpopulation of the epidermis acting as mechanoreceptor of the skin, several points argue against the hypothesis that MCC derives directly from MCs. Alternatively, MCPyV integration could occur in another cell type and induce acquisition of an MC-like phenotype. Accordingly, an epithelial as well as a fibroblastic or B-cell origin of MCC has been proposed mainly based on phenotype similarities shared by MCC and these potential ancestries. The aim of this present review is to provide a comprehensive review of the current knowledge of the histogenesis of MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Kervarrec
- Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France.,ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mahtab Samimi
- ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France.,Departement of Dermatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Serge Guyétant
- Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France.,ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Bhavishya Sarma
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jérémy Chéret
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
| | - Emmanuelle Blanchard
- Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France.,Plateforme IBiSA de Microscopie Electronique, INSERM 1259, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Patricia Berthon
- ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Antoine Touzé
- ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
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Wobser M, Weber A, Glunz A, Tauch S, Seitz K, Butelmann T, Hesbacher S, Goebeler M, Bartz R, Kohlhof H, Schrama D, Houben R. Elucidating the mechanism of action of domatinostat (4SC-202) in cutaneous T cell lymphoma cells. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:30. [PMID: 30885250 PMCID: PMC6423872 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0719-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Targeting epigenetic modifiers is effective in cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL). However, there is a need for further improvement of this therapeutic approach. Here, we compared the mode of action of romidepsin (FK228), an established class I histone deacetylase inhibitor, and domatinostat (4SC-202), a novel inhibitor of class I HDACs, which has been reported to also target the lysine-specific histone demethylase 1A (LSD1). Methods We performed MTS assays and flow cytometric analyses of propidium iodide or annexin V-stained cells to assess drug impact on cellular proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and survival. Histone acetylation and methylation as well as caspase activation was analyzed by immunoblot. Gene expression analysis was performed using NanosString technology. Knockdown and knockout of LSD1 was achieved with shRNA and CRISPR/Cas9, respectively, while the CRISPR/Cas9 synergistic activation mediator system was used to induce expression of endogenous HDACs and LSD1. Furthermore, time-lapse fluorescence microscopy and an in vitro tubulin polymerization assay were applied. Results While FK228 as well as 4SC-202 potently induced cell death in six different CTCL cell lines, only in the case of 4SC-202 death was preceded by an accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Surprisingly, apoptosis and accumulation of cells with double DNA content occurred already at 4SC-202 concentrations hardly affecting histone acetylation and methylation, and provoking significantly less changes in gene expression compared to biologically equivalent doses of FK228. Indeed, we provide evidence that the 4SC-202-induced G2/M arrest in CTCL cells is independent of de novo transcription. Furthermore, neither enforced expression of HDAC1 nor knockdown or knockout of LSD1 affected the 4SC-202-induced effects. Since time-lapse microscopy revealed that 4SC-202 could affect mitotic spindle formation, we performed an in vitro tubulin polymerization assay revealing that 4SC-202 can directly inhibit microtubule formation. Conclusions We demonstrate that 4SC-202, a drug currently tested in clinical trials, effectively inhibits growth of CTCL cells. The anti-cancer cell activity of 4SC-202 is however not limited to LSD1-inhibition, modulation of histone modifications, and consecutive alteration of gene expression. Indeed, the compound is also a potent microtubule-destabilizing agent. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13045-019-0719-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Wobser
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Weber
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Amelie Glunz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Saskia Tauch
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Seitz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Butelmann
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Hesbacher
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Goebeler
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - René Bartz
- 4SC company, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | | | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany.
