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Huang M, Fang W, Farrel A, Li L, Chronopoulos A, Nasholm N, Cheng B, Zheng T, Yoda H, Barata MJ, Porras T, Miller ML, Zhen Q, Ghiglieri L, McHenry L, Wang L, Asgharzadeh S, Park J, Gustafson WC, Matthay KK, Maris JM, Weiss WA. ALK upregulates POSTN and WNT signaling to drive neuroblastoma. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113927. [PMID: 38451815 PMCID: PMC11101011 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113927] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood. While MYCN and mutant anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALKF1174L) cooperate in tumorigenesis, how ALK contributes to tumor formation remains unclear. Here, we used a human stem cell-based model of neuroblastoma. Mis-expression of ALKF1174L and MYCN resulted in shorter latency compared to MYCN alone. MYCN tumors resembled adrenergic, while ALK/MYCN tumors resembled mesenchymal, neuroblastoma. Transcriptomic analysis revealed enrichment in focal adhesion signaling, particularly the extracellular matrix genes POSTN and FN1 in ALK/MYCN tumors. Patients with ALK-mutant tumors similarly demonstrated elevated levels of POSTN and FN1. Knockdown of POSTN, but not FN1, delayed adhesion and suppressed proliferation of ALK/MYCN tumors. Furthermore, loss of POSTN reduced ALK-dependent activation of WNT signaling. Reciprocally, inhibition of the WNT pathway reduced expression of POSTN and growth of ALK/MYCN tumor cells. Thus, ALK drives neuroblastoma in part through a feedforward loop between POSTN and WNT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miller Huang
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Cancer and Blood Disease Institutes, and The Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Wanqi Fang
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Cancer and Blood Disease Institutes, and The Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alvin Farrel
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Linwei Li
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Cancer and Blood Disease Institutes, and The Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Antonios Chronopoulos
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Cancer and Blood Disease Institutes, and The Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Nasholm
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bo Cheng
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Cancer and Blood Disease Institutes, and The Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tina Zheng
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Yoda
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Megumi J Barata
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tania Porras
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Cancer and Blood Disease Institutes, and The Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew L Miller
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Qiqi Zhen
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Ghiglieri
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lauren McHenry
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Linyu Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shahab Asgharzadeh
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Cancer and Blood Disease Institutes, and The Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - JinSeok Park
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Cancer and Blood Disease Institutes, and The Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - W Clay Gustafson
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katherine K Matthay
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John M Maris
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - William A Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Mandahl N, Mertens F, Mitelman F. Gene amplification in neoplasia: A cytogenetic survey of 80 131 cases. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2024; 63:e23214. [PMID: 38050922 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23214] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene amplification is a crucial process in cancer development, leading to the overexpression of oncogenes. It manifests cytogenetically as extrachromosomal double minutes (dmin), homogeneously staining regions (hsr), or ring chromosomes (r). This study investigates the prevalence and distribution of these amplification markers in a survey of 80 131 neoplasms spanning hematologic disorders, and benign and malignant solid tumors. The study reveals distinct variations in the frequency of dmin, hsr, and r among different tumor types. Rings were the most common (3.4%) sign of amplification, followed by dmin (1.3%), and hsr (0.8%). Rings were particularly frequent in malignant mesenchymal tumors, especially liposarcomas (47.5%) and osteosarcomas (23.4%), dmin were prevalent in neuroblastoma (30.9%) and pancreatic carcinoma (21.9%), and hsr frequencies were highest in head and neck carcinoma (14.0%) and neuroblastoma (9.0%). Combining all three amplification markers (dmin/hsr/r), malignant solid tumors consistently exhibited higher frequencies than hematologic disorders and benign solid tumors. The structural characteristics of these amplification markers and their potential role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression highlight the complex interplay between cancer-initiating gene-level alterations, for example, fusion genes, and subsequent amplification dynamics. Further research integrating cytogenetic and molecular approaches is warranted to better understand the underlying mechanisms of these amplifications, in particular, the enigmatic question of why certain malignancies display certain types of amplification. Comparing the present results with molecular genetic data proved challenging because of the diversity in definitions of amplification across studies. This study underscores the need for standardized definitions in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Mandahl
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Mertens
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Felix Mitelman
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Italia M, Wertheim KY, Taschner-Mandl S, Walker D, Dercole F. Mathematical Model of Clonal Evolution Proposes a Personalised Multi-Modal Therapy for High-Risk Neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071986. [PMID: 37046647 PMCID: PMC10093626 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial solid tumour in children. Despite multi-modal therapy, over half of the high-risk patients will succumb. One contributing factor is the one-size-fits-all nature of multi-modal therapy. For example, during the first step (induction chemotherapy), the standard regimen (rapid COJEC) administers fixed doses of chemotherapeutic agents in eight two-week cycles. Perhaps because of differences in resistance, this standard regimen results in highly heterogeneous outcomes in different tumours. In this study, we formulated a mathematical model comprising ordinary differential equations. The equations describe the clonal evolution within a neuroblastoma tumour being treated with vincristine and cyclophosphamide, which are used in the rapid COJEC regimen, including genetically conferred and phenotypic drug resistance. The equations also describe the agents’ pharmacokinetics. We devised an optimisation algorithm to find the best chemotherapy schedules for tumours with different pre-treatment clonal compositions. The optimised chemotherapy schedules exploit the cytotoxic difference between the two drugs and intra-tumoural clonal competition to shrink the tumours as much as possible during induction chemotherapy and before surgical removal. They indicate that induction chemotherapy can be improved by finding and using personalised schedules. More broadly, we propose that the overall multi-modal therapy can be enhanced by employing targeted therapies against the mutations and oncogenic pathways enriched and activated by the chemotherapeutic agents. To translate the proposed personalised multi-modal therapy into clinical use, patient-specific model calibration and treatment optimisation are necessary. This entails a decision support system informed by emerging medical technologies such as multi-region sequencing and liquid biopsies. The results and tools presented in this paper could be the foundation of this decision support system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Italia
- Department of Electronic, Information, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Kenneth Y. Wertheim
- Insigneo Institute for in Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Centre of Excellence for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Modelling, University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull HU6 7RX, UK
- School of Computer Science, University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | | | - Dawn Walker
- Insigneo Institute for in Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Fabio Dercole
- Department of Electronic, Information, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Ahmad MH, Ghosh B, Rizvi MA, Ali M, Kaur L, Mondal AC. Neural crest cells development and neuroblastoma progression: Role of Wnt signaling. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:306-328. [PMID: 36502519 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30931] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common heterogeneous extracranial cancers in infancy that arises from neural crest (NC) cells of the sympathetic nervous system. The Wnt signaling pathway, both canonical and noncanonical pathway, is a highly conserved signaling pathway that regulates the development and differentiation of the NC cells during embryogenesis. Reports suggest that aberrant activation of Wnt ligands/receptors in Wnt signaling pathways promote progression and relapse of NB. Wnt signaling pathways regulate NC induction and migration in a similar manner; it regulates proliferation and metastasis of NB. Inhibiting the Wnt signaling pathway or its ligands/receptors induces apoptosis and abrogates proliferation and tumorigenicity in all major types of NB cells. Here, we comprehensively discuss the Wnt signaling pathway and its mechanisms in regulating the development of NC and NB pathogenesis. This review highlights the implications of aberrant Wnt signaling in the context of etiology, progression, and relapse of NB. We have also described emerging strategies for Wnt-based therapies against the progression of NB that will provide new insights into the development of Wnt-based therapeutic strategies for NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir Hilal Ahmad
- School of Life Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.,Genome Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Balaram Ghosh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Midnapore Medical College & Hospital, West Bengal, Medinipur, India
| | - Moshahid Alam Rizvi
- Genome Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Mansoor Ali
- School of Life Sciences, Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Loveleena Kaur
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Srinagar, India
| | - Amal Chandra Mondal
- School of Life Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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Rozen EJ, Shohet JM. Systematic review of the receptor tyrosine kinase superfamily in neuroblastoma pathophysiology. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:33-52. [PMID: 34716856 PMCID: PMC8924100 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-10001-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma is a devastating disease accounting for 15% of all childhood cancer deaths. Yet, our understanding of key molecular drivers such as receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in this pathology remains poorly clarified. Here, we provide a systematic analysis of the RTK superfamily in the context of neuroblastoma pathogenesis. METHODS Statistical correlations for all RTK family members' expression to neuroblastoma patient survival across 10 independent patient cohorts were annotated, synthesized, and ranked using the R2: Genomics Analysis and Visualization Platform. Gene expression of selected members across different cancer cell lines was further analyzed in the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, part of the Cancer Dependency Map portal (depmap portal ( http://depmap.org )). Finally, we provide a detailed literature review for highly ranked candidates. RESULTS Our analysis defined two subsets of RTKs showing robust associations with either better or worse survival, constituting potential novel players in neuroblastoma pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapy. We review the available literature regarding the oncogenic functions of these RTKs, their roles in neuroblastoma pathophysiology, and potential utility as therapeutic targets. CONCLUSIONS Our systematic analysis and review of the RTK superfamily in neuroblastoma pathogenesis provides a new resource to guide the research community towards focused efforts investigating signaling pathways that contribute to neuroblastoma tumor establishment, growth, and/or aggressiveness and targeting these druggable molecules in novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Javier Rozen
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Lazare Research Building LRB603, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
| | - Jason Matthew Shohet
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Lazare Research Building LRB603, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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Galinski B, Alexander TB, Mitchell DA, Chatwin HV, Awah C, Green AL, Weiser DA. Therapeutic Targeting of Exportin-1 in Childhood Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6161. [PMID: 34944778 PMCID: PMC8699059 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of Exportin-1 (XPO1), a key regulator of nuclear-to-cytoplasmic transport, is associated with inferior patient outcomes across a range of adult malignancies. Targeting XPO1 with selinexor has demonstrated promising results in clinical trials, leading to FDA approval of its use for multiple relapsed/refractory cancers. However, XPO1 biology and selinexor sensitivity in childhood cancer is only recently being explored. In this review, we will focus on the differential biology of childhood and adult cancers as it relates to XPO1 and key cargo proteins. We will further explore the current state of pre-clinical and clinical development of XPO1 inhibitors in childhood cancers. Finally, we will outline potentially promising future therapeutic strategies for, as well as potential challenges to, integrating XPO1 inhibition to improve outcomes for children with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basia Galinski
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (B.G.); (D.A.M.); (C.A.)
| | - Thomas B. Alexander
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Daniel A. Mitchell
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (B.G.); (D.A.M.); (C.A.)
| | - Hannah V. Chatwin
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Chidiebere Awah
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (B.G.); (D.A.M.); (C.A.)
| | - Adam L. Green
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Daniel A. Weiser
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (B.G.); (D.A.M.); (C.A.)
