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Rotem O, Zer A, Yosef L, Beery E, Goldvaser H, Gutkin A, Levin R, Dudnik E, Berger T, Feinmesser M, Levy-Barda A, Lahav M, Raanani P, Uziel O. Blood-Derived Exosomal hTERT mRNA in Patients with Lung Cancer: Characterization and Correlation with Response to Therapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1730. [PMID: 37371825 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Telomerase (human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is considered a hallmark of cancer, being active in cancer cells but repressed in human somatic cells. As such, it has the potential to serve as a valid cancer biomarker. Exosomal hTERT mRNA can be detected in the serum of patients with solid malignancies but not in healthy individuals. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of measuring serum exosomal hTERT transcripts levels in patients with lung cancer. Methods: A prospective analysis of exosomal hTERT mRNA levels was determined in serum-derived exosomes from 76 patients with stage III-IV lung cancer (11 SCLC and 65 NSCLC). An hTERT level above RQ = 1.2 was considered "detectable" according to a previous receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve. Sequential measurements were obtained in 33 patients. Demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively from patients' charts. Data on response to systemic therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors) were collected by the treating physicians. Results: hTERT was detected in 53% (40/76) of patients with lung cancer (89% of SCLC and 46% of NSLCC). The mean hTERT levels were 3.7 in all 76 patients, 5.87 in SCLC patients, and 3.62 in NSCLC patients. In total, 25 of 43 patients with sequential measurements had detectable levels of hTERT. The sequential exosomal hTERT mRNA levels reflected the clinical course in 23 of them. Decreases in hTERT levels were detected in 17 and 5 patients with partial and complete response, respectively. Eleven patients with a progressive disease had an increase in the level of exosomal hTERT, and seven with stable disease presented increases in its exosomal levels. Another patient who progressed on the first line of treatment and had a partial response to the second line of treatment exhibited an increase in exosomal hTERT mRNA levels during the progression and a decrease during the response. Conclusions: Exosomal hTERT mRNA levels are elevated in over half of patients with lung cancer. The potential association between hTERT levels and response to therapy suggests its utility as a promising cancer biomarker for response to therapy. This issue should be further explored in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofer Rotem
- Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Alona Zer
- Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Lilach Yosef
- Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Einat Beery
- The Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Hadar Goldvaser
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot 7612001, Israel
| | - Anna Gutkin
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Ron Levin
- Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262000, Israel
| | - Elizabeth Dudnik
- Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Tamar Berger
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Institute of Hematology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Meora Feinmesser
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Biobank, Department of Pathology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Adva Levy-Barda
- Biobank, Department of Pathology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Meir Lahav
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
- Institute of Hematology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Pia Raanani
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
- Institute of Hematology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Orit Uziel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
- Institute of Hematology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
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Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Propolis and Its Polyphenolic Compounds against Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810479. [PMID: 36142391 PMCID: PMC9499605 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, interest in natural products such as alternative sources of pharmaceuticals for numerous chronic diseases, including tumors, has been renewed. Propolis, a natural product collected by honeybees, and polyphenolic/flavonoid propolis-related components modulate all steps of the cancer progression process. Anticancer activity of propolis and its compounds relies on various mechanisms: cell-cycle arrest and attenuation of cancer cells proliferation, reduction in the number of cancer stem cells, induction of apoptosis, modulation of oncogene signaling pathways, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases, prevention of metastasis, anti-angiogenesis, anti-inflammatory effects accompanied by the modulation of the tumor microenvironment (by modifying macrophage activation and polarization), epigenetic regulation, antiviral and bactericidal activities, modulation of gut microbiota, and attenuation of chemotherapy-induced deleterious side effects. Ingredients from propolis also "sensitize" cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents, likely by blocking the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). In this review, we summarize the current knowledge related to the the effects of flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds from propolis on tumor growth and metastasizing ability, and discuss possible molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the modulation of inflammatory pathways and cellular processes that affect survival, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis of the tumor.
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Matsuda Y, Yamashita T, Ye J, Yasukawa M, Yamakawa K, Mukai Y, Machitani M, Daigo Y, Miyagi Y, Yokose T, Oshima T, Ito H, Morinaga S, Kishida T, Minamoto T, Yamada S, Takei J, Kaneko MK, Kojima M, Kaneko S, Masaki T, Hirata M, Haba R, Kontani K, Kanaji N, Miyatake N, Okano K, Kato Y, Masutomi K. Phosphorylation of
hTERT
at threonine 249 is a novel tumor biomarker of aggressive cancer with poor prognosis in multiple organs. J Pathol 2022; 257:172-185. [PMID: 35094384 PMCID: PMC9315154 DOI: 10.1002/path.5876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence indicates that RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) activity of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) regulates expression of target genes and is directly involved in tumor formation in a telomere‐independent manner. Non‐canonical function of hTERT has been considered as a therapeutic target for cancer therapy. We have previously shown that hTERT phosphorylation at threonine 249 (p‐hTERT), which promotes RdRP activity, is an indicator of an aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis in liver and pancreatic cancers, using two cohorts with small sample sizes with polyclonal p‐hTERT antibody. To clarify the clinical relevance of p‐hTERT, we developed a specific monoclonal antibody and determined the diagnostic and prognostic value of p‐hTERT in cancer specimens using a large cohort. A monoclonal antibody for phosphorylated hTERT (p‐hTERT) at threonine 249 was developed and validated. The antibody was used for the immunohistochemical staining of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded specimens from 1523 cases of lung, colon, stomach, pancreatic, liver, breast, and kidney cancers. We detected elevated p‐hTERT expression levels in cases with a high mitotic activity, high pathological grade, and high nuclear pleomorphism. Elevated p‐hTERT expression was an independent prognostic factor for lung, pancreatic, and liver cancers. Furthermore, p‐hTERT expression was associated with immature and aggressive features, such as adenosquamous carcinoma (lung and pancreas), invasive type of cancer (lung), high serum alpha‐fetoprotein level (liver), and triple‐negative status (breast). In conclusion, RdRP activity indicated by p‐hTERT expression predicts aggressive cancer phenotypes in various types of cancer. Thus, p‐hTERT is a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of aggressive cancers with a poor prognosis. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Matsuda
- Oncology Pathology, Department of Pathology and Host‐Defense, Faculty of Medicine Kagawa University, 1750‐1 Ikenobe, Miki‐cho Kita‐gun Kagawa 761‐0793 Japan
| | - Taro Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterology Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences 13‐1 Takara‐machi Kanazawa Ishikawa 920‐8641 Japan
| | - Juanjuan Ye
- Oncology Pathology, Department of Pathology and Host‐Defense, Faculty of Medicine Kagawa University, 1750‐1 Ikenobe, Miki‐cho Kita‐gun Kagawa 761‐0793 Japan
| | - Mami Yasukawa
- Division of Cancer Stem Cell National Cancer Center Research Institute 5‐1‐1 Tsukiji, Chuo‐ku Tokyo 104‐0045 Japan
| | - Keiko Yamakawa
- Oncology Pathology, Department of Pathology and Host‐Defense, Faculty of Medicine Kagawa University, 1750‐1 Ikenobe, Miki‐cho Kita‐gun Kagawa 761‐0793 Japan
| | - Yuri Mukai
- Oncology Pathology, Department of Pathology and Host‐Defense, Faculty of Medicine Kagawa University, 1750‐1 Ikenobe, Miki‐cho Kita‐gun Kagawa 761‐0793 Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Machitani
- Division of Cancer Stem Cell National Cancer Center Research Institute 5‐1‐1 Tsukiji, Chuo‐ku Tokyo 104‐0045 Japan
| | - Yataro Daigo
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Center
- Center for Advanced Medicine against Cancer, Shiga University of Medical Science Otsu Shiga 520‐2192 Japan
- Center for Antibody and Vaccine Therapy, Research Hospital, Institute of Medical Science Hospital, The University of Tokyo Tokyo 108‐8639 Japan
| | - Yohei Miyagi
- Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2‐3‐2 Nakao, Asahi‐ku Yokohama 241‐8515 Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Takeshi Kishida
- Department of Urology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, 2‐3‐2 Nakao, Asahi‐ku Yokohama 241‐8515 Japan
| | - Toshinari Minamoto
- Divison of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, 13‐1 Takara‐machi Kanazawa 920‐0934 Japan
| | - Shinji Yamada
- Department of Antibody Drug Development Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2‐1 Seiryo‐machi, Aoba‐ku Sendai Miyagi 980‐8575 Japan
| | - Junko Takei
- Department of Antibody Drug Development Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2‐1 Seiryo‐machi, Aoba‐ku Sendai Miyagi 980‐8575 Japan
| | - Mika K. Kaneko
- Department of Antibody Drug Development Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2‐1 Seiryo‐machi, Aoba‐ku Sendai Miyagi 980‐8575 Japan
| | - Motohiro Kojima
- Division of Pathology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, 6‐5‐1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa‐shi Chiba 277‐0882 Japan
| | - Shuichi Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences 13‐1 Takara‐machi Kanazawa Ishikawa 920‐8641 Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Nobuhiro Kanaji
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology Rheumatology and Respiratory Medicine
| | | | - Keiichi Okano
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Kagawa University, 1750‐1 Ikenobe, Miki‐cho Kita‐gun Kagawa 761‐0793 Japan
| | - Yukinari Kato
- Department of Antibody Drug Development Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2‐1 Seiryo‐machi, Aoba‐ku Sendai Miyagi 980‐8575 Japan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2‐1 Seiryo‐machi, Aoba‐ku Sendai Miyagi 980‐8575 Japan
| | - Kenkichi Masutomi
- Division of Cancer Stem Cell National Cancer Center Research Institute 5‐1‐1 Tsukiji, Chuo‐ku Tokyo 104‐0045 Japan
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He L, Wu MZ, Wang XB, Qiu XS, Wang EH, Wu GP. Tumor Suppressor LKB1 inhibits both the mRNA Expression and the Amplification of hTERC by the Phosphorylation of YAP in Lung Cancer Cells. J Cancer 2019; 10:3632-3638. [PMID: 31333780 PMCID: PMC6636284 DOI: 10.7150/jca.33237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) is a critical tumor suppressor that is frequently mutated in human cancers. LKB1 has serine/threonine protein kinase activity, which regulates gene expression by phosphorylation of Yes-Associated protein (YAP). The phosphorylation-dependent YAP shuttling is critically important intracellular mechanism in the Hippo pathway. In our previous study, we found that the amplification of hTERC was significant higher in the bronchial brushing cells of patients with lung cancer, however, the underlying molecular mechanism is not clear. In this study, we showed that LKB1 overexpression could phosphorylate YAP and promoted its nuclear rejection. Silencing LKB1 could dephosphorylate YAP and promoted its entry into the nucleus. Here, we found that LKB1 inhibited the mRNA expression and the amplification of hTERC. YAP further up-regulated hTERC at mRNA and gene amplification levels. Therefore, we suggest that LKB1 may inhibit the expression and amplification of hTERC through the axis of LKB1-pYAP(YAP)-hTERC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling He
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Ming-Zhe Wu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Xu-Bo Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou City Hospital of TCM, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Xue-Shan Qiu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - En-Hua Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Guang-Ping Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
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Ganesan K, Xu B. Telomerase Inhibitors from Natural Products and Their Anticancer Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 19:ijms19010013. [PMID: 29267203 PMCID: PMC5795965 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres and telomerase are nowadays exploring traits on targets for anticancer therapy. Telomerase is a unique reverse transcriptase enzyme, considered as a primary factor in almost all cancer cells, which is mainly responsible to regulate the telomere length. Hence, telomerase ensures the indefinite cell proliferation during malignancy—a hallmark of cancer—and this distinctive feature has provided telomerase as the preferred target for drug development in cancer therapy. Deactivation of telomerase and telomere destabilization by natural products provides an opening to succeed new targets for cancer therapy. This review aims to provide a fundamental knowledge for research on telomere, working regulation of telomerase and its various binding proteins to inhibit the telomere/telomerase complex. In addition, the review summarizes the inhibitors of the enzyme catalytic subunit and RNA component, natural products that target telomeres, and suppression of transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. This extensive understanding of telomerase biology will provide indispensable information for enhancing the efficiency of rational anti-cancer drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Ganesan
- Food Science and Technology Program, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai 519087, China.
