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Raymond Y, Fernando S, Menezes M, Mol BW, McLennan A, da Silva Costa F, Hardy T, Rolnik DL. Placental, maternal, fetal, and technical origins of false-positive cell-free DNA screening results. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:381-389. [PMID: 38008147 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.11.1240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of noninvasive prenatal testing has resulted in substantial reductions to previously accepted false-positive rates of prenatal screening. Despite this, the possibility of false-positive results remains a challenging consideration in clinical practice, particularly considering the increasing uptake of genome-wide noninvasive prenatal testing, and the subsequent increased proportion of high-risk results attributable to various biological events besides fetal aneuploidy. Confined placental mosaicism, whereby chromosome anomalies exclusively affect the placenta, is perhaps the most widely accepted cause of false-positive noninvasive prenatal testing. There remains, however, a substantial degree of ambiguity in the literature pertaining to the clinical ramifications of confined placental mosaicism and its potential association with placental insufficiency, and consequentially adverse pregnancy outcomes including fetal growth restriction. Other causes of false-positive noninvasive prenatal testing include vanishing twin syndrome, in which the cell-free DNA from a demised aneuploidy-affected twin triggers a high-risk result, technical failures, and maternal origins of abnormal cell-free DNA such as uterine fibroids or unrecognized mosaicisms. Most concerningly, maternal malignancies are also a documented cause of false-positive screening results. In this review, we compile what is currently known about the various causes of false-positive noninvasive prenatal testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette Raymond
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Shavi Fernando
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Monash Women's, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia; Monash Obstetrics, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melody Menezes
- Monash Ultrasound for Women, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Monash IVF Group, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Monash Women's, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Women's Health Research, The University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Andrew McLennan
- Sydney Ultrasound for Women, Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fabricio da Silva Costa
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit, Gold Coast University Hospital, Queensland, Australia; School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tristan Hardy
- Monash IVF Group, Melbourne, Australia; Repromed Adelaide, Dulwich, Australia
| | - Daniel L Rolnik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Monash Women's, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia; Monash Ultrasound for Women, Melbourne, Australia
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Yang Q, Ciebiera M, Bariani MV, Ali M, Elkafas H, Boyer TG, Al-Hendy A. Comprehensive Review of Uterine Fibroids: Developmental Origin, Pathogenesis, and Treatment. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:678-719. [PMID: 34741454 PMCID: PMC9277653 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are benign monoclonal neoplasms of the myometrium, representing the most common tumors in women worldwide. To date, no long-term or noninvasive treatment option exists for hormone-dependent uterine fibroids, due to the limited knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation and development of uterine fibroids. This paper comprehensively summarizes the recent research advances on uterine fibroids, focusing on risk factors, development origin, pathogenetic mechanisms, and treatment options. Additionally, we describe the current treatment interventions for uterine fibroids. Finally, future perspectives on uterine fibroids studies are summarized. Deeper mechanistic insights into tumor etiology and the complexity of uterine fibroids can contribute to the progress of newer targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Qiwei Yang, Ph.D. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, M167, Billings, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Michal Ciebiera
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, ul. Cegłowska 80, 01-809, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Mohamed Ali
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Hoda Elkafas
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Egyptian Drug Authority, formerly National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Cairo 35521, Egypt
| | - Thomas G Boyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Correspondence: Ayman Al-Hendy, MD, Ph.D. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, N112, Peck Pavilion, Chicago, IL 60637. USA.
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van Prooyen Schuurman L, Sistermans EA, Van Opstal D, Henneman L, Bekker MN, Bax CJ, Pieters MJ, Bouman K, de Munnik S, den Hollander NS, Diderich KE, Faas BH, Feenstra I, Go AT, Hoffer MJ, Joosten M, Komdeur FL, Lichtenbelt KD, Lombardi MP, Polak MG, Jehee FS, Schuring-Blom H, Stevens SJ, Srebniak MI, Suijkerbuijk RF, Tan-Sindhunata GM, van der Meij KR, van Maarle MC, Vernimmen V, van Zelderen-Bhola SL, van Ravesteyn NT, Knapen MF, Macville MV, Galjaard RJH. Clinical impact of additional findings detected by genome-wide non-invasive prenatal testing: Follow-up results of the TRIDENT-2 study. Am J Hum Genet 2022; 109:1140-1152. [PMID: 35659929 PMCID: PMC9247828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2022.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the TRIDENT-2 study, all pregnant women in the Netherlands are offered genome-wide non-invasive prenatal testing (GW-NIPT) with a choice of receiving either full screening or screening solely for common trisomies. Previous data showed that GW-NIPT can reliably detect common trisomies in the general obstetric population and that this test can also detect other chromosomal abnormalities (additional findings). However, evidence regarding the clinical impact of screening for additional findings is lacking. Therefore, we present follow-up results of the TRIDENT-2 study to determine this clinical impact based on the laboratory and perinatal outcomes of cases with additional findings. Between April 2017 and April 2019, additional findings were detected in 402/110,739 pregnancies (0.36%). For 358 cases, the origin was proven to be either fetal (n = 79; 22.1%), (assumed) confined placental mosaicism (CPM) (n = 189; 52.8%), or maternal (n = 90; 25.1%). For the remaining 44 (10.9%), the origin of the aberration could not be determined. Most fetal chromosomal aberrations were pathogenic and associated with severe clinical phenotypes (61/79; 77.2%). For CPM cases, occurrence of pre-eclampsia (8.5% [16/189] vs 0.5% [754/159,924]; RR 18.5), and birth weight <2.3rd percentile (13.6% [24/177] vs 2.5% [3,892/155,491]; RR 5.5) were significantly increased compared to the general obstetric population. Of the 90 maternal findings, 12 (13.3%) were malignancies and 32 (35.6%) (mosaic) pathogenic copy number variants, mostly associated with mild or no clinical phenotypes. Data from this large cohort study provide crucial information for deciding if and how to implement GW-NIPT in screening programs. Additionally, these data can inform the challenging interpretation, counseling, and follow-up of additional findings.
