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Ke CH, Wu HY, Wang YS, Huang WH, Lin CS. Tumors Established in a Defective Immune Environment Reprogram the Oncogenic Signaling Pathways to Escalate Tumor Antigenicity. Biomedicines 2024; 12:846. [PMID: 38672200 PMCID: PMC11047836 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040846] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors developed in immunocompromised hosts are more immunogenic. However, few studies have addressed the potential mechanisms underlying the high immunogenicity of tumors found in a suppressed immune system. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the impacts of the immune system on tumor behaviors and immunogenicity sculpting. A murine colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line, CT26wt, was administrated into immunocompetent (BALB/c) and immunocompromised (NOD.SCID) mice, respectively. On day 11, the CT26 cells slowly progressed in the NOD.SCID mice compared to the BALB/c mice. We then performed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and analyzed the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). The DEPs participated in numerous oncogenic pathways, PI3K/AKT/mTOR cell signaling, and the silencing of several tumor suppressors, such as PTEN and RBL1, during tumorigenesis. On day 34, the CT26/SCID tumors inversely became malignant counterparts; then the CT26/SCID tumors were harvested and re-inoculated into immunocompetent mice (CT26/SCID-Re tumors) to determine the immunogenicity. The CT26/SCID-Re tumor growth rate significantly decreased. Furthermore, increased infiltrations of dendritic cells and tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes were found in the CT26/SCID-Re tumors. These findings suggest that immunogenic tumors might express multiple tumor rejection antigens, unlike wild-type tumors, and attract more immune cells, therefore decreasing the growth rate. Collectively, our study first revealed that in immunodeficient hosts, tumor suppressors were silenced and oncogenic signaling pathways were changed during the initial phase of tumor development. With tumor progression, the tumor antigens were overexpressed, exhibiting elevated immunogenicity. This study offers a hint on the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and provides a niche for investigating the interaction between host immunity and cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiao-Hsu Ke
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.-H.K.); (Y.-S.W.)
| | - Hsin-Yi Wu
- Instrumentation Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Shan Wang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.-H.K.); (Y.-S.W.)
- Uni-Pharma Co., Ltd., Taipei 11494, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsiang Huang
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Chen-Si Lin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.-H.K.); (Y.-S.W.)
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Tulkens D, Boelens M, Naert T, Carron M, Demuynck S, Dewaele S, Van Isterdael G, Creytens D, Pieters T, Goossens S, Van Vlierberghe P, Vleminckx K. Mutations in the histone methyltransferase Ezh2 drive context-dependent leukemia in Xenopus tropicalis. Leukemia 2023; 37:2404-2413. [PMID: 37794102 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-02052-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-mediated simultaneous targeting of candidate tumor suppressor genes in Xenopus tropicalis allows fast functional assessment of co-driver genes for various solid tumors. Genotyping of tumors that emerge in the mosaic mutant animals rapidly exposes the gene mutations under positive selection for tumor establishment. However, applying this simple approach to the blood lineage has not been attempted. Multiple hematologic malignancies have mutations in EZH2, encoding the catalytic subunit of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2. Interestingly, EZH2 can act as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor, depending on cellular context and disease stage. We show here that mosaic CRISPR/Cas9 mediated ezh2 disruption in the blood lineage resulted in early and penetrant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) induction. While animals were co-targeted with an sgRNA that induces notch1 gain-of-function mutations, sequencing of leukemias revealed positive selection towards biallelic ezh2 mutations regardless of notch1 mutational status. Co-targeting dnm2, recurrently mutated in T/ETP-ALL, induced a switch from myeloid towards acute T-cell leukemia. Both myeloid and T-cell leukemias engrafted in immunocompromised hosts. These data underline the potential of Xenopus tropicalis for modeling human leukemia, where mosaic gene disruption, combined with deep amplicon sequencing of the targeted genomic regions, can rapidly and efficiently expose co-operating driver gene mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Tulkens
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marthe Boelens
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas Naert
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marjolein Carron
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Suzan Demuynck
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sylviane Dewaele
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gert Van Isterdael
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Flow Core, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - David Creytens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim Pieters
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Goossens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Vleminckx
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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3
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Forsythe SD, Pu T, Andrews SG, Madigan JP, Sadowski SM. Models in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Current Perspectives and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3756. [PMID: 37568572 PMCID: PMC10416968 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153756] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors derived from multiple neuroendocrine origin cell subtypes. Incidence rates for pNENs have steadily risen over the last decade, and outcomes continue to vary widely due to inability to properly screen. These tumors encompass a wide range of functional and non-functional subtypes, with their rarity and slow growth making therapeutic development difficult as most clinically used therapeutics are derived from retrospective analyses. Improved molecular understanding of these cancers has increased our knowledge of the tumor biology for pNENs. Despite these advances in our understanding of pNENs, there remains a dearth of models for further investigation. In this review, we will cover the current field of pNEN models, which include established cell lines, animal models such as mice and zebrafish, and three-dimensional (3D) cell models, and compare their uses in modeling various disease aspects. While no study model is a complete representation of pNEN biology, each has advantages which allow for new scientific understanding of these rare tumors. Future efforts and advancements in technology will continue to create new options in modeling these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D. Forsythe
- Neuroendocrine Cancer Therapy Section, Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (S.D.F.); (S.G.A.); (J.P.M.)