| | - Baojun Xu
- Food Science and Technology Program, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai 519087, China.
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Xu B, Wang Q, Sung C. Telomerase Inhibitory Effects of Red Pigment Rubropunctatin and Statin Monacolin L Isolated from Red Yeast Rice. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8050129. [PMID: 28445391 PMCID: PMC5448003 DOI: 10.3390/genes8050129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to the cholesterol-lowering activity of red yeast rice (RYR), its anticancer activities have been frequently reported. However, the mechanism of action of the anticancer activity of RYR is not yet fully understood. The objective of the current study was to elucidate anticancer compositions and anticancer mechanism of actions of RYR. The isolated compounds from RYR were subjected to anti-proliferation assay, apoptosis assay via flow cytometry, and telomerase inhibitory assay via telomeric repeat amplification protocol-PCR (TRAP-PCR) assay, and Western blotting assay in an in vitro cell culture system. The results showed that a statin, monacolin L, and a red pigment, rubropunctatin, from RYR exhibited very strong cancer cell proliferation inhibitory effects; the rubropunctatin was comparable with anticancer drug cis-platinum, taxol, and 10-hydroxy-camptothecin (HCPT) in their IC50 values. Monacolin L and rubropunctatin exerted their anticancer activity via telomerase inhibitory effects. Monacolin L and rubropunctatin presented the similar telomerase inhibitory effects as the anticancer drug cis-platinum, while the anticancer drug HCPT presented a weak telomerase inhibitory effect in the TRAP-PCR assay. Meanwhile, rubropunctatin and cis-platinum did not present strong apoptosis induction activity as the momacolin L and HCPT did. These results indicate that the RYR may exert anticancer effects through the telomerase inhibitory effect of rubropunctatin and the apoptosis-induction effect of monacolin L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojun Xu
- Food Science and Technology Program, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai 519085, China.
| | - Qijun Wang
- College of Food and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Changkeun Sung
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Taejon 305-764, Korea.
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Menez-Jamet J, Gallou C, Rougeot A, Kosmatopoulos K. Optimized tumor cryptic peptides: the basis for universal neo-antigen-like tumor vaccines. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2016; 4:266. [PMID: 27563653 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2016.05.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The very impressive clinical results recently obtained in cancer patients treated with immune response checkpoint inhibitors boosted the interest in immunotherapy as a therapeutic choice in cancer treatment. However, these inhibitors require a pre-existing tumor specific immune response and the presence of tumor infiltrating T cells to be efficient. This immune response can be triggered by cancer vaccines. One of the main issues in tumor vaccination is the choice of the right antigen to target. All vaccines tested to date targeted tumor associated antigens (TAA) that are self-antigens and failed to show a clinical efficacy because of the immune self-tolerance to TAA. A new class of tumor antigens has recently been described, the neo-antigens that are created by point mutations of tumor expressing proteins and are recognized by the immune system as non-self. Neo-antigens exhibit two main properties: they are not involved in the immune self-tolerance process and are immunogenic. However, the majority of the neo-antigens are patient specific and their use as cancer vaccines requires their previous identification in each patient individualy that can be done only in highly specialized research centers. It is therefore evident that neo-antigens cannot be used for patient vaccination worldwide. This raises the question of whether we can find neo-antigen like vaccines, which would not be patient specific. In this review we show that optimized cryptic peptides from TAA are neo-antigen like peptides. Optimized cryptic peptides are recognized by the immune system as non-self because they target self-cryptic peptides that escape self-tolerance; in addition they are strongly immunogenic because their sequence is modified in order to enhance their affinity for the HLA molecule. The first vaccine based on the optimized cryptic peptide approach, Vx-001, which targets the widely expressed tumor antigen telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), has completed a large phase I clinical study and is currently being tested in a randomized phase II trial in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aude Rougeot
- Vaxon Biotech, 3 rue de l'Arrivée 75015, Paris, France
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Telomerase activity in non-small cell lung cancer. POLISH JOURNAL OF THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY 2016; 13:15-20. [PMID: 27212973 PMCID: PMC4860429 DOI: 10.5114/kitp.2016.58959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High telomerase activity has been detected in the majority of malignant neoplasms including lung cancer. The purpose of the study was to attempt to use telomerase activity as a prognostic factor in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIAL AND METHODS Telomerase activity was analyzed in 47 tissue specimens taken from patients with NSCLC. The control group consisted of 30 specimens of non-cancerous lung parenchyma. Telomerase activity was measured by means of the telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP). RESULTS Telomerase activity in the neoplastic tissue was significantly higher than in the lung parenchyma that was free from neoplastic infiltration. There was no significant association between telomerase activity and age, gender, tobacco smoking, histological type of the tumor, or staging (pTNM). No association was found between the level of telomerase activity in NSCLC specimens and the two-year survival rate of patients (p = 0.326). A higher level of telomerase activity in poorly differentiated tumors (G3) as compared to moderately differentiated tumors (G2) was detected (p = 0.008). A positive association was identified between telomerase activity in pulmonary parenchyma free from tumor infiltration and the presence of leukocyte infiltration (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS No association was found between the level of telomerase activity in NSCLC specimens and the two-year survival rate of patients. The study has revealed a positive association between telomerase activity and the grade of differentiation (G) in NSCLC.
