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Fűr GM, Nemes K, Magó É, Benő AÁ, Topolcsányi P, Moldvay J, Pongor LS. Applied models and molecular characteristics of small cell lung cancer. Pathol Oncol Res 2024; 30:1611743. [PMID: 38711976 PMCID: PMC11070512 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2024.1611743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive type of cancer frequently diagnosed with metastatic spread, rendering it surgically unresectable for the majority of patients. Although initial responses to platinum-based therapies are often observed, SCLC invariably relapses within months, frequently developing drug-resistance ultimately contributing to short overall survival rates. Recently, SCLC research aimed to elucidate the dynamic changes in the genetic and epigenetic landscape. These have revealed distinct subtypes of SCLC, each characterized by unique molecular signatures. The recent understanding of the molecular heterogeneity of SCLC has opened up potential avenues for precision medicine, enabling the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. In this review, we delve into the applied models and computational approaches that have been instrumental in the identification of promising drug candidates. We also explore the emerging molecular diagnostic tools that hold the potential to transform clinical practice and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Mihalekné Fűr
- Cancer Genomics and Epigenetics Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Szeged, Hungary
| | - Kolos Nemes
- Cancer Genomics and Epigenetics Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Szeged, Hungary
| | - Éva Magó
- Cancer Genomics and Epigenetics Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Szeged, Hungary
- Genome Integrity and DNA Repair Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Szeged, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Á. Benő
- Cancer Genomics and Epigenetics Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Szeged, Hungary
| | - Petronella Topolcsányi
- Cancer Genomics and Epigenetics Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Szeged, Hungary
| | - Judit Moldvay
- Department of Pulmonology, Szeged University Szent-Gyorgyi Albert Medical School, Szeged, Hungary
- 1st Department of Pulmonology, National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lőrinc S. Pongor
- Cancer Genomics and Epigenetics Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Szeged, Hungary
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Insulinoma-Associated Protein 1 (INSM1): Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Use in Small Cell Lung Cancer. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmp3030013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is an aggressive and difficult to treat cancer. Although immunohistochemistry is not mandatory for a SCLC diagnosis, it might be required, especially in small samples. Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) is expressed in endocrine and nervous tissues during embryogenesis, generally absent in adults and re-expressed in SCLC and other neuroendocrine neoplasms. Its high specificity propelled its use as diagnostic biomarker and an attractive therapeutic target. Herein, we aim to provide a systematic and critical review on the use of INSM1 for diagnosis, prognostication and the treatment of SCLC. An extensive bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed® focusing on articles published since 2015. According to the literature, INSM1 is a highly sensitive (75–100%) and specific (82–100%) neuroendocrine immunohistochemical marker for SCLC diagnosis. It can be used in histological and cytological samples. Although advantageous, its standalone use is currently not recommended. Studies correlating INSM1 expression and prognosis have disclosed contrasting results, although the expression seemed to entail a worse survival. Targeting INSM1 effectively suppressed SCLC growth either as a suicide gene therapy regulator or as an indirect target of molecular-targeted therapy. INSM1 represents a valuable biomarker for a SCLC diagnosis that additionally offers vast opportunities for the development of new prognostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Costanzo F, Martínez Diez M, Santamaría Nuñez G, Díaz-Hernandéz JI, Genes Robles CM, Díez Pérez J, Compe E, Ricci R, Li TK, Coin F, Martínez Leal JF, Garrido-Martin EM, Egly JM. Promoters of ASCL1- and NEUROD1-dependent genes are specific targets of lurbinectedin in SCLC cells. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e14841. [PMID: 35263037 PMCID: PMC8988166 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Small‐Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine malignancy with a poor prognosis. Here, we focus on the neuroendocrine SCLC subtypes, SCLC‐A and SCLC‐N, whose transcription addiction was driven by ASCL1 and NEUROD1 transcription factors which target E‐box motifs to activate up to 40% of total genes, the promoters of which are maintained in a steadily open chromatin environment according to ATAC and H3K27Ac signatures. This leverage is used by the marine agent lurbinectedin, which preferentially targets the CpG islands located downstream of the transcription start site, thus arresting elongating RNAPII and promoting its degradation. This abrogates the expression of ASCL1 and NEUROD1 and of their dependent genes, such as BCL2, INSM1, MYC, and AURKA, which are responsible for relevant SCLC tumorigenic properties such as inhibition of apoptosis and cell survival, as well as for a part of its neuroendocrine features. In summary, we show how the transcription addiction of these cells becomes their Achilles’s heel, and how this is effectively exploited by lurbinectedin as a novel SCLC therapeutic endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Costanzo
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, IGBMC, CNRS/INSERM/University of Strasbourg, Equipe labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Cell Biology Department, Research and Development, Pharmamar SA, Colmenar Viejo, Spain
| | - Marta Martínez Diez
- Cell Biology Department, Research and Development, Pharmamar SA, Colmenar Viejo, Spain
| | - Gema Santamaría Nuñez
- Cell Biology Department, Research and Development, Pharmamar SA, Colmenar Viejo, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Mario Genes Robles
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, IGBMC, CNRS/INSERM/University of Strasbourg, Equipe labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France
| | - Javier Díez Pérez
- Cell Biology Department, Research and Development, Pharmamar SA, Colmenar Viejo, Spain
| | - Emmanuel Compe
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, IGBMC, CNRS/INSERM/University of Strasbourg, Equipe labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France
| | - Romeo Ricci
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, IGBMC, CNRS/INSERM/University of Strasbourg, Equipe labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France
| | - Tsai-Kun Li
- College of Medicine, Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei city, Taiwan
| | - Frédéric Coin
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, IGBMC, CNRS/INSERM/University of Strasbourg, Equipe labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | - Jean Marc Egly
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, IGBMC, CNRS/INSERM/University of Strasbourg, Equipe labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,College of Medicine, Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei city, Taiwan
