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Makk E, Bohonyi N, Oszter A, Éles K, Tornóczky T, Tóth A, Kálmán E, Kovács K. Comparative analysis of EZH2, p16 and p53 expression in uterine carcinosarcomas. Pathol Oncol Res 2023; 29:1611547. [PMID: 38146588 PMCID: PMC10749357 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2023.1611547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The role of p16 and p53 immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of rare and aggressive uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) has been well established. However, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase and a member of the polycomb group family is a relatively new biomarker, with limited published data on its significance in this tumor type. The goal of this study was to examine EZH2 expression in UCS and its components, in correlation with morphological features, and p16 and p53 staining patterns. Methods: Twenty-eight UCSs were included in the study. EZH2, p16 and p53 immunoreactivity were assessed independently by two pathologists in both tumor components (epithelial and mesenchymal). EZH2 and p16 immunostains were scored semiquantitatively: based on the percentage and intensity of tumor cell staining a binary staining index ("high- or low-expressing") was calculated. The p53 staining pattern was evaluated as wild-type or aberrant (diffuse nuclear, null, or cytoplasmic expression). Statistical tests were used to evaluate the correlation between staining patterns for all three markers and the different tumor components and histotypes. Results: High EZH2 and p16 expression and aberrant p53 patterns were present in 89.3% 78.6% and 85.7% of the epithelial component and in 78.6%, 62.5% and 82.1% of the mesenchymal component, respectively. Differences among these expression rates were not found to be significant (p > 0.05). Regarding the epithelial component, aberrant p53 pattern was found to be significantly (p = 0.0474) more frequent in the serous (100%) than in endometrioid (66.6%) histotypes. Within the mesenchymal component, p53 null expression pattern occurred significantly (p = 0.0257) more frequently in heterologous sarcoma components (71.4%) compared to the homologous histotype (18.8%). Conclusion: In conclusion, EZH2, p16 and p53 seem to play a universal role in the pathogenesis of UCS; however, a distinctive pattern of p53 expression appears to exist between the serous and endometrioid carcinoma components and also between the homologous and heterologous sarcoma components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelin Makk
- Department of Pathology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Noémi Bohonyi
- Department of Obstretrics and Gynaecology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Angéla Oszter
- Department of Pathology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Klára Éles
- Department of Pathology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Tornóczky
- Department of Pathology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Arnold Tóth
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Endre Kálmán
- Department of Pathology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Kovács
- Department of Pathology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
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2
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O'Brien E, Tse C, Tracy I, Reddin I, Selfe J, Gibson J, Tapper W, Pengelly RJ, Gao J, Aladowicz E, Petts G, Thway K, Popov S, Kelsey A, Underwood TJ, Shipley J, Walters ZS. Pharmacological EZH2 inhibition combined with retinoic acid treatment promotes differentiation and apoptosis in rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:167. [PMID: 37858275 PMCID: PMC10588044 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01583-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are predominantly paediatric sarcomas thought to originate from muscle precursor cells due to impaired myogenic differentiation. Despite intensive treatment, 5-year survival for patients with advanced disease remains low (< 30%), highlighting a need for novel therapies to improve outcomes. Differentiation therapeutics are agents that induce differentiation of cancer cells from malignant to benign. The histone methyltransferase, Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) suppresses normal skeletal muscle differentiation and is highly expressed in RMS tumours. RESULTS We demonstrate combining inhibition of the epigenetic modulator EZH2 with the differentiating agent retinoic acid (RA) is more effective at reducing cell proliferation in RMS cell lines than single agents alone. In PAX3-FOXO1 positive RMS cells this is due to an RA-driven induction of the interferon pathway resulting in apoptosis. In fusion negative RMS, combination therapy led to an EZH2i-driven upregulation of myogenic signalling resulting in differentiation. In both subtypes, EZH2 is significantly associated with enrichment of trimethylated lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3) in genes that are downregulated in untreated RMS cells and upregulated with EZH2 inhibitor treatment. These results provide insight into the mechanism that drives the anti-cancer effect of the EZH2/RA single agent and combination treatment and indicate that the reduction of EZH2 activity combined with the induction of RA signalling represents a potential novel therapeutic strategy to treat both subtypes of RMS. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate the potential utility of combining EZH2 inhibitors with differentiation agents for the treatment of paediatric rhabdomyosarcomas. As EZH2 inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical trials for adult and paediatric solid tumours and retinoic acid differentiation agents are already in clinical use this presents a readily translatable potential therapeutic strategy. Moreover, as inhibition of EZH2 in the poor prognosis FPRMS subtype results in an inflammatory response, it is conceivable that this strategy may also synergise with immunotherapies for a more effective treatment in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor O'Brien
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Carmen Tse
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ian Tracy
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ian Reddin
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Joanna Selfe
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Jane Gibson
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - William Tapper
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Reuben J Pengelly
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jinhui Gao
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ewa Aladowicz
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Gemma Petts
- Department of Paediatric Pathology, University of Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Khin Thway
- Pathology Department, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sergey Popov
- Cellular Pathology Department, Cardiff and Vale UHB, Cardiff, UK
| | - Anna Kelsey
- Department of Paediatric Pathology, University of Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Timothy J Underwood
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Janet Shipley
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Zoë S Walters
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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3
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Gao J, Fosbrook C, Gibson J, Underwood TJ, Gray JC, Walters ZS. Review: Targeting EZH2 in neuroblastoma. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 119:102600. [PMID: 37467626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the commonest extra-cranial pediatric tumors, and accounts for over 15% of all childhood cancer mortality. Risk stratification for children with neuroblastoma is based on age, stage, histology, and tumor cytogenetics. The majority of patients are considered to have high-risk neuroblastoma, for which the long-term survival is less than 50%. Current treatments combine surgical resection, chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, radiotherapy, anti-GD2 based immunotherapy as well as the differentiating agent isotretinoin. Despite the intensive multimodal therapies applied, there are high relapse rates, and recurrent disease is often resistant to further therapy. Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), a catalytic subunit of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), is a histone methyltransferase that represses transcription through trimethylation of lysine residue K27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3). It is responsible for epigenetic repression of transcription, making EZH2 an essential regulator for cell differentiation. Overexpression of EZH2 has been shown to promote tumorigenesis, cancer cell proliferation and prevent tumor cells from differentiating in a number of cancers. Therefore, research has been ongoing for the past decade, developing treatments that target EZH2 in neuroblastoma. This review summarises the role of EZH2 in neuroblastoma and evaluates the latest research findings on the therapeutic potential of targeting EZH2 in the treatment of neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Gao
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Claire Fosbrook
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jane Gibson
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Timothy J Underwood
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Juliet C Gray
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Zoë S Walters
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
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4
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Pomella S, Danielli SG, Alaggio R, Breunis WB, Hamed E, Selfe J, Wachtel M, Walters ZS, Schäfer BW, Rota R, Shipley JM, Hettmer S. Genomic and Epigenetic Changes Drive Aberrant Skeletal Muscle Differentiation in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2823. [PMID: 37345159 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents, represents an aberrant form of skeletal muscle differentiation. Both skeletal muscle development, as well as regeneration of adult skeletal muscle are governed by members of the myogenic family of regulatory transcription factors (MRFs), which are deployed in a highly controlled, multi-step, bidirectional process. Many aspects of this complex process are deregulated in RMS and contribute to tumorigenesis. Interconnected loops of super-enhancers, called core regulatory circuitries (CRCs), define aberrant muscle differentiation in RMS cells. The transcriptional regulation of MRF expression/activity takes a central role in the CRCs active in skeletal muscle and RMS. In PAX3::FOXO1 fusion-positive (PF+) RMS, CRCs maintain expression of the disease-driving fusion oncogene. Recent single-cell studies have revealed hierarchically organized subsets of cells within the RMS cell pool, which recapitulate developmental myogenesis and appear to drive malignancy. There is a large interest in exploiting the causes of aberrant muscle development in RMS to allow for terminal differentiation as a therapeutic strategy, for example, by interrupting MEK/ERK signaling or by interfering with the epigenetic machinery controlling CRCs. In this review, we provide an overview of the genetic and epigenetic framework of abnormal muscle differentiation in RMS, as it provides insights into fundamental mechanisms of RMS malignancy, its remarkable phenotypic diversity and, ultimately, opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pomella
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara G Danielli
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Department of Pathology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Willemijn B Breunis
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ebrahem Hamed
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Joanna Selfe
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 FNG, UK
| | - Marco Wachtel
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Zoe S Walters
- Translational Epigenomics Team, Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Beat W Schäfer
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Janet M Shipley
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 FNG, UK
| | - Simone Hettmer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre Freiburg (CCCF), University Medical Center Freiburg, 790106 Freiburg, Germany
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5
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Zhang X, Huo X, Guo H, Xue L. Combined inhibition of PARP and EZH2 for cancer treatment: Current status, opportunities, and challenges. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:965244. [PMID: 36263120 PMCID: PMC9574044 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.965244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors with BRCA1/2 mutations or homologous recombination repair defects are sensitive to PARP inhibitors through the mechanism of synthetic lethality. Several PARP inhibitors are currently approved for ovarian, breast and pancreatic cancer in clinical practice. However, more than 40% of patients with BRCA1/2 mutations are insensitive to PARP inhibitors, which has aroused attention to the mechanism of PARP resistance and sensitization schemes. PARP inhibitor resistance is related to homologous recombination repair, stability of DNA replication forks, PARylation and epigenetic modification. Studies on epigenetics have become the hotspots of research on PARP inhibitor resistance. As an important epigenetic regulator of transcription mediated by histone methylation, EZH2 interacts with PARP through DNA homologous recombination, DNA replication, posttranslational modification, tumor immunity and other aspects. EZH2 inhibitors have been just shifting from the bench to the bedside, but the combination scheme in cancer therapy has not been fully explored yet. Recently, a revolutionary drug design combining PARP inhibitors and EZH2 inhibitors based on PROTAC techniques has shed light on the resolution of PARP inhibitor resistance. This review summarizes the interactions between EZH2 and PARP, suggests the potential PARP inhibitor sensitization effect of EZH2 inhibitors, and further discusses the potential populations that benefit from the combination of EZH2 inhibitors and PARP inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian, China
| | - Xiao Huo
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian, China
- Biobank, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian, China
| | - Hongyan Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian, China
- *Correspondence: Lixiang Xue, ; Hongyan Guo,
| | - Lixiang Xue
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian, China
- Biobank, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian, China
- *Correspondence: Lixiang Xue, ; Hongyan Guo,
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6
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The RNA helicase DDX5 cooperates with EHMT2 to sustain alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma growth. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111267. [PMID: 36044855 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111267] [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: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma of childhood characterized by the inability to exit the proliferative myoblast-like stage. The alveolar fusion positive subtype (FP-RMS) is the most aggressive and is mainly caused by the expression of PAX3/7-FOXO1 oncoproteins, which are challenging pharmacological targets. Here, we show that the DEAD box RNA helicase 5 (DDX5) is overexpressed in alveolar RMS cells and that its depletion and pharmacological inhibition decrease FP-RMS viability and slow tumor growth in xenograft models. Mechanistically, we provide evidence that DDX5 functions upstream of the EHMT2/AKT survival signaling pathway, by directly interacting with EHMT2 mRNA, modulating its stability and consequent protein expression. We show that EHMT2 in turns regulates PAX3-FOXO1 activity in a methylation-dependent manner, thus sustaining FP-RMS myoblastic state. Together, our findings identify another survival-promoting loop in FP-RMS and highlight DDX5 as a potential therapeutic target to arrest RMS growth.
