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Cherkasova EA, Chen L, Childs RW. Mechanistic regulation of HERV activation in tumors and implications for translational research in oncology. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1358470. [PMID: 38379771 PMCID: PMC10877039 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1358470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription of distinct loci of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) and in some cases, translation of these transcripts have been consistently observed in many types of cancer. It is still debated whether HERV activation serves as a trigger for carcinogenesis or rather occurs as a consequence of epigenetic alterations and other molecular sequelae that characterize cellular transformation. Here we review the known molecular and epigenetic mechanisms of HERV activation in cancer cells as well as its potential contribution to carcinogenesis. Further, we describe the use of HERV expression in cancer diagnostic and characterize the potential of HERV-derived antigens to serve as novel targets for cancer immunotherapy. We believe this review, which summarizes both what is known as well as unknown in this rapidly developing field, will boost interest in research on the therapeutic potential of targeting HERV elements in tumors and the impact of HERV activation in oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard W. Childs
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunotherapy, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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2
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DeMarino C, Nath A, Zhuang Z, Doucet-O’Hare TT. Does the interplay between human endogenous retrovirus K and extracellular vesicles contribute to aging? EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES AND CIRCULATING NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 4:548-56. [PMID: 38606283 PMCID: PMC11007738 DOI: 10.20517/evcna.2023.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The role of extracellular vesicles (EVs), including retroviral-like particles (RVLPs), in pathogenic processes is currently a subject of active investigation. Several studies have identified mechanistic links between the increased presence of EVs and the process of senescence. A recent study reveals that the reverse transcribed complementary DNA (cDNA) of a human endogenous retroviral sequence can activate the innate immune system and result in tissue damage and/or the spread of cellular senescence to distant tissues. Several studies have linked EVs to age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, and have included isolation of EVs from individuals with these diseases. Loss of epigenetic regulation, immune activation, and environmental stimuli can all lead to the expression of endogenous retroviruses and the incorporation of their proteins and transcripts into EVs. In addition, EVs disseminating these endogenous retroviral components have now been shown to act in a paracrine manner in multiple human diseases. Further investigation of the connection between EVs containing endogenous retroviral protein products or nucleotides should be pursued in models of age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine DeMarino
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Avindra Nath
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zhengping Zhuang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Shah AH, Rivas SR, Doucet-O'Hare TT, Govindarajan V, DeMarino C, Wang T, Ampie L, Zhang Y, Banasavadi-Siddegowda YK, Walbridge S, Maric D, Garcia-Montojo M, Suter RK, Lee MH, Zaghloul KA, Steiner J, Elkahloun AG, Chandar J, Seetharam D, Desgraves J, Li W, Johnson K, Ivan ME, Komotar RJ, Gilbert MR, Heiss JD, Nath A. Human endogenous retrovirus K contributes to a stem cell niche in glioblastoma. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e167929. [PMID: 37395282 DOI: 10.1172/jci167929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancestral viral relics that constitute nearly 8% of the human genome. Although normally silenced, the most recently integrated provirus HERV-K (HML-2) can be reactivated in certain cancers. Here, we report pathological expression of HML-2 in malignant gliomas in both cerebrospinal fluid and tumor tissue that was associated with a cancer stem cell phenotype and poor outcomes. Using single-cell RNA-Seq, we identified glioblastoma cellular populations with elevated HML-2 transcripts in neural progenitor-like cells (NPC-like) that drive cellular plasticity. Using CRISPR interference, we demonstrate that HML-2 critically maintained glioblastoma stemness and tumorigenesis in both glioblastoma neurospheres and intracranial orthotopic murine models. Additionally, we demonstrate that HML-2 critically regulated embryonic stem cell programs in NPC-derived astroglia and altered their 3D cellular morphology by activating the nuclear transcription factor OCT4, which binds to an HML-2-specific long-terminal repeat (LTR5Hs). Moreover, we discovered that some glioblastoma cells formed immature retroviral virions, and inhibiting HML-2 expression with antiretroviral drugs reduced reverse transcriptase activity in the extracellular compartment, tumor viability, and pluripotency. Our results suggest that HML-2 fundamentally contributes to the glioblastoma stem cell niche. Because persistence of glioblastoma stem cells is considered responsible for treatment resistance and recurrence, HML-2 may serve as a unique therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish H Shah
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sarah R Rivas
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tara T Doucet-O'Hare
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Vaidya Govindarajan
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Catherine DeMarino
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tongguang Wang
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Leonel Ampie
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yong Zhang
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Stuart Walbridge
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dragan Maric
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marta Garcia-Montojo
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert K Suter
- Georgetown University, Bioinformatics Section, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Myoung-Hwa Lee
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kareem A Zaghloul
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph Steiner
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Abdel G Elkahloun
- Cancer Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jay Chandar
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Deepa Seetharam
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jelisah Desgraves
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Wenxue Li
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kory Johnson
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael E Ivan
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ricardo J Komotar
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mark R Gilbert
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John D Heiss
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Avindra Nath
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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4
