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Manolakos P, Boccuto L, Ivankovic DS. A Critical Review of the Impact of SMARCA4 Mutations on Survival Outcomes in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. J Pers Med 2024; 14:684. [PMID: 39063938 PMCID: PMC11278206 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14070684] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This critical review investigates the impact of SWI/SNF-related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily A, member 4 (SMARCA4) mutations on survival outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through an analysis of 21 peer-reviewed articles. Survival analyses across this review demonstrated consistently worse outcomes for SMARCA4-mutated vs. SMARCA4 wild-type NSCLC patients, specifically emphasizing class 1 truncating mutations as an independent factor for poor overall survival. In addition, this review explores the clinicopathologic characteristics of SMARCA4 mutations and their impact on various treatment modalities, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) both with and without Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) co-mutations. The potential ineffectiveness of ICI treatment in NSCLC is explored through the impact of SMARCA4/KRAS co-mutations on the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, this NSCLC review consistently reported statistically worse overall survival outcomes for SMARCA4/KRAS co-mutations than SMARCA4 wild-type/KRAS-mutated cohorts, extending across ICIs, chemo-immunotherapy (CIT), and KRAS G12C inhibitors. Designing prospective clinical SMARCA4-mutated or SMARCA4/KRAS co-mutated NSCLC trials to evaluate targeted therapies and immunotherapy may lead to a better understanding of how to improve cancer patients' outcomes and survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Manolakos
- Healthcare Genetics and Genomics PhD Program, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (L.B.); (D.S.I.)
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2
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Akinjiyan FA, Nassief G, Phillipps J, Adeyelu T, Elliott A, Abdulla F, Zhou AY, Souroullas G, Kim KB, Vanderwalde A, Park SJ, Ansstas G. ARID2 mutations may relay a distinct subset of cutaneous melanoma patients with different outcomes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3444. [PMID: 38341515 PMCID: PMC10858967 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54136-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
ARID genes encode subunits of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes and are frequently mutated in human cancers. We investigated the correlation between ARID mutations, molecular features, and clinical outcomes in melanoma patients. Cutaneous melanoma samples (n = 1577) were analyzed by next-generation sequencing. Samples were stratified by pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutation in ARID genes (ARID1A/2/1B/5B). PD-L1 expression was assessed using IHC (SP142; positive (+): ≥ 1%). Tumor mutation burden (TMB)-high was defined as ≥ 10 mutations/Mb. Transcriptomic signatures predictive of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors-interferon gamma and T-cell inflamed score were calculated. Real-world overall survival (OS) information was obtained from insurance claims data, with Kaplan-Meier estimates calculated from time of tissue collection until last date of contact. Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, and Fisher exact tests were applied where appropriate, with p values adjusted for multiple comparisons. ARID2 mutations were more prevalent in cutaneous melanoma compared to ARID1A (11.0%: n = 451 vs 2.8%: n = 113), with concurrent ARID1A/ARID2 mutation in 1.1% (n = 46) of samples. ARID mutations were associated with a high prevalence of RAS pathway mutations-NF1 (ARID1A, 52.6%; ARID2, 48.5%; ARID1A/2, 63.6%; and ARID-WT, 13.3%; p < 0.0001) and KRAS (ARID1A, 3.5%; ARID2, 3.1%; ARID1A/2, 6.5%; and ARID-WT, 1.0%; p = 0.018)), although BRAF mutations were less common in ARID-mutated cohorts (ARID1A, 31.9%; ARID2, 35.6%; ARID1A/2, 26.1%; and ARID-WT, 50.4%; p < 0.0001). TMB-high was more common in ARID-mutated samples (ARID1A, 80.9%; ARID2, 89.9%; ARID1A/2, 100%; and ARID-WT, 49.4%; p < 0.0001), while PD-L1 positivity was similar across subgroups (ARID1A, 43.8%; ARID2, 51.1%; ARID1A/2, 52.5%; and ARID-WT, 44.9%; p = 0.109). Patients with ARID1A mutations had a higher prevalence of dMMR/MSI-H compared to