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19
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Sheu JC, Tran J, Rady PL, Dao H, Tyring SK, Nguyen HP. Polyomaviruses of the skin: integrating molecular and clinical advances in an emerging class of viruses. Br J Dermatol 2019; 180:1302-1311. [PMID: 30585627 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.17592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) are small, nonenveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses that express tumour antigen proteins. Fourteen species of polyomaviruses have been discovered in humans, and since the 2008 discovery of the first cutaneous polyomavirus - Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) - six more species have been detected in the skin: trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus (TSPyV), HPyV6, HPyV7, HPyV9, HPyV10 and HPyV13. Of these cutaneous species, only MCPyV, TSPyV, HPyV6 and HPyV7 have been definitively associated with diseases of the skin, most commonly in immunocompromised individuals. MCPyV is a predominant aetiology in Merkel cell carcinomas. TSPyV is one of the aetiological factors of trichodysplasia spinulosa. HPyV6 and HPyV7 have been recently linked to pruritic skin eruptions. The roles of HPyV9, HPyV10 and HPyV13 in pathogenesis, if any, are still unknown, but their molecular features have provided some insight into their functional biology. RESULTS In this review, we summarize the known molecular mechanisms, clinical presentation and targeted therapies of each of the eight cutaneous HPyVs. CONCLUSIONS We hope that heightened awareness and clinical recognition of HPyVs will lead to increased reports of HPyV-associated diseases and, consequently, a more robust understanding of how to diagnose and treat these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Sheu
- Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - J Tran
- Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - P L Rady
- Department of Dermatology, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - H Dao
- Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - S K Tyring
- Department of Dermatology, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - H P Nguyen
- Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A.,Department of Dermatology, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, U.S.A.,Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
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20
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Rasheed K, Abdulsalam I, Fismen S, Grimstad Ø, Sveinbjørnsson B, Moens U. CCL17/TARC and CCR4 expression in Merkel cell carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 9:31432-31447. [PMID: 30140381 PMCID: PMC6101144 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25836] [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: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, highly aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer. In more than 80% of the cases, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a causal factor. The oncogenic potential of MCPyV is mediated through its viral oncoproteins, large T antigen (LT) and small t antigen (sT). To investigate the role of cytokines in MCC, a PCR array analysis for genes encoding inflammatory cytokines and receptors was performed on MCPyV-negative and MCPyV-positive MCC cell lines, respectively. We detected an increased expression of CCL17/TARC in the MCPyV-positive MKL2 cell line compared to the MCPyV-negative MCC13 cell line. Transfection studies in MCC13 cells with LT expression plasmid, and a luciferase reporter plasmid containing the CCL17/TARC promoter, exhibited stimulated promoter activity. Interestingly, the ectopic expression of CCL17/TARC upregulated MCPyV early and late promoter activities in MCC13 cells. Furthermore, recombinant CCL17/TARC activated both the mitogen-activated protein kinase and the NF-κB pathways. Finally, immunohistochemical staining on human MCC tissues showed a strong staining of CCL17/TARC and its receptor CCR4 in both LT-positive and -negative MCC. Taken together, CCL17/TARC and CCR4 may be a potential target in MCC therapy providing MCC patients with a better overall survival outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashif Rasheed
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, N-9037, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ibrahim Abdulsalam
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, N-9037, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Silje Fismen
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Northern Norway, N-9038, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Øystein Grimstad
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Northern Norway, N-9038, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Baldur Sveinbjørnsson
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, N-9037, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ugo Moens
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, N-9037, Tromsø, Norway
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21
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Donadoni M, Sariyer R, Wollebo H, Bellizzi A, Sariyer IK. Viral tumor antigen expression is no longer required in radiation-resistant subpopulation of JCV induced mouse medulloblastoma cells. Genes Cancer 2018; 9:130-141. [PMID: 30108683 PMCID: PMC6086003 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The human neurotropic polyomavirus JC, JC virus (JCV), infects the majority of human population during early childhood and establishes a latent/persistent infection for the rest of the life. JCV is the etiologic agent of the fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) that is seen primarily in immunocompromised individuals. In addition to the PML, JCV has also been shown to transform cells in culture systems and cause a variety of tumors in experimental animals. Moreover, JCV genomic DNA and tumor antigen expression have been shown in a variety of human tumors with CNS origin. Similar to all polyomaviruses, JCV encodes for several tumor antigens from a single transcript of early coding region via alternative splicing. There is little known regarding the characteristics of JCV induced tumors and impact of DNA damage induced by radiation on viral tumor antigen expression and growth of these cells. Here we analyzed the possible impact of ionizing radiation on transformed phenotype and tumor antigen expression by utilizing a mouse medulloblastoma cell line (BSB8) obtained from a mouse transgenic for JCV tumor antigens. Our results suggest that a small subset of BSB8 cells survives and shows radiation resistance. Further analysis of the transformed phenotype of radiation resistant BSB8 cells (BSB8-RR) have revealed that they are capable of forming significantly higher numbers and sizes of colonies under anchorage dependent and independent conditions with reduced viral tumor antigen expression. Moreover, BSB8-RR cells show an increased rate of double-strand DNA break repair by homologous recombination (HR). More interestingly, knockout studies of JCV tumor antigens by utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing reveal that unlike parental BSB8 cells, BSB8-RR cells are no longer required the expression of viral tumor antigens in order to maintain transformed phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Donadoni
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Neurovirology, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rahsan Sariyer