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de-Torres JP, Zulueta JJ. The association with COPD. Lung Cancer 2015. [DOI: 10.1183/2312508x.10009314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Guan GG, Wang WB, Lei BX, Wang QL, Wu L, Fu ZM, Zhou FX, Zhou YF. UBE2D3 is a positive prognostic factor and is negatively correlated with hTERT expression in esophageal cancer. Oncol Lett 2015; 9:1567-1574. [PMID: 25789002 PMCID: PMC4356423 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.2926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is a critical factor in unlimited cell proliferation and immortalization, with numerous studies demonstrating that high expression of hTERT is a poor prognostic factor in various types of cancer. Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2D 3 (UBE2D3) is a member of the E2 family, and participates in the ubiquitin proteasome pathway to regulate basic cellular activities, such as cell cycle control, the DNA damage response, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. Our previous study initially determined that downregulation of UBE2D3 expression increases hTERT expression and cell proliferation, however, the association between the expression of these two proteins and their functions in cancer tissues remains unknown. Therefore, the protein expression levels of hTERT and UBE2D3 were evaluated in 150 esophageal cancer and 30 adjacent healthy tissue samples by performing immunohistochemical analysis. Concurrently, the clinicopathological data of the enrolled patients were obtained to allow correlation analysis. It was identified that the expression of hTERT in the esophageal cancer tissues was significantly higher compared with that of the adjacent tissues (P=0.015), however, the expression of UBE2D3 was significantly lower in esophageal cancer tissues than the adjacent tissues (P=0.001). Additionally, the study demonstrated that hTERT was significantly upregulated in poorly-differentiated, advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage cancer tissues (P<0.05 for all), however, UBE2D3 expression was downregulated in poorly-differentiated, lymph node invaded cancer tissues and recurrent cases. It was also identified that traditional factors, including tumor location, T stage, lymph node status, TNM stage, and molecular factors of hTERT and UBE2D3, were significantly associated with overall survival time (P<0.05 for all). Furthermore, UBE2D3, lymph node status and tumor location were independent prognostic factors for esophageal cancer in multivariate analysis. Most notably, hTERT and UBE2D3 expression were negatively correlated with each other. In conclusion, the findings of the present study indicated that hTERT and UBE2D3 proteins appear to be involved in the development of esophageal cancer, that UBE2D3 may a positive prognostic factor for esophageal cancer, and that UBE2D3 and hTERT expression levels are inversely correlated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Ge Guan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Wen Bo Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China ; Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Bing Xin Lei
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Qiao Li Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Lin Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Ming Fu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China ; Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Fu Xiang Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China ; Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Yun Feng Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China ; Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
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Cherneva R, Georgiev O, Petrova D. Early Detection of Lung Cancer: A Call for Novel Biomarkers-Review. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2007.10817435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Gahn B, Staudinger M, Woester K, Wellnitz D, Boettcher S, Gramatzki M, Kneba M. In vitro activation of hTERT-specific T cell responses in lung cancer patients following chemotherapy. J Thorac Dis 2013; 5:240-50. [PMID: 23825754 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2013.05.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine chemotherapy concomitant in vitro activation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT)-specific T cell responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS PBMCs depleted of regulatory T cells were stimulated by peptide loaded dendritic cells (DC) matured either by application of cytokines (cDC) or a Toll-like receptor 7/8-agonist combined with a soluble CD40-ligand (ligDC). The hTERT peptide-specific T cell responses were assessed using flow cytometry for intracellular interferon-γ (IFN-γ). RESULTS After cDC activation, T cells producing IFN-γ in response to hTERT were found in PBMC samples of 4 patients. In 2 of these patients the hTERT-specific T cell responses were further increased after ligDC application. However, PBMC of 3 other patients showed little or no induction of hTERT-specific T cell responses as a result of the methods applied during this study. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate, that concomitant to chemotherapy hTERT-specific T cell responses can be activated in PBMC of NSCLC patients in vitro. This activation can be further increased by ligDC though the number of responding patients is still limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Gahn
- Second Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, 24116 Kiel, Germany
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13
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Vermaelen K, Brusselle G. Exposing a deadly alliance: novel insights into the biological links between COPD and lung cancer. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2013; 26:544-54. [PMID: 23701918 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects more than 200 million people worldwide and is expected to become the third leading cause of death in 2020. COPD is characterized by progressive airflow limitation, due to a combination of chronic inflammation and remodeling of the small airways (bronchiolitis) and loss of elastic recoil caused by destruction of the alveolar walls (emphysema). Lung cancer is the most important cause of cancer-related death in the world. (Cigarette) smoking is the principal culprit causing both COPD and lung cancer; in addition, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, biomass fuel smoke, coal smoke and outdoor air pollution have also been associated with an increased incidence of both diseases. Importantly, smokers with COPD--defined as either not fully reversible airflow limitation or emphysema--have a two- to four-fold increased risk to develop lung cancer. In this review, we highlight several of the genetic, epigenetic and inflammatory mechanisms, which link COPD and carcinogenesis in the lungs. Elucidating the biological pathways and networks, which underlie the increased susceptibility of lung cancer in patients with COPD, has important implications for screening, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these two devastating pulmonary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Vermaelen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
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Detection of human telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA in cells obtained by lavage of the pleura is not associated with worse outcome in patients with stage I/II non-small cell lung cancer: results from Cancer and Leukemia Group B 159902. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2012; 146:206-11. [PMID: 23026566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2012.08.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous studies suggest that cytologic analysis of cells obtained by lavage of the pleural surfaces at the time of resection of non-small cell lung cancer can identify patients at risk for recurrence. Because telomerase gene expression has been associated with worse outcome in non-small cell lung cancer, we hypothesized that identification of cells obtained from pleural lavage that express telomerase would identify patients at risk for recurrent disease. METHODS Patients with presumed non-small cell lung cancer underwent thoracotomy with curative intent. Cells obtained by lavage of the pleural surfaces were analyzed for telomerase catalytic subunit human telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA expression using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS A total of 194 patients with stage I/II non-small cell lung cancer had adequate samples, and median follow-up was 60 months (17-91 months). By using Cox models, no statistical differences were found between human telomerase reverse transcriptase-negative and positive patients in disease-free survival (hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.85-1.94; log-rank test, P = .2349) or overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.72-1.79; log-rank test, P = .5912) CONCLUSIONS: Detection of human telomerase reverse transcriptase in cells obtained from pleural lavage of patients with stage I/II non-small cell lung cancer does not identify patients at risk for recurrent disease.
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Chen CH, Chen RJ. Prevalence of telomerase activity in human cancer. J Formos Med Assoc 2011; 110:275-89. [PMID: 21621148 DOI: 10.1016/s0929-6646(11)60043-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Revised: 10/30/2010] [Accepted: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase activity has been measured in a wide variety of cancerous and non-cancerous tissue types, and the vast majority of clinical studies have shown a direct correlation between it and the presence of cancerous cells. Telomerase plays a key role in cellular immortality and tumorigenesis. Telomerase is activated in 80-90% of human carcinomas, but not in normal somatic cells, therefore, its detection holds promise as a diagnostic marker for cancer. Measurable levels of telomerase have been detected in malignant cells from various samples: tissue from gestational trophoblastic neoplasms; squamous carcinoma cells from oral rinses; lung carcinoma cells from bronchial washings; colorectal carcinoma cells from colonic luminal washings; bladder carcinoma cells from urine or bladder washings; and breast carcinoma or thyroid cancer cells from fine needle aspirations. Such clinical tests for telomerase can be useful as non-invasive and cost-effective methods for early detection and monitoring of cancer. In addition, telomerase activity has been shown to correlate with poor clinical outcome in late-stage diseases such as non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and soft tissue sarcomas. In such cases, testing for telomerase activity can be used to identify patients with a poor prognosis and to select those who might benefit from adjuvant treatment. Our review of the latest medical advances in this field reveals that telomerase holds great promise as a biomarker for early cancer detection and monitoring, and has considerable potential as the basis for developing new anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hau Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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16
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Kotsakis A, Vetsika EK, Christou S, Hatzidaki D, Vardakis N, Aggouraki D, Konsolakis G, Georgoulias V, Christophyllakis C, Cordopatis P, Kosmatopoulos K, Mavroudis D. Clinical outcome of patients with various advanced cancer types vaccinated with an optimized cryptic human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) peptide: results of an expanded phase II study. Ann Oncol 2011; 23:442-9. [PMID: 21873272 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdr396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) plays a critical role in tumor cell growth and survival. In an expanded phase II study, we evaluated the immunological and clinical responses to the TERT-targeting Vx-001 vaccine in patients with advanced solid tumors. METHODS HLA-A*0201-positive patients received two subcutaneous injections of the optimized TERT(572Y) peptide followed by four injections of the native TERT(572) peptide, every 3 weeks. Peptide-specific immune responses were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot at baseline, and after the second and the sixth vaccinations. RESULTS Fifty-five patients were enrolled and 34 (62%) completed the six vaccinations. A TERT-specific T-cell immune response was observed in 55% and 70% of patients after the second and the sixth vaccinations, respectively. The disease control rate (DCR) was 36% [95% confidence interval (CI) 24% to 49%], including one complete and one partial response. Immunologically responding patients had a better clinical outcome than nonresponders [DCR: 44% versus 14% (P = 0.047); progression-free survival (PFS): 5.2 versus 2.2 months (P = 0.0001) and overall survival: 20 versus 10 months (P = 0.041)]. Multivariate analysis revealed that the immunological response was an independent variable associated with increased PFS (hazard ratio = 3.35; 95% CI 1.7-6.7). CONCLUSION Vx-001 vaccine was well tolerated and induced a TERT-specific immunological response, which was significantly correlated with improved clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kotsakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Hiyama E, Hiyama K. Telomerase detection in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. Cytotechnology 2011; 45:61-74. [PMID: 19003244 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-004-5126-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2004] [Accepted: 09/21/2004] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase, a critical enzyme responsible 'for cellular immortality, is usually repressed in somatic cells except for lymphocytes and self-renewal cells, but is activated in approximately 85% of human cancer tissues. The human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is the catalytic component of human telomerase. In cancers in which telomerase activation occurs at the early stages of the disease, telomerase activity and hTERT expression are useful markers for the detection of cancer cells. In other cancers in which telomerase becomes upregulated upon tumor progression, they are useful as prognostic indicators. However, careful attention should be paid to false-negative results caused by the instability of telomerase and of the hTERT mRNA and the presence of PCR inhibitors, as well as to false-positive results caused by the presence of alternatively spliced hTERT mRNA and normal cells with telomerase activity. Recently, methods for the in situ detection of the hTERT mRNA and protein have been developed. These methods should facilitate the unequivocal detection of cancer cells, even in tissues containing a background of normal telomerase-positive cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiso Hiyama
