Variants in the netrin-1 receptor UNC5C prevent apoptosis and increase risk of familial colorectal cancer

Identification of a basement membrane-related gene signature for predicting prognosis, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity in colorectal cancer

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common malignancy affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Extensive research indicates that basement membranes (BMs) may play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of the disease.

Methods

Data on the RNA expression patterns and clinicopathological information of patients with CRC were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. A BM-linked risk signature for the prediction of overall survival (OS) was formulated using univariate Cox regression and combined machine learning techniques. Survival outcomes, functional pathways, the tumor microenvironment (TME), and responses to both immunotherapy and chemotherapy within varying risk classifications were also investigated. The expression trends of the model genes were evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database.

Results

A nine-gene risk signature containing UNC5C, TINAG, TIMP1, SPOCK3, MMP1, AGRN, UNC5A, ADAMTS4, and ITGA7 was constructed for the prediction of outcomes in patients with CRC. The expression profiles of these candidate genes were verified using RT-PCR and the HPA database and were found to be consistent with the findings on differential gene expression in the TCGA dataset. The validity of the signature was confirmed using the GEO cohort. The patients were stratified into different risk groups according to differences in clinicopathological characteristics, TME features, enrichment functions, and drug sensitivities. Lastly, the prognostic nomogram model based on the risk score was found to be effective in identifying high-risk patients and predicting OS.

Conclusion

A basement membrane-related risk signature was constructed and found to be effective for predicting the prognosis of patients with CRC.

Research progress of the netrins and their receptors in cancer

Netrins, a family of secreted and membrane-associated proteins, can regulate axonal guidance, morphogenesis, angiogenesis, cell migration, cell survival, and tumorigenesis. Four secreted netrins (netrin 1, 3, 4 and 5) and two glycosylphosphatidylinositols-anchored membrane proteins, netrin-G1 and G2, have been identified in mammals. Netrins and their receptors can serve as a biomarker and molecular therapeutic target for pathological differentiation, diagnosis and prognosis of malignant cancers. We review here the potential roles of the netrins family and their receptors in cancer.

Promoter methylation-mediated repression of UNC5 receptors and the associated clinical significance in human colorectal cancer

Background

Deregulated methylation of tumor suppressor genes is a hallmark event in colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis. UNC5 receptors, down-regulated in various human malignancies due to epigenetic alterations, have been proposed as putative tumor suppressor genes. In this study, we focused on the methylation-mediated inhibition of UNC5 receptors and the associated clinical significance in CRC.

Methods

Methylation and expression analysis was performed in TCGA datasets. And the results were confirmed in vitro in CRC cell lines treated with 5-aza-deoxycytidine. Then, the expression and epigenetic alterations of UNC5 receptors were evaluated in clinical specimens. Moreover, the diagnostic and prognostic values of the methylation alterations were also analyzed.

Results

Methylation-mediated repression was observed in UNC5C and UNC5D, but not in UNC5A and UNC5B, which was confirmed in CRC cell lines. Except for UNC5B, significantly elevated methylation was observed in UNC5A, UNC5C, and UNC5D in CRC. The discrimination efficiency of the three receptors was comparable with that of SEPT9. Kaplan–Meier curve survival analysis showed that hypermethylation of UNC5A, UNC5C and UNC5D was associated with poor progression-free and overall survival. Moreover, methylation levels of UNC5C and UNC5D were independent predictors of CRC progression-free (P = 0.001, P = 0.003, respectively) and overall survival (P = 0.008, P = 0.004, respectively).

Conclusions

Hypermethylation of UNC5C and UNC5D mediates the repression and has promising diagnostic and prognostic values in CRC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01211-5.