| | - Tracey Pu
- Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Stephen G. Andrews
- Neuroendocrine Cancer Therapy Section, Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (S.D.F.); (S.G.A.); (J.P.M.)
| | - James P. Madigan
- Neuroendocrine Cancer Therapy Section, Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (S.D.F.); (S.G.A.); (J.P.M.)
| | - Samira M. Sadowski
- Neuroendocrine Cancer Therapy Section, Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (S.D.F.); (S.G.A.); (J.P.M.)
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Shen Y, Ye YR, Tang ZQ. Expression, Significance, and Correlation of Histone Deacetylase 1/RE-1 Silencing Transcription Factor and Neuronal Markers in Glioma. World Neurosurg 2023; 172:e267-e277. [PMID: 36623722 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inducing the differentiation of glioma cells into neuron-like cells may be an effective strategy to combat glioma. The histone deacetylase 1/RE-1 silencing transcription factor (HDAC1/REST) complex regulates the expression of multiple neuronal genes. In this study, we analyzed the presence and significance of this regulatory effect in glioma based on bioinformatics methods. METHODS The Human Protein Atlas database was used to obtain immunohistochemical staining images. The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas databases were used to analyze the expression of HDAC1/REST and neuronal markers in glioma, their effects on survival, and the association between HDAC1/REST and the expression of neuronal markers and stem cell markers. The differentially expressed genes between the high and low HDAC1/REST groups were explored. The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery database was used for gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis. RESULTS The results showed that the expression of HDAC1 and REST increased with the grade of glioma, while the expression of neuronal markers decreased with the grade of glioma. High expression of HDAC1/REST and low expression of neuronal markers were associated with poor prognosis. HDAC1/REST expression was negatively correlated with the expression of neuronal markers, and positively correlated with the expression of neural stem cell markers. The genes up-regulated in the high HDAC1/REST group were mainly related to extracellular matrix and inflammation, and the down-regulated genes were mainly related to synapsis. CONCLUSIONS This study suggested that HDAC1/REST may be involved in maintaining the malignant phenotype of glioma cells and the stem cell status of glioma stem cells by inhibiting the expression of neuronal markers, which promote the progression of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Rong Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao-Qi Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, China; Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Cancer Therapy, Xiamen, China.
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Meng GX, Yang CC, Yan LJ, Yang YF, Yan YC, Hong JG, Chen ZQ, Dong ZR, Li T. The somatic mutational landscape and role of the ARID1A gene in hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14307. [PMID: 36950649 PMCID: PMC10025035 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14307] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumours worldwide. Clarification of the somatic mutational landscape of important genes could reveal new therapeutic targets and facilitate individualized therapeutic approaches for HCC patients. The mutation and expression changes in the ARID1A gene in HCC remain controversial. Methods First, cBioPortal was used to visualize genetic alterations and DNA copy number alterations (CNAs) in ARID1A. The relationships between ARID1A mutation status and HCC patient clinicopathological features and overall survival (OS) were also determined. Then, a meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of ARID1A mutation or expression on the prognosis of HCC patients. Finally, the role of ARID1A in HCC progression was verified by in vitro experiments. Results ARID1A mutation was detected in 9.35% (33/353) of sequenced HCC cases, and ARID1A mutation decreased ARID1A mRNA expression. Patients with ARID1A alterations presented worse OS than those without ARID1A alterations. Meta-analysis and human HCC tissue microarray (TMA) analysis revealed that HCC patients with low ARID1A expression had worse OS and relapse-free survival (RFS), and low ARID1A expression was negatively correlated with tumour size. Then, ARID1A gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments demonstrated the tumour suppressor role of ARID1A in HCC in vitro. In terms of the mechanism, we found that ARID1A could inhibit HCC progression by regulating retinoblastoma-like 1 (RBL1) expression via the JNK/FOXO3 pathway. Conclusions ARID1A can be considered a potential prognostic biomarker and candidate therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Xiao Meng
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Chun-Cheng Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Lun-Jie Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Ya-Fei Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Yu-Chuan Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Jian-Guo Hong
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Zhao-Ru Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250000, China
