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Perrino MR, Ahmari N, Hall A, Jackson M, Na Y, Pundavela J, Szabo S, Woodruff TM, Dombi E, Kim MO, Köhl J, Wu J, Ratner N. C5aR plus MEK inhibition durably targets the tumor milieu and reveals tumor cell phagocytosis. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302229. [PMID: 38458648 PMCID: PMC10923703 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Plexiform neurofibromas (PNFs) are nerve tumors caused by loss of NF1 and dysregulation of RAS-MAPK signaling in Schwann cells. Most PNFs shrink in response to MEK inhibition, but targets with increased and durable effects are needed. We identified the anaphylatoxin C5a as increased in PNFs and expressed largely by PNF m acrophages. We defined pharmacokinetic and immunomodulatory properties of a C5aR1/2 antagonist and tested if peptide antagonists augment the effects of MEK inhibition. MEK inhibition recruited C5AR1 to the macrophage surface; short-term inhibition of C5aR elevated macrophage apoptosis and Schwann cell death, without affecting MEK-induced tumor shrinkage. PNF macrophages lacking C5aR1 increased the engulfment of dying Schwann cells, allowing their visualization. Halting combination therapy resulted in altered T-cell distribution, elevated Iba1+ and CD169+ immunoreactivity, and profoundly altered cytokine expression, but not sustained trumor shrinkage. Thus, C5aRA inhibition independently induces macrophage cell death and causes sustained and durable effects on the PNF microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R Perrino
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Niousha Ahmari
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ashley Hall
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mark Jackson
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Youjin Na
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jay Pundavela
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Sara Szabo
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Departmentd of Pediatrics and Pediatric Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Trent M Woodruff
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Eva Dombi
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mi-Ok Kim
- Department Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jörg Köhl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research, Lübeck, Germany
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jianqiang Wu
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nancy Ratner
- https://ror.org/01hcyya48 Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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2
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Raut NG, Maile LA, Oswalt LM, Mitxelena I, Adlakha A, Sprague KL, Rupert AR, Bokros L, Hofmann MC, Patritti-Cram J, Rizvi TA, Queme LF, Choi K, Ratner N, Jankowski MP. Schwann cells modulate nociception in neurofibromatosis 1. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e171275. [PMID: 38258905 PMCID: PMC10906222 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.171275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain of unknown etiology is frequent in individuals with the tumor predisposition syndrome neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), even when tumors are absent. Nerve Schwann cells (SCs) were recently shown to play roles in nociceptive processing, and we find that chemogenetic activation of SCs is sufficient to induce afferent and behavioral mechanical hypersensitivity in wild-type mice. In mouse models, animals showed afferent and behavioral hypersensitivity when SCs, but not neurons, lacked Nf1. Importantly, hypersensitivity corresponded with SC-specific upregulation of mRNA encoding glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), independently of the presence of tumors. Neuropathic pain-like behaviors in the NF1 mice were inhibited by either chemogenetic silencing of SC calcium or by systemic delivery of GDNF-targeting antibodies. Together, these findings suggest that alterations in SCs directly modulate mechanical pain and suggest cell-specific treatment strategies to ameliorate pain in individuals with NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata G.R. Raut
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Laura A. Maile
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Leila M. Oswalt
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Irati Mitxelena
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Aaditya Adlakha
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Kourtney L. Sprague
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ashley R. Rupert
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Lane Bokros
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Megan C. Hofmann
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jennifer Patritti-Cram
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Cancer Biology and Experimental Hematology and
| | - Tilat A. Rizvi
- Division of Cancer Biology and Experimental Hematology and
| | - Luis F. Queme
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Pediatric Pain Research Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Kwangmin Choi
- Division of Cancer Biology and Experimental Hematology and
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Division of Cancer Biology and Experimental Hematology and
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael P. Jankowski
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Pediatric Pain Research Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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3
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Mazuelas H, Magallón-Lorenz M, Uriarte-Arrazola I, Negro A, Rosas I, Blanco I, Castellanos E, Lázaro C, Gel B, Carrió M, Serra E. Unbalancing cAMP and Ras/MAPK pathways as a therapeutic strategy for cutaneous neurofibromas. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e168826. [PMID: 38175707 PMCID: PMC11143965 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.168826] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs) are benign Schwann cell (SC) tumors arising from subepidermal glia. Individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) may develop thousands of cNFs, which greatly affect their quality of life. cNF growth is driven by the proliferation of NF1-/- SCs and their interaction with the NF1+/- microenvironment. We analyzed the crosstalk between human cNF-derived SCs and fibroblasts (FBs), identifying an expression signature specific to the SC-FB interaction. We validated the secretion of proteins involved in immune cell migration, suggesting a role of SC-FB crosstalk in immune cell recruitment. The signature also captured components of developmental signaling pathways, including the cAMP elevator G protein-coupled receptor 68 (GPR68). Activation of Gpr68 by ogerin in combination with the MEK inhibitor (MEKi) selumetinib reduced viability and induced differentiation and death of human cNF-derived primary SCs, a result corroborated using an induced pluripotent stem cell-derived 3D neurofibromasphere model. Similar results were obtained using other Gpr68 activators or cAMP analogs/adenylyl cyclase activators in combination with selumetinib. Interestingly, whereas primary SC cultures restarted their proliferation after treatment with selumetinib alone was stopped, the combination of ogerin-selumetinib elicited a permanent halt on SC expansion that persisted after drug removal. These results indicate that unbalancing the Ras and cAMP pathways by combining MEKi and cAMP elevators could be used as a potential treatment for cNFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Mazuelas
- Hereditary Cancer Group, Translational Cancer Research Program, and
| | | | | | - Alejandro Negro
- Clinical Genomics Research Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Genetics Service, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inma Rosas
- Clinical Genomics Research Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Genetics Service, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Blanco
- Clinical Genomics Research Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Genetics Service, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Castellanos
- Clinical Genomics Research Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Genetics Service, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Can Ruti Campus, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Conxi Lázaro
- Hereditary Cancer Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO-IDIBELL), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer, Spain
| | - Bernat Gel
- Hereditary Cancer Group, Translational Cancer Research Program, and
- Departament de Fonaments Clínics, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Carrió
- Hereditary Cancer Group, Translational Cancer Research Program, and
| | - Eduard Serra
- Hereditary Cancer Group, Translational Cancer Research Program, and
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer, Spain
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4
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Yeo MK, Koh YJ, Park JI, Kim KH. Increased CD16a (FcγRIIIA) Expression in The Tumor Microenvironment of Atypical Neurofibromatous Neoplasms of Uncertain Biologic Potential May Be Associated with Progression from Neurofibromas to Atypical Neurofibromas. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1720. [PMID: 38138947 PMCID: PMC10744712 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13121720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibroma (NF) is a benign tumor in the peripheral nervous system, but it can infiltrate around structures and cause functional impairment and disfigurement. We incidentally found that the expression of CD16a (Fc gamma receptor IIIA) was increased in NFs compared to in non-neoplastic nerves and hypothesized that CD16 could be relevant to NF progression. We evaluated the expressions of CD16a, CD16b, CD68, TREM2, Galectin-3, S-100, and SOX10 in 38 cases of neurogenic tumors (NF, n = 18; atypical neurofibromatous neoplasm of uncertain biologic potential (ANNUBP), n = 14; and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), n = 6) by immunohistochemical staining. In the tumor microenvironment (TME) of the ANNUBPs, CD16a and CD16b expression levels had increased more than in the NFs or MPNSTs. CD68 and Galectin-3 expression levels in the ANNUBPs were higher than in the MPNSTs. Dual immunohistochemical staining showed an overlapping pattern for CD16a and CD68 in TME immune cells. Increased CD16a expression was detected in the ANNUBPs compared to the NFs but decreased with malignant progression. The CD16a overexpression with CD68 positivity in the ANNUBPs potentially reflects that the TME immune modulation could be associated with NF progression to an ANNUBP. Further studies should explore the role of CD16a in immunomodulation for accelerating NF growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Kyung Yeo