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Wei JJ. HMGA2: A Biomarker in Gynecologic Neoplasia. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL PATHOLOGY 2022; 2:3-7. [PMID: 35340777 PMCID: PMC8950094 DOI: 10.14218/jctp.2021.00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
High Mobility Group A2 gene (HMGA2), an oncofetal protein, is normally expressed in fetal development and completely shuts down in almost all organs and tissue types during adulthood. It is upregulated or overexpressed again in certain mesenchymal neoplasms due to chromosomal translocations and in malignant epithelial tumors through transcription regulation. HMGA2 overexpression can either drive tumor development or promote the aggressiveness of tumor growth. Many gynecologic neoplasms, including uterine smooth muscle tumors and ovarian cancer, are associated with HMGA2 overexpression. In this article, we review recent developments in the study of HMGA2 and its expression as a potential biomarker for gynecologic neoplasms and clinic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Jun Wei
- Correspondence to: Jian-Jun Wei, Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, School of Medicine, Feinberg 7-334, 251 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. Tel: +1-312-926-1815, Fax: +1-312-926-3127,
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Molecular and Cellular Insights into the Development of Uterine Fibroids. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168483. [PMID: 34445194 PMCID: PMC8395213 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas represent the most common benign gynecologic tumor. These hormone-dependent smooth-muscle formations occur with an estimated prevalence of ~70% among women of reproductive age and cause symptoms including pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, and recurrent abortion. Despite the prevalence and public health impact of uterine leiomyomas, available treatments remain limited. Among the potential causes of leiomyomas, early hormonal exposure during periods of development may result in developmental reprogramming via epigenetic changes that persist in adulthood, leading to disease onset or progression. Recent developments in unbiased high-throughput sequencing technology enable powerful approaches to detect driver mutations, yielding new insights into the genomic instability of leiomyomas. Current data also suggest that each leiomyoma originates from the clonal expansion of a single transformed somatic stem cell of the myometrium. In this review, we propose an integrated cellular and molecular view of the origins of leiomyomas, as well as paradigm-shifting studies that will lead to better understanding and the future development of non-surgical treatments for these highly frequent tumors.
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Mas A, Simón C. Molecular differential diagnosis of uterine leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:1115-1123. [PMID: 30184111 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas (LM) and leiomyosarcomas (LMS) are considered biologically unrelated tumors due to their cytogenetic and molecular disparity. Yet, these tumors share morphological and molecular characteristics that cannot be differentiated through current clinical diagnostic tests, and thus cannot be definitively classified as benign or malignant until surgery. Newer approaches are needed for the identification of these tumors, as has been done for other tissues. The application of next generation sequencing enables the detection of new mutations that, when coupled to machine learning bioinformatic tools, advances our understanding of chromosomal instability. These approaches in the context of LM and LMS could allow the discovery of genetic variants and possible genomic markers. Additionally, the potential clinical utility of circulating cell-free tumor DNA could revolutionize the noninvasive detection and monitoring of these tumors. Here, we seek to provide a perspective on the molecular background of LM and LMS, recognizing their distinct molecular features that may lead to improved diagnosis and personalized treatments, which would have a measurable impact on women's reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymara Mas
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.,Igenomix Foundation/Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Simón
- Igenomix Foundation/Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain.,Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Park MJ, Shen H, Kim NH, Gao F, Failor C, Knudtson JF, McLaughlin J, Halder SK, Heikkinen TA, Vahteristo P, Al-Hendy A, Schenken RS, Boyer TG. Mediator Kinase Disruption in MED12-Mutant Uterine Fibroids From Hispanic Women of South Texas. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 103:4283-4292. [PMID: 30099503 PMCID: PMC6194812 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-00863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Mutations in the gene encoding Mediator complex subunit MED12 are dominant drivers of uterine fibroids (UFs) in women of diverse racial and ethnic origins. Previously, we showed that UF-linked mutations in MED12 disrupt its ability to activate cyclin C-CDK8/19 in Mediator. However, validation of Mediator kinase disruption in the clinically relevant setting of MED12-mutant UFs is currently lacking. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was twofold. First, to extend the ethnic distribution profile of MED12 mutations by establishing their frequency in UFs from Hispanic women of South Texas. Second, to examine the impact of MED12 mutations on Mediator kinase activity in patient-derived UFs. METHODS We screened 219 UFs from 76 women, including 170 tumors from 57 Hispanic patients, for MED12 exon 2 mutations, and further examined CDK8/19 activity in Mediator complexes immunoprecipitated from MED12 mutation-negative and MED12 mutation-positive UFs. RESULTS MED12 exon 2 mutations in UFs from Hispanic women are somatic in nature, predominantly monoallelic, and occur at high frequency (54.1%). We identified a minimal cyclin C-CDK8 activation domain on MED12 spanning amino acids 15 through 80 that includes all recorded UF-linked mutations in MED12, suggesting that disruption of Mediator kinase activity is a principal biochemical defect arising from these pathogenic alterations. Analysis of Mediator complexes recovered from patient UFs confirmed this, revealing that Mediator kinase activity is selectively impaired in MED12-mutant UFs. CONCLUSIONS MED12 mutations are important drivers of UF formation in Hispanic women of South Texas. MED12 mutations disrupt Mediator kinase activity, implicating altered CDK8/19 function in UF pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ju Park
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Hailian Shen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Nam Hee Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Fangjian Gao
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Courtney Failor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Jennifer F Knudtson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Jessica McLaughlin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Sunil K Halder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Tuomas A Heikkinen