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7
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Nachiyappan A, Soon JLJ, Lim HJ, Lee VK, Taneja R. EHMT1 promotes tumor progression and maintains stemness by regulating ALDH1A1 expression in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. J Pathol 2022; 256:349-362. [PMID: 34897678 DOI: 10.1002/path.5848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) is an aggressive pediatric cancer with poor prognosis. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are seeds for tumor relapse and metastasis. However, pathways that maintain stemness genes are not fully understood. Here, we report that the enzyme euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 1 (EHMT1) is expressed in primary and relapse ARMS tumors. EHMT1 suppression impaired motility and induced differentiation in ARMS cell lines and reduced tumor progression in a mouse xenograft model in vivo. RNA sequencing of EHMT1-depleted cells revealed downregulation of ALDH1A1 that is associated with CSCs. Consistent with this, inhibition of ALDH1A1 expression and activity mimicked EHMT1 depletion phenotypes and reduced tumorsphere formation. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that EHMT1 does not bind to the ALDH1A1 promoter but activates it by stabilizing C/EBPβ, a known regulator of ALDH1A1 expression. Our findings identify a role for EHMT1 in maintenance of stemness by regulating ALDH1A1 expression and suggest that targeting ALDH+ cells is a promising strategy in ARMS. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alamelu Nachiyappan
- Department of Physiology, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joshua Ling Jun Soon
- Department of Physiology, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huey Jin Lim
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Victor Km Lee
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Reshma Taneja
- Department of Physiology, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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8
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The Effect of Direct and Indirect EZH2 Inhibition in Rhabdomyosarcoma Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010041. [PMID: 35008205 PMCID: PMC8750739 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue tumor in children. Its two major subtypes show epigenetic alterations that are associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, targeting these epigenetic alterations by pharmacological intervention could be a therapeutic approach. We investigated two different types of substances that interfere with the epigenetic process of histone methylation. We performed studies in two cell lines that carry characteristics of the major rhabdomyosarcoma subtypes. The aim of this study was to find out if the substances differ in their effect on tumor-related cellular functions and to find out if the tumor subtypes differ in their response to the substances. These findings may contribute to a better assessment of the feasibility of pharmacological intervention directed against histone methylation in subtypes of rhabdomyosarcoma. Abstract Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is involved in epigenetic regulation of gene transcription by catalyzing trimethylation of histone 3 at lysine 27. In rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), increased EZH2 protein levels are associated with poor prognosis and increased metastatic potential, suggesting EZH2 as a therapeutic target. The inhibition of EZH2 can be achieved by direct inhibition which targets only the enzyme activity or by indirect inhibition which also affects activities of other methyltransferases and reduces EZH2 protein abundance. We assessed the direct inhibition of EZH2 by EPZ005687 and the indirect inhibition by 3-deazaneplanocin (DZNep) and adenosine dialdehyde (AdOx) in the embryonal RD and the alveolar RH30 RMS cell line. EPZ005687 was more effective in reducing the cell viability and colony formation, in promoting apoptosis induction, and in arresting cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle than the indirect inhibitors. DZNep was more effective in decreasing spheroid viability and size in both cell lines than EPZ005687 and AdOx. Both types of inhibitors reduced cell migration of RH30 cells but not of RD cells. The results show that direct and indirect inhibition of EZH2 affect cellular functions differently. The alveolar cell line RH30 is more sensitive to epigenetic intervention than the embryonal cell line RD.
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García-Valverde A, Rosell J, Sayols S, Gómez-Peregrina D, Pilco-Janeta DF, Olivares-Rivas I, de Álava E, Maurel J, Rubió-Casadevall J, Esteve A, Gut M, Valverde C, Barretina J, Carles J, Demetri GD, Fletcher JA, Arribas J, Serrano C. E3 ubiquitin ligase Atrogin-1 mediates adaptive resistance to KIT-targeted inhibition in gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Oncogene 2021; 40:6614-6626. [PMID: 34621020 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02049-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
KIT/PDGFRA oncogenic tyrosine kinase signaling is the central oncogenic event in most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), which are human malignant mesenchymal neoplasms that often feature myogenic differentiation. Although targeted inhibition of KIT/PDGFRA provides substantial clinical benefit, GIST cells adapt to KIT/PDGFRA driver suppression and eventually develop resistance. The specific molecular events leading to adaptive resistance in GIST remain unclear. By using clinically representative in vitro and in vivo GIST models and GIST patients' samples, we found that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Atrogin-1 (FBXO32)-the main effector of muscular atrophy in cachexia-resulted in the most critical gene derepressed in response to KIT inhibition, regardless the type of KIT primary or secondary mutation. Atrogin-1 in GISTs is transcriptionally controlled by the KIT-FOXO3a axis, thus indicating overlap with Atrogin-1 regulation mechanisms in nonneoplastic muscle cells. Further, Atrogin-1 overexpression was a GIST-cell-specific pro-survival mechanism that enabled the adaptation to KIT-targeted inhibition by apoptosis evasion through cell quiescence. Buttressed on these findings, we established in vitro and in vivo the preclinical proof-of-concept for co-targeting KIT and the ubiquitin pathway to maximize the therapeutic response to first-line imatinib treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso García-Valverde
- Sarcoma Translational Research Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Rosell
- Sarcoma Translational Research Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - David Gómez-Peregrina
- Sarcoma Translational Research Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel F Pilco-Janeta
- Sarcoma Translational Research Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Iván Olivares-Rivas
- Sarcoma Translational Research Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrique de Álava
- Institute of Biomedicine of Sevilla (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital /CSIC/University of Sevilla/CIBERONC, Sevilla, Spain.,Department of Normal and Pathological Cytology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Joan Maurel
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapeutics in Solid Tumors Group, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Anna Esteve
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Gut
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Claudia Valverde
- Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Barretina
- Institut Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Institut Català d'Oncologia, Badalona, Spain
| | - Joan Carles
- Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - George D Demetri
- Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Treatment Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan A Fletcher
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joaquín Arribas
- Institució Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.,Growth Factors Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) and CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - César Serrano
- Sarcoma Translational Research Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.
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10
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Walters ZS, Aladowicz E, Villarejo-Balcells B, Nugent G, Selfe JL, Eve P, Blagg J, Rossanese O, Shipley J. Role for the Histone Demethylase KDM4B in Rhabdomyosarcoma via CDK6 and CCNA2: Compensation by KDM4A and Apoptotic Response of Targeting Both KDM4B and KDM4A. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1734. [PMID: 33917420 PMCID: PMC8038694 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071734] [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: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone demethylases are epigenetic modulators that play key roles in regulating gene expression related to many critical cellular functions and are emerging as promising therapeutic targets in a number of tumor types. We previously identified histone demethylase family members as overexpressed in the pediatric sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma. Here we show high sensitivity of rhabdomyosarcoma cells to a pan-histone demethylase inhibitor, JIB-04 and identify a key role for the histone demethylase KDM4B in rhabdomyosarcoma cell growth through an RNAi-screening approach. Decreasing KDM4B levels affected cell cycle progression and transcription of G1/S and G2/M checkpoint genes including CDK6 and CCNA2, which are bound by KDM4B in their promoter regions. However, after sustained knockdown of KDM4B, rhabdomyosarcoma cell growth recovered. We show that this can be attributed to acquired molecular compensation via recruitment of KDM4A to the promoter regions of CDK6 and CCNA2 that are otherwise bound by KDM4B. Furthermore, upfront silencing of both KDM4B and KDM4A led to RMS cell apoptosis, not seen by reducing either alone. To circumvent compensation and elicit stronger therapeutic responses, our study supports targeting histone demethylase sub-family proteins through selective poly-pharmacology as a therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë S. Walters
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK; (Z.S.W.); (E.A.); (B.V.-B.); (J.L.S.)
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Ewa Aladowicz
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK; (Z.S.W.); (E.A.); (B.V.-B.); (J.L.S.)
| | - Barbara Villarejo-Balcells
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK; (Z.S.W.); (E.A.); (B.V.-B.); (J.L.S.)
| | - Gary Nugent
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK; (G.N.); (P.E.); (J.B.); (O.R.)
| | - Joanna L. Selfe
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK; (Z.S.W.); (E.A.); (B.V.-B.); (J.L.S.)
| | - Paul Eve
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK; (G.N.); (P.E.); (J.B.); (O.R.)
| | - Julian Blagg
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK; (G.N.); (P.E.); (J.B.); (O.R.)
| | - Olivia Rossanese
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK; (G.N.); (P.E.); (J.B.); (O.R.)
| | - Janet Shipley
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK; (Z.S.W.); (E.A.); (B.V.-B.); (J.L.S.)
