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Vlashi R, Sun F, Zheng C, Zhang X, Liu J, Chen G. The molecular biology of NF2/Merlin on tumorigenesis and development. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23809. [PMID: 38967126 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400019rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
The neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene, known for encoding the tumor suppressor protein Merlin, is central to the study of tumorigenesis and associated cellular processes. This review comprehensively examines the multifaceted role of NF2/Merlin, detailing its structural characteristics, functional diversity, and involvement in various signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Hippo, TGF-β, RTKs, mTOR, Notch, and Hedgehog. These pathways are crucial for cellular growth, proliferation, and differentiation. NF2 mutations are specifically linked to the development of schwannomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas, although the precise mechanisms of tumor formation in these specific cell types remain unclear. Additionally, the review explores Merlin's role in embryogenesis, highlighting the severe developmental defects and embryonic lethality caused by NF2 deficiency. The potential therapeutic strategies targeting these genetic aberrations are also discussed, emphasizing inhibitors of mTOR, HDAC, and VEGF as promising avenues for treatment. This synthesis of current knowledge underscores the necessity for ongoing research to elucidate the detailed mechanisms of NF2/Merlin and develop effective therapeutic strategies, ultimately aiming to improve the prognosis and quality of life for individuals with NF2 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rexhina Vlashi
- College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fuju Sun
- College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenggong Zheng
- College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xingen Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Minimally Invasive Surgery in Orthopaedics & Skeletal Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang Rongjun Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Cancer Center, Jiaxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiaxing, China
| | - Guiqian Chen
- College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
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2
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Morgan J, Manickavel S, Sorace A, Hartman Y, Eli A, Massicano A, Gonzalez ML, Warram JM, Walsh E. Utility of Targeted Positron Emission Tomography Imaging to Predict Schwannoma Growth in a Murine Tumor Model. Laryngoscope 2024; 134:1372-1380. [PMID: 37578272 DOI: 10.1002/lary.30943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify if targeted positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with radiolabeled antibodies can predict tumor growth rate and ultimate tumor size in a murine flank schwannoma model. STUDY DESIGN Animal research study. METHODS Rat schwannoma cells were cultured and implanted into 40 athymic nude mice. Once tumors reached 5 mm in diameter, 30 mice were injected with zirconium-89 labeled antibodies (HER2/Neu, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), or IgG isotype). PET/CT was performed, and standardized uptake values (SUV) were recorded. Tumors were serially measured until mice were sacrificed per IACUC protocol. Statistical analysis was performed to measure correlations between SUV values, tumor size, and growth. RESULTS Mean tumor sizes in mm3 on Day 0 were 144 ± 162 for anti-HER2/Neu, 212 ± 247 for anti-VEGFR2, and 172 ± 204 for IgG isotype groups respectively. Mean growth rates in mm3 /day were 531 ± 250 for HER2, 584 ± 188 for VEGFR2, and 416 ± 163 for the IgG isotype group. For both initial tumor size and growth rates, there was no significant difference between groups. There were significant correlations between maximum tumor volume and both the SUV max in the HER2 group (p = 0.0218, R2 = 0.5020), and we observed significant correlations between growth rate, and SUV values (p = 0.0156, R2 = 0.5394). Respectively, in the anti-VEGFR2 group, there were no significant correlations. CONCLUSION In a murine schwannoma model, immunotargeted PET imaging with anti-HER2/Neu antibodies predicted tumor growth rate and final tumor size. Laryngoscope, 134:1372-1380, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Morgan
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Sudhir Manickavel
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Anna Sorace
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Yolanda Hartman
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Abbigael Eli
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Adriana Massicano
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Manuel Lora Gonzalez
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jason M Warram
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Erika Walsh
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Hardin HM, Dinh CT, Huegel J, Petrilli AM, Bracho O, Allaf A, Karajannis MA, Griswold AJ, Ivan ME, Morcos J, Gultekin SH, Telischi FF, Liu XZ, Fernandez-Valle C. Cotargeting Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase and Focal Adhesion Kinase Pathways Inhibits Proliferation of NF2 Schwannoma Cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:1280-1289. [PMID: 37527526 PMCID: PMC10832398 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) is a tumor predisposition syndrome caused by germline inactivating mutations in the NF2 gene encoding the merlin tumor suppressor. Patients develop multiple benign tumor types in the nervous system including bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VS). Standard treatments include surgery and radiation therapy, which may lead to loss of hearing, impaired facial nerve function, and other complications. Kinase inhibitor monotherapies have been evaluated clinically for NF2 patients with limited success, and more effective nonsurgical therapies are urgently needed. Schwannoma model cells treated with PI3K inhibitors upregulate activity of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) family as a compensatory survival pathway. We screened combinations of 13 clinically relevant PI3K and FAK inhibitors using human isogenic normal and merlin-deficient Schwann cell lines. The most efficacious combination was PI3K/mTOR inhibitor omipalisib with SRC/FAK inhibitor dasatinib. Sub-GI50 doses of the single drugs blocked phosphorylation of their major target proteins. The combination was superior to either single agent in promoting a G1 cell-cycle arrest and produced a 44% decrease in tumor growth over a 2-week period in a pilot orthotopic allograft model. Evaluation of single and combination drugs in six human primary VS cell models revealed the combination was superior to the monotherapies in 3 of 6 VS samples, highlighting inter-tumor variability between patients consistent with observations from clinical trials with other molecular targeted agents. Dasatinib alone performed as well as the combination in the remaining three samples. Preclinically validated combination therapies hold promise for NF2 patients and warrants further study in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley M. Hardin
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida (UCF), Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Christine T. Dinh
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Health System, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Julianne Huegel
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida (UCF), Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Alejandra M. Petrilli
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida (UCF), Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Olena Bracho
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Abdulrahman Allaf
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida (UCF), Orlando, FL, USA
| | | | - Anthony J. Griswold
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Michael E. Ivan
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Health System, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jacques Morcos
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Health System, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sakir H. Gultekin
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA
| | - Fred F. Telischi
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Health System, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Xue Zhong Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Health System, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Cristina Fernandez-Valle
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida (UCF), Orlando, FL, USA
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Moesslacher CS, Auernig E, Woodsmith J, Feichtner A, Jany-Luig E, Jehle S, Worseck JM, Heine CL, Stefan E, Stelzl U. Missense variant interaction scanning reveals a critical role of the FERM domain for tumor suppressor protein NF2 conformation and function. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302043. [PMID: 37280085 PMCID: PMC10244618 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
NF2 (moesin-ezrin-radixin-like [MERLIN] tumor suppressor) is frequently inactivated in cancer, where its NF2 tumor suppressor functionality is tightly coupled to protein conformation. How NF2 conformation is regulated and how NF2 conformation influences tumor suppressor activity is a largely open question. Here, we systematically characterized three NF2 conformation-dependent protein interactions utilizing deep mutational scanning interaction perturbation analyses. We identified two regions in NF2 with clustered mutations which affected conformation-dependent protein interactions. NF2 variants in the F2-F3 subdomain and the α3H helix region substantially modulated NF2 conformation and homomerization. Mutations in the F2-F3 subdomain altered proliferation in three cell lines and matched patterns of disease mutations in NF2 related-schwannomatosis. This study highlights the power of systematic mutational interaction perturbation analysis to identify missense variants impacting NF2 conformation and provides insight into NF2 tumor suppressor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina S Moesslacher
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Auernig
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jonathan Woodsmith
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Feichtner
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Evelyne Jany-Luig
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefanie Jehle
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics (MPIMG), Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josephine M Worseck
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics (MPIMG), Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian L Heine
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Eduard Stefan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ulrich Stelzl
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics (MPIMG), Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Berlin, Germany
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth - University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Chiasson-MacKenzie C, Vitte J, Liu CH, Wright EA, Flynn EA, Stott SL, Giovannini M, McClatchey AI. Cellular mechanisms of heterogeneity in NF2-mutant schwannoma. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1559. [PMID: 36944680 PMCID: PMC10030849 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37226-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Schwannomas are common sporadic tumors and hallmarks of familial neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) that develop predominantly on cranial and spinal nerves. Virtually all schwannomas result from inactivation of the NF2 tumor suppressor gene with few, if any, cooperating mutations. Despite their genetic uniformity schwannomas exhibit remarkable clinical and therapeutic heterogeneity, which has impeded successful treatment. How heterogeneity develops in NF2-mutant schwannomas is unknown. We have found that loss of the membrane:cytoskeleton-associated NF2 tumor suppressor, merlin, yields unstable intrinsic polarity and enables Nf2-/- Schwann cells to adopt distinct programs of ErbB ligand production and polarized signaling, suggesting a self-generated model of schwannoma heterogeneity. We validated the heterogeneous distribution of biomarkers of these programs in human schwannoma and exploited the synchronous development of lesions in a mouse model to establish a quantitative pipeline for studying how schwannoma heterogeneity evolves. Our studies highlight the importance of intrinsic mechanisms of heterogeneity across human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Chiasson-MacKenzie
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jeremie Vitte
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Ching-Hui Liu
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Emily A Wright
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Flynn
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and BioMEMS Resource Center, Surgical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 114 16th Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Shannon L Stott
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and BioMEMS Resource Center, Surgical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 114 16th Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Marco Giovannini
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Andrea I McClatchey
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Amaravathi A, Oblinger JL, Welling DB, Kinghorn AD, Chang LS. Neurofibromatosis: Molecular Pathogenesis and Natural Compounds as Potential Treatments. Front Oncol 2021; 11:698192. [PMID: 34604034 PMCID: PMC8485038 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.698192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurofibromatosis syndromes, including NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis, are tumor suppressor syndromes characterized by multiple nervous system tumors, particularly Schwann cell neoplasms. NF-related tumors are mainly treated by surgery, and some of them have been treated by but are refractory to conventional chemotherapy. Recent advances in molecular genetics and genomics alongside the development of multiple animal models have provided a better understanding of NF tumor biology and facilitated target identification and therapeutic evaluation. Many targeted therapies have been evaluated in preclinical models and patients with limited success. One major advance is the FDA approval of the MEK inhibitor selumetinib for the treatment of NF1-associated plexiform neurofibroma. Due to their anti-neoplastic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, selected natural compounds could be useful as a primary therapy or as an adjuvant therapy prior to or following surgery and/or radiation for patients with tumor predisposition syndromes, as patients often take them as dietary supplements and for health enhancement purposes. Here we review the natural compounds that have been evaluated in NF models. Some have demonstrated potent anti-tumor effects and may become viable treatments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusha Amaravathi
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Janet L Oblinger
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - D Bradley Welling
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - A Douglas Kinghorn
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Long-Sheng Chang
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
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7
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Wrestling and Wrapping: A Perspective on SUMO Proteins in Schwann Cells. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11071055. [PMID: 34356679 PMCID: PMC8301837 DOI: 10.3390/biom11071055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schwann cell development and peripheral nerve myelination are finely orchestrated multistep processes; some of the underlying mechanisms are well described and others remain unknown. Many posttranslational modifications (PTMs) like phosphorylation and ubiquitination have been reported to play a role during the normal development of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and in demyelinating neuropathies. However, a relatively novel PTM, SUMOylation, has not been studied in these contexts. SUMOylation involves the covalent attachment of one or more small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins to a substrate, which affects the function, cellular localization, and further PTMs of the conjugated protein. SUMOylation also regulates other proteins indirectly by facilitating non-covalent protein–protein interaction via SUMO interaction motifs (SIM). This pathway has important consequences on diverse cellular processes, and dysregulation of this pathway has been reported in several diseases including neurological and degenerative conditions. In this article, we revise the scarce literature on SUMOylation in Schwann cells and the PNS, we propose putative substrate proteins, and we speculate on potential mechanisms underlying the possible involvement of this PTM in peripheral myelination and neuropathies.