UNC5 dependence receptor family in human cancer: A controllable double-edged sword

UNC5 receptor family (UNC5A-D) have been identified as dependence receptors whose functions depend on the availability of their ligand netrin-1. Through binding to netrin-1, these receptors transmit signals for cell survival, migration and differentiation, and participate in diverse physiological and pathological processes. In the lack of netrin-1, however, these receptors initiate apoptosis-inducing signal. Accumulating evidence reveals that netrin-1 and its receptors play a role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. The expression of UNC5 receptor family is down-regulated in a variety of human tumors. Expression aberrance of UNC5 receptor family in tumors is caused by diverse mechanisms including genomic, epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. Notably, blocking netrin-1 binding to its receptors induces apoptotic cell death in tumor cells. In this review, we describe the characters and roles of UNC5 family members in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, discussing the regulatory mechanisms underlying down-regulation of UNC5 family members as well as recent implications of targeting netrin-1/UNC5 on potential clinical application for cancer treatment.

Germline Mutations in FAF1 Are Associated With Hereditary Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND & AIMS

A significant proportion of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases have familial aggregation but little is known about the genetic factors that contribute to these cases. We performed an exhaustive functional characterization of genetic variants associated with familial CRC.

METHODS

We performed whole-exome sequencing analyses of 75 patients from 40 families with a history of CRC (including early-onset cases) of an unknown germline basis (discovery cohort). We also sequenced specific genes in DNA from an external replication cohort of 473 families, including 488 patients with colorectal tumors that had normal expression of mismatch repair proteins (validation cohort). We disrupted the Fas-associated factor 1 gene (FAF1) in DLD-1 CRC cells using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing; some cells were transfected with plasmids that express FAF1 missense variants. Cells were analyzed by immunoblots, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and functional assays monitoring apoptosis, proliferation, and assays for Wnt signaling or nuclear factor (NF)-kappa-B activity.

RESULTS

We identified predicted pathogenic variant in the FAF1 gene (c.1111G>A; p.Asp371Asn) in the discovery cohort; it was present in 4 patients of the same family. We identified a second variant in FAF1 in the validation cohort (c.254G>C; p.Arg85Pro). Both variants encoded unstable FAF1 proteins. Expression of these variants in CRC cells caused them to become resistant to apoptosis, accumulate beta-catenin in the cytoplasm, and translocate NF-kappa-B to the nucleus.

CONCLUSIONS

In whole-exome sequencing analyses of patients from families with a history of CRC, we identified variants in FAF1 that associate with development of CRC. These variants encode unstable forms of FAF1 that increase resistance of CRC cells to apoptosis and increase activity of beta-catenin and NF-kappa-B.

Dominantly Inherited Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer Not Caused by MMR Genes

In the past two decades, multiple studies have been undertaken to elucidate the genetic cause of the predisposition to mismatch repair (MMR)-proficient nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we present the proposed candidate genes according to their involvement in specific pathways considered relevant in hereditary CRC and/or colorectal carcinogenesis. To date, only pathogenic variants in RPS20 may be convincedly linked to hereditary CRC. Nevertheless, accumulated evidence supports the involvement in the CRC predisposition of other genes, including MRE11, BARD1, POT1, BUB1B, POLE2, BRF1, IL12RB1, PTPN12, or the epigenetic alteration of PTPRJ. The contribution of the identified candidate genes to familial/early onset MMR-proficient nonpolyposis CRC, if any, is extremely small, suggesting that other factors, such as the accumulation of low risk CRC alleles, shared environmental exposures, and/or gene-environmental interactions, may explain the missing heritability in CRC.

Epigallocatechin gallate inhibits dimethylhydrazine-induced colorectal cancer in rats

BACKGROUND

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a polyhydroxy phenolic compound extracted from tea and its antitumor effect has received widespread attention. We explored the inhibitory effect of EGCG on dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colorectal cancer (CRC) using a rat model, predicted the interaction between EGCG and CRC target genes using a database, and explained the EGCG associated target pathways and mechanisms in CRC.

AIM

To understand the inhibitory mechanisms of EGCG on CRC cell proliferation and identify its pharmacological targets by network pharmacology analysis.

METHODS

DMH (40 mg/kg, s.c., twice weekly for eight weeks) was used to induce CRC in rats. After model establishment, the rats were administered with EGCG (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg, p.o., once daily for eight weeks) and killed 12 and 20 wk after the start of the experiment. Formation of aberrant crypt foci and tumor was studied by histological analysis. Using network pharmacology analysis, candidate and collective targets of EGCG and CRC were identified, and Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were used to predict the pathways altered by EGCG.