- Natural Science Center for Basic Research and Development, RIRBM, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan,
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Pageau SC, Sazonova OV, Wong JY, Soto AM, Sonnenschein C. The effect of stromal components on the modulation of the phenotype of human bronchial epithelial cells in 3D culture. Biomaterials 2011; 32:7169-80. [PMID: 21724251 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The stroma plays an important role in the development and progression of human diseases. Pulmonary diseases such as asthma, fibrosis and cancer are thought to be the result of altered communications between the epithelial and stromal tissue compartments. In order to study these epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, we developed a three dimensional (3D) in vitro model of the human airway that mimics bronchial morphology and function. This model consists of a type-I collagen matrix, normal human fetal lung fibroblasts (IMR-90) or primary human adult lung cancer-associated fibroblasts (LuCAFs), and a surface epithelium of normal human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs). When cultured at an air-liquid interface (ALI), the epithelial component generated a well-differentiated pseudo-stratified bronchial epithelium that contained basal, ciliated, and non-ciliated (secretory) epithelial cells. IMR-90 and LuCAFs differentially altered the phenotype of HBECs in distinct ways. While IMR-90 permitted HBECs to form a typical respiratory surface epithelium, LuCAFs promoted HBECs to invade the collagen gel forming both epithelial nodules and cysts, suggesting that LuCAFs may alter the HBEC phenotype by modifying biomechanical signals conveyed through the extracellular matrix (ECM). Furthermore, LuCAFs secreted soluble factors that induced HBECs to express genes associated with immune responses, apoptosis, mitosis, cell survival, differentiation and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven C Pageau
- Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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19
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Rahmati-Yamchi M, Zarghami N, Rahbani M, Montazeri A. Plasma Leptin, hTERT Gene Expression, and Anthropometric Measures in Obese and Non-Obese Women with Breast Cancer. BREAST CANCER-BASIC AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2011; 5:27-35. [PMID: 21494399 PMCID: PMC3076011 DOI: 10.4137/bcbcr.s6734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) occurs in most cancers but its relation with obesity is unclear. This study explores the association between leptin levels and anthropometric indices with hTERT mRNA levels in breast cancer patients of different obesity grades. Materials and methods: In this case-control study, 65 breast cancer patients participated. Expression of tissues hTERT mRNA was carried out by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Leptin concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results: Twelve patients (18.46%) were hTERT negative and 53(81.54%) were positive. hTERT mRNA levels were associated with BMI but not with waist circumference (WC) (r = 0.219, P = 0.22) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) (r = 0.212, P = 0.237). Leptin level and hTERT mRNA levels (r = 0.484, P = 0.008) were correlated as well as BMI and hTERT expression. Conclusions: This study has shown a correlation between leptin levels and hTERT expression. These findings may clarify the role of leptin in breast carcinogenesis, and hence obesity could be responsible for increased incidences in breast cancer as well as its progression via enhanced production of leptin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rahmati-Yamchi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Kawai T, Hiroi S, Nakanishi K, Takagawa K, Haba R, Hayashi K, Kawachi K, Nozawa A, Hebisawa A, Nakatani Y. Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma of the pleura. Pathol Int 2010; 60:566-74. [PMID: 20618734 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1827.2010.02560.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma (LHM), reported to be a rare variant of sarcomatoid mesothelioma, is challenging to differentiate from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma due to marked lymphocytic infiltration. To aid accurate recognition of LHM, we examined immunohistochemical, in situ hybridization (ISH) of Epstein-Barr virus RNA (EBER-1) mRNA, fluorescence ISH (FISH) for homozygous deletion of 9p21, and asbestos analysis in four cases (three men and 1 woman). Three patients died, while Case 4 was still alive 19 months after extrapleural pneumonectomy. Histologically, these cases were characterized by heavy lymphocytic infiltration. All neoplastic cells were positive for calretinin, AE1/AE3, and epithelial membrane antigen, but negative for CEA. EBER1 factor was negative. FISH analysis demonstrated homozygous deletion of the 9p21 locus in three of the four cases. In Case 1: (i) autopsy findings showed mesothelioma primarily located in the right parietal pleura, but metastasized into the left lung and abdominal organs; (ii) the histological findings at autopsy indicated sarcomatoid mesothelioma; and (iii) we found asbestos bodies and fibers in extracts from lung tissue (Cases 1 & 4) using digestion with bleaching fluid. LHM, an infrequent variant of sarcomatoid mesothelioma, displayed homozygous deletion of the 9p21 locus (three of four cases), and has a relatively favorable prognosis for the sarcomatoid type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Kawai
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan.
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Proctor A, Brownhill SC, Burchill SA. The promise of telomere length, telomerase activity and its regulation in the translocation-dependent cancer ESFT; clinical challenges and utility. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2009; 1792:260-74. [PMID: 19264125 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2009.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2009] [Revised: 02/19/2009] [Accepted: 02/20/2009] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The Ewing's sarcoma family of tumours (ESFT) are diagnosed by EWS-ETS gene translocations. The resulting fusion proteins play a role in both the initiation and maintenance of these solid aggressive malignant tumours, suppressing cellular senescence and increasing cell proliferation and survival. EWS-ETS fusion proteins have altered transcriptional activity, inducing expression of a number of different target genes including telomerase. Up-regulation of hTERT is most likely responsible for the high levels of telomerase activity in primary ESFT, although telomerase activity and expression of hTERT are not predictive of outcome. However levels of telomerase activity in peripheral blood may be useful to monitor response to some therapeutics. Despite high levels of telomerase activity, telomeres in ESFT are frequently shorter than those of matched normal cells. Uncertainty about the role that telomerase and regulators of its activity play in the maintenance of telomere length in normal and cancer cells, and lack of studies examining the relationship between telomerase activity, regulators of its activity and their clinical significance in patient samples have limited their introduction into clinical practice. Studies in clinical samples using standardised assays are critical to establish how telomerase and regulators of its activity might best be exploited for patient benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Proctor
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
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Lepreux S, Doudnikoff E, Aubert I, Bioulac-Sage P, Bloch B, Martin-Negrier ML. Cytoplasmic expression of human telomerase catalytic protein (hTERT) in neutrophils: an immunoelectron microscopy study. Ultrastruct Pathol 2008; 32:178-83. [PMID: 18958789 DOI: 10.1080/01913120802034504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Human telomerase comprises a catalytic protein subunit (hTERT) and an RNA subunit (hTR). Telomerase extends chromosome ends in compensation for the attrition of the telomeres during replication. In this work, the authors explore the expression of hTERT and hTR in neutrophils, respectively by immunochemistry techniques and in situ hybridization. hTERT was strongly expressed in neutrophils cytoplasm. The ultrastructural study showed that the gold particles were not associated with specific organelles but scattered in the cytosol. hTR was not expressed. hTERT is expressed in the cytoplasm of neutrophils, but its roles-eventually extratelomeric effects-remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastien Lepreux
- Laboratoire d'Histologie-Embryologie, UFR II, Universite Victor Segalen Bordeaux, France.
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23
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Bolonaki I, Kotsakis A, Papadimitraki E, Aggouraki D, Konsolakis G, Vagia A, Christophylakis C, Nikoloudi I, Magganas E, Galanis A, Cordopatis P, Kosmatopoulos K, Georgoulias V, Mavroudis D. Vaccination of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with an optimized cryptic human telomerase reverse transcriptase peptide. J Clin Oncol 2007; 25:2727-34. [PMID: 17602077 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2006.10.3465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the immunological and clinical response as well as the safety of the optimized peptide telomerase reverse transcriptase p572Y (TERT572Y) presented by HLA-A*0201 in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-two patients with advanced NSCLC and residual (n = 8) or progressive disease (PD; n = 14) following chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy received two subcutaneous injections of the optimized TERT572Y peptide followed by four injections of the native TERT572 peptide administered every 3 weeks. Peptide-specific immune responses were monitored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay and/or TERT572Y pentamer staining. RESULTS Twelve (54.5%) of 22 patients completed the vaccination program. Toxicity consisted primarily of local skin reactions. TERT572-specific CD8+ cells were detected in 16 (76.2%) of 21 patients after the second vaccination, and 10 (90.9%) of 11 patients after the sixth vaccination. Stable disease (SD) occurred in eight (36.4%) of 22 vaccinated patients, with three (13.6%) having had PD before entering the study. The median duration of SD was 11.2 months. After a median follow-up of 10.0 months, patients with early developed immunological response (n = 16) had a significantly longer time to progression and overall survival (OS) than nonresponders (n = 5; log-rank tests P = .046 and P = .012, respectively). The estimated median OS was 30.0 months (range, 2.8 to 40.0 months) and 4.1 months (range, 2.4 to 10.9 months) for responders and nonresponders, respectively. CONCLUSION TERT572Y peptide vaccine is well tolerated and effective in eliciting a specific T cell immunity. Immunological response is associated with prolonged survival. These results are encouraging and warrant further evaluation in a randomized study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irini Bolonaki
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Lantuéjoul S, Salon C, Soria JC, Brambilla E. Telomerase expression in lung preneoplasia and neoplasia. Int J Cancer 2007; 120:1835-41. [PMID: 17311257 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.22473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres are specialized structures at eukaryotic chromosomes ends, which role is to prevent them from degradation, end to-end fusion and rearrangement. However, they shorten after each cellular division because of an incomplete DNA replication, acting in normal somatic cells as a mitotic clock for permanent proliferation arrest or senescence entry. Short telomeres are perceived as damaged DNA leading to p53/ATM pathway activation. In tumoral cells, a ribonucleoprotein complex termed telomerase enables telomere elongation. This complex, composed of 2 main components, the telomerase RNA component or hTR, the RNA template for telomere synthesis, and telomerase reverse transcriptase, the catalytic subunit, is reactivated in the majority of cancers, including those of the lung. In this review, we briefly present the main results on telomerase expression in various histological types of lung carcinoma and in bronchial carcinogenesis along with telomere attrition. Inhibition of one of the main components of the enzyme or limitation of telomere access by telomerase represent novel targets for cancer therapies and chemoprevention in high risk patients of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Lantuéjoul
- Department of Pathology and Lung Cancer Research Group INSERM U 578, Institut A Bonniot, CHU Michallon, Grenoble, France
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Abstract
One unique feature of tumors is the presence of hypoxic regions, which occur predominantly at the tumor center. Hypoxia has a major impact on various aspects of tumor cell function and proliferation. Hypoxic tumor cells are relatively insensitive to conventional therapy owing to cellular adaptations effected by the hypoxic microenvironment. Recent efforts have aimed to alter the hypoxic state and to reverse these adaptations to improve treatment outcome. One way to increase tumor oxygen tensions is by hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy. HBO therapy can influence the tumor microenvironment at several levels. It can alter tumor hypoxia, a potent stimulus that drives angiogenesis. Hyperoxia as a result of HBO also produces reactive oxygen species, which can damage tumors by inducing excessive oxidative stress. This review outlines the importance of oxygen to tumors and the mechanisms by which tumors survive under hypoxic conditions. It also presents data from both experimental and clinical studies for the effect of HBO on malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jurstine Daruwalla
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Hospital, Level 8 Lance Townsend Building, Austin Health, Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084 Australia.