- Department of Pathology, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Munwha-ro 266, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yeong Jun Koh
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jong-Il Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea;
- Translational Immunology Institute, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project for Medical Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Hee Kim
- Department of Pathology, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Munwha-ro 266, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea;
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5
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Ye J, Wen Z, Wu T, Chen L, Sheng L, Wang C, Teng C, Wu B, Xu J, Wei W. Single-Cell Sequencing Reveals the Optimal Time Window for Anti-Inflammatory Treatment in Spinal Cord Injury. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2300098. [PMID: 37085744 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Though the occurrence of neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury (SCI) is essential for antigen clearance and tissue repair, excessive inflammation results in cell death and axon dieback. The effect of anti-inflammatory medicine used in clinical treatment remains debatable owing to the inappropriate therapeutic schedule that does not align with the biological process of immune reaction. A better understanding of the immunity process is critical to promote effective anti-inflammatory therapeutics. However, cellular heterogeneity, which results in complex cellular functions, is a major challenge. This study performs single-cell RNA sequencing by profiling the tissue proximity to the injury site at different time points after SCI. Depending on the analysis of single-cell data and histochemistry observation, an appropriate time window for anti-inflammatory medicine treatment is proposed. This work also verifies the mechanism of typical anti-inflammatory medicine methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS), which is found attributable to the activation inhibition of cells with pro-inflammatory phenotype through the downregulation of pathways such as TNF, IL2, and MIF. These pathways can also be provided as targets for anti-inflammatory treatment. Collectively, this work provides a therapeutic schedule of 1-3 dpi (days post injury) to argue against classical early pulse therapy and provides some pathways for target therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjia Ye
- International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
| | - Zhengfa Wen
- International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
| | - Tianxin Wu
- International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
| | - Liangliang Chen
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Lingchao Sheng
- International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
| | - Chenhuan Wang
- International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
| | - Chong Teng
- International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
| | - Bingbing Wu
- International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
| | - Jian Xu
- International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
| | - Wei Wei
- International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
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6
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Na Y, Hall A, Yu Y, Hu L, Choi K, Burgard JA, Szabo S, Huang G, Ratner N, Wu J. Runx1/3-driven adaptive endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways contribute to neurofibromagenesis. Oncogene 2023; 42:1038-1047. [PMID: 36759572 PMCID: PMC10194627 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02620-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients are predisposed to develop plexiform neurofibromas (PNFs). Three endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response pathways restore cellular homeostasis. The unfolded protein response (UPR) sensors contribute to tumor initiation in many cancers. We found that all three UPR pathways were activated in mouse and human PNFs, with protein kinase RNA [PKR]-like ER kinase (PERK) the most highly expressed. We tested if neurofibroma cells adapt to ER stress, leading to their growth. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of PERK reduced mouse neurofibroma-sphere number, and genetic inhibition in PERK in Schwann cell precursors (SCPs) decreased tumor-like lesion numbers in a cell transplantation model. Further, in a PNF mouse model, deletion of PERK in Schwann cells (SCs) and SCPs reduced tumor size, number, and increased survival. Mechanistically, loss of Nf1 activated PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 signaling and increased ATF4 downstream target gene p21 translocation from nucleus to cytoplasm. This nucleus-cytoplasm translocation was mediated by exportin-1. Runx transcriptionally activated ribosome gene expression and increased protein synthesis to allow SCs to adapt to ER stress and tumor formation. We propose that targeting proteostasis might provide cytotoxic and/or potentially durable novel therapy for PNFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjin Na
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Ashley Hall
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Yanan Yu
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- College of Life Science, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Liang Hu
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Kwangmin Choi
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Jake A Burgard
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Sara Szabo
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Pediatric Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy and Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Jianqiang Wu
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
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7
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Kershner LJ, Choi K, Wu J, Zhang X, Perrino M, Salomonis N, Shern JF, Ratner N. Multiple Nf1 Schwann cell populations reprogram the plexiform neurofibroma tumor microenvironment. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e154513. [PMID: 36134665 PMCID: PMC9675562 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.154513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To define alterations early in tumor formation, we studied nerve tumors in neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), a tumor predisposition syndrome. Affected individuals develop neurofibromas, benign tumors driven by NF1 loss in Schwann cells (SCs). By comparing normal nerve cells to plexiform neurofibroma (PN) cells using single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing, we identified changes in 5 SC populations, including a de novo SC progenitor-like (SCP-like) population. Long after Nf1 loss, SC populations developed PN-specific expression of Dcn, Postn, and Cd74, with sustained expression of the injury response gene Postn and showed dramatic expansion of immune and stromal cell populations; in corresponding human PNs, the immune and stromal cells comprised 90% of cells. Comparisons between injury-related and tumor monocytes/macrophages support early monocyte recruitment and aberrant macrophage differentiation. Cross-species analysis verified each SC population and unique conserved patterns of predicted cell-cell communication in each SC population. This analysis identified PROS1-AXL, FGF-FGFR, and MIF-CD74 and its effector pathway NF-κB as deregulated in NF1 SC populations, including SCP-like cells predicted to influence other types of SCs, stromal cells, and/or immune cells in mouse and human. These findings highlight remarkable changes in multiple types of SCs and identify therapeutic targets for PN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah J. Kershner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Kwangmin Choi
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jianqiang Wu
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Xiyuan Zhang
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Melissa Perrino
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Nathan Salomonis
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, and
- Departments of Pediatrics and Bioinformatics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jack F. Shern
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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8
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Schwann cells contribute to keloid formation. Matrix Biol 2022; 108:55-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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9