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Westerhout EM, Hamdi M, Stroeken P, Nowakowska NE, Lakeman A, van Arkel J, Hasselt NE, Bleijlevens B, Akogul N, Haneveld F, Chan A, van Sluis P, Zwijnenburg D, Volckmann R, van Noesel CJ, Adameyko I, van Groningen T, Koster J, Valentijn LJ, van Nes J, Versteeg R. Mesenchymal type neuroblastoma cells escape ALK inhibitors. Cancer Res 2021; 82:484-496. [PMID: 34853072 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer therapy frequently fails due to the emergence of resistance. Many tumors include phenotypically immature tumor cells, which have been implicated in therapy resistance. Neuroblastoma cells can adopt a lineage committed adrenergic (ADRN) or an immature mesenchymal (MES) state. They differ in epigenetic landscape and transcription factors, and MES cells are more resistant to chemotherapy. Here we analyzed the response of MES cells to targeted drugs. Activating ALK mutations are frequently found in neuroblastoma and ALK inhibitors (ALKi) are in clinical trials. ALKi treatment of ADRN neuroblastoma cells with a tumor-driving ALK mutation induced cell death. Conversely, MES cells did not express either mutant or wild-type ALK and were resistant to ALKi, and MES cells formed tumors that progressed under ALKi therapy. In assessing the role of MES cells in relapse development, TRAIL was identified to specifically induce apoptosis in MES cells and suppress MES tumor growth. Addition of TRAIL to ALKi treatment of neuroblastoma xenografts delayed relapses in a subset of the animals, suggesting a role for MES cells in relapse formation. While ADRN cells resembled normal embryonal neuroblasts, MES cells resembled immature precursor cells which also lacked ALK expression. Resistance to targeted drugs can therefore be an intrinsic property of immature cancer cells based on their resemblance to developmental precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Boris Bleijlevens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jan Koster
- Department of Oncogenomics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam
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Perri P, Ponzoni M, Corrias MV, Ceccherini I, Candiani S, Bachetti T. A Focus on Regulatory Networks Linking MicroRNAs, Transcription Factors and Target Genes in Neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5528. [PMID: 34771690 PMCID: PMC8582685 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a tumor of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system that substantially contributes to childhood cancer mortality. NB originates from neural crest cells (NCCs) undergoing a defective sympathetic neuronal differentiation and although the starting events leading to the development of NB remain to be fully elucidated, the master role of genetic alterations in key oncogenes has been ascertained: (1) amplification and/or over-expression of MYCN, which is strongly associated with tumor progression and invasion; (2) activating mutations, amplification and/or over-expression of ALK, which is involved in tumor initiation, angiogenesis and invasion; (3) amplification and/or over-expression of LIN28B, promoting proliferation and suppression of neuroblast differentiation; (4) mutations and/or over-expression of PHOX2B, which is involved in the regulation of NB differentiation, stemness maintenance, migration and metastasis. Moreover, altered microRNA (miRNA) expression takes part in generating pathogenetic networks, in which the regulatory loops among transcription factors, miRNAs and target genes lead to complex and aberrant oncogene expression that underlies the development of a tumor. In this review, we have focused on the circuitry linking the oncogenic transcription factors MYCN and PHOX2B with their transcriptional targets ALK and LIN28B and the tumor suppressor microRNAs let-7, miR-34 and miR-204, which should act as down-regulators of their expression. We have also looked at the physiologic role of these genetic and epigenetic determinants in NC development, as well as in terminal differentiation, with their pathogenic dysregulation leading to NB oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Perri
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (M.P.); (M.V.C.)
| | - Mirco Ponzoni
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (M.P.); (M.V.C.)
| | - Maria Valeria Corrias
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (M.P.); (M.V.C.)
| | - Isabella Ceccherini
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics of Rare Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Simona Candiani
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Bachetti
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics of Rare Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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MYCN in Neuroblastoma: "Old Wine into New Wineskins". Diseases 2021; 9:diseases9040078. [PMID: 34842635 PMCID: PMC8628738 DOI: 10.3390/diseases9040078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MYCN Proto-Oncogene, BHLH Transcription Factor (MYCN) has been one of the most studied genes in neuroblastoma. It is known for its oncogenetic mechanisms, as well as its role in the prognosis of the disease and it is considered one of the prominent targets for neuroblastoma therapy. In the present work, we attempted to review the literature, on the relation between MYCN and neuroblastoma from all possible mechanistic sites. We have searched the literature for the role of MYCN in neuroblastoma based on the following topics: the references of MYCN in the literature, the gene's anatomy, along with its transcripts, the protein's anatomy, the epigenetic mechanisms regulating MYCN expression and function, as well as MYCN amplification. MYCN plays a significant role in neuroblastoma biology. Its functions and properties range from the forming of G-quadraplexes, to the interaction with miRNAs, as well as the regulation of gene methylation and histone acetylation and deacetylation. Although MYCN is one of the most primary genes studied in neuroblastoma, there is still a lot to be learned. Our knowledge on the exact mechanisms of MYCN amplification, etiology and potential interventions is still limited. The knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of MYCN in neuroblastoma, could have potential prognostic and therapeutic advantages.
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NTRK1/TrkA Signaling in Neuroblastoma Cells Induces Nuclear Reorganization and Intra-Nuclear Aggregation of Lamin A/C. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215293. [PMID: 34771457 PMCID: PMC8582546 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neuroblastoma (NB) accounts for 15% of all cancer-related deaths of children. While the amplification of the Myc-N proto-oncogene (MYCN) is a major driver of aggressive NB, the expression of the neurotrophin receptor, NTRK1/TrkA, has been shown to be associated with an excellent outcome. MYCN downregulates NTRK1 expression, but it is unknown if the molecular effects of NTRK1 signaling also affect MYCN-induced networks. The aim of this study was to decipher NTRK1 signaling using an unbiased proteome and phosphoproteome approach. To this end, we realized inducible ectopic NTRK1 expression in a NB cell line with MYCN amplification and analyzed the proteomic changes upon NTRK1 activation in a time-dependent manner. In line with the phenotypes observed, NTRK1 activation induced markers of neuronal differentiation and cell cycle arrest. Most prominently, NTRK1 upregulated the expression and phosphorylation of the nuclear lamina component Lamin A/C. Moreover, NTRK1 signaling also induced the aggregation of LMNA within nucleic foci, which accompanies differentiation in other cell types. Abstract (1) Background: Neuroblastomas (NBs) are the most common extracranial solid tumors of children. The amplification of the Myc-N proto-oncogene (MYCN) is a major driver of NB aggressiveness, while high expression of the neurotrophin receptor NTRK1/TrkA is associated with mild disease courses. The molecular effects of NTRK1 signaling in MYCN-amplified NB, however, are still poorly understood and require elucidation. (2) Methods: Inducible NTRK1 expression was realized in four NB cell lines with (IMR5, NGP) or without MYCN amplification (SKNAS, SH-SY5Y). Proteome and phosphoproteome dynamics upon NTRK1 activation by its ligand, NGF, were analyzed in a time-dependent manner in IMR5 cells. Target validation by immunofluorescence staining and automated image processing was performed using the three other NB cell lines. (3) Results: In total, 230 proteins and 134 single phosphorylated class I phosphosites were found to be significantly regulated upon NTRK1 activation. Among known NTRK1 targets, Stathmin and the neurosecretory protein VGF were recovered. Additionally, we observed the upregulation and phosphorylation of Lamin A/C (LMNA) that accumulated inside nuclear foci. (4) Conclusions: We provide a comprehensive picture of NTRK1-induced proteome and phosphoproteome dynamics. The phosphorylation of LMNA within nucleic aggregates was identified as a prominent feature of NTRK1 signaling independent of the MYCN status of NB cells.
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Villa M, Sharma GG, Manfroni C, Cortinovis D, Mologni L. New Advances in Liquid Biopsy Technologies for Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK)-Positive Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5149. [PMID: 34680298 PMCID: PMC8534237 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells are characterized by high genetic instability, that favors tumor relapse. The identification of the genetic causes of relapse can direct next-line therapeutic choices. As tumor tissue rebiopsy at disease progression is not always feasible, noninvasive alternative methods are being explored. Liquid biopsy is emerging as a non-invasive, easy and repeatable tool to identify specific molecular alterations and monitor disease response during treatment. The dynamic follow-up provided by this analysis can provide useful predictive information and allow prompt therapeutic actions, tailored to the genetic profile of the recurring disease, several months before radiographic relapse. Oncogenic fusion genes are particularly suited for this type of analysis. Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) is the dominant driver oncogene in several tumors, including Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma (ALCL), Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and others. Here we review recent findings in liquid biopsy technologies, including ctDNA, CTCs, exosomes, and other markers that can be investigated from plasma samples, in ALK-positive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Villa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.V.); (G.G.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Geeta G. Sharma
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.V.); (G.G.S.); (C.M.)
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Chiara Manfroni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.V.); (G.G.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Diego Cortinovis
- Department of Oncology, San Gerardo Hospital, 20900 Monza, Italy;
| | - Luca Mologni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.V.); (G.G.S.); (C.M.)