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11
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Shields CE, Potlapalli S, Cuya-Smith SM, Chappell SK, Chen D, Martinez D, Pogoriler J, Rathi KS, Patel SA, Oristian KM, Linardic CM, Maris JM, Haynes KA, Schnepp RW. Epigenetic regulator BMI1 promotes alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma proliferation and constitutes a novel therapeutic target. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:2156-2171. [PMID: 33523558 PMCID: PMC8333775 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. There are two main subtypes of RMS, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. ARMS typically encompasses fusion‐positive rhabdomyosarcoma, which expresses either PAX3‐FOXO1 or PAX7‐FOXO1 fusion proteins. There are no targeted therapies for ARMS; however, recent studies have begun to illustrate the cooperation between epigenetic proteins and the PAX3‐FOXO1 fusion, indicating that epigenetic proteins may serve as targets in ARMS. Here, we investigate the contribution of BMI1, given the established role of this epigenetic regulator in sustaining aggression in cancer. We determined that BMI1 is expressed across ARMS tumors, patient‐derived xenografts, and cell lines. We depleted BMI1 using RNAi and inhibitors (PTC‐209 and PTC‐028) and found that this leads to a decrease in cell growth/increase in apoptosis in vitro, and delays tumor growth in vivo. Our data suggest that BMI1 inhibition activates the Hippo pathway via phosphorylation of LATS1/2 and subsequent reduction in YAP levels and YAP/TAZ target genes. These results identify BMI1 as a potential therapeutic vulnerability in ARMS and warrant further investigation of BMI1 in ARMS and other sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara E Shields
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sindhu Potlapalli
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Selma M Cuya-Smith
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarah K Chappell
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dongdong Chen
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Daniel Martinez
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer Pogoriler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Komal S Rathi
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shiv A Patel
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristianne M Oristian
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Corinne M Linardic
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John M Maris
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karmella A Haynes
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert W Schnepp
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
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12
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Simeone N, Frezza AM, Zaffaroni N, Stacchiotti S. Tazemetostat for advanced epithelioid sarcoma: current status and future perspectives. Future Oncol 2020; 17:1253-1263. [PMID: 33289402 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive ultra-rare soft-tissue sarcoma marked by SMARCB1/INI1 deficiency. SMARCB1/INI1 deficiency leads to elevated expression of EZH2, a component of polycomb repressive complex 2, which mediates gene silencing by catalyzing H3K27me3. Tazemetostat is an oral, SAM-competitive inhibitor of EZH2, whose blockade prevents the methylation of histone H3K27, thus decreasing the growth of EZH2 mutated or over-expressing cancer cells. Tazemetostat has been approved for the treatment of patients aged 16 years and older with metastatic or advanced ES not eligible for complete resection, based on the positive results of a single-arm Phase II basket study. Tazemetostat though represents a new treatment option for ES patients, although clinical/molecular predictors of response are still to be identified. The combination of tazemetostat with other drugs like doxorubicin and immunotherapeutic agents is currently under investigation in ES patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Simeone
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Frezza
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Nadia Zaffaroni
- Department of Experimental Oncology & Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Silvia Stacchiotti
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, 20133, Italy
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13
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Sobral LM, Hicks HM, Parrish JK, McCann TS, Hsieh J, Goodspeed A, Costello JC, Black JC, Jedlicka P. KDM3A/Ets1 epigenetic axis contributes to PAX3/FOXO1-driven and independent disease-promoting gene expression in fusion-positive Rhabdomyosarcoma. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:2471-2486. [PMID: 32697014 PMCID: PMC7530783 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children and young adults. RMS exists as two major disease subtypes, oncofusion-negative RMS (FN-RMS) and oncofusion-positive RMS (FP-RMS). FP-RMS is characterized by recurrent PAX3/7-FOXO1 driver oncofusions and is a biologically and clinically aggressive disease. Recent studies have revealed FP-RMS to have a strong epigenetic basis. Epigenetic mechanisms represent potential new therapeutic vulnerabilities in FP-RMS, but their complex details remain to be defined. We previously identified a new disease-promoting epigenetic axis in RMS, involving the chromatin factor KDM3A and the Ets1 transcription factor. In the present study, we define the KDM3A and Ets1 FP-RMS transcriptomes and show that these interface with the recently characterized PAX3/FOXO1-driven gene expression program. KDM3A and Ets1 positively control numerous known and candidate novel PAX3/FOXO1-induced RMS-promoting genes, including subsets under control of PAX3/FOXO1-associated superenhancers (SE), such as MEST. Interestingly, KDM3A and Ets1 also positively control a number of known and candidate novel FP-RMS-promoting, but not PAX3/FOXO1-dependent, genes. Epistatically, Ets1 is downstream of, and exerts disease-promoting effects similar to, both KDM3A and PAX3/FOXO1. MEST also manifests disease-promoting properties in FP-RMS, and KDM3A and Ets1 each impacts activation of the PAX3/FOXO1-associated MEST SE. Taken together, our studies show that the KDM3A/Ets1 epigenetic axis plays an important role in disease promotion in FP-RMS, and provide insight into potential new ways to target aggressive phenotypes in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lays M Sobral
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Hannah M Hicks
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Janet K Parrish
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Tyler S McCann
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Joseph Hsieh
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Andrew Goodspeed
- Department of Pharmacology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.,Bioinformatics Shared Resource, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - James C Costello
- Department of Pharmacology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.,Bioinformatics Shared Resource, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Joshua C Black
- Department of Pharmacology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Paul Jedlicka
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
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14
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Targeting the undruggable: exploiting neomorphic features of fusion oncoproteins in childhood sarcomas for innovative therapies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 38:625-642. [PMID: 31970591 PMCID: PMC6994515 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-019-09839-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
While sarcomas account for approximately 1% of malignant tumors of adults, they are particularly more common in children and adolescents affected by cancer. In contrast to malignancies that occur in later stages of life, childhood tumors, including sarcoma, are characterized by a striking paucity of somatic mutations. However, entity-defining fusion oncogenes acting as the main oncogenic driver mutations are frequently found in pediatric bone and soft-tissue sarcomas such as Ewing sarcoma (EWSR1-FLI1), alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (PAX3/7-FOXO1), and synovial sarcoma (SS18-SSX1/2/4). Since strong oncogene-dependency has been demonstrated in these entities, direct pharmacological targeting of these fusion oncogenes has been excessively attempted, thus far, with limited success. Despite apparent challenges, our increasing understanding of the neomorphic features of these fusion oncogenes in conjunction with rapid technological advances will likely enable the development of new strategies to therapeutically exploit these neomorphic features and to ultimately turn the “undruggable” into first-line target structures. In this review, we provide a broad overview of the current literature on targeting neomorphic features of fusion oncogenes found in Ewing sarcoma, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, and synovial sarcoma, and give a perspective for future developments. Scheme depicting the different targeting strategies of fusion oncogenes in pediatric fusion-driven sarcomas. Fusion oncogenes can be targeted on their DNA level (1), RNA level (2), protein level (3), and by targeting downstream functions and interaction partners (4). ![]()
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15
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Sobral LM, Sechler M, Parrish JK, McCann TS, Jones KL, Black JC, Jedlicka P. KDM3A/Ets1/MCAM axis promotes growth and metastatic properties in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Genes Cancer 2020; 11:53-65. [PMID: 32577157 PMCID: PMC7289905 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue malignancy of childhood. RMS exists as two major disease subtypes, with oncofusion-positive RMS (FP-RMS) typically carrying a worse prognosis than oncofusion-negative RMS (FN-RMS), in part due to higher propensity for metastasis. Epigenetic mechanisms have recently emerged as critical players in the pathogenesis of pediatric cancers, as well as potential new therapeutic vulnerabilities. Herein, we show that the epigenetic regulator KDM3A, a member of the Jumonji-domain histone demethylase (JHDM) family, is overexpressed, potently promotes colony formation and transendothelial invasion, and activates the expression of genes involved in cell growth, migration and metastasis, in both FN-RMS and FP-RMS. In mechanistic studies, we demonstrate that both RMS subtypes utilize a KDM3A/Ets1/MCAM disease-promoting axis recently discovered in Ewing Sarcoma, another aggressive pediatric cancer of distinct cellular and molecular origin. We further show that KDM3A depletion in FP-RMS cells inhibits both tumor growth and metastasis in vivo, and that RMS cells are highly sensitive to colony growth inhibition by the pan-JHDM inhibitor JIB-04. Together, our studies reveal an important role for the KDM3A/Ets1/MCAM axis in pediatric sarcomas of distinct cellular and molecular ontogeny, and identify new targetable vulnerabilities in RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lays Martin Sobral
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Marybeth Sechler
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Janet K Parrish
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Tyler S McCann
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kenneth L Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Joshua C Black
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Paul Jedlicka
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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16
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Kazim N, Adhikari A, Oh TJ, Davie J. The transcription elongation factor TCEA3 induces apoptosis in rhabdomyosarcoma. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:67. [PMID: 31988307 PMCID: PMC6985194 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2258-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
TCEA3 is one of three genes representing the transcription elongation factor TFIIS family in vertebrates. TCEA3 is upregulated during skeletal muscle differentiation and acts to promote muscle specific gene expression during myogenesis. Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a pediatric cancer derived from the muscle lineage, but the expression or function of TCEA3 in RMS was uncharacterized. We found that TCEA3 expression was strongly inhibited in RMS cell lines representing both ERMS and ARMS subtypes of RMS. TCEA3 expression correlates with DNA methylation and we show that TBX2 is also involved in the repression of TCEA3 in RMS cell lines. Ectopic expression of TCEA3 inhibited proliferation of RMS cell lines and initiated apoptosis through both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. We found that only pan-caspase inhibitors could block apoptosis in the presence of TCEA3. While expression of TCEA3 is highest in skeletal muscle, expression has been detected in other tissues as well, including breast, ovarian and prostate. We found that ectopic expression of TCEA3 also promotes apoptosis in HeLa, MCF7, MDA-231, and PC3 cell lines, representing cervical, breast, and prostate cancer, respectively. Restoration of TCEA3 expression in RMS cell lines enhanced sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, including TRAIL. Thus, TCEA3 presents a novel target for therapeutic strategies to promote apoptosis and enhance sensitivity to current chemotherapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Kazim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Abhinav Adhikari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Simmons Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - Teak Jung Oh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA
| | - Judith Davie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Simmons Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA.