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Capkova L, Kalinova M, Krskova L, Kodetova D, Petrik F, Trefny M, Musil J, Kodet R. Loss of heterozygosity and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression in bronchial mucosa of heavy smokers. Cancer 2007; 109:2299-307. [PMID: 17429837 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.22683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung carcinogenesis is a multistep process of accumulation of genetic changes, including loss of heterozygosity (LOH), and precedes phenotypic transformation of the bronchial mucosa. The activity of telomerase, correlating with the hTERT mRNA expression, is detectable in a majority of neoplasms. In this study, the frequency of LOH and hTERT expression in bronchial mucosa of heavy smokers in bronchoscopic biopsies was analyzed. METHODS LOH was examined in 122 bronchial specimens from 81 smokers (67 normal mucosa/bronchitis, 12 squamous metaplasia, 28 dysplasia, 15 bronchogenic carcinoma specimens) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and capillary electrophoresis by using 7 fluorescence-labeled markers matching 5 chromosomal regions. hTERT expression was analyzed in 87 specimens (45 normal mucosa/bronchitis, 12 squamous metaplasia, 18 dysplasia, 12 bronchogenic carcinoma specimens) by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. RESULTS LOH was detected in at least 1 chromosomal region in 51 of 122 (41.8%) specimens; the incidence in normal bronchial mucosa and preneoplastic lesions was similar (20%-40%); a substantial rise (87%) occurred in carcinomas. The median normalized hTERT(N) values were 6.67 in normal epithelium/chronic bronchitis, 18.38 in squamous metaplasia, 13.31 in epithelial dysplasia, and 75.46 in carcinomas. These results were significantly different (P=.0036). With an increasing number of LOH, the median value of hTERT(N) expression rose, but hTERT was expressed also in tissue samples without any LOH detection. CONCLUSIONS Results indicated that hTERT expression, together with LOH, represent early events in lung carcinogenesis, as both were detected in precancerous lesions and in normal epithelium of heavy smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Capkova
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, 2nd Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Mavrogiannou E, Strati A, Stathopoulou A, Tsaroucha EG, Kaklamanis L, Lianidou ES. Real-Time RT-PCR Quantification of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Splice Variants in Tumor Cell Lines and Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer. Clin Chem 2007; 53:53-61. [PMID: 17130181 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2006.073015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBackground: We developed and validated a real-time reverse transcription (RT)–PCR for the quantification of 4 individual human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) splice variants (α+β+, α−β+, α+β−, α−β−) in tumor cell lines and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods: We used in silico designed primers and a common TaqMan probe for highly specific amplification of each TERT splice variant, PCR transcript–specific DNA external standards as calibrators, and the MCF-7 cell line for the development and validation of the method. We then quantified TERT splice variants in 6 tumor cell lines and telomerase activity and TERT splice variant expression in cancerous and paired noncancerous tissue samples from 28 NSCLC patients.Results: In most tumor cell lines, we observed little variation in the proportion of TERT splice variants. The α+β− splice variant showed the highest expression and α−β+ and α−β− the lowest. Quantification of the 4 TERT splice variants in NSCLC and surrounding nonneoplastic tissues showed the highest expression percentage for the α+β− variant in both NSCLC and adjacent nonneoplastic tissue samples, followed by α+β+, with the α−β+ and α−β− splice variants having the lowest expression. In the NSCLC tumors, the α+β+ variant had higher expression than other splice variants, and its expression correlated with telomerase activity, overall survival, and disease-free survival.Conclusions: Real-time RT-PCR quantification is a specific, sensitive, and rapid method that can elucidate the biological role of TERT splice variants in tumor development and progression. Our results suggest that the expression of the TERT α+β+ splice variant may be an independent negative prognostic factor for NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Mavrogiannou
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Takata M, Kerman K, Nagatani N, Konaka H, Namiki M, Tamiya E. Label-free bioelectronic immunoassay for the detection of human telomerase reverse transcriptase in urine. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2006.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Nishio Y, Nakanishi K, Ozeki Y, Jiang SX, Kameya T, Hebisawa A, Mukai M, Travis WD, Franks TJ, Kawai T. Telomere Length, Telomerase Activity, and Expressions of Human Telomerase mRNA Component (hTERC) and Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA in Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Tumors. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2006; 37:16-22. [PMID: 17060405 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyl118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomeres are important for chromosome structure and function, protecting them against degradation. However, few studies have examined telomeres in pulmonary neuroendocrine (NE) tumors. METHODS We investigated deparaffinized sections obtained from 70 primary NE lung tumors [34 typical carcinoids (TCs), 10 atypical carcinoids (ACs), 16 large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNECs) and 10 small cell lung carcinomas (SCLCs)]. RESULTS Positive expressions of human telomerase mRNA component (hTERC) and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA were recognized, respectively, in 58% and 74% of TCs, and in 100% and 100% of ACs, LCNECs and SCLCs. Alteration of telomere length was greater in both LCNECs and SCLCs than in TCs. Telomerase activity was detected in LCNECs, but not in TCs. By the reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), hTERC mRNA was detected in 100% of LCNECs and TCs examined, while hTERT mRNA was detected in 67% of LCNECs, but not at all in TCs. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that alterations in telomere length, telomerase activity, and the expression of hTERT mRNA may (i) play roles in pathogenesis in pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors, and (ii) be a useful tool for differential diagnosis between TCs and LCNECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Nishio
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
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Zhu CQ, Shih W, Ling CH, Tsao MS. Immunohistochemical markers of prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer: a review and proposal for a multiphase approach to marker evaluation. J Clin Pathol 2006; 59:790-800. [PMID: 16873561 PMCID: PMC1860456 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2005.031351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Characteristics of the tumour that affect and predict the survival outcome of patients with cancer are prognostic markers for cancer. In non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), stage is the main determinant of prognosis and the basis for deciding options for treatment. Patients with early-stage tumour are treated by complete surgical resection, which is curative in 40-70% of patients. That there are other factors important in determining the biology of these tumours, especially genes that have a role in metastasis, is indicated. Such factors could potentially be used to further classify patients into groups according to substages that may be treated differently. During the past decade, a large number of proteins that are putatively important in carcinogenesis and cancer biology have been studied for their prognostic value in NSCLC, but none of them have been proved to be sufficiently useful in clinical diagnosis. Several markers (epidermal growth factor receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, Ki-67, p53 and Bcl-2) have been studied exhaustively. Ki-67, p53 and Bcl-2 are suggested to be important but weak prognostic markers, by meta-analyses of the results. Cyclin E, vascular endothelial growth factor A, p16(INK4A), p27(kip1) and beta-catenin are promising candidates, but require further study in large randomised clinical trial samples by using standardised assays and scoring systems. Some issues and inconsistencies in the reported studies to date are highlighted and discussed. A guideline for a multi-phase approach for conducting future studies on prognostic immunohistochemistry markers is proposed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-Q Zhu
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
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31
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Puebla-Mora AG, Heras A, Cano-Valdez AM, Domínguez-Malagón H. Human telomerase and alpha-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase in prostatic carcinoma. A comparative immunohistochemical study. Ann Diagn Pathol 2006; 10:205-8. [PMID: 16844561 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2005.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Human telomerase detected by in situ hybridization has been demonstrated to be a useful tool for the diagnosis of malignancy and has also been tested by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in several tumors such as hepatic cell carcinoma, melanoma, colonic carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, biliary carcinoma, breast carcinoma, mesothelioma, lung carcinoma, female tract carcinoma, and prostatic carcinoma. A monoclonal antibody (clone Tel-24) that allows for the detection of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in paraffin blocks of archival material has recently been developed. Carcinomas of cervix, endometrium, and breast have been studied by this method, but its value in prostatic carcinoma has not been explored; for that reason, we studied benign and malignant prostatic lesions by immunohistochemistry using paraffin embedded tissue. The aim of the study was to define the sensitivity and specificity of hTERT in prostate cancer, in comparison with alpha-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase (AMACR) (P504-S). Fifty-five specimens of diverse prostatic lesions were selected for study (43 needle biopsies and 12 transurethral resections); there were 61 malignancies (47 infiltrating carcinomas and 14 high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasias [PIN]) and 29 benign lesions (10 basal cell hyperplasias, 12 nodular hyperplasias, 4 chronic prostatitis, and 3 atrophic glands). Signal for hTERT nucleolar was detected in 31 of 47 infiltrating adenocarcinomas, in 11 of 14 PIN, and in none of 27 benign lesions (sensitivity, 71%; specificity, 100%). Diffuse cytoplasmic positivity for AMACR was found in 37 of 41 infiltrating adenocarcinomas, in 7 of 7 PIN, and in 6 of 22 benign lesions (sensitivity, 91%; specificity, 72%). These results indicate that hTERT is highly specific of malignancy, with no false-positive cases; however, it had lower sensitivity than AMACR.