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Maleki Z, Nadella A, Nadella M, Patel G, Patel S, Kholová I. INSM1, a Novel Biomarker for Detection of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Cytopathologists’ View. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11122172. [PMID: 34943408 PMCID: PMC8700458 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11122172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) has been considered as a novel immunostain for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and is hypothesized to be more reliable than first-generation NET biomarkers, such as CGA (chromogranin A), SYP (synaptophysin) and CD56 (neural cell adhesion molecule). In this review, we summarize existing literature on INSM1′s reliability as an immunostain for detection of various NETs, its results in comparison to first-generation NET biomarkers, and its expression in both non-NETs and benign tissues/cells on cytology specimens (cell blocks/smears).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Maleki
- Division of Cytopathology, Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-955-1180
| | - Akash Nadella
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; (A.N.); (M.N.); (G.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Mohnish Nadella
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; (A.N.); (M.N.); (G.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Gopi Patel
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; (A.N.); (M.N.); (G.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Shivni Patel
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; (A.N.); (M.N.); (G.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Ivana Kholová
- Department of Pathology, Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland;
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Insulinoma-associated Protein 1 (INSM1) Expression in Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Urinary Tract. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2021; 28:687-693. [PMID: 31876605 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000000824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Clinical guidelines state that neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be administered before surgery in muscle invasive urinary bladder small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Recently described marker insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) has been reported to be sensitive and specific for neuroendocrine differentiation, however, its efficacy in urinary tract small cell carcinoma is not well established. This study examines immunohistochemical expression of INSM1 on whole tissue sections of urinary tract small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and compares INSM1 expression with established neuroendocrine markers. Immunohistochemical stains for CD56, INSM1, synaptophysin, and chromogranin were performed on 32 cases of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the bladder. Staining was scored for intensity (0: no staining; 1: weak; 2: moderate; 3: strong) and proportion of cells stained (0: 0%; 1: >0% to ≤25%; 2: >25% to ≤50%; 3: >50% to ≤75%; 4: >75% to 100%). INSM1 was positive (intensity 1 to 3 or proportion 1 to 4) in 87% (28/32) of cases (20 with intensity 2 to 3, 17 with proportion 3 to 4). CD56, synaptophysin, and chromogranin were positive in 75% (24/32), 60% (19/32), and 44% (14/32) of cases, respectively. INSM1 was negative (n=4) or only showed weak intensity staining (n=7) in 34% (11/32) of cases. INSM1 is a sensitive marker of small cell neuroendocrine differentiation of the urinary tract. However, this study suggests that optimal utilization of INSM1 would be inclusion in a limited panel of stains rather than as a stand-alone screening marker given that it is negative or only shows weak intensity staining in a significant proportion of cases.
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Guo W, Farzaneh T, Lee W, Nael A, Li X, Chandan VS. A limited panel of INSM1 and LEF1 immunostains accurately distinguishes between pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and solid pseudopapillary neoplasm. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 223:153462. [PMID: 34048981 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) and well differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) can show significant cytomorphological overlap. In this study, we evaluated the role of INSM1 and LEF1 immunohistochemical stains in distinguishing between these two tumors. 22 SPN and 25 PNET surgically resected cases were stained for both INSM1 and LEF1. All the 22 cases of SPN showed strong and diffuse nuclear staining for LEF1 (in >95 % of tumor cells), while all 25 PNET were negative for LEF1. All 25 PNET cases were positive for INSM1 (moderate to strong intensity nuclear staining in >50 % of the tumor cells), while all 22 cases of SPN were negative for INSM1. The results of our study show that a limited panel comprising of INSM1 and LEF1 immunostains accurately distinguishes between SPN and PNET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchang Guo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Ted Farzaneh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Whayoung Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Ali Nael
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States; Department of Pathology, Children Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), Orange, CA, United States
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Vishal S Chandan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States.
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Thomas PL, Groves SM, Zhang YK, Li J, Gonzalez-Ericsson P, Sivagnanam S, Betts CB, Chen HC, Liu Q, Lowe C, Chen H, Boyd KL, Kopparapu PR, Yan Y, Coussens LM, Quaranta V, Tyson DR, Iams W, Lovly CM. Beyond Programmed Death-Ligand 1: B7-H6 Emerges as a Potential Immunotherapy Target in SCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2021; 16:1211-1223. [PMID: 33839362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint inhibitors, atezolizumab and durvalumab, have received regulatory approval for the first-line treatment of patients with extensive-stage SCLC. Nevertheless, when used in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy, these PD-L1 inhibitors only improve overall survival by 2 to 3 months. This may be due to the observation that less than 20% of SCLC tumors express PD-L1 at greater than 1%. Evaluating the composition and abundance of checkpoint molecules in SCLC may identify molecules beyond PD-L1 that are amenable to therapeutic targeting. METHODS We analyzed RNA-sequencing data from SCLC cell lines (n = 108) and primary tumor specimens (n = 81) for expression of 39 functionally validated inhibitory checkpoint ligands. Furthermore, we generated tissue microarrays containing SCLC cell lines and patient with SCLC specimens to confirm expression of these molecules by immunohistochemistry. We annotated patient outcomes data, including treatment response and overall survival. RESULTS The checkpoint protein B7-H6 (NCR3LG1) exhibited increased protein expression relative to PD-L1 in cell lines and tumors (p < 0.05). Higher B7-H6 protein expression correlated with longer progression-free survival (p = 0.0368) and increased total immune infiltrates (CD45+) in patients. Furthermore, increased B7-H6 gene expression in SCLC tumors correlated with a decreased activated natural killer cell gene signature, suggesting a complex interplay between B7-H6 expression and immune signature in SCLC. CONCLUSIONS We investigated 39 inhibitory checkpoint molecules in SCLC and found that B7-H6 is highly expressed and associated with progression-free survival. In addition, 26 of 39 immune checkpoint proteins in SCLC tumors were more abundantly expressed than PD-L1, indicating an urgent need to investigate additional checkpoint targets for therapy in addition to PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Portia L Thomas