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17
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Chen Y, Sun XX, Sears RC, Dai MS. Writing and erasing MYC ubiquitination and SUMOylation. Genes Dis 2019; 6:359-371. [PMID: 31832515 PMCID: PMC6889025 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor c-MYC (MYC thereafter) controls diverse transcription programs and plays a key role in the development of many human cancers. Cells develop multiple mechanisms to ensure that MYC levels and activity are precisely controlled in normal physiological context. As a short half-lived protein, MYC protein levels are tightly regulated by the ubiquitin proteasome system. Over a dozen of ubiquitin ligases have been found to ubiquitinate MYC whereas a number of deubiquitinating enzymes counteract this process. Recent studies show that SUMOylation and deSUMOylation can also regulate MYC protein stability and activity. Interestingly, evidence suggests an intriguing crosstalk between MYC ubiquitination and SUMOylation. Deregulation of the MYC ubiquitination-SUMOylation regulatory network may contribute to tumorigenesis. This review is intended to provide the current understanding of the complex regulation of the MYC biology by dynamic ubiquitination and SUMOylation and their crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxiao Chen
- Departments of Molecular & Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Xiao-Xin Sun
- Departments of Molecular & Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Rosalie C Sears
- Departments of Molecular & Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Mu-Shui Dai
- Departments of Molecular & Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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18
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Comparative Assessment of Antitumor Effects and Autophagy Induction as a Resistance Mechanism by Cytotoxics and EZH2 Inhibition in INI1-Negative Epithelioid Sarcoma Patient-Derived Xenograft. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11071015. [PMID: 31331120 PMCID: PMC6678245 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11071015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is a rare mesenchymal malignancy marked by SMARCB1/INI1 deficiency. Retrospective clinical data report on the activity of anthracycline- and gemcitabine-based regimens. EZH2 inhibitors are currently being tested in clinical trials. Since comparisons of these agents are unlikely to be prospectively evaluated in the clinics, we took advantage of an INI1-deficient proximal-type ES patient-derived xenograft (PDX ES-1) to comparatively assess its preclinical antitumor activity. Mice were treated with doxorubicin and ifosfamide, singly or in combination, gemcitabine, and the EZH2 inhibitor EPZ-011989. Comparable antitumor activity (max tumor volume inhibition: ~90%) was caused by gemcitabine, EPZ-011989, and the doxorubicin-ifosfamide combination. The integration of RNAseq data, generated on tumors obtained from untreated and EPZ-011989-treated mice, and results from functional studies, carried out on the PDX-derived ES-1 cell line, revealed autophagy induction as a possible survival mechanism in residual tumor cells following EPZ-011989 treatment and identified HMGA2 as a main player in this process. Our data support the clinical use of gemcitabine and the doxorubicin-ifosfamide combination, confirm EZH2 as a therapeutic target in proximal-type ES, and suggest autophagy as a cytoprotective mechanism against EZH2 inhibition.
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19
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Adhikari A, Davie J. Wnt deregulation in rhabdomyosarcoma. Stem Cell Investig 2019; 6:13. [PMID: 31304179 DOI: 10.21037/sci.2019.06.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav Adhikari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and Simmons Cancer Institute, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Judith Davie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and Simmons Cancer Institute, Carbondale, IL, USA
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20
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TBX3 represses TBX2 under the control of the PRC2 complex in skeletal muscle and rhabdomyosarcoma. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:27. [PMID: 30979887 PMCID: PMC6461654 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-019-0137-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
TBX2 and TBX3 function as repressors and are frequently implicated in oncogenesis. We have shown that TBX2 represses p21, p14/19, and PTEN in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and skeletal muscle but the function and regulation of TBX3 were unclear. We show that TBX3 directly represses TBX2 in RMS and skeletal muscle. TBX3 overexpression impairs cell growth and migration and we show that TBX3 is directly repressed by the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which methylates histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me). We found that TBX3 promotes differentiation only in the presence of early growth response factor 1 (EGR1), which is differentially expressed in RMS and is also a target of the PRC2 complex. The potent regulation axis revealed in this work provides novel insight into the effects of the PRC2 complex in normal cells and RMS and further supports the therapeutic value of targeting of PRC2 in RMS.
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21
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Mellini P, Marrocco B, Borovika D, Polletta L, Carnevale I, Saladini S, Stazi G, Zwergel C, Trapencieris P, Ferretti E, Tafani M, Valente S, Mai A. Pyrazole-based inhibitors of enhancer of zeste homologue 2 induce apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 373:rstb.2017.0150. [PMID: 29685965 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel pyrazole-based EZH2 inhibitors have been prepared through a molecular pruning approach from known inhibitors bearing a bicyclic moiety as a central scaffold. The hit compound 1o (N-((4,6-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide) showed low micromolar EZH2/PRC2 inhibition and high selectivity towards a panel of other methyltransferases. Moreover, 1o displayed cell growth arrest in breast MDA-MB231, leukaemia K562, and neuroblastoma SK-N-BE cancer cells joined to reduction of H3K27me3 levels and induction of apoptosis and autophagy.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Frontiers in epigenetic chemical biology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Mellini
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Biagina Marrocco
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Diana Borovika
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles iela 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia
| | - Lucia Polletta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Ilaria Carnevale
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Serena Saladini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Giulia Stazi
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Clemens Zwergel
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Peteris Trapencieris
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles iela 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Tafani
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy .,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
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22
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Pal A, Chiu HY, Taneja R. Genetics, epigenetics and redox homeostasis in rhabdomyosarcoma: Emerging targets and therapeutics. Redox Biol 2019; 25:101124. [PMID: 30709791 PMCID: PMC6859585 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma accounting for 5–8% of malignant tumours in children and adolescents. Children with high risk disease have poor prognosis. Anti-RMS therapies include surgery, radiation and combination chemotherapy. While these strategies improved survival rates, they have plateaued since 1990s as drugs that target differentiation and self-renewal of tumours cells have not been identified. Moreover, prevailing treatments are aggressive with drug resistance and metastasis causing failure of several treatment regimes. Significant advances have been made recently in understanding the genetic and epigenetic landscape in RMS. These studies have identified novel diagnostic and prognostic markers and opened new avenues for treatment. An important target identified in high throughput drug screening studies is reactive oxygen species (ROS). Indeed, many drugs in clinical trials for RMS impact tumour progression through ROS. In light of such emerging evidence, we discuss recent findings highlighting key pathways, epigenetic alterations and their impacts on ROS that form the basis of developing novel molecularly targeted therapies in RMS. Such targeted therapies in combination with conventional therapy could reduce adverse side effects in young survivors and lead to a decline in long-term morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Pal
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
| | - Hsin Yao Chiu
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
| | - Reshma Taneja
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore.
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23
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Guida MC, Birse RT, Dall'Agnese A, Toto PC, Diop SB, Mai A, Adams PD, Puri PL, Bodmer R. Intergenerational inheritance of high fat diet-induced cardiac lipotoxicity in Drosophila. Nat Commun 2019; 10:193. [PMID: 30643137 PMCID: PMC6331650 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08128-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is strongly correlated with lipotoxic cardiomyopathy, heart failure and thus mortality. The incidence of obesity has reached alarming proportions worldwide, and increasing evidence suggests that the parents' nutritional status may predispose their offspring to lipotoxic cardiomyopathy. However, to date, mechanisms underlying intergenerational heart disease risks have yet to be elucidated. Here we report that cardiac dysfunction induced by high-fat-diet (HFD) persists for two subsequent generations in Drosophila and is associated with reduced expression of two key metabolic regulators, adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL/bmm) and transcriptional cofactor PGC-1. We provide evidence that targeted expression of ATGL/bmm in the offspring of HFD-fed parents protects them, and the subsequent generation, from cardio-lipotoxicity. Furthermore, we find that intergenerational inheritance of lipotoxic cardiomyopathy correlates with elevated systemic H3K27 trimethylation. Lowering H3K27 trimethylation genetically or pharmacologically in the offspring of HFD-fed parents prevents cardiac pathology. This suggests that metabolic homeostasis is epigenetically regulated across generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Clara Guida
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Ryan Tyge Birse
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Biocompatibles Inc., 300 Four Falls Corporate Center, 300 Conshohocken State Road, West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2998, USA
| | - Alessandra Dall'Agnese
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Paula Coutinho Toto
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Soda Balla Diop
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | | | - Peter D Adams
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Pier Lorenzo Puri
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00142, Rome, Italy
| | - Rolf Bodmer
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children and represents a high-grade neoplasm of skeletal myoblast-like cells. Decades of clinical and basic research have gradually improved our understanding of the pathophysiology of RMS and helped to optimize clinical care. The two major subtypes of RMS, originally characterized on the basis of light microscopic features, are driven by fundamentally different molecular mechanisms and pose distinct clinical challenges. Curative therapy depends on control of the primary tumour, which can arise at many distinct anatomical sites, as well as controlling disseminated disease that is known or assumed to be present in every case. Sophisticated risk stratification for children with RMS incorporates various clinical, pathological and molecular features, and that information is used to guide the application of multifaceted therapy. Such therapy has historically included cytotoxic chemotherapy as well as surgery, ionizing radiation or both. This Primer describes our current understanding of RMS epidemiology, disease susceptibility factors, disease mechanisms and elements of clinical care, including diagnostics, risk-based care of newly diagnosed and relapsed disease and the prevention and management of late effects in survivors. We also outline potential opportunities to further translate new biological insights into improved clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen X Skapek
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Andrea Ferrari
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Abha A Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Philip J Lupo
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Erin Butler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Janet Shipley
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Belmont, UK
| | - Frederic G Barr
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Douglas S Hawkins
- Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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25
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Pannexin 1 inhibits rhabdomyosarcoma progression through a mechanism independent of its canonical channel function. Oncogenesis 2018; 7:89. [PMID: 30459312 PMCID: PMC6246549 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-018-0100-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma of childhood thought to arise from impaired differentiation of skeletal muscle progenitors. We have recently identified Pannexin 1 (PANX1) channels as a novel regulator of skeletal myogenesis. In the present study, we determined that PANX1 transcript and protein levels are down-regulated in embryonal (eRMS) and alveolar RMS (aRMS) patient-derived cell lines and primary tumor specimens as compared to differentiated skeletal muscle myoblasts and tissue, respectively. While not sufficient to overcome the inability of RMS to reach terminal differentiation, ectopic expression of PANX1 in eRMS (Rh18) and aRMS (Rh30) cells significantly decreased their proliferative and migratory potential. Furthermore, ectopic PANX1 abolished 3D spheroid formation in eRMS and aRMS cells and induced regression of established spheroids through induction of apoptosis. Notably, PANX1 expression also significantly reduced the growth of human eRMS and aRMS tumor xenografts in vivo. Interestingly, PANX1 does not form active channels when expressed in eRMS (Rh18) and aRMS (Rh30) cells and the addition of PANX1 channel inhibitors did not alter or reverse the PANX1-mediated reduction of cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, expression of channel-defective PANX1 mutants not only disrupted eRMS and aRMS 3D spheroids, but also inhibited in vivo RMS tumor growth. Altogether our findings suggest that PANX1 alleviates RMS malignant properties in vitro and in vivo through a process that is independent of its canonical channel function.