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12
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Treffy RW, Rajan SG, Jiang X, Nacke LM, Malkana UA, Naiche LA, Bergey DE, Santana D, Rajagopalan V, Kitajewski JK, O'Bryan JP, Saxena A. Neuroblastoma differentiation in vivo excludes cranial tumors. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2752-2764.e6. [PMID: 34610330 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB), the most common cancer in the first year of life, presents almost exclusively in the trunk. To understand why an early-onset cancer would have such a specific localization, we xenotransplanted human NB cells into discrete neural crest (NC) streams in zebrafish embryos. Here, we demonstrate that human NB cells remain in an undifferentiated, tumorigenic state when comigrating posteriorly with NC cells but, upon comigration into the head, differentiate into neurons and exhibit decreased survival. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this in vivo differentiation requires retinoic acid and brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling from the microenvironment, as well as cell-autonomous intersectin-1-dependent phosphoinositide 3-kinase-mediated signaling, likely via Akt kinase activation. Our findings suggest a microenvironment-driven explanation for NB's trunk-biased localization and highlight the potential for induced differentiation to promote NB resolution in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall W Treffy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Sriivatsan G Rajan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Xinghang Jiang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Lynne M Nacke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Usama A Malkana
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - L A Naiche
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Dani E Bergey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Dianicha Santana
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Vinodh Rajagopalan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Jan K Kitajewski
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - John P O'Bryan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
| | - Ankur Saxena
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
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13
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Trejo-Solis C, Escamilla-Ramirez A, Jimenez-Farfan D, Castillo-Rodriguez RA, Flores-Najera A, Cruz-Salgado A. Crosstalk of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in the Induction of Apoptosis on Cancer Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14090871. [PMID: 34577571 PMCID: PMC8465904 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a major role in cell survival and proliferation, as well as in angiogenesis, migration, invasion, metastasis, and stem cell renewal in various cancer types. However, the modulation (either up- or downregulation) of this pathway can inhibit cell proliferation and apoptosis both through β-catenin-dependent and independent mechanisms, and by crosstalk with other signaling pathways in a wide range of malignant tumors. Existing studies have reported conflicting results, indicating that the Wnt signaling can have both oncogenic and tumor-suppressing roles, depending on the cellular context. This review summarizes the available information on the role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and its crosstalk with other signaling pathways in apoptosis induction in cancer cells and presents a modified dual-signal model for the function of β-catenin. Understanding the proapoptotic mechanisms induced by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway could open new therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Trejo-Solis
- Laboratorio Experimental de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Ciudad de Mexico 14269, Mexico; (A.E.-R.); (A.C.-S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Angel Escamilla-Ramirez
- Laboratorio Experimental de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Ciudad de Mexico 14269, Mexico; (A.E.-R.); (A.C.-S.)
| | - Dolores Jimenez-Farfan
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de Mexico 04510, Mexico;
| | | | - Athenea Flores-Najera
- Centro Médico Nacional 20 de Noviembre, Departamento de Cirugía General, Ciudad de Mexico 03229, Mexico;
| | - Arturo Cruz-Salgado
- Laboratorio Experimental de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Ciudad de Mexico 14269, Mexico; (A.E.-R.); (A.C.-S.)
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14
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Farina AR, Cappabianca LA, Zelli V, Sebastiano M, Mackay AR. Mechanisms involved in selecting and maintaining neuroblastoma cancer stem cell populations, and perspectives for therapeutic targeting. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:685-736. [PMID: 34367474 PMCID: PMC8316860 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i7.685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric neuroblastomas (NBs) are heterogeneous, aggressive, therapy-resistant embryonal tumours that originate from cells of neural crest (NC) origin and in particular neuroblasts committed to the sympathoadrenal progenitor cell lineage. Therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and subsequent metastatic NB progression are driven primarily by cancer stem cell (CSC)-like subpopulations, which through their self-renewing capacity, intermittent and slow cell cycles, drug-resistant and reversibly adaptive plastic phenotypes, represent the most important obstacle to improving therapeutic outcomes in unfavourable NBs. In this review, dedicated to NB CSCs and the prospects for their therapeutic eradication, we initiate with brief descriptions of the unique transient vertebrate embryonic NC structure and salient molecular protagonists involved NC induction, specification, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and migratory behaviour, in order to familiarise the reader with the embryonic cellular and molecular origins and background to NB. We follow this by introducing NB and the potential NC-derived stem/progenitor cell origins of NBs, before providing a comprehensive review of the salient molecules, signalling pathways, mechanisms, tumour microenvironmental and therapeutic conditions involved in promoting, selecting and maintaining NB CSC subpopulations, and that underpin their therapy-resistant, self-renewing metastatic behaviour. Finally, we review potential therapeutic strategies and future prospects for targeting and eradication of these bastions of NB therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and metastatic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Rosella Farina
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Lucia Annamaria Cappabianca
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Veronica Zelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Michela Sebastiano
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Andrew Reay Mackay
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy.
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15
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Neuroblastoma Risk Assessment and Treatment Stratification with Hybrid Capture-Based Panel Sequencing. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11080691. [PMID: 34442335 PMCID: PMC8398598 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11080691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
For many years, the risk-based therapy stratification of children with neuroblastoma has relied on clinical and molecular covariates. In recent years, genome analysis has revealed further alterations defining risk, tumor biology, and therapeutic targets. The implementation of a robust and scalable method for analyzing traditional and new molecular markers in routine diagnostics is an urgent clinical need. Here, we investigated targeted panel sequencing as a diagnostic approach to analyze all relevant genomic neuroblastoma risk markers in one assay. Our "neuroblastoma hybrid capture sequencing panel" (NB-HCSP) assay employs a technology for the high-coverage sequencing (>1000×) of 55 selected genes and neuroblastoma-relevant genomic regions, which allows for the detection of single nucleotide changes, structural rearrangements, and copy number alterations. We validated our assay by analyzing 15 neuroblastoma cell lines and a cohort of 20 neuroblastomas, for which reference routine diagnostic data and genome sequencing data were available. We observed a high concordance for risk markers identified by the NB-HSCP assay, clinical routine diagnostics, and genome sequencing. Subsequently, we demonstrated clinical applicability of the NB-HCSP assay by analyzing routine clinical samples. We conclude that the NB-HCSP assay may be implemented into routine diagnostics as a single assay that covers all essential covariates for initial neuroblastoma classification, extended risk stratification, and targeted therapy selection.
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16
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Naveed A, Cooper JA, Li R, Hubbard A, Chen J, Liu T, Wilton SD, Fletcher S, Fox AH. NEAT1 polyA-modulating antisense oligonucleotides reveal opposing functions for both long non-coding RNA isoforms in neuroblastoma. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:2213-2230. [PMID: 32914209 PMCID: PMC11073103 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03632-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are highly dysregulated in cancer and are emerging as therapeutic targets. One example is NEAT1, which consists of two overlapping lncRNA isoforms, NEAT1_1 (3.7 kb) and NEAT1_2 (23 kb), that are functionally distinct. The longer NEAT1_2 is responsible for scaffolding gene-regulatory nuclear bodies termed paraspeckles, whereas NEAT1_1 is involved in paraspeckle-independent function. The NEAT1 isoform ratio is dependent on the efficient cleavage and polyadenylation of NEAT1_1 at the expense of NEAT1_2. Here, we developed a targeted antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) approach to sterically block NEAT1_1 polyadenylation processing, achieving upregulation of NEAT1_2 and abundant paraspeckles. We have applied these ASOs to cells of the heterogeneous infant cancer, neuroblastoma, as we found higher NEAT1_1:NEAT1_2 ratio and lack of paraspeckles in high-risk neuroblastoma cells. These ASOs decrease NEAT1_1 levels, increase NEAT1_2/paraspeckles and concomitantly reduce cell viability in high-risk neuroblastoma specifically. In contrast, overexpression of NEAT1_1 has the opposite effect, increasing cell proliferation. Transcriptomic analyses of high-risk neuroblastoma cells with altered NEAT1 ratios and increased paraspeckle abundance after ASO treatment showed an upregulation of differentiation pathways, as opposed to the usual aggressive neuroblastic phenotype. Thus, we have developed potential anti-cancer ASO drugs that can transiently increase growth-inhibiting NEAT1_2 RNA at the expense of growth-promoting NEAT1_1 RNA. These ASOs, unlike others that degrade lncRNAs, provide insights into the importance of altering lncRNA polyadenylation events to suppress tumorigenesis as a strategy to combat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Naveed
- School of Human Sciences and School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Jack A Cooper
- School of Human Sciences and School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Ruohan Li
- School of Human Sciences and School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Alysia Hubbard
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Jingwei Chen
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
- Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Tao Liu
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
- Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Steve D Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
- Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Archa H Fox
- School of Human Sciences and School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
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17
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Custers L, Paassen I, Drost J. In vitro Modeling of Embryonal Tumors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:640633. [PMID: 33718380 PMCID: PMC7952537 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.640633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A subset of pediatric tumors affects very young children and are thought to arise during fetal life. A common theme is that these embryonal tumors hijack developmental programs, causing a block in differentiation and, as a consequence, unrestricted proliferation. Embryonal tumors, therefore typically maintain an embryonic gene signature not found in their differentiated progeny. Still, the processes underpinning malignant transformation remain largely unknown, which is hampering therapeutic innovation. To gain more insight into these processes, in vitro and in vivo research models are indispensable. However, embryonic development is an extremely dynamic process with continuously changing cellular identities, making it challenging to define cells-of-origin. This is crucial for the development of representative models, as targeting the wrong cell or targeting a cell within an incorrect developmental time window can result in completely different phenotypes. Recent innovations in in vitro cell models may provide more versatile platforms to study embryonal tumors in a scalable manner. In this review, we outline different in vitro models that can be explored to study embryonal tumorigenesis and for therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Custers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Irene Paassen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jarno Drost
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
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18
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Unno K, Chalmers ZR, Pamarthy S, Vatapalli R, Rodriguez Y, Lysy B, Mok H, Sagar V, Han H, Yoo YA, Ku SY, Beltran H, Zhao Y, Abdulkadir SA. Activated ALK Cooperates with N-Myc via Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling to Induce Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer. Cancer Res 2021; 81:2157-2170. [PMID: 33637566 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is an aggressive subtype of prostate cancer with poor prognosis, and there is a critical need for novel therapeutic approaches. NEPC is associated with molecular perturbation of several pathways, including amplification of MYCN. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma and other malignancies where it cooperates with N-Myc. We previously identified the first case of ALK F1174C-activating mutation in a patient with de novo NEPC who responded to the ALK inhibitor, alectinib. Here, we show that coactivation of ALK and N-Myc (ALK F1174C/N-Myc) is sufficient to transform mouse prostate basal stem cells into aggressive prostate cancer with neuroendocrine differentiation in a tissue recombination model. A novel gene signature from the ALK F1174C/N-Myc tumors was associated with poor outcome in multiple human prostate cancer datasets. ALK F1174C and ALK F1174C/N-Myc tumors displayed activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Chemical and genetic ALK inhibition suppressed Wnt/β-catenin signaling and tumor growth in vitro in NEPC and neuroblastoma cells. ALK inhibition cooperated with Wnt inhibition to suppress NEPC and neuroblastoma proliferation in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. These findings point to a role for ALK signaling in NEPC and the potential of cotargeting the ALK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways in ALK-driven tumors. Activated ALK and N-Myc are well known drivers in neuroblastoma development, suggesting potential similarities and opportunities to elucidate mechanisms and therapeutic targets in NEPC and vice versa. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings demonstrate that coactivation of ALK and N-Myc induces NEPC by stimulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which can be targeted therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Unno