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Neurovirology, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hassen Wollebo
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Neurovirology, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anna Bellizzi
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Neurovirology, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ilker Kudret Sariyer
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Neurovirology, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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22
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Hesbacher S, Pfitzer L, Wiedorfer K, Angermeyer S, Borst A, Haferkamp S, Scholz CJ, Wobser M, Schrama D, Houben R. RB1 is the crucial target of the Merkel cell polyomavirus Large T antigen in Merkel cell carcinoma cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:32956-68. [PMID: 27121059 PMCID: PMC5078066 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The pocket protein (PP) family consists of the three members RB1, p107 and p130 all possessing tumor suppressive properties. Indeed, the PPs jointly control the G1/S transition mainly by inhibiting E2F transcription factors. Notably, several viral oncoproteins are capable of binding and inhibiting PPs. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is considered as etiological factor for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) with expression of the viral Large T antigen (LT) harboring an intact PP binding domain being required for proliferation of most MCC cells. Therefore, we analyzed the interaction of MCPyV-LT with the PPs. Co-IP experiments indicate that MCPyV-LT binds potently only to RB1. Moreover, MCPyV-LT knockdown-induced growth arrest in MCC cells can be rescued by knockdown of RB1, but not by p107 or p130 knockdown. Accordingly, cell cycle arrest and E2F target gene repression mediated by the single PPs can only in the case of RB1 be significantly reverted by MCPyV-LT expression. Moreover, data from an MCC patient indicate that loss of RB1 rendered the MCPyV-positive MCC cells LT independent. Thus, our results suggest that RB1 is the dominant tumor suppressor PP in MCC, and that inactivation of RB1 by MCPyV-LT is largely sufficient for its growth supporting function in established MCPyV-positive MCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Hesbacher
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Pfitzer
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, University of Munich (Ludwigs-Maximilians-Universität), Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Wiedorfer
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Angermeyer
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Borst
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Marion Wobser
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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23
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Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Small T Antigen Drives Cell Motility via Rho-GTPase-Induced Filopodium Formation. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.00940-17. [PMID: 29093086 PMCID: PMC5752956 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00940-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell motility and migration is a complex, multistep, and multicomponent process intrinsic to progression and metastasis. Motility is dependent on the activities of integrin receptors and Rho family GTPases, resulting in the remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and formation of various motile actin-based protrusions. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer with a high likelihood of recurrence and metastasis. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is associated with the majority of MCC cases, and MCPyV-induced tumorigenesis largely depends on the expression of the small tumor antigen (ST). Since the discovery of MCPyV, a number of mechanisms have been suggested to account for replication and tumorigenesis, but to date, little is known about potential links between MCPyV T antigen expression and the metastatic nature of MCC. Previously, we described the action of MCPyV ST on the microtubule network and how it impacts cell motility and migration. Here, we demonstrate that MCPyV ST affects the actin cytoskeleton to promote the formation of filopodia through a mechanism involving the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 4 (PP4C). We also show that MCPyV ST-induced cell motility is dependent upon the activities of the Rho family GTPases Cdc42 and RhoA. In addition, our results indicate that the MCPyV ST-PP4C interaction results in the dephosphorylation of β1 integrin, likely driving the cell motility pathway. These findings describe a novel mechanism by which a tumor virus induces cell motility, which may ultimately lead to cancer metastasis, and provides opportunities and strategies for targeted interventions for disseminated MCC. IMPORTANCE Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the most recently discovered human tumor virus. It causes the majority of cases of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive skin cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms implicating MCPyV-encoded proteins in cancer development are yet to be fully elucidated. This study builds upon our previous observations, which demonstrated that the MCPyV ST antigen enhances cell motility, providing a potential link between MCPyV protein expression and the highly metastatic nature of MCC. Here, we show that MCPyV ST remodels the actin cytoskeleton, promoting the formation of filopodia, which is essential for MCPyV ST-induced cell motility, and we also implicate the activity of specific Rho family GTPases, Cdc42 and RhoA, in these processes. Moreover, we describe a novel mechanism for the activation of Rho-GTPases and the cell motility pathway due to the interaction between MCPyV ST and the cellular phosphatase catalytic subunit PP4C, which leads to the specific dephosphorylation of β1 integrin. These findings may therefore provide novel strategies for therapeutic intervention for disseminated MCC.
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24
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Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but highly aggressive skin cancer with neuroendocrine features. MCC pathogenesis is associated with either the presence of Merkel cell polyomavirus or chronic exposure to ultraviolet light (UV), which can cause a characteristic pattern of multiple DNA mutations. Notably, in the Northern hemisphere, the majority of MCC cases are of viral aetiology; by contrast, in areas with high UV exposure, UV-mediated carcinogenesis is predominant. The two aetiologies share similar clinical, histopathological and prognostic characteristics. MCC presents with a solitary cutaneous or subcutaneous nodule, most frequently in sun-exposed areas. In fact, UV exposure is probably involved in both viral-mediated and non-viral-mediated carcinogenesis, by contributing to immunosuppression or DNA damage, respectively. Confirmation of diagnosis relies on analyses of histological features and immunological marker expression profiles of the lesion. At primary diagnosis, loco-regional metastases are already present in ∼30% of patients. Excision of the tumour is the first-line therapy; if not feasible, radiotherapy can often effectively control the disease. Chemotherapy was the only alternative in advanced-stage or refractory MCC until several clinical trials demonstrated the efficacy of immune-checkpoint inhibitors.