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26
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Wang C, Li X, Zhang J, Ge Z, Chen H, Hu J. EZH2 contributes to 5-FU resistance in gastric cancer by epigenetically suppressing FBXO32 expression. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:7853-7864. [PMID: 30464532 PMCID: PMC6225849 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s180131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing evidence suggests the involvement of enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) in chemoresistance of cancer treatment. Nevertheless, its function and molecular mechanisms in gastric cancer (GC) chemoresistance are still not well elucidated. Materials and methods In the present study, we investigated the functional role of EZH2 in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance of GC cells and discovered the underlying molecular mechanism. Results Results revealed that EZH2 was upregulated in 5-FU-resistant GC tissues and cell lines. High ZEH2 expression was correlated with poor prognosis of GC patients. EZH2 knockdown enhanced 5-FU sensitivity of AGS/5-FU and SGC-7901/5-FU cells. Moreover, EZH2 could epigenetically suppress FBXO32 expression. FBXO32 overexpression could mimic the functional role of downregulated EZH2 in 5-FU resistance. FBXO32 knockdown counteracted the inductive effect of EZH2 inhibition on 5-FU sensitivity of AGS/5-FU and SGC-7901/5-FU cells. Furthermore, EZH2 knockdown facilitated 5-FU sensitivity of 5-FU-resistant GC cells in vivo. Conclusion In summary, EZH2 depletion overcame 5-FU resistance in GC by epigenetically silencing FBXO32, providing a novel therapeutic target for GC chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Wang
- Department of Anorectal, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, People's Republic of China,
| | - Xingwang Li
- Department of Anorectal, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, People's Republic of China,
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Department of Anorectal, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, People's Republic of China,
| | - Zheng Ge
- Department of Anorectal, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, People's Republic of China,
| | - Hejin Chen
- Department of Anorectal, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, People's Republic of China,
| | - Junhong Hu
- Department of Anorectal, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, People's Republic of China,
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Fioravanti R, Stazi G, Zwergel C, Valente S, Mai A. Six Years (2012-2018) of Researches on Catalytic EZH2 Inhibitors: The Boom of the 2-Pyridone Compounds. CHEM REC 2018; 18:1818-1832. [PMID: 30338896 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.201800091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), catalyzes the methylation of lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27) up to its trimethylated form (H3K27me), inducing by this way block of transcription and gene silencing. High levels of H3K27me3 have been found in both hematological malignancies and solid cancers, due to EZH2 overexpression and/or EZH2 mutation. From 2012, a number of highly potent and selective catalytic inhibitors of EZH2 have been reported, almost all bearing a 2-pyridone group in their structure. Typically, 2-pyridone inhibitors are selective for EZH2 over other methyltransferases, and some of them are specific for EZH2 over EZH1, others behave as dual EZH2/EZH1 inhibitors. The 2-pyridone moiety was crucial for the enzyme inhibition, as revealed later by crystallographic studies because it occupies partially the site for the co-substrate SAM (or the by-product, SAH) in the binding pocket of the enzyme, accounting for the SAM-competitive mechanism of action displayed by all the 2-pyridone inhibitors. The 2-pyridone warhead is linked to a support substructure, that can be either a bicyclic heteroaromatic ring (such as indazole, see for instance EPZ005687 and UNC1999, or indole, see for instance GSK126, EI1, and the more recent CPI-1205) or a simple monocyclic (hetero) aromatic ring (tazemetostat, MC3629, (R)-OR-S1/2), eventually annulated with the amide chain carrying the 2-pyridone group (3,4-dihydroisoquinoline-1(2H)-ones). Different substitutions at the support moiety influence the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the compounds as well as their water solubility. In cancer diseases, the first reported 2-pyridone inhibitors displayed high antiproliferative effects in vitro and in vivo in lymphomas characterized by mutant EZH2 (such as Y641N), but the most recent compounds exert their anticancer activity against tumors with wild-type EZH2 as well. The dual EZH2/1 inhibitors have been recently reported to be more effective than EZH2 selective inhibitors in specific leukemias including leukemias cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Fioravanti
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro n. 5., 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Giulia Stazi
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro n. 5., 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Clemens Zwergel
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro n. 5., 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro n. 5., 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro n. 5., 00185, Roma, Italy
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28
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Cheng T, Xu Y. Effects of Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) Expression on Brain Glioma Cell Proliferation and Tumorigenesis. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:7249-7255. [PMID: 30305602 PMCID: PMC6194754 DOI: 10.12659/msm.909814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Brain glioma is a type of common primary intracranial malignant tumor, the prognosis of which is frequently unfavorable. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) belongs to poly-sulfur protein family and can mediate cell proliferation and differentiation via the modulation of various genes expressions. In addition, it is further related with occurrence and metastasis of malignant tumors. This study investigated the effect of EZH2 expression on proliferation and tumorigenesis of brain glioma cells. Material/Methods Glioma tumor tissues were collected from 3 patients who received surgery, and the glioma stem cells were then separated, cultured, and identified by flow cytometry. RNA interference approach was used to suppress EZH2 expression, which was confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Clonal formation assay analyzed the change of cell proliferation potency. The effect on tumorigenesis potency of glioma stem cells was determined by mouse transplantation assay. Western blot investigated the effect of EZH2 on levels of oncogenes such as HER-2, c-myc, PI3K, and Akt. Results Flow cytometry revealed cancer stem cells in glioma tissues took up 39.4%, and qRT-PCR showed that EZH2 expression was decreased by 72% after the treatment of RNA interference in glioma cells (P<0.05). Both cell clonal formation and xenograft assays showed that the downregulation of EZH2 inhibited glioma cell proliferation (P<0.05) and weakened tumorigenesis potency (P<0.05). Western blot results showed that the reduction of EZH2 also suppressed expressions of oncogenes including c-myc and Akt (P<0.05). Conclusions Our data demonstrated that in brain glioma cells, the decrease of EZH2 level could suppress cell proliferation and tumorigenesis potency, and meanwhile inhibit the expressions of oncogenes including c-myc and Akt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianci Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China (mainland)
| | - Yinghui Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China (mainland)
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29
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High expression of EZH2 as a marker for the differential diagnosis of malignant and benign myogenic tumors. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12331. [PMID: 30120321 PMCID: PMC6098067 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30648-7] [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: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Overlap in morphologic features between malignant and benign myogenic tumors, such as leiomyosarcoma (LMS) vs. leiomyoma as well as rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) vs. rhabdomyoma, often makes differential diagnosis difficult and challenging. Here the expressions of Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), Suppressor of Zeste 12 (SUZ12), retinoblastoma protein associated protein 46 (RbAp46), Embryonic Ectoderm Development (EED) and ki-67 protein were detected by immunohistochemistry to evaluate their values in differential diagnosis. The expression of EZH2 mRNA was investigated by analyzing the Gene Expression Omnibus Datasets. The results demonstrated that EZH2 protein was detected in 81.25% (26/32) of LMS and 70.58% (36/51) of RMS, whereas none of leiomyoma (n = 16), rhabdomyoma (n = 15) and normal tissues (n = 31) showed positive immunostaining (p < 0.05). EZH2 protein was found to have a sensitivity of 91.30% and specificity of 100% in distinguishing well-differentiated LMS from cellular leiomyoma, and a sensitivity of 92.86% and specificity of 100% in distinguishing well-differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) from fetal rhabdomyoma. Besides, the expression of EZH2 mRNA was higher in LMS and RMS than in benign tumors (p < 0.05). The expressions of SUZ12 and RbAp46 protein were higher in RMS than in rhabdomyoma (p < 0.05). Conclusively, the high expression of EZH2 is a promising marker in distinguishing well–differentiated LMS from cellular leiomyoma, or well–differentiated ERMS from fetal rhabdomyoma, and the upregulation of EZH2 protein expression may occur at transcriptional level.