those with ARID-WT (2.7% vs 0.2%, p = 0.030). Median IFN-γ and T-cell signatures were higher in ARID2-mutated samples compared to ARID-WT (IFN-γ: - 0.15 vs - 0.21, p = 0.0066; T-cell: 23.5 vs - 18.5, p = 0.041). ARID2-mutated patients had improved survival compared to ARID-WT; (HR: 1.22 (95% CI 1.0-1.5), p = 0.022). No additional OS benefit was observed with anti-PD-1 therapy for ARID2 mutation compared to ARID-WT. Melanoma patients with ARID mutations exhibited higher prevalence of markers associated with ICI response, including TMB-H, and immune-related signatures. Our data also suggests improved survival outcome in patients with ARID2 mutations, irrespective of anti-PD1 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Favour A Akinjiyan
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, 4921 Parkview Place, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - George Nassief
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, 4921 Parkview Place, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jordan Phillipps
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, 4921 Parkview Place, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | | | | | | | - Alice Y Zhou
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, 4921 Parkview Place, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - George Souroullas
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, 4921 Parkview Place, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Kevin B Kim
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Soo J Park
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - George Ansstas
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, 4921 Parkview Place, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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3
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Postwala H, Shah Y, Parekh PS, Chorawala MR. Unveiling the genetic and epigenetic landscape of colorectal cancer: new insights into pathogenic pathways. Med Oncol 2023; 40:334. [PMID: 37855910 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02201-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex disease characterized by genetic and epigenetic alterations, playing a crucial role in its development and progression. This review aims to provide insights into the emerging landscape of these alterations in CRC pathogenesis to develop effective diagnostic tools and targeted therapies. Genetic alterations in signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR are pivotal in CRC development. Genetic profiling has identified distinct molecular subtypes, enabling personalized treatment strategies. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, also contribute to CRC pathogenesis by influencing critical cellular processes through gene silencing or activation. Non-coding RNAs have emerged as essential players in epigenetic regulation and CRC progression. Recent research highlights the interplay between genetic and epigenetic alterations in CRC. Genetic mutations can affect epigenetic modifications, leading to dysregulated gene expression and signaling cascades. Conversely, epigenetic changes can modulate genetic expression, amplifying or dampening the effects of genetic alterations. Advancements in understanding pathogenic pathways have potential clinical applications. Identifying genetic and epigenetic markers as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers promises more accurate risk assessment and early detection. Challenges remain, including validating biomarkers and developing robust therapeutic strategies through extensive research and clinical trials. The dynamic nature of genetic and epigenetic alterations necessitates a comprehensive understanding of their temporal and spatial patterns during CRC progression. In conclusion, the genetic and epigenetic landscape of CRC is increasingly being unraveled, providing valuable insights into its pathogenesis. Integrating genetic and epigenetic knowledge holds great potential for improving diagnostics, prognostics, and personalized therapies in CRC. Continued research efforts are vital to translate these findings into clinical practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humzah Postwala
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Yesha Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Priyajeet S Parekh
- AV Pharma LLC, 1545 University Blvd N Ste A, Jacksonville, Florida, 32211, USA
| | - Mehul R Chorawala
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India.