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25
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Knips J, Czech-Sioli M, Spohn M, Heiland M, Moll I, Grundhoff A, Schumacher U, Fischer N. Spontaneous lung metastasis formation of human Merkel cell carcinoma cell lines transplanted into scid mice. Int J Cancer 2017; 141:160-171. [PMID: 28380668 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer entity that frequently leads to rapid death due to its high propensity to metastasize. The etiology of most MCC cases is linked to Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a virus which is monoclonally integrated in up to 95% of tumors. While there are presently no animal models to study the role of authentic MCPyV infection on transformation, tumorigenesis or metastasis formation, xenograft mouse models employing engrafted MCC-derived cell lines (MCCL) represent a promising approach to study certain aspects of MCC pathogenesis. Here, the two MCPyV-positive MCC cell lines WaGa and MKL-1 were subcutaneously engrafted in scid mice. Engraftment of both MCC cell lines resulted in the appearance of circulating tumor cells and metastasis formation, with WaGa-engrafted mice showing a significantly shorter survival time as well as increased numbers of spontaneous lung metastases compared to MKL-1 mice. Interestingly, explanted tumors compared to parental cell lines exhibit an upregulation of MCPyV sT-Antigen expression in all tumors, with WaGa tumors showing significantly higher sT-Antigen expression than MKL-1 tumors. RNA-Seq analysis of explanted tumors and parental cell lines furthermore revealed that in the more aggressive WaGa tumors, genes involved in inflammatory response, growth factor activity and Wnt signalling pathway are significantly upregulated, suggesting that sT-Antigen is the driver of the observed differences in metastasis formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Knips
- Institute of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manja Czech-Sioli
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Heinrich-Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Research Group Virus Genomics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Spohn
- Heinrich-Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Research Group Virus Genomics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Max Heiland
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Ingrid Moll
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Adam Grundhoff
- Heinrich-Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Research Group Virus Genomics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Udo Schumacher
- Institute of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Fischer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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26
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Grundhoff A, Fischer N. Merkel cell polyomavirus, a highly prevalent virus with tumorigenic potential. Curr Opin Virol 2016; 14:129-37. [PMID: 26447560 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2015.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the only human polyomavirus known to be involved in tumorigenesis. Like other human polyomaviruses, MCPyV is highly prevalent in the healthy population, yet the MCPyV-associated Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a very rare disease. Although in vitro and in vivo models have provided significant details regarding molecular functions of viral oncoproteins during cellular transformation, many open questions about the natural life cycle of the virus, its mechanisms of persistence and the precise role of MCPyV during MCC pathogenesis remain. This review will carve out the specifics of MCPyV biology and discuss unresolved issues to help the reader gain a better understanding of what may differentiate MCPyV from other polyomaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Grundhoff
- Heinrich-Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Department Virus Genomics, Martinistrasse 52, 20252 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Nicole Fischer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University-Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
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27
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Samimi M, Molet L, Fleury M, Laude H, Carlotti A, Gardair C, Baudin M, Gouguet L, Maubec E, Avenel-Audran M, Esteve E, Wierzbicka-Hainaut E, Beneton N, Aubin F, Rozenberg F, Dupin N, Avril MF, Lorette G, Guyetant S, Coursaget P, Touzé A. Prognostic value of antibodies to Merkel cell polyomavirus T antigens and VP1 protein in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. Br J Dermatol 2016; 174:813-22. [PMID: 26600395 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the main aetiological agent of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Serum antibodies against the major MCPyV capsid protein (VP1) are detected in the general population, whereas antibodies against MCPyV oncoproteins (T antigens) have been reported specifically in patients with MCC. OBJECTIVES The primary aim was to assess whether detection of serum antibodies against MCPyV proteins at baseline was associated with disease outcome in patients with MCC. The secondary aim was to establish whether evolution of these antibodies during follow-up was associated with the course of the disease. METHODS Serum T-antigen and VP1 antibodies were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using recombinant proteins in a cohort of 143 patients with MCC, including 84 patients with serum samples available at baseline. RESULTS Low titres of VP1 antibodies at baseline (< 10 000) were significantly and independently associated with increased risk of recurrence [hazard ratio (HR) 2·71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·13-6·53, P = 0·026] and death (HR 3·74, 95% CI 1·53-9·18, P = 0·004), whereas T-antigen antibodies were not found to be associated with outcome. VP1 antibodies did not differ between patients in remission and those with recurrence or progression during follow-up. However, T-antigen antibodies were more frequently detected in patients with recurrence or progression at 12 months (P = 0·020) and 24 months (P = 0·016) after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS VP1 antibodies constitute a prognostic marker at baseline, whereas T-antigen antibodies constitute a marker of disease recurrence or progression if detected > 12 months after diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Samimi
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France.,INRA, UMR 1282 ISP, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200, Tours, France.,Dermatology Department, CHU Tours, Avenue de la République, 37170, Tours, France
| | - L Molet
