1
|
Tuano NK, Beesley J, Manning M, Shi W, Perlaza-Jimenez L, Malaver-Ortega LF, Paynter JM, Black D, Civitarese A, McCue K, Hatzipantelis A, Hillman K, Kaufmann S, Sivakumaran H, Polo JM, Reddel RR, Band V, French JD, Edwards SL, Powell DR, Chenevix-Trench G, Rosenbluh J. CRISPR screens identify gene targets at breast cancer risk loci. Genome Biol 2023; 24:59. [PMID: 36991492 PMCID: PMC10053147 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02898-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified > 200 loci associated with breast cancer risk. The majority of candidate causal variants are in non-coding regions and likely modulate cancer risk by regulating gene expression. However, pinpointing the exact target of the association, and identifying the phenotype it mediates, is a major challenge in the interpretation and translation of GWAS.
Results
Here, we show that pooled CRISPR screens are highly effective at identifying GWAS target genes and defining the cancer phenotypes they mediate. Following CRISPR mediated gene activation or suppression, we measure proliferation in 2D, 3D, and in immune-deficient mice, as well as the effect on DNA repair. We perform 60 CRISPR screens and identify 20 genes predicted with high confidence to be GWAS targets that promote cancer by driving proliferation or modulating the DNA damage response in breast cells. We validate the regulation of a subset of these genes by breast cancer risk variants.
Conclusions
We demonstrate that phenotypic CRISPR screens can accurately pinpoint the gene target of a risk locus. In addition to defining gene targets of risk loci associated with increased breast cancer risk, we provide a platform for identifying gene targets and phenotypes mediated by risk variants.
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang Y, Huang Z, Sun M, Huang W, Xia L. ETS transcription factors: Multifaceted players from cancer progression to tumor immunity. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188872. [PMID: 36841365 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
The E26 transformation specific (ETS) family comprises 28 transcription factors, the majority of which are involved in tumor initiation and development. Serving as a group of functionally heterogeneous gene regulators, ETS factors possess a structurally conserved DNA-binding domain. As one of the most prominent families of transcription factors that control diverse cellular functions, ETS activation is modulated by multiple intracellular signaling pathways and post-translational modifications. Disturbances in ETS activity often lead to abnormal changes in oncogenicity, including cancer cell survival, growth, proliferation, metastasis, genetic instability, cell metabolism, and tumor immunity. This review systematically addresses the basics and advances in studying ETS factors, from their tumor relevance to clinical translational utility, with a particular focus on elucidating the role of ETS family in tumor immunity, aiming to decipher the vital role and clinical potential of regulation of ETS factors in the cancer field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhao Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Mengyu Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Phosphatases and kinases maintain an equilibrium of dephosphorylated and phosphorylated proteins, respectively, that are required for critical cellular functions. Imbalance in this equilibrium or irregularity in their function causes unfavorable cellular effects that have been implicated in the development of numerous diseases. Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) catalyze the dephosphorylation of protein substrates on tyrosine residues, and their involvement in cell signaling and diseases such as cancer and inflammatory and metabolic diseases has made them attractive therapeutic targets. However, PTPs have proved challenging in therapeutics development, garnering them the unfavorable reputation of being undruggable. Nonetheless, great strides have been made toward the inhibition of PTPs over the past decade. Here, we discuss the advancement in small-molecule inhibition for the PTP subfamily known as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatases (MKPs). We review strategies and inhibitor discovery tools that have proven successful for small-molecule inhibition of the MKPs and discuss what the future of MKP inhibition potentially might yield.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanelle R Shillingford
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA;
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Anton M Bennett
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA;
- Yale Center for Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Aughton K, Sabat-Pośpiech D, Barlow S, Coupland SE, Kalirai H. Investigating the Role of DUSP4 in Uveal Melanoma. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:13. [PMID: 36576731 PMCID: PMC9804032 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.12.