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30
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Yang C, Fan P, Zhu S, Yang H, Jin X, Wu H. 3F-Box protein 32 degrades ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related and regulates DNA damage response induced by gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:8878-8884. [PMID: 29805624 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) activates checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) following replication fork stalling, leading to cell cycle arrest. ATR-CHK1 pathway components are considered to be promising therapeutic targets to enhance the effectiveness of replication inhibitors. The present study revealed that F-Box protein 32 (FBXO32) regulated ATR expression in pancreatic cancer PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells. Additionally, FBXO32 interacts with ATR in PANC-1 cells and ATR is a degradation substrate of E3 ubiquitin ligase FBXO32. Furthermore, FBXO32 regulated the DNA damage response induced by gemcitabine in PANC-1 cells. Taken together, the results of the present study suggested that FBXO32, as an E3 ubiquitin ligase of ATR, regulates the DNA damage response induced by gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Yang
- Organ Transplantation Center, Hospital of The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Ping Fan
- Department of Digestive Surgical Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Shikai Zhu
- Organ Transplantation Center, Hospital of The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Hongji Yang
- Organ Transplantation Center, Hospital of The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Heshui Wu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
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31
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Ye S, Lawlor MA, Rivera-Reyes A, Egolf S, Chor S, Pak K, Ciotti GE, Lee AC, Marino GE, Shah J, Niedzwicki D, Weber K, Park PMC, Alam MZ, Grazioli A, Haldar M, Xu M, Perry JA, Qi J, Eisinger-Mathason TSK. YAP1-Mediated Suppression of USP31 Enhances NFκB Activity to Promote Sarcomagenesis. Cancer Res 2018; 78:2705-2720. [PMID: 29490948 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-4052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
To date, no consistent oncogenic driver mutations have been identified in most adult soft tissue sarcomas; these tumors are thus generally insensitive to existing targeted therapies. Here we investigated alternate mechanisms underlying sarcomagenesis to identify potential therapeutic interventions. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is an aggressive tumor frequently found in skeletal muscle where deregulation of the Hippo pathway and aberrant stabilization of its transcriptional effector yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) increases proliferation and tumorigenesis. However, the downstream mechanisms driving this deregulation are incompletely understood. Using autochthonous mouse models and whole genome analyses, we found that YAP1 was constitutively active in some sarcomas due to epigenetic silencing of its inhibitor angiomotin (AMOT). Epigenetic modulators vorinostat and JQ1 restored AMOT expression and wild-type Hippo pathway signaling, which induced a muscle differentiation program and inhibited sarcomagenesis. YAP1 promoted sarcomagenesis by inhibiting expression of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 31 (USP31), a newly identified upstream negative regulator of NFκB signaling. Combined treatment with epigenetic modulators effectively restored USP31 expression, resulting in decreased NFκB activity. Our findings highlight a key underlying molecular mechanism in UPS and demonstrate the potential impact of an epigenetic approach to sarcoma treatment.Significance: A new link between Hippo pathway signaling, NFκB, and epigenetic reprogramming is highlighted and has the potential for therapeutic intervention in soft tissue sarcomas. Cancer Res; 78(10); 2705-20. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Ye
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Matthew A Lawlor
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Adrian Rivera-Reyes
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Shaun Egolf
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Susan Chor
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Koreana Pak
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gabrielle E Ciotti
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Avery C Lee
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gloria E Marino
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jennifer Shah
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - David Niedzwicki
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kristy Weber
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Paul M C Park
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Md Zahidul Alam
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alison Grazioli
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Malay Haldar
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mousheng Xu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer A Perry
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - T S Karin Eisinger-Mathason
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Brown RE, Buryanek J, Katz AM, Paz K, Wolff JE. Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: morphoproteomics and personalized tumor graft testing further define the biology of PAX3-FKHR(FOXO1) subtype and provide targeted therapeutic options. Oncotarget 2018; 7:46263-46272. [PMID: 27323832 PMCID: PMC5216796 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) represents a block in differentiation of malignant myoblasts. Genomic events implicated in the pathogenesis of ARMS involve PAX3-FKHR (FOXO1) or PAX7-FKHR (FOXO1) translocation with corresponding fusion transcripts and fusion proteins. Commonalities in ARMS include uncontrollable proliferation and failure to differentiate. The genomic-molecular correlates contributing to the etiopathogenesis of ARMS incorporate PAX3-FKHR (FOXO1) fusion protein stimulation of the IGF-1R, c-Met and GSK3-β pathways. With sequential morphoproteomic profiling on such a case in conjunction with personalized tumor graft testing, we provide an expanded definition of the biology of PAX3-FKHR (FOXO1) ARMS that integrates genomics, proteomics and pharmacogenomics. Moreover, therapies that target the genomic and molecular biology and lead to tumoral regression and/or tumoral growth inhibition in a xenograft model of ARMS are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Brown
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UT Health, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77025, USA
| | - Jamie Buryanek
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UT Health, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77025, USA
| | - Amanda M Katz
- Scientific Operations, Champions Oncology, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Keren Paz
- Scientific Operations, Champions Oncology, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Johannes E Wolff
- Present address: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ 07936, USA
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Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a mesenchymal malignancy associated with the skeletal muscle lineage and is also the most common pediatric soft tissue cancer. Between the two pediatric subtypes, embryonal and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, the alveolar subtype is generally more aggressive and high-risk. Despite intensive multimodal therapy, patients with high-risk rhabdomyosarcoma continue to have poor prognosis. In this chapter we address the mechanisms underlying the dysregulation of myogenesis in rhabdomyosarcoma. We specifically focus on recently identified signaling pathways that function to inhibit myogenesis and how similar functions have been shown to overlap in rhabdomyosarcoma, potentially contributing to the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Y Yu
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Denis C Guttridge
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
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34
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Miele E, Valente S, Alfano V, Silvano M, Mellini P, Borovika D, Marrocco B, Po A, Besharat ZM, Catanzaro G, Battaglia G, Abballe L, Zwergel C, Stazi G, Milite C, Castellano S, Tafani M, Trapencieris P, Mai A, Ferretti E. The histone methyltransferase EZH2 as a druggable target in SHH medulloblastoma cancer stem cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:68557-68570. [PMID: 28978137 PMCID: PMC5620277 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The histone methyltransferase EZH2 plays a role in maintenance of the stem component of cancer, and its overexpression and/or mutation typically drives tumor aggressiveness, drug resistance and patients' poor prognosis. In this study, we use mouse and human medulloblastoma stem-like cells belonging to the Sonic Hedgehog subgroup (SHH MB-SLCs) and demonstrate that genetic suppression of EZH2 reduces the level of its histone mark H3K27me3 and lowers proliferation and self-renewal. We designed an EZH2 inhibitor (EZH2i) as a simplified analog of EPZ005687 and GSK2816126, MC3629, and we tested its biological activity in SHH MB-SLCs. Pharmacological inhibition of EZH2 impairs SHH MB cells proliferation and self-renewal, and induces apoptosis in vitro. Finally, we generated xenograft MB-SLCs orthotopic tumors in nude mice to test MC3629 in vivo. In treated mice, we observed impairment of tumor growth, together with induction of apoptosis and reduction of proliferation and stemness. Overall, these findings describe EZH2 as a druggable target in MB and provide insight into the biological activity of MC3629 as an EZH2i.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Miele
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
- Current address: Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù, 28 Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome 00165, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Alfano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Marianna Silvano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Paolo Mellini
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Diana Borovika
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga LV-1006, Latvia
| | - Biagina Marrocco
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppina Catanzaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | | | - Luana Abballe
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Clemens Zwergel
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Giulia Stazi
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Ciro Milite
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano 84084, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano 84084, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi 84084, Italy
| | - Marco Tafani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | | | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
- Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
- Neuromed Institute, Località Camerelle, Pozzilli 86077, Italy
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35
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Marchesi I, Sanna L, Fais M, Fiorentino FP, Giordano A, Bagella L. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and EZH2 inhibition: A novel approach for promoting myogenic differentiation in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma cells. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:2360-2365. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Marchesi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Sassari; Sassari Italy
| | - Luca Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Sassari; Sassari Italy
| | - Milena Fais
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Sassari; Sassari Italy
| | | | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine; Center for Biotechnology; College of Science and Technology; Temple University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
- Department of Medicine; Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena; Siena Italy
| | - Luigi Bagella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Sassari; Sassari Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine; Center for Biotechnology; College of Science and Technology; Temple University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
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36
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Kurmasheva RT, Sammons M, Favours E, Wu J, Kurmashev D, Cosmopoulos K, Keilhack H, Klaus CR, Houghton PJ, Smith MA. Initial testing (stage 1) of tazemetostat (EPZ-6438), a novel EZH2 inhibitor, by the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2017; 64:10.1002/pbc.26218. [PMID: 27555605 PMCID: PMC5584632 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tazemetostat (EPZ-6438) is a selective inhibitor of the histone methyltransferase EZH2 and currently in clinical development for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and genetically defined tumors. PROCEDURES Tazemetostat was tested against the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program (PPTP) solid tumor xenografts using a dose of 400 mg/kg administered twice daily by oral gavage for 28 days. H3K27me3:H3 ratios were determined in control and treated tumors. RESULTS Tazemetostat induced significant differences in event-free survival (EFS) distribution compared with control in nine of 30 (30%) of the xenografts studied. Significant differences in EFS distribution were observed in five of seven (71%) rhabdoid tumor xenograft lines compared with four of 23 (17%) nonrhabdoid xenograft lines (chi-square [χ2 ] test P = 0.006). Tazemetostat induced tumor growth inhibition meeting criteria for intermediate and high EFS treated-to-control (T/C) activity in two of 25 (8%) and one of 25 (4%) xenografts, respectively. Intermediate and high activity for the EFS T/C metric was observed exclusively among rhabdoid tumor xenografts (three of five rhabdoid tumor vs 0 of 22 nonrhabdoid tumors (χ² test P < 0.001). One rhabdoid tumor xenograft (G401) showed stable disease. For one rhabdoid tumor (G401), delayed tumor regression to tazemetostat was noted following 1 week of tumor growth. Tazemetostat induced significant reduction of H3K27me3 levels in the majority of tumors compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS Tazemetostat demonstrated significant antitumor activity in rhabdoid tumor models but showed no consistent activity against any other histology. Tazemetostat reduced H3K27me3 levels irrespective of tumor response. Further preclinical testing to evaluate tazemetostat in combination with other anticancer agents is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jianwrong Wu