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Kang Q, Guo X, Li T, Yang C, Han J, Jia L, Liu Y, Wang X, Zhang B, Li J, Wen HL, Li H, Li L. Identification of differentially expressed HERV-K(HML-2) loci in colorectal cancer. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1192900. [PMID: 37342563 PMCID: PMC10277637 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1192900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the malignant tumors with the highest mortality rate in the world. Survival rates vary significantly among patients at various stages of the disease. A biomarker capable of early diagnosis is required to facilitate the early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are abnormally expressed in various diseases, including cancer, and have been involved in cancer development. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the transcript levels of HERV-K(HML-2) gag, pol, and env in colorectal cancer to systematically investigate the connection between HERV-K(HML-2) and colorectal cancer. The results showed that HERV-K(HML-2) transcript expression was significantly higher than healthy controls and was consistent at the population and cell levels. We also used next-generation sequencing to identify and characterize HERV-K(HML-2) loci that were differentially expressed between colorectal cancer patients and healthy individuals. The analysis revealed that these loci were concentrated in immune response signaling pathways, implying that HERV-K impacts the tumor-associated immune response. Our results indicated that HERV-K might serve as a screening tumor marker and a target for tumor immunotherapy in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Department of Virology, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Guo
- Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiological Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tianfu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Department of Virology, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Caiqin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Department of Virology, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Department of Virology, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Department of Virology, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongjian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Department of Virology, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Department of Virology, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bohan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Department of Virology, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Department of Virology, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Ling Wen
- Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiological Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hanping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Department of Virology, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Department of Virology, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Dang DD, Rosenblum JS, Shah AH, Zhuang Z, Doucet-O’Hare TT. Epigenetic Regulation in Primary CNS Tumors: An Opportunity to Bridge Old and New WHO Classifications. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2511. [PMID: 37173979 PMCID: PMC10177493 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092511] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Originally approved in 1979, a specific grading classification for central nervous system (CNS) tumors was devised by the World Health Organization (WHO) in an effort to guide cancer treatment and better understand prognosis. These "blue books" have since undergone several iterations based on tumor location, advancements in histopathology, and most recently, diagnostic molecular pathology in its fifth edition. As new research methods have evolved to elucidate complex molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis, a need to update and integrate these findings into the WHO grading scheme has become apparent. Epigenetic tools represent an area of burgeoning interest that encompasses all non-Mendelian inherited genetic features affecting gene expression, including but not limited to chromatin remodeling complexes, DNA methylation, and histone regulating enzymes. The SWItch/Sucrose non-fermenting (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex is the largest mammalian family of chromatin remodeling proteins and is estimated to be altered in 20-25% of all human malignancies; however, the ways in which it contributes to tumorigenesis are not fully understood. We recently discovered that CNS tumors with SWI/SNF mutations have revealed an oncogenic role for endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), remnants of exogenous retroviruses that integrated into the germline and are inherited like Mendelian genes, several of which retain open reading frames for proteins whose expression putatively contributes to tumor formation. Herein, we analyzed the latest WHO classification scheme for all CNS tumors with documented SWI/SNF mutations and/or aberrant ERV expression, and we summarize this information to highlight potential research opportunities that could be integrated into the grading scheme to better delineate diagnostic criteria and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle D. Dang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jared S. Rosenblum
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ashish H. Shah
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Department of Neurosurgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Zhengping Zhuang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tara T. Doucet-O’Hare
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Kitsou K, Lagiou P, Magiorkinis G. Human endogenous retroviruses in cancer: Oncogenesis mechanisms and clinical implications. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28350. [PMID: 36428242 PMCID: PMC10108094 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are viral sequences integrated into the human genome, resulting from the infection of human germ-line cells by ancient exogenous retroviruses. Despite losing their replication and retrotransposition abilities, HERVs appear to have been co-opted in human physiological functions while their aberrant expression is linked to human disease. The role of HERVs in multiple malignancies has been demonstrated, however, the extent to which HERV activation and expression participate in the development of cancer is not yet fully comprehended. In this review article, we discuss the presumed role of HERVs in carcinogenesis and their promising diagnostic and prognostic implications. Additionally, we explore recent data on the HERVs in cancer therapeutics, either through the manipulation of their expression, to induce antitumor innate immunity responses or as cancer immunotherapy targets. Finally, more precise and higher resolution high-throughput sequencing approaches will further elucidate HERV participation in human physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Kitsou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Goudi, Greece
| | - Pagona Lagiou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Goudi, Greece
| | - Gkikas Magiorkinis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Goudi, Greece
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Agoni L. Alternative and aberrant splicing of human endogenous retroviruses in cancer. What about head and neck? —A mini review. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1019085. [PMID: 36338752 PMCID: PMC9631305 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1019085] [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: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are transcribed in many cancer types, including head and neck cancer. Because of accumulating mutations at proviral loci over evolutionary time, HERVs are functionally defective and cannot complete their viral life cycle. Despite that, HERV transcripts, including full-length viral RNAs and viral RNAs spliced as expected at the conventional viral splice sites, can be detected in particular conditions, such as cancer. Interestingly, non-viral–related transcription, including aberrant, non-conventionally spliced RNAs, has been reported as well. The role of HERV transcription in cancer and its contribution to oncogenesis or progression are still debated. Nonetheless, HERVs may constitute a suitable cancer biomarker or a target for therapy. Thus, ongoing research aims both to clarify the basic mechanisms underlying HERV transcription in cancer and to exploit its potential toward clinical application. In this mini-review, we summarize the current knowledge, the most recent findings, and the future perspectives of research on HERV transcription and splicing, with particular focus on head and neck cancer.
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