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Dual-specificity phosphatase 4 (DUSP4) inactivates factors in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade, activated in uveal melanoma (UM) by mutations in upstream G-protein α subunits GNAQ/11 in >90% cases. This study examined whether DUSP4 (1) protein expression in primary UM (pUM) was a biomarker of metastatic risk and (2) knockdown sensitized UM cells to therapeutic agents, selumetinib or doxorubicin. Methods DUSP4 mRNA data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and DUSP4 protein expression examined using immunohistochemistry in 28 cases of pUM were evaluated for association with clinical, genetic, and histological features. In vitro cytotoxic drug assays tested the efficacy of selumetinib and doxorubicin in UM cell lines with/without small interfering RNA DUSP4 gene silencing. Results DUSP4 protein expression was observed in 93% of cases, with strong nuclear positivity in 79%. Despite higher DUSP4 messenger RNA levels in disomy 3/wild-type BAP1 UM, there was no significant association of nDUSP4 protein with these metastatic risk predictors or outcome. DUSP4 expression in UM cell lines varied. DUSP4 silencing in Mel202, MP46, and MP41 cells did not affect ERK1/2 or phospho-ERK levels. Despite increased phospho-ERK levels in Mel285, no cell line showed enhanced sensitivity to selumetinib/doxorubicin. Conclusions DUSP4 protein expression is not a biomarker of UM metastatic risk. DUSP4 plays a complex role in oncogenesis, as reported in other cancers, and further work is required to fully understand its functional role in the MAPK pathway. Translational Relevance Understanding the role of phosphatases, such as DUSP4, in the control of intracellular signaling cascades will facilitate our ability to identify successful treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Aughton
- Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Group, University of Liverpool, Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Systems Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Dorota Sabat-Pośpiech
- Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Group, University of Liverpool, Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Systems Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Samantha Barlow
- Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Group, University of Liverpool, Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Systems Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK,Liverpool Clinical Laboratories, Liverpool University Hospital Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sarah E. Coupland
- Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Group, University of Liverpool, Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Systems Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK,Liverpool Clinical Laboratories, Liverpool University Hospital Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Helen Kalirai
- Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Group, University of Liverpool, Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Systems Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK,Liverpool Clinical Laboratories, Liverpool University Hospital Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li F, Bondra KM, Ghilu S, Studebaker A, Liu Q, Michalek JE, Kogiso M, Li XN, Kalapurakal JA, James CD, Burma S, Kurmasheva RT, Houghton PJ. Regulation of TORC1 by MAPK Signaling Determines Sensitivity and Acquired Resistance to Trametinib in Pediatric BRAFV600E Brain Tumor Models. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:3836-3849. [PMID: 35797217 PMCID: PMC10230442 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-1052] [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: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated why three patient-derived xenograft (PDX) childhood BRAFV600E-mutant brain tumor models are highly sensitive to trametinib. Mechanisms of acquired resistance selected in situ, and approaches to prevent resistance were also examined, which may translate to both low-grade glioma (LGG) molecular subtypes. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Sensitivity to trametinib [MEK inhibitor (MEKi)] alone or in combination with rapamycin (TORC1 inhibitor), was evaluated in pediatric PDX models. The effect of combined treatment of trametinib with rapamycin on development of trametinib resistance in vivo was examined. PDX tissue and tumor cells from trametinib-resistant xenografts were characterized. RESULTS In pediatric models TORC1 is activated through ERK-mediated inactivation of the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC): consequently inhibition of MEK also suppressed TORC1 signaling. Trametinib-induced tumor regression correlated with dual inhibition of MAPK/TORC1 signaling, and decoupling TORC1 regulation from BRAF/MAPK control conferred trametinib resistance. In mice, acquired resistance to trametinib developed within three cycles of therapy in all three PDX models. Resistance to trametinib developed in situ is tumor-cell-intrinsic and the mechanism was tumor line specific. Rapamycin retarded or blocked development of resistance. CONCLUSIONS In these three pediatric BRAF-mutant brain tumors, TORC1 signaling is controlled by the MAPK cascade. Trametinib suppressed both MAPK/TORC1 pathways leading to tumor regression. While low-dose intermittent rapamycin to enhance inhibition of TORC1 only modestly enhanced the antitumor activity of trametinib, it prevented or retarded development of trametinib resistance, suggesting future therapeutic approaches using rapamycin analogs in combination with MEKis that may be therapeutically beneficial in both KIAA1549::BRAF- and BRAFV600E-driven gliomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuyang Li
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, UT Health, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Kathryn M. Bondra
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, UT Health, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Samson Ghilu