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Virology, Pathology and Dermatology Departments, Hôpital Cochin, 27 Rue du Fbg Saint-Jacques, 75679, Paris CEDEX 14, France.,Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, Université Paris Descartes, 22 Rue Méchain, 75014, Paris, France
| | - M Fleury
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France.,INRA, UMR 1282 ISP, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200, Tours, France.,LUNAM Université, Groupe d'Etude des Interactions Hôte-Pathogéne, UPRES EA 3142, Angers, France
| | - H Laude
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Virology, Pathology and Dermatology Departments, Hôpital Cochin, 27 Rue du Fbg Saint-Jacques, 75679, Paris CEDEX 14, France.,Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, Université Paris Descartes, 22 Rue Méchain, 75014, Paris, France
| | - A Carlotti
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Virology, Pathology and Dermatology Departments, Hôpital Cochin, 27 Rue du Fbg Saint-Jacques, 75679, Paris CEDEX 14, France
| | - C Gardair
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France.,Pathology Department, CHU Tours, Avenue de la République, 37170, Tours, France
| | - M Baudin
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France.,INRA, UMR 1282 ISP, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200, Tours, France
| | - L Gouguet
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France.,INRA, UMR 1282 ISP, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200, Tours, France
| | - E Maubec
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Dermatology Department, Hôpital Bichat, 46 Rue Henri Huchard, 75877, Paris CEDEX 18, France.,Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Dermatology Department, Hôpital Avicenne, 125, rue de Stalingrad, 93009, Bobigny, France
| | - M Avenel-Audran
- LUNAM Université, CHU Angers, Dermatology Department, 4 Rue Larrey, 49933, Angers, France
| | - E Esteve
- CHR Orléans, Dermatology Department, 14 Avenue de l'Hôpital, 45067, Orléans CEDEX 2, France
| | - E Wierzbicka-Hainaut
- CHU Poitiers, Dermatology Department, 2 Rue de la Milétrie, 86021, Poitiers CEDEX, France
| | - N Beneton
- CHR Le Mans, Dermatology Department, 194 Avenue Rubillard, 72037, Le Mans CEDEX 09, France
| | - F Aubin
- Université de Franche Comté, EA3181, SFR 4234, CHU Besançon, Dermatology Department, 2 Boulevard Fleming, 25030, Besançon, France
| | - F Rozenberg
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Virology, Pathology and Dermatology Departments, Hôpital Cochin, 27 Rue du Fbg Saint-Jacques, 75679, Paris CEDEX 14, France.,Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, Université Paris Descartes, 22 Rue Méchain, 75014, Paris, France
| | - N Dupin
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Virology, Pathology and Dermatology Departments, Hôpital Cochin, 27 Rue du Fbg Saint-Jacques, 75679, Paris CEDEX 14, France.,Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, Université Paris Descartes, 22 Rue Méchain, 75014, Paris, France
| | - M F Avril
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Virology, Pathology and Dermatology Departments, Hôpital Cochin, 27 Rue du Fbg Saint-Jacques, 75679, Paris CEDEX 14, France.,Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, Université Paris Descartes, 22 Rue Méchain, 75014, Paris, France
| | - G Lorette
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France.,INRA, UMR 1282 ISP, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200, Tours, France.,Dermatology Department, CHU Tours, Avenue de la République, 37170, Tours, France
| | - S Guyetant
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France.,Pathology Department, CHU Tours, Avenue de la République, 37170, Tours, France
| | - P Coursaget
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France.,INRA, UMR 1282 ISP, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200, Tours, France
| | - A Touzé
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France.,INRA, UMR 1282 ISP, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200, Tours, France
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28
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De Hert M, De Beugher A, Sweers K, Wampers M, Correll CU, Cohen D. Knowledge of Psychiatric Nurses About the Potentially Lethal Side-Effects of Clozapine. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2016; 30:79-83. [PMID: 26804506 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Clozapine is an antipsychotic with superior efficacy in treatment refractory patients, and has unique anti-suicidal properties and a low propensity to cause extrapyramidal side-effects. Despite these advantages, clozapine utilization is low. This can in part be explained by a number of potentially lethal side effects of clozapine. Next to psychiatrists nurses play a crucial role in the long-term management of patients with schizophrenia. It is therefore important that nurses know, inform and monitor patients about the specific side-effects of clozapine. A recent study of psychiatrists published in 2011 has shown that there was a gap in the knowledge about side-effects of clozapine. The knowledge about side-effects of clozapine in nurses has never been studied. This cross-sectional study evaluated the knowledge base regarding the safety of clozapine, and its potential mediators, of psychiatric nurses in 3 psychiatric hospitals in Belgium with a specifically developed questionnaire based on the literature and expert opinion (3 clozapine experts). A total of 85 nurses completed the questionnaire. The mean total score was 6.1 of a potential maximum score of 18. Only 3 of the 18 multiple choice knowledge questions were answered correctly by more than 50% of nurses. Only 24.9% of participants passed the test (>50% correct answers). Nurses working on psychosis units were more likely to pass the test (xx.y% vs yy.z%, p=0.0124). There was a trend that nurses with a lower nursing diploma were more likely to fail the test (p=0.0561). Our study clearly identifies a large gap in the basic knowledge of psychiatric nurses about clozapine and its side-effects. Knowledge could be increased by more emphasis on the topic in nurse's training curricula as well as targeted onsite training. Only 23.5% of participants indicate that there was sufficient information in their basic nursing training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc De Hert
- University Psychiatric Centre KU Leuven, Campus Kortenberg, Kortenberg, KU Leuven Department of Neurosciences, Belgium
| | - Annelien De Beugher
- University Psychiatric Centre KU Leuven, Campus Kortenberg, Kortenberg, KU Leuven Department of Neurosciences, Belgium
| | - Kim Sweers
- University Psychiatric Centre KU Leuven, Campus Kortenberg, Kortenberg, KU Leuven Department of Neurosciences, Belgium.