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Chen KY, Lee LN, Yu CJ, Lee YC, Kuo SH, Yang PC. Elevation of telomerase activity positively correlates to poor prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Lett 2006; 240:148-56. [PMID: 16249053 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2005.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2005] [Revised: 09/10/2005] [Accepted: 09/12/2005] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Increased telomerase activity has been found in various types of human malignancies, including lung cancer. However, the correlation between the level of telomerase activity and the clinical characteristics of lung cancer patients remains unclear. The levels of telomerase activity in lung cancer specimens and adjacent non-neoplastic tissues obtained from 68 patients who underwent surgery were measured by using a non-radioactive quantitative method. Clinical and pathologic parameters were evaluated with respect to the level of telomerase activity. Prominent telomerase activity was detected in 58 (85.3%) lung cancer tissues and 21 (30.9%) adjacent non-neoplastic tissues. There was a trend of increase in relative telomerase activity in regard to the advanced pathological stage, and lymph node metastasis. Using Cox regression analysis, we found that every 100 unit of increase in relative telomerase activity was associated with an increase in the hazard ratio of death by 13% after controlling for other variables such as age, gender, and stage (Hazard ratio=1.13; 95% CI: 1.03-1.23, P=0.006). For patients with stage I disease, an increase of every 100unit of relative telomerase activity was associated with an even higher increase of 33% in the hazard ratio of death (Hazard ratio=1.33; 95% CI: 1.07-1.65, P=0.011) and a 16% increase in the hazard of disease recurrence (Hazard ratio=1.16, 95% CI: 1.01-1.33, P=0.032). The level of telomerase activity is positively correlated with the risk of recurrence and mortality of lung cancer. The level of telomerase activity would predict the prognosis of lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Yu Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 100, Taiwan
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Zhu CQ, Cutz JC, Liu N, Lau D, Shepherd FA, Squire JA, Tsao MS. Amplification of telomerase (hTERT) gene is a poor prognostic marker in non-small-cell lung cancer. Br J Cancer 2006; 94:1452-9. [PMID: 16641908 PMCID: PMC2361293 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6603110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reactivation is a hallmark of human carcinogenesis. Increased telomerase activity may result from gene amplification and/or overexpression. This study evaluates the prognostic value of hTERT gene amplification and mRNA overexpression in 144 resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens. The hTERT gene copy number was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) on laser-capture microdissected tumour cells of 81 tumours, and by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) on a subset of 59 tumours. hTERT mRNA level was determined by reverse transcription (RT)-qPCR in 130 tumours. In total, 57% of (46 out of 81) primary NSCLC specimens demonstrated hTERT amplification, which was significantly more common (P<0.001) in adenocarcinoma (30 out of 40) than in squamous cell carcinoma (13 out of 37). The hTERT mRNA overexpression was noted in 74% (94 out of 130) of tumours; it was more frequent in squamous cell than in adenocarcinoma (87 vs 68%, P=0.03). Overexpression was significantly associated with amplification (P=0.03), especially in adenocarcinoma. The hTERT gene amplification was prognostic for shorter recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio=2.16, P=0.03). These data indicate that gene amplification is an important mechanism for hTERT overexpression in lung adenocarcinoma and is an independent poor prognostic marker for disease-free survival in NSCLC.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/diagnosis
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/metabolism
- DNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- Disease Progression
- Female
- Gene Amplification
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
- Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/metabolism
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prognosis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Telomerase/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- C-Q Zhu
- Division of Applied Molecular Oncology, Ontario Cancer Institute, Ontario, Toranto, Canada
| | - J-C Cutz
- Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - N Liu
- Division of Applied Molecular Oncology, Ontario Cancer Institute, Ontario, Toranto, Canada
| | - D Lau
- Division of Applied Molecular Oncology, Ontario Cancer Institute, Ontario, Toranto, Canada
| | - F A Shepherd
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2M9
| | - J A Squire
- Division of Applied Molecular Oncology, Ontario Cancer Institute, Ontario, Toranto, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2M9
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2M9
| | - M-S Tsao
- Division of Applied Molecular Oncology, Ontario Cancer Institute, Ontario, Toranto, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2M9
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2M9
- Princess Margaret Hospital, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2M9. E-mail:
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Chen HH, Yu CH, Wang JT, Liu BY, Wang YP, Sun A, Tsai TC, Chiang CP. Expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) protein is significantly associated with the progression, recurrence and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma in Taiwan. Oral Oncol 2006; 43:122-9. [PMID: 16798059 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2006.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2006] [Accepted: 01/23/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study used an immunohistochemical technique to examine the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) protein in 82 specimens of OSCC, 116 specimens of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), and 21 specimens of normal oral mucosa (NOM). The cytoplasmic and nuclear hTERT staining intensity (SI; 0, no staining; 1, weak; 2, moderate; 3, strong), labeling indices (LIs, defined as the percentage of positive cells in total cells), and labeling scores (LSs, defined as LI x SI) in OSCC, OED, and NOM samples were calculated and compared among groups. The correlation between the cytoplasmic or nuclear hTERT LS in OSCCs and clinicopathological parameters or survival of OSCC patients was analyzed statistically. The mean cytoplasmic hTERT LSs increased significantly from NOM (87+/-17%) through OED (95+/-18%) to OSCC samples (114+/-33%, p=0.000). The mean nuclear hTERT LSs also increased from NOM (80+/-14%) to OED (91+/-20%) and then decreased to OSCC samples (86+/-35%) with no statistically significant difference among the 3 groups. A significant correlation was found between the higher mean cytoplasmic hTERT LSs and OSCCs occurring in male patients (p=0.023), with larger tumor sizes (T3 and T4, p=0.048), with more advanced clinical stages (stages 3 and 4, p=0.033), or from patients with areca quid chewing (p= 0.029), cigarette smoking (p=0.027), or alcohol drinking habit (p=0.025). In addition, OSCC patients with nuclear hTERT LSs greater than 100% were prone to have a higher recurrence rate (p=0.044) and a lower 5-year survival rate (p=0.011). Our results indicate that the increased expression of hTERT protein is an early event in oral carcinogenesis and hTERT may be a biomarker for OSCCs. Measuring the amount of cytoplasmic or nuclear expression of hTERT in OSCC samples may predict the oral cancer progression, recurrence, and prognosis in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang-Hsu Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Dentistry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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35
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Shin JS, Hong A, Solomon MJ, Lee CS. The role of telomeres and telomerase in the pathology of human cancer and aging. Pathology 2006; 38:103-13. [PMID: 16581649 DOI: 10.1080/00313020600580468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cellular senescence, the state of permanent growth arrest, is the inevitable fate of replicating normal somatic cells. Postulated to underlie this finite replicative span is the physiology of telomeres, which constitute the ends of chromosomes. The repetitive sequences of these DNA-protein complexes progressively shorten with each mitosis. When the critical length is bridged, telomeres trigger DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint mechanisms that result in chromosomal fusions, cell cycle arrest, senescence and/or apoptosis. Should senescence be bypassed at such time, continued cell divisions in the face of dysfunctional telomeres and activated DNA repair machinery can result in the genomic instability favourable for oncogenesis. The longevity and malignant progression of the thus transformed cell requires coincident telomerase expression or other means to negate the constitutional telomeric loss. Practically then, telomeres and telomerase may represent plausible prognostic and screening cancer markers. Furthermore, if the argument is extended, with assumptions that telomeric attrition is indeed the basis of cellular senescence and that accumulation of the latter equates to aging at the organismal level, then telomeres may well explain the increased incidence of cancer with human aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Shik Shin
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia.
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36
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Al-Haddad M, Wallace MB. Molecular diagnostics of non-small cell lung cancer using mediastinal lymph nodes sampled by endoscopic ultrasound-guided needle aspiration. Cytopathology 2006; 17:3-9. [PMID: 16417559 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2303.2006.00318.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer is a common cancer with significant mortality. Accurate and early staging of this cancer has a significant impact on outcome. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of involved mediastinal lymph nodes is critical for staging. Several molecular markers have been identified recently in association with non-small cell carcinoma of the lung that are promising to make early detection of metastatic disease more reliable.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Al-Haddad
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
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37
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Cakir C, Gulluoglu MG, Yilmazbayhan D. Cell proliferation rate and telomerase activity in the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant mesothelial proliferations. Pathology 2006; 38:10-5. [PMID: 16484001 DOI: 10.1080/00313020500456017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The differential diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma (MM) from benign mesothelial lesions (BML) based on histopathological criteria is sometimes not satisfying and causes diagnostic problems for histopathologists. We aimed to investigate whether the immunohistochemically determined cell proliferation rate and telomerase activity, using Ki-67 and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) immunohistochemistry, respectively, are useful in the differential diagnosis of MM from BML. METHODS Sixty-six cases of MM (33 epithelioid, 30 biphasic and 3 sarcomatoid) and 22 cases of BML (15 reactive mesothelial proliferations and 7 fibrous pleuritis/pericarditis) were included in this study. We evaluated the proliferative activity by Ki-67 and telomerase activity by hTERT immunohistochemistries for each case. RESULTS The mean value of the Ki-67 proliferation index (PI) in MMs was significantly higher than that of BMLs. Biphasic MMs have higher a Ki-67 PI than epithelioid and sarcomatoid types. Ki-67 immunohistochemistry has a sensitivity of 74%, specificity of 86% and positive predictive value of 94% in detecting MM. hTERT immunohistochemistry detected MM with sensitivity and specificity of 68%. CONCLUSION As a result, being cheap and simple methods, Ki-67 and hTERT immunohistochemistries can be used in differentiating malignant and benign mesothelial lesions in routine formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caglar Cakir
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Istanbul, Turkey