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, UT Health, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Adam Studebaker
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Qianqian Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UT Health, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Joel E. Michalek
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UT Health, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Mari Kogiso
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Xiao-Nan Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - John A. Kalapurakal
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - C. David James
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sandeep Burma
- Department of Neurosurgery, UT Health, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, UT Health, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Peter J. Houghton
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, UT Health, San Antonio, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zandi Z, Kashani B, Alishahi Z, Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Esmaeili F, Ghaffari SH, Bashash D, Momeny M. Dual-specificity phosphatases: therapeutic targets in cancer therapy resistance. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 148:57-70. [PMID: 34981193 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03874-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Therapy resistance is the principal obstacle to achieving cures in cancer patients and its successful tackling requires a deep understanding of the resistance mediators. Increasing evidence indicates that tumor phosphatases are novel and druggable targets in translational oncology and their modulation may hinder tumor growth and motility and potentiate therapeutic sensitivity in various neoplasms via regulation of various signal transduction pathways. Dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) are key players of cell growth, survival and death and have essential roles in tumor initiation, malignant progression and therapy resistance through regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway. In this review, different aspects of DUSPs are discussed. METHODS A comprehensive literature review was performed using various websites including PubMed. RESULTS We provide mechanistic insights into the roles of well-known DUSPs in resistance to a wide range of cancer therapeutic approaches including chemotherapy, radiation and molecular targeted therapy in human malignancies. Moreover, we discuss the development of DUSP modulators, with a focus on DUSP1 and 6 inhibitors. Ultimately, the preclinical investigations of small molecule inhibitors of DUSP1 and 6 are outlined. CONCLUSION Emerging evidence indicates that the DUSP family is aberrantly expressed in human malignancies and plays critical roles in determining sensitivity to a wide range of cancer therapeutic strategies through regulation of the MAPK signaling pathways. Consequently, targeting DUSPs and their downstream molecules can pave the way for more effective cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Zandi
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Kashani
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zivar Alishahi
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Esmaeili
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed H Ghaffari
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Momeny
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bang S, Jee S, Son H, Wi YC, Kim H, Park H, Myung J, Shin SJ, Paik SS. Loss of DUSP4 Expression as a Prognostic Biomarker in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11101939. [PMID: 34679636 PMCID: PMC8534388 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11101939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dual-specificity protein phosphatase 4 (DUSP4) is a negative regulator of mitogen-activated protein kinases. The prognostic impact of DUSP4 expression in renal cell carcinoma is not well studied. Therefore, we evaluated the clinicopathological implications of DUSP4 expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma by performing immunohistochemistry (IHC). The clinical outcome according to DUSP4 expression was evaluated through survival analyses, and the association between mRNA expression and prognosis was confirmed by online analysis (Kaplan-Meier plotter). Loss of DUSP4 expression was noted in most histological subtypes of renal cell carcinoma. Loss of DUSP4 expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma was significantly correlated with old age (p = 0.033), high histologic grade (p < 0.001), tumor necrosis (p < 0.001), and high pT category (p < 0.001). In survival analysis, loss of DUSP4 expression was associated with poor clinical outcomes in cancer-specific survival and recurrence-free survival (p = 0.010 and p = 0.007, respectively). Upon TCGA data analysis, patients with low DUSP4 mRNA expression showed a shorter overall survival (p = 0.023). These results suggest that loss of DUSP4 expression can be used as a potential biomarker for predicting clinical outcomes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seongsik Bang
- Department of Pathology, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Korea; (S.B.); (S.J.); (H.S.); (H.K.); (H.P.); (J.M.)
| | - Seungyun Jee
- Department of Pathology, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Korea; (S.B.); (S.J.); (H.S.); (H.K.); (H.P.); (J.M.)