- Research Programs Unit, Genome-Scale Biology Research Program and Medicum, Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pia Vahteristo
- Research Programs Unit, Genome-Scale Biology Research Program and Medicum, Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Robert S Schenken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Thomas G Boyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Thomas G. Boyer, PhD, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 8257, San Antonio, Texas 78229. E-mail:
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Bandyopadhyay S, Mallik S. Integrating Multiple Data Sources for Combinatorial Marker Discovery: A Study in Tumorigenesis. IEEE/ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS 2018; 15:673-687. [PMID: 28114033 DOI: 10.1109/tcbb.2016.2636207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Identification of combinatorial markers from multiple data sources is a challenging task in bioinformatics. Here, we propose a novel computational framework for identifying significant combinatorial markers ( s) using both gene expression and methylation data. The gene expression and methylation data are integrated into a single continuous data as well as a (post-discretized) boolean data based on their intrinsic (i.e., inverse) relationship. A novel combined score of methylation and expression data (viz., ) is introduced which is computed on the integrated continuous data for identifying initial non-redundant set of genes. Thereafter, (maximal) frequent closed homogeneous genesets are identified using a well-known biclustering algorithm applied on the integrated boolean data of the determined non-redundant set of genes. A novel sample-based weighted support ( ) is then proposed that is consecutively calculated on the integrated boolean data of the determined non-redundant set of genes in order to identify the non-redundant significant genesets. The top few resulting genesets are identified as potential s. Since our proposed method generates a smaller number of significant non-redundant genesets than those by other popular methods, the method is much faster than the others. Application of the proposed technique on an expression and a methylation data for Uterine tumor or Prostate Carcinoma produces a set of significant combination of markers. We expect that such a combination of markers will produce lower false positives than individual markers.
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Integrated data analysis reveals uterine leiomyoma subtypes with distinct driver pathways and biomarkers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:1315-20. [PMID: 26787895 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1518752113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas are common benign smooth muscle tumors that impose a major burden on women's health. Recent sequencing studies have revealed recurrent and mutually exclusive mutations in leiomyomas, suggesting the involvement of molecularly distinct pathways. In this study, we explored transcriptional differences among leiomyomas harboring different genetic drivers, including high mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) rearrangements, mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12) mutations, biallelic inactivation of fumarate hydratase (FH), and collagen, type IV, alpha 5 and collagen, type IV, alpha 6 (COL4A5-COL4A6) deletions. We also explored the transcriptional consequences of 7q22, 22q, and 1p deletions, aiming to identify possible target genes. We investigated 94 leiomyomas and 60 corresponding myometrial tissues using exon arrays, whole genome sequencing, and SNP arrays. This integrative approach revealed subtype-specific expression changes in key driver pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, Prolactin, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)1 signaling. Leiomyomas with HMGA2 aberrations displayed highly significant up-regulation of the proto-oncogene pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1), suggesting that HMGA2 promotes tumorigenesis through PLAG1 activation. This was supported by the identification of genetic PLAG1 alterations resulting in expression signatures as seen in leiomyomas with HMGA2 aberrations. RAD51 paralog B (RAD51B), the preferential translocation partner of HMGA2, was up-regulated in MED12 mutant lesions, suggesting a role for this gene in the genesis of leiomyomas. FH-deficient leiomyomas were uniquely characterized by activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) target genes, supporting the hypothesis that accumulation of fumarate leads to activation of the oncogenic transcription factor NRF2. This study emphasizes the need for molecular stratification in leiomyoma research and possibly in clinical practice as well. Further research is needed to determine whether the candidate biomarkers presented herein can provide guidance for managing the millions of patients affected by these lesions.
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Karmon AE, Cardozo ER, Rueda BR, Styer AK. MicroRNAs in the development and pathobiology of uterine leiomyomata: does evidence support future strategies for clinical intervention? Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:670-87. [PMID: 24706045 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human leiomyomata (fibroids) are benign tumors of the uterus, represent the most common neoplasms of reproductive-aged women and have a prevalence of ∼70% in the general population. This disorder conveys a significant degree of morbidity and remains the leading indication for hysterectomy in the USA. Prior investigations of aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression in various malignancies have provided invaluable insight into the role of this class of small non-coding RNAs in tumor growth. Evidence of irregular miRNA expression in uterine fibroids has garnered recent interest for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Since miRNA gene targets modulate several processes implicated in the genesis of uterine fibroids, more focused investigation has the potential to elucidate the functional significance of miRNA in the genesis and pathology of the disease. METHODS Comprehensive electronic searches of peer reviewed published literature in PubMed (US National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/) were performed for content related to the biologic functions of miRNA, the roles of miRNA in human disease and studies investigating miRNA in the context of uterine leiomyomata. Herein, this article will review the current evidence supporting the use of miRNA expression profiling as an investigative tool to assess the pathobiology of uterine fibroids and will discuss potential future applications of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. RESULTS Mounting evidence supports a functional role for miRNA as either indirect or direct regulators of gene expression which impacts the pathobiology of uterine fibroids. Specifically, miRNAs let-7, 200a, 200c, 93, 106b and 21 have been implicated in cellular proliferation, apoptosis, extracellular matrix turnover, angiogenesis and inflammation. Preliminary data provide evidence to suggest that respective in vitro miRNA expression in leiomyomata and myometrium is regulated by sex steroids. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the identification of aberrantly expressed miRNAs in uterine leiomyomata and accumulating data derived from mining of gene target prediction models and recent functional studies support the concept that miRNAs might impact the genesis and progression of disease. However, the specific biologic functions of differential miRNA expression have yet to be confirmed in vivo. Further functional studies and developing miRNA technology may provide the basis for future applications of miRNAs in clinical medicine as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatte E Karmon