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Physiology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee; School of Graduate Studies & Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sarah M Groves
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Yun-Kai Zhang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Paula Gonzalez-Ericsson
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Shamilene Sivagnanam
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Courtney B Betts
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Hua-Chang Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Cindy Lowe
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Heidi Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Kelli L Boyd
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Prasad R Kopparapu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Yingjun Yan
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lisa M Coussens
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Vito Quaranta
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Darren R Tyson
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Wade Iams
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Christine M Lovly
- School of Graduate Studies & Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee; Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
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Insulinoma-associated Protein 1 (INSM1) Is a Better Marker for the Diagnosis and Prognosis Estimation of Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Than Neuroendocrine Phenotype Markers Such as Chromogranin A, Synaptophysin, and CD56. Am J Surg Pathol 2020; 44:757-764. [PMID: 32118626 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To diagnose small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), neuroendocrine (NE) phenotype markers such as chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and CD56 are helpful. However, because they are dispensable, SCLCs occur without apparent NE phenotypes. Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) is a transcription factor for NE differentiation and has emerged as a single practical marker for SCLC. Using the surgical samples of 141 pulmonary NE tumors (78 SCLCs, 44 large cell NE carcinomas, and 19 carcinoids), and 246 non-NE carcinomas, we examined the immunohistochemical expression and prognostic relevance of INSM1 in association with NE phenotype markers. We evaluated its sensitivity and specificity for SCLC diagnosis, as well as its usefulness to diagnose SCLC without NE marker expression and to estimate the prognosis. INSM1 was expressed in SCLCs (92%, 72/78), large cell NE carcinomas (68%, 30/44), and carcinoids (95%, 18/19). In addition, among SCLCs with no expression of NE phenotype markers (n=12), 9 (75%) were positive for INSM1. These data suggest the superiority of INSM1 to the phenotype markers. Only 7% of adenocarcinomas (9/134) and 4% of squamous cell carcinomas (4/112) were positive for INSM1. SCLC with low-INSM1 expression (n=28) had a significantly better prognosis (P=0.040) than the high-INSM1 group (n=50). Our study revealed that INSM1 is highly sensitive and specific to detect SCLC and can estimate prognosis. INSM1 will be a promising marker for SCLC.
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Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1): a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for neuroendocrine tumors. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2020; 43:367-376. [PMID: 32219703 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00505-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1), a transcriptional regulator with a zinc-finger DNA-binding domain, has been validated as a cytoplasmic marker for neuroendocrine differentiation of tumor cells. Next to its abundant expression in the fetal pancreas, it is expressed in brain tumors, pheochromocytomas, medullary thyroid carcinomas, insulinomas and pituitary and small-cell lung carcinomas. INSM1 is not expressed in normal adult tissues and/or most non-neuroendocrine tumors. It regulates various downstream signaling pathways, including the Sonic Hedgehog, PI3K/AKT, MEK/ERK1/2, ADK, p53, Wnt, histone acetylation, LSD1, cyclin D1, Ascl1 and N-Myc pathways. Although INSM1 appears to be a subtle and specific biomarker for neuroendocrine tumors, its role in tumor development has remained unclear. CONCLUSIONS Here, we highlight INSMI expression, as well as its diagnostic significance and use as a therapeutic target in various neuroendocrine tumors. Targeting signaling pathways or gene expression alterations associated with INSM1 expression may be instrumental for the design of novel therapeutic strategies for neuroendocrine tumors.
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Chen C, Notkins AL, Lan MS. Insulinoma-Associated-1: From Neuroendocrine Tumor Marker to Cancer Therapeutics. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:1597-1604. [PMID: 31113827 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-0286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Insulinoma-associated-1 (IA-1 or INSM1) encodes a zinc-finger transcription factor, which was isolated from a human insulinoma subtraction library, with specific expression patterns, predominantly in developing neuroendocrine tissues and tumors. INSM1 is key in early pancreatic endocrine, sympatho-adrenal lineage, and pan-neurogenic precursor development. Insm1 gene ablation results in impairment of pancreatic β cells, catecholamine biosynthesis, and basal progenitor development during mammalian neocortex maturation. Recently, INSM1 has emerged as a superior, sensitive, and specific biomarker for neuroendocrine tumors. INSM1 regulates downstream target genes and exhibits extranuclear activities associated with multiple signaling pathways, including Sonic Hedgehog, PI3K/AKT, MEK/ERK1/2, ADK, p53, Wnt, histone acetylation, LSD1, cyclin D1, Ascl1, and N-myc. Novel strategies targeting INSM1-associated signaling pathways facilitate the suppression of neuroendocrine tumor growth. In addition, INSM1 promoter-driven reporter assay and/or suicide gene therapy are promising effective therapeutic approaches for targeted specific neuroendocrine tumor therapy. In this review, the current knowledge of the biological role of INSM1 as a neuroendocrine tumor biomarker is summarized, and novel strategies targeting multiple signaling pathways in the context of INSM1 expression in neuroendocrine tumors are further explored. IMPLICATIONS: Neuroendocrine transcription factor (INSM1) may serve as a neuroendocrine biomarker for the development of novel cancer therapeutics against neuroendocrine tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiachen Chen
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Abner L Notkins
- Experimental Medicine Section, National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Michael S Lan