| | - Hwangkyu Son
- Department of Pathology, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Korea; (S.B.); (S.J.); (H.S.); (H.K.); (H.P.); (J.M.)
| | - Young Chan Wi
- Department of Pathology, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 03312, Korea;
| | - Hyunsung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Korea; (S.B.); (S.J.); (H.S.); (H.K.); (H.P.); (J.M.)
| | - Hosub Park
- Department of Pathology, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Korea; (S.B.); (S.J.); (H.S.); (H.K.); (H.P.); (J.M.)
| | - Jaekyung Myung
- Department of Pathology, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Korea; (S.B.); (S.J.); (H.S.); (H.K.); (H.P.); (J.M.)
| | - Su-Jin Shin
- Department of Pathology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea;
| | - Seung Sam Paik
- Department of Pathology, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Korea; (S.B.); (S.J.); (H.S.); (H.K.); (H.P.); (J.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-02-2220-8960
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mirzaei S, Abadi AJ, Gholami MH, Hashemi F, Zabolian A, Hushmandi K, Zarrabi A, Entezari M, Aref AR, Khan H, Ashrafizadeh M, Samarghandian S. The involvement of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in doxorubicin resistance: Possible molecular targets. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 908:174344. [PMID: 34270987 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Considering the fact that cancer cells can switch among various molecular pathways and mechanisms to ensure their progression, chemotherapy is no longer effective enough in cancer therapy. As an anti-tumor agent, doxorubicin (DOX) is derived from Streptomyces peucetius and can induce cytotoxicity by binding to topoisomerase enzymes to suppress DNA replication, leading to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. However, efficacy of DOX in suppressing cancer progression is restricted by development of drug resistance. Cancer cells elevate their metastasis in triggering DOX resistance. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanism participates in transforming epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells that have fibroblast-like features. The EMT diminishes intercellular adhesion and enhances migration of cells that are necessary for carcinogenesis. Various oncogenic molecular pathways stimulate EMT in cancer. EMT can induce DOX resistance, and in this way, upstream mediators such as ZEB proteins, microRNAs, Twist1 and TGF-β play a significant role. Identification of molecular pathways involved in EMT regulation and DOX resistance has resulted in using gene therapy such as microRNA transfection and siRNA in overcoming chemoresistance. Furthermore, curcumin and formononetin, owing to their cytotoxicity against cancer cells, can suppress EMT in mediating DOX sensitivity. For promoting efficacy in DOX sensitivity, nanoparticles have been developed for boosting ability in EMT inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Asal Jalal Abadi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Farid Hashemi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Zabolian
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc. 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan.
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956, Istanbul, Turkey; Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla, 34956, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Qi Y, He J, Zhang Y, Wang L, Yu Y, Yao B, Tian Z. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0001666 sponges miR‑330‑5p, miR‑193a‑5p and miR‑326, and promotes papillary thyroid carcinoma progression via upregulation of ETV4. Oncol Rep 2021; 45:50. [PMID: 33760216 PMCID: PMC7934216 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a group of regulators that affect the aggressive behaviors of several types of cancer. Hsa_circ_0001666 (also referred to as hsa_circ_000742) is a newly discovered circRNA that is upregulated in human papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) based on microarray analysis. However, the role of hsa_circ_0001666 in PTC progression remains unknown. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the potential function and underlying mechanism of hsa_circ_0001666 in PTC. The results demonstrated that hsa_circ_0001666 was upregulated in both PTC clinical samples and cell lines. Its expression was associated with lymph node metastasis of patients with PTC. Knocking down hsa_circ_0001666 expression inhibited cell proliferation, as evidenced by decreased cell viability, arrest of cell cycle progression at the G1 phase and an increase in cell cycle-associated proteins. Apoptosis rates and expression levels of pro-apoptotic proteins were also increased by silencing hsa_circ_0001666. In xenograft experiments, the oncogenic effect of hsa_circ_0001666 on tumor growth was verified. Additionally, luciferase reporter assays showed that hsa_circ_0001666 and ETS variant transcription factor 4 (ETV4) shared common binding sites with three microRNAs [(miRNA/miR)-330-5p, miR-193a-5p and miR-326]. Knockdown of these miRNAs separately reversed the inhibitory effect of hsa_circ_0001666 small interfering RNAs on PTC tumor aggressiveness, and ETV4 overexpression also induced a similar effect to that of miRNA inhibitors. Thus, hsa_circ_0001666 may function as an oncogene, promoting PTC tumorigenesis via the miR-330-5p/miR-193a-5p/miR-326/ETV4 pathway. This provides a basis for identifying potential novel therapeutic targets for PTC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Qi
