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Hirai R, Kinugasa H, Yamamoto S, Ako S, Tsutsumi K, Abe M, Miyahara K, Nakagawa M, Otsuka M. Methylation analysis of DCC gene in saliva samples is an efficient method for non-invasive detection of superficial hypopharyngeal cancer. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1725-1731. [PMID: 38538728 PMCID: PMC11091138 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02654-2] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in upper gastrointestinal endoscopic technology have enabled early detection and treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer. However, in-depth pharyngeal observations require sedation and are invasive. It is important to establish a minimally invasive and simple evaluation method to identify high-risk patients. METHODS Eighty-seven patients with superficial hypopharyngeal cancer and 51 healthy controls were recruited. We assessed the methylation status of DCC, PTGDR1, EDNRB, and ECAD, in tissue and saliva samples and verified the diagnostic accuracy by methylation analyses of their promoter regions using quantitative methylation-specific PCR. RESULTS Significant differences between cancer and their surrounding non-cancerous tissues were observed in the methylation values of DCC (p = 0.003), EDNRB (p = 0.001), and ECAD (p = 0.043). Using receiver operating characteristic analyses of the methylation values in saliva samples, DCC showed the highest area under the curve values for the detection of superficial hypopharyngeal cancer (0.917, 95% confidence interval = 0.864-0.970), compared with those for EDNRB (0.680) and ECAD (0.639). When the cutoff for the methylation values of DCC was set at ≥0.163, the sensitivity to detect hypopharyngeal cancer was 82.8% and the specificity was 90.2%. CONCLUSIONS DCC methylation in saliva samples could be a non-invasive and efficient tool for early detection of hypopharyngeal cancer in high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Hirai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata, Kitaku, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hideaki Kinugasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata, Kitaku, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
| | - Shumpei Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata, Kitaku, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Soichiro Ako
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata, Kitaku, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Koichiro Tsutsumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata, Kitaku, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Makoto Abe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City Hospital, 7-33, Motomachi, Nakaku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 730-8518, Japan
| | - Koji Miyahara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City Hospital, 7-33, Motomachi, Nakaku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 730-8518, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nakagawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City Hospital, 7-33, Motomachi, Nakaku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 730-8518, Japan
| | - Motoyuki Otsuka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata, Kitaku, Okayama, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
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Arantes LMRB, Silva-Oliveira RJ, de Carvalho AC, Melendez ME, Sorroche BP, de Jesus Teixeira R, Tostes K, Palmero EI, Reis RM, Carvalho AL. Unveiling the role of MGMT and DAPK hypermethylation in response to anti-EGFR agents: Molecular insights for advancing HNSCC treatment. Head Neck 2024; 46:461-472. [PMID: 38095042 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently activated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and serves as a valuable target for therapy. Despite the availability of the EGFR inhibitors Cetuximab, Afatinib, and Allitinib, there are limited predictive markers for their response. Understanding molecular aberrations in HNSCC could facilitate the identification of new strategies for patient clinical and biological classification, offering novel therapeutic avenues. METHODS We assessed CCNA1, DCC, MGMT, CDKN2A/p16, and DAPK methylation status in HNSCC cell lines and their association with anti-EGFR treatment response. RESULTS MGMT methylation status displayed high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing sensitive and resistant HNSCC cell lines to Afatinib (AUC = 0.955) and Allitinib (AUC = 0.935). Moreover, DAPK methylation status predicted response to Allitinib with high accuracy (AUC = 0.852), indicating their putative predictive biomarker roles. CONCLUSION These findings hold promise for the development of more personalized and effective treatment approaches for HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renato José Silva-Oliveira
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital - Pio XII, Barretos, Brazil
- Barretos School of Health Sciences, Dr. Paulo Prata-FACISB, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | - Matias Eliseo Melendez
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital - Pio XII, Barretos, Brazil
- Molecular Carcinogenesis Program, National Cancer Institute - INCA, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruna Pereira Sorroche
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital - Pio XII, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | - Katiane Tostes
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital - Pio XII, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Edenir Inez Palmero
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital - Pio XII, Barretos, Brazil
- Department of Genetics, Brazilian National Cancer Institute - INCA, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rui Manuel Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital - Pio XII, Barretos, Brazil
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute - ICVS, Health Sciences School, University of Minho - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - André Lopes Carvalho
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital - Pio XII, Barretos, Brazil