| | - Martien Wampers
- University Psychiatric Centre KU Leuven, Campus Kortenberg, Kortenberg, KU Leuven Department of Neurosciences, Belgium
| | | | - Dan Cohen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
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Church CD, Nghiem P. How does the Merkel polyomavirus lead to a lethal cancer? Many answers, many questions, and a new mouse model. J Invest Dermatol 2015; 135:1221-1224. [PMID: 25882464 PMCID: PMC4402710 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2015.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), discovered in 2008, drives the development of most Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) through several canonical mechanisms. A glaring gap in our knowledge remains the basis by which MCPyV, among all 12 human polyomaviruses, is the only one that causes cancer in humans. Moreover, initial attempts by numerous groups have failed to reproduce MCC in mice using oncoproteins from this polyomavirus. Verhaegen et al. report MCPyV small T-antigen-expressing transgenic mice that now provide insight into in vivo transformation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice D Church
- Department of Medicine/Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Department of Medicine/Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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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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Restricted protein phosphatase 2A targeting by Merkel cell polyomavirus small T antigen. J Virol 2015; 89:4191-200. [PMID: 25631078 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00157-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) is a newly discovered human cancer virus encoding a small T (sT) oncoprotein. We performed MCV sT FLAG-affinity purification followed by mass spectroscopy (MS) analysis, which identified several protein phosphatases (PP), including PP2A A and C subunits and PP4C, as potential cellular interacting proteins. PP2A targeting is critical for the transforming properties of nonhuman polyomaviruses, such as simian virus 40 (SV40), but is not required for MCV sT-induced rodent cell transformation. We compared similarities and differences in PP2A binding between MCV and SV40 sT. While SV40 sT coimmunopurified with subunits PP2A Aα and PP2A C, MCV sT coimmunopurified with PP2A Aα, PP2A Aβ, and PP2A C. Scanning alanine mutagenesis at 29 sites across the MCV sT protein revealed that PP2A-binding domains lie on the opposite molecular surface from a previously described large T stabilization domain (LSD) loop that binds E3 ligases, such as Fbw7. MCV sT-PP2A interactions can be functionally distinguished by mutagenesis from MCV sT LSD-dependent 4E-BP1 hyperphosphorylation and viral DNA replication enhancement. MCV sT has a restricted range for PP2A B subunit substitution, inhibiting only the assembly of B56α into the phosphatase holoenzyme. In contrast, SV40 sT inhibits the assembly of B55α, B56α and B56ε into PP2A. We conclude that MCV sT is required for Merkel cell carcinoma growth, but its in vitro transforming activity depends on LSD interactions rather than PP2A targeting. IMPORTANCE Merkel cell polyomavirus is a newly discovered human cancer virus that promotes cancer, in part, through expression of its small T (sT) oncoprotein. Animal polyomavirus sT oncoproteins have been found to cause experimental tumors by blocking the activities of a group of phosphatases called protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Our structural analysis reveals that MCV sT also displaces the B subunit of PP2A to inhibit PP2A activity. MCV sT, however, only displaces a restricted subset of PP2A B subunits, which is insufficient to cause tumor cell formation in vitro. MCV sT instead transforms tumor cells through another region called the large T stabilization domain. The PP2A targeting and transforming activities lie on opposite faces of the MCV sT molecule and can be genetically separated from each other.