RESULTS

At week 12, high-dose EGCG treatment significantly reduced the tumor formation rate, total number of tumors, cancerous and non-cancerous tumors, tumor volume, ascites formation, and aberrant crypt foci count. At week 20, all three doses of EGCG were effective. Seventy-eight collective targets of EGCG and CRC were identified, of which 28 genes were dysregulated in CRC. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and GO analyses showed that the dysregulated genes were enriched in hsa05210 (CRC), hsa04115 (p53 signaling pathway), and hsa04151 (PI3K-Akt signaling pathway), GO:0043124 (negative regulation of I-kappaB kinase/NF-kappaB signaling pathway), GO:0043409 (negative regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade), and GO:2001244 (positive regulation of intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway) respectively.

CONCLUSION

EGCG inhibits the formation of DMH-induced CRC by regulating key pathways involved in tumorigenesis.

UNC5C‑knockdown enhances the growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells by potentiating the integrin α6/β4 signaling pathway

Unc‑5 Netrin Receptor C (UNC5C) is a netrin‑1 dependence receptor that mediates the induction of apoptosis in the absence of netrin‑1. The present study found that UNC5C is heterogeneously expressed in breast cancer cell lines. By knocking down UNC5C in SK‑BR‑3 and ZR‑75‑30 cells and overexpressing UNC5c in MDA‑MB‑231 cells, it was demonstrated that UNC5C exerts an inhibitory effect on the growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells. The mechanism involved a UNC5C‑knockdown‑induced enhancement of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)3, MMP7, MMP9 and MMP10 expression via activation of the PI3K/AKT, ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Notably, UNC5C directly interacted with integrin α6, which is involved in the growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Additionally, UNC5C‑knockdown enhanced the phosphorylation of FAK and SRC, which are key kinases in the netrin‑1/Unc5C and netrin‑1/integrin α6/β4 signaling pathways. This suggests that netrin‑1 functions as an integrator for both the netrin‑1/Unc5C and netrin‑1/integrin α6/β4 signaling pathways. UNC5C‑knockdown potentiated netrin‑1/integrin α6/β4 signaling. Given that UNC5C‑knockdown inhibited integrin‑liked protein kinase phosphorylation at Thr‑173, at least in SK‑BR‑3 cells, this may be an inhibitory phosphorylation site rather than activating phosphorylation site for relaying integrin signaling.

Approaches to functionally validate candidate genetic variants involved in colorectal cancer predisposition

Most next generation sequencing (NGS) studies identified candidate genetic variants predisposing to colorectal cancer (CRC) but do not tackle its functional interpretation to unequivocally recognize a new hereditary CRC gene. Besides, germline variants in already established hereditary CRC-predisposing genes or somatic variants share the same need when trying to categorize those with relevant significance. Functional genomics approaches have an important role in identifying the causal links between genetic architecture and phenotypes, in order to decipher cellular function in health and disease. Therefore, functional interpretation of identified genetic variants by NGS platforms is now essential. Available approaches nowadays include bioinformatics, cell and molecular biology and animal models. Recent advances, such as the CRISPR-Cas9, ZFN and TALEN systems, have been already used as a powerful tool with this objective. However, the use of cell lines is of limited value due to the CRC heterogeneity and its close interaction with microenvironment. Access to tridimensional cultures or organoids and xenograft models that mimic the in vivo tissue architecture could revolutionize functional analysis. This review will focus on the application of state-of-the-art functional studies to better tackle new genes involved in germline predisposition to this neoplasm.