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Zachary R Chalmers
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sahithi Pamarthy
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rajita Vatapalli
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Yara Rodriguez
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Barbara Lysy
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hanlin Mok
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Vinay Sagar
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Huiying Han
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Young A Yoo
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sheng-Yu Ku
- Division of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Himisha Beltran
- Division of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Science and First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Sarki A Abdulkadir
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois. .,Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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19
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Burkhart CA, Haber M, Norris MD, Gudkov AV, Nikiforov MA. Cell-Based Methods for the Identification of Myc-Inhibitory Small Molecules. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2318:337-346. [PMID: 34019301 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1476-1_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Oncoproteins encoded by dominant oncogenes have long been considered as targets for chemotherapeutic intervention. However, oncogenic transcription factors have often been dismissed as "undruggable." Members of the Myc family of transcription factors have been identified as promising targets for cancer chemotherapy in multiple publications reporting the requirement of Myc proteins for maintenance of almost every type of tumor. Here, we describe cell-based approaches to identify c-Myc small molecule inhibitors by screening complex libraries of diverse small molecules based on Myc functionality and specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Murray D Norris
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrei V Gudkov
- Buffalo BioLabs, Inc., Buffalo, NY, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Mikhail A Nikiforov
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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20
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Kumar A, Rocke JPJ, Kumar BN. Evolving treatments in high-risk neuroblastoma. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2020.1865918] [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: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav Kumar
- Division of Medicine, University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - John P J Rocke
- ENT Department, Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan, UK
| | - B Nirmal Kumar
- ENT Department, Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh Teaching NHS, Wigan, UK
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21
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Yang CL, Serra-Roma A, Gualandi M, Bodmer N, Niggli F, Schulte JH, Bode PK, Shakhova O. Lineage-restricted sympathoadrenal progenitors confer neuroblastoma origin and its tumorigenicity. Oncotarget 2020; 11:2357-2371. [PMID: 32595833 PMCID: PMC7299536 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common cancer in infants and it accounts for six percent of all pediatric malignancies. There are several hypotheses proposed on the origins of NB. While there is little genetic evidence to support this, the prevailing model is that NB originates from neural crest stem cells (NCSCs). Utilizing in vivo mouse models, we demonstrate that targeting MYCN oncogene to NCSCs causes perinatal lethality. During sympathoadrenal (SA) lineage development, SOX transcriptional factors drive the transition from NCSCs to lineage-specific progenitors, characterized by the sequential activation of Sox9/Sox10/Sox4/Sox11 genes. We find the NCSCs factor SOX10 is not expressed in neuroblasts, but rather restricted to the Schwannian stroma and is associated with a good prognosis. On the other hand, SOX9 expression in NB cells was associated with several key biological processes including migration, invasion and differentiation. Moreover, manipulating SOX9 gene predominantly affects lineage-restricted SA progenitors. Our findings highlight a unique molecular SOX signature associated with NB that is highly reminiscent of SA progenitor transcriptional program during embryonic development, providing novel insights into NB pathobiology. In summary, we provide multiple lines of evidence suggesting that multipotent NCSCs do not contribute to NB initiation and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Lung Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - André Serra-Roma
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Gualandi
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Bodmer
- Department of Oncology, Children Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Felix Niggli
- Department of Oncology, Children Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Peter Karl Bode
- Department of Surgical Pathology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Olga Shakhova
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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22
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Cohen MA, Zhang S, Sengupta S, Ma H, Bell GW, Horton B, Sharma B, George RE, Spranger S, Jaenisch R. Formation of Human Neuroblastoma in Mouse-Human Neural Crest Chimeras. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 26:579-592.e6. [PMID: 32142683 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB), derived from the neural crest (NC), is the most common pediatric extracranial solid tumor. Here, we establish a platform that allows the study of human NBs in mouse-human NC chimeras. Chimeric mice were produced by injecting human NC cells carrying NB relevant oncogenes in utero into gastrulating mouse embryos. The mice developed tumors composed of a heterogenous cell population that resembled that seen in primary NBs of patients but were significantly different from homogeneous tumors formed in xenotransplantation models. The human tumors emerged in immunocompetent hosts and were extensively infiltrated by mouse cytotoxic T cells, reflecting a vigorous host anti-tumor immune response. However, the tumors blunted the immune response by inducing infiltration of regulatory T cells and expression of immune-suppressive molecules similar to escape mechanisms seen in human cancer patients. Thus, this experimental platform allows the study of human tumor initiation, progression, manifestation, and tumor-immune-system interactions in an animal model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malkiel A Cohen
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Shupei Zhang
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Satyaki Sengupta
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Haiting Ma
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - George W Bell
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Brendan Horton
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Bandana Sharma
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Rani E George
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Stefani Spranger
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Rudolf Jaenisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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23
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Becker J, Wilting J. WNT Signaling in Neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11071013. [PMID: 31331081 PMCID: PMC6679057 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11071013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The term WNT (wingless-type MMTV integration site family) signaling comprises a complex molecular pathway consisting of ligands, receptors, coreceptors, signal transducers and transcriptional modulators with crucial functions during embryonic development, including all aspects of proliferation, morphogenesis and differentiation. Its involvement in cancer biology is well documented. Even though WNT signaling has been divided into mainly three distinct branches in the past, increasing evidence shows that some molecular hubs can act in various branches by exchanging interaction partners. Here we discuss developmental and clinical aspects of WNT signaling in neuroblastoma (NB), an embryonic tumor with an extremely broad clinical spectrum, ranging from spontaneous differentiation to fatal outcome. We discuss implications of WNT molecules in NB onset, progression, and relapse due to chemoresistance. In the light of the still too high number of NB deaths, new pathways must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juergen Becker
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medical School Goettingen, Kreuzbergring 36, 37075 Goettingen, Germany.
| | - Joerg Wilting
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medical School Goettingen, Kreuzbergring 36, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
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Vivancos Stalin L, Gualandi M, Schulte JH, Renella R, Shakhova O, Mühlethaler-Mottet A. Expression of the Neuroblastoma-Associated ALK-F1174L Activating Mutation During Embryogenesis Impairs the Differentiation of Neural Crest Progenitors in Sympathetic Ganglia. Front Oncol 2019; 9:275. [PMID: 31058082 PMCID: PMC6477091 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an embryonal malignancy derived from the abnormal differentiation of the sympathetic nervous system. The Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) gene is frequently altered in NB, through copy number alterations and activating mutations, and represents a predisposition in NB-genesis when mutated. Our previously published data suggested that ALK activating mutations may impair the differentiation potential of neural crest (NC) progenitor cells. Here, we demonstrated that the expression of the endogenous ALK gene starts at E10.5 in the developing sympathetic ganglia (SG). To decipher the impact of deregulated ALK signaling during embryogenesis on the formation and differentiation of sympathetic neuroblasts, Sox10-Cre;LSL-ALK-F1174L embryos were produced to restrict the expression of the human ALK-F1174L transgene to migrating NC cells (NCCs). First, ALK-F1174L mediated an embryonic lethality at mid-gestation and an enlargement of SG with a disorganized architecture in Sox10-Cre;LSL-ALK-F1174L embryos at E10.5 and E11.5. Second, early sympathetic differentiation was severely impaired in Sox10-Cre;LSL-ALK-F1174L embryos. Indeed, their SG displayed a marked increase in the proportion of NCCs and a decrease of sympathetic neuroblasts at both embryonic stages. Third, neuronal and noradrenergic differentiations were blocked in Sox10-Cre;LSL-ALK-F1174L SG, as a reduced proportion of Phox2b+ sympathoblasts expressed βIII-tubulin and almost none were Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH) positive. Finally, at E10.5, ALK-F1174L mediated an important increase in the proliferation of Phox2b+ progenitors, affecting the transient cell cycle exit observed in normal SG at this embryonic stage. Altogether, we report for the first time that the expression of the human ALK-F1174L mutation in NCCs during embryonic development profoundly disturbs early sympathetic progenitor differentiation, in addition to increasing their proliferation, both mechanisms being potential crucial events in NB oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Vivancos Stalin
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, DFME, University Hospital of Lausanne, CHUV-UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marco Gualandi
- Translational Oncology, Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Hubertus Schulte
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and SCT, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Berlin and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Raffaele Renella
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, DFME, University Hospital of Lausanne, CHUV-UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olga Shakhova
- Translational Oncology, Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annick Mühlethaler-Mottet
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, DFME, University Hospital of Lausanne, CHUV-UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
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25
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Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Sympathetic Neurons: A Potential Model for Understanding Neuroblastoma Pathogenesis. Stem Cells Int 2018; 2018:4391641. [PMID: 30515222 PMCID: PMC6236576 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4391641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Previous studies modelling human neural crest differentiation from stem cells have resulted in a low yield of sympathetic neurons. Our aim was to optimise a method for the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to sympathetic neuron-like cells (SN) to model normal human SNS development. Results Using stromal-derived inducing activity (SDIA) of PA6 cells plus BMP4 and B27 supplements, the H9 hESC line was differentiated to neural crest stem-like cells and SN-like cells. After 7 days of PA6 cell coculture, mRNA expression of SNAIL and SOX-9 neural crest specifier genes and the neural marker peripherin (PRPH) increased. Expression of the pluripotency marker OCT 4 decreased, whereas TP53 and LIN28B expression remained high at levels similar to SHSY5Y and IMR32 neuroblastoma cell lines. A 5-fold increase in the expression of the catecholaminergic marker tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and the noradrenergic marker dopamine betahydroxylase (DBH) was observed by day 7 of differentiation. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting for the neural crest marker p75, enriched for cells expressing p75, DBH, TH, and PRPH, was more specific than p75 neural crest stem cell (NCSC) microbeads. On day 28 post p75 sorting, dual immunofluorescence identified sympathetic neurons by PRPH and TH copositivity cells in 20% of the cell population. Noradrenergic sympathetic neurons, identified by copositivity for both PHOX2B and DBH, were present in 9.4% ± 5.5% of cells. Conclusions We have optimised a method for noradrenergic SNS development using the H9 hESC line to improve our understanding of normal human SNS development and, in a future work, the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma.