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110022, P.R. China
| | - Jingni He
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110022, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110022, P.R. China
| | - Lidong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110022, P.R. China
| | - Yifan Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110022, P.R. China
| | - Baiyu Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110022, P.R. China
| | - Zhong Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110022, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Resistance to Molecularly Targeted Therapies in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051115. [PMID: 33807778 PMCID: PMC7961479 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer with invasive growth patterns. In 2021, 106,110 patients are projected to be diagnosed with melanoma, out of which 7180 are expected to die. Traditional methods like surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are not effective in the treatment of metastatic and advanced melanoma. Recent approaches to treat melanoma have focused on biomarkers that play significant roles in cell growth, proliferation, migration, and survival. Several FDA-approved molecular targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been developed against genetic biomarkers whose overexpression is implicated in tumorigenesis. The use of targeted therapies as an alternative or supplement to immunotherapy has revolutionized the management of metastatic melanoma. Although this treatment strategy is more efficacious and less toxic in comparison to traditional therapies, targeted therapies are less effective after prolonged treatment due to acquired resistance caused by mutations and activation of alternative mechanisms in melanoma tumors. Recent studies focus on understanding the mechanisms of acquired resistance to these current therapies. Further research is needed for the development of better approaches to improve prognosis in melanoma patients. In this article, various melanoma biomarkers including BRAF, MEK, RAS, c-KIT, VEGFR, c-MET and PI3K are described, and their potential mechanisms for drug resistance are discussed.
Collapse
|
11
|
Christodoulou E, Rashid M, Pacini C, Droop A, Robertson H, van Groningen T, Teunisse AFAS, Iorio F, Jochemsen AG, Adams DJ, van Doorn R. Analysis of CRISPR-Cas9 screens identifies genetic dependencies in melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2021; 34:122-131. [PMID: 32767816 PMCID: PMC7818247 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Targeting the MAPK signaling pathway has transformed the treatment of metastatic melanoma. CRISPR-Cas9 genetic screens provide a genome-wide approach to uncover novel genetic dependencies that might serve as therapeutic targets. Here, we analyzed recently reported CRISPR-Cas9 screens comparing data from 28 melanoma cell lines and 313 cell lines of other tumor types in order to identify fitness genes related to melanoma. We found an average of 1,494 fitness genes in each melanoma cell line. We identified 33 genes, inactivation of which specifically reduced the fitness of melanoma. This set of tumor type-specific genes includes established melanoma fitness genes as well as many genes that have not previously been associated with melanoma growth. Several genes encode proteins that can be targeted using available inhibitors. We verified that genetic inactivation of DUSP4 and PPP2R2A reduces the proliferation of melanoma cells. DUSP4 encodes an inhibitor of ERK, suggesting that further activation of MAPK signaling activity through its loss is selectively deleterious to melanoma cells. Collectively, these data present a resource of genetic dependencies in melanoma that may be explored as potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mamunur Rashid
- Experimental Cancer Genetics GroupWellcome Trust Sanger InstituteCambridgeUK
| | - Clare Pacini
- Cancer Dependency Map AnalyticsWellcome Trust Sanger InstituteCambridgeUK
| | - Alastair Droop
- Experimental Cancer Genetics GroupWellcome Trust Sanger InstituteCambridgeUK
| | - Holly Robertson
- Experimental Cancer Genetics GroupWellcome Trust Sanger InstituteCambridgeUK
| | - Tim van Groningen
- Department of DermatologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Amina F. A. S. Teunisse
- Department of Cell and Chemical BiologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Francesco Iorio
- Cancer Dependency Map AnalyticsWellcome Trust Sanger InstituteCambridgeUK
- Centre for Computational BiologyHuman TechnopoleMilanoItaly
| | - Aart G. Jochemsen
- Department of Cell and Chemical BiologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - David J. Adams
- Experimental Cancer Genetics GroupWellcome Trust Sanger InstituteCambridgeUK
| | - Remco van Doorn