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Morrison DR, Sorace AG, Hamilton E, Moore LS, Houson HA, Udayakumar N, Ovaitt A, Warram JM, Walsh EM. Predicting Schwannoma Growth in a Tumor Model Using Targeted Imaging. Otol Neurotol 2021; 42:e615-e623. [PMID: 33661237 PMCID: PMC9762121 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000003063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a common pathology encountered in neurotology clinics. Many patients are observed with a "wait and scan" approach. Previous efforts to determine radiographic indicators of future growth have been unsuccessful. Using a mouse subcutaneous tumor model, we seek to determine if fluorescent imaging with directed immunotargets could be used to predict schwannoma growth rate. METHODS Anti-VEGFR2 and anti-Her2/Neu monoclonal antibodies were covalently linked to a near-infrared probe (IRDye800). Immunodeficient mice underwent subcutaneous injections with a rat-derived schwann (R3) cell line. When tumor growth was evident, either Anti-VEGFR2-IRDye800, anti-Her2/Neu-IRDye800, or Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Isotype-IRDye800 (control) were injected via tail vein. The mice were serially imaged in a closed field near-IR device. Fluorescent data were analyzed for tumor signal and correlated with tumor sie and growth rate. Heterogeneity of fluorescent tumor signal was also assessed. RESULTS In both anti-VEGFR2 and anti-Her2/Neu groups, there were strong correlations between day 1 mean tumor fluorescence and eventual maximum tumor volume (p = 0.002, 0.001; r2 = 0.92, 0.86). There was also strong correlation with maximum tumor signal on day 1 and maximum tumor volume (p = 0.003, 0.008; r2 = 0.90, 0.91). There was no such correlation in the control group (p = 0.99, 0.75; r2 = 0.0002, 0.028). CONCLUSION Given the potential morbidity in VS intervention, observation is an appropriate approach for patients with slow-growing or stagnant tumors. We seek to identify immunotargets in a murine model that show promise in predicting schwannoma growth with advanced imaging techniques. Both Her2/Neu and VEGFR2 correlated strongly wth tumor size and growth rates and are promising targets that merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Morrison
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Anna G. Sorace
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Ellis Hamilton
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Lindsay S. Moore
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Hailey A. Houson
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Neha Udayakumar
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Alyssa Ovaitt
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jason M. Warram
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Erika M. Walsh
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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Johnson B, Leatherman J. Merlin and expanded integrate cell signaling that regulates cyst stem cell proliferation in the Drosophila testis niche. Dev Biol 2021; 477:133-144. [PMID: 34044021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.05.012] [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: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 09/30/2022]
Abstract
The Drosophila testis is a model organism stem cell niche in which two stem cell populations coordinate together to produce sperm; thus, these stem cells must be balanced in the niche. Merlin, a tumor-suppressor and human disease gene required for contact inhibition of proliferation, is known to limit the proliferation of the somatic cyst stem cells in the testis niche. Expanded encodes a protein that is structurally similar to Merlin in Drosophila, and is semi-redundant with Merlin in multiple tissues. We found that expanded depletion caused similar cyst lineage cell over-proliferation as observed with Merlin, and double mutants showed more severe phenotypes than either gene individually. Thus, these genes have partially redundant functions in the cyst lineage cells of this niche. We also expressed non-phosphorylatable constitutively "tumor suppressing" alleles of Merlin in cyst lineage cells, and surprisingly, we observed a similar cyst lineage over-proliferation phenotype. Merlin is known to impact multiple different signaling pathways to exert its effect on proliferation. We found that the Merlin loss of function phenotype was associated with an increase in MAPK/ERK signaling, consistent with Merlin's established role in transmembrane receptor inhibition. Constitutive Merlin displayed a reduction in both MAPK/ERK signaling and PI3K/Tor signaling. PI3K/Tor signaling is required for cyst cell differentiation, and inhibition of this pathway by Merlin activation phenocopied the Tor cyst lineage loss of function phenotype. Thus, Merlin impacts and integrates the activity of multiple signaling pathways in the testis niche. The ability of Merlin to dynamically change its activity via phosphorylation in response to local contact cues provides an intriguing mechanism whereby the signaling pathways that control these stem cells might be dynamically regulated in response to the division of a neighboring germ cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, USA
| | - Judith Leatherman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, USA.
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10
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NF2 and Canonical Hippo-YAP Pathway Define Distinct Tumor Subsets Characterized by Different Immune Deficiency and Treatment Implications in Human Pleural Mesothelioma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071561. [PMID: 33805359 PMCID: PMC8036327 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary It is a long-held notion that loss-of-function mutations in negative regulators of the Hippo-YAP pathway, such as NF2, LATS1/2, have a similar potential to promote nuclear YAP activity, which is thought to play an essential role in the pathogenesis of MPM. Whether loss-of-function in these individual regulators uniformly affects the Hippo-YAP activity and contributes to a similar disease phenotype has not yet been revealed in MPM. Surprisingly and interestingly, we found in this study that loss-of-function in the upstream regulator NF2 of the Hippo pathway is linked to the aberrant activation of Hippo-YAP-independent signaling. More importantly, our work showed NF2 loss-of-function and dysregulated Hippo-YAP pathway define distinct MPM subsets that differ in molecular features, therapeutic implications, patients’ prognosis, and in particular, infiltrative immune signatures. Our findings in this study may be instrumental for the precise management of immunotherapy and/or targeted therapy for MPM patients. Abstract (1) Inactivation of the tumor suppressor NF2 is believed to play a major role in the pathogenesis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) by deregulating the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway. However, NF2 has functions beyond regulation of the Hippo pathway, raising the possibility that NF2 contributes to MPM via Hippo-independent mechanisms. (2) We performed weighted gene co-expression analysis (WGCNA) in transcriptomic and proteomic datasets obtained from The Cancer Gene Atlas (TCGA) MPM cohort to identify clusters of co-expressed genes highly correlated with NF2 and phospho (p)-YAP protein, surrogate markers of active Hippo signaling and YAP inactivation. The potential targets are experimentally validated using a cell viability assay. (3) MPM tumors with NF2 loss-of-function are not associated with changes in p-YAP level nor YAP/TAZ activity score, but are characterized by a deficient B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway. Conversely, MPM tumors with YAP activation display exhausted CD8 T-cell-mediated immunity together with significantly upregulated PD-L1, which is validated in an independent MPM cohort, suggesting a potential benefit of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in this patient subset. In support of this, mutations in core Hippo signaling components including LATS2, but not NF2, are independently associated with better overall survival in response to ICI in patients. Additionally, based on cancer cell line models, we show that MPM cells with a high Hippo-YAP activity are particularly sensitive to inhibitors of BCR-ABL/SRC, stratifying a unique MPM patient subset that may benefit from BCR-ABL/SRC therapies. Furthermore, we observe that NF2 physically interacts with a considerable number of proteins that are not involved in the canonical Hippo-YAP pathway, providing a possible explanation for its Hippo-independent role in MPM. Finally, survival analyses show that YAP/TAZ scores together with p-YAP protein level, but not NF2, predict the prognosis of MPM patients. (4) NF2 loss-of-function and dysregulated Hippo-YAP pathway define distinct MPM subsets that differ in their molecular features and prognosis, which has important clinical implications for precision oncology in MPM patients.