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Soto-Castillo JJ, Llavata-Marti L, Fort-Culillas R, Andreu-Cobo P, Moreno R, Codony C, García Del Muro X, Alemany R, Piulats JM, Martin-Liberal J. SWI/SNF Complex Alterations in Tumors with Rhabdoid Features: Novel Therapeutic Approaches and Opportunities for Adoptive Cell Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11143. [PMID: 37446319 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin-remodeling complex is one of the most remarkably altered epigenetic regulators in cancer. Pathogenic mutations in genes encoding SWI/SNF-related proteins have been recently described in many solid tumors, including rare and aggressive malignancies with rhabdoid features with no standard therapies in advanced or metastatic settings. In recent years, clinical trials with targeted drugs aimed at restoring its function have shown discouraging results. However, preclinical data have found an association between these epigenetic alterations and response to immune therapy. Thus, the rationale for immunotherapy strategies in SWI/SNF complex alteration-related tumors is strong. Here, we review the SWI/SNF complex and how its dysfunction drives the oncogenesis of rhabdoid tumors and the proposed strategies to revert this alteration and promising novel therapeutic approaches, including immune checkpoint inhibition and adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan José Soto-Castillo
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Lucía Llavata-Marti
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 17007 Girona, Spain
| | - Roser Fort-Culillas
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 17007 Girona, Spain
| | - Pablo Andreu-Cobo
- Medical Oncology Department, Parc Tauli Hospital Universitari, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Rafael Moreno
- Cancer Immunotherapy Group, iPROCURE Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Carles Codony
- Cancer Immunotherapy Group, iPROCURE Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Xavier García Del Muro
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Ramon Alemany
- Cancer Immunotherapy Group, iPROCURE Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Josep M Piulats
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Cancer Immunotherapy Group, iPROCURE Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Juan Martin-Liberal
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
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Lalaoui Rachidi S, Firmin N, Elfadli M, Essadi I, Belbaraka R. A Case Report of SMARCA4-Deficient Thoracic Sarcoma: A Rare and Aggressive Disease With a Grim Prognosis. Cureus 2023; 15:e39571. [PMID: 37378131 PMCID: PMC10292728 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcoma (DTS) is a rare malignancy defined by inactivating SMARCA4 mutations leading to protein loss. It was recently described as an aggressive disease with a dismal prognosis, mostly affecting young men with a history of heavy smoking. Histologically, SMARCA4-DTS is a poorly differentiated tumor with rhabdoid or epithelioid features that can be distinguished from other soft tissue, and thoracic sarcomas by a higher tumor mutation burden (TMB) and the presence of smoking signatures, including KRAS, STK11, and KEAP1 mutations. Currently, there is no approved treatment for SMARCA4-DTS, which is known to be chemo-resistant, but more recent studies have shown some effectiveness with immune checkpoint inhibitors. We report the case of a 42-year-old man with a family history of cancer who was admitted to the hospital with acute respiratory distress and superior vena cava syndrome. He had been experiencing thoracic pain, dry cough, dyspnea, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss for a month. Imaging revealed multiple masses and lymph nodes in the chest, as well as pleural effusion. PET scan showed widespread metastases. A cervical lymph node biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcoma. Unfortunately, his general condition did not allow an aggressive treatment. He was started on Pazopanib 800mg per day, but deteriorated rapidly and passed away. This report highlights the aggressive nature and unfavorable prognosis associated with SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcoma. Accurate diagnosis of this entity can be challenging due to its unique marker expression and unfamiliar histological features. Currently, there are no established treatment strategies for this condition; however, recent studies have shown promising results with immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies. Further research is necessary to identify the most effective treatment approaches for SMARCA4-DTS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nelly Firmin
- Medical Oncology, Montpellier Cancer Institute (ICM), Montpellier, FRA
| | - Mohamed Elfadli
- Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakesh, MAR
| | - Ismail Essadi
- Medical Oncology, Ibn Sina Military Teaching Hospital Marrakesh, Marrakesh, MAR
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6
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Wang L, Tang J. SWI/SNF complexes and cancers. Gene 2023; 870:147420. [PMID: 37031881 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to the study of genetic changes that can affect gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence, including DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodelling, X chromosome inactivation and non-coding RNA regulation. Of these, DNA methylation, histone modification and chromatin remodelling constitute the three classical modes of epigenetic regulation. These three mechanisms alter gene transcription by adjusting chromatin accessibility, thereby affecting cell and tissue phenotypes in the absence of DNA sequence changes. In the presence of ATP hydrolases, chromatin remodelling alters the structure of chromatin and thus changes the transcription level of DNA-guided RNA. To date, four types of ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling complexes have been identified in humans, namely SWI/SNF, ISWI, INO80 and NURD/MI2/CHD. SWI/SNF mutations are prevalent in a wide variety of cancerous tissues and cancer-derived cell lines as discovered by next-generation sequencing technologies.. SWI/SNF can bind to nucleosomes and use the energy of ATP to disrupt DNA and histone interactions, sliding or ejecting histones, altering nucleosome structure, and changing transcriptional and regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, mutations in the SWI/SNF complex have been observed in approximately 20% of all cancers. Together, these findings suggest that mutations targeting the SWI/SNF complex may have a positive impact on tumorigenesis and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Jinan 250000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jinglong Tang
- Adicon Medical Laboratory Center, Molecular Genetic Diagnosis Center, Pathological Diagnosis Center, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, China.