Update on genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer and polyposis

The present article summarizes recent developments in the characterization of genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer (CRC). The main themes covered include new hereditary CRC and polyposis syndromes, non-CRC hereditary cancer genes found mutated in CRC patients, strategies used to identify novel causal genes, and review of candidate genes that have been proposed to predispose to CRC and/or colonic polyposis. We provide an overview of newly described genes and syndromes associated with predisposition to CRC and polyposis, including: polymerase proofreading-associated polyposis, NTHL1-associated polyposis, mismatch repair gene biallelic inactivation-related adenomatous polyposis (including MSH3- and MLH3-associated polyposes), GREM1-associated mixed polyposis, RNF43-associated serrated polyposis, and RPS20 mutations as a rare cause of hereditary nonpolyposis CRC. The implementation of next generation sequencing approaches for genetic testing has exposed the presence of pathogenic germline variants in genes associated with hereditary cancer syndromes not traditionally linked to CRC, which may have an impact on genetic testing, counseling and surveillance. The identification of new hereditary CRC and polyposis genes has not deemed an easy endeavor, even though known CRC-related genes explain a small proportion of the estimated familial risk. Whole-genome sequencing may offer a technology for increasing this proportion, particularly if applied on pedigree data allowing linkage type of analysis. The final section critically surveys the large number of candidate genes that have been recently proposed for CRC predisposition.

Molecular mechanisms of cell death: recommendations of the Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death 2018

Over the past decade, the Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death (NCCD) has formulated guidelines for the definition and interpretation of cell death from morphological, biochemical, and functional perspectives. Since the field continues to expand and novel mechanisms that orchestrate multiple cell death pathways are unveiled, we propose an updated classification of cell death subroutines focusing on mechanistic and essential (as opposed to correlative and dispensable) aspects of the process. As we provide molecularly oriented definitions of terms including intrinsic apoptosis, extrinsic apoptosis, mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT)-driven necrosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, parthanatos, entotic cell death, NETotic cell death, lysosome-dependent cell death, autophagy-dependent cell death, immunogenic cell death, cellular senescence, and mitotic catastrophe, we discuss the utility of neologisms that refer to highly specialized instances of these processes. The mission of the NCCD is to provide a widely accepted nomenclature on cell death in support of the continued development of the field.

Recent Discoveries in the Genetics of Familial Colorectal Cancer and Polyposis

The development of genome-wide massively parallel sequencing, ie, whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing, and copy number approaches has raised high expectations for the identification of novel hereditary colorectal cancer genes. Although relatively successful for genes causing adenomatous polyposis syndromes, both autosomal dominant and recessive, the identification of genes associated with hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer has proven extremely challenging, mainly because of the absence of major high-penetrance genes and the difficulty in demonstrating the functional impact of the identified variants and their causal association with tumor development. Indeed, most, if not all, novel candidate non-polyposis colorectal cancer genes identified so far lack corroborative data in independent studies. Here we review the novel hereditary colorectal cancer genes and syndromes identified and the candidate genes proposed in recent years as well as discuss the challenges we face.

Selective depletion of tumour suppressors Deleted in Colorectal Cancer (DCC) and neogenin by environmental and endogenous serine proteases: linking diet and cancer

BACKGROUND

The related tumour suppressor proteins Deleted in Colorectal Cancer (DCC) and neogenin are absent or weakly expressed in many cancers, whereas their insertion into cells suppresses oncogenic behaviour. Serine proteases influence the initiation and progression of cancers although the mechanisms are unknown.

METHODS

The effects of environmental (bacterial subtilisin) and endogenous mammalian (chymotrypsin) serine proteases were examined on protein expression in fresh, normal tissue and human neuroblastoma and mammary adenocarcinoma lines. Cell proliferation and migration assays (chemoattraction and wound closure) were used to examine cell function. Cells lacking DCC were transfected with an ectopic dcc plasmid.