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11
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Beauchamp RL, Erdin S, Witt L, Jordan JT, Plotkin SR, Gusella JF, Ramesh V. mTOR kinase inhibition disrupts neuregulin 1-ERBB3 autocrine signaling and sensitizes NF2-deficient meningioma cellular models to IGF1R inhibition. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100157. [PMID: 33273014 PMCID: PMC7949095 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningiomas (MNs), arising from the arachnoid/meningeal layer, are nonresponsive to chemotherapies, with ∼50% showing loss of the Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor gene. Previously, we established NF2 loss activates mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) signaling, leading to clinical trials for NF2 and MN. Recently our omics studies identified activated ephrin (EPH) receptor and Src family kinases upon NF2 loss. Here, we report increased expression of several ligands in NF2-null human arachnoidal cells (ACs) and the MN cell line Ben-Men-1, particularly neuregulin-1/heregulin (NRG1), and confirm increased NRG1 secretion and activation of V-ERB-B avian erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 3 (ERBB3) receptor kinase. Conditioned-medium from NF2-null ACs or exogenous NRG1 stimulated ERBB3, EPHA2, and mTORC1/2 signaling, suggesting pathway crosstalk. NF2-null cells treated with an ERBB3-neutralizing antibody partially downregulated mTOR pathway activation but showed no effect on viability. mTORC1/2 inhibitor treatment decreased NRG1 expression and downregulated ERBB3 while re-activating pAkt T308, suggesting a mechanism independent of NRG1-ERBB3 but likely involving activation of another upstream receptor kinase. Transcriptomics after mTORC1/2 inhibition confirmed decreased ERBB3/ERBB4 while revealing increased expression of insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 (IGF1R). Drug treatment co-targeting mTORC1/2 and IGF1R/insulin receptor attenuated pAkt T308 and showed synergistic effects on viability. Our findings indicate potential autocrine signaling where NF2 loss leads to secretion/activation of NRG1-ERBB3 signaling. mTORC1/2 inhibition downregulates NRG1-ERBB3, while upregulating pAkt T308 through an adaptive response involving IGF1R/insulin receptor and co-targeting these pathways may prove effective for treatment of NF2-deficient MN.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Autocrine Communication/genetics
- Benzamides/pharmacology
- Benzoxazoles/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Movement/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Lapatinib/pharmacology
- Meningeal Neoplasms/genetics
- Meningeal Neoplasms/metabolism
- Meningeal Neoplasms/pathology
- Meningioma/genetics
- Meningioma/metabolism
- Meningioma/pathology
- Morpholines/pharmacology
- Neuregulin-1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Neuregulin-1/genetics
- Neuregulin-1/metabolism
- Neurofibromin 2/deficiency
- Neurofibromin 2/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- Pyrimidines/pharmacology
- Receptor, EphA2/genetics
- Receptor, EphA2/metabolism
- Receptor, ErbB-3/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, ErbB-3/genetics
- Receptor, ErbB-3/metabolism
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/genetics
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Sirolimus/pharmacology
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Transcriptome
- Triazines/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta L Beauchamp
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Serkan Erdin
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Luke Witt
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Justin T Jordan
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Scott R Plotkin
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James F Gusella
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vijaya Ramesh
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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12
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Cui Y, Ma L, Schacke S, Yin JC, Hsueh YP, Jin H, Morrison H. Merlin cooperates with neurofibromin and Spred1 to suppress the Ras-Erk pathway. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:3793-3806. [PMID: 33331896 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ras-Erk pathway is frequently overactivated in human tumors. Neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2 (NF1, NF2) are characterized by multiple tumors of Schwann cell origin. The NF1 tumor suppressor neurofibromin is a principal Ras-GAP accelerating Ras inactivation, whereas the NF2 tumor suppressor merlin is a scaffold protein coordinating multiple signaling pathways. We have previously reported that merlin interacts with Ras and p120RasGAP. Here, we show that merlin can also interact with the neurofibromin/Spred1 complex via merlin-binding sites present on both proteins. Further, merlin can directly bind to the Ras-binding domain (RBD) and the kinase domain (KiD) of Raf1. As the third component of the neurofibromin/Spred1 complex, merlin cannot increase the Ras-GAP activity; rather, it blocks Ras binding to Raf1 by functioning as a 'selective Ras barrier'. Merlin-deficient Schwann cells require the Ras-Erk pathway activity for proliferation. Accordingly, suppression of the Ras-Erk pathway likely contributes to merlin's tumor suppressor activity. Taken together, our results, and studies by others, support targeting or co-targeting of this pathway as a therapy for NF2 inactivation-related tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cui
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Lin Ma
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany.,College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Stephan Schacke
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jiani C Yin
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Hongchuan Jin
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical School of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Helen Morrison
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany.,Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743, Germany
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13
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Huntoon K, Toland AMS, Dahiya S. Meningioma: A Review of Clinicopathological and Molecular Aspects. Front Oncol 2020; 10:579599. [PMID: 33194703 PMCID: PMC7645220 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.579599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningiomas are the most the common primary brain tumors in adults, representing approximately a third of all intracranial neoplasms. They classically are found to be more common in females, with the exception of higher grades that have a predilection for males, and patients of older age. Meningiomas can also be seen as a spectrum of inherited syndromes such as neurofibromatosis 2 as well as ionizing radiation. In general, the 5-year survival for a WHO grade I meningioma exceeds 80%; however, survival is greatly reduced in anaplastic meningiomas. The standard of care for meningiomas in a surgically-accessible location is gross total resection. Radiation therapy is generally saved for atypical, anaplastic, recurrent, and surgically inaccessible benign meningiomas with a total dose of ~60 Gy. However, the method of radiation, regimen and timing is still evolving and is an area of active research with ongoing clinical trials. While there are currently no good adjuvant chemotherapeutic agents available, recent advances in the genomic and epigenomic landscape of meningiomas are being explored for potential targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Huntoon
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | | | - Sonika Dahiya
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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14
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Helbing DL, Schulz A, Morrison H. Pathomechanisms in schwannoma development and progression. Oncogene 2020; 39:5421-5429. [PMID: 32616891 PMCID: PMC7410823 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1374-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Schwannomas are tumors of the peripheral nervous system, consisting of different cell types. These include tumorigenic Schwann cells, axons, macrophages, T cells, fibroblasts, blood vessels, and an extracellular matrix. All cell types involved constitute an intricate “tumor microenvironment” and play relevant roles in the development and progression of schwannomas. Although Nf2 tumor suppressor gene-deficient Schwann cells are the primary tumorigenic element and principle focus of current research efforts, evidence is accumulating regarding the contributory roles of other cell types in schwannoma pathology. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of intra- and intercellular mechanisms contributing to schwannoma formation. “Genes load the gun, environment pulls the trigger.” -George A. Bray
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario-Lucas Helbing
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute, 07745, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Schulz
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute, 07745, Jena, Germany.,MVZ Human Genetics, 99084, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Helen Morrison
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute, 07745, Jena, Germany.
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15
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Lewis D, Donofrio CA, O'Leary C, Li KL, Zhu X, Williams R, Djoukhadar I, Agushi E, Hannan CJ, Stapleton E, Lloyd SK, Freeman SR, Wadeson A, Rutherford SA, Hammerbeck-Ward C, Evans DG, Jackson A, Pathmanaban ON, Roncaroli F, King AT, Coope DJ. The microenvironment in sporadic and neurofibromatosis type II-related vestibular schwannoma: the same tumor or different? A comparative imaging and neuropathology study. J Neurosurg 2020; 134:1419-1429. [PMID: 32470937 DOI: 10.3171/2020.3.jns193230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inflammation and angiogenesis may play a role in the growth of sporadic and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)-related vestibular schwannoma (VS). The similarities in microvascular and inflammatory microenvironment have not been investigated. The authors sought to compare the tumor microenvironment (TME) in sporadic and NF2-related VSs using a combined imaging and tissue analysis approach. METHODS Diffusion MRI and high-temporal-resolution dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI data sets were prospectively acquired in 20 NF2-related and 24 size-matched sporadic VSs. Diffusion metrics (mean diffusivity, fractional anisotropy) and DCE-MRI-derived microvascular biomarkers (transfer constant [Ktrans], fractional plasma volume, tissue extravascular-extracellular space [ve], longitudinal relaxation rate, tumoral blood flow) were compared across both VS groups, and regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of tumor size, pretreatment tumor growth rate, and tumor NF2 status (sporadic vs NF2-related) on each imaging parameter. Tissues from 17 imaged sporadic VSs and a separate cohort of 12 NF2-related VSs were examined with immunohistochemistry markers for vessels (CD31), vessel permeability (fibrinogen), and macrophage density (Iba1). The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 1 was evaluated using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and double immunofluorescence. RESULTS Imaging data demonstrated that DCE-MRI-derived microvascular characteristics were similar in sporadic and NF2-related VSs. Ktrans (p < 0.001), ve (p ≤ 0.004), and tumoral free water content (p ≤ 0.003) increased with increasing tumor size and pretreatment tumor growth rate. Regression analysis demonstrated that with the exception of mean diffusivity (p < 0.001), NF2 status had no statistically significant effect on any of the imaging parameters or the observed relationship between the imaging parameters and tumor size (p > 0.05). Tissue analysis confirmed the imaging metrics among resected sporadic VSs and demonstrated that across all VSs studied, there was a close association between vascularity and Iba1+ macrophage density (r = 0.55, p = 0.002). VEGF was expressed by Iba1+ macrophages. CONCLUSIONS The authors present the first in vivo comparative study of microvascular and inflammatory characteristics in sporadic and NF2-related VSs. The imaging and tissue analysis results indicate that inflammation is a key contributor to TME and should be viewed as a therapeutic target in both VS groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lewis
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre.,2Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre (WMIC), University of Manchester
| | - Carmine A Donofrio
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre
| | - Claire O'Leary
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre.,3Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester
| | - Ka-Loh Li
- 2Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre (WMIC), University of Manchester
| | - Xiaoping Zhu
- 2Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre (WMIC), University of Manchester
| | - Ricky Williams
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre
| | - Ibrahim Djoukhadar
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre
| | - Erjon Agushi
- 2Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre (WMIC), University of Manchester
| | - Cathal J Hannan
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre
| | - Emma Stapleton
- 4Department of Otolaryngology, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre
| | - Simon K Lloyd
- 4Department of Otolaryngology, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre
| | - Simon R Freeman
- 4Department of Otolaryngology, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre
| | - Andrea Wadeson
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre
| | - Scott A Rutherford
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre
| | - Charlotte Hammerbeck-Ward
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre
| | - D Gareth Evans
- 5Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester
| | - Alan Jackson
- 2Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre (WMIC), University of Manchester
| | - Omar N Pathmanaban
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre.,6Division of Cell Matrix Biology & Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester; and
| | - Federico Roncaroli
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre.,3Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester
| | - Andrew T King
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre.,7Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David J Coope
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre.,3Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester
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16
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Mota M, Shevde LA. Merlin regulates signaling events at the nexus of development and cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:63. [PMID: 32299434 PMCID: PMC7164249 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In this review, we describe how the cytoskeletal protein Merlin, encoded by the Neurofibromin 2 (NF2) gene, orchestrates developmental signaling to ensure normal ontogeny, and we discuss how Merlin deficiency leads to aberrant activation of developmental pathways that enable tumor development and malignant progression. Main body Parallels between embryonic development and cancer have underscored the activation of developmental signaling pathways. Hippo, WNT/β-catenin, TGF-β, receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), Notch, and Hedgehog pathways are key players in normal developmental biology. Unrestrained activity or loss of activity of these pathways causes adverse effects in developing tissues manifesting as developmental syndromes. Interestingly, these detrimental events also impact differentiated and functional tissues. By promoting cell proliferation, migration, and stem-cell like phenotypes, deregulated activity of these pathways promotes carcinogenesis and cancer progression. The NF2 gene product, Merlin, is a tumor suppressor classically known for its ability to induce contact-dependent growth inhibition. Merlin plays a role in different stages of an organism development, ranging from embryonic to mature states. While homozygous deletion of Nf2 in murine embryos causes embryonic lethality, Merlin loss in adult tissue is implicated in Neurofibromatosis type 2 disorder and cancer. These manifestations, cumulatively, are reminiscent of dysregulated developmental signaling. Conclusion Understanding the molecular and cellular repercussions of Merlin loss provides fundamental insights into the etiology of developmental disorders and cancer and has the potential, in the long term, to identify new therapeutic strategies. Video Abstract
Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus Mota
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, WTI 320D, 1824 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Lalita A Shevde
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, WTI 320D, 1824 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA. .,O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, WTI 320D, 1824 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
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17
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Denneny E, Sahota J, Beatson R, Thornton D, Burchell J, Porter J. Mucins and their receptors in chronic lung disease. Clin Transl Immunology 2020; 9:e01120. [PMID: 32194962 PMCID: PMC7077995 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing recognition that mucus and mucin biology have a considerable impact on respiratory health, and subsequent global morbidity and mortality. Mucins play a critical role in chronic lung disease, not only by providing a physical barrier and clearing pathogens, but also in immune homeostasis. The aim of this review is to familiarise the reader with the role of mucins in both lung health and disease, with particular focus on function in immunity, infection and inflammation. We will also discuss their receptors, termed glycan-binding proteins, and how they provide an attractive prospect for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Denneny
- Leukocyte Trafficking Laboratory Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair UCL Respiratory Rayne Institute University College London London UK
| | - Jagdeep Sahota
- Leukocyte Trafficking Laboratory Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair UCL Respiratory Rayne Institute University College London London UK
| | - Richard Beatson
- Breast Cancer Biology Group Division of Cancer Studies King's College London Guy's Hospital London UK
| | - David Thornton
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research School of Biological Sciences Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre University of Manchester Manchester UK
| | - Joy Burchell
- Breast Cancer Biology Group Division of Cancer Studies King's College London Guy's Hospital London UK
| | - Joanna Porter
- Leukocyte Trafficking Laboratory Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair UCL Respiratory Rayne Institute University College London London UK
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18
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Lee YS, Lee YS. Molecular characteristics of meningiomas. J Pathol Transl Med 2020; 54:45-63. [PMID: 31964111 PMCID: PMC6986967 DOI: 10.4132/jptm.2019.11.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningioma is the most common primary intracranial tumor in adults. The grading of meningioma is based on World Health Organization criteria, which rely on histopathological features alone. This grading system is unable to conclusively predict the clinical behavior of these tumors (i.e., recurrence or prognosis in benign or atypical grades). Advances in molecular techniques over the last decade that include genomic and epigenomic data associated with meningiomas have been used to identify genetic biomarkers that can predict tumor behavior. This review summarizes the molecular characteristics of meningioma using genetic and epigenetic biomarkers. Molecular alterations that can predict meningioma behavior may be integrated into the upcoming World Health Organization grading system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Suk Lee
- Department of Hospital Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Youn Soo Lee
- Department of Hospital Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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19
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White SM, Avantaggiati ML, Nemazanyy I, Di Poto C, Yang Y, Pende M, Gibney GT, Ressom HW, Field J, Atkins MB, Yi C. YAP/TAZ Inhibition Induces Metabolic and Signaling Rewiring Resulting in Targetable Vulnerabilities in NF2-Deficient Tumor Cells. Dev Cell 2020; 49:425-443.e9. [PMID: 31063758 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Merlin/NF2 is a bona fide tumor suppressor whose mutations underlie inherited tumor syndrome neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), as well as various sporadic cancers including kidney cancer. Multiple Merlin/NF2 effector pathways including the Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway have been identified. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning the growth and survival of NF2-mutant tumors remain poorly understood. Using an inducible orthotopic kidney tumor model, we demonstrate that YAP/TAZ silencing is sufficient to induce regression of pre-established NF2-deficient tumors. Mechanistically, YAP/TAZ depletion diminishes glycolysis-dependent growth and increases mitochondrial respiration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) buildup, resulting in oxidative-stress-induced cell death when challenged by nutrient stress. Furthermore, we identify lysosome-mediated cAMP-PKA/EPAC-dependent activation of RAF-MEK-ERK signaling as a resistance mechanism to YAP/TAZ inhibition. Finally, unbiased analysis of TCGA primary kidney tumor transcriptomes confirms a positive correlation of a YAP/TAZ signature with glycolysis and inverse correlations with oxidative phosphorylation and lysosomal gene expression, supporting the clinical relevance of our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M White
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | | | - Ivan Nemazanyy
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Cristina Di Poto
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelmen School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mario Pende
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Geoffrey T Gibney
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Habtom W Ressom
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Jeffery Field
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelmen School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael B Atkins
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Chunling Yi
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA.