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Duffy DJ, Konietzny A, Krstic A, Mehta JP, Halasz M, Kolch W. Identification of a MYCN and Wnt-related VANGL2-ITLN1 fusion gene in neuroblastoma. GENE REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2018.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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27
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Epigallocatechin-3-gallate and 6-OH-11-O-Hydroxyphenanthrene Limit BE(2)-C Neuroblastoma Cell Growth and Neurosphere Formation In Vitro. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10091141. [PMID: 30135355 PMCID: PMC6164794 DOI: 10.3390/nu10091141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted an in vitro study combining a rexinoid, 6-OH-11-O-hydroxyphenanthrene (IIF), and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is the main catechin of green tea, on BE(2)-C, a neuroblastoma cell line representative of the high-risk group of patients. Neuroblastoma is the most common malignancy of childhood: high-risk patients, having N-MYC over-expression, undergo aggressive therapy and show high mortality or an increased risk of secondary malignancies. Retinoids are used in neuroblastoma therapy with incomplete success: the association of a second molecule might improve the efficacy. BE(2)-C cells were treated by EGCG and IIF, individually or in combination: cell viability, as evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, was reduced, EGCG+IIF being the most effective treatment. Apoptosis occurred and the EGCG+IIF treatment decreased N-MYC protein expression and molecular markers of invasion (MMP-2, MMP-9 and COX-2). Zymography demonstrated nearly 50% inhibition of MMP activity. When BE(2)-C cells were grown in non-adherent conditions to enrich the tumor-initiating cell population, BE(2)-C-spheres were obtained. After 48 h and 72 h treatment, EGCG+IIF limited BE(2)-C-sphere formation and elicited cell death with a reduction of N-MYC expression. We concluded that the association of EGCG to IIF might be applied without toxic effects to overcome the incomplete success of retinoid treatments in neuroblastoma patients.
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28
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Gonzalez Malagon SG, Liu KJ. ALK and GSK3: Shared Features of Neuroblastoma and Neural Crest Cells. J Exp Neurosci 2018; 12:1179069518792499. [PMID: 30127638 PMCID: PMC6090488 DOI: 10.1177/1179069518792499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the most common and deadly childhood cancers.
Neuroblastoma arises from transformed cells of the neural crest lineage.
Outcomes of the disease vary greatly, ranging from spontaneous regression to
aggressive metastases. While this variability may reflect the inherent migratory
capabilities and multipotency of neural crest cells, there have been few direct
comparisons between neuroblastoma and embryonic neural crest cells, in part
because of the limited in vivo accessibility of the mammalian neural crest
lineage. Our recent studies demonstrate a novel link between anaplastic lymphoma
kinase (ALK) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3). Our work suggests that
ALK-dependent regulation of GSK3 via tyrosine phosphorylation may alter the
substrate specificity of GSK3, thus regulating cytoskeletal dynamics in
migrating neural crest cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra G Gonzalez Malagon
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, FORTH. Department of Biomedical Research, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Karen J Liu
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK
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29
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Kholodenko IV, Kalinovsky DV, Doronin II, Deyev SM, Kholodenko RV. Neuroblastoma Origin and Therapeutic Targets for Immunotherapy. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:7394268. [PMID: 30116755 PMCID: PMC6079467 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7394268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a pediatric solid cancer of heterogeneous clinical behavior. The unique features of this type of cancer frequently hamper the process of determining clinical presentation and predicting therapy effectiveness. The tumor can spontaneously regress without treatment or actively develop and give rise to metastases despite aggressive multimodal therapy. In recent years, immunotherapy has become one of the most promising approaches to the treatment of neuroblastoma. Still, only one drug for targeted immunotherapy of neuroblastoma, chimeric monoclonal GD2-specific antibodies, is used in the clinic today, and its application has significant limitations. In this regard, the development of effective and safe GD2-targeted immunotherapies and analysis of other potential molecular targets for the treatment of neuroblastoma represents an important and topical task. The review summarizes biological characteristics of the origin and development of neuroblastoma and outlines molecular markers of neuroblastoma and modern immunotherapy approaches directed towards these markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina V. Kholodenko
- Orekhovich Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10 Pogodinskaya St., Moscow 119121, Russia
| | - Daniel V. Kalinovsky
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Igor I. Doronin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow 117997, Russia
- Real Target LLC, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Sergey M. Deyev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow 117997, Russia
- Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), National Research Nuclear University “MEPhI”, Moscow 115409, Russia
| | - Roman V. Kholodenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow 117997, Russia
- Real Target LLC, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow 117997, Russia
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30
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Fletcher JI, Ziegler DS, Trahair TN, Marshall GM, Haber M, Norris MD. Too many targets, not enough patients: rethinking neuroblastoma clinical trials. Nat Rev Cancer 2018; 18:389-400. [PMID: 29632319 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-018-0003-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a rare solid tumour of infancy and early childhood with a disproportionate contribution to paediatric cancer mortality and morbidity. Combination chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy remains the standard approach to treat high-risk disease, with few recurrent, actionable genetic aberrations identified at diagnosis. However, recent studies indicate that actionable aberrations are far more common in relapsed neuroblastoma, possibly as a result of clonal expansion. In addition, although the major validated disease driver, MYCN, is not currently directly targetable, multiple promising approaches to target MYCN indirectly are in development. We propose that clinical trial design needs to be rethought in order to meet the challenge of providing rigorous, evidence-based assessment of these new approaches within a fairly small patient population and that experimental therapies need to be assessed at diagnosis in very-high-risk patients rather than in relapsed and refractory patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie I Fletcher
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - David S Ziegler
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Toby N Trahair
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Glenn M Marshall
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Murray D Norris
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
- University of New South Wales Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
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31
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Expressed repetitive elements are broadly applicable reference targets for normalization of reverse transcription-qPCR data in mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7642. [PMID: 29769563 PMCID: PMC5955877 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25389-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is the gold standard method for gene expression analysis on mRNA level. To remove experimental variation, expression levels of the gene of interest are typically normalized to the expression level of stably expressed endogenous reference genes. Identifying suitable reference genes and determining the optimal number of reference genes should precede each quantification study. Popular reference genes are not necessarily stably expressed in the examined conditions, possibly leading to inaccurate results. Stably and universally expressed repetitive elements (ERE) have previously been shown to be an excellent alternative for normalization using classic reference genes in human and zebrafish samples. Here, we confirm that in mouse tissues, EREs are broadly applicable reference targets for RT-qPCR normalization, provided that the RNA samples undergo a thorough DNase treatment. We identified Orr1a0, Rltr2aiap, and Rltr13a3 as the most stably expressed mouse EREs across six different experimental conditions. Therefore, we propose this set of ERE reference targets as good candidates for normalization of RT-qPCR data in a plethora of conditions. The identification of widely applicable stable mouse RT-qPCR reference targets for normalization has great potential to facilitate future murine gene expression studies and improve the validity of RT-qPCR data.