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Mo J, Moye SL, McKay RM, Le LQ. Neurofibromin and suppression of tumorigenesis: beyond the GAP. Oncogene 2022; 41:1235-1251. [PMID: 35066574 PMCID: PMC9063229 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02156-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease and one of the most common inherited tumor predisposition syndromes, affecting 1 in 3000 individuals worldwide. The NF1 gene encodes neurofibromin, a large protein with RAS GTP-ase activating (RAS-GAP) activity, and loss of NF1 results in increased RAS signaling. Neurofibromin contains many other domains, and there is considerable evidence that these domains play a role in some manifestations of NF1. Investigating the role of these domains as well as the various signaling pathways that neurofibromin regulates and interacts with will provide a better understanding of how neurofibromin acts to suppress tumor development and potentially open new therapeutic avenues. In this review, we discuss what is known about the structure of neurofibromin, its interactions with other proteins and signaling pathways, its role in development and differentiation, and its function as a tumor suppressor. Finally, we discuss the latest research on potential therapeutics for neurofibromin-deficient neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Mo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Stefanie L Moye
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Renee M McKay
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Lu Q Le
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- UTSW Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Clinic, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- O'Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
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10
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Tritz R, Hudson FZ, Harris V, Ghoshal P, Singla B, Lin H, Csanyi G, Stansfield BK. MEK inhibition exerts temporal and myeloid cell-specific effects in the pathogenesis of neurofibromatosis type 1 arteriopathy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24345. [PMID: 34934133 PMCID: PMC8692602 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03750-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene are linked to arteriopathy. Nf1 heterozygosity (Nf1+/–) results in robust neointima formation, similar to humans, and myeloid-restricted Nf1+/– recapitulates this phenotype via MEK-ERK activation. Here we define the contribution of myeloid subpopulations to NF1 arteriopathy. Neutrophils from WT and Nf1+/– mice were functionally assessed in the presence of MEK and farnesylation inhibitors in vitro and neutrophil recruitment to lipopolysaccharide was assessed in WT and Nf1+/– mice. Littermate 12–15 week-old male wildtype and Nf1+/– mice were subjected to carotid artery ligation and provided either a neutrophil depleting antibody (1A8), liposomal clodronate to deplete monocytes/macrophages, or PD0325901 and neointima size was assessed 28 days after injury. Bone marrow transplant experiments assessed monocyte/macrophage mobilization during neointima formation. Nf1+/– neutrophils exhibit enhanced proliferation, migration, and adhesion via p21Ras activation of MEK in vitro and in vivo. Neutrophil depletion suppresses circulating Ly6Clow monocytes and enhances neointima size, while monocyte/macrophage depletion and deletion of CCR2 in bone marrow cells abolish neointima formation in Nf1+/– mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that neurofibromin-MEK-ERK activation in circulating neutrophils and monocytes during arterial remodeling is nuanced and points to important cross-talk between these populations in the pathogenesis of NF1 arteriopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Tritz
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Farlyn Z Hudson
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Valerie Harris
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | - Bhupesh Singla
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Huiping Lin
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Gabor Csanyi
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Brian K Stansfield
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA. .,Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta University, 1120 15th St, BIW6033, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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11
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Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common neurocutaneous genetic disorders, presenting with different cutaneous features such as café-au-lait macules, intertriginous skin freckling, and neurofibromas. Although most of the disease manifestations are benign, patients are at risk for a variety of malignancies, including malignant transformation of plexiform neurofibromas. Numerous studies have investigated the mechanisms by which these characteristic neurofibromas develop, with progress made toward unraveling the various players involved in their complex pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the cells that give rise to NF1 neoplasms as well as the molecular mechanisms and cellular changes that confer tumorigenic potential. We also discuss the role of the tumor microenvironment and the key aspects of its various cell types that contribute to NF1-associated tumorigenesis. An increased understanding of these intrinsic and extrinsic components is critical for developing novel therapeutic approaches for affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Bui
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Chunhui Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Renee M McKay
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Laura J Klesse
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Clinic, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Lu Q Le
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Clinic, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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12
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Shen W, Wang S, Wang R, Zhang Y, Tian H, Yang X, Wei W. Analysis of the polarization states of the alveolar macrophages in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease samples based on miRNA-mRNA network signatures. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1333. [PMID: 34532470 PMCID: PMC8422127 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-3815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Multiple gene expression studies have been performed to investigate the biomarkers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, few studies have related COPD to macrophage cells. Methods The gene expression levels of clinical samples of COPD smokers (COPD; n=6), healthy smokers (Smoke; n=11), and never smokers (Never; n=4) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository of GSE124180. The expression levels of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in macrophage cells of M0 (n=7), M1 (n=7), and M2 (n=7) were downloaded from the GEO repository of GSE46903 and GSE51307. Differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were identified by edgeR and GEO2R, with an adjusted P value <0.05 and |log2fold change (FC)| ≥1 chosen as the cut-off threshold. The potential target genes of miRNA were identified using miRanda (v3.3a) and TargetScan (v6.0) with default settings. Gene Ontology (GO) and Reactome pathway analyses were performed. Results The composition of macrophages was quite different between COPD, Never, and Smoke samples. The proportion of M1 cells was lower than that of M0 and M2 cells in Smokers and COPD samples. Most of the genes specifically up-regulated in M1 are related to inflammation/immunity. The expression levels of miR-30a-5p, miR-200c-3p, miR-20b-5p, miR-199b-5p, and miR-301b-3p in M1 macrophages were all lower than that of M0. Their expression levels in M2 macrophages compared with M1 varied, with higher expression in miR-30a-5p, miR-20b-5p, and lower expression in miR-200c-3p, and miR-301b-3p. The mRNAs of the fms related receptor tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1), cardiotrophin like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1), phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D), coagulation factor III, and tissue factor (F3) were dysregulated in COPD and macrophage cells. Conclusions The present study mined the miRNA-mRNA signature which might play an essential role in COPD and macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Shen
- Respiratory Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shukun Wang
- Respiratory Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Ruili Wang
- Respiratory Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Respiratory Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hong Tian
- Respiratory Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaolei Yang
- Respiratory Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Respiratory Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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13
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Jiang C, McKay RM, Le LQ. Tumorigenesis in neurofibromatosis type 1: role of the microenvironment. Oncogene 2021; 40:5781-5787. [PMID: 34345017 PMCID: PMC8713356 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01979-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common inherited neurological disorders and predisposes patients to develop benign and malignant tumors. Neurofibromas are NF1-associated benign tumors but can cause substantial discomfort and disfigurement. Numerous studies have shown that neurofibromas arise from the Schwann cell lineage but both preclinical mouse models and clinical trials have demonstrated that the neurofibroma tumor microenvironment contributes significantly to tumorigenesis. This offers the opportunity for targeting new therapeutic vulnerabilities to treat neurofibromas. However, a translational gap exists between deciphering the contribution of the neurofibroma tumor microenvironment and clinically applying this knowledge to treat neurofibromas. Here, we discuss the key cellular and molecular components in the neurofibroma tumor microenvironment that can potentially be targeted therapeutically to advance neurofibroma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Renee M McKay
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lu Q Le
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA.
- UTSW Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Clinic, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA.