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20
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Mandati V, Del Maestro L, Dingli F, Lombard B, Loew D, Molinie N, Romero S, Bouvard D, Louvard D, Gautreau AM, Pasmant E, Lallemand D. Phosphorylation of Merlin by Aurora A kinase appears necessary for mitotic progression. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:12992-13005. [PMID: 31296571 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although Merlin's function as a tumor suppressor and regulator of mitogenic signaling networks such as the Ras/rac, Akt, and Hippo pathways is well-documented, in mammals as well as in insects, its role during cell cycle progression remains unclear. In this study, using a combination of approaches, including FACS analysis, time-lapse imaging, immunofluorescence microscopy, and co-immunoprecipitation, we show that Ser-518 of Merlin is a substrate of the Aurora protein kinase A during mitosis and that its phosphorylation facilitates the phosphorylation of a newly discovered site, Thr-581. We found that the expression in HeLa cells of a Merlin variant that is phosphorylation-defective on both sites leads to a defect in centrosomes and mitotic spindles positioning during metaphase and delays the transition from metaphase to anaphase. We also show that the dual mitotic phosphorylation not only reduces Merlin binding to microtubules but also timely modulates ezrin interaction with the cytoskeleton. Finally, we identify several point mutants of Merlin associated with neurofibromatosis type 2 that display an aberrant phosphorylation profile along with defective α-tubulin-binding properties. Altogether, our findings of an Aurora A-mediated interaction of Merlin with α-tubulin and ezrin suggest a potential role for Merlin in cell cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Mandati
- CNRS, UMR144, Institute Curie, PSL Research University, F-75005 Paris, France
| | | | - Florent Dingli
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse Protéomique, Institute Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Bérangère Lombard
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse Protéomique, Institute Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Damarys Loew
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse Protéomique, Institute Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Molinie
- BIOC, CNRS UMR7654, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, F-91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Stephane Romero
- BIOC, CNRS UMR7654, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, F-91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Daniel Bouvard
- INSERM, Institut Albert Bonniot U823, F-38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Daniel Louvard
- CNRS, UMR144, Institute Curie, PSL Research University, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Alexis M Gautreau
- BIOC, CNRS UMR7654, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, F-91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Eric Pasmant
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Dominique Lallemand
- CNRS, UMR144, Institute Curie, PSL Research University, F-75005 Paris, France.
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21
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Hennigan RF, Fletcher JS, Guard S, Ratner N. Proximity biotinylation identifies a set of conformation-specific interactions between Merlin and cell junction proteins. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/578/eaau8749. [PMID: 31015291 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aau8749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 is an inherited, neoplastic disease associated with schwannomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas and that is caused by inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene NF2 The NF2 gene product, Merlin, has no intrinsic catalytic activity; its tumor suppressor function is mediated through the proteins with which it interacts. We used proximity biotinylation followed by mass spectrometry and direct binding assays to identify proteins that associated with wild-type and various mutant forms of Merlin in immortalized Schwann cells. We defined a set of 52 proteins in close proximity to wild-type Merlin. Most of the Merlin-proximal proteins were components of cell junctional signaling complexes, suggesting that additional potential interaction partners may exist in adherens junctions, tight junctions, and focal adhesions. With mutant forms of Merlin that cannot bind to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) or that constitutively adopt a closed conformation, we confirmed a critical role for PIP2 binding in Merlin function and identified a large cohort of proteins that specifically interacted with Merlin in the closed conformation. Among these proteins, we identified a previously unreported Merlin-binding protein, apoptosis-stimulated p53 protein 2 (ASPP2, also called Tp53bp2), that bound to closed-conformation Merlin predominately through the FERM domain. Our results demonstrate that Merlin is a component of cell junctional mechanosensing complexes and defines a specific set of proteins through which it acts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Hennigan
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Jonathan S Fletcher
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Steven Guard
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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22
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Hall A, Choi K, Liu W, Rose J, Zhao C, Yu Y, Na Y, Cai Y, Coover RA, Lin Y, Dombi E, Kim M, Levanon D, Groner Y, Boscolo E, Pan D, Liu PP, Lu QR, Ratner N, Huang G, Wu J. RUNX represses Pmp22 to drive neurofibromagenesis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaau8389. [PMID: 31032403 PMCID: PMC6482019 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau8389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are predisposed to develop neurofibromas, but the underlying molecular mechanisms of neurofibromagenesis are not fully understood. We showed dual genetic deletion of Runx1 and Runx3 in Schwann cells (SCs) and SC precursors delayed neurofibromagenesis and prolonged mouse survival. We identified peripheral myelin protein 22 (Pmp22/Gas3) related to neurofibroma initiation. Knockdown of Pmp22 with short hairpin RNAs increased Runx1fl/fl;Runx3fl/fl;Nf1fl/fl;DhhCre tumor-derived sphere numbers and enabled significantly more neurofibroma-like microlesions on transplantation. Conversely, overexpression of Pmp22 in mouse neurofibroma SCs decreased cell proliferation. Mechanistically, RUNX1/3 regulated alternative promoter usage and induced levels of protein expression of Pmp22 to control SC growth. Last, pharmacological inhibition of RUNX/core-binding factor β (CBFB) activity significantly reduced neurofibroma volume in vivo. Thus, we identified a signaling pathway involving RUNX1/3 suppression of Pmp22 in neurofibroma initiation and/or maintenance. Targeting disruption of RUNX/CBFB interaction might provide a novel therapy for patients with neurofibroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Hall
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Kwangmin Choi
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Jonathan Rose
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Chuntao Zhao
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Yanan Yu
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Cancer and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Youjin Na
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Yuqi Cai
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Robert A. Coover
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Yi Lin
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Eva Dombi
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - MiOk Kim
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCSF, Box 0128, 1450 3rd St. Suite 285, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ditsa Levanon
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yoram Groner
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Elisa Boscolo
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Dao Pan
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - P. Paul Liu
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Q. Richard Lu
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Gang Huang
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Jianqiang Wu
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Corresponding author.