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Andruszko A, Szydłowski J, Grabarek BO, Mazur K, Sirek T, Ossowski P, Kozikowski M, Kaminiów K, Zybek-Kocik A, Banaszewski J. Impact of Nutritional Status of Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma on the Expression Profile of Ghrelin, Irisin, and Titin. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:437. [PMID: 38275878 PMCID: PMC10814803 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The goal of this paper was the evaluation of the changes in the expression profile of irisin, ghrelin, and titin in the carcinoma tissue and in the blood of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), including determining the profile of their expression in relation to patient nutrition. The study included 56 patients with diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma of HNSCC in the T3 and T4 stages of the disease. Healthy control tissue specimens were collected from an area 10 mm outside the histologically negative margin. In turn, the blood and serum from the control group came from healthy volunteers treated for non-oncologic reasons (n = 70). The molecular analysis allowed us to determine the profile of irisin, ghrelin, and titin methylation, evaluate their expression on the level of mRNA (quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction; qRT-PCR) and protein (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Reaction; ELISA) in the carcinoma tissue and the margin of healthy tissue, as well as in serum of patients in the study and control groups. At the start of our observations, a Body Mass Index (BMI) < 18.5 was noted in 42 of the patients, while six months after the treatment a BMI < 18.5 was noted in 29 patients. We also noted a decrease in the expression of irisin, ghrelin, and titin both on the level of mRNA and protein, as well as a potential regulation of their expression via DNA methylation. There is no convincing evidence that the proteins assayed in the present work are specific with regard to HNSSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Andruszko
- Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Jarosław Szydłowski
- Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Beniamin Oskar Grabarek
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, 41-300 Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland; (B.O.G.); (P.O.); (K.K.)
- Gyncentrum, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Virology, 40-851 Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Mazur
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The Higher School of Strategic Planning in Dąbrowa Górnicza, 41-300 Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Sirek
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academia of Silesia, 40-555 Katowice, Poland;
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital for Minimally Invasive and Reconstructive Surgery, 43-316 Bielsko-Biała, Poland
| | - Piotr Ossowski
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, 41-300 Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland; (B.O.G.); (P.O.); (K.K.)
| | - Mieszko Kozikowski
- Faculty of Medicine, Uczelnia Medyczna im. Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie, 00-136 Warszawa, Poland;
| | - Konrad Kaminiów
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, 41-300 Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland; (B.O.G.); (P.O.); (K.K.)
| | - Ariadna Zybek-Kocik
- Department of Metabolism Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Jacek Banaszewski
- Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
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Sacdalan DB, Ul Haq S, Lok BH. Plasma Cell-Free Tumor Methylome as a Biomarker in Solid Tumors: Biology and Applications. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:482-500. [PMID: 38248118 PMCID: PMC10814449 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31010033] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a fundamental mechanism of epigenetic control in cells and its dysregulation is strongly implicated in cancer development. Cancers possess an extensively hypomethylated genome with focal regions of hypermethylation at CPG islands. Due to the highly conserved nature of cancer-specific methylation, its detection in cell-free DNA in plasma using liquid biopsies constitutes an area of interest in biomarker research. The advent of next-generation sequencing and newer computational technologies have allowed for the development of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that utilize methylation profiling to diagnose disease and stratify risk. Methylome-based predictive biomarkers can determine the response to anti-cancer therapy. An additional emerging application of these biomarkers is in minimal residual disease monitoring. Several key challenges need to be addressed before cfDNA-based methylation biomarkers become fully integrated into practice. The first relates to the biology and stability of cfDNA. The second concerns the clinical validity and generalizability of methylation-based assays, many of which are cancer type-specific. The third involves their practicability, which is a stumbling block for translating technologies from bench to clinic. Future work on developing pan-cancer assays with their respective validities confirmed using well-designed, prospective clinical trials is crucial in pushing for the greater use of these tools in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Benedict Sacdalan
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Room 2374, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Sami Ul Haq
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Benjamin H. Lok
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Room 2374, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, Room 15-701, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
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Okano LM, Fonseca LMMD, Erthal ID, Malta TM. Epigenomic integrative analysis pinpoint master regulator transcription factors associated with tumorigenesis in squamous cell carcinoma of oral tongue. Genet Mol Biol 2023; 46:e20220358. [PMID: 37338302 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2022-0358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) is a heterogeneous group of cancers, which includes cancers arising in the oral cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. Epidemiological studies have revealed that several factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, exposure to environmental pollutants, viral infection, and genetic factors are risk factors for developing HNC. The squamous cell carcinoma of oral tongue (SCCOT), which is significantly more aggressive than the other forms of oral squamous cell carcinoma, presents a propensity for rapid local invasion and spread, and a high recurrence rate. Dysregulation in the epigenetic machinery of cancer cells might help uncover the mechanisms of SCOOT tumorigenesis. Here, we used DNA methylation changes to identify cancer-specific enhancers that were enriched for specific transcription factor binding sites (TFBS), and potential master regulator transcription factors (MRTF) associated with SCCOT. We identified the activation of MRTFs associated with increased invasiveness, metastasis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, poor prognosis, and stemness. On the other hand, we found the downregulation of MRTFs associated with tumor suppression. The identified MRTFs should be further investigated to clarify their role in oral cancer tumorigenesis and for their potential use as biological markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Miyuki Okano