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Eden R Cardozo
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bo R Rueda
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aaron K Styer
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis reveals a potential mechanism for the pathogenesis and development of uterine leiomyomas. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66632. [PMID: 23818951 PMCID: PMC3688587 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The pathogenesis of uterine leiomyomas, the most common benign tumor in women, remains unclear. Since acquired factors such as obesity, hypertension and early menarche place women at greater risk for uterine leiomyomas, uterine leiomyomas may be associated with epigenetic abnormalities that are caused by unfavorable environmental exposures. Principal Findings Profiles of genome-wide DNA methylation and mRNA expression were investigated in leiomyomas and in myometrium with and without leiomyomas. Profiles of DNA methylation and mRNA expression in the myometrium with and without leiomyomas were quite similar while those in leiomyomas were distinct. We identified 120 genes whose DNA methylation and mRNA expression patterns differed between leiomyomas and the adjacent myometrium. The biological relevance of the aberrantly methylated and expressed genes was cancer process, including IRS1 that is related to transformation, and collagen-related genes such as COL4A1, COL4A2 and COL6A3. We also detected 22 target genes of estrogen receptor (ER) alpha, including apoptosis-related genes, that have aberrant DNA methylation in the promoter, suggesting that the aberrant epigenetic regulation of ER alpha-target genes contributes to the aberrant response to estrogen. Conclusions Aberrant DNA methylation and its related transcriptional aberration were associated with cancer processes, which may represent a critical initial mechanism that triggers transformation of a single tumor stem cell that will eventually develop into a monoclonal leiomyoma tumor. The aberrant epigenetic regulation of ER alpha-target genes also may contribute to the aberrant response to estrogen, which is involved in the development of uterine leiomyomas after menarche.
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An integrative genomic and transcriptomic analysis reveals potential targets associated with cell proliferation in uterine leiomyomas. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57901. [PMID: 23483937 PMCID: PMC3587425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Uterine Leiomyomas (ULs) are the most common benign tumours affecting women of reproductive age. ULs represent a major problem in public health, as they are the main indication for hysterectomy. Approximately 40–50% of ULs have non-random cytogenetic abnormalities, and half of ULs may have copy number alterations (CNAs). Gene expression microarrays studies have demonstrated that cell proliferation genes act in response to growth factors and steroids. However, only a few genes mapping to CNAs regions were found to be associated with ULs. Methodology We applied an integrative analysis using genomic and transcriptomic data to identify the pathways and molecular markers associated with ULs. Fifty-one fresh frozen specimens were evaluated by array CGH (JISTIC) and gene expression microarrays (SAM). The CONEXIC algorithm was applied to integrate the data. Principal Findings The integrated analysis identified the top 30 significant genes (P<0.01), which comprised genes associated with cancer, whereas the protein-protein interaction analysis indicated a strong association between FANCA and BRCA1. Functional in silico analysis revealed target molecules for drugs involved in cell proliferation, including FGFR1 and IGFBP5. Transcriptional and protein analyses showed that FGFR1 (P = 0.006 and P<0.01, respectively) and IGFBP5 (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.006, respectively) were up-regulated in the tumours when compared with the adjacent normal myometrium. Conclusions The integrative genomic and transcriptomic approach indicated that FGFR1 and IGFBP5 amplification, as well as the consequent up-regulation of the protein products, plays an important role in the aetiology of ULs and thus provides data for potential drug therapies development to target genes associated with cellular proliferation in ULs.
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Tsiligiannis SE, Zaitseva M, Coombs PR, Shekleton P, Olshansky M, Hickey M, Vollenhoven B, Rogers PAW. Fibroid-associated heavy menstrual bleeding: correlation between clinical features, Doppler ultrasound assessment of vasculature, and tissue gene expression profiles. Reprod Sci 2012; 20:361-70. [PMID: 22995988 DOI: 10.1177/1933719112459233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite the prevalence of uterine fibroids (Fs), few studies have investigated the links between clinical features and the cellular or molecular mechanisms that drive F growth and development. Such knowledge will ultimately help to differentiate symptomatic from asymptomatic Fs and could result in the development of more effective and individualized treatments. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between ultrasound appearance, blood flow, and angiogenic gene expression in F, perifibroid (PM), and distant myometrial (DM) tissues. We hypothesized that angiogenic gene expression would be increased in tissues and participants that showed increased blood flow by Doppler ultrasound. The study was performed using Doppler ultrasound to measure blood flow prior to hysterectomy, with subsequent tissue samples from the F, PM, and DM being investigated for angiogenic gene expression. Overall, PM blood flow (measured as peak systolic velocity [PSV]) was higher than F blood flow, although significant heterogeneity was seen in vascularity and blood flow between different Fs and their surrounding myometrium. We did not find any correlation between PSV and any other clinical or molecular parameter in this study. We identified 19 angiogenesis pathway-related genes with significant differences in expression between F and DM, and 2 genes, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and Neuropilin 2 (NRP2), that were significantly different between F and PM. These results are consistent with subtle differences between PM and DM. Understanding the differences between symptomatic versus asymptomatic Fs may eventually lead to more effective treatments that directly target the source of heavy menstrual bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia E Tsiligiannis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Centre for Women's Health Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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14