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14
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Mohamad T, Plante C, Brosseau JP. Toward Understanding the Mechanisms of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168620. [PMID: 34445326 PMCID: PMC8395254 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) originate from the neural crest lineage and are associated with the neurofibromatosis type I syndrome. MPNST is an unmet clinical need. In this review article, we summarize the knowledge and discuss research perspectives related to (1) the natural history of MPNST development; (2) the mouse models recapitulating the progression from precursor lesions to MPNST; (3) the role of the tumor microenvironment in MPNST development, and (4) the signaling pathways linked to MPNST development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teddy Mohamad
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada; (T.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Camille Plante
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada; (T.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Jean-Philippe Brosseau
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada; (T.M.); (C.P.)
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-819-821-8000 (ext. 72477)
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15
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Agarwal P, Li H, Choi K, Hueneman K, He J, Welner RS, Starczynowski DT, Bhatia R. TNF-α-induced alterations in stromal progenitors enhance leukemic stem cell growth via CXCR2 signaling. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109386. [PMID: 34260914 PMCID: PMC8292106 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is propagated by leukemia stem cells (LSCs) that are not eradicated by tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment and persist as a source of disease recurrence. Bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal niches play an essential role in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) and LSC maintenance. Using a murine CML model, we examine leukemia-induced alterations in mesenchymal cell populations. We show that 6C3+ stromal progenitors expand in CML BM and exhibit increased LSC but reduced HSC supportive capacity. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) signaling mediates expansion and higher expression of CXCL1 in CML BM 6C3+ cells and higher expression of the CXCL1 receptor CXCR2 in LSCs. CXCL1 enhances LSC proliferation and self-renewal, whereas CXCR2 inhibition reduces LSC growth and enhances LSC targeting in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We find that TNF-α-mediated alterations in CML BM stromal niches enhance support of LSC maintenance and growth via CXCL1-CXCR2 signaling and that CXCR2 inhibition effectively depletes CML LSCs.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Animals
- Bone Marrow/pathology
- Cell Cycle/drug effects
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Chemokines/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic/drug effects
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Humans
- Inflammation/genetics
- Inflammation/pathology
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/genetics
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/pathology
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells/drug effects
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Middle Aged
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Receptors, Interleukin-8B/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Puneet Agarwal
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Division of Experimental Hematology & Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kwangmin Choi
- Division of Experimental Hematology & Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kathleen Hueneman
- Division of Experimental Hematology & Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jianbo He
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Robert S Welner
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Daniel T Starczynowski
- Division of Experimental Hematology & Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ravi Bhatia
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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16
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WNT5A inhibition alters the malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor microenvironment and enhances tumor growth. Oncogene 2021; 40:4229-4241. [PMID: 34079083 PMCID: PMC8217297 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01773-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are aggressive soft-tissue sarcomas that cause significant mortality in adults with neurofibromatosis type 1. We compared gene expression of growth factors in normal human nerves to MPNST and normal human Schwann cells to MPNST cell lines. We identified WNT5A as the most significantly upregulated ligand-coding gene and verified its protein expression in MPNST cell lines and tumors. In many contexts WNT5A acts as an oncogene. However, inhibiting WNT5A expression using shRNA did not alter MPNST cell proliferation, invasion, migration, or survival in vitro. Rather, shWNT5A-treated MPNST cells upregulated mRNAs associated with the remodeling of extracellular matrix and with immune cell communication. In addition, these cells secreted increased amounts of the proinflammatory cytokines CXCL1, CCL2, IL6, CXCL8, and ICAM1. Versus controls, shWNT5A-expressing MPNST cells formed larger tumors in vivo. Grafted tumors contained elevated macrophage/stromal cells, larger and more numerous blood vessels, and increased levels of Mmp9, Cxcl13, Lipocalin-1, and Ccl12. In some MPNST settings, these effects were mimicked by targeting the WNT5A receptor ROR2. These data suggest that the non-canonical Wnt ligand WNT5A inhibits MPNST tumor formation by modulating the MPNST microenvironment, so that blocking WNT5A accelerates tumor growth in vivo.
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17
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Nogo-A Is Critical for Pro-Inflammatory Gene Regulation in Myocytes and Macrophages. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020282. [PMID: 33572505 PMCID: PMC7912613 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nogo-A (Rtn 4A), a member of the reticulon 4 (Rtn4) protein family, is a neurite outgrowth inhibitor protein that is primarily expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). However, previous studies revealed that Nogo-A was upregulated in skeletal muscles of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Additionally, experiments showed that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress marker, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), was upregulated in gastrocnemius muscle of a murine model of ALS. We therefore hypothesized that Nogo-A might relate to skeletal muscle diseases. According to our knocking down and overexpression results in muscle cell line (C2C12), we have found that upregulation of Nogo-A resulted in upregulation of CHOP, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, while downregulation of Nogo-A led to downregulation of CHOP, IL-6 and TNF-α. Immunofluorescence results showed that Nogo-A and CHOP were expressed by myofibers as well as tissue macrophages. Since resident macrophages share similar functions as bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM), we therefore, isolated macrophages from bone marrow to study the role of Nogo-A in activation of these cells. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BMDM in Nogo-KO mice showed low mRNA expression of CHOP, IL-6 and TNF-α compared to BMDM in wild type (WT) mice. Interestingly, Nogo knockout (KO) BMDM exhibited lower migratory activity and phagocytic ability compared with WT BMDM after LPS treatment. In addition, mice experiments data revealed that upregulation of Nogo-A in notexin- and tunicamycin-treated muscles was associated with upregulation of CHOP, IL-6 and TNF-α in WT group, while in Nogo-KO group resulted in low expression level of CHOP, IL-6 and TNF-α. Furthermore, upregulation of Nogo-A in dystrophin-deficient (mdx) murine model, myopathy and Duchenne muscle dystrophy (DMD) clinical biopsies was associated with upregulation of CHOP, IL-6 and TNF-α. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate Nogo-A as a regulator of inflammation in diseased muscle and bone marrow macrophages and that deletion of Nogo-A alleviates muscle inflammation and it can be utilized as a therapeutic target for improving muscle diseases.
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18
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Brosseau JP, Sathe AA, Wang Y, Nguyen T, Glass DA, Xing C, Le LQ. Human cutaneous neurofibroma matrisome revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:11. [PMID: 33413690 PMCID: PMC7792184 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01103-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type I (NF1) is a neurocutaneous genetic syndrome characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, including benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor called neurofibroma. These tumors originate from the Schwann cell lineage but other cell types as well as extracellular matrix (ECM) in the neurofibroma microenvironment constitute the majority of the tumor mass. In fact, collagen accounts for up to 50% of the neurofibroma's dry weight. Although the presence of collagens in neurofibroma is indisputable, the exact repertoire of ECM genes and ECM-associated genes (i.e. the matrisome) and their functions are unknown. Here, transcriptome profiling by single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the matrisome of human cutaneous neurofibroma (cNF). We discovered that classic pro-fibrogenic collagen I myofibroblasts are rare in neurofibroma. In contrast, collagen VI, a pro-tumorigenic ECM, is abundant and mainly secreted by neurofibroma fibroblasts. This study also identified potential cell type-specific markers to further elucidate the biology of the cNF microenvironment.