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Isabela Dias Erthal
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Tathiane Maistro Malta
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Inchanalkar M, Srivatsa S, Ambatipudi S, Bhosale PG, Patil A, Schäffer AA, Beerenwinkel N, Mahimkar MB. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of HPV-negative leukoplakia and gingivobuccal complex cancers. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:93. [PMID: 37245006 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01510-z] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gingivobuccal complex oral squamous cell carcinoma (GBC-OSCC) is an aggressive malignancy with high mortality often preceded by premalignant lesions, including leukoplakia. Previous studies have reported genomic drivers in OSCC, but much remains to be elucidated about DNA methylation patterns across different stages of oral carcinogenesis. RESULTS There is a serious lack of biomarkers and clinical application of biomarkers for early detection and prognosis of gingivobuccal complex cancers. Hence, in search of novel biomarkers, we measured genome-wide DNA methylation in 22 normal oral tissues, 22 leukoplakia, and 74 GBC-OSCC tissue samples. Both leukoplakia and GBC-OSCC had distinct methylation profiles as compared to normal oral tissue samples. Aberrant DNA methylation increases during the different stages of oral carcinogenesis, from premalignant lesions to carcinoma. We identified 846 and 5111 differentially methylated promoters in leukoplakia and GBC-OSCC, respectively, with a sizable fraction shared between the two sets. Further, we identified potential biomarkers from integrative analysis in gingivobuccal complex cancers and validated them in an independent cohort. Integration of genome, epigenome, and transcriptome data revealed candidate genes with gene expression synergistically regulated by copy number and DNA methylation changes. Regularised Cox regression identified 32 genes associated with patient survival. In an independent set of samples, we validated eight genes (FAT1, GLDC, HOXB13, CST7, CYB5A, MLLT11, GHR, LY75) from the integrative analysis and 30 genes from previously published reports. Bisulfite pyrosequencing validated GLDC (P = 0.036), HOXB13 (P < 0.0001) promoter hypermethylation, and FAT1 (P < 0.0001) hypomethylation in GBC-OSCC compared to normal controls. CONCLUSIONS Our findings identified methylation signatures associated with leukoplakia and gingivobuccal complex cancers. The integrative analysis in GBC-OSCC identified putative biomarkers that enhance existing knowledge of oral carcinogenesis and may potentially help in risk stratification and prognosis of GBC-OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuri Inchanalkar
- Mahimkar Lab, Cancer Research Institute (CRI), Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Center, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410210, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400094, India
| | - Sumana Srivatsa
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Srikant Ambatipudi
- Mahimkar Lab, Cancer Research Institute (CRI), Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Center, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410210, India
- Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Priyanka G Bhosale
- Mahimkar Lab, Cancer Research Institute (CRI), Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Center, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410210, India
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Guy's Hospital, King's College London, Tower Wing, London, UK
| | - Asawari Patil
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400094, India
- Department of Pathology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Alejandro A Schäffer
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, and National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Niko Beerenwinkel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manoj B Mahimkar
- Mahimkar Lab, Cancer Research Institute (CRI), Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Center, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410210, India.
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400094, India.
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DNA Damage Response Mechanisms in Head and Neck Cancer: Significant Implications for Therapy and Survival. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032760. [PMID: 36769087 PMCID: PMC9917521 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032760] [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] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a term collectively used to describe a heterogeneous group of tumors that arise in the oral cavity, larynx, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx, and represents the sixth most common type of malignancy worldwide. Despite advances in multimodality treatment, the disease has a recurrence rate of around 50%, and the prognosis of metastatic patients remains poor. HNCs are characterized by a high degree of genomic instability, which involves a vicious circle of accumulating DNA damage, defective DNA damage repair (DDR), and replication stress. Nonetheless, the damage that is induced on tumor cells by chemo and radiotherapy relies on defective DDR processes for a successful response to treatment, and may play an important role in the development of novel and more effective therapies. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the genes and proteins that appear to be deregulated in DDR pathways, their implication in HNC pathogenesis, and the rationale behind targeting these genes and pathways for the development of new therapies. We give particular emphasis on the therapeutic targets that have shown promising results at the pre-clinical stage and on those that have so far been associated with a therapeutic advantage in the clinical setting.