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7
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Walhart TA, Vacca B, Hepperla AJ, Hamad SH, Petrongelli J, Wang Y, McKean EL, Moksa M, Cao Q, Yip S, Hirst M, Weissman BE. SMARCB1 Loss in Poorly Differentiated Chordomas Drives Tumor Progression. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:456-473. [PMID: 36657718 PMCID: PMC10123523 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Poorly differentiated (PD) chordoma, a rare, aggressive tumor originating from notochordal tissue, shows loss of SMARCB1 expression, a core component of the Switch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complexes. To determine the impact of SMARCB1 re-expression on cell growth and gene expression, two SMARCB1-negative PD chordoma cell lines with an inducible SMARCB1 expression system were generated. After 72 hours of induction of SMARCB1, both SMARCB1-negative PD chordoma cell lines continued to proliferate. This result contrasted with those observed with SMARCB1-negative rhabdoid cell lines in which SMARCB1 re-expression caused the rapid inhibition of growth. We found that the lack of growth inhibition may arise from the loss of CDKN2A (p16INK4A) expression in PD chordoma cell lines. RNA-sequencing of cell lines after SMARCB1 re-expression showed a down-regulation for rRNA and RNA processing as well as metabolic processing and increased expression of genes involved in cell adhesion, cell migration, and development. Taken together, these data establish that SMARCB1 re-expression in PD chordomas alters the repertoire of SWI/SNF complexes, perhaps restoring those associated with cellular differentiation. These novel findings support a model in which SMARCB1 inactivation blocks the conversion of growth-promoting SWI/SNF complexes to differentiation-inducing ones, and they implicate SMARCB1 loss as a late event in tumorigenic progression. Importantly, the absence of growth inhibition after SMARCB1 restoration creates a unique opportunity to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara A Walhart
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Bryanna Vacca
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Austin J Hepperla
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Samera H Hamad
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - James Petrongelli
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Yemin Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Erin L McKean
- Department of Otolaryngology and Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Michelle Moksa
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Qi Cao
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stephen Yip
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Martin Hirst
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bernard E Weissman
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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8
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Malpeli G, Barbi S, Innamorati G, Alloggio M, Filippini F, Decimo I, Castelli C, Perris R, Bencivenga M. Landscape of Druggable Molecular Pathways Downstream of Genomic CDH1/Cadherin-1 Alterations in Gastric Cancer. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12122006. [PMID: 36556227 PMCID: PMC9784514 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12122006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of CDH1/Cadherin-1 is a common step towards the acquisition of an abnormal epithelial phenotype. In gastric cancer (GC), mutation and/or downregulation of CDH1/Cadherin-1 is recurrent in sporadic and hereditary diffuse GC type. To approach the molecular events downstream of CDH1/Cadherin-1 alterations and their relevance in gastric carcinogenesis, we queried public databases for genetic and DNA methylation data in search of molecular signatures with a still-uncertain role in the pathological mechanism of GC. In all GC subtypes, modulated genes correlating with CDH1/Cadherin-1 aberrations are associated with stem cell and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition pathways. A higher level of genes upregulated in CDH1-mutated GC cases is associated with reduced overall survival. In the diffuse GC (DGC) subtype, genes downregulated in CDH1-mutated compared to cases with wild type CDH1/Cadherin-1 resulted in being strongly intertwined with the DREAM complex. The inverse correlation between hypermethylated CpGs and CDH1/Cadherin-1 transcription in diverse subtypes implies a common epigenetic program. We identified nonredundant protein-encoding isoforms of 22 genes among those differentially expressed in GC compared to normal stomach. These unique proteins represent potential agents involved in cell transformation and candidate therapeutic targets. Meanwhile, drug-induced and CDH1/Cadherin-1 mutation-related gene expression comparison predicts FIT, GR-127935 hydrochloride, amiodarone hydrochloride in GC and BRD-K55722623, BRD-K13169950, and AY 9944 in DGC as the most effective treatments, providing cues for the design of combined pharmacological treatments. By integrating genetic and epigenetic aspects with their expected functional outcome, we unveiled promising targets for combinatorial pharmacological treatments of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Malpeli