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Gaspar TB, Lopes JM, Soares P, Vinagre J. An update on genetically engineered mouse models of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Endocr Relat Cancer 2022; 29:R191-R208. [PMID: 36197786 DOI: 10.1530/erc-22-0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) are rare and clinically challenging entities. At the molecular level, PanNENs' genetic profile is well characterized, but there is limited knowledge regarding the contribution of the newly identified genes to tumor initiation and progression. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) are the most versatile tool for studying the plethora of genetic variations influencing PanNENs' etiopathogenesis and behavior over time. In this review, we present the state of the art of the most relevant PanNEN GEMMs available and correlate their findings with the human neoplasms' counterparts. We discuss the historic GEMMs as the most used and with higher translational utility models. GEMMs with Men1 and glucagon receptor gene germline alterations stand out as the most faithful models in recapitulating human disease; RIP-Tag models are unique models of early-onset, highly vascularized, invasive carcinomas. We also include a section of the most recent GEMMs that evaluate pathways related to cell cycle and apoptosis, Pi3k/Akt/mTOR, and Atrx/Daxx. For the latter, their tumorigenic effect is heterogeneous. In particular, for Atrx/Daxx, we will require more in-depth studies to evaluate their contribution; even though they are prevalent genetic events in PanNENs, they have low/inexistent tumorigenic capacity per se in GEMMs. Researchers planning to use GEMMs can find a road map of the main clinical features in this review, presented as a guide that summarizes the chief milestones achieved. We identify pitfalls to overcome, concerning the novel designs and standardization of results, so that future models can replicate human disease more closely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Bordeira Gaspar
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
- Ipatimup - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP - Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Lopes
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
- Ipatimup - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP - Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
- Ipatimup - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP - Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Vinagre
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
- Ipatimup - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP - Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Engraftment of Allotransplanted Tumor Cells in Adult rag2 Mutant Xenopus tropicalis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194560. [PMID: 36230482 PMCID: PMC9559464 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary While the mouse is without doubt the most studied animal for experimental cancer research, aquatic vertebrates such as zebrafish have also contributed to the field. More recently, thanks to the Nobel-prize winning technology of CRISPR/Cas mediated genomic engineering, the frog Xenopus tropicalis has emerged as an additional powerful model for studying human cancer. Via CRISPR-mediated genome editing, several models for different human cancers have been obtained in this animal. However, what has been lacking in Xenopus is the possibility to transplant tumor cells between different frogs. This is important to allow better characterization of the tumor cells and exploration of therapeutic opportunities. In this paper, we describe the generation of a genetic mutant in Xenopus tropicalis that has a compromised immune system, thereby allowing the grafting and expansion of tumors obtained in this species. In addition, an optimized protocol is provided for the irradiation of wild-type Xenopus frogs that subsequently are temporarily immunocompromised and during that period allow tumor engraftment. This work will expand the toolbox for modeling human cancer in Xenopus tropicalis, thereby further establishing it as a powerful experimental cancer model. Abstract Modeling human genetic diseases and cancer in lab animals has been greatly aided by the emergence of genetic engineering tools such as TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9. We have previously demonstrated the ease with which genetically engineered Xenopus models (GEXM) can be generated via injection of early embryos with Cas9 recombinant protein loaded with sgRNAs targeting single or multiple tumor suppressor genes. What has been lacking so far is the possibility to propagate and characterize the induced cancers via transplantation. Here, we describe the generation of a rag2 knockout line in Xenopus tropicalis that is deficient in functional T and B cells. This line was validated by means of allografting experiments with primary tp53−/− and apc+/−/tp53−/− donor tumors. In addition, we optimized available protocols for the sub-lethal irradiation of wild-type X. tropicalis froglets. Irradiated animals also allowed the stable, albeit transient, engraftment of transplanted X. tropicalis tumor cells. The novel rag2−/− line and the irradiated wild-type froglets will further expand the experimental toolbox in the diploid amphibian X. tropicalis and help to establish it as a versatile and relevant model for exploring human cancer.