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Epigenetics: Promising journey so far but ways to go in head neck cancer. Oral Oncol 2022; 135:106194. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.106194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Gong X, Ren F. Identification of Gene-Tyrosine Kinase 2 (TYK2) in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients-An Integrated Bioinformatics Approach. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:5239033. [PMID: 35711568 PMCID: PMC9197628 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5239033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The human tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) has been found to be associated with at least 20 autoimmune diseases; however, its tumor-regulating role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) has not been researched by using an integrative bioinformatics approach, yet. Objective To investigate the regulating mechanisms of the TYK2 gene in HNSC in terms of its expression pattern, prognostic values, involved biological functions, and implication of tumor immunity. Methods The TYK2 gene expression pattern and regulatory involvement in HNSC were investigated using publically accessible data from TCGA database. R software tools and public web servers were utilized to conduct statistical analysis on cancer and noncancerous samples. Results TYK2 was found to be significantly upregulated in HNSC samples compared with healthy control samples. The expression of TYK2 gene was shown to be associated with the prognosis of HNSC by showing its upregulation represented better survival outcome. The regulating role of TYK2 in HNSC was found mainly in several pathways including DNA replication, base excision repair, apoptosis, p53 signaling pathway, and NF-kappa B signaling pathway. The gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) results showed that TYK2-significantly correlated genes were mainly enriched in several biological functional terms including cell cycle, DNA replication, PLK1 pathway, ATR pathway, and Rho GTPase pathway. In addition, TYK2 was found to be involved in tumor immunity, showing positive correlation with the majority of tumor infiltrating immune cells, immune checkpoint genes, and significant representative components of tumor microenvironment, according to the ESTIMATE-Stromal-Immune score. Conclusions Given the dysregulation, prognostic values, regulating tumor progression-related pathways, and the tumor immune-modulatory role of TYK2 in HNSC, the TYK2 gene should be regarded as a potential therapeutic target in treating head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Gong
- Department of Stomatology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, 046000 Shanxi Province, China
| | - Fukai Ren
- Department of Stomatology, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, 046000 Shanxi Province, China
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Gougousis S, Petanidis S, Poutoglidis A, Tsetsos N, Vrochidis P, Skoumpas I, Argyriou N, Katopodi T, Domvri K. Epigenetic editing and tumor‑dependent immunosuppressive signaling in head and neck malignancies (Review). Oncol Lett 2022; 23:196. [PMID: 35572491 PMCID: PMC9100602 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13317] [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: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) comprises a heterogeneous variety of malignant tumors, characterized by a relatively high tumor mutation burden. Previous data have revealed that immune system dysfunction appears to serve a key role in the development and progression of HNC and established immunosuppression is vital for evading the host immune response. Despite progress in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the survival rate of patients with HNC is still low. Therefore, the present review discusses the development of novel immunotherapy approaches based on the various immune cell signaling routes that trigger drug resistance and immunosuppression. Additionally, the present review discusses the epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling and non-coding RNAs that drive and support HNC progression. Furthermore, the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor macrophages and myeloid cells in tumor-related immunosuppression are considered. Specifically, the molecular immune-related mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment, which lead to decreased drug sensitivity and tumor relapse, and strategies for reversing drug resistance and targeting immunosuppressive tumor networks are discussed. Deciphering these molecular mechanisms is essential for preclinical and clinical investigations in order to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, an improved understanding of these immune cell signaling pathways that drive immune surveillance, immune-driven inflammation and tumor-related immunosuppression is necessary for future personalized HNC-based therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Gougousis
- Ear Nose Throat Department, General Hospital of Thessaloniki ‘G. Papanikolaou’, Thessaloniki GR‑57010, Greece
| | - Savvas Petanidis
- Department of Pulmonology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119992, Russian Federation
| | - Alexandros Poutoglidis
- Ear Nose Throat Department, General Hospital of Thessaloniki ‘G. Papanikolaou’, Thessaloniki GR‑57010, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Tsetsos
- Ear Nose Throat Department, General Hospital of Thessaloniki ‘G. Papanikolaou’, Thessaloniki GR‑57010, Greece
| | - Paraskevas Vrochidis
- Ear Nose Throat Department, General Hospital of Goumenissa, Kilkis GR‑61100, Greece
| | - Ioannis Skoumpas
- Ear Nose Throat Department, General Hospital of Katerini, Katerini GR‑60100, Greece
| | - Nektarios Argyriou
- Ear Nose Throat Department, General Hospital of Thessaloniki ‘G. Gennimatas’, Thessaloniki GR‑54635, Greece
| | - Theodora Katopodi
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Biology and Genetics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki GR‑54124, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Domvri
- Pulmonary Department, General Hospital of Thessaloniki ‘G. Papanikolaou’, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki GR‑57010, Greece
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