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Schoenmakers EFPM, Bunt J, Hermers L, Schepens M, Merkx G, Janssen B, Kersten M, Huys E, Pauwels P, Debiec-Rychter M, van Kessel AG. Identification of CUX1 as the recurrent chromosomal band 7q22 target gene in human uterine leiomyoma. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2012; 52:11-23. [PMID: 22965931 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas are benign solid tumors of mesenchymal origin which occur with an estimated incidence of up to 77% of all women of reproductive age. The majority of these tumors remains symptomless, but in about a quarter of cases they cause leiomyoma-associated symptoms including chronic pelvic pain, menorrhagia-induced anemia, and impaired fertility. As a consequence, they are the most common indication for pre-menopausal hysterectomy in the USA and Japan and annually translate into a multibillion dollar healthcare problem. Approximately 40% of these neoplasms present with recurring structural cytogenetic anomalies, including del(7)(q22), t(12;14)(q15;q24), t(1;2)(p36;p24), and anomalies affecting 6p21 and/or 10q22. Using positional cloning strategies, we and others previously identified HMGA1, HMGA2, RAD51L1, MORF, and, more recently, NCOA1 as primary target (fusion) genes associated with tumor initiation in four of these distinct cytogenetic subgroups. Despite the fact that the del(7)(q22) subgroup is the largest among leiomyomas, and was first described more than twenty years ago, the 7q22 leiomyoma target gene still awaits unequivocal identification. We here describe a positional cloning effort from two independent uterine leiomyomas, containing respectively a pericentric and a paracentric chromosomal inversion, both affecting band 7q22. We found that both chromosomal inversions target the cut-like homeobox 1 (CUX1) gene on chromosomal band 7q22.1 in a way which is functionally equivalent to the more frequently observed del(7q) cases, and which is compatible with a mono-allelic knock-out scenario, similar as was previously described for the cytogenetic subgroup showing chromosome 14q involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric F P M Schoenmakers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre and Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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15
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Chuang TD, Luo X, Panda H, Chegini N. miR-93/106b and their host gene, MCM7, are differentially expressed in leiomyomas and functionally target F3 and IL-8. Mol Endocrinol 2012; 26:1028-42. [PMID: 22556343 DOI: 10.1210/me.2012-1075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
miR-93/106b and their host gene minichromosome maintenance complex component 7 (MCM7) reside at chr7q22, a region frequently rearranged in leiomyomas. We explored the expression of miR-93/106b in leiomyoma and paired myometrium (n = 63) from untreated and patients exposed to hormonal therapies (GnRH agonist, Depo-Provera, and oral contraceptives) from African-Americans and Caucasians and their regulatory functions in isolated paired (n = 15) leiomyoma and myometrial smooth muscle cells and the leiomyosarcoma cell line. At tissue level leiomyomas expressed significantly lower levels of miR-93 and elevated MCM7 as compared with myometrium with limited racial influence or hormonal exposure on their expression. Assessing the regulatory function of miR-93/106b through doxycycline-inducible lentiviral transduction in a microarray analysis, tissue factor (F3) and IL8 were identified as their possible targets. At the tissue level, leiomyomas expressed a significantly lower level of F3 and an elevated IL-8 level, which exhibited an inverse relationship with miR-93 but with limited racial or hormonal influences. The gain of function of miR-93/106b in leiomyoma smooth muscle cells, myometrial smooth muscle cells, and the leiomyosarcoma cell line dose dependently repressed F3 and IL8 through direct interactions with their respective 3'-untranslated region and indirectly through F3 repression inhibited IL8, CTGF, and PAI-1 expression, confirmed by using small interfering RNA silencing or factor Vlla (FVIIa) activation of F3, as well as reducing the rate of proliferation, while increasing caspase-3/7 activity. We concluded that differential expression of miR-93/106b and their direct and/or indirect regulatory functions on F3, IL8, CTGF, and PAI-1 expression, with key roles in inflammation and tissue turnover may be of significance in the outcome of leiomyoma growth and associated symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Der Chuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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16
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Meadows KL, Andrews DMK, Xu Z, Carswell GK, Laughlin SK, Baird DD, Taylor JA. Genome-wide analysis of loss of heterozygosity and copy number amplification in uterine leiomyomas using the 100K single nucleotide polymorphism array. Exp Mol Pathol 2011; 91:434-9. [PMID: 21497600 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2011.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are benign smooth muscle tumors commonly found among reproductive-aged women. Though benign, these tumors are the leading indication for hysterectomies in the United States and cause significant morbidity. Despite the importance of this tumor in women's health, relatively little is known about the molecular etiology. METHODS In this study, we used the Affymetrix 100K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip to assess whether the pattern and frequency of genome-wide loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and copy number amplifications is associated with clinical heterogeneity. RESULTS Thirty-seven tumors with varying sizes and histology from eleven patients were analyzed. LOH was observed in 4/37 tumors (10.8%) and significantly associated with large-sized tumors (p<0.0014). Two tumors revealed hemizygosity on chromosome 7q, a region that has been consistently reported to have LOH. Additionally, we detected one novel region of LOH, 16p13.11 in one tumor (2.7%). Copy number amplifications were observed on all chromosomes; however, most were low-level amplifications and only detected in a single tumor. One region of amplification at 3p26.3 was detected in four tumors. CONCLUSIONS Despite the use of a high-density SNP platform, our results suggest that genome-wide LOH and copy number amplifications are infrequent events and generally do not determine clinical and histologic characteristics of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellen L Meadows
- Laboratory of Molecular Carcinogenesis, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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17