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CRISPR-SID: Identifying EZH2 as a druggable target for desmoid tumors via in vivo dependency mapping. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2115116118. [PMID: 34789568 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2115116118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer precision medicine implies identification of tumor-specific vulnerabilities associated with defined oncogenic pathways. Desmoid tumors are soft-tissue neoplasms strictly driven by Wnt signaling network hyperactivation. Despite this clearly defined genetic etiology and the strict and unique implication of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, no specific molecular targets for these tumors have been identified. To address this caveat, we developed fast, efficient, and penetrant genetic Xenopus tropicalis desmoid tumor models to identify and characterize drug targets. We used multiplexed CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in these models to simultaneously target a tumor suppressor gene (apc) and candidate dependency genes. Our methodology CRISPR/Cas9 selection-mediated identification of dependencies (CRISPR-SID) uses calculated deviations between experimentally observed gene editing outcomes and deep-learning-predicted double-strand break repair patterns to identify genes under negative selection during tumorigenesis. This revealed EZH2 and SUZ12, both encoding polycomb repressive complex 2 components, and the transcription factor CREB3L1 as genetic dependencies for desmoid tumors. In vivo EZH2 inhibition by Tazemetostat induced partial regression of established autochthonous tumors. In vitro models of patient desmoid tumor cells revealed a direct effect of Tazemetostat on Wnt pathway activity. CRISPR-SID represents a potent approach for in vivo mapping of tumor vulnerabilities and drug target identification.
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9
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Naert T, Çiçek Ö, Ogar P, Bürgi M, Shaidani NI, Kaminski MM, Xu Y, Grand K, Vujanovic M, Prata D, Hildebrandt F, Brox T, Ronneberger O, Voigt FF, Helmchen F, Loffing J, Horb ME, Willsey HR, Lienkamp SS. Deep learning is widely applicable to phenotyping embryonic development and disease. Development 2021; 148:273338. [PMID: 34739029 PMCID: PMC8602947 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genome editing simplifies the generation of new animal models for congenital disorders. However, the detailed and unbiased phenotypic assessment of altered embryonic development remains a challenge. Here, we explore how deep learning (U-Net) can automate segmentation tasks in various imaging modalities, and we quantify phenotypes of altered renal, neural and craniofacial development in Xenopus embryos in comparison with normal variability. We demonstrate the utility of this approach in embryos with polycystic kidneys (pkd1 and pkd2) and craniofacial dysmorphia (six1). We highlight how in toto light-sheet microscopy facilitates accurate reconstruction of brain and craniofacial structures within X. tropicalis embryos upon dyrk1a and six1 loss of function or treatment with retinoic acid inhibitors. These tools increase the sensitivity and throughput of evaluating developmental malformations caused by chemical or genetic disruption. Furthermore, we provide a library of pre-trained networks and detailed instructions for applying deep learning to the reader's own datasets. We demonstrate the versatility, precision and scalability of deep neural network phenotyping on embryonic disease models. By combining light-sheet microscopy and deep learning, we provide a framework for higher-throughput characterization of embryonic model organisms. This article has an associated 'The people behind the papers' interview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Naert
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Kidney Control of Homeostasis (Kidney.CH), Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Özgün Çiçek
- Department of Computer Science, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg 79100, Germany
| | - Paulina Ogar
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Kidney Control of Homeostasis (Kidney.CH), Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Max Bürgi
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Kidney Control of Homeostasis (Kidney.CH), Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Nikko-Ideen Shaidani
- National Xenopus Resource and Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Michael M Kaminski
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin 10115, Germany.,Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany
| | - Yuxiao Xu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Kelli Grand
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Kidney Control of Homeostasis (Kidney.CH), Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Marko Vujanovic
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Kidney Control of Homeostasis (Kidney.CH), Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Prata
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Kidney Control of Homeostasis (Kidney.CH), Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Friedhelm Hildebrandt
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115,USA
| | - Thomas Brox
- Department of Computer Science, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg 79100, Germany
| | - Olaf Ronneberger
- Department of Computer Science, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg 79100, Germany.,BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany.,DeepMind, London WC2H 8AG , UK
| | - Fabian F Voigt
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Dynamics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Fritjof Helmchen
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Dynamics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Loffing
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Kidney Control of Homeostasis (Kidney.CH), Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Marko E Horb
- National Xenopus Resource and Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Helen Rankin Willsey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Soeren S Lienkamp
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Kidney Control of Homeostasis (Kidney.CH), Zurich 8057, Switzerland