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23
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Goutagny S, Kalamarides M. Medical treatment in neurofibromatosis type 2. Review of the literature and presentation of clinical reports. Neurochirurgie 2018; 64:370-374. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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24
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Chen H, Xue L, Huang H, Wang H, Zhang X, Zhu W, Wang Z, Wang Z, Wu H. Synergistic effect of Nutlin-3 combined with MG-132 on schwannoma cells through restoration of merlin and p53 tumour suppressors. EBioMedicine 2018; 36:252-265. [PMID: 30274821 PMCID: PMC6197711 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.09.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The great majority of sporadic vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are due to the mutations of the NF2 gene encoding merlin. Sporadic VSs exhibit variable growth patterns and only a small fraction of the tumours are fast-growing; however, the underlying mechanisms remain undefined. METHODS DNA sequencing and dosage analysis were used to identify the NF2 mutation status in sporadic schwannomas. The expression and sub-cellular localization of merlin and p53-MDM2 were assessed by immunoblotting, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence. In vitro and in vivo studies were performed to reveal the effects of Nutlin-3 (a MDM2 inhibitor) and/or MG-132(a proteasome inhibitor) on schwannomas. The proliferation of schwannoma cells was assessed by CCK-8 assay, EdU staining and Flow cytometry analysis. FINDINGS Double genetic hits of NF2 tended to occur in fast-growing tumours, characterized by the absence of merlin. The deregulation of p53-MDM2 was demonstrated to mediate merlin-deficient tumour growth, characterized by a nuclear accumulation of stabilized MDM2, contributing to a nuclear export of p53 for degradation. Nutlin-3 blocked the proliferation of schwannoma cells via a cooperative recovery of merlin and p53, accompanied by the shuttling of both proteins from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. We further demonstrated a difference in the sensitivity to Nutlin-3 between schwannoma cells with and without merlin expression. Nutlin-3 combined with MG-132 narrowed this between-group difference and triggered stronger inhibitory effects on the growth of schwannomas through coordinated reactivation of p53. INTERPRETATION These findings present treatment strategies directed on the pathogenesis of sporadic schwannomas. FUND: National Natural Science Foundation of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongsai Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, The Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Xue
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hantao Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoman Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Weidong Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhigang Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoyan Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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25
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Toledo A, Grieger E, Karram K, Morrison H, Baader SL. Neurofibromatosis type 2 tumor suppressor protein is expressed in oligodendrocytes and regulates cell proliferation and process formation. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196726. [PMID: 29715273 PMCID: PMC5929554 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor protein Merlin functions as a negative regulator of cell growth and actin dynamics in different cell types amongst which Schwann cells have been extensively studied. In contrast, the presence and the role of Merlin in oligodendrocytes, the myelin forming cells within the CNS, have not been elucidated. In this work, we demonstrate that Merlin immunoreactivity was broadly distributed in the white matter throughout the central nervous system. Following Merlin expression during development in the cerebellum, Merlin could be detected in the cerebellar white matter tract at early postnatal stages as shown by its co-localization with Olig2-positive cells as well as in adult brain sections where it was aligned with myelin basic protein containing fibers. This suggests that Merlin is expressed in immature and mature oligodendrocytes. Expression levels of Merlin were low in oligodendrocytes as compared to astrocytes and neurons throughout development. Expression of Merlin in oligodendroglia was further supported by its identification in either immortalized cell lines of oligodendroglial origin or in primary oligodendrocyte cultures. In these cultures, the two main splice variants of Nf2 could be detected. Merlin was localized in clusters within the nuclei and in the cytoplasm. Overexpressing Merlin in oligodendrocyte cell lines strengthened reduced impedance in XCELLigence measurements and Ki67 stainings in cultures over time. In addition, the initiation and elongation of cellular projections were reduced by Merlin overexpression. Consistently, cell migration was retarded in scratch assays done on Nf2-transfected oligodendrocyte cell lines. These data suggest that Merlin actively modulates process outgrowth and migration in oligodendrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Toledo
- Institute of Anatomy, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Bonn, Germany
- Laboratorio de Cultivo de Tejidos, Sección Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Elena Grieger
- Institute of Anatomy, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Bonn, Germany
| | - Khalad Karram
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Helen Morrison
- Leibniz Institute for Age Research, Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Stephan L. Baader
- Institute of Anatomy, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Bonn, Germany
- * E-mail:
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26
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Petrilli AM, Garcia J, Bott M, Klingeman Plati S, Dinh CT, Bracho OR, Yan D, Zou B, Mittal R, Telischi FF, Liu XZ, Chang LS, Welling DB, Copik AJ, Fernández-Valle C. Ponatinib promotes a G1 cell-cycle arrest of merlin/NF2-deficient human schwann cells. Oncotarget 2018; 8:31666-31681. [PMID: 28427224 PMCID: PMC5458238 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a genetic syndrome that predisposes individuals to multiple benign tumors of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including vestibular schwannomas. Currently, there are no FDA approved drug therapies for NF2. Loss of function of merlin encoded by the NF2 tumor suppressor gene leads to activation of multiple mitogenic signaling cascades, including platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and SRC in Schwann cells. The goal of this study was to determine whether ponatinib, an FDA-approved ABL/SRC inhibitor, reduced proliferation and/or survival of merlin-deficient human Schwann cells (HSC). Merlin-deficient HSC had higher levels of phosphorylated PDGFRα/β, and SRC than merlin-expressing HSC. A similar phosphorylation pattern was observed in phospho-protein arrays of human vestibular schwannoma samples compared to normal HSC. Ponatinib reduced merlin-deficient HSC viability in a dose-dependent manner by decreasing phosphorylation of PDGFRα/β, AKT, p70S6K, MEK1/2, ERK1/2 and STAT3. These changes were associated with decreased cyclin D1 and increased p27Kip1levels, leading to a G1 cell-cycle arrest as assessed by Western blotting and flow cytometry. Ponatinib did not modulate ABL, SRC, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), or paxillin phosphorylation levels. These results suggest that ponatinib is a potential therapeutic agent for NF2-associated schwannomas and warrants further in vivo investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra M Petrilli
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Lake Nona-Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Jeanine Garcia
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Lake Nona-Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Marga Bott
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Lake Nona-Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Stephani Klingeman Plati
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Lake Nona-Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Christine T Dinh
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Olena R Bracho
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Denise Yan
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Bing Zou
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Rahul Mittal
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Fred F Telischi
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Xue-Zhong Liu
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Long-Sheng Chang
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - D Bradley Welling
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.,Current Affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Alicja J Copik
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Lake Nona-Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Cristina Fernández-Valle
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Lake Nona-Orlando, FL 32827, USA
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27
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Nf2 Mutation in Schwann Cells Delays Functional Neural Recovery Following Injury. Neuroscience 2018; 374:205-213. [PMID: 29408605 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Merlin is the protein product of the NF2 tumor suppressor gene. Germline NF2 mutation leads to neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), characterized by multiple intracranial and spinal schwannomas. Patients with NF2 also frequently develop peripheral neuropathies. While the role of merlin in SC neoplasia is well established, its role in SC homeostasis is less defined. Here we explore the role of merlin in SC responses to nerve injury and their ability to support axon regeneration. We performed sciatic nerve crush in wild-type (WT) and in P0SchΔ39-121 transgenic mice that express a dominant negative Nf2 isoform in SCs. Recovery of nerve function was assessed by measuring mean contact paw area on a pressure pad 7, 21, 60, and 90 days following nerve injury and by nerve conduction assays at 90 days following injury. After 90 days, the nerves were harvested and axon regeneration was quantified stereologically. Myelin ultrastructure was analyzed by electron microscopy. Functional studies showed delayed nerve regeneration in Nf2 mutant mice compared to the WT mice. Delayed neural recovery correlated with a reduced density of regenerated axons and increased endoneurial space in mutants compared to WT mice. Nevertheless, functional and nerve conduction measures ultimately recovered to similar levels in WT and Nf2 mutant mice, while there was a small (∼17%) reduction in the percent of regenerated axons in the Nf2 mutant mice. The data suggest that merlin function in SCs regulates neural ultrastructure and facilitates neural regeneration, in addition to its role in SC neoplasia.
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28
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Dahlhoff M, Gaborit N, Bultmann S, Leonhardt H, Yarden Y, Schneider MR. CRISPR-assisted receptor deletion reveals distinct roles for ERBB2 and ERBB3 in skin keratinocytes. FEBS J 2017; 284:3339-3349. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.14196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maik Dahlhoff
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology; LMU Munich; Germany
| | - Nadège Gaborit
- Department of Biological Regulation; Weizmann Institute of Science; Rehovot Israel
| | - Sebastian Bultmann
- Human Biology and BioImaging; Department of Biology II; LMU Munich; Germany
| | - Heinrich Leonhardt
- Human Biology and BioImaging; Department of Biology II; LMU Munich; Germany
| | - Yosef Yarden
- Department of Biological Regulation; Weizmann Institute of Science; Rehovot Israel
| | - Marlon R. Schneider
- German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R); German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR); Berlin Germany
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29
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Taylor RL, Zhang Y, Schöning JP, Deakin JE. Identification of candidate genes for devil facial tumour disease tumourigenesis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8761. [PMID: 28821767 PMCID: PMC5562891 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08908-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Devil facial tumour (DFT) disease, a transmissible cancer where the infectious agent is the tumour itself, has caused a dramatic decrease in Tasmanian devil numbers in the wild. The purpose of this study was to take a candidate gene/pathway approach to identify potentially perturbed genes or pathways in DFT. A fusion of chromosome 1 and X is posited as the initial event leading to the development of DFT, with the rearranged chromosome 1 material now stably maintained as the tumour spreads through the population. This hypothesis makes chromosome 1 a prime chromosome on which to search for mutations involved in tumourigenesis. As DFT1 has a Schwann cell origin, we selected genes commonly implicated in tumour pathways in human nerve cancers, or cancers more generally, to determine whether they were rearranged in DFT1, and mapped them using molecular cytogenetics. Many cancer-related genes were rearranged, such as the region containing the tumour suppressor NF2 and a copy gain for ERBB3, a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor family of receptor tyrosine kinases implicated in proliferation and invasion of tumours in humans. Our mapping results have provided strong candidates not previously detected by sequencing DFT1 genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn L Taylor
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Yiru Zhang
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Jennifer P Schöning
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.,Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Queensland, 4067, Australia
| | - Janine E Deakin
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, 2617, Australia.