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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Consalvi S, Brancaccio A, Dall'Agnese A, Puri PL, Palacios D. Praja1 E3 ubiquitin ligase promotes skeletal myogenesis through degradation of EZH2 upon p38α activation. Nat Commun 2017; 8:13956. [PMID: 28067271 PMCID: PMC5423270 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb proteins are critical chromatin modifiers that regulate stem cell differentiation via transcriptional repression. In skeletal muscle progenitors Enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), contributes to maintain the chromatin of muscle genes in a repressive conformation, whereas its down-regulation allows the progression through the myogenic programme. Here, we show that p38α kinase promotes EZH2 degradation in differentiating muscle cells through phosphorylation of threonine 372. Biochemical and genetic evidence demonstrates that the MYOD-induced E3 ubiquitin ligase Praja1 (PJA1) is involved in regulating EZH2 levels upon p38α activation. EZH2 premature degradation in proliferating myoblasts is prevented by low levels of PJA1, its cytoplasmic localization and the lower activity towards unphosphorylated EZH2. Our results indicate that signal-dependent degradation of EZH2 is a prerequisite for satellite cells differentiation and identify PJA1 as a new player in the epigenetic control of muscle gene expression. In skeletal muscle progenitors, EZH2 maintains myogenic genes in a repressed state, but during differentiation its levels are reduced via unknown mechanisms. Here the authors show that during myogenesis, p38α kinase phosphorylates EZH2 and targets it for degradation by the ubiquitin ligase PRAJA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Consalvi
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Regenerative Pharmacology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Brancaccio
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Signal Transduction, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143 Rome, Italy.,Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Via Scarpa 14, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dall'Agnese
- Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Development Aging and Regeneration Program, La Jolla 92037, California, USA
| | - Pier Lorenzo Puri
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Regenerative Pharmacology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143 Rome, Italy.,Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Development Aging and Regeneration Program, La Jolla 92037, California, USA
| | - Daniela Palacios
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Signal Transduction, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
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38
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Böhm M, Wachtel M, Marques JG, Streiff N, Laubscher D, Nanni P, Mamchaoui K, Santoro R, Schäfer BW. Helicase CHD4 is an epigenetic coregulator of PAX3-FOXO1 in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:4237-4249. [PMID: 27760049 DOI: 10.1172/jci85057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A vast number of cancer genes are transcription factors that drive tumorigenesis as oncogenic fusion proteins. Although the direct targeting of transcription factors remains challenging, therapies aimed at oncogenic fusion proteins are attractive as potential treatments for cancer. There is particular interest in targeting the oncogenic PAX3-FOXO1 fusion transcription factor, which induces alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (aRMS), an aggressive cancer of skeletal muscle cells for which patient outcomes remain dismal. In this work, we have defined the interactome of PAX3-FOXO1 and screened 60 candidate interactors using siRNA-mediated depletion to identify candidates that affect fusion protein activity in aRMS cells. We report that chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 4 (CHD4), an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler, acts as crucial coregulator of PAX3-FOXO1 activity. CHD4 interacts with PAX3-FOXO1 via short DNA fragments. Together, they bind to regulatory regions of PAX3-FOXO1 target genes. Gene expression analysis suggested that CHD4 coregulatory activity is essential for a subset of PAX3-FOXO1 target genes. Depletion of CHD4 reduced cell viability of fusion-positive but not of fusion-negative RMS in vitro, which resembled loss of PAX3-FOXO1. It also caused specific regression of fusion-positive xenograft tumors in vivo. Therefore, this work identifies CHD4 as an epigenetic coregulator of PAX3-FOXO1 activity, providing rational evidence for CHD4 as a potential therapeutic target in aRMS.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Autoantigens/genetics
- Autoantigens/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Heterografts
- Humans
- Mi-2 Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase Complex/genetics
- Mi-2 Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase Complex/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Paired Box Transcription Factors/genetics
- Paired Box Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar/genetics
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar/metabolism
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar/pathology
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39
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Bharathy N, Suriyamurthy S, Rao VK, Ow JR, Lim HJ, Chakraborty P, Vasudevan M, Dhamne CA, Chang KTE, Min VLK, Kundu TK, Taneja R. P/CAF mediates PAX3-FOXO1-dependent oncogenesis in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. J Pathol 2016; 240:269-281. [PMID: 27453350 DOI: 10.1002/path.4773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) is an aggressive paediatric cancer of skeletal muscle with poor prognosis. A PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein acts as a driver of malignancy in ARMS by disrupting tightly coupled but mutually exclusive pathways of proliferation and differentiation. While PAX3-FOXO1 is an attractive therapeutic target, no current treatments are designed to block its oncogenic activity. The present work shows that the histone acetyltransferase P/CAF (KAT2B) is overexpressed in primary tumours from ARMS patients. Interestingly, in fusion-positive ARMS cell lines, P/CAF acetylates and stabilizes PAX3-FOXO1 rather than MyoD, a master regulator of muscle differentiation. Silencing P/CAF, or pharmacological inhibition of its acetyltransferase activity, down-regulates PAX3-FOXO1 levels concomitant with reduced proliferation and tumour burden in xenograft mouse models. Our studies identify a P/CAF-PAX3-FOXO1 signalling node that promotes oncogenesis and may contribute to MyoD dysfunction in ARMS. This work exemplifies the therapeutic potential of targeting chromatin-modifying enzymes to inhibit fusion oncoproteins that are a frequent event in sarcomas. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra Bharathy
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sudha Suriyamurthy
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vinay Kumar Rao
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jin Rong Ow
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huey Jin Lim
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Payal Chakraborty
- Bionivid Technology Pvt Ltd, 401-4 AB Cross, 1st Main, Kasturi Nagar, Bangalore, India
| | - Madavan Vasudevan
- Bionivid Technology Pvt Ltd, 401-4 AB Cross, 1st Main, Kasturi Nagar, Bangalore, India
| | | | | | - Victor Lee Kwan Min
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tapas K Kundu
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
| | - Reshma Taneja
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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40
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Ramaglia M, D'Angelo V, Iannotta A, Di Pinto D, Pota E, Affinita MC, Donofrio V, Errico ME, Lombardi A, Indolfi C, Casale F, Caraglia M. High EZH2 expression is correlated to metastatic disease in pediatric soft tissue sarcomas. Cancer Cell Int 2016; 16:59. [PMID: 27471434 PMCID: PMC4964052 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-016-0338-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhancer of Zeste Drosophila Homologue 2 (EZH2) is a key regulator of transcription as a member of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) which exerts repression of downstream genes and is correlated to invasiveness and progression of different tumours. Therefore, we evaluated the expression of PRC2 proteins in pediatric soft tissue sarcoma (rhabdomyosarcoma, RMS and extraosseous Ewing sarcoma, EES) correlating them to the clinical outcome of the patients. METHODS We analyzed PRC2 protein expression by quantitative real time PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry in 17 soft tissue sarcomas (11 RMS and 6 EES) enrolled at Paediatric Oncology Units of the Second University of Naples. Expression analysis was performed for EZH2, SUZ12 and EED. RESULTS Enhancer of Zeste Drosophila Homologue 2 was expressed with a different degree in 60 % of samples. Interestingly, the magnitude of EZH2 up regulation was significantly higher in patients presenting lymph node and/or distant metastases at the diagnosis. Moreover, patients overexpressing EZH2 had a lower probability of survival compared to patients negative or with low EZH2 expression. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that high EZH2 expression is associated to increased aggressiveness of the disease. Therefore, drugs that control its activity could be potentially used in the epigenetic target treatment of tumors with these alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ramaglia
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, Pediatric Oncology Unit, Second University of Naples, Via L. De Crecchio, 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Velia D'Angelo
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, Pediatric Oncology Unit, Second University of Naples, Via L. De Crecchio, 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Adriana Iannotta
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, Pediatric Oncology Unit, Second University of Naples, Via L. De Crecchio, 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Di Pinto
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, Pediatric Oncology Unit, Second University of Naples, Via L. De Crecchio, 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Elvira Pota
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, Pediatric Oncology Unit, Second University of Naples, Via L. De Crecchio, 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Carmen Affinita
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, Pediatric Oncology Unit, Second University of Naples, Via L. De Crecchio, 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Angela Lombardi
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Cristiana Indolfi
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, Pediatric Oncology Unit, Second University of Naples, Via L. De Crecchio, 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Fiorina Casale
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, Pediatric Oncology Unit, Second University of Naples, Via L. De Crecchio, 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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41
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Huang Y, Wang X, Niu X, Wang X, Jiang R, Xu T, Liu Y, Liang L, Ou X, Xing X, Li W, Hu C. EZH2 suppresses the nucleotide excision repair in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by silencing XPA gene. Mol Carcinog 2016; 56:447-463. [DOI: 10.1002/mc.22507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Shanghai China
| | - Xuanyi Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine; School of Medicine; Yangzhou University; Yangzhou China
| | - Xiaoshuang Niu
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Shanghai China
| | - Xiaoshen Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Shanghai China
| | - Rui Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Shanghai China
| | - Tingting Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Shanghai China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Shanghai China
| | - Liping Liang
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Shanghai China
| | - Xiaomin Ou
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Shanghai China
| | - Xing Xing
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Shanghai China
| | - Weiwei Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Shanghai China
| | - Chaosu Hu
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Shanghai China
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42
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Zheng N, Zhou Q, Wang Z, Wei W. Recent advances in SCF ubiquitin ligase complex: Clinical implications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2016; 1866:12-22. [PMID: 27156687 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
F-box proteins, which are subunit recruiting modules of SCF (SKP1-Cullin 1-F-box protein) E3 ligase complexes, play critical roles in the development and progression of human malignancies through governing multiple cellular processes including cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis. Moreover, there are emerging studies that lead to the development of F-box proteins inhibitors with promising therapeutic potential. In this article, we describe how F-box proteins including but not restricted to well-established Fbw7, Skp2 and β-TRCP, are involved in tumorigenesis. However, in-depth investigation is required to further explore the mechanism and the physiological contribution of undetermined F-box proteins in carcinogenesis. Lastly, we suggest that targeting F-box proteins could possibly open new avenues for the treatment and prevention of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Zheng
- The Cyrus Tang Hematology Center and Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Quansheng Zhou
- The Cyrus Tang Hematology Center and Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- The Cyrus Tang Hematology Center and Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, MA 02215, USA.
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Sun S, Yu F, Zhang L, Zhou X. EZH2, an on–off valve in signal network of tumor cells. Cell Signal 2016; 28:481-487. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Marchesi I, Bagella L. Targeting Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. World J Clin Oncol 2016; 7:135-148. [PMID: 27081636 PMCID: PMC4826959 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v7.i2.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group proteins represent a global silencing system involved in development regulation. In specific, they regulate the transition from proliferation to differentiation, contributing to stem-cell maintenance and inhibiting an inappropriate activation of differentiation programs. Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) is the catalytic subunit of Polycomb repressive complex 2, which induces transcriptional inhibition through the tri-methylation of histone H3, an epigenetic change associated with gene silencing. EZH2 expression is high in precursor cells while its level decreases in differentiated cells. EZH2 is upregulated in various cancers with high levels associated with metastatic cancer and poor prognosis. Indeed, aberrant expression of EZH2 causes the inhibition of several tumor suppressors and differentiation genes, resulting in an uncontrolled proliferation and tumor formation. This editorial explores the role of Polycomb repressive complex 2 in cancer, focusing in particular on EZH2. The canonical function of EZH2 in gene silencing, the non-canonical activities as the methylation of other proteins and the role in gene transcriptional activation, were summarized. Moreover, mutations of EZH2, responsible for an increased methyltransferase activity in cancer, were recapitulated. Finally, various drugs able to inhibit EZH2 with different mechanism were described, specifically underscoring the effects in several cancers, in order to clarify the role of EZH2 and understand if EZH2 blockade could be a new strategy for developing specific therapies or a way to increase sensitivity of cancer cells to standard therapies.