RESULTS

Subtilisin and chymotrypsin selectively depleted DCC and neogenin from cells at nanomolar concentrations without affecting related proteins. Cells showed reduced adherence and increased migration, but after washing they re-attached within 24 h, with recovery of protein expression. These effects are induced by chymotryptic activity as they are prevented by chymostatin and the soybean Bowman-Birk inhibitor typical of many plant protease inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacillus subtilis, which secretes subtilisin is widely present in soil, the environment and the intestinal contents, while subtilisin itself is used in meat processing, animal feed probiotics and many household cleaning agents. With chymotrypsin present in chyme, blood and tissues, these proteases may contribute to cancer development by depleting DCC and neogenin. Blocking their activity by Bowman-Birk inhibitors may explain the protective effects of a plant diet. Our findings identify a potential non-genetic contribution to cancer cell behaviour which may explain both the association of processed meats and other factors with cancer incidence and the protection afforded by plant-rich diets, with significant implications for cancer prevention.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Dependent Mutual Amplification between Netrin-1 and the Hepatitis C Virus

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an oncogenic virus associated with the onset of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study investigated the possible link between HCV infection and Netrin-1, a ligand for dependence receptors that sustains tumorigenesis, in particular in inflammation-associated tumors. We show that Netrin-1 expression is significantly elevated in HCV+ liver biopsies compared to hepatitis B virus (HBV+) and uninfected samples. Furthermore, Netrin-1 was upregulated in all histological stages of HCV+ hepatic lesions, from minimal liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and HCC, compared to histologically matched HCV- tissues. Both cirrhosis and HCV contributed to the induction of Netrin-1 expression, whereas anti-HCV treatment resulted in a reduction of Netrin-1 expression. In vitro, HCV increased the level and translation of Netrin-1 in a NS5A-La-related protein 1 (LARP1)-dependent fashion. Knockdown and forced expression experiments identified the receptor uncoordinated receptor-5 (UNC5A) as an antagonist of the Netrin-1 signal, though it did not affect the death of HCV-infected cells. Netrin-1 enhanced infectivity of HCV particles and promoted viral entry by increasing the activation and decreasing the recycling of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein that is dysregulated in HCC. Netrin-1 and HCV are, therefore, reciprocal inducers in vitro and in patients, as seen from the increase in viral morphogenesis and viral entry, both phenomena converging toward an increase in the level of infectivity of HCV virions. This functional association involving a cancer-related virus and Netrin-1 argues for evaluating the implication of UNC5 receptor ligands in other oncogenic microbial species.

Scarce evidence of the causal role of germline mutations in UNC5C in hereditary colorectal cancer and polyposis

Germline mutations in UNC5C have been suggested to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, thus causing hereditary CRC. However, the evidence gathered thus far is insufficient to include the study of the UNC5C gene in the routine genetic testing of familial CRC. Here we aim at providing a more conclusive answer about the contribution of germline UNC5C mutations to genetically unexplained hereditary CRC and/or polyposis cases. To achieve this goal we sequenced the coding region and exon-intron boundaries of UNC5C in 544 familial CRC or polyposis patients (529 families), using a technique that combines pooled DNA amplification and massively parallel sequencing. A total of eight novel or rare variants, all missense, were identified in eight families. Co-segregation data in the families and association results in case-control series are not consistent with a causal effect for 7 of the 8 identified variants, including c.1882_1883delinsAA (p.A628K), previously described as a disease-causing mutation. One variant, c.2210G > A (p.S737N), remained unclassified. In conclusion, our results suggest that the contribution of germline mutations in UNC5C to hereditary colorectal cancer and to polyposis cases is negligible.

Dependence receptors and colorectal cancer

The research on colorectal cancer (CRC) biology has been leading the oncology field since the early 1990s. The search for genetic alterations has allowed the identification of the main tumour suppressors or oncogenes. Recent work obtained in CRC has unexpectedly proposed the existence of novel category of tumour suppressors, the so-called 'dependence receptors'. These transmembrane receptors behave as Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde with two opposite sides: they induce a positive signalling (survival, proliferation, differentiation) in presence of their ligand, but are not inactive in the absence of their ligand and rather trigger apoptosis when unbound. This trait confers them a conditional tumour suppressor activity: they eliminate cells that grow abnormally in an environment offering a limited quantity of ligand. This review will describe how receptors such as deleted in colorectal carcinoma (DCC), uncoordinated 5 (UNC5), rearranged during transfection (RET) or TrkC constrain CRC progression and how this dependence receptor paradigm may open up therapeutical perspectives.