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32
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Gonzalez Malagon SG, Lopez Muñoz AM, Doro D, Bolger TG, Poon E, Tucker ER, Adel Al-Lami H, Krause M, Phiel CJ, Chesler L, Liu KJ. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 controls migration of the neural crest lineage in mouse and Xenopus. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1126. [PMID: 29555900 PMCID: PMC5859133 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03512-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural crest migration is critical to its physiological function. Mechanisms controlling mammalian neural crest migration are comparatively unknown, due to difficulties accessing this cell population in vivo. Here we report requirements of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) in regulating the neural crest in Xenopus and mouse models. We demonstrate that GSK3 is tyrosine phosphorylated (pY) in mouse neural crest cells and that loss of GSK3 leads to increased pFAK and misregulation of Rac1 and lamellipodin, key regulators of cell migration. Genetic reduction of GSK3 results in failure of migration. We find that pY-GSK3 phosphorylation depends on anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), a protein associated with neuroblastoma. Consistent with this, neuroblastoma cells with increased ALK activity express high levels of pY-GSK3, and blockade of GSK3 or ALK can affect migration of these cells. Altogether, this work identifies a role for GSK3 in cell migration during neural crest development and cancer. Defects in neural crest development cause neurocristopathies and cancer, but what regulates this is unclear. Here, the authors show that glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) regulates migration of neural crest cells, as shown on genetic deletion of GSK3 in the mouse, and that this acts via anaplastic lymphoma kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna M Lopez Muñoz
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Daniel Doro
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Triòna G Bolger
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Evon Poon
- Paediatric Solid Tumour Biology, Institute of Cancer Research/Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Elizabeth R Tucker
- Paediatric Solid Tumour Biology, Institute of Cancer Research/Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Hadeel Adel Al-Lami
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Matthias Krause
- Randall Division of Cell & Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Christopher J Phiel
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
| | - Louis Chesler
- Paediatric Solid Tumour Biology, Institute of Cancer Research/Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Karen J Liu
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
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33
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A kinome-wide RNAi screen identifies ALK as a target to sensitize neuroblastoma cells for HDAC8-inhibitor treatment. Cell Death Differ 2018. [PMID: 29515255 PMCID: PMC6261943 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-018-0080-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of advanced stage neuroblastoma patients remains poor and, despite intensive therapy, the 5-year survival rate remains less than 50%. We previously identified histone deacetylase (HDAC) 8 as an indicator of poor clinical outcome and a selective drug target for differentiation therapy in vitro and in vivo. Here, we performed kinome-wide RNAi screening to identify genes that are synthetically lethal with HDAC8 inhibitors. These experiments identified the neuroblastoma predisposition gene ALK as a candidate gene. Accordingly, the combination of the ALK/MET inhibitor crizotinib and selective HDAC8 inhibitors (3–6 µM PCI-34051 or 10 µM 20a) efficiently killed neuroblastoma cell lines carrying wildtype ALK (SK-N-BE(2)-C, IMR5/75), amplified ALK (NB-1), and those carrying the activating ALK F1174L mutation (Kelly), and, in cells carrying the activating R1275Q mutation (LAN-5), combination treatment decreased viable cell count. The effective dose of crizotinib in neuroblastoma cell lines ranged from 0.05 µM (ALK-amplified) to 0.8 µM (wildtype ALK). The combinatorial inhibition of ALK and HDAC8 also decreased tumor growth in an in vivo zebrafish xenograft model. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that the mRNA expression level of HDAC8 was significantly correlated with that of ALK in two independent patient cohorts, the Academic Medical Center cohort (n = 88) and the German Neuroblastoma Trial cohort (n = 649), and co-expression of both target genes identified patients with very poor outcome. Mechanistically, HDAC8 and ALK converge at the level of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling and their downstream survival pathways, such as ERK signaling. Combination treatment of HDAC8 inhibitor with crizotinib efficiently blocked the activation of growth receptor survival signaling and shifted the cell cycle arrest and differentiation phenotype toward effective cell death of neuroblastoma cell lines, including sensitization of resistant models, but not of normal cells. These findings reveal combined targeting of ALK and HDAC8 as a novel strategy for the treatment of neuroblastoma.
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34
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Becker J, Wilting J. WNT signaling, the development of the sympathoadrenal-paraganglionic system and neuroblastoma. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:1057-1070. [PMID: 29058015 PMCID: PMC5814469 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2685-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a tumor of the sympathoadrenal system arising in children under 15 years of age. In Germany, NB accounts for 7% of childhood cancer cases, but 11% of cancer deaths. It originates from highly migratory progenitor cells that leave the dorsal neural tube and contribute neurons and glial cells to sympathetic ganglia, and chromaffin and supportive cells to the adrenal medulla and paraganglia. Clinically, histologically and molecularly, NBs present as extremely heterogeneous, ranging from very good to very poor prognosis. The etiology of NB still remains unclear and needs to be elucidated, however, aberrant auto- and paracrine embryonic cell communications seem to be likely candidates to initiate or facilitate the emergence, progression and regression of NB. The wingless-type MMTV integration site (WNT) family of proteins represents an evolutionary highly conserved signaling system that orchestrates embryogenesis. At least 19 ligands in the human, numerous receptors and co-receptors are known, which control not only proliferation, but also cell polarity, migration and differentiation. Here we seek to interconnect aspects of WNT signaling with sympathoadrenal and paraganglionic development to define new WNT signaling cues in the etiology and progression of NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Becker
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medical School Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Jörg Wilting
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medical School Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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35
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Johnsen JI, Dyberg C, Fransson S, Wickström M. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets in neuroblastoma. Pharmacol Res 2018; 131:164-176. [PMID: 29466695 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranical tumor of childhood and the most deadly tumor of infancy. It is characterized by early age onset and high frequencies of metastatic disease but also the capacity to spontaneously regress. Despite intensive therapy, the survival for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma and those with recurrent or relapsed disease is low. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new therapies for these patient groups. The molecular pathogenesis based on high-throughput omics technologies of neuroblastoma is beginning to be resolved which have given the opportunity to develop personalized therapies for high-risk patients. Here we discuss the potential of developing targeted therapies against aberrantly expressed molecules detected in sub-populations of neuroblastoma patients and how these selected targets can be drugged in order to overcome treatment resistance, improve survival and quality of life for these patients and also the possibilities to transfer preclinical research into clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Inge Johnsen
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Cecilia Dyberg
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanne Fransson
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Wickström
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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36
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MYCN drives glutaminolysis in neuroblastoma and confers sensitivity to an ROS augmenting agent. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:220. [PMID: 29445162 PMCID: PMC5833827 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0295-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Heightened aerobic glycolysis and glutaminolysis are characteristic metabolic phenotypes in cancer cells. Neuroblastoma (NBL), a devastating pediatric cancer, is featured by frequent genomic amplification of MYCN, a member of the Myc oncogene family that is primarily expressed in the early stage of embryonic development and required for neural crest development. Here we report that an enriched glutaminolysis gene signature is associated with MYCN amplification in children with NBL. The partial knockdown of MYCN suppresses glutaminolysis in NBL cells. Conversely, forced overexpression of MYCN in neural crest progenitor cells enhances glutaminolysis. Importantly, glutaminolysis induces oxidative stress by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), rendering NBL cells sensitive to ROS augmentation. Through a small-scale metabolic-modulator screening, we have found that dimethyl fumarate (DMF), a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for multiple sclerosis, suppresses NBL cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. DMF suppresses NBL cell proliferation through inducing ROS and subsequently suppressing MYCN expression, which is rescued by an ROS scavenger. Our findings suggest that the metabolic modulation and ROS augmentation could be used as novel strategies in treating NBL and other MYC-driven cancers.
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37
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Origin and initiation mechanisms of neuroblastoma. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 372:211-221. [PMID: 29445860 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2796-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is an embryonal malignancy that affects normal development of the adrenal medulla and paravertebral sympathetic ganglia in early childhood. Extensive studies have revealed the molecular characteristics of human neuroblastomas, including abnormalities at genome, epigenome and transcriptome levels. However, neuroblastoma initiation mechanisms and even its origin are long-standing mysteries. In this review article, we summarize the current knowledge about normal development of putative neuroblastoma sources, namely sympathoadrenal lineage of neural crest cells and Schwann cell precursors that were recently identified as the source of adrenal chromaffin cells. A plausible origin of enigmatic stage 4S neuroblastoma is also discussed. With regard to the initiation mechanisms, we review genetic abnormalities in neuroblastomas and their possible association to initiation mechanisms. We also summarize evidences of neuroblastoma initiation observed in genetically engineered animal models, in which epigenetic alterations were involved, including transcriptomic upregulation by N-Myc and downregulation by polycomb repressive complex 2. Finally, several in vitro experimental methods are proposed that hopefully will accelerate our comprehension of neuroblastoma initiation. Thus, this review summarizes the state-of-the-art knowledge about the mechanisms of neuroblastoma initiation, which is critical for developing new strategies to cure children with neuroblastoma.
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38
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Janoueix-Lerosey I, Lopez-Delisle L, Delattre O, Rohrer H. The ALK receptor in sympathetic neuron development and neuroblastoma. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 372:325-337. [PMID: 29374774 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2784-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The ALK gene encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor characterized by an expression pattern mainly restricted to the developing central and peripheral nervous systems. In 2008, the discovery of ALK activating mutations in neuroblastoma, a tumor of the sympathetic nervous system, represented a breakthrough in the understanding of the pathogenesis of this pediatric cancer and established mutated ALK as a tractable therapeutic target for precision medicine. Subsequent studies addressed the identity of ALK ligands, as well as its physiological function in the sympathoadrenal lineage, its role in neuroblastoma development and the signaling pathways triggered by mutated ALK. This review focuses on these different aspects of the ALK biology and summarizes the various therapeutic strategies relying on ALK inhibition in neuroblastoma, either as monotherapies or combinatory treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Janoueix-Lerosey
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Inserm U830, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, F-75005, Paris, France. .,SIREDO: Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer, Institut Curie, F-75005, Paris, France.