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30
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Fuse MA, Plati SK, Burns SS, Dinh CT, Bracho O, Yan D, Mittal R, Shen R, Soulakova JN, Copik AJ, Liu XZ, Telischi FF, Chang LS, Franco MC, Fernandez-Valle C. Combination Therapy with c-Met and Src Inhibitors Induces Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis of Merlin-Deficient Schwann Cells and Suppresses Growth of Schwannoma Cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:2387-2398. [PMID: 28775147 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a nervous system tumor disorder caused by inactivation of the merlin tumor suppressor encoded by the NF2 gene. Bilateral vestibular schwannomas are a diagnostic hallmark of NF2. Mainstream treatment options for NF2-associated tumors have been limited to surgery and radiotherapy; however, off-label uses of targeted molecular therapies are becoming increasingly common. Here, we investigated drugs targeting two kinases activated in NF2-associated schwannomas, c-Met and Src. We demonstrated that merlin-deficient mouse Schwann cells (MD-MSC) treated with the c-Met inhibitor, cabozantinib, or the Src kinase inhibitors, dasatinib and saracatinib, underwent a G1 cell-cycle arrest. However, when MD-MSCs were treated with a combination of cabozantinib and saracatinib, they exhibited caspase-dependent apoptosis. The combination therapy also significantly reduced growth of MD-MSCs in an orthotopic allograft mouse model by greater than 80% of vehicle. Moreover, human vestibular schwannoma cells with NF2 mutations had a 40% decrease in cell viability when treated with cabozantinib and saracatinib together compared with the vehicle control. This study demonstrates that simultaneous inhibition of c-Met and Src signaling in MD-MSCs triggers apoptosis and reveals vulnerable pathways that could be exploited to develop NF2 therapies. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(11); 2387-98. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa A Fuse
- Division of Neuroscience, Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - Stephani Klingeman Plati
- Division of Neuroscience, Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - Sarah S Burns
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Christine T Dinh
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Olena Bracho
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Denise Yan
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Rahul Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Rulong Shen
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Julia N Soulakova
- Division of Neuroscience, Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - Alicja J Copik
- Division of Neuroscience, Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - Xue Zhong Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Fred F Telischi
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Long-Sheng Chang
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Maria Clara Franco
- Division of Neuroscience, Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - Cristina Fernandez-Valle
- Division of Neuroscience, Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
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31
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Cooper J, Xu Q, Zhou L, Pavlovic M, Ojeda V, Moulick K, de Stanchina E, Poirier JT, Zauderer M, Rudin CM, Karajannis MA, Hanemann CO, Giancotti FG. Combined Inhibition of NEDD8-Activating Enzyme and mTOR Suppresses NF2 Loss-Driven Tumorigenesis. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:1693-1704. [PMID: 28468780 PMCID: PMC5929164 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Inactivation of NF2/Merlin causes the autosomal-dominant cancer predisposition syndrome familial neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and contributes to the development of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). To develop a targeted therapy for NF2-mutant tumors, we have exploited the recent realization that Merlin loss drives tumorigenesis by activating the E3 ubiquitin ligase CRL4DCAF1, thereby inhibiting the Hippo pathway component Lats. Here, we show that MLN4924, a NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE) inhibitor, suppresses CRL4DCAF1 and attenuates activation of YAP in NF2-mutant tumor cells. In addition, MLN4924 sensitizes MPM to traditional chemotherapy, presumably as a result of collateral inhibition of cullin-RING ubiquitin ligases (CRL) involved in DNA repair. However, even in combination with chemotherapy, MLN4924 does not exhibit significant preclinical activity. Further analysis revealed that depletion of DCAF1 or treatment with MLN4924 does not affect mTOR hyperactivation in NF2-mutant tumor cells, suggesting that loss of Merlin activates mTOR independently of CRL4DCAF1 Intriguingly, combining MLN4924 with the mTOR/PI3K inhibitor GDC-0980 suppresses the growth of NF2-mutant tumor cells in vitro as well as in mouse and patient-derived xenografts. These results provide preclinical rationale for the use of NAE inhibitors in combination with mTOR/PI3K inhibitors in NF2-mutant tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(8); 1693-704. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Cooper
- Cell Biology Program and Center for Metastasis Research, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Qingwen Xu
- Department of Cancer Biology and David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lu Zhou
- Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Milica Pavlovic
- Cell Biology Program and Center for Metastasis Research, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Cancer Biology and David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Virginia Ojeda
- Cell Biology Program and Center for Metastasis Research, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Kamalika Moulick
- Cell Biology Program and Center for Metastasis Research, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - John T Poirier
- Thoracic Oncology Service and Druckenmiller Center for Lung Cancer Research, Memorial Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Marjorie Zauderer
- Thoracic Oncology Service and Druckenmiller Center for Lung Cancer Research, Memorial Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Charles M Rudin
- Thoracic Oncology Service and Druckenmiller Center for Lung Cancer Research, Memorial Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Matthias A Karajannis
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - C Oliver Hanemann
- Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Filippo G Giancotti
- Department of Cancer Biology and David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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32
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Chen H, Xue L, Wang H, Wang Z, Wu H. Differential NF2 Gene Status in Sporadic Vestibular Schwannomas and its Prognostic Impact on Tumour Growth Patterns. Sci Rep 2017. [PMID: 28710469 DOI: 10.1038/srep5470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The great majority of sporadic vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are due to the inactivation of the NF2 gene. In this study, we found age-dependent differences in the clinical parameters of sporadic VSs. Young patients were characterized by progressive tumour behaviours, including earlier onset of initial symptoms, shorter symptom duration and larger tumour size. An increased rate of "two-hits" of both NF2 alleles, usually by mutation and allelic loss, was observed in young cases compared to older, and this correlated with the loss of protein and mRNA expression. In contrast, the tumours with a single mutation (referred to as 'one-hit') exhibited obvious expression levels. Moreover, a mixture of merlin-expressing tumour cells and non-expressing tumour cells was observed in 'one-hit' schwannomas, suggesting that a subset of 'one-hit' tumour cells was present in these tumours. To mimic the growth promoting effects by the second hit, we performed lentivirus-mediated NF2 knockdown in the 'one-hit' schwannoma cultures. Following the loss of NF2 expression, schwannoma cultures demonstrated increased proliferation rates. Above all, we have identified a correlation between the NF2 status and the growth patterns of sporadic VSs. The treatment decision-making, microsurgery or "wait and scan" strategy, should be carried out according to the tumour's genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongsai Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Xue
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hantao Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoyan Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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33
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Chen H, Xue L, Wang H, Wang Z, Wu H. Differential NF2 Gene Status in Sporadic Vestibular Schwannomas and its Prognostic Impact on Tumour Growth Patterns. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5470. [PMID: 28710469 PMCID: PMC5511254 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05769-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The great majority of sporadic vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are due to the inactivation of the NF2 gene. In this study, we found age-dependent differences in the clinical parameters of sporadic VSs. Young patients were characterized by progressive tumour behaviours, including earlier onset of initial symptoms, shorter symptom duration and larger tumour size. An increased rate of “two-hits” of both NF2 alleles, usually by mutation and allelic loss, was observed in young cases compared to older, and this correlated with the loss of protein and mRNA expression. In contrast, the tumours with a single mutation (referred to as ‘one-hit’) exhibited obvious expression levels. Moreover, a mixture of merlin-expressing tumour cells and non-expressing tumour cells was observed in ‘one-hit’ schwannomas, suggesting that a subset of ‘one-hit’ tumour cells was present in these tumours. To mimic the growth promoting effects by the second hit, we performed lentivirus-mediated NF2 knockdown in the ‘one-hit’ schwannoma cultures. Following the loss of NF2 expression, schwannoma cultures demonstrated increased proliferation rates. Above all, we have identified a correlation between the NF2 status and the growth patterns of sporadic VSs. The treatment decision-making, microsurgery or “wait and scan” strategy, should be carried out according to the tumour’s genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongsai Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Xue
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hantao Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoyan Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. .,Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. .,Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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34
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Li X, Chen H, Xue L, Pang X, Zhang X, Zhu Z, Zhu W, Wang Z, Wu H. p53 performs an essential role in mediating the oncogenic stimulus triggered by loss of expression of neurofibromatosis type 2 during in vitro tumor progression. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:2223-2231. [PMID: 28789444 PMCID: PMC5530008 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The loss of the tumor suppressor neurofibromatosis type 2 gene, encoding merlin, has been considered to be a fundamental event during the malignant progression of various cell types. However, a consensus for the mainstream mechanism, by which merlin deficiency contributes to uncontrolled cellular proliferation, has not been reached. The present study aimed to determine whether silencing of merlin using lentivirus-based short hairpin RNA potentiates cellular proliferation and cell cycle progression in human colon carcinoma HCT116 cell lines, expressing p53. The present results demonstrated that merlin knockdown contributed to cellular proliferation and G1/S cell cycle progression to a greater extent in HCT116 cells wide-type for p53 (p53wt) compared with p53-null (p53−/−) cells. This was supported by overexpression experiments which demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect of excess merlin on cellular proliferation only in HCT116 p53wt cells. In order to investigate the underlying mechanisms of action, the expression of p53-involved G1/S transition genes was evaluated by western blot analysis. For HCT116 p53wt cells, merlin loss suppressed p53 expression, and therefore the dysregulation of cell cycle regulatory proteins, including p21, cyclin D1/cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4 and cyclin E1/CDK2 complexes. However, merlin knockdowns had no impact on the expression of any of the aforementioned molecules in p53−/− cells, indicating that lack of merlin resulted in G1/S cell cycle progression, and thereby uncontrolled cellular proliferation mainly via the regulation of p53-mediated pathways. Taken together, it was proposed that p53 performs an essential role in mediating the oncogenic stimulus triggered by merlin loss, and p53 is a molecule that should be investigated for its potential in targeted drug therapy for merlin-deficient malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiye Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Hongsai Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Lu Xue
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Xiuhong Pang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoman Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Zhengjie Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Weidong Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoyan Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
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35
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Zotti T, Scudiero I, Vito P, Stilo R. The Emerging Role of TRAF7 in Tumor Development. J Cell Physiol 2017; 232:1233-1238. [PMID: 27808423 PMCID: PMC5347962 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The seven members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R)-associated factor (TRAF) family of intracellular proteins were originally discovered and characterized as signaling adaptor molecules coupled to the cytoplasmic regions of receptors of the TNF-R superfamily. Functionally, TRAFs act both as a scaffold and/or enzymatic proteins to regulate activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and transcription factors of nuclear factor-κB family (NF-κB). Given the wide variety of stimuli intracellularly conveyed by TRAF proteins, they are physiologically involved in multiple biological processes, including embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. In the last few years, it has become increasingly evident the involvement of TRAF7, the last member of the TRAF family to be discovered, in the genesis and progression of several human cancers, placing TRAF7 in the spotlight as a novel tumor suppressor protein. In this paper, we review and discuss the literature recently produced on this subject. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1233-1238, 2017. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Physiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Zotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze e TecnologieUniversità degli Studi del SannioBeneventoItaly
| | | | - Pasquale Vito
- Dipartimento di Scienze e TecnologieUniversità degli Studi del SannioBeneventoItaly
| | - Romania Stilo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e TecnologieUniversità degli Studi del SannioBeneventoItaly
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36
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Bassiri K, Ferluga S, Sharma V, Syed N, Adams CL, Lasonder E, Hanemann CO. Global Proteome and Phospho-proteome Analysis of Merlin-deficient Meningioma and Schwannoma Identifies PDLIM2 as a Novel Therapeutic Target. EBioMedicine 2017; 16:76-86. [PMID: 28126595 PMCID: PMC5474504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss or mutation of the tumour suppressor Merlin predisposes individuals to develop multiple nervous system tumours, including schwannomas and meningiomas, sporadically or as part of the autosomal dominant inherited condition Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2). These tumours display largely low grade features but their presence can lead to significant morbidity. Surgery and radiotherapy remain the only treatment options despite years of research, therefore an effective therapeutic is required. Unbiased omics studies have become pivotal in the identification of differentially expressed genes and proteins that may act as drug targets or biomarkers. Here we analysed the proteome and phospho-proteome of these genetically defined tumours using primary human tumour cells to identify upregulated/activated proteins and/or pathways. We identified over 2000 proteins in comparative experiments between Merlin-deficient schwannoma and meningioma compared to human Schwann and meningeal cells respectively. Using functional enrichment analysis we highlighted several dysregulated pathways and Gene Ontology terms. We identified several proteins and phospho-proteins that are more highly expressed in tumours compared to controls. Among proteins jointly dysregulated in both tumours we focused in particular on PDZ and LIM domain protein 2 (PDLIM2) and validated its overexpression in several tumour samples, while not detecting it in normal cells. We showed that shRNA mediated knockdown of PDLIM2 in both primary meningioma and schwannoma leads to significant reductions in cellular proliferation. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive assessment of the NF2-related meningioma and schwannoma proteome and phospho-proteome. Taken together, our data highlight several commonly deregulated factors, and indicate that PDLIM2 may represent a novel, common target for meningioma and schwannoma. Proteome and phosphoproteome of Merlin-deficient schwannomas and meningiomas were analysed. Comparative studies highlighted several pathways relevant for therapeutic intervention. PDLIM2 was identified as a novel, commonly upregulated protein in both tumours. PDLIM2 knockdown led to a significant reduction in proliferation in both cell types.
Loss or mutation of the protein Merlin causes a genetic condition known as Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) characterised by the growth of schwannomas and meningiomas. We analysed several of these tumour samples and identified over 2000 proteins in comparative experiments between Merlin-deficient schwannoma and meningioma compared to normal controls. We identified PDZ and LIM domain protein 2 (PDLIM2) as overexpressed in both tumour types and further showed that knockdown of PDLIM2 leads to significant reductions in cellular proliferation. Taken together, our data highlight several deregulated signalling pathways, and indicate that PDLIM2 may represent a novel, common target for meningioma and schwannoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh Bassiri
- Institute of Translational and Stratified Medicine, Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, John Bull Building, Plymouth Science Park, Research Way, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8BU, UK
| | - Sara Ferluga
- Institute of Translational and Stratified Medicine, Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, John Bull Building, Plymouth Science Park, Research Way, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8BU, UK
| | - Vikram Sharma
- School of Biomedical and Healthcare Sciences, Plymouth University, Drakes Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Nelofer Syed
- John Fulcher Neuro-oncology Laboratory, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W6 8RP, UK
| | - Claire L Adams
- Institute of Translational and Stratified Medicine, Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, John Bull Building, Plymouth Science Park, Research Way, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8BU, UK
| | - Edwin Lasonder
- School of Biomedical and Healthcare Sciences, Plymouth University, Drakes Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - C Oliver Hanemann
- Institute of Translational and Stratified Medicine, Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, John Bull Building, Plymouth Science Park, Research Way, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8BU, UK.