Whole-exome sequencing of muscle-invasive bladder cancer identifies recurrent mutations of UNC5C and prognostic importance of DNA repair gene mutations on survival

PURPOSE

Because of suboptimal outcomes in muscle-invasive bladder cancer even with multimodality therapy, determination of potential genetic drivers offers the possibility of improving therapeutic approaches and discovering novel prognostic indicators.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Using pTN staging, we case-matched 81 patients with resected ≥pT2 bladder cancers for whom perioperative chemotherapy use and disease recurrence status were known. Whole-exome sequencing was conducted in 43 cases to identify recurrent somatic mutations and targeted sequencing of 10 genes selected from the initial screening in an additional 38 cases was completed. Mutational profiles along with clinicopathologic information were correlated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) in the patients.

RESULTS

We identified recurrent novel somatic mutations in the gene UNC5C (9.9%), in addition to TP53 (40.7%), KDM6A (21.0%), and TSC1 (12.3%). Patients who were carriers of somatic mutations in DNA repair genes (one or more of ATM, ERCC2, FANCD2, PALB2, BRCA1, or BRCA2) had a higher overall number of somatic mutations (P = 0.011). Importantly, after a median follow-up of 40.4 months, carriers of somatic mutations (n = 25) in any of these six DNA repair genes had significantly enhanced RFS compared with noncarriers [median, 32.4 vs. 14.8 months; hazard ratio of 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.22-0.98; P = 0.0435], after adjustment for pathologic pTN staging and independent of adjuvant chemotherapy usage.

CONCLUSION

Better prognostic outcomes of individuals carrying somatic mutations in DNA repair genes suggest these mutations as favorable prognostic events in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Additional mechanistic investigation into the previously undiscovered role of UNC5C in bladder cancer is warranted.

Genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer: Where we stand and future perspectives

The development of colorectal cancer (CRC) can be influenced by genetic factors in both familial cases and sporadic cases. Familial CRC has been associated with genetic changes in high-, moderate- and low-penetrance susceptibility genes. However, despite the availability of current gene-identification techniques, the genetic causes of a considerable proportion of hereditary cases remain unknown. Genome-wide association studies of CRC have identified a number of common low-penetrance alleles associated with a slightly increased or decreased risk of CRC. The accumulation of low-risk variants may partly explain the familial risk of CRC, and some of these variants may modify the risk of cancer in patients with mutations in high-penetrance genes. Understanding the predisposition to develop CRC will require investigators to address the following challenges: the identification of genes that cause uncharacterized hereditary cases of CRC such as familial CRC type X and serrated polyposis; the classification of variants of unknown significance in known CRC-predisposing genes; and the identification of additional cancer risk modifiers that can be used to perform risk assessments for individual mutation carriers. We performed a comprehensive review of the genetically characterized and uncharacterized hereditary CRC syndromes and of low- and moderate-penetrance loci and variants identified through genome-wide association studies and candidate-gene approaches. Current challenges and future perspectives in the field of CRC predisposition are also discussed.

Comprehensive molecular characterisation of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal tumours with mismatch repair proficiency

BACKGROUND

Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (CRC) without mismatch repair (MMR) defects occurs in almost half of high-risk CRC families, but its genetic cause(s) is(are) still unknown. We aimed to identify unique molecular features that differentiate hereditary from sporadic MMR-proficient colorectal tumours.

METHODS

Genomic alterations in 16 tumours from 14 Amsterdam I-II families were studied using the genome-wide copy number OncoScan™ FFPE microarray. Somatic mutation hotspots in BRAF, KRAS, PIK3CA and TP53 were analysed in 37 colorectal tumours from 26 families and in 99 sporadic MMR-proficient CRCs, using direct automated sequencing and KASPar genotyping assays. CpG methylation index was studied in 25 tumours from 19 families by methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA).