| | - Lucille Lopez-Delisle
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Inserm U830, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, F-75005, Paris, France.,Laboratory of Developmental Genomics, EPFL SV ISREC UPDUB, SV 2843, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Delattre
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Inserm U830, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, F-75005, Paris, France.,SIREDO: Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer, Institut Curie, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Hermann Rohrer
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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39
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Tomolonis JA, Agarwal S, Shohet JM. Neuroblastoma pathogenesis: deregulation of embryonic neural crest development. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 372:245-262. [PMID: 29222693 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2747-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an aggressive pediatric cancer that originates from neural crest tissues of the sympathetic nervous system. NB is highly heterogeneous both from a clinical and a molecular perspective. Clinically, this cancer represents a wide range of phenotypes ranging from spontaneous regression of 4S disease to unremitting treatment-refractory progression and death of high-risk metastatic disease. At a cellular level, the heterogeneous behavior of NB likely arises from an arrest and deregulation of normal neural crest development. In the present review, we summarize our current knowledge of neural crest development as it relates to pathways promoting 'stemness' and how deregulation may contribute to the development of tumor-initiating CSCs. There is an emerging consensus that such tumor subpopulations contribute to the evolution of drug resistance, metastasis and relapse in other equally aggressive malignancies. As relapsed, refractory disease remains the primary cause of death for neuroblastoma, the identification and targeting of CSCs or other primary drivers of tumor progression remains a critical, clinically significant goal for neuroblastoma. We will critically review recent and past evidence in the literature supporting the concept of CSCs as drivers of neuroblastoma pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Tomolonis
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Translational Biology & Molecular Medicine (TBMM) Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Saurabh Agarwal
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jason M Shohet
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Neuroblastoma Research Program, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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40
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Gallik KL, Treffy RW, Nacke LM, Ahsan K, Rocha M, Green-Saxena A, Saxena A. Neural crest and cancer: Divergent travelers on similar paths. Mech Dev 2017; 148:89-99. [PMID: 28888421 PMCID: PMC5811199 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Neural crest cells are multipotent progenitors that dynamically interpret diverse microenvironments to migrate significant distances as a loosely associated collective and contribute to many tissues in the developing vertebrate embryo. Uncovering details of neural crest migration has helped to inform a general understanding of collective cell migration, including that which occurs during cancer metastasis. Here, we discuss several commonalities and differences of neural crest and cancer cell migration and behavior. First, we focus on some of the molecular pathways required for the initial specification and potency of neural crest cells and the roles of many of these pathways in cancer progression. We also describe epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, which plays a critical role in initiating both neural crest migration and cancer metastasis. Finally, we evaluate studies that demonstrate myriad forms of cell-cell and cell-environment communication during neural crest and cancer collective migration to highlight the remarkable similarities in their molecular and cell biological regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L Gallik
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Randall W Treffy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Lynne M Nacke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Kamil Ahsan
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Manuel Rocha
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Abigail Green-Saxena
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Ankur Saxena
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
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Transcriptional Profiling Reveals a Common Metabolic Program in High-Risk Human Neuroblastoma and Mouse Neuroblastoma Sphere-Forming Cells. Cell Rep 2017; 17:609-623. [PMID: 27705805 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
High-risk neuroblastoma remains one of the deadliest childhood cancers. Identification of metabolic pathways that drive or maintain high-risk neuroblastoma may open new avenues of therapeutic interventions. Here, we report the isolation and propagation of neuroblastoma sphere-forming cells with self-renewal and differentiation potential from tumors of the TH-MYCN mouse, an animal model of high-risk neuroblastoma with MYCN amplification. Transcriptional profiling reveals that mouse neuroblastoma sphere-forming cells acquire a metabolic program characterized by transcriptional activation of the cholesterol and serine-glycine synthesis pathways, primarily as a result of increased expression of sterol regulatory element binding factors and Atf4, respectively. This metabolic reprogramming is recapitulated in high-risk human neuroblastomas and is prognostic for poor clinical outcome. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of the metabolic program markedly decreases the growth and tumorigenicity of both mouse neuroblastoma sphere-forming cells and human neuroblastoma cell lines. These findings suggest a therapeutic strategy for targeting the metabolic program of high-risk neuroblastoma.
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42
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MYCN induces neuroblastoma in primary neural crest cells. Oncogene 2017; 36:5075-5082. [PMID: 28459463 PMCID: PMC5582212 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NBL) is an embryonal cancer of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which causes 15% of pediatric cancer deaths. High-risk NBL is characterized by N-Myc amplification and segmental chromosomal gains and losses. Owing to limited disease models, the etiology of NBL is largely unknown, including both the cell of origin and the majority of oncogenic drivers. We have established a novel system for studying NBL based on the transformation of neural crest cells (NCCs), the progenitor cells of the SNS, isolated from mouse embryonic day 9.5 trunk neural tube explants. Based on pathology and gene expression analysis, we report the first successful transformation of wild-type NCCs into NBL by enforced expression of N-Myc, to generate phenotypically and molecularly accurate tumors that closely model human MYCN-amplified NBL. Using comparative genomic hybridization, we found that NCC-derived NBL tumors acquired copy number gains and losses that are syntenic to those observed in human MYCN-amplified NBL including 17q gain, 2p gain and loss of 1p36. When p53-compromised NCCs were transformed with N-Myc, we generated primitive neuroectodermal tumors with divergent differentiation including osteosarcoma. These subcutaneous tumors were metastatic to regional lymph nodes, liver and lung. Our novel experimental approach accurately models human NBL and establishes a new system with potential to study early stages of NBL oncogenesis, to functionally assess NBL oncogenic drivers and to characterize NBL metastasis.
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43
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Duffy DJ, Krstic A, Halasz M, Schwarzl T, Konietzny A, Iljin K, Higgins DG, Kolch W. Retinoic acid and TGF-β signalling cooperate to overcome MYCN-induced retinoid resistance. Genome Med 2017; 9:15. [PMID: 28187790 PMCID: PMC5303304 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-017-0407-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinoid therapy is widely employed in clinical oncology to differentiate malignant cells into their more benign counterparts. However, certain high-risk cohorts, such as patients with MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, are innately resistant to retinoid therapy. Therefore, we employed a precision medicine approach to globally profile the retinoid signalling response and to determine how an excess of cellular MYCN antagonises these signalling events to prevent differentiation and confer resistance. METHODS We applied RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and interaction proteomics coupled with network-based systems level analysis to identify targetable vulnerabilities of MYCN-mediated retinoid resistance. We altered MYCN expression levels in a MYCN-inducible neuroblastoma cell line to facilitate or block retinoic acid (RA)-mediated neuronal differentiation. The relevance of differentially expressed genes and transcriptional regulators for neuroblastoma outcome were then confirmed using existing patient microarray datasets. RESULTS We determined the signalling networks through which RA mediates neuroblastoma differentiation and the inhibitory perturbations to these networks upon MYCN overexpression. We revealed opposing regulation of RA and MYCN on a number of differentiation-relevant genes, including LMO4, CYP26A1, ASCL1, RET, FZD7 and DKK1. Furthermore, we revealed a broad network of transcriptional regulators involved in regulating retinoid responsiveness, such as Neurotrophin, PI3K, Wnt and MAPK, and epigenetic signalling. Of these regulators, we functionally confirmed that MYCN-driven inhibition of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signalling is a vulnerable node of the MYCN network and that multiple levels of cross-talk exist between MYCN and TGF-β. Co-targeting of the retinoic acid and TGF-β pathways, through RA and kartogenin (KGN; a TGF-β signalling activating small molecule) combination treatment, induced the loss of viability of MYCN-amplified retinoid-resistant neuroblastoma cells. CONCLUSIONS Our approach provides a powerful precision oncology tool for identifying the driving signalling networks for malignancies not primarily driven by somatic mutations, such as paediatric cancers. By applying global omics approaches to the signalling networks regulating neuroblastoma differentiation and stemness, we have determined the pathways involved in the MYCN-mediated retinoid resistance, with TGF-β signalling being a key regulator. These findings revealed a number of combination treatments likely to improve clinical response to retinoid therapy, including co-treatment with retinoids and KGN, which may prove valuable in the treatment of high-risk MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Duffy
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, Florida, 32080, USA.
| | - Aleksandar Krstic
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Melinda Halasz
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Thomas Schwarzl
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja Konietzny
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Present address: Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Kristiina Iljin
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Tietotie 2, FI-02044 VTT, Espoo, Finland
| | - Desmond G Higgins
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Walter Kolch
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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44
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Salazar BM, Balczewski EA, Ung CY, Zhu S. Neuroblastoma, a Paradigm for Big Data Science in Pediatric Oncology. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 18:E37. [PMID: 28035989 PMCID: PMC5297672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric cancers rarely exhibit recurrent mutational events when compared to most adult cancers. This poses a challenge in understanding how cancers initiate, progress, and metastasize in early childhood. Also, due to limited detected driver mutations, it is difficult to benchmark key genes for drug development. In this review, we use neuroblastoma, a pediatric solid tumor of neural crest origin, as a paradigm for exploring "big data" applications in pediatric oncology. Computational strategies derived from big data science-network- and machine learning-based modeling and drug repositioning-hold the promise of shedding new light on the molecular mechanisms driving neuroblastoma pathogenesis and identifying potential therapeutics to combat this devastating disease. These strategies integrate robust data input, from genomic and transcriptomic studies, clinical data, and in vivo and in vitro experimental models specific to neuroblastoma and other types of cancers that closely mimic its biological characteristics. We discuss contexts in which "big data" and computational approaches, especially network-based modeling, may advance neuroblastoma research, describe currently available data and resources, and propose future models of strategic data collection and analyses for neuroblastoma and other related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany M Salazar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA.
| | - Emily A Balczewski
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Choong Yong Ung
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Shizhen Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA.