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. .,Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Roy M, Buehler DG, Zhang R, Schwalbe ML, Baus RM, Salamat MS, Lloyd RV, Rosenbaum JN. Expression of Insulinoma-Associated Protein 1 (INSM1) and Orthopedia Homeobox (OTP) in Tumors with Neuroendocrine Differentiation at Rare Sites. Endocr Pathol 2019; 30:35-42. [PMID: 30523500 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-018-9559-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) and orthopedia homeobox (OTP) are transcription factors that play a critical role in neuroendocrine (NE) and neuroepithelial cell development. INSM1 has been identified in multiple tumors of NE or neuroepithelial origin, whereas OTP expression has been mainly studied in NE tumors of pulmonary origin. Expression of OTP appears to correlate with poorer prognosis in pulmonary carcinoids; however, its expression patterns in other NE/neuroepithelial tumors need further investigation. Here, we assessed the diagnostic utility of INSM1 and OTP in tumors with NE differentiation at relatively uncommon sites including prostate, breast, and tumors of gynecologic origin. Thirty-two formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cases were used to construct a tissue microarray. Immunohistochemistry for INSM1 and OTP was performed and scored semi-quantitatively. INSM1 was diffusely expressed in 60% of gynecologic tumors, 71.4% of mammary carcinoma, and 25% of prostate adenocarcinoma with NE differentiation. Diffuse expression of OTP was detected in 50% of prostate adenocarcinoma with NE differentiation and 100% neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ovary. Immunostain for achaete-scute homolog 1, chromogranin, synaptophysin, and CD56 supported the NE and/or neuroepithelial differentiation of the tumors. In summary, INSM1 is expressed in most of the tumors with NE and neuroepithelial differentiation in this study, confirming the diagnostic utility of INSM1 as a novel and sensitive marker of NE/neuroepithelial differentiation. The expression of OTP in some NE tumors outside of lung expands the spectrum of tumors that may express this biomarker and should be considered when working up a NE tumor of unknown primary site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuchhanda Roy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Darya G Buehler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ranran Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael L Schwalbe
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rebecca M Baus
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI, USA
| | - M Shahriar Salamat
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ricardo V Lloyd
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jason N Rosenbaum
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Rush PS, Rosenbaum JN, Roy M, Baus RM, Bennett DD, Lloyd RV. Insulinoma-associated 1: A novel nuclear marker in Merkel cell carcinoma (cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma). J Cutan Pathol 2017; 45:129-135. [PMID: 29148079 DOI: 10.1111/cup.13079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, clinically aggressive, cutaneous neuroendocrine (NE) neoplasm. As a tumor with small, round, blue cells, the histologic differential diagnosis for MCC can include melanoma, metastatic small cell carcinoma (SCC), nodular hematopoietic tumors, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), atypical variants of squamous carcinoma and the uncommon occurrence of primary cutaneous Ewing sarcoma. In cases with atypical histology or without the classic immunophenotype, the diagnosis can be challenging. Ultimately, immunohistochemistry (IHC) is essential to the definitive diagnosis of MCC and in difficult cases, the diagnosis may hinge entirely on the immunophenotype of the tumor cells. Insulinoma-associated 1 (INSM1) is a transcription factor expressed in tissues undergoing terminal NE differentiation. As a nuclear protein tied to both differentiation and the cell cycle, INSM1 may offer additional utility in comparison to traditional, cytoplasmic markers of NE differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S Rush
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jason N Rosenbaum
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Madhuchhanda Roy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Rebecca M Baus
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Daniel D Bennett
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Ricardo V Lloyd
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin
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INSM1 Demonstrates Superior Performance to the Individual and Combined Use of Synaptophysin, Chromogranin and CD56 for Diagnosing Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Thoracic Cavity. Am J Surg Pathol 2017; 41:1561-1569. [PMID: 28719469 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000000916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite the importance of recognizing neuroendocrine differentiation when diagnosing tumors of the thoracic cavity, the sensitivity of traditional neuroendocrine markers is suboptimal, particularly for high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas such as small cell lung carcinoma and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. To increase sensitivity, neuroendocrine markers are routinely ordered as panels of multiple immunostains where any single positive marker is regarded as sufficient evidence of neuroendocrine differentiation. Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) is a well-validated transcription factor of neuroendocrine differentiation that has only recently been evaluated for diagnostic use. We performed INSM1 immunohistochemistry on a large series of thoracic neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine tumors and compared its performance to synaptophysin, chromogranin, and CD56. INSM1 was positive in 94.9% of small cell lung carcinomas and 91.3% of large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas, compared with 74.4% and 78.3% with the combined panel of traditional markers. INSM1 also stained all (100%) of the atypical carcinoids, typical carcinoids and mediastinal paragangliomas, but only 3.3% of adenocarcinomas and 4.2% of squamous cell carcinomas. Overall, INSM1 demonstrated a sensitivity of 96.4% across all grades of thoracic neuroendocrine tumors, significantly more than the 87.4% using the panel of traditional markers (P=0.02). INSM1 is sufficiently sensitive and specific to serve as a standalone first-line marker of neuroendocrine differentiation. A more restrained approach to immunohistochemical analysis of small thoracic biopsies is appropriate given the expanding demand on this limited material for therapeutic biomarker analysis.
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A new marker, insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1), for high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix: Analysis of 37 cases. Gynecol Oncol 2016; 144:384-390. [PMID: 27908529 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2016.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of uterine cervix (HGNCUC) has been recognized as a highly malignant tumor. Therapeutic strategy specific to neuroendocrine (NE) tumors needs to be considered, but some cases wouldn't allow simple final diagnoses. Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1), which is a zinc-finger transcription factor related to NE differentiation, is frequently expressed in NE tumors. We investigated the association between INSM1 and HGNCUC, and the possibility of INSM1 as a useful NE marker. METHODS Thirty-seven cases of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded HGNCUCs were evaluated immunohistochemically for conventional NE markers and INSM1. We also surveyed polymerase chain reactions and examined the frequency and the genotype of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. RESULTS In HGNCUC, chromogranin A, synaptophysin and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) were expressed in 86%, 86% and 68%, respectively. In addition, INSM1 was detected in 95%. Positivity for INSM1 was clearly evaluated histologically, because the intensity of nuclear staining on positive cells was high and nonspecific reactions were minimal. In uni- and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors on stage I and II surgical cases, the association between INSM1 expression and prognosis was insignificant. We confirmed 72% of 29 examined cases had high risk HPV infections (type 16, 14%; type 18, 86%). CONCLUSIONS This study has clarified that INSM1 is closely related to the development of HGNCUC, and a useful new NE marker in conducting its correct and rapid diagnosis.