- Department of Surgical, Odontostomatologic, Maternal and Child Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefano Barbi
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Giulio Innamorati
- Department of Surgical, Odontostomatologic, Maternal and Child Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Mariella Alloggio
- General and Upper GI Surgery Division, Department and of Surgical, Odontostomatologic, Maternal and Child Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Federica Filippini
- General and Upper GI Surgery Division, Department and of Surgical, Odontostomatologic, Maternal and Child Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Decimo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Claudia Castelli
- Pathology Unit, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Roberto Perris
- Department of Biosciences, COMT-Centre for Molecular and Translational Oncology, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Bencivenga
- General and Upper GI Surgery Division, Department and of Surgical, Odontostomatologic, Maternal and Child Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
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9
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Xu S, Sak A, Niedermaier B, Erol YB, Groneberg M, Mladenov E, Kang M, Iliakis G, Stuschke M. Selective vulnerability of ARID1A deficient colon cancer cells to combined radiation and ATR-inhibitor therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:999626. [PMID: 36249060 PMCID: PMC9561551 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.999626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
ARID1A is frequently mutated in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Loss of ARID1A function compromises DNA damage repair and increases the reliance of tumor cells on ATR-dependent DNA repair pathways. Here, we investigated the effect of ionizing radiation (IR), in combination with ATR inhibitors (ATRi) in CRC cell lines with proficient and deficient ARID1A. The concept of selective vulnerability of ARID1A deficient CRC cells to ATRi was further tested in an ex vivo system by using the ATP-tumor chemosensitivity assay (ATP-TCA) in cells from untreated CRC patients, with and without ARID1A expression. We found selective sensitization upon ATRi treatment as well as after combined treatment with IR (P<0.001), especially in ARID1A deficient CRC cells (P <0.01). Knock-down of ARID1B further increased the selective radiosensitivity effect of ATRi in ARID1A negative cells (P<0.01). Mechanistically, ATRi abrogates the G2 checkpoint (P<0.01) and homologous recombination repair (P<0.01) in ARID1A deficient cells. Most importantly, ex-vivo experiments showed that ATRi had the highest radiosensitizing effect in ARID1A negative cells from CRC patients. Collectively, our results generate pre-clinical and clinical mechanistic rationale for assessing ARID1A defects as a biomarker for ATR inhibitor response as a single agent, or in a synthetic lethal approach in combination with IR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Xu
- Strahlenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Shan Xu, ; Ali Sak,
| | - Ali Sak
- Strahlenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Shan Xu, ; Ali Sak,
| | | | | | | | - Emil Mladenov
- Strahlenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - MingWei Kang
- Department of General Surgery, Mianyang Fulin Hospital, Mianyang, China
| | - George Iliakis
- Strahlenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
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10
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Farooq U, Notani D. Transcriptional regulation of INK4/ARF locus by cis and trans mechanisms. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:948351. [PMID: 36158211 PMCID: PMC9500187 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.948351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