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37
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Peyre M, Salaud C, Clermont-Taranchon E, Niwa-Kawakita M, Goutagny S, Mawrin C, Giovannini M, Kalamarides M. PDGF activation in PGDS-positive arachnoid cells induces meningioma formation in mice promoting tumor progression in combination with Nf2 and Cdkn2ab loss. Oncotarget 2016; 6:32713-22. [PMID: 26418719 PMCID: PMC4741724 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of PDGF-B and its receptor in meningeal tumorigenesis is not clear. We investigated the role of PDGF-B in mouse meningioma development by generating autocrine stimulation of the arachnoid through the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) using the RCAStv-a system. To specifically target arachnoid cells, the cells of origin of meningioma, we generated the PGDStv-a mouse (Prostaglandin D synthase). Forced expression of PDGF-B in arachnoid cells in vivo induced the formation of Grade I meningiomas in 27% of mice by 8 months of age. In vitro, PDGF-B overexpression in PGDS-positive arachnoid cells lead to increased proliferation.We found a correlation of PDGFR-B expression and NF2 inactivation in a cohort of human meningiomas, and we showed that, in mice, Nf2 loss and PDGF over-expression in arachnoid cells induced meningioma malignant transformation, with 40% of Grade II meningiomas. In these mice, additional loss of Cdkn2ab resulted in a higher incidence of malignant meningiomas with 60% of Grade II and 30% of Grade III meningiomas. These data suggest that chronic autocrine PDGF signaling can promote proliferation of arachnoid cells and is potentially sufficient to induce meningiomagenesis. Loss of Nf2 and Cdkn2ab have synergistic effects with PDGF-B overexpression promoting meningioma malignant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Peyre
- Department of Neurosurgery, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Université Paris 6 - Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France.,CRICM INSERM U1127 CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière, Paris, France
| | - Céline Salaud
- Université Paris 6 - Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France.,CRICM INSERM U1127 CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière, Paris, France
| | - Estelle Clermont-Taranchon
- Université Paris 6 - Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France.,CRICM INSERM U1127 CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière, Paris, France
| | - Michiko Niwa-Kawakita
- Inserm U944, CNRS U7212, Université Paris VII, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Paris, France
| | | | - Christian Mawrin
- Department of Neuropathology, Otto-von-Guericke Universität, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marco Giovannini
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michel Kalamarides
- Department of Neurosurgery, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Université Paris 6 - Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France.,CRICM INSERM U1127 CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière, Paris, France
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38
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Merlin inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling by blocking LRP6 phosphorylation. Cell Death Differ 2016; 23:1638-47. [PMID: 27285107 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2016.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Merlin, encoded by the NF2 gene, is a tumor suppressor that acts by inhibiting mitogenic signaling and is mutated in Neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) disease, although its molecular mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we observed that Merlin inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling by blocking phosphorylation of LRP6, which is necessary for Wnt signal transduction, whereas mutated Merlin in NF2 patients did not. Treatment with Wnt3a enhanced phosphorylation of Ser518 in Merlin via activation of PAK1 in a PIP2-dependent manner. Phosphorylated Merlin dissociated from LRP6, allowing for phosphorylation of LRP6. Tissues from NF2 patients exhibited higher levels of β-catenin, and proliferation of RT4-D6P2T rat schwannoma cells was significantly reduced by treatment with chemical inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Taken together, our findings suggest that sustained activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling due to abrogation of Merlin-mediated inhibition of LRP6 phosphorylation may be a cause of NF2 disease.
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39
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Beauchamp RL, James MF, DeSouza PA, Wagh V, Zhao WN, Jordan JT, Stemmer-Rachamimov A, Plotkin SR, Gusella JF, Haggarty SJ, Ramesh V. A high-throughput kinome screen reveals serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 as a therapeutic target for NF2-deficient meningiomas. Oncotarget 2016. [PMID: 26219339 PMCID: PMC4627286 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial adult tumor. All Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2)-associated meningiomas and ~60% of sporadic meningiomas show loss of NF2 tumor suppressor protein. There are no effective medical therapies for progressive and recurrent meningiomas. Our previous work demonstrated aberrant activation of mTORC1 signaling that led to ongoing clinical trials with rapamycin analogs for NF2 and sporadic meningioma patients. Here we performed a high-throughput kinome screen to identify kinases responsible for mTORC1 pathway activation in NF2-deficient meningioma cells. Among the emerging top candidates were the mTORC2-specific target serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) and p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1). In NF2-deficient meningioma cells, inhibition of SGK1 rescues mTORC1 activation, and SGK1 activation is sensitive to dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor AZD2014, but not to rapamycin. PAK1 inhibition also leads to attenuated mTORC1 but not mTORC2 signaling, suggesting that mTORC2/SGK1 and Rac1/PAK1 pathways are independently responsible for mTORC1 activation in NF2-deficient meningiomas. Using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, we generated isogenic human arachnoidal cell lines (ACs), the origin cell type for meningiomas, expressing or lacking NF2. NF2-null CRISPR ACs recapitulate the signaling of NF2-deficient meningioma cells. Interestingly, we observe increased SGK1 transcription and protein expression in NF2-CRISPR ACs and in primary NF2-negative meningioma lines. Moreover, we demonstrate that the dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitor, AZD2014 is superior to rapamycin and PAK inhibitor FRAX597 in blocking proliferation of meningioma cells. Importantly, AZD2014 is currently in use in several clinical trials of cancer. Therefore, we believe that AZD2014 may provide therapeutic advantage over rapalogs for recurrent and progressive meningiomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta L Beauchamp
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marianne F James
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick A DeSouza
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vilas Wagh
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wen-Ning Zhao
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justin T Jordan
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Scott R Plotkin
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James F Gusella
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen J Haggarty
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vijaya Ramesh
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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40
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Bonne NX, Vitte J, Chareyre F, Karapetyan G, Khankaldyyan V, Tanaka K, Moats RA, Giovannini M. An allograft mouse model for the study of hearing loss secondary to vestibular schwannoma growth. J Neurooncol 2016; 129:47-56. [PMID: 27177628 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-016-2150-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vestibular schwannoma is a benign neoplasm arising from the Schwann cell sheath of the auditory-vestibular nerve. It most commonly affects both sides in the genetic condition Neurofibromatosis type 2, causing progressive high frequency sensorineural hearing loss. Here, we describe a microsurgical technique and stereotactic coordinates for schwannoma cell grafting in the vestibular nerve region that recapitulates local tumor growth in the cerebellopontine angle and inner auditory canal with resulting hearing loss. Tumor growth was monitored by bioluminescence and MRI in vivo imaging, and hearing assessed by auditory brainstem responses. These techniques, by potentially enabling orthotopic grafting of a variety of cell lines will allow studies on the pathogenesis of tumor-related hearing loss and preclinical drug evaluation, including hearing endpoints, for NF2-related and sporadic schwannomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas-Xavier Bonne
- House Research Institute, Center for Neural Tumor Research, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Otology and Neurotology, University Hospital of Lille, and INSERM U1008 "Controlled Drug Delivery System and Biomaterials", University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Jérémie Vitte
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fabrice Chareyre
- House Research Institute, Center for Neural Tumor Research, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gevorg Karapetyan
- Department of Radiology, USC Keck School of Medicine, The Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vazgen Khankaldyyan
- Department of Radiology, USC Keck School of Medicine, The Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Karo Tanaka
- House Research Institute, Center for Neural Tumor Research, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rex A Moats
- Department of Radiology, USC Keck School of Medicine, The Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marco Giovannini
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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41
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Genetic/molecular alterations of meningiomas and the signaling pathways targeted. Oncotarget 2016; 6:10671-88. [PMID: 25965831 PMCID: PMC4484411 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Meningiomas are usually considered to be benign central nervous system tumors; however, they show heterogenous clinical, histolopathological and cytogenetic features associated with a variable outcome. In recent years important advances have been achieved in the identification of the genetic/molecular alterations of meningiomas and the signaling pathways involved. Thus, monosomy 22, which is often associated with mutations of the NF2 gene, has emerged as the most frequent alteration of meningiomas; in addition, several other genes (e.g., AKT1, KLF4, TRAF7, SMO) and chromosomes have been found to be recurrently altered often in association with more complex karyotypes and involvement of multiple signaling pathways. Here we review the current knowledge about the most relevant genes involved and the signaling pathways targeted by such alterations. In addition, we summarize those proposals that have been made so far for classification and prognostic stratification of meningiomas based on their genetic/genomic features.