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Bosse JL, El-Hodiri HM. Expression of the insulinoma-associated 1 (insm1) gene in Xenopus laevis tadpole retina and brain. Gene Expr Patterns 2016; 22:26-29. [PMID: 27670931 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The insulinoma-associated 1 (insm1) gene is involved in the differentiation of several neuronal and endoderm derived cell types. insm1 is expressed in the retina and brain of several vertebrates including Xenopus laevis. We report the detailed expression pattern of insm1 in the X. laevis tadpole retina and brain. X. laevis insm1 is expressed in most of the ciliary marginal zone of the mature retina and the optic tectum, dorsal pallium, hypothalamus and preoptic areas of the developing tadpole brain. Overall, insm1 is expressed in regions of the tadpole brain and retina harboring populations of progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Bosse
- Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, College of Biological Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Heithem M El-Hodiri
- Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, College of Biological Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Center for Molecular and Human Genetics, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Borromeo MD, Savage TK, Kollipara RK, He M, Augustyn A, Osborne JK, Girard L, Minna JD, Gazdar AF, Cobb MH, Johnson JE. ASCL1 and NEUROD1 Reveal Heterogeneity in Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Tumors and Regulate Distinct Genetic Programs. Cell Rep 2016; 16:1259-1272. [PMID: 27452466 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.06.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 314] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is a high-grade pulmonary neuroendocrine tumor. The transcription factors ASCL1 and NEUROD1 play crucial roles in promoting malignant behavior and survival of human SCLC cell lines. Here, we find that ASCL1 and NEUROD1 identify heterogeneity in SCLC, bind distinct genomic loci, and regulate mostly distinct genes. ASCL1, but not NEUROD1, is present in mouse pulmonary neuroendocrine cells, and only ASCL1 is required in vivo for tumor formation in mouse models of SCLC. ASCL1 targets oncogenic genes including MYCL1, RET, SOX2, and NFIB while NEUROD1 targets MYC. ASCL1 and NEUROD1 regulate different genes that commonly contribute to neuronal function. ASCL1 also regulates multiple genes in the NOTCH pathway including DLL3. Together, ASCL1 and NEUROD1 distinguish heterogeneity in SCLC with distinct genomic landscapes and distinct gene expression programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Borromeo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Trisha K Savage
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rahul K Kollipara
- McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Min He
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Alexander Augustyn
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jihan K Osborne
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Luc Girard
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - John D Minna
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Adi F Gazdar
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Melanie H Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jane E Johnson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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Christensen CL, Zandi R, Gjetting T, Cramer F, Poulsen HS. Specifically targeted gene therapy for small-cell lung cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2014; 9:437-52. [DOI: 10.1586/era.09.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Michaelsen SR, Christensen CL, Sehested M, Cramer F, Poulsen TT, Patterson AV, Poulsen HS. Single agent- and combination treatment with two targeted suicide gene therapy systems is effective in chemoresistant small cell lung cancer cells. J Gene Med 2012; 14:445-58. [PMID: 22576955 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcriptional targeted suicide gene (SG) therapy driven by the insulinoma-associated 1 (INSM1) promoter makes it possible to target suicide toxin production and cytotoxicity exclusively to small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells and tumors. It remains to be determined whether acquired chemoresistance, as observed in the majority of SCLC patients, desensitizes SCLC cells to INSM1 promoter-driven SG therapy. METHODS A panel of SCLC cell lines resistant to clinically relevant chemotherapeutics was characterized regarding the expression of proteins involved in response to chemotherapy and regarding INSM1 promoter activity. Sensitivity towards INSM1 promoter-driven SG therapy was tested using different systems: Yeast cytosine deaminase-uracil phosphoribosyl transferase (YCD-YUPRT) in combination with the prodrug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) or Escherichia coli nitroreductase (NTR) together with the bromomustard prodrug SN27686. RESULTS The chemoresistant cell lines displayed heterogeneous expression profiles of molecules involved in multidrug resistance, apoptosis and survival pathways. Despite this, the INSM1 promoter activity was found to be unchanged or increased in SCLC chemoresistant cells and xenografts compared to chemosensitive variants. INSM1 promoter-driven SG therapy with YCD-YUPRT/5-FC or NTR/SN27686, was found to induce high levels of cytotoxicity in both chemosensitive and chemoresistant SCLC cells. Moreover, the combination of INSM1 promoter-driven YCD-YUPRT/5-FC therapy and chemotherapy, as well as the combination of INSM1 promoter-driven YCD-YUPRT/5-FC and NTR/SN27686 therapy, was observed to be superior to single agent therapy in chemoresistant SCLC cells. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the present study demonstrates that targeted SG therapy is a potent therapeutic approach for chemoresistant SCLC patients, with the highest efficacy achieved when applied as combination SG therapy or in combination with standard chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe R Michaelsen
- Department of Radiation Biology, The Finsen Center, National University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Chiang C, Ayyanathan K. Snail/Gfi-1 (SNAG) family zinc finger proteins in transcription regulation, chromatin dynamics, cell signaling, development, and disease. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2012; 24:123-31. [PMID: 23102646 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2012.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Snail/Gfi-1 (SNAG) family of zinc finger proteins is a group of transcriptional repressors that have been intensively studied in mammals. SNAG family members are similarly structured with an N-terminal SNAG repression domain and a C-terminal zinc finger DNA binding domain, however, the spectrum of target genes they regulate and the ranges of biological functions they govern vary widely between them. They play active roles in transcriptional regulation, formation of repressive chromatin structure, cellular signaling and developmental processes. They can also result in disease states due to deregulation. We have performed a thorough investigation of the relevant literature and present a comprehensive mini-review. Based on the available information, we also propose a mechanism by which SNAG family members may function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Chiang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