- Department of DermatologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Qi T, Qu Q, Li G, Wang J, Zhu H, Yang Z, Sun Y, Lu Q, Qu J. Function and regulation of the PEA3 subfamily of ETS transcription factors in cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:3083-3105. [PMID: 33163259 PMCID: PMC7642666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The PEA3 subfamily is a subgroup of the E26 transformation-specific (ETS) family. Its members, ETV1, ETV4, and ETV5, have been found to be overexpressed in multiple cancers. The deregulation of ETV1, ETV4, and ETV5 induces cell growth, invasion, and migration in various tumor cells, leading to tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Therefore, exploring drugs or therapeutic targets that target the PEA3 subfamily may contribute to the clinical treatment of tumor patients. In this review, we introduce the structures and functions of the PEA3 subfamily members, systematically review their main roles in various tumor cells, analyze their prognostic and diagnostic value, and, finally, introduce several molecular targets and therapeutic drugs targeting ETV1, ETV4, and ETV5. We conclude that targeting a series of upstream regulators and downstream target genes of the PEA3 subfamily may be an effective strategy for the treatment of ETV1/ETV4/ETV5-overexpressing tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Qi
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, PR China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, PR China
| | - Qiang Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410007, PR China
| | - Guohua Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, PR China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, PR China
| | - Jiaojiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, PR China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, PR China
| | - Haihong Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, PR China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, PR China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410007, PR China
| | - Yuesheng Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou People’s HospitalWenzhou 325000, PR China
| | - Qiong Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, PR China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, PR China
| | - Jian Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, PR China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Krishna Y, Acha-Sagredo A, Sabat-Pośpiech D, Kipling N, Clarke K, Figueiredo CR, Kalirai H, Coupland SE. Transcriptome Profiling Reveals New Insights into the Immune Microenvironment and Upregulation of Novel Biomarkers in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102832. [PMID: 33008022 PMCID: PMC7650807 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare aggressive eye cancer. Although treatment of the eye tumour is successful, about 50% of UM patients develop a relapse of their cancer in the liver. At present, such advanced disease is not curable. A better understanding of the metastatic UM (mUM) in the liver is essential to improve patient survival. This study examines both the response of immune cells within the liver to the UM secondaries (metastases), as well as the expression of various proteins by the UM cells. Our study demonstrates that there is a limited immune response to the mUM, but reveals that a certain type of reactive immune cell: a protumourigenic subset of macrophage is dominant within the mUM. Our research also reveals novel proteins within the mUM, which are specific to these cells and therefore may be targetable in future therapies. Abstract Metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM) to the liver is incurable. Transcriptome profiling of 40 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded mUM liver resections and 6 control liver specimens was undertaken. mUMs were assessed for morphology, nuclear BAP1 (nBAP1) expression, and their tumour microenvironments (TME) using an “immunoscore” (absent/altered/high) for tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and macrophages (TAMs). Transcriptomes were compared between mUM and control liver; intersegmental and intratumoural analyses were also undertaken. Most mUM were epithelioid cell-type (75%), amelanotic (55%), and nBAP1-ve (70%). They had intermediate (68%) or absent (15%) immunoscores for TILs and intermediate (53%) or high (45%) immunoscores for TAMs. M2-TAMs were dominant in the mUM-TME, with upregulated expression of ANXA1, CD74, CXCR4, MIF, STAT3, PLA2G6, and TGFB1. Compared to control liver, mUM showed significant (p < 0.01) upregulation of 10 genes: DUSP4, PRAME, CD44, IRF4/MUM1, BCL2, CD146/MCAM/MUC18, IGF1R, PNMA1, MFGE8/lactadherin, and LGALS3/Galectin-3. Protein expression of DUSP4, CD44, IRF4, BCL-2, CD146, and IGF1R was validated in all mUMs, whereas protein expression of PRAME was validated in 10% cases; LGALS3 stained TAMs, and MFGEF8 highlighted bile ducts only. Intersegmental mUMs show differing transcriptomes, whereas those within a single mUM were similar. Our results show that M2-TAMs dominate mUM-TME with upregulation of genes contributing to immunosuppression. mUM significantly overexpress genes with targetable signalling pathways, and yet these may differ between intersegmental lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yamini Krishna