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Liu SC, Wang SS, Wu MZ, Wu DC, Yu FJ, Chen WJ, Chiang FT, Yu MF. Activation of telomerase and expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase in coronary atherosclerosis. Cardiovasc Pathol 2005; 14:232-40. [PMID: 16168895 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2005.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2005] [Revised: 05/07/2005] [Accepted: 05/12/2005] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Considerable research on telomerase on human neoplastic and normal long-lived proliferative tissues has emerged. We explored the expression of telomerase in atherosclerotic human epicardial coronary arteries. METHODS Forty discrete human coronary arterial segments obtained from 19 heart transplant recipients were classified into nonatherosclerotic and atherosclerotic groups based on coronary angiography and histological examination. PCR-ELISA-based telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP), and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to determine the functional activity and cell-specific expression of telomerase. RESULTS Seventy percent of atherosclerotic coronary arteries exhibited positive telomerase activity, and the reactivation incidence reached fourfold higher than that of controls (P=.007). The telomerase catalytic protein, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), was expressed in 88% of atherosclerotic tissues, a fivefold higher frequency compared with that of the controls. There was also a correlation of hTERT expression with the level of telomerase bioactivity (P=.017) and with the severity of atherosclerotic grade (P<.001). In comparison with the immunostaining of mitotic antigen, Ki-67, we found an association of hTERT expression with actively cycling cells in early lesions but with quiescent cells in late advanced atherosclerotic stages. CONCLUSIONS The up-regulation of telomerase and its catalytic hTERT protein during stages of atherosclerotic evolution may implicate a role of telomerase in vascular remodeling underlying atherogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chi Liu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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39
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Breuer RHJ, Postmus PE, Smit EF. Molecular pathology of non-small-cell lung cancer. Respiration 2005; 72:313-30. [PMID: 15942304 DOI: 10.1159/000085376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2003] [Accepted: 07/29/2004] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular basis of lung carcinogenesis must be understood more fully and exploited to enhance survival rates of patients suffering from lung cancer. In this review we will discuss the major molecular alterations that occur in lung cancer. Emphasis is placed on alterations that occur early during carcinogenesis since they might be relevant for future screening programs. Finally we will shortly review new approaches that are used to study the molecular pathology of lung cancer and how they can be applied in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H J Breuer
- Department of Pulmonology, Free University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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40
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Brustmann H. Immunohistochemical detection of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and c-kit in serous ovarian carcinoma: A clinicopathologic study. Gynecol Oncol 2005; 98:396-402. [PMID: 16005054 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2005.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2005] [Revised: 03/23/2005] [Accepted: 04/18/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and c-kit in a cohort of serous ovarian carcinomas by immunohistochemistry with regard to outcome and clinicopathologic variables. METHODS Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival tissue sections of 10 benign serous cystadenomas, 10 serous neoplasms of low malignant potential (LMP), and 41 serous ovarian carcinomas were immunostained with antibodies to hTERT and c-kit. Immunostaining was scored with regard to quantity and intensity of positively stained cells as negative or weak, moderate, and strong. Mitotic activity was determined as mitotic figures per 10 high power fields. RESULTS hTERT expression was negative in serous cystadenomas; 70% of LMP showed strong nuclear immunoreactivity. In serous carcinomas, nuclear and sometimes cytoplasmic immunoreactivity was observed; 14% of cases were scored as negative, 42% as moderate, and 44% as strong. hTERT immunoreactivity increased with grade (P < 0.0192) and mitotic activity (P = 0.0018), but not with FIGO stage (P = 0.2752), and was related with outcome (P = 0.0477). No c-kit immunoreactivity was observed in serous cystadenomas and LMP; 27% of serous carcinomas were negative, 46% showed moderate, and 27% strong immunostaining. c-kit immunoreactivity was positively correlated with grade (P = 0.0008) and FIGO stage (P = 0.0247), but not with mitotic activity (P = 0.1433) and outcome (P = 0.1145); however, c-kit expression was positively related with poor outcome in FIGO II and III stages (P = 0.0105). CONCLUSIONS hTERT and c-kit are frequently up-regulated in serous ovarian carcinomas; c-kit immunoexpression may serve as a marker of aggressive behavior in high stage tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Brustmann
- Department of Pathology, Thermenklinikum, Sr. Maria Restitutagasse 12, A-2340 Moedling/Vienna, Austria.
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41
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Lin SC, Li WC, Shih JW, Hong KF, Pan YR, Lin JJ. The tea polyphenols EGCG and EGC repress mRNA expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in carcinoma cells. Cancer Lett 2005; 236:80-8. [PMID: 15975707 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2005.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2004] [Revised: 05/04/2005] [Accepted: 05/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Tea polyphenols have inhibitive effects for carcinogenesis. A reporter system controlled by hTERT promoter was constructed to evaluate the effects of tea polyphenols, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) on the repression of hTERT transcription. The hTERT promoter activity was selectively repressed by 20-40 microM EGCG and EGC in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Real-time RT-PCR confirmed that the endogenous hTERT mRNA level was decreased in H1299, OECM-1 and SAS cells treated with EGCG or EGC. Our results identified the repression activities of EGCG and EGC toward telomerase expression that might be linked to inhibition of carcinoma cell growth. This cell-based reporter system is useful for screening drugs targeting hTERT repression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Chun Lin
- Institute of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, National Yang-Ming University, Li-Nong St, Sec., 2, No155, Peitou, Taipei 112, Taiwan, ROC.
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Brustmann H. Immunohistochemical Detection of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT), Topoisomerase II?? Expression, and Apoptosis in Endometrial Adenocarcinoma and Atypical Hyperplasia. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2005; 24:184-92. [PMID: 15782075 DOI: 10.1097/01.pgp.0000148338.84887.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in endometrial carcinoma and atypical endometrial hyperplasia, and related it to the expression of topoisomerase (TP)IIalpha (a proliferation associated enzyme); apoptosis as determined by the frequency of apoptotic bodies (ABI); mitotic counts; and other clinicopathologic variables. Immunoreactivity for hTERT and TPIIalpha as well as ABI were assessed in 57 endometrial samples (12 atypical hyperplasias, 33 endometrioid carcinomas, 12 serous/clear cell carcinomas). hTERT immunoreactivity, TPIIalpha labeling indices (LI), ABI, and ratios of the indices (ABI/TPIIalpha LI) increased from atypical hyperplasias to endometrioid carcinomas to serous/clear cell carcinomas (p < 0.0001 for each variable). hTERT expression increased with ABI (p < 0.0001), TPIIalpha LI (p = 0.0019), ABI/TPIIalpha ratios (p < 0.0001), and grade (p = 0.0005), but not with FIGO stage (p = 0.2775). TPIIalpha LI, ABI, and ratios were related to high grade (p = 0.0001 for each variable), but not with FIGO stage (p = 0.7362, p = 0.7554, and p = 0.7405, respectively). TPIIalpha LI and ABI were significantly correlated in atypical hyperplasias (p = 0.0004), endometrioid carcinomas (p < 0.0001), and serous/clear cell carcinomas (p = 0.024). Immunostaining levels for hTERT were similar in atypical hyperplasias and grade 1 endometrioid carcinomas (p = 0.1956). These results suggest that hTERT expression is closely related to proliferation, apoptosis, and high grade in endometrial carcinomas, reflecting cell cycle deregulation in endometrial carcinogenesis.
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Lantuejoul S, Soria JC, Morat L, Lorimier P, Moro-Sibilot D, Sabatier L, Brambilla C, Brambilla E. Telomere Shortening and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Expression in Preinvasive Bronchial Lesions. Clin Cancer Res 2005; 11:2074-82. [PMID: 15756034 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-04-1376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein complex whose activity is related to the expression of its catalytic subunit human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), restores telomere length in tumor cells and enables immortality after p53/Rb inactivation has been achieved. To determine the timing of hTERT derepression during bronchial carcinogenesis and its relationship with telomere shortening and the p53/Rb pathway alterations, we did an immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization study in preinvasive and invasive bronchial lesions. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN hTERT, P53, P16, cyclin D1, Bax-to-Bcl2 ratio, and Ki67 immunostainings were done in 106 preneoplastic lesions and in paired lung carcinoma and normal bronchial mucosae. Concomitantly, hTERT mRNA levels and qualitative telomere shortening were assessed by in situ hybridization and fluorescence in situ hybridization, respectively, in a subset of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions. RESULTS Telomerase was increasingly expressed from normal epithelium to squamous metaplasia, dysplasia, and carcinoma in situ, and decreased in invasive carcinoma (P < 0.0001), with a direct correlation between protein and mRNA levels of expression (P < 0.0001). hTERT expression was directly correlated with P53, Ki67, and Bcl2-to-Bax ratio, suggesting a coupling between telomerase reactivation, proliferation, and resistance to apoptosis. Telomere signals significantly decreased as early as squamous metaplasia and progressively increased over the spectrum of preneoplastic lesions. CONCLUSIONS Telomere shortening represents an early genetic abnormality in bronchial carcinogenesis, preceding telomerase expression and p53/Rb inactivation, which predominate in high-grade preinvasive lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Lantuejoul
- Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Albert Michallon, 38043 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
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Lepreux S, Rebouissou S, Le Bail B, Saric J, Balabaud C, Bloch B, Martin-Négrier ML, Zucman-Rossi J, Bioulac-Sage P. Mutation of TP53 gene is involved in carcinogenesis of hepatic undifferentiated (embryonal) sarcoma of the adult, in contrast with Wnt or telomerase pathways: an immunohistochemical study of three cases with genomic relation in two cases. J Hepatol 2005; 42:424-9. [PMID: 15710230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2004.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2004] [Revised: 10/07/2004] [Accepted: 10/26/2004] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Hepatic undifferentiated (embryonal) sarcoma (HUS) is an exceptional hepatic malignant tumor in adults. Genetic studies were never reported in adult cases. METHODS In this study concerning three cases of HUS occurring in adult, we studied the three classical ways of carcinogenesis i.e. the TP53 (p53), Wnt (CTNNB1/beta-catenin and AXIN1) and telomerase (hTERT) pathways. We studied the expression of p53, beta-catenin and telomerase catalytic subunit hTERT by immunohistochemistry in the three cases; we determined TP53 gene mutation in two cases and the genome-wide allelotype, AXIN1, and CTNNB1/beta-catenin gene mutation in one case. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry showed an overexpression of p53 in more than 80% of tumoral cells; furthermore, mutations of TP53 were observed in two cases, involving the sequence-specific DNA binding domain. In contrast, no mutation was found in CTNNB1/beta-catenin and AXIN1 genes. Tumoral cells did not show hTERT staining nor nuclear expression of beta-catenin. In addition, allelotype analysis in one case showed loss of heterozygosity of chromosome 7p, 11p, 17p, 22q, and allelic imbalance of 1p, 8p, 20q. CONCLUSIONS In this report of HUS in three adult patients, we emphasize the role of TP53 pathway in carcinogenesis of this rare tumor. This point could be of interest for therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Lepreux
- Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, Hôpital Pellegrin, CHU Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
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Li Z, Lee MJ, Jeon HJ, Hong CP, Park CY, Chung CH. Effect on Cell Growth, c-mycmRNA Expression and Telomerase Activity by Transforming Growth Factor-β1 in Malignant Lymphoma and Leukemia Cell Line. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY 2005. [DOI: 10.5045/kjh.2005.40.3.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuhu Li
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Mi-Ja Lee
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Ho-Jong Jeon
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Chan-Pyo Hong
- Department of Hematology-Oncology Division of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Chi-Young Park
- Department of Hematology-Oncology Division of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Choon-Hae Chung
- Department of Hematology-Oncology Division of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea
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Wang SL, Chen WT, Wu MT, Chan HM, Yang SF, Chai CY. Expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase in thyroid follicular neoplasms: an immunohistochemical study. Endocr Pathol 2005; 16:211-8. [PMID: 16299404 DOI: 10.1385/ep:16:3:211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Differential diagnosis of follicular adenoma (FA) and follicular carcinoma (FC) of the thyroid can be difficult in the routine practice of surgical pathology because the diagnosis of FC is strictly defined and determined by the presence of capsular and/or vascular invasion by the tumor. These features may be equivocal in the histologic sections. On the other hand, telomerase is expressed in many human cancers and is thought to contribute to their immortality. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is the major determinant of human telomerase activity, and its expression is suggestive of capacity for unlimited replication. This case-control study examined the expression of hTERT using immunohistochemistry in 36 thyroid FC and 36 FA from patients who were matched by age and sex. The aim was to investigate the value of immunohistochemical staining for hTERT in the differential diagnosis of follicular neoplasms. The results revealed 23 cases of FC and 14 cases of FA that showed high expression of hTERT, with moderate to strong immunoreactivity. The remaining cases showed weak or negative staining. The difference between FA and FC was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In conclusion, immunohistochemical staining for hTERT can be considered an ancillary marker for differential diagnosis of FA and FC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Lan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
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Hiyama E, Yamaoka H, Matsunaga T, Hayashi Y, Ando H, Suita S, Horie H, Kaneko M, Sasaki F, Hashizume K, Nakagawara A, Ohnuma N, Yokoyama T. High expression of telomerase is an independent prognostic indicator of poor outcome in hepatoblastoma. Br J Cancer 2004; 91:972-9. [PMID: 15280920 PMCID: PMC2409875 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6602054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase, an enzyme related with cellular immortality, has been extensively studied in many kinds of malignant tumours for clinical diagnostic or prognostic utilities. Telomerase activity is mainly regulated by the expression of hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase), which is a catalytic component of human telomerase. To evaluate whether the levels of hTERT mRNA provides a molecular marker of hepatoblastoma malignancy, we examined hTERT mRNA expression levels in the primary hepatoblastoma tissues by fluorescent RT–PCR using LightCycler technology and followed up the clinical outcomes in 63 patients listed in the Japanese Study Group of Pediatric Liver Tumor between 1991 and 2002. The hTERT mRNA expression was detected in 61 (96.8%) specimens and their expression levels ranged between 0.1/1000 and 745.1/1000 copies of PBGD gene that was used as an internal control. Among these cases, frozen 39 tumour samples and 14 adjacent noncancerous liver tissues were analysed for semiquantitative telomerase assay. In the 39 tumour samples, the levels of telomerase activity ranged between 0.11 and 2709 TPG and 12 (30.7%) had high telomerase activity (>100 TPG), whereas only nine of 14 noncancerous liver tissue samples showed telomerase activity which was less than 1.0 TPG. The levels of telomerase activity were significantly correlated with the levels of hTERT mRNA expression (P<0.001). The frequency of high hTERT mRNA expression and/or high telomerase activity did not significantly associate with the clinicopathological factors except for stage of disease. The prognosis of the patients with high hTERT mRNA expression was significantly worse than that of others (P<0.01), as was the patients with high telomerase activity (P<0.01). Multivariate analysis indicated that high levels of hTERT mRNA expression as well as telomerase activity are independent prognosis-predicting factors in patients with hepatoblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Hiyama
- Natural Science Center for Basic Research and Development, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
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Abstract
Telomeres, located at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, are synthesized by the enzyme telomerase and are responsible for maintaining chromosome length. The absence of telomerase in most somatic cells has been associated with telomere shortening and aging of these cells. In contrast, high levels of telomerase activity are observed in over 90% of human cancer cells. The absence of telomerase in normal and aging cells is considered a natural defense against development of cancer. However, we do not know what triggers the reappearance of telomerase in cancer cells. Telomerase activity is directly correlated with the expression of its active catalytic component, the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), which is believed to be controlled primarily at the level of transcription. Elucidation of the control of telomerase in aging and in cancer as an age-related disease has considerable potential in leading to novel approaches in anti-aging medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ahmed
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA.
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Morita M, Nakanishi K, Kawai T, Fujikawa K. Telomere length, telomerase activity, and expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA in growth plate of epiphyseal articular cartilage in femoral head during normal human development and in thanatophoric dysplasia. Hum Pathol 2004; 35:403-11. [PMID: 15116319 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2003.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres are important in chromosome structure and function, protecting against their degradation. However, few studies have examined telomeres in growth plates within articular cartilage during normal development. We investigated frozen sections that were obtained from 57 reference autopsy cases (aged from 16 weeks of gestation to 91 years) and from 2 patients with thanatophoric dysplasia. In the reference cases, telomere length was significantly longer in growth plates obtained from the 10 cases that were aged from 16 weeks of gestation to 10 years than in those from 47 of the adult cases (aged 20 to 91 years). In fetal, neonatal, and child cases, telomerase activity was significantly higher in the hypertrophied zone (HZ) in growth plates than in the other 3 zones. The hTERT mRNA staining intensity (staining area) was stronger (larger) in HZ and the proliferating zone than in the calcified zone and resting zone. In thanatophoric dysplasia, telomere length and telomerase activity were short and low, respectively, compared with those of normal growth plates at an equivalent age, and expression of hTERT mRNA was negative or weakly positive in all 4 zones within growth plates. These results suggest that telomere length and telomerase activity have significant effects in the growth plates of articular cartilage, particularly at developmental ages from fetus to child. We speculate that short telomere length and low telomerase activity may be important for chondrocyte differentiation in rhizomeric shortening of the limbs in thanatophoric dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuhiro Morita
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
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50
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Lantuejoul S, Soria JC, Moro-Sibilot D, Morat L, Veyrenc S, Lorimier P, Brichon PY, Sabatier L, Brambilla C, Brambilla E. Differential expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in lung tumours. Br J Cancer 2004; 90:1222-9. [PMID: 15026805 PMCID: PMC2410220 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6601643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Human telomerase reverse transcriptase is a ribonucleoprotein that synthesises telomeric sequences, which decrease at each cell division. In cancer cells, its activity is linked to telomere maintenance leading to unlimited cellular proliferation and immortality. To evaluate the prognostic value of the catalytic subunit telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), we analysed its expression by immunohistochemistry in 122 formalin-fixed lung tumours including 42 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 43 adenocarcinoma (ADC), 19 basaloid carcinoma (BC) and 18 small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) in comparison with detection of hTERT mRNA by in situ hybridisation and relative telomerase activity by TRAP assay in a subset of tumours. We observed a high concordance between hTERT protein expression and detection of hTERT mRNA and telomerase activity. Telomerase expression varied according to histology (P=0.0002) being significantly lower in ADC than in SCC, BC and SCLC (P<0.0001). Adenocarcinoma and SCC exhibited either a nuclear or a nucleolar staining in contrast with a diffuse nuclear staining observed in most BC and all SCLC (P=0.01). In stage I NSCLC telomerase expression was lower than in other stages (P=0.04), and a nucleolar staining was correlated with a short survival (P=0.03). We concluded that telomerase expression and pattern are distinctive among histopathological classes of lung cancer and convey prognostic influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lantuejoul
- Service de Pathologie Cellulaire, Institut A Bonniot, CHU Michallon Grenoble, France
- Lung Cancer Research Group INSERM U 578, Institut A Bonniot, CHU Michallon Grenoble, France
| | - J C Soria
- Laboratoire de Radiobiologie et Oncologie DSV-DRR CEA Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - D Moro-Sibilot
- Lung Cancer Research Group INSERM U 578, Institut A Bonniot, CHU Michallon Grenoble, France
| | - L Morat
- Laboratoire de Radiobiologie et Oncologie DSV-DRR CEA Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - S Veyrenc
- Service de Pathologie Cellulaire, Institut A Bonniot, CHU Michallon Grenoble, France
- Lung Cancer Research Group INSERM U 578, Institut A Bonniot, CHU Michallon Grenoble, France
| | - P Lorimier
- Service de Pathologie Cellulaire, Institut A Bonniot, CHU Michallon Grenoble, France
- Lung Cancer Research Group INSERM U 578, Institut A Bonniot, CHU Michallon Grenoble, France
| | - P Y Brichon
- Lung Cancer Research Group INSERM U 578, Institut A Bonniot, CHU Michallon Grenoble, France
| | - L Sabatier
- Laboratoire de Radiobiologie et Oncologie DSV-DRR CEA Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - C Brambilla
- Lung Cancer Research Group INSERM U 578, Institut A Bonniot, CHU Michallon Grenoble, France
| | - E Brambilla
- Service de Pathologie Cellulaire, Institut A Bonniot, CHU Michallon Grenoble, France
- Lung Cancer Research Group INSERM U 578, Institut A Bonniot, CHU Michallon Grenoble, France
- Service de Pathologie Cellulaire, CHU A. Michallon, BP 217 Cedex 9, 38043 Grenoble, France. E-mail:
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