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Akerstrom V, Chen C, Lan MS, Breslin MB. Modifications to the INSM1 promoter to preserve specificity and activity for use in adenoviral gene therapy of neuroendocrine carcinomas. Cancer Gene Ther 2012; 19:828-38. [DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2012.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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21
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Cramer F, Christensen CL, Poulsen TT, Badding MA, Dean DA, Poulsen HS. Insertion of a nuclear factor kappa B DNA nuclear-targeting sequence potentiates suicide gene therapy efficacy in lung cancer cell lines. Cancer Gene Ther 2012; 19:675-83. [PMID: 22898898 PMCID: PMC11070189 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2012.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer currently causes the majority of cancer-related deaths worldwide and new treatments are in high demand. Gene therapy could be a promising treatment but currently lacks sufficient efficiency for clinical use, primarily due to limited cellular and nuclear DNA delivery. In the present study, we investigated whether it was possible to exploit the endogenous nuclear-shuttling activity by the nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) system, which is highly prominent in many cancers as well as lung cancer. We observed that insertion of a DNA nuclear-targeting sequence (DTS) recognized by NFκB could improve plasmid nuclear delivery and enhance the therapeutic effect of a validated transcriptionally cancer-targeted suicide gene therapy system. A clear correlation between the number of inserted NFκB-binding sites and the therapeutic effect of the suicide system was observed in both small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-SCLC cell lines. The effect was observed to be due to elevated nuclear translocation of the suicide gene-encoding plasmids. The results show that a significant improvement of gene therapeutic efficiency can be obtained by increasing the intracellular trafficking of therapeutic DNA. This is to our knowledge the first time a DTS strategy has been implemented for suicide gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Cramer
- Department of Radiation Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - CL Christensen
- Department of Radiation Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - TT Poulsen
- Department of Radiation Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - MA Badding
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - DA Dean
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - HS Poulsen
- Department of Radiation Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Kamakura M, Goshima F, Luo C, Kimura H, Nishiyama Y. Herpes simplex virus induces the marked up-regulation of the zinc finger transcriptional factor INSM1, which modulates the expression and localization of the immediate early protein ICP0. Virol J 2011; 8:257. [PMID: 21609490 PMCID: PMC3125357 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) rapidly shut off macromolecular synthesis in host cells. In contrast, global microarray analyses have shown that HSV infection markedly up-regulates a number of host cell genes that may play important roles in HSV-host cell interactions. To understand the regulatory mechanisms involved, we initiated studies focusing on the zinc finger transcription factor insulinoma-associated 1 (INSM1), a host cell protein markedly up-regulated by HSV infection. Results INSM1 gene expression in HSV-1-infected normal human epidermal keratinocytes increased at least 400-fold 9 h after infection; INSM1 promoter activity was also markedly stimulated. Expression and subcellular localization of the immediate early HSV protein ICP0 was affected by INSM1 expression, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed binding of INSM1 to the ICP0 promoter. Moreover, the role of INSM1 in HSV-1 infection was further clarified by inhibition of HSV-1 replication by INSM1-specific siRNA. Conclusions The results suggest that INSM1 up-regulation plays a positive role in HSV-1 replication, probably by binding to the ICP0 promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maki Kamakura
- Department of Virology, Nagoya Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
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Wang HW, Breslin MB, Chen C, Akerstrom V, Zhong Q, Lan MS. INSM1 promoter-driven adenoviral herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase cancer gene therapy for the treatment of primitive neuroectodermal tumors. Hum Gene Ther 2010; 20:1308-18. [PMID: 19604042 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2008.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The INSM1 gene encodes a developmentally regulated zinc finger transcription factor. INSM1 expression is normally absent in adult tissues, but is reactivated in neuroendocrine tumor cells. In the present study, we analyzed the therapeutic potential of an adenoviral INSM1 promoter-driven herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) construct in primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs). We constructed an adenoviral INSM1 promoter-driven HSV-tk gene for therapy in PNETs. The PNET-specific adeno-INSM1 promoter HSV-tk construct was tested both in vitro and in vivo in a nude mouse tumor model. Northern blot analysis and transient transfection of an INSM1 promoter-driven luciferase reporter gene indicated that the INSM1 promoter was active in neuroblastoma (IMR-32), retinoblastoma (Y79), and medulloblastoma (D283 Med) cells, but not in glioblastoma (U-87 MG) cells. After Ad-INSM1p-HSV-tk infection, the levels of HSV-tk protein expression were consistent with INSM1 promoter activities. Furthermore, in vitro multiplicity of infection and ganciclovir (GCV) sensitivity studies indicated that the INSM1 promoter could mediate specific expression of the HSV-tk gene and selective killing of INSM1-positive PNETs. In vivo intratumoral adenoviral delivery demonstrated that the INSM1 promoter could direct HSV-tk gene expression in a nude mouse tumor model and effectively repressed tumor growth in response to GCV treatment. Taken together, our data show that the INSM1 promoter is specific and effective for targeted cancer gene therapy in PNETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Wei Wang
- Research Institute for Children, Children's Hospital, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