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Dütting S, Brachs S, Mielenz D. Fraternal twins: Swiprosin-1/EFhd2 and Swiprosin-2/EFhd1, two homologous EF-hand containing calcium binding adaptor proteins with distinct functions. Cell Commun Signal 2011; 9:2. [PMID: 21244694 PMCID: PMC3036668 DOI: 10.1186/1478-811x-9-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 01/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in the intracellular calcium concentration govern cytoskeletal rearrangement, mitosis, apoptosis, transcriptional regulation or synaptic transmission, thereby, regulating cellular effector and organ functions. Calcium binding proteins respond to changes in the intracellular calcium concentration with structural changes, triggering enzymatic activation and association with downstream proteins. One type of calcium binding proteins are EF-hand super family proteins. Here, we describe two recently discovered homologous EF-hand containing adaptor proteins, Swiprosin-1/EF-hand domain containing 2 (EFhd2) and Swiprosin-2/EF-hand domain containing 1 (EFhd1), which are related to allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1). For reasons of simplicity and concision we propose to name Swiprosin-1/EFhd2 and Swiprosin-2/EFhd1 from now on EFhd2 and EFhd1, according to their respective gene symbols. AIF-1 and Swiprosin-1/EFhd2 are already present in Bilateria, for instance in Drosophila melanogaster and Caenhorhabditis elegans. Swiprosin-2/EFhd1 arose later from gene duplication in the tetrapodal lineage. Secondary structure prediction of AIF-1 reveals disordered regions and one functional EF-hand. Swiprosin-1/EFhd2 and Swiprosin-2/EFhd1 exhibit a disordered region at the N-terminus, followed by two EF-hands and a coiled-coil domain. Whereas both proteins are similar in their predicted overall structure they differ in a non-homologous stretch of 60 amino acids just in front of the EF-hands. AIF-1 controls calcium-dependent cytoskeletal rearrangement in innate immune cells by means of its functional EF-hand. We propose that Swiprosin-1/EFhd2 as well is a cytoskeleton associated adaptor protein involved in immune and brain cell function. Pro-inflammatory conditions are likely to modulate expression and function of Swiprosin-1/EFhd2. Swiprosin-2/EFhd1, on the other hand, modulates apoptosis and differentiation of neuronal and muscle precursor cells, probably through an association with mitochondria. We suggest furthermore that Swiprosin-2/EFhd1 is part of a cellular response to oxidative stress, which could explain its pro-survival activity in neuronal, muscle and perhaps some malignant tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Dütting
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Department of Medicine III, Nikolaus Fiebiger Center, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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18
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Hodge JC, Park PJ, Dreyfuss JM, Assil-Kishawi I, Somasundaram P, Semere LG, Quade BJ, Lynch AM, Stewart EA, Morton CC. Identifying the molecular signature of the interstitial deletion 7q subgroup of uterine leiomyomata using a paired analysis. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2009; 48:865-85. [PMID: 19603527 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.20692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomata (UL), the most common neoplasm in reproductive-age women, have recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities including interstitial deletion of 7q. To develop a molecular signature, matched del(7q) and non-del(7q) tumors identified by FISH or karyotyping from 11 women were profiled with expression arrays. Our analysis using paired t tests demonstrates this matched design is critical to eliminate the confounding effects of genotype and environment that underlie patient variation. A gene list ordered by genome-wide significance showed enrichment for the 7q22 target region. Modification of the gene list by weighting each sample for percent of del(7q) cells to account for the mosaic nature of these tumors further enhanced the frequency of 7q22 genes. Pathway analysis revealed two of the 19 significant functional networks were associated with development and the most represented pathway was protein ubiquitination, which can influence tumor development by stabilizing oncoproteins and destabilizing tumor suppressor proteins. Array CGH (aCGH) studies determined the only consistent genomic imbalance was deletion of 9.5 megabases from 7q22-7q31.1. Combining the aCGH data with the del(7q) UL mosaicism-weighted expression analysis resulted in a list of genes that are commonly deleted and whose copy number is correlated with significantly decreased expression. These genes include the proliferation inhibitor HPB1, the loss of expression of which has been associated with invasive breast cancer, as well as the mitosis integrity-maintenance tumor suppressor RINT1. This study provides a molecular signature of the del(7q) UL subgroup and will serve as a platform for future studies of tumor pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennelle C Hodge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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19
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Dimitrova IK, Richer JK, Rudolph MC, Spoelstra NS, Reno EM, Medina TM, Bradford AP. Gene expression profiling of multiple leiomyomata uteri and matched normal tissue from a single patient. Fertil Steril 2008; 91:2650-63. [PMID: 18672237 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.03.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2008] [Revised: 03/24/2008] [Accepted: 03/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify differentially expressed genes between fibroid and adjacent normal myometrium in an identical hormonal and genetic background. DESIGN Array analysis of three leiomyomata and matched adjacent normal myometrium in a single patient. SETTING University of Colorado Hospital. PATIENT(S) A single female undergoing medically indicated hysterectomy for symptomatic fibroids. INTERVENTIONS(S) mRNA isolation and microarray analysis, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Changes in mRNA and protein levels in leiomyomata and matched normal myometrium. RESULT(S) Expression of 197 genes was increased and 619 decreased significantly by at least twofold, in leiomyomata relative to normal myometrium. Expression profiles between tumors were similar and normal myometrial samples showed minimal variation. Changes in, and variation of, expression of selected genes were confirmed in additional normal and leiomyoma samples from multiple patients. CONCLUSION(S) Analysis of multiple tumors from a single patient confirmed changes in expression of genes described in previous, apparently disparate, studies, and identified novel targets. Gene expression profiles in leiomyomata are consistent with increased activation of mitogenic pathways and inhibition of apoptosis. Down-regulation of genes implicated in invasion and metastasis, of cancers, was observed in fibroids. This expression pattern may underlie the benign nature of uterine leiomyomata and may aid in the differential diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina K Dimitrova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
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20