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Next-generation sequencing of salivary high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas identifies alterations in RB1 and the mTOR pathway. Exp Mol Pathol 2014; 97:572-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2014.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Merkel cell polyomavirus small T antigen mediates microtubule destabilization to promote cell motility and migration. J Virol 2014; 89:35-47. [PMID: 25320307 PMCID: PMC4301106 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02317-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer of neuroendocrine origin with a high propensity for recurrence and metastasis. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) causes the majority of MCC cases due to the expression of the MCPyV small and large tumor antigens (ST and LT, respectively). Although a number of molecular mechanisms have been attributed to MCPyV tumor antigen-mediated cellular transformation or replication, to date, no studies have investigated any potential link between MCPyV T antigen expression and the highly metastatic nature of MCC. Here we use a quantitative proteomic approach to show that MCPyV ST promotes differential expression of cellular proteins implicated in microtubule-associated cytoskeletal organization and dynamics. Intriguingly, we demonstrate that MCPyV ST expression promotes microtubule destabilization, leading to a motile and migratory phenotype. We further highlight the essential role of the microtubule-associated protein stathmin in MCPyV ST-mediated microtubule destabilization and cell motility and implicate the cellular phosphatase catalytic subunit protein phosphatase 4C (PP4C) in the regulation of this process. These findings suggest a possible molecular mechanism for the highly metastatic phenotype associated with MCC. IMPORTANCE Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) causes the majority of cases of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive skin cancer with a high metastatic potential. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to virally induced cancer development have yet to be fully elucidated. In particular, no studies have investigated any potential link between the virus and the highly metastatic nature of MCC. We demonstrate that the MCPyV small tumor antigen (ST) promotes the destabilization of the host cell microtubule network, which leads to a more motile and migratory cell phenotype. We further show that MCPyV ST induces this process by regulating the phosphorylation status of the cellular microtubule-associated protein stathmin by its known association with the cellular phosphatase catalytic subunit PP4C. These findings highlight stathmin as a possible biomarker of MCC and as a target for novel antitumoral therapies.
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Verhaegen ME, Mangelberger D, Harms PW, Vozheiko TD, Weick JW, Wilbert DM, Saunders TL, Ermilov AN, Bichakjian CK, Johnson TM, Imperiale MJ, Dlugosz AA. Merkel cell polyomavirus small T antigen is oncogenic in transgenic mice. J Invest Dermatol 2014; 135:1415-1424. [PMID: 25313532 PMCID: PMC4397111 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2014.446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and deadly neuroendocrine skin tumor
frequently associated with clonal integration of a polyomavirus, MCPyV, and MCC tumor
cells express putative polyomavirus oncoproteins small T antigen (sTAg) and truncated
large T antigen (tLTAg). Here, we show robust transforming activity of sTAg in
vivo in a panel of transgenic mouse models. Epithelia of pre-term
sTAg-expressing embryos exhibited hyperplasia, impaired differentiation, increased
proliferation and apoptosis, and activation of a DNA damage response. Epithelial
transformation did not require sTAg interaction with the PP2A protein complex, a tumor
suppressor in some other polyomavirus transformation models, but was strictly dependent on
a recently-described sTAg domain that binds Fbxw7, the substrate-binding component of the
SCF ubiquitin ligase complex. Postnatal induction of sTAg using a Cre-inducible transgene
also led to epithelial transformation with development of lesions resembling squamous cell
carcinoma in situ and elevated expression of Fbxw7 target proteins. Our
data establish that expression of MCPyV sTAg alone is sufficient for rapid neoplastic
transformation in vivo, implicating sTAg as an oncogenic driver in MCC
and perhaps other human malignancies. Moreover, the loss of transforming activity
following mutation of the sTAg Fbxw7 binding domain identifies this domain as crucial for in
vivo transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paul W Harms
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.,Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Tracy D Vozheiko
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Jack W Weick
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Dawn M Wilbert
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Thomas L Saunders
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | | | | | - Timothy M Johnson
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.,Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.,Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | | | - Andrzej A Dlugosz
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.,Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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36
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Houben R, Angermeyer S, Haferkamp S, Aue A, Goebeler M, Schrama D, Hesbacher S. Characterization of functional domains in the Merkel cell polyoma virus Large T antigen. Int J Cancer 2014; 136:E290-300. [PMID: 25208506 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)--positive Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) tumor cell growth is dependent on the expression of a viral Large T antigen (LT) with an intact retinoblastoma protein (RB)-binding site. This RB-binding domain in MCPyV-LT is--in contrast to other polyomavirus LTs (e.g., SV40)--embedded between two large MCPyV unique regions (MUR1 and MUR2). To identify elements of the MCPyV-LT necessary for tumor cell growth, we analyzed the rescue activity of LT variants following knockdown of the endogenous LT in MCC cells. These experiments demonstrate that nuclear localization is essential for LT function, but that a motif previously described to be a nuclear localization sequence is neither required for nuclear accumulation of truncated MCPyV-LT nor for promotion of MCC cell proliferation. Furthermore, large parts of the MURs distal to the RB binding domain as well as ALTO--a second protein encoded by an alternative reading frame in the MCPyV-LT mRNA--are completely dispensable for MCPyV-driven tumor cell proliferation. Notably, even MCPyV-LTs in which the entire MURs have been removed are still able to promote MCC cellular growth although rescue activity is reduced which may be due to MUR1 being required for stable LT expression in MCC cells. Finally, we provide evidence implying that--while binding to Vam6p is not essential--HSC-70 interaction is significantly involved in mediating MCPyV-LT function in MCC cells including growth promotion and induction of E2F target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