RESULTS

Our findings indicate that hereditary MMR-proficient tumours have overlapping genomic profiles to those obtained in sporadic cases, both suggestive of high chromosomal instability, and no high CpG methylation index. Nevertheless, we identified a significant increase in the frequency of chromosome 2p and 2q gains, and of 10 q loss in Amsterdam I families, as well as low frequency of >2 Mb copy-neutral or -gained loss of heterozygosity (LOH). No statistically significant differences in the frequency of BRAF, KRAS, PIK3CA and TP53 mutations or in the gene mutation patterns were observed. However, TP53 mutations appeared almost twice more frequently in sporadic tumours.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, hereditary MMR-proficient CRCs display similar molecular characteristics than their sporadic counterparts. However, the differences identified, such as the chromosome 2 gain, 10 q loss, or the under-representation of TP53 mutations, if validated in larger series, might be of relevance in the clinical setting and/or in the identification of germline defects underlying some of these familial cases.

Netrin-1 expression is an independent prognostic factor for poor patient survival in brain metastases

The multifunctional molecule netrin-1 is upregulated in various malignancies and has recently been presented as a major general player in tumorigenesis leading to tumor progression and maintenance in various animal models. However, there is still a lack of clinico-epidemiological data related to netrin-1 expression. Therefore, the aim of our study was to elucidate the association of netrin-1 expression and patient survival in brain metastases since those constitute one of the most limiting factors for patient prognosis. We investigated 104 brain metastases cases for netrin-1 expression using in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry with regard to clinical parameters such as patient survival and MRI data. Our data show that netrin-1 is strongly upregulated in most cancer subtypes. Univariate analyses revealed netrin-1 expression as a significant factor associated with poor patient survival in the total cohort of brain metastasis patients and in sub-entities such as non-small cell lung carcinomas. Interestingly, many cancer samples showed a strong nuclear netrin-1 signal which was recently linked to a truncated netrin-1 variant that enhances tumor growth. Nuclear netrin-1 expression was associated with poor patient survival in univariate as well as in multivariate analyses. Our data indicate both total and nuclear netrin-1 expression as prognostic factors in brain metastases patients in contrast to other prognostic markers in oncology such as patient age, number of brain metastases or Ki67 proliferation index. Therefore, nuclear netrin-1 expression constitutes one of the first reported molecular biomarkers for patient survival in brain metastases. Furthermore, netrin-1 may constitute a promising target for future anti-cancer treatment approaches in brain metastases.

[Dependence receptors: life or death choices]

Whereas the classic dogma postulates that transmembrane receptors remain inactive at the plasma membrane unless bound by their specific ligand, it was suggested that some receptors may actually be active not only in the presence of their ligand, but also in their absence. In this latter case, the signaling downstream of these unbound receptors leads to apoptosis. These receptors were consequently named dependence receptors, as their cell expression renders the survival of the cell dependent on the presence in the cell environment of its respective ligand. This dual function - positive in the presence of ligand, negative in the absence of ligand - is hypothesized to lead these receptors to have key roles both during embryonic development and in the regulation of tumorigenesis. In the context of cancer, the hypothesis is that these receptors are tumor suppressors that would limit tumor progression by inducing apoptosis of tumor cells outside of settings of ligand accessibility/availability. This was recently formally demonstrated for the prototypical dependence receptors that bind netrin-1- i.e., DCC and UNC5H. Because expression of DCC and UNC5H is a constraint for tumor progression, their expression is often lost in many aggressive cancers. However, a loss of dependence receptors is not always the selective advantage used by tumor cells to escape this survival dependence on the presence of the ligand. Indeed, it was shown that in many cancers, tumor cells acquire the preferred autocrine expression of ligands of dependence receptor. This selective advantage for the tumor is much more appealing in terms of therapeutic opportunities. Drugs based on the interference on the interaction between dependence receptors and their ligands allow tumor cell death in vitro and trigger tumor growth and metastases inhibition in mice. This review describes how a basic cell biology concept has provided in a near future new tools to fight cancer.