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Peng Y, Laser J, Shi G, Mittal K, Melamed J, Lee P, Wei JJ. Antiproliferative effects by Let-7 repression of high-mobility group A2 in uterine leiomyoma. Mol Cancer Res 2008; 6:663-73. [PMID: 18403645 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-07-0370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
High-mobility group A2 (HMGA2) is commonly overexpressed in large leiomyomas. HMGA2 is an important regulator of cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and transformation. As a predicted target of Let-7 microRNAs (Let-7s), HMGA2 can be repressed by Let-7s in vitro. MicroRNA profiling analysis revealed that Let-7s were significantly dysregulated in uterine leiomyomas: high in small leiomyomas and lower in large leiomyomas. To evaluate whether Let-7 repression of HMGA2 plays a major role in leiomyomas, we analyzed the molecular relationship of HMGA2 and Let-7s, both in vitro and in vivo. We first characterized that exogenous Let-7 microRNAs could directly repress the dominant transcript of HMGA2, HMGA2a. This repression was also identified for two cryptic HMGA2 transcripts in primary leiomyoma cultures. Second, we found that the endogenous Let-7s were biologically active and played a major role in the regulation of HMGA2. Then, we illustrated that Let-7 repression of HMGA2 inhibited cellular proliferation. Finally, we examined the expression levels of Let-7c and HMGA2 in a large cohort of leiomyomas (n = 120), and we found high levels of Let-7 and low levels of HMGA2 in small leiomyomas, and low levels of Let-7 and high levels of HMGA2 in large leiomyomas. Our findings suggest that the Let-7-mediated repression of HMGA2 mechanism can be an important molecular event in leiomyoma growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Peng
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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21
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Zaitseva M, Vollenhoven BJ, Rogers PA. Retinoids regulate genes involved in retinoic acid synthesis and transport in human myometrial and fibroid smooth muscle cells. Hum Reprod 2008; 23:1076-86. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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22
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Zaitseva M, Vollenhoven BJ, Rogers PAW. Retinoic acid pathway genes show significantly altered expression in uterine fibroids when compared with normal myometrium. Mol Hum Reprod 2007; 13:577-85. [PMID: 17553814 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gam040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroids are benign neoplasms of myometrial smooth muscle cells (SMC). Despite being the most common tumor in humans, their etiology is poorly understood. Recent microarray studies have demonstrated that multiple members of the retinoid pathway are differentially expressed between myometrium and fibroids. The aim of this present study was to investigate gene expression of members of the retinoid pathway in matched myometrium and fibroids. We have demonstrated differential gene expression of two binding proteins [cellular retinol-binding proteins (CRBP) 1 and 2], three enzymes [alcohol dehydrogenase 1 (ADH1), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1) and retinol dehydrogenase (RODH)] and two receptors [retinoid X receptors (RXR) alpha and gamma] involved in the retinoid pathway by real-time PCR. There were no differences in gene expression for retinoid receptors RARalpha, beta, gamma and RXRbeta, and for the metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450, family 26 subfamily A. We confirmed results for ADH1, ALDH1, CRBP1 and CRABP2 at the protein level by western blot. Using immunohistochemistry these proteins were mostly localized to myometrial and fibroid SMC. An exception to this was ALDH1 protein, which displayed strong staining localized to cells of the connective tissue, presumably fibroblasts, with a striking differential expression pattern between myometrium and fibroids. These results demonstrate that the retinoid pathway is altered in fibroids when compared with normal myometrium and specifically identify ALDH1 in fibroid fibroblasts. These alterations can lead to aberrant retinoic acid (RA) production and signaling, and alter the expression of RA target genes, which may be an important step in fibroid development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Zaitseva
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Monash University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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23
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Wang T, Zhang X, Obijuru L, Laser J, Aris V, Lee P, Mittal K, Soteropoulos P, Wei JJ. A micro-RNA signature associated with race, tumor size, and target gene activity in human uterine leiomyomas. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2007; 46:336-47. [PMID: 17243163 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.20415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Human uterine leiomyomas (ULMs) are the most common neoplasms of women. Many genes are dysregulated in ULMs and some of this dysregulation may be due to abnormal expression of micro-RNAs (miRNAs). In this study, 55 ULMs and matched myometrium were collected from 41 patients for microarray-based global miRNA expression analysis. Of 206 miRNAs examined, 45 miRNAs were significantly up- or down-regulated in ULMs in comparison to the matched myometrium (P < 0.001). The top five dysregulated miRNAs in ULMs are the let-7 family, miR-21, miR-23b, miR-29b, and miR-197. Four polycistronic clusters of miRNAs were either up- or down-regulated, but not in a mixed pattern, indicative of coordinated regulation of these miRNAs. Significance analysis revealed that subsets of miRNAs were strongly associated with tumor sizes and race. By prediction analysis we identified some important tumorigenic genes previously identified in ULMs that may be targeted by the dysregulated miRNAs. HMGA2 was identified as one of target genes of the let-7 family of miRNAs and has been found to be suppressed by let-7 in vitro. This article contains Supplementary material available at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/1045-2257/suppmat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongsheng Wang
- Center for Applied Genomics, Public Health Research Institute, Newark, NJ, USA
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24