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19
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Chaney KE, Perrino MR, Kershner LJ, Patel AV, Wu J, Choi K, Rizvi TA, Dombi E, Szabo S, Largaespada DA, Ratner N. Cdkn2a Loss in a Model of Neurofibroma Demonstrates Stepwise Tumor Progression to Atypical Neurofibroma and MPNST. Cancer Res 2020; 80:4720-4730. [PMID: 32816910 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-1429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Plexiform neurofibromas are benign nerve sheath Schwann cell tumors characterized by biallelic mutations in the neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) tumor suppressor gene. Atypical neurofibromas show additional frequent loss of CDKN2A/Ink4a/Arf and may be precursor lesions of aggressive malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). Here we combined loss of Nf1 in developing Schwann cells with global Ink4a/Arf loss and identified paraspinal plexiform neurofibromas and atypical neurofibromas. Upon transplantation, atypical neurofibromas generated genetically engineered mice (GEM)-PNST similar to human MPNST, and tumors showed reduced p16INK4a protein and reduced senescence markers, confirming susceptibility to transformation. Superficial GEM-PNST contained regions of nerve-associated plexiform neurofibromas or atypical neurofibromas and grew rapidly on transplantation. Transcriptome analyses showed similarities to corresponding human tumors. Thus, we recapitulated nerve tumor progression in NF1 and provided preclinical platforms for testing therapies at each tumor grade. These results support a tumor progression model in which loss of NF1 in Schwann cells drives plexiform neurofibromas formation, additional loss of Ink4a/Arf contributes to atypical neurofibromas formation, and further changes underlie transformation to MPNST. SIGNIFICANCE: New mouse models recapitulate the stepwise progression of NF1 tumors and will be useful to define effective treatments that halt tumor growth and tumor progression in NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Chaney
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Melissa R Perrino
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Leah J Kershner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Ami V Patel
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Jianqiang Wu
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Kwangmin Choi
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Tilat A Rizvi
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Eva Dombi
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sara Szabo
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Pediatric Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - David A Largaespada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio.
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20
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Patchett AL, Flies AS, Lyons AB, Woods GM. Curse of the devil: molecular insights into the emergence of transmissible cancers in the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2507-2525. [PMID: 31900624 PMCID: PMC11104928 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03435-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is the only mammalian species known to be affected by multiple transmissible cancers. Devil facial tumours 1 and 2 (DFT1 and DFT2) are independent neoplastic cell lineages that produce large, disfiguring cancers known as devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). The long-term persistence of wild Tasmanian devils is threatened due to the ability of DFTD cells to propagate as contagious allografts and the high mortality rate of DFTD. Recent studies have demonstrated that both DFT1 and DFT2 cancers originated from founder cells of the Schwann cell lineage, an uncommon origin of malignant cancer in humans. This unprecedented finding has revealed a potential predisposition of Tasmanian devils to transmissible cancers of the Schwann cell lineage. In this review, we compare the molecular nature of human Schwann cells and nerve sheath tumours with DFT1 and DFT2 to gain insights into the emergence of transmissible cancers in the Tasmanian devil. We discuss a potential mechanism, whereby Schwann cell plasticity and frequent wounding in Tasmanian devils combine with an inherent cancer predisposition and low genetic diversity to give rise to transmissible Schwann cell cancers in devils on rare occasions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Patchett
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Andrew S Flies
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - A Bruce Lyons
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Gregory M Woods
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
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21
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Brosseau JP, Liao CP, Le LQ. Translating current basic research into future therapies for neurofibromatosis type 1. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:178-186. [PMID: 32439933 PMCID: PMC7374719 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0903-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a hereditary tumour syndrome that predisposes to benign and malignant tumours originating from neural crest cells. Biallelic inactivation of the tumour-suppressor gene NF1 in glial cells in the skin, along a nerve plexus or in the brain results in the development of benign tumours: cutaneous neurofibroma, plexiform neurofibroma and glioma, respectively. Despite more than 40 years of research, only one medication was recently approved for treatment of plexiform neurofibroma and no drugs have been specifically approved for the management of other tumours. Work carried out over the past several years indicates that inhibiting different cellular signalling pathways (such as Hippo, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, mitogen-activated protein kinase and those mediated by sex hormones) in tumour cells or targeting cells in the microenvironment (nerve cells, macrophages, mast cells and T cells) might benefit NF1 patients. In this review, we outline previous strategies aimed at targeting these signalling pathways or cells in the microenvironment, agents that are currently in clinical trials, and the latest advances in basic research that could culminate in the development of novel therapeutics for patients with NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Brosseau
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1E 4K8, Canada.
| | - Chung-Ping Liao
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Lu Q Le
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- UTSW Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Clinic, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
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22
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Grit JL, Pridgeon MG, Essenburg CJ, Wolfrum E, Madaj ZB, Turner L, Wulfkuhle J, Petricoin EF, Graveel CR, Steensma MR. Kinome Profiling of NF1-Related MPNSTs in Response to Kinase Inhibition and Doxorubicin Reveals Therapeutic Vulnerabilities. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11030331. [PMID: 32245042 PMCID: PMC7141129 DOI: 10.3390/genes11030331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)-related Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (MPNST) are highly resistant sarcomas that account for significant mortality. The mechanisms of therapy resistance are not well-understood in MPNSTs, particularly with respect to kinase inhibition strategies. In this study, we aimed to quantify the impact of both the genomic context and targeted therapy on MPNST resistance using reverse phase phosphoproteome array (RPPA) analysis. We treated tumorgrafts from three genetically engineered mouse models using MET (capmatinib) and MEK (trametinib) inhibitors and doxorubicin, and assessed phosphosignaling at 4 h, 2 days, and 21 days. Baseline kinase signaling in our mouse models recapitulated an MET-addicted state (NF1-MET), P53 mutation (NF1-P53), and HGF overexpression (NF1). Following perturbation with the drug, we observed broad and redundant kinome adaptations that extended well beyond canonical RAS/ERK or PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. MET and MEK inhibition were both associated with an initial inflammatory response mediated by kinases in the JAK/STAT pathway and NFkB. Growth signaling predominated at the 2-day and 21-day time points as a result of broad RTK and intracellular kinase activation. Interestingly, AXL and NFkB were strongly activated at the 2-day and 21-day time points, and tightly correlated, regardless of the treatment type or genomic context. The degree of kinome adaptation observed in innately resistant tumors was significantly less than the surviving fractions of responsive tumors that exhibited a latency period before reinitiating growth. Lastly, doxorubicin resistance was associated with kinome adaptations that strongly favored growth and survival signaling. These observations confirm that MPNSTs are capable of profound signaling plasticity in the face of kinase inhibition or DNA damaging agent administration. It is possible that by targeting AXL or NFkB, therapy resistance can be mitigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L. Grit
- Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (J.L.G.); (M.G.P.); (C.J.E.); (C.R.G.)
| | - Matt G. Pridgeon
- Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (J.L.G.); (M.G.P.); (C.J.E.); (C.R.G.)
- Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Spectrum Health System, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Curt J. Essenburg
- Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (J.L.G.); (M.G.P.); (C.J.E.); (C.R.G.)
| | - Emily Wolfrum
- Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (E.W.); (Z.B.M.)
| | - Zachary B. Madaj
- Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (E.W.); (Z.B.M.)
| | - Lisa Turner
- Pathology and Biorepository Core, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA;
| | - Julia Wulfkuhle
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 22030, USA; (J.W.); (E.F.P.)
| | - Emanuel F. Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 22030, USA; (J.W.); (E.F.P.)
| | - Carrie R. Graveel
- Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (J.L.G.); (M.G.P.); (C.J.E.); (C.R.G.)
| | - Matthew R. Steensma
- Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (J.L.G.); (M.G.P.); (C.J.E.); (C.R.G.)
- Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Spectrum Health System, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
- Correspondence:
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23
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Jia J, Zhang H, Zhang H, Liu W, Shu M. Infiltrating Macrophages Induced Stem-cell-like Features Through PI3K/AKT/GSK3β Signaling to Promote Neurofibroma Growth. Arch Med Res 2020; 51:124-134. [PMID: 32111496 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2019.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation plays an important role in promoting neurofibroma progression, and macrophages are key inflammatory cells in neurofibroma. AIM OF THIS STUDY We attempted to clarify the detailed mechanism of infiltrating macrophages promoting neurofibroma progression. METHODS We performed IHC and Western blot assays to detect the expression levels of OCT3/4, Nanog and SOX2 in tissues and cells. A colony/sphere formation assay was used to analyze cell stemness. MTT, colony formation assay and xenograft tumor model were used to detect cell growth. The transwell system was used to examine macrophage infiltration. RESULTS We demonstrated increased macrophage infiltration in neurofibroma tissues accompanied by increased stem cell-like markers. Moreover, Nf1-mutated SW10 cells possessed a stronger capacity to recruit macrophages, which in turn facilitated neurofibroma growth. Mechanistically, the infiltrating macrophages induced neurofibroma cell stem cell transition by modulating PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling, which then enhanced neurofibroma cell viability in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION Our results revealed a new mechanism of infiltrating macrophages contributing to neurofibroma progression, and targeting this newly identified signaling may help to treat neurofibroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jia
- Department of Plastic, Cosmetic and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; The school of electronic and information engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haibao Zhang
- Key laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongke Zhang
- Department of Plastic, Cosmetic and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenbo Liu
- Department of Plastic, Cosmetic and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Maoguo Shu
- Department of Plastic, Cosmetic and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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24
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Banerjee J, Allaway RJ, Taroni JN, Baker A, Zhang X, Moon CI, Pratilas CA, Blakeley JO, Guinney J, Hirbe A, Greene CS, Gosline SJC. Integrative Analysis Identifies Candidate Tumor Microenvironment and Intracellular Signaling Pathways that Define Tumor Heterogeneity in NF1. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E226. [PMID: 32098059 PMCID: PMC7073563 DOI: 10.3390/genes11020226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a monogenic syndrome that gives rise to numerous symptoms including cognitive impairment, skeletal abnormalities, and growth of benign nerve sheath tumors. Nearly all NF1 patients develop cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs), which occur on the skin surface, whereas 40-60% of patients develop plexiform neurofibromas (pNFs), which are deeply embedded in the peripheral nerves. Patients with pNFs have a ~10% lifetime chance of these tumors becoming malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). These tumors have a severe prognosis and few treatment options other than surgery. Given the lack of therapeutic options available to patients with these tumors, identification of druggable pathways or other key molecular features could aid ongoing therapeutic discovery studies. In this work, we used statistical and machine learning methods to analyze 77 NF1 tumors with genomic data to characterize key signaling pathways that distinguish these tumors and identify candidates for drug development. We identified subsets of latent gene expression variables that may be important in the identification and etiology of cNFs, pNFs, other neurofibromas, and MPNSTs. Furthermore, we characterized the association between these latent variables and genetic variants, immune deconvolution predictions, and protein activity predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jineta Banerjee
- Computational Oncology, Sage Bionetworks, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
| | - Robert J Allaway
- Computational Oncology, Sage Bionetworks, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
| | - Jaclyn N Taroni
- Childhood Cancer Data Lab, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Aaron Baker
- Computational Oncology, Sage Bionetworks, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
- Department of Computer Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Xiaochun Zhang
- Division of Oncology, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Chang In Moon
- Division of Oncology, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Christine A Pratilas
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jaishri O Blakeley
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Neurology, Neurosurgery and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Justin Guinney
- Computational Oncology, Sage Bionetworks, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
| | - Angela Hirbe
- Division of Oncology, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Casey S Greene
- Childhood Cancer Data Lab, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sara JC Gosline
- Computational Oncology, Sage Bionetworks, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
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25
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Jia J, Zhang H, Zhang H, Liu W, Du H, Shu M, He L. AR facilitates YAP-TEAD interaction with the AM promoter to enhance mast cell infiltration into cutaneous neurofibroma. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19346. [PMID: 31852972 PMCID: PMC6920444 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56022-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Abundant mast cell infiltration and disease initiation at puberty are hallmark features of cutaneous neurofibroma (cNF). However, the association between mast cell infiltration and steroid hormones in cNF remains unclear. Here, we determined that androgen receptor (AR) expression is positively associated with mast cell density in cNF tissues. Moreover, both in vitro cell experiments and in vivo mouse models verified that activated AR promoted mast cell infiltration and that AR inhibition reduced mast cell infiltration. Analyses in cell models and xenograft tumours both demonstrated that AR upregulated Yes associate protein 1 (YAP)-adrenomedullin (AM) signalling. Clinical samples from cNF patients further verified that AR was positively related to YAP and AM. Mechanistic analysis revealed that AR accelerates AM transcription via enhancing YAP- TEA domain transcription factor (TEAD) binding to the AM promoter. Consequently, the upregulated AM enhanced mast cell recruitment. Interruption of the YAP-TEAD interaction or inhibition of AM could impair mast cell accumulation induced by active AR, which indicated that this newly found signalling pathway may provide novel targets for cNF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jia
- Department of Plastic, Cosmetic and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,The School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haibao Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongke Zhang
- Department of Plastic, Cosmetic and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenbo Liu
- Department of Plastic, Cosmetic and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huicong Du
- Department of Plastic, Cosmetic and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Maoguo Shu
- Department of Plastic, Cosmetic and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Lin He
- Department of Plastic, Cosmetic and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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26