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Cimino PJ, Robirds DH, Tripp SR, Pfeifer JD, Abel HJ, Duncavage EJ. Retinoblastoma gene mutations detected by whole exome sequencing of Merkel cell carcinoma. Mod Pathol 2014; 27:1073-87. [PMID: 24406863 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2013.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a highly aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor that has been associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus in up to 80% of cases. Merkel cell polyomavirus is believed to influence pathogenesis, at least in part, through expression of the large T antigen, which includes a retinoblastoma protein-binding domain. However, there appears to be significant clinical and morphological overlap between polyomavirus-positive and polyomavirus-negative Merkel cell carcinoma cases. Although much of the recent focus of Merkel cell carcinoma pathogenesis has been on polyomavirus, the pathogenesis of polyomavirus-negative cases is still poorly understood. We hypothesized that there are underlying human somatic mutations that unify Merkel cell carcinoma pathogenesis across polyomavirus status, and to investigate we performed whole exome sequencing on five polyomavirus-positive cases and three polyomavirus-negative cases. We found that there were no significant differences in the overall number of single-nucleotide variations, copy number variations, insertion/deletions, and chromosomal rearrangements when comparing polyomavirus-positive to polyomavirus-negative cases. However, we did find that the retinoblastoma pathway genes harbored a high number of mutations in Merkel cell carcinoma. Furthermore, the retinoblastoma gene (RB1) was found to have nonsense truncating protein mutations in all three polyomavirus-negative cases; no such mutations were found in the polyomavirus-positive cases. In all eight cases, the retinoblastoma pathway dysregulation was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Although polyomavirus-positive Merkel cell carcinoma is believed to undergo retinoblastoma dysregulation through viral large T antigen expression, our findings demonstrate that somatic mutations in polyomavirus-negative Merkel cell carcinoma lead to retinoblastoma dysregulation through an alternative pathway. This novel finding suggests that the retinoblastoma pathway dysregulation leads to an overlapping Merkel cell carcinoma phenotype and that oncogenesis occurs through either a polyomavirus-dependent (viral large T antigen expression) or polyomavirus-independent (host somatic mutation) mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Cimino
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Diane H Robirds
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - John D Pfeifer
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Haley J Abel
- Division of Statistical Genomics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Eric J Duncavage
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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Stakaitytė G, Wood JJ, Knight LM, Abdul-Sada H, Adzahar NS, Nwogu N, Macdonald A, Whitehouse A. Merkel cell polyomavirus: molecular insights into the most recently discovered human tumour virus. Cancers (Basel) 2014; 6:1267-97. [PMID: 24978434 PMCID: PMC4190541 DOI: 10.3390/cancers6031267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A fifth of worldwide cancer cases have an infectious origin, with viral infection being the foremost. One such cancer is Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive skin malignancy. In 2008, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) was discovered as the causative agent of MCC. It is found clonally integrated into the majority of MCC tumours, which require MCPyV oncoproteins to survive. Since its discovery, research has begun to reveal the molecular virology of MCPyV, as well as how it induces tumourigenesis. It is thought to be a common skin commensal, found at low levels in healthy individuals. Upon loss of immunosurveillance, MCPyV reactivates, and a heavy viral load is associated with MCC pathogenesis. Although MCPyV is in many ways similar to classical oncogenic polyomaviruses, such as SV40, subtle differences are beginning to emerge. These unique features highlight the singular position MCPyV has as the only human oncogenic polyomavirus, and open up new avenues for therapies against MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielė Stakaitytė
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre of Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Jennifer J Wood
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre of Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Laura M Knight
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre of Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Hussein Abdul-Sada
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre of Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Noor Suhana Adzahar
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre of Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Nnenna Nwogu
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre of Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Andrew Macdonald
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre of Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Adrian Whitehouse
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre of Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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Merkel cell polyomavirus-positive Merkel cell carcinoma requires viral small T-antigen for cell proliferation. J Invest Dermatol 2013; 134:1479-1481. [PMID: 24217011 PMCID: PMC3989379 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2013.483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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