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42
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Matsubara F, Katabami T, Asai S, Ariizumi Y, Maeda I, Takagi M, Keely MM, Ono K, Maekawa T, Nakamura Y, Tanaka Y, Sasano H. Immunohistochemical analysis of insulin-like growth factor 1 and its receptor in sporadic schwannoma/peripheral nerve sheath tumour. J Int Med Res 2016; 44:662-72. [PMID: 27091859 PMCID: PMC5536698 DOI: 10.1177/0300060516637768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the immunohistochemical localization of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) in archival specimens of sporadic schwannoma. Method This study retrospectively analysed the immunolocalization of IGF-1 and IGF-1R in schwannoma specimens collected from all patients with sporadic schwannoma that were treated by two institutions in Japan. The study also evaluated the association between the extent of the IGF-1 and IGF-1R immunoreactivity and several clinicopathological characteristics (age, sex and maximum tumour dimension). Results The study examined a total of 29 sporadic schwannoma specimens. IGF-1 and IGF-1R immunoreactivity was detected in the majority of the specimens regardless of their anatomical location. IGF-1 and IGF-1R were not co-localized. There was no association between the extent of the IGF-1 and IGF-1R immunoreactivity and the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients. Conclusions As IGF-1 and IGF-1R immunoreactivity was detected in the majority of sporadic schwannoma specimens regardless of their anatomical location, these findings suggest that an IGF-1/IGF-1R loop could play a role in the tumorigenesis and progression of schwannomas via an autocrine–paracrine mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiaki Matsubara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology, St Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takuyuki Katabami
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology, St Marianna University School of Medicine Yokohama City Seibu Hospital, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shiko Asai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology, St Marianna University School of Medicine Yokohama City Seibu Hospital, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yasushi Ariizumi
- Department of Pathology, St Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ichiro Maeda
- Department of Pathology, St Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masayuki Takagi
- Department of Pathology, St Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - May McNamara Keely
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Ono
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Takashi Maekawa
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakamura
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yasushi Tanaka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology, St Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
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Petrilli AM, Fernández-Valle C. Role of Merlin/NF2 inactivation in tumor biology. Oncogene 2016; 35:537-48. [PMID: 25893302 PMCID: PMC4615258 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Merlin (Moesin-ezrin-radixin-like protein, also known as schwannomin) is a tumor suppressor protein encoded by the neurofibromatosis type 2 gene NF2. Loss of function mutations or deletions in NF2 cause neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a multiple tumor forming disease of the nervous system. NF2 is characterized by the development of bilateral vestibular schwannomas. Patients with NF2 can also develop schwannomas on other cranial and peripheral nerves, as well as meningiomas and ependymomas. The only potential treatment is surgery/radiosurgery, which often results in loss of function of the involved nerve. There is an urgent need for chemotherapies that slow or eliminate tumors and prevent their formation in NF2 patients. Interestingly NF2 mutations and merlin inactivation also occur in spontaneous schwannomas and meningiomas, as well as other types of cancer including mesothelioma, glioma multiforme, breast, colorectal, skin, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, hepatic and prostate cancer. Except for malignant mesotheliomas, the role of NF2 mutation or inactivation has not received much attention in cancer, and NF2 might be relevant for prognosis and future chemotherapeutic approaches. This review discusses the influence of merlin loss of function in NF2-related tumors and common human cancers. We also discuss the NF2 gene status and merlin signaling pathways affected in the different tumor types and the molecular mechanisms that lead to tumorigenesis, progression and pharmacological resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra M. Petrilli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Cristina Fernández-Valle
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
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44
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Tumor Biology of Vestibular Schwannoma: A Review of Experimental Data on the Determinants of Tumor Genesis and Growth Characteristics. Otol Neurotol 2016; 36:1128-36. [PMID: 26049313 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000000788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Provide an overview of the literature on vestibular schwannoma biology with special attention to tumor behavior and targeted therapy. BACKGROUND Vestibular schwannomas are benign tumors originating from the eighth cranial nerve and arise due to inactivation of the NF2 gene and its product merlin. Unraveling the biology of these tumors helps to clarify their growth pattern and is essential in identifying therapeutic targets. METHODS PubMed search for English-language articles on vestibular schwannoma biology from 1994 to 2014. RESULTS Activation of merlin and its role in cell signaling seem as key aspects of vestibular schwannoma biology. Merlin is regulated by proteins such as CD44, Rac, and myosin phosphatase-targeting subunit 1. The tumor-suppressive functions of merlin are related to receptor tyrosine kinases, such as the platelet-derived growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor. Merlin mediates the Hippo pathway and acts within the nucleus by binding E3 ubiquiting ligase CRL4. Angiogenesis is an important mechanism responsible for the progression of these tumors and is affected by processes such as hypoxia and inflammation. Inhibiting angiogenesis by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor seems to be the most successful pharmacologic strategy, but additional therapeutic options are emerging. CONCLUSION Over the years, the knowledge on vestibular schwannoma biology has significantly increased. Future research should focus on identifying new therapeutic targets by investigating vestibular schwannoma (epi)genetics, merlin function, and tumor behavior. Besides identifying novel targets, testing new combinations of existing treatment strategies can further improve vestibular schwannoma therapy.
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45
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A splicing variant of Merlin promotes metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2015; 6:8457. [PMID: 26443326 PMCID: PMC4633634 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Merlin, which is encoded by the tumour suppressor gene Nf2, plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, little is known about the functional importance of Merlin splicing forms. In this study, we show that Merlin is present at low levels in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in metastatic tumours, where it is associated with a poor prognosis. Surprisingly, a splicing variant of Merlin that lacks exons 2, 3 and 4 (Δ2–4Merlin) is amplified in HCC and portal vein tumour thrombus (PVTT) specimens and in the CSQT2 cell line derived from PVTT. Our studies show that Δ2–4Merlin interferes with the capacity of wild-type Merlin to bind β-catenin and ERM, and it is expressed in the cytoplasm rather than at the cell surface. Furthermore, Δ2–4Merlin overexpression increases the expression levels of β-catenin and stemness-related genes, induces the epithelium–mesenchymal-transition phenotype promoting cell migration in vitro and the formation of lung metastasis in vivo. Our results indicate that the Δ2–4Merlin variant disrupts the normal function of Merlin and promotes tumour metastasis. Merlin plays a crucial role as a tumour suppressor in liver tumorigenesis. Here, the authors show that a splicing variant of Merlin that lacks exons 2,3 and 4 (Δ2–4Merlin) is highly expressed in hepatocarcinoma and promotes tumour metastasis by interfering with the binding of wild-type Merlin to ß-catenin.
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46
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Ahmad I, Fernando A, Gurgel R, Jason Clark J, Xu L, Hansen MR. Merlin status regulates p75(NTR) expression and apoptotic signaling in Schwann cells following nerve injury. Neurobiol Dis 2015; 82:114-122. [PMID: 26057084 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2015.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
After nerve injury, Schwann cells (SCs) dedifferentiate, proliferate, and support axon regrowth. If axons fail to regenerate, denervated SCs eventually undergo apoptosis due, in part, to increased expression of the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor, p75(NTR). Merlin is the protein product of the NF2 tumor suppressor gene implicated in SC tumorigenesis. Here we explore the contribution of merlin to SC responses to nerve injury. We find that merlin becomes phosphorylated (growth permissive) in SCs following acute axotomy and following gradual neural degeneration in a deafness model, temporally correlated with increased p75(NTR) expression. p75(NTR) levels are elevated in P0SchΔ39-121 transgenic mice that harbor an Nf2 mutation in SCs relative to wild-type mice before axotomy and remain elevated for a longer period of time following injury. Replacement of wild-type, but not phospho-mimetic (S518D), merlin isoforms suppresses p75(NTR) expression in primary human schwannoma cultures which otherwise lack functional merlin. Despite elevated levels of p75(NTR), SC apoptosis following axotomy is blunted in P0SchΔ39-121 mice relative to wild-type mice suggesting that loss of functional merlin contributes to SC resistance to apoptosis. Further, cultured SCs from mice with a tamoxifen-inducible knock-out of Nf2 confirm that SCs lacking functional merlin are less sensitive to p75(NTR)-mediated cell death. Taken together these results point to a model whereby loss of axonal contact following nerve injury results in merlin phosphorylation leading to increased p75(NTR) expression. Further, they demonstrate that merlin facilitates p75(NTR)-mediated apoptosis in SCs helping to explain how neoplastic SCs that lack functional merlin survive long-term in the absence of axonal contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iram Ahmad
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Augusta Fernando
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Richard Gurgel
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - J Jason Clark
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Linjing Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Marlan R Hansen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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47
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McCabe MG, Evans DG. Pathogenesis and management of type 2 neurofibromatosis. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2015.1014800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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48
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Ahmad I, Yue WY, Fernando A, Clark JJ, Woodson EA, Hansen MR. p75NTR is highly expressed in vestibular schwannomas and promotes cell survival by activating nuclear transcription factor κB. Glia 2014; 62:1699-712. [PMID: 24976126 PMCID: PMC4150679 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) arise from Schwann cells (SCs) and result from the loss of function of merlin, the protein product of the NF2 tumor suppressor gene. In contrast to non-neoplastic SCs, VS cells survive long-term in the absence of axons. We find that p75(NTR) is overexpressed in VSs compared with normal nerves, both at the transcript and protein level, similar to the response of non-neoplastic SCs following axotomy. Despite elevated p75(NTR) expression, VS cells are resistant to apoptosis due to treatment with proNGF, a high affinity ligand for p75(NTR) . Furthermore, treatment with proNGF protects VS cells from apoptosis due to c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibition indicating that p75(NTR) promotes VS cell survival. Treatment of VS cells with proNGF activated NF-κB while inhibition of JNK with SP600125 or siRNA-mediated knockdown reduced NF-κB activity. Significantly, proNGF also activated NF-κB in cultures treated with JNK inhibitors. Thus, JNK activity appears to be required for basal levels of NF-κB activity but not for proNGF-induced NF-κB activity. To confirm that the increase in NF-κB activity contributes to the prosurvival effect of proNGF, we infected VS cultures with Ad.IκB.SerS32/36A virus, which inhibits NF-κB activation. Compared with control virus, Ad.IκB.SerS32/36A significantly increased apoptosis including in VS cells treated with proNGF. Thus, in contrast to non-neoplastic SCs, p75(NTR) signaling provides a prosurvival response in VS cells by activating NF-κB independent of JNK. Such differences may contribute to the ability of VS cells to survive long-term in the absence of axons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iram Ahmad
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - Wei Ying Yue
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
- Department of Otolaryngology-HNS, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Augusta Fernando
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
- Department of Otolaryngology-HNS, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - J. Jason Clark
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - Erika A. Woodson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
- Department of Otolaryngology-HNS, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Marlan R. Hansen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
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49
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50
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Ali Khajeh J, Ju JH, Atchiba M, Allaire M, Stanley C, Heller WT, Callaway DJE, Bu Z. Molecular conformation of the full-length tumor suppressor NF2/Merlin--a small-angle neutron scattering study. J Mol Biol 2014; 426:2755-68. [PMID: 24882693 PMCID: PMC4407695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Revised: 05/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor protein Merlin inhibits cell proliferation upon establishing cell-cell contacts. Because Merlin has high level of sequence similarity to the Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin family of proteins, the structural model of Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin protein autoinhibition and cycling between closed/resting and open/active conformational states is often employed to explain Merlin function. However, recent biochemical studies suggest alternative molecular models of Merlin function. Here, we have determined the low-resolution molecular structure and binding activity of Merlin and a Merlin(S518D) mutant that mimics the inactivating phosphorylation at S518 using small-angle neutron scattering and binding experiments. Small-angle neutron scattering shows that, in solution, both Merlin and Merlin(S518D) adopt a closed conformation, but binding experiments indicate that a significant fraction of either Merlin or Merlin(S518D) is capable of binding to the target protein NHERF1. Upon binding to the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate lipid, the wild-type Merlin adopts a more open conformation than in solution, but Merlin(S518D) remains in a closed conformation. This study supports a rheostat model of Merlin in NHERF1 binding and contributes to resolving a controversy about the molecular conformation and binding activity of Merlin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahan Ali Khajeh
- Department of Chemistry, City College of New York and CUNY Graduate Center, NY, USA
| | - Jeong Ho Ju
- Department of Chemistry, City College of New York and CUNY Graduate Center, NY, USA
| | - Moussoubaou Atchiba
- Department of Chemistry, City College of New York and CUNY Graduate Center, NY, USA
| | - Marc Allaire
- Photon Sciences Directorate, Brookhaven National Laboratory, NY, USA
| | | | - William T Heller
- Biology and Soft Matter Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, USA
| | - David J E Callaway
- Department of Chemistry, City College of New York and CUNY Graduate Center, NY, USA
| | - Zimei Bu
- Department of Chemistry, City College of New York and CUNY Graduate Center, NY, USA.
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