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Fletcher JS, Pundavela J, Ratner N. After Nf1 loss in Schwann cells, inflammation drives neurofibroma formation. Neurooncol Adv 2019; 2:i23-i32. [PMID: 32642730 PMCID: PMC7317060 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdz045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Plexiform neurofibromas (PNF) are peripheral nerve tumors caused by bi-allelic loss of NF1 in the Schwann cell (SC) lineage. PNF are common in individuals with Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) and can cause significant patient morbidity, spurring research into potential therapies. Immune cells are rare in peripheral nerve, whereas in PNF 30% of the cells are monocytes/macrophages. Mast cells, T cells, and dendritic cells (DCs) are also present. NF1 mutant neurofibroma SCs with elevated Ras-GTP signaling resemble injury-induced repair SCs, in producing growth factors and cytokines not normally present in SCs. This provides a cytokine-rich environment facilitating PNF immune cell recruitment and fibrosis. We propose a model based on genetic and pharmacologic evidence in which, after loss of Nf1 in the SC lineage, a lag occurs. Then, mast cells and macrophages are recruited to nerve. Later, T cell/DC recruitment through CXCL10/CXCR3 drives neurofibroma initiation and sustains PNF macrophages and tumor growth. Stat3 signaling is an additional critical mediator of neurofibroma initiation, cytokine production, and PNF growth. At each stage of PNF development therapeutic benefit should be achievable through pharmacologic modulation of leukocyte recruitment and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S Fletcher
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.,Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Jay Pundavela
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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27
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Xu J, Zhang H, Li C, Du H, Shu M, Jia J. Activation of PLCγ/AKT/IκBα/p65 signaling increases inflammation in mast cells to promote growth of cutaneous neurofibroma. Life Sci 2019; 239:117079. [PMID: 31756343 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM Cutaneous neurofibroma (cNF), a hallmark feature of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), results in psychological and physical damage to patients. Considering the important role of mast cells in neurofibroma development, the aim of this study was to elucidate the underlying mechanism of the interaction between cNF cells and mast cells. MAIN METHODS SW10 cells with Nf1 knocked down were used as a cNF cell model. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and colony formation assays, as well as a mouse xenograft tumor model, were used to assess the cNF tumor growth in vivo and in vitro. ELISAs and IHC were used to examine the inflammatory activity of mast cells. KEY FINDINGS We demonstrated that cNF cells activated mast cells, which in turn promoted the cNF cell growth, while suppression of the inflammatory activity of cNF-associated mast cells reversed their stimulating effect on the growth of cNF cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that SW10 cells upregulated PLCγ/AKT/IκBα/p65 signaling in mast cells, thereby increasing inflammation. Moreover, PLCγ modulated the AKT/IκBα/p65 signaling activity and played a critical role in the interaction of mast cells and cNF cells. Knockdown of PLCγ in mast cells diminished their cNF cell-induced inflammatory activity and subsequently reduced the cNF cell growth in vivo and in vitro. SIGNIFICANCE This study revealed a novel interaction between mast cells and cNF cells, suggesting a potential strategy for treating cNF by targeting the newly recognized signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Teaching Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongke Zhang
- Department of Plastic, Cosmetic and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chengbin Li
- Department of Plastic, Cosmetic and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huicong Du
- Department of Plastic, Cosmetic and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Maoguo Shu
- Department of Plastic, Cosmetic and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Jing Jia
- Department of Plastic, Cosmetic and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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28
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Fletcher JS, Wu J, Jessen WJ, Pundavela J, Miller JA, Dombi E, Kim MO, Rizvi TA, Chetal K, Salomonis N, Ratner N. Cxcr3-expressing leukocytes are necessary for neurofibroma formation in mice. JCI Insight 2019; 4:e98601. [PMID: 30728335 PMCID: PMC6413799 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.98601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Plexiform neurofibroma is a major contributor to morbidity in patients with neurofibromatosis type I (NF1). Macrophages and mast cells infiltrate neurofibroma, and data from mouse models implicate these leukocytes in neurofibroma development. Antiinflammatory therapy targeting these cell populations has been suggested as a means to prevent neurofibroma development. Here, we compare gene expression in Nf1-mutant nerves, which invariably form neurofibroma, and show disruption of neuron-glial cell interactions and immune cell infiltration to mouse models, which rarely progresses to neurofibroma with or without disruption of neuron-glial cell interactions. We find that the chemokine Cxcl10 is uniquely upregulated in NF1 mice that invariably develop neurofibroma. Global deletion of the CXCL10 receptor Cxcr3 prevented neurofibroma development in these neurofibroma-prone mice, and an anti-Cxcr3 antibody somewhat reduced tumor numbers. Cxcr3 expression localized to T cells and DCs in both inflamed nerves and neurofibromas, and Cxcr3 expression was necessary to sustain elevated macrophage numbers in Nf1-mutant nerves. To our knowledge, these data support a heretofore-unappreciated role for T cells and DCs in neurofibroma initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S. Fletcher
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jianqiang Wu
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Walter J. Jessen
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Burlington, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jay Pundavela
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jacob A. Miller
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Eva Dombi
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mi-Ok Kim
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Tilat A. Rizvi
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Kashish Chetal
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Nathan Salomonis
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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29
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Fletcher JS, Springer MG, Choi K, Jousma E, Rizvi TA, Dombi E, Kim MO, Wu J, Ratner N. STAT3 inhibition reduces macrophage number and tumor growth in neurofibroma. Oncogene 2018; 38:2876-2884. [PMID: 30542122 PMCID: PMC6461477 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0600-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Plexiform neurofibroma, a benign peripheral nerve tumor, is associated with the biallelic loss of function of the NF1 tumor suppressor in Schwann cells. Here, we show that FLLL32, a small molecule inhibitor of JAK/STAT3 signaling, reduces neurofibroma growth in mice with conditional, biallelic deletion of Nf1 in the Schwann cell lineage. FLLL32 treatment or Stat3 deletion in tumor cells reduced inflammatory cytokine expression and tumor macrophage numbers in neurofibroma. Although STAT3 inhibition down-regulated the chemokines CCL2 and CCL12, which can signal through CCR2 to recruit macrophages to peripheral nerves, deletion of Ccr2 did not improve survival or reduce macrophage numbers in neurofibroma-bearing mice. Interestingly, macrophages accounted for ~20-40% of proliferating cells in untreated tumors. FLLL32 suppressed this proliferation, as well as Schwann cell proliferation, implicating STAT3-dependent, local proliferation in neurofibroma macrophage accumulation. The functions of STAT3 signaling in neurofibroma Schwann cells and macrophages, and its relevance as a therapeutic target in neurofibroma, merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S Fletcher
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229-0713, USA.,Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Mitchell G Springer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229-0713, USA
| | - Kwangmin Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229-0713, USA
| | - Edwin Jousma
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229-0713, USA
| | - Tilat A Rizvi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229-0713, USA
| | - Eva Dombi
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 10, Room 1-5750, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1101, USA
| | - Mi-Ok Kim
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, UCS F Box 0128, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0128, USA
| | - Jianqiang Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229-0713, USA.
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229-0713, USA.