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Ptacek T, Song C, Walker CL, Sell SM. Physical mapping of distinct 7q22 deletions in uterine leiomyoma and analysis of a recently annotated 7q22 candidate gene. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 174:116-20. [PMID: 17452252 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergencyto.2006.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2006] [Revised: 11/22/2006] [Accepted: 11/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Uterine leiomyoma (UL) is a benign, smooth muscle tumor of the uterus affecting a significant proportion of women of reproductive age. Deletions involving chromosome 7q22 are common in UL and vary in length. Previously reported 7q22 deletion intervals were physically mapped using information from the recently completed human genome sequence. Four distinct deletion intervals, which included a microdeletion reported by our laboratory, were identified. This microdeletion contains two known genes, ORC5L and LHFPL3. The single deleted marker in the microdeletion was mapped within the LHFPL3 locus. The ORC5L gene has been studied in UL. Conversely, LHFPL3 has been annotated only recently, and has therefore not been studied in UL. The predicted LHFPL3 protein sequence contained a polyalanine domain, and a signature sequence for the PMP22 Claudin protein family. Members of this family are transmembrane proteins with roles in differentiation, proliferation, and extracellular matrix formation, and have been implicated in other tumors. Differences in LHFPL3 expression were observed in both human and Eker rat UL. Our results provide evidence for four distinct 7q22 deletion intervals, each with multiple candidate genes, including the recently identified LHFPL3 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ptacek
- Graduate Program in Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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25
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Vanharanta S, Wortham NC, Langford C, El-Bahrawy M, van der Spuy Z, Sjöberg J, Lehtonen R, Karhu A, Tomlinson IPM, Aaltonen LA. Definition of a minimal region of deletion of chromosome 7 in uterine leiomyomas by tiling-path microarray CGH and mutation analysis of known genes in this region. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2007; 46:451-8. [PMID: 17285575 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.20427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic interstitial deletions of chromosome segment 7q22-q31 in uterine leiomyomas are a frequent event, thought to be indicative of a tumor suppressor gene in the region. Previous LOH and CGH studies have refined this region to 7q22.3-q31, although the target gene has not been identified. Here, we have used tiling-path resolution microarray CGH to further refine the region and to identify homozygous deletions in fibroids. Furthermore, we have screened all manually annotated genes in the region for mutations. We have refined the minimum deleted region at 7q22.3-q31 to 2.79 Mbp and identified a second region of deletion at 7q34. However, we identified no pathogenic coding variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakari Vanharanta
- Department of Medical Genetics, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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26
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Saxena V, Orgill D, Kohane I. Absolute enrichment: gene set enrichment analysis for homeostatic systems. Nucleic Acids Res 2006; 34:e151. [PMID: 17130162 PMCID: PMC1702493 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkl766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) identifies sets of genes that are differentially regulated in one direction. Many homeostatic systems will include one limb that is upregulated in response to a downregulation of another limb and vice versa. Such patterns are poorly captured by the standard formulation of GSEA. We describe a technique to identify groups of genes (which sometimes can be pathways) that include both up- and down-regulated components. This approach lends insights into the feedback mechanisms that may operate, especially when integrated with protein interaction databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Saxena
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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27
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Zaitseva M, Vollenhoven BJ, Rogers PAW. In vitro culture significantly alters gene expression profiles and reduces differences between myometrial and fibroid smooth muscle cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 12:187-207. [PMID: 16524927 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gal018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cultured myometrial (M) and fibroid (F) smooth muscle cells (SMCs) have been widely used as a model for the study of F growth. The aim of this study was to compare gene expression profiles using microarrays between six paired M and F tissues from hysterectomy specimens, as well as cells isolated from the same tissues and cultured for up to three passages. A total of 2055 genes were differentially expressed by ANOVA between all experimental groups. Among them, 128 genes were found to be statistically different between M and F tissues. More than 1100 genes were significantly changed between tissues and cultured cells, with 648 genes common between both M and F cells at P0 and P3. Expression profiles of six genes including estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) and progesterone receptor (PR) were also validated using real-time PCR. These data demonstrate that large changes occur in SMC gene expression in culture, reducing differences between M and F cells. They also show that ERalpha and PR levels are reduced in cells compared with whole tissue. These results indicate that although M and F cell cultures provide an important tool to study these tumours, in vitro studies must be carefully planned and evaluated to provide meaningful results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Zaitseva
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Monash University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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28
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Vanharanta S, Pollard PJ, Lehtonen HJ, Laiho P, Sjöberg J, Leminen A, Aittomäki K, Arola J, Kruhoffer M, Orntoft TF, Tomlinson IP, Kiuru M, Arango D, Aaltonen LA. Distinct expression profile in fumarate-hydratase-deficient uterine fibroids. Hum Mol Genet 2005; 15:97-103. [PMID: 16319128 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddi431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Defects in mitochondrial enzymes predispose to severe developmental defects as well as tumorigenesis. Heterozygous germline mutations in the nuclear gene encoding fumarate hydratase (FH), an enzyme catalyzing the hydration of fumarate in the Krebs tricarboxylic acid cycle, cause hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer; yet the connection between disruption of mitochondrial metabolic pathways and neoplasia remains to be discovered. We have used an expression microarray approach for studying differences in global gene expression pattern caused by mutations in FH. Seven uterine fibroids carrying FH mutations were compared with 15 fibroids with wild-type FH. The two groups showed markedly different expression profiles, and multiple differentially expressed genes were detected. The most significant increase in FH mutants was seen in the expression of carbohydrate metabolism- and glycolysis-related genes. Other significantly up-regulated gene categories in FH mutants were, for example, iron ion homeostasis and oxidoreduction. Genes with lower expression in FH-mutant fibroids belonged to groups such as extracellular matrix, cell adhesion, muscle development and cell contraction. We show that FH mutations alter significantly the expression profiles of fibroids, most strikingly increasing the expression of genes involved in glycolysis.
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