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10
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Fan Y, Peng X, Wang Y, Li B, Zhao G. Comprehensive Analysis of HDAC Family Identifies HDAC1 as a Prognostic and Immune Infiltration Indicator and HDAC1-Related Signature for Prognosis in Glioma. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:720020. [PMID: 34540896 PMCID: PMC8442956 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.720020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The histone deacetylase (HDAC) family limited accessibility to chromatin containing tumor suppressor genes by removing acetyl groups, which was deemed a path for tumorigenesis. Considering glioma remained one of the most common brain cancers with a dichotomy prognosis and limited therapy responses, HDAC inhibitors were an area of intensive research. However, the expression profiles and prognostic value of the HDACs required more elucidation. Methods: Multiple biomedical databases were incorporated, including ONCOMINE, GEPIA, TCGA, CGGA, GEO, TIMER, cBioPortal, and Metascape, to study expression profiles, prognostic value, immune infiltration, mutation status, and enrichment of HDACs in glioma. STRING and GeneMANIA databases were used to identify HDAC1-related molecules. LASSO regression, Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier plot, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed for HDAC1-related signature construction and validation. Results: HDAC1 was significantly overexpressed in glioma, while HDAC11 was downregulated in glioblastoma. Except for HDAC 6/9/10, the HDAC family expression was significantly associated with glioma grade. Most of the HDAC family also correlated with glioma genetic mutations. Higher HDAC1 expression level predicted more dismal overall survival (OS) (p < 0.0001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (p < 0.0001), but a higher level of HDAC11 held more favorable OS (p = 2.1e-14) and DFS (p = 4.8e-08). HDAC4 displayed the highest mutation ratio, at 2.6% of the family. The prognostic value of HDAC1 was validated with ROC achieving 0.70, 0.77, 0.75, and 0.80 as separability for 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-years OS predictions in glioma, respectively. Moreover, HDAC1 expression positively correlated with neutrophil (r = 0.60, p = 2.88e-47) and CD4+ T cell infiltration (r = 0.52, p = 3.96e-35) in lower-grade glioma. The final HDAC1-related signature comprised of FKBP3, HDAC1 (Hazard Ratio:1.49, 95%Confidence Interval:1.20-1.86), PHF21A, RUNX1T1, and RBL1, and was verified by survival analysis (p < 0.0001) and ROC with 0.80, 0.84, 0.83, and 0.88 as separability for 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-years OS predictions, respectively. The signature was enriched in chromatin binding. Conclusion: HDAC family was of clinical significance for glioma. Most of the HDAC family significantly correlated with the glioma grade, IDH1 mutation, and 1p/19q codeletion. HDAC1 was both a prognostic and immune infiltration indicator and a central component of the HDAC1-related signature for precise prognosis prediction in glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinyu Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yubo Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Baoqin Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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11
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Kirschel ANG, Nwankwo EC, Pierce DK, Lukhele SM, Moysi M, Ogolowa BO, Hayes SC, Monadjem A, Brelsford A. CYP2J19 mediates carotenoid colour introgression across a natural avian hybrid zone. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:4970-4984. [PMID: 33058329 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
It has long been of interest to identify the phenotypic traits that mediate reproductive isolation between related species, and more recently, the genes that underpin them. Much work has focused on identifying genes associated with animal colour, with the candidate gene CYP2J19 identified in laboratory studies as the ketolase converting yellow dietary carotenoids to red ketocarotenoids in birds with red pigments. However, evidence that CYP2J19 explains variation between red and yellow feather coloration in wild populations of birds is lacking. Hybrid zones provide the opportunity to identify genes associated with specific traits. Here we investigate genomic regions associated with colour in red-fronted and yellow-fronted tinkerbirds across a hybrid zone in southern Africa. We sampled 85 individuals, measuring spectral reflectance of forecrown feathers and scoring colours from photographs, while testing for carotenoid presence with Raman spectroscopy. We performed a genome-wide association study to identify associations with carotenoid-based coloration, using double-digest RAD sequencing aligned to a short-read whole genome of a Pogoniulus tinkerbird. Admixture mapping using 104,933 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified a region of chromosome 8 that includes CYP2J19 as the only locus with more than two SNPs significantly associated with both crown hue and crown score, while Raman spectra provided evidence of ketocarotenoids in red feathers. Asymmetric backcrossing in the hybrid zone suggests that yellow-fronted females mate more often with red-fronted males than vice versa. Female red-fronted tinkerbirds mating assortatively with red-crowned males is consistent with the hypothesis that converted carotenoids are an honest signal of quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emmanuel C Nwankwo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Daniel K Pierce
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Sifiso M Lukhele
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Michaella Moysi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Bridget O Ogolowa
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Sophia C Hayes
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Ara Monadjem
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni, Eswatini.,Department of Zoology & Entomology, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Alan Brelsford
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
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