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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45
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Duffy DJ, Krstic A, Halasz M, Schwarzl T, Fey D, Iljin K, Mehta JP, Killick K, Whilde J, Turriziani B, Haapa-Paananen S, Fey V, Fischer M, Westermann F, Henrich KO, Bannert S, Higgins DG, Kolch W. Integrative omics reveals MYCN as a global suppressor of cellular signalling and enables network-based therapeutic target discovery in neuroblastoma. Oncotarget 2016; 6:43182-201. [PMID: 26673823 PMCID: PMC4791225 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite intensive study, many mysteries remain about the MYCN oncogene's functions. Here we focus on MYCN's role in neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial childhood cancer. MYCN gene amplification occurs in 20% of cases, but other recurrent somatic mutations are rare. This scarcity of tractable targets has hampered efforts to develop new therapeutic options. We employed a multi-level omics approach to examine MYCN functioning and identify novel therapeutic targets for this largely un-druggable oncogene. We used systems medicine based computational network reconstruction and analysis to integrate a range of omic techniques: sequencing-based transcriptomics, genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation, siRNA screening and interaction proteomics, revealing that MYCN controls highly connected networks, with MYCN primarily supressing the activity of network components. MYCN's oncogenic functions are likely independent of its classical heterodimerisation partner, MAX. In particular, MYCN controls its own protein interaction network by transcriptionally regulating its binding partners. Our network-based approach identified vulnerable therapeutically targetable nodes that function as critical regulators or effectors of MYCN in neuroblastoma. These were validated by siRNA knockdown screens, functional studies and patient data. We identified β-estradiol and MAPK/ERK as having functional cross-talk with MYCN and being novel targetable vulnerabilities of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. These results reveal surprising differences between the functioning of endogenous, overexpressed and amplified MYCN, and rationalise how different MYCN dosages can orchestrate cell fate decisions and cancerous outcomes. Importantly, this work describes a systems-level approach to systematically uncovering network based vulnerabilities and therapeutic targets for multifactorial diseases by integrating disparate omic data types.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Duffy
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, St. Augustine, Florida, USA
| | - Aleksandar Krstic
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Melinda Halasz
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thomas Schwarzl
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstraße, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Fey
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Jai Prakash Mehta
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kate Killick
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jenny Whilde
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Vidal Fey
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo, Finland
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Frank Westermann
- Division of NB Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai-Oliver Henrich
- Division of NB Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steffen Bannert
- Division of NB Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Desmond G Higgins
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Walter Kolch
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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46
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Satoh S, Takatori A, Ogura A, Kohashi K, Souzaki R, Kinoshita Y, Taguchi T, Hossain MS, Ohira M, Nakamura Y, Nakagawara A. Neuronal leucine-rich repeat 1 negatively regulates anaplastic lymphoma kinase in neuroblastoma. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32682. [PMID: 27604320 PMCID: PMC5015029 DOI: 10.1038/srep32682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In neuroblastoma (NB), one of the most common paediatric solid tumours, activation of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is often associated with poor outcomes. Although genetic studies have identified copy number alteration and nonsynonymous mutations of ALK, the regulatory mechanism of ALK signalling at protein levels is largely elusive. Neuronal leucine-rich repeat 1 (NLRR1) is a type 1 transmembrane protein that is highly expressed in unfavourable NB and potentially influences receptor tyrosine kinase signalling. Here, we showed that NLRR1 and ALK exhibited a mutually exclusive expression pattern in primary NB tissues by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, dorsal root ganglia of Nlrr1+/+ and Nlrr1−/− mice displayed the opposite expression patterns of Nlrr1 and Alk. Of interest, NLRR1 physically interacted with ALK in vitro through its extracellular region. Notably, the NLRR1 ectodomain impaired ALK phosphorylation and proliferation of ALK-mutated NB cells. A newly identified cleavage of the NLRR1 ectodomain also supported NLRR1-mediated ALK signal regulation in trans. Thus, we conclude that NLRR1 appears to be an extracellular negative regulator of ALK signalling in NB and neuronal development. Our findings may be beneficial to comprehend NB heterogeneity and to develop a novel therapy against unfavourable NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunpei Satoh
- Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba 260-8717, Japan.,Department of Molecular Biology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takatori
- Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba 260-8717, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ogura
- Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba 260-8717, Japan.,Department of Molecular Biology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kenichi Kohashi
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Ryota Souzaki
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kinoshita
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Taguchi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Md Shamim Hossain
- Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba 260-8717, Japan
| | - Miki Ohira
- Division of Cancer Genomics, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba 260-8717, Japan
| | - Yohko Nakamura
- Division of Biochemistry &Innovative Cancer Therapeutics, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba 260-8717, Japan
| | - Akira Nakagawara
- Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba 260-8717, Japan.,Department of Molecular Biology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.,Division of Biochemistry &Innovative Cancer Therapeutics, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba 260-8717, Japan.,Saga Medical Centre KOSEIKAN, 400 Nakabaru, Kase-machi, Saga 840-8571, Japan
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47
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Amente S, Milazzo G, Sorrentino MC, Ambrosio S, Di Palo G, Lania L, Perini G, Majello B. Lysine-specific demethylase (LSD1/KDM1A) and MYCN cooperatively repress tumor suppressor genes in neuroblastoma. Oncotarget 2016; 6:14572-83. [PMID: 26062444 PMCID: PMC4546488 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The chromatin-modifying enzyme lysine-specific demethylase 1, KDM1A/LSD1 is involved in maintaining the undifferentiated, malignant phenotype of neuroblastoma cells and its overexpression correlated with aggressive disease, poor differentiation and infaust outcome. Here, we show that LSD1 physically binds MYCN both in vitro and in vivo and that such an interaction requires the MYCN BoxIII. We found that LSD1 co-localizes with MYCN on promoter regions of CDKN1A/p21 and Clusterin (CLU) suppressor genes and cooperates with MYCN to repress the expression of these genes. KDM1A needs to engage with MYCN in order to associate with the CDKN1A and CLU promoters. The expression of CLU and CDKN1A can be restored in MYCN-amplified cells by pharmacological inhibition of LSD1 activity or knockdown of its expression. Combined pharmacological inhibition of MYCN and LSD1 through the use of small molecule inhibitors synergistically reduces MYCN-amplified Neuroblastoma cell viability in vitro. These findings demonstrate that LSD1 is a critical co-factor of the MYCN repressive function, and suggest that combination of LSD1 and MYCN inhibitors may have strong therapeutic relevance to counteract MYCN-driven oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Amente
- Department of Biology, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgio Milazzo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Susanna Ambrosio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Giacomo Di Palo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Lania
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Perini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,CIRI Health Sciences and Technologies (HST), Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Majello
- Department of Biology, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
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48
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Büchel G, Schulte JH, Harrison L, Batzke K, Schüller U, Hansen W, Schramm A. Immune response modulation by Galectin-1 in a transgenic model of neuroblastoma. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1131378. [PMID: 27467948 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1131378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Galectin-1 (Gal-1) has been described to promote tumor growth by inducing angiogenesis and to contribute to tumor immune escape by promoting apoptosis of activated T cells. We had previously identified upregulation of Gal-1 in preclinical models of aggressive neuroblastoma (NB), a solid tumor of childhood. However, the clinical and biological relevance of Gal-1 in this tumor entity is unclear. Here, the effect of Gal-1 on the immune system and tumorigenesis was assessed using modulation of Gal-1 expression in immune effector cells and in a transgenic NB model, designated TH-MYCN. The fraction of CD4(+) T cells was decreased in tumor-bearing TH-MYCN mice compared to tumor-free littermates, while both CD4(+) T cells as well as CD8(+) T cells were less activated, compatible with a reduced immune response in tumor-bearing mice. Tumor incidence was not significantly altered by decreasing Gal-1/LGALS1 gene dosage in TH-MYCN mice, but TH-MYCN/Gal-1(-/-) double transgenic mice displayed impaired tumor angiogenesis, splenomegaly, and impaired T cell tumor-infiltration with no differences in T cell activation and apoptosis rate. Additionally, a lower migratory capacity of Gal-1 deficient CD4(+) T cells toward tumor cells was observed in vitro. Transplantation of TH-MYCN-derived tumor cells into syngeneic mice resulted in significantly reduced tumor growth and elevated immune cell infiltration when Gal-1 was downregulated by shRNA. We therefore conclude that T cell-derived Gal-1 mediates T cell tumor-infiltration, whereas NB-derived Gal-1 promotes tumor growth. This opposing effect of Gal-1 in NB should be considered in therapeutic targeting strategies, as currently being developed for other tumor entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Büchel
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen , Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes H Schulte
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité University Medicine , Berlin, Germany
| | - Luke Harrison
- Center for Neuropathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University , Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Batzke
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen , Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schüller
- Center for Neuropathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University , Munich, Germany
| | - Wiebke Hansen
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen , Essen, Germany
| | - Alexander Schramm
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen , Essen, Germany
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49
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Langenau DM, Sweet-Cordero A, Wechsler-Reya R, Dyer MA. Preclinical Models Provide Scientific Justification and Translational Relevance for Moving Novel Therapeutics into Clinical Trials for Pediatric Cancer. Cancer Res 2015; 75:5176-5186. [PMID: 26627009 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-1308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite improvements in survival rates for children with cancer since the 1960s, progress for many pediatric malignancies has slowed over the past two decades. With the recent advances in our understanding of the genomic landscape of pediatric cancer, there is now enthusiasm for individualized cancer therapy based on genomic profiling of patients' tumors. However, several obstacles to effective personalized cancer therapy remain. For example, relatively little data from prospective clinical trials demonstrate the selective efficacy of molecular-targeted therapeutics based on somatic mutations in the patient's tumor. In this commentary, we discuss recent advances in preclinical testing for pediatric cancer and provide recommendations for providing scientific justification and translational relevance for novel therapeutic combinations for childhood cancer. Establishing rigorous criteria for defining and validating druggable mutations will be essential for the success of ongoing and future clinical genomic trials for pediatric malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Langenau
- Molecular Pathology, Cancer Center, and Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge MA 02139
| | - Alejandro Sweet-Cordero
- Pediatrics, Stanford University Medical School. 265 Campus Drive, LLSCR Building Rm G2078b. Stanford, CA, 94305
| | - Robert Wechsler-Reya
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Michael A Dyer
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
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50
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Abstract
The phenomenon of multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer is associated with the overexpression of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins, including multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) and P-glycoprotein. MRP1 plays an active role in protecting cells by its ability to efflux a vast array of drugs to sub-lethal levels. There has been much effort in elucidating the mechanisms of action, structure and substrates and substrate binding sites of MRP1 in the last decade. In this review, we detail our current understanding of MRP1, its clinical relevance and highlight the current environment in the search for MRP1 inhibitors. We also look at the capacity for the rapid intercellular transfer of MRP1 phenotype from spontaneously shed membrane vesicles known as microparticles and discuss the clinical and therapeutic significance of this in the context of cancer MDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie F Lu
- a Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney , Broadway , NSW , Australia
| | - Deep Pokharel
- a Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney , Broadway , NSW , Australia
| | - Mary Bebawy
- a Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney , Broadway , NSW , Australia
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