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30
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Radomska KJ, Coulpier F, Gresset A, Schmitt A, Debbiche A, Lemoine S, Wolkenstein P, Vallat JM, Charnay P, Topilko P. Cellular Origin, Tumor Progression, and Pathogenic Mechanisms of Cutaneous Neurofibromas Revealed by Mice with Nf1 Knockout in Boundary Cap Cells. Cancer Discov 2018; 9:130-147. [PMID: 30348676 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-18-0156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Patients carrying an inactive NF1 allele develop tumors of Schwann cell origin called neurofibromas (NF). Genetically engineered mouse models have significantly enriched our understanding of plexiform forms of NFs (pNF). However, this has not been the case for cutaneous neurofibromas (cNF), observed in all NF1 patients, as no previous model recapitulates their development. Here, we show that conditional Nf1 inactivation in Prss56-positive boundary cap cells leads to bona fide pNFs and cNFs. This work identifies subepidermal glia as a likely candidate for the cellular origin of cNFs and provides insights on disease mechanisms, revealing a long, multistep pathologic process in which inflammation-related signals play a pivotal role. This new mouse model is an important asset for future clinical and therapeutic investigations of NF1-associated neurofibromas. SIGNIFICANCE: Patients affected by NF1 develop numerous cNFs. We present a mouse model that faithfully recapitulates cNFs, identify a candidate cell type at their origin, analyze the steps involved in their formation, and show that their development is dramatically accelerated by skin injury. These findings have important clinical/therapeutic implications.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna J Radomska
- Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Paris, France
| | - Fanny Coulpier
- Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Paris, France
| | - Aurelie Gresset
- Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Paris, France
| | - Alain Schmitt
- Institut Cochin, Inserm, CNRS, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Amal Debbiche
- Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Paris, France
| | - Sophie Lemoine
- Genomic facility, Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Paris, France
| | - Pierre Wolkenstein
- Département de Dermatologie, Centre de Référence des Neurofibromatoses, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, AP-HP, Créteil, France
| | - Jean-Michel Vallat
- National Reference Centre "Rare Peripheral Neuropathies," Department of Neurology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Patrick Charnay
- Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Paris, France.
| | - Piotr Topilko
- Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Paris, France.
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31
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Allaway RJ, Gosline SJC, La Rosa S, Knight P, Bakker A, Guinney J, Le LQ. Cutaneous neurofibromas in the genomics era: current understanding and open questions. Br J Cancer 2018; 118:1539-1548. [PMID: 29695767 PMCID: PMC6008439 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0073-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous neurofibromas (cNF) are a nearly ubiquitous symptom of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a disorder with a broad phenotypic spectrum caused by germline mutation of the neurofibromatosis type 1 tumour suppressor gene (NF1). Symptoms of NF1 can include learning disabilities, bone abnormalities and predisposition to tumours such as cNFs, plexiform neurofibromas, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours and optic nerve tumours. There are no therapies currently approved for cNFs aside from elective surgery, and the molecular aetiology of cNF remains relatively uncharacterised. Furthermore, whereas the biallelic inactivation of NF1 in neoplastic Schwann cells is critical for cNF formation, it is still unclear which additional genetic, transcriptional, epigenetic, microenvironmental or endocrine changes are important. Significant inroads have been made into cNF understanding, including NF1 genotype-phenotype correlations in NF1 microdeletion patients, the identification of recurring somatic mutations, studies of cNF-invading mast cells and macrophages, and clinical trials of putative therapeutic targets such as mTOR, MEK and c-KIT. Despite these advances, several gaps remain in our knowledge of the associated pathogenesis, which is further hampered by a lack of translationally relevant animal models. Some of these questions may be addressed in part by the adoption of genomic analysis techniques. Understanding the aetiology of cNF at the genomic level may assist in the development of new therapies for cNF, and may also contribute to a greater understanding of NF1/RAS signalling in cancers beyond those associated with NF1. Here, we summarise the present understanding of cNF biology, including the pathogenesis, mutational landscape, contribution of the tumour microenvironment and endocrine signalling, and the historical and current state of clinical trials for cNF. We also highlight open access data resources and potential avenues for future research that leverage recently developed genomics-based methods in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pamela Knight
- Children's Tumor Foundation, New York, NY, 10005, USA
| | | | | | - Lu Q Le
- Department of Dermatology, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Neurofibromatosis Clinic, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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32
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Liao CP, Booker RC, Brosseau JP, Chen Z, Mo J, Tchegnon E, Wang Y, Clapp DW, Le LQ. Contributions of inflammation and tumor microenvironment to neurofibroma tumorigenesis. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:2848-2861. [PMID: 29596064 DOI: 10.1172/jci99424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 associates with multiple neoplasms, and the Schwann cell tumor neurofibroma is the most prevalent. A hallmark feature of neurofibroma is mast cell infiltration, which is recruited by chemoattractant stem cell factor (SCF) and has been suggested to sustain neurofibroma tumorigenesis. In the present study, we use new, genetically engineered Scf mice to decipher the contributions of tumor-derived SCF and mast cells to neurofibroma development. We demonstrate that mast cell infiltration is dependent on SCF from tumor Schwann cells. However, removal of mast cells by depleting the main SCF source only slightly affects neurofibroma progression. Other inflammation signatures show that all neurofibromas are associated with high levels of macrophages regardless of Scf status. These findings suggest an active inflammation in neurofibromas and partly explain why mast cell removal alone is not sufficient to relieve tumor burden in this experimental neurofibroma model. Furthermore, we show that plexiform neurofibromas are highly associated with injury-prone spinal nerves that are close to flexible vertebras. In summary, our study details the role of inflammation in neurofibromagenesis. Our data indicate that prevention of inflammation and possibly also nerve injury at the observed tumor locations are therapeutic approaches for neurofibroma prophylaxis and that such treatment should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Ping Liao
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Reid C Booker
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jean-Philippe Brosseau
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Zhiguo Chen
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Juan Mo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Edem Tchegnon
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - D Wade Clapp
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Lu Q Le
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Neurofibromatosis Clinic.,Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominantly inherited tumor predisposition syndrome with an incidence of one in 3000-4000 individuals with no currently effective therapies. The NF1 gene encodes neurofibromin, which functions as a negative regulator of RAS. NF1 is a chronic multisystem disorder affecting many different tissues. Due to cell-specific complexities of RAS signaling, therapeutic approaches for NF1 will likely have to focus on a particular tissue and manifestation of the disease. Areas covered: We discuss the multisystem nature of NF1 and the signaling pathways affected due to neurofibromin deficiency. We explore the cell-/tissue-specific molecular and cellular consequences of aberrant RAS signaling in NF1 and speculate on their potential as therapeutic targets for the disease. We discuss recent genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic studies combined with molecular, cellular, and biochemical analyses which have identified several targets for specific NF1 manifestations. We also consider the possibility of patient-specific gene therapy approaches for NF1. Expert opinion: The emergence of NF1 genotype-phenotype correlations, characterization of cell-specific signaling pathways affected in NF1, identification of novel biomarkers, and the development of sophisticated animal models accurately reflecting human pathology will continue to provide opportunities to develop therapeutic approaches to combat this multisystem disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Walker
- a Center for Genomic Medicine , Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Meena Upadhyaya
- b Division of Cancer and Genetics , Cardiff University , Cardiff , UK
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