- Liverpool Clinical Laboratories, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Duncan Building, Daulby Street, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK;
- Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (A.A.-S.); (D.S.-P.); (N.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Amelia Acha-Sagredo
- Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (A.A.-S.); (D.S.-P.); (N.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Dorota Sabat-Pośpiech
- Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (A.A.-S.); (D.S.-P.); (N.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Natalie Kipling
- Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (A.A.-S.); (D.S.-P.); (N.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Kim Clarke
- Computational Biology Facility, Biosciences Building, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK;
| | - Carlos R. Figueiredo
- MediCity Research Laboratory and Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turun yliopisto, FI-20014 Turku, Finland;
| | - Helen Kalirai
- Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (A.A.-S.); (D.S.-P.); (N.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Sarah E. Coupland
- Liverpool Clinical Laboratories, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Duncan Building, Daulby Street, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK;
- Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (A.A.-S.); (D.S.-P.); (N.K.); (H.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-151-794-9104
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xu W, Chen B, Ke D, Chen X. DUSP4 directly deubiquitinates and stabilizes Smad4 protein, promoting proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:17634-17646. [PMID: 32897241 PMCID: PMC7521518 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a common health-threatening tumor within the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to test the biological role of DUSP4 in colorectal cancer cells. In our study, DUSP4 overexpression-treated HCT116 cells and DUSP4 knockdown-treated SW480 cells were selected to perform study. Quantitative real-time PCR test (qRT-PCR) and western blot were used to detect DUSP4 abundance in clinical tissues and six cell lines, as well as ubiquitin-related Smad4 degradation. Western blot, migration and invasion. were used to assess the relationships between DUSP4 and Smad4. Higher DUSP4 expression of functional significance was observed in colorectal cancer tissues and cells. The results showed that both treatments could affect the proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion of tumor cells, and the expression of epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT)-associated biomarkers. Moreover, in colorectal cancer cells, DUSP4 could promote the Smad4 degradation by regulating ubiquitin-related Smad4 degradation, and promote the cell proliferation, migration and invasion by regulating Smad4 degradation via Smad4 gene. Meanwhile, DUSP4 can directly deubiquitinate and stabilize Smad4 protein, hence further promote proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450008, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Beibei Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450008, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Dianshan Ke
- Department of Cell Biology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaobing Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450008, Henan, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mei XL, Wei FL, Jia LL, Ji YZ. An alternative pathway for cellular protection in BRAF inhibitor resistance in aggressive melanoma type skin cancer. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 323:109061. [PMID: 32194039 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic alterations in the BRAF gene are identified in an estimate of 50% of melanomas and cause melanoma development. BRAF kinase inhibitors (BRAFi), including vemurafenib and dabrafenib, were discovered and used in the clinical treatment of BRAF-mutant metastatic melanoma. Though, BRAFi's therapeutic advantages are short term and short-lived associated with drug resistance. Although a few pathways of developed BRAFi resistance have also been established, in approximately 40% of melanomas, the cause for inherited resistance remains unclear. Recognizing a new process of developed BRAFi resistance might provide new possibilities to successfully treat BRAF mutant melanoma. In this study, we are exploring the compensatory alternative pathway followed by BRAFi/MEKi treated resistant cell for maintaining the long-term integrity and survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Lin Mei
- Department of Pathology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fang-Li Wei
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Tai'an Medical College, Tai'an, China
| | - Li-Li Jia
- Department of dermatology, FAW General Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Yong-Zhi Ji
- Department of Dermatology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| |
Collapse
|