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Tanas AS, Shkarupo VV, Kuznetsova EB, Zaletayev DV, Strelnikov VV. Amplification of intermethylated sites experimental design and results analysis with AIMS in silico computer software. Mol Biol 2010. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893310020172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Christensen CL, Gjetting T, Poulsen TT, Cramer F, Roth JA, Poulsen HS. Targeted cytosine deaminase-uracil phosphoribosyl transferase suicide gene therapy induces small cell lung cancer-specific cytotoxicity and tumor growth delay. Clin Cancer Res 2010; 16:2308-19. [PMID: 20371678 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-3057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly malignant cancer for which there is no curable treatment. Novel therapies are therefore in great demand. In the present study we investigated the therapeutic effect of transcriptionally targeted suicide gene therapy for SCLC based on the yeast cytosine deaminase (YCD) gene alone or fused with the yeast uracil phosphoribosyl transferase (YUPRT) gene followed by administration of 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) prodrug. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The YCD gene or the YCD-YUPRT gene was placed under regulation of the SCLC-specific promoter insulinoma-associated 1 (INSM1). Therapeutic effect was evaluated in vitro in SCLC cell lines and in vivo in SCLC xenografted nude mice using the nonviral nanoparticle DOTAP/cholesterol for transgene delivery. RESULTS INSM1-YCD/5-FC and INSM1-YCD-YUPRT/5-FC therapy induced high cytotoxicity in a range of SCLC cell lines. The highest therapeutic effect was obtained from the YCD-YUPRT fusion gene strategy. No cytotoxicity was induced after treatment of cell lines of other origin than SCLC. In addition the INSM1-YCD-YUPRT/5-FC therapy was superior to an established suicide gene system consisting of the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVTK) gene and the prodrug ganciclovir. The superior effect was in part due to massive bystander cytotoxicity of YCD-YUPRT-produced toxins. Finally, INSM1-YCD-YUPRT/5-FC therapy induced significant tumor growth delay in SCLC xenografts compared with control-treated xenografts. CONCLUSIONS The current study is the first to test cytosine deaminase-based suicide gene therapy for SCLC and the first to show an antitumor effect from the delivery of suicide gene therapeutics for SCLC in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla L Christensen
- Department of Radiation Biology, The Finsen Center, National University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Larsen AB, Stockhausen MT, Poulsen HS. Cell adhesion and EGFR activation regulate EphA2 expression in cancer. Cell Signal 2009; 22:636-44. [PMID: 19948216 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2009.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2009] [Accepted: 11/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
EphA2 is frequently overexpressed in cancer, and increasing amounts of evidence show that EphA2 contributes to multiple aspects of the malignant character including angiogenesis and metastasis. Several aspects of the regulation and functional significance of EphA2 expression in cancer are still largely unknown. Here we show that the expression of EphA2 in in vitro cultured cells, is restricted to cells growing adherently and that adhesion-induced EphA2 expression is dependent upon activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) and Src family kinases (SRC). Moreover, the results show that adhesion-induced EGFR activation and EphA2 expression is affected by interactions with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins working as integrin ligands. Stimulation with the EphA2 ligand, ephrinA1 inhibited ERK phosphorylation and cancer cell viability. These effects were however abolished by activation of the EGF-receptor ligand system favoring Ras/MAPK signaling and cell proliferation. Based on our results, we propose a regulatory mechanism where cell adhesion induces EGFR kinase activation and EphA2 expression; and where the effect of ephrinA1 mediated reduction in cell viability by inhibiting EphA2 expression is overruled by activated EGFR in human cancer cells.
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Lan MS, Breslin MB. Structure, expression, and biological function of INSM1 transcription factor in neuroendocrine differentiation. FASEB J 2009; 23:2024-33. [PMID: 19246490 DOI: 10.1096/fj.08-125971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Zinc-finger transcription factors are DNA-binding proteins that are implicated in many diverse biological functions. INSM1 (formerly IA-1) contains five zinc-finger motifs and functions as a transcription factor. INSM1 protein structure is highly conserved in homologues of different species. It is predominantly expressed in developing neuroendocrine tissues and the nervous system in mammals. INSM1 represents an important player in early embryonic neurogenesis. In pancreatic endocrine cell differentiation, Ngn3 first activates INSM1 and subsequently NeuroD/beta2. Conversely, INSM1 exerts a feedback mechanism to suppress NeuroD/beta2 and its own gene expression. INSM1 gene ablation in the mouse results in the impairment of pancreatic endocrine cell maturation. Further, deletion of INSM1 severely impairs catecholamine biosynthesis and secretion from the adrenal gland that results in early embryonic lethality. Genetically, INSM1 acts as a downstream factor of Mash 1 and Phox2b in the differentiation of the sympatho-adrenal lineage. In the developing neocortex, mouse embryos lacking INSM1 expression contain half the number of basal progenitors and show a reduction in cortical plate radial thickness. Cell signaling studies reveal that INSM1 contributes to the induction of cell cycle arrest/exit necessary to facilitate cellular differentiation. INSM1 is highly expressed in tumors of neuroendocrine origin. Hence, its promoter could serve as a tumor-specific promoter that drives a specific targeted cancer gene therapy for the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors. Taken together, all of these features of INSM1 strongly support its role as an important regulator during neuroendocrine differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Lan
- Research Institute for Children, Children's Hospital, 200 Henry Clay Ave., Research and Education Bldg., Rm. 2211, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA.
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Abstract
Pulmonary pathology includes a large spectrum of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases that affect the lung. Many of these are a result of the unusual relationship of the lung with the outside world. Every breath that a human takes brings the outside world into the body in the form of infectious agents, organic and inorganic particles, and noxious agents of all types. Although the lung has many defense mechanisms to protect itself from these insults, these are not infallible; therefore, lung pathology arises. Damage to the lung is particularly important given the role of the lung in the survival of the organism. Any impairment of lung function has widespread effects throughout the body, since all organs depend on the lungs for the oxygen they need. Pulmonary pathology catalogs the changes in the lung tissues and the mechanisms through which these occur. This chapter presents a review of lung pathology and the current state of knowledge about the pathogenesis of each disease. It suggests that a clear understanding of both morphology and mechanism is required for the development of new therapies and preventive measures.