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Sincennes MC, Brun CE, Rudnicki MA. Concise Review: Epigenetic Regulation of Myogenesis in Health and Disease. Stem Cells Transl Med 2016; 5:282-90. [PMID: 26798058 PMCID: PMC4807671 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This review describes the recent findings on epigenetic regulation in satellite stem cells and committed myoblasts. It also addresses the potential of epigenetic drugs, such as histone deacetylase inhibitors, and their molecular mechanism of action in muscle cells. Skeletal muscle regeneration is initiated by satellite cells, a population of adult stem cells that reside in the muscle tissue. The ability of satellite cells to self-renew and to differentiate into the muscle lineage is under transcriptional and epigenetic control. Satellite cells are characterized by an open and permissive chromatin state. The transcription factor Pax7 is necessary for satellite cell function. Pax7 is a nodal factor regulating the expression of genes associated with satellite cell growth and proliferation, while preventing differentiation. Pax7 recruits chromatin modifiers to DNA to induce expression of specific target genes involved in myogenic commitment following asymmetric division of muscle stem cells. Emerging evidence suggests that replacement of canonical histones with histone variants is an important regulatory mechanism controlling the ability of satellite cells and myoblasts to differentiate. Differentiation into the muscle lineage is associated with a global gene repression characterized by a decrease in histone acetylation with an increase in repressive histone marks. However, genes important for differentiation are upregulated by the specific action of histone acetyltransferases and other chromatin modifiers, in combination with several transcription factors, including MyoD and Mef2. Treatment with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors enhances muscle regeneration and is considered as a therapeutic approach in the treatment of muscular dystrophy. This review describes the recent findings on epigenetic regulation in satellite stem cells and committed myoblasts. The potential of epigenetic drugs, such as HDAC inhibitors, as well as their molecular mechanism of action in muscle cells, will be addressed. Significance This review summarizes recent findings concerning the epigenetic regulation of satellite cells in skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claude Sincennes
- Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Caroline E Brun
- Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael A Rudnicki
- Sprott Center for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Hettmer S, Lin MM, Tchessalova D, Tortorici SJ, Castiglioni A, Desai T, Mao J, McMahon AP, Wagers AJ. Hedgehog-driven myogenic tumors recapitulate skeletal muscle cellular heterogeneity. Exp Cell Res 2016; 340:43-52. [PMID: 26460176 PMCID: PMC4718790 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) pathway activation in R26-SmoM2;CAGGS-CreER mice, which carry a tamoxifen-inducible activated Smoothened allele (SmoM2), results in numerous microscopic tumor foci in mouse skeletal muscle. These tumors exhibit a highly differentiated myogenic phenotype and resemble human fetal rhabdomyomas. This study sought to apply previously established strategies to isolate lineally distinct populations of normal mouse myofiber-associated cells in order to examine cellular heterogeneity in SmoM2 tumors. We demonstrate that established SmoM2 tumors are composed of cells expressing myogenic, adipocytic and hematopoietic lineage markers and differentiation capacity. SmoM2 tumors thus recapitulate the phenotypic and functional hetereogeneity observed in normal mouse skeletal muscle. SmoM2 tumors also contain an expanded population of PAX7+ and MyoD+ satellite-like cells with extremely low clonogenic activity. Selective activation of Hh signaling in freshly isolated muscle satellite cells enhanced terminal myogenic differentiation without stimulating proliferation. Our findings support the conclusion that SmoM2 tumors represent an aberrant skeletal muscle state and demonstrate that, similar to normal muscle, myogenic tumors contain functionally distinct cell subsets, including cells lacking myogenic differentiation potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Hettmer
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Michael M Lin
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Daria Tchessalova
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sara J Tortorici
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Alessandra Castiglioni
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Tushar Desai
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Junhao Mao
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Andrew P McMahon
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Amy J Wagers
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Loss of H3K27 trimethylation distinguishes malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors from histologic mimics. Mod Pathol 2016; 29:4-13. [PMID: 26585554 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2015.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Revised: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor is challenging, particularly in the sporadic setting. Inactivation of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), resulting from inactivating mutations of its constituents SUZ12 or EED1, has recently been identified in 70-90% of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Homozygous PRC2 inactivation results in loss of histone H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3). PRC2 inactivation promotes tumor progression and may render patients sensitive to epigenetic-based targeted therapies. H3K27me3 loss has not yet been validated as a diagnostic marker. We evaluated immunohistochemistry for H3K27me3 in 100 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (70 sporadic, 10 neurofibromatosis type 1-associated, 10 radiation-associated, 10 epithelioid) and 200 other spindle cell neoplasms representing potential mimics (20 each monophasic synovial sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, dedifferentiated liposarcoma, malignant solitary fibrous tumor, low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma, cellular schwannoma, spindle cell melanoma, unclassified postradiation sarcoma; 10 each atypical neurofibroma, spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, fibrosarcomatous dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans). In total, 51 (51%) malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, including 34 (49%) sporadic, 7 (70%) neurofibromatosis type 1-associated, and 10 (100%) radiation-associated, but no epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, were negative for H3K27me3. An additional 6 (6%) tumors showed heterogeneous H3K27me3 expression. Among the 90 sporadic, neurofibromatosis type 1-associated, and radiation-associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, complete H3K27me3 loss was observed in 29% of low-grade, 59% of intermediate-grade, and 83% of high-grade tumors (low vs intermediate/high grade, P=0.0003). Among other tumor types, 4 (20%) unclassified postradiation sarcomas were negative for H3K27me3, whereas all other neoplasms were positive. Loss of H3K27me3 is highly specific for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (although only modestly more sensitive than S-100 protein and SOX10) and may be a useful diagnostic marker. Our findings suggest that PRC2 inactivation in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor may occur during progression to higher grades.
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Yang F, Lv LZ, Cai QC, Jiang Y. Potential roles of EZH2, Bmi-1 and miR-203 in cell proliferation and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Hep3B. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:13268-13276. [PMID: 26715809 PMCID: PMC4679758 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i47.13268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the potential roles of enhancer of zeste homolog2 (EZH2), Bmi-1 and miR-203 in cell proliferation and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line Hep3B.
METHODS: A total of 73 patients who underwent surgical resection at Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University were enrolled in this study. Hep3B cells were cultivated in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum at 37 °C. Vectors that containing cDNA of the EZH2 gene or miR-203 targeted shRNA plasmid were constructed, and then transfected into Hep3B cells. The mRNA expression of miR-203, EZH2, and Bmi-1 was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, and the protein levels of EZH2 and Bmi-1 were detected by Western blot analysis. Effect of EZH2 or miR-203 on cell proliferation was observed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, and cell apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry. Besides, effect of EZH2 or miR-203 on tumor cell invasion was detected using Transwell assay.
RESULTS: The mRNA levels of EZH2 and Bmi-1 in HCC tissues and in Hep3B cells were significantly higher compared with those in normal samples (P < 0.01), while miR-203 level was significantly lower in HCC tissues (P < 0.01). Hep3B cells transfected with EZH2-shRNA or miR-203-shRNA showed lower expression levels of EZH2 and Bmi-1 (P < 0.05). Compared with controls, Hep3B cells transfected with EZH2-shRNA had relative slow cell proliferation, indicating that low expression of EZH2 and Bmi-1 and overexpression of miR-203 could inhibit Hep3B cell proliferation (P < 0.05). The average apoptosis rate of Hep3B cells transfected with EZH2-shRNA vector was about 18.631%, while that of Hep3B cells transfected with shRNA vector was about 5.33%, suggesting that EZH2 was down-regulated by transfecting with EZH2-shRNA, and the down-regulated EZH2 contributed to the cell apoptosis. Low expression of EZH2 and Bmi-1 and overexpression of miR-203 could reduce Hep3B cell invasion (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that EZH2 and Bmi-1 are up-regulated while miR-203 is down-regulated in Hep3B cells. MiR-203 may contribute to the metastasis and enhance apoptosis of HCC cells by regulating EZH2 and Bmi-1. Our study may provide a theoretical basis for metastasis of HCC and targeted therapy of HCC.
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Hingorani P, Missiaglia E, Shipley J, Anderson JR, Triche TJ, Delorenzi M, Gastier-Foster J, Wing M, Hawkins DS, Skapek SX. Clinical Application of Prognostic Gene Expression Signature in Fusion Gene-Negative Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Report from the Children's Oncology Group. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:4733-9. [PMID: 26473193 PMCID: PMC4610152 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-3326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) has two common histologic subtypes: embryonal (ERMS) and alveolar (ARMS). PAX-FOXO1 fusion gene status is a more reliable prognostic marker than alveolar histology, whereas fusion gene-negative (FN) ARMS patients are clinically similar to ERMS patients. A five-gene expression signature (MG5) previously identified two diverse risk groups within the fusion gene-negative RMS (FN-RMS) patients, but this has not been independently validated. The goal of this study was to test whether expression of the MG5 metagene, measured using a technical platform that can be applied to routine pathology material, would correlate with outcome in a new cohort of patients with FN-RMS. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Cases were taken from the Children's Oncology Group (COG) D9803 study of children with intermediate-risk RMS, and gene expression profiling for the MG5 genes was performed using the nCounter assay. The MG5 score was correlated with clinical and pathologic characteristics as well as overall and event-free survival. RESULTS MG5 standardized score showed no significant association with any of the available clinicopathologic variables. The MG5 signature score showed a significant correlation with overall (N = 57; HR, 7.3; 95% CI, 1.9-27.0; P = 0.003) and failure-free survival (N = 57; HR, 6.1; 95% CI, 1.9-19.7; P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS This represents the first, validated molecular prognostic signature for children with FN-RMS who otherwise have intermediate-risk disease. The capacity to measure the expression of a small number of genes in routine pathology material and apply a simple mathematical formula to calculate the MG5 metagene score provides a clear path toward better risk stratification in future prospective clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Hingorani
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona.
| | | | - Janet Shipley
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - James R Anderson
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Timothy J Triche
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mauro Delorenzi
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland. Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, Lausanne, Switzerland. Oncology Department, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Michele Wing
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Douglas S Hawkins
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Stephen X Skapek
- Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Lim J, Poulin NM, Nielsen TO. New Strategies in Sarcoma: Linking Genomic and Immunotherapy Approaches to Molecular Subtype. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:4753-9. [PMID: 26330427 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-0831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There are more than 100 sarcoma subtypes, each uncommon and diagnostically challenging. Conventional chemotherapy has little benefit for most soft-tissue sarcomas; new treatment strategies are needed. Multiple recent genomic studies have provided detailed insights into sarcoma biology, including more accurate classification by molecular subtype, identification of recurrent mutations in oncogenic pathways, and evidence of epigenetic dysregulation. Advances in immunotherapy (adoptive immune cell transfer, tumor vaccine strategies, and immune checkpoint inhibition) have also provided a better understanding of how immuno-oncology might best be applied to sarcoma treatment, including connections to oncogenic pathways that may support combination strategies with conventional and targeted therapies. In this article, we review the latest sarcoma genomic studies and immuno-oncology developments and discuss how the findings suggest potential strategies to improve diagnosis and treatment across multiple sarcoma subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Lim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Neal M Poulin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Torsten O Nielsen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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