Evaluation of the colorectal cancer risk conferred by rare UNC5C alleles

AIM: To evaluate the risk associated with variants of the UNC5C gene recently suspected to predispose to familial colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS: We screened patients with familial CRC forms as well as patients with sporadic CRCs. In a first time, we analyzed exon 11 of the UNC5C gene in 120 unrelated patients with suspected hereditary CRC, 58 patients with suspected Lynch-associated cancer or polyposis, and 132 index cases of Lynch syndrome families with a characterized mutation in a DNA mismatch repair (MMR). Next, 1023 patients with sporadic CRC and 1121 healthy individuals were screened for the variants identified in patients with familial cancer.

RESULTS: Of 120 patients with familial CRC of unknown etiology, one carried the previously reported mis-sense mutation p.Arg603Cys (R603C) and another exhibited the unreported variant of unknown significance p.Thr617Ile (T617I). The p.Ala628Lys (A628K) mutation previously described as the main UNC5C risk variant for familial CRC was not detected in any cases of familial CRC of unknown etiology, but was present in a patient with familial gastric cancer and in two Lynch syndrome patients in co-occurrence with MMR mutations. A statistically non-significant increase in cancer risk was identified in familial CRC and/or other Lynch-associated cancers (1/178 patients vs 2/1121 healthy controls, OR = 3.2, 95%CI: 0.29-35.05, P = 0.348) and in sporadic CRCs (4/1023 patients vs 2/1121 healthy controls, OR = 2.2, 95%CI: 0.40-12.02, P = 0.364).

CONCLUSION: We confirm that UNC5C mutations are very rare in familial and sporadic CRCs, but further investigations are needed to justify routine UNC5C testing for diagnostic purposes.

Semaphorin 3E suppresses tumor cell death triggered by the plexin D1 dependence receptor in metastatic breast cancers

The semaphorin guidance molecules and their receptors, the plexins, are often inappropriately expressed in cancers. However, the signaling processes mediated by plexins in tumor cells are still poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the Semaphorin 3E (Sema3E) regulates tumor cell survival by suppressing an apoptotic pathway triggered by the Plexin D1 dependence receptor. In mouse models of breast cancer, a ligand trap that sequesters Sema3E inhibited tumor growth and reduced metastasis through a selective tumor cytocidal effect. We further showed that Plexin D1 triggers apoptosis via interaction with the orphan nuclear receptor NR4A1. These results define a critical role of Sema3E/Plexin D1 interaction in tumor resistance to apoptosis and suggest a therapeutic approach based on activation of a dependence receptor pathway.

Dependence receptor TrkC is a putative colon cancer tumor suppressor

The TrkC neurotrophin receptor belongs to the functional dependence receptor family, members of which share the ability to induce apoptosis in the absence of their ligands. Such a trait has been hypothesized to confer tumor-suppressor activity. Indeed, cells that express these receptors are thought to be dependent on ligand availability for their survival, a mechanism that inhibits uncontrolled tumor cell proliferation and migration. TrkC is a classic tyrosine kinase receptor and therefore generally considered to be a proto-oncogene. We show here that TrkC expression is down-regulated in a large fraction of human colorectal cancers, mainly through promoter methylation. Moreover, we show that TrkC silencing by promoter methylation is a selective advantage for colorectal cell lines to limit tumor cell death. Furthermore, reestablished TrkC expression in colorectal cancer cell lines is associated with tumor cell death and inhibition of in vitro characteristics of cell transformation, as well as in vivo tumor growth. Finally, we provide evidence that a mutation of TrkC detected in a sporadic cancer is a loss-of-proapoptotic function mutation. Together, these data support the conclusion that TrkC is a colorectal cancer tumor suppressor.

Guidance for life, cell death, and colorectal neoplasia by netrin dependence receptors

This review is focusing on a critical mediator of embryonic and postnatal development with multiple implications in inflammation, neoplasia, and other pathological situations in brain and peripheral tissues. These morphogenetic guidance and dependence processes are involved in several malignancies targeting the epithelial and immune systems including the progression of human colorectal cancers. We consider the most important findings and their impact on basic, translational, and clinical cancer research. Expected information can bring new cues for innovative, efficient, and safe strategies of personalized medicine based on molecular markers, protagonists, signaling networks, and effectors inherent to the Netrin axis in pathophysiological states.