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Tsai YS, Lin CT, Tseng GC, Chung IF, Pal NR. Discovery of dominant and dormant genes from expression data using a novel generalization of SNR for multi-class problems. BMC Bioinformatics 2008; 9:425. [PMID: 18842155 PMCID: PMC2620271 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2105-9-425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2008] [Accepted: 10/09/2008] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) is often used for identification of biomarkers for two-class problems and no formal and useful generalization of SNR is available for multiclass problems. We propose innovative generalizations of SNR for multiclass cancer discrimination through introduction of two indices, Gene Dominant Index and Gene Dormant Index (GDIs). These two indices lead to the concepts of dominant and dormant genes with biological significance. We use these indices to develop methodologies for discovery of dominant and dormant biomarkers with interesting biological significance. The dominancy and dormancy of the identified biomarkers and their excellent discriminating power are also demonstrated pictorially using the scatterplot of individual gene and 2-D Sammon's projection of the selected set of genes. Using information from the literature we have shown that the GDI based method can identify dominant and dormant genes that play significant roles in cancer biology. These biomarkers are also used to design diagnostic prediction systems. Results and discussion To evaluate the effectiveness of the GDIs, we have used four multiclass cancer data sets (Small Round Blue Cell Tumors, Leukemia, Central Nervous System Tumors, and Lung Cancer). For each data set we demonstrate that the new indices can find biologically meaningful genes that can act as biomarkers. We then use six machine learning tools, Nearest Neighbor Classifier (NNC), Nearest Mean Classifier (NMC), Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier with linear kernel, and SVM classifier with Gaussian kernel, where both SVMs are used in conjunction with one-vs-all (OVA) and one-vs-one (OVO) strategies. We found GDIs to be very effective in identifying biomarkers with strong class specific signatures. With all six tools and for all data sets we could achieve better or comparable prediction accuracies usually with fewer marker genes than results reported in the literature using the same computational protocols. The dominant genes are usually easy to find while good dormant genes may not always be available as dormant genes require stronger constraints to be satisfied; but when they are available, they can be used for authentication of diagnosis. Conclusion Since GDI based schemes can find a small set of dominant/dormant biomarkers that is adequate to design diagnostic prediction systems, it opens up the possibility of using real-time qPCR assays or antibody based methods such as ELISA for an easy and low cost diagnosis of diseases. The dominant and dormant genes found by GDIs can be used in different ways to design more reliable diagnostic prediction systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Shuen Tsai
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Abstract
Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) accounts for approximately 15% of all lung cancer cases. Despite a frequently good response to first-line treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, early relapse occurs in the majority of patients and 5-year survival is only about 5%. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel treatments to improve the outcome of patients with SCLC. To fulfil this need, it is critical to gain further understanding on the molecular basis of SCLC and specifically to identify novel therapeutic targets. Clinical trials with molecularly targeted agents have been performed with little success in the past, but recently many promising oncogenic pathways have been discovered and novel targeted therapies are under evaluation. In this review, we summarise the most relevant genetic and signalling pathway alterations reported to date in SCLC and discuss the potential therapeutic implications of such events.
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A chimeric fusion of the hASH1 and EZH2 promoters mediates high and specific reporter and suicide gene expression and cytotoxicity in small cell lung cancer cells. Cancer Gene Ther 2008; 15:563-75. [DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2008.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Bretschneider N, Brand H, Miller N, Lowery AJ, Kerin MJ, Gannon F, Denger S. Estrogen Induces Repression of the Breast Cancer and Salivary Gland Expression Gene in an Estrogen Receptor α–Dependent Manner. Cancer Res 2008; 68:106-14. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-5647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Larsen AB, Pedersen MW, Stockhausen MT, Grandal MV, van Deurs B, Poulsen HS. Activation of the EGFR gene target EphA2 inhibits epidermal growth factor-induced cancer cell motility. Mol Cancer Res 2007; 5:283-93. [PMID: 17374733 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-06-0321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
EphA2 overexpression has been reported in many cancers and is believed to play an important role in tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. We show that the activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the cancer-specific constitutively active EGFR type III deletion mutant (EGFRvIII) induce the expression of EphA2 in mammalian cell lines, including the human cancer cell lines A431 and HN5. The regulation is partially dependent on downstream activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase and is a direct effect on the EphA2 promoter. Furthermore, EGFR and EphA2 both localize to the plasma membrane and EphA2 coimmunoprecipitates with activated EGFR and EGFRvIII. Ligand activation of EphA2 and EphA2 knockdown by small interfering RNA inhibit EGF-induced cell motility of EGFR-overexpressing human cancer cells, indicating a functional role of EphA2 in EGFR-expressing cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bjerregaard Larsen
- Department of Radiation Biology, Section 6321, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abstract
The fascinating, but often unpredictable, biology of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) make the management of these malignancies a real challenge. The more recent development of high-throughput genomic and proteomic techniques, have opened a window to an increased knowledge of the biology of NETs. This review will discuss genes thought to play a role in the context of NE tumor biology, with particularly attention to those that may be potential new diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as therapeutic targets. NETs constitute a heterogeneous group of neoplasm that may arise in virtually every topographic localization in the body, as a consequence of malignant transformation of various types of NE cells. Since NETs arising in the gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) or bronchopulmonary system are by far the most common, this review focuses on these entities, but lines are drawn to other NETs as well. Although large-scale gene expression analysis undoubtly have raised interesting new hypothesis concerning genes thought to play a role in tumor biology, discrepancies observed between studies and various platforms used, emphasizes the need to not only standardize the way microarray data are reported, but also to introduce standards in sample taking, processing and study design. In addition, the recognition of the complexity of the human proteome, with regard to generation of multiple isoforms from one gene, has created additional challenges. However,some goals have been reached already, as new knowledge has been translated into development of novel promising therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hofsli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim N-7489, Norway.
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