9p21 locus is one of the most reproducible regions in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The region harbors CDKN2A/B genes that code for p16INK4a, p15INK4b, and p14ARF proteins, and it also harbors a long gene desert adjacent to these genes. The polymorphisms that are associated with several diseases and cancers are present in these genes and the gene desert region. These proteins are critical cell cycle regulators whose transcriptional dysregulation is strongly linked with cellular regeneration, stemness, aging, and cancers. Given the importance of this locus, intense scientific efforts on understanding the regulation of these genes via promoter-driven mechanisms and recently, via the distal regulatory mechanism have provided major insights. In this review, we describe these mechanisms and propose the ways by which this locus can be targeted in pathologies and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umer Farooq
- Genetics and Development, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute for Fundamental Research, Bangalore, India
- The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology, Bangalore, India
- *Correspondence: Umer Farooq, ; Dimple Notani,
| | - Dimple Notani
- Genetics and Development, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute for Fundamental Research, Bangalore, India
- *Correspondence: Umer Farooq, ; Dimple Notani,
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11
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Akiyama T, Yoshimatsu Y, Noguchi R, Sin Y, Tsuchiya R, Ono T, Sato C, Kojima N, Yoshida A, Kawai A, Ohtori S, Kondo T. Establishment and characterization of NCC-MRT1-C1: a novel cell line of malignant rhabdoid tumor. Hum Cell 2022; 35:2002-2010. [PMID: 35927606 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00751-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) is a sarcoma histologically characterized by rhabdoid cells and genetically characterized by loss of function of the chromatin remodeling complex SWI/SNF induced by SMARCB1 gene deficiency. MRT mainly occurs in children, may arise in various locations, but is predominantly in the central nervous system (CNS) and kidney. Although MRT exhibits poor prognosis, standard treatment has not yet been established due to its extreme rarity. Patient-derived cancer cell lines are critical tools for basic and pre-clinical research in the development of chemotherapy. However, none of the MRT cell lines was derived from adult patients, and only one cell line was derived from the MRT of a soft tissue, despite the clinical behavior of MRT varying according to patient age and anatomic site. Herein, we reported the first cell line of MRT isolated from the soft tissue of an adult patient and named it NCC-MRT1-C1. NCC-MRT1-C1 cells showed a biallelic loss of the SMARCB1 gene. NCC-MRT1-C1 cells demonstrated rapid proliferation, spheroid formation, invasion capability in vitro, and tumorigenesis in nude mice. Screening of antitumor agents in NCC-MRT1-C1 cells resulted in the identification of six effective drugs. In conclusion, we report the first MRT cell line from the soft tissue of an adult patient. We believe that NCC-MRT1-C1 is a useful tool for developing novel chemotherapies for MRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taro Akiyama
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
- The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-0856, Japan
| | - Yuki Yoshimatsu
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Rei Noguchi
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Yooksil Sin
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Ryuto Tsuchiya
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
- The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-0856, Japan
| | - Takuya Ono
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Chiaki Sato
- Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Naoki Kojima
- Department of Diagnosis Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Akihiko Yoshida
- Department of Diagnosis Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Akira Kawai
- Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Seji Ohtori
- The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-0856, Japan
| | - Tadashi Kondo
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.
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12
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Franklin KA, Shields CE, Haynes KA. Beyond the marks: reader-effectors as drivers of epigenetics and chromatin engineering. Trends Biochem Sci 2022; 47:417-432. [PMID: 35427480 PMCID: PMC9074927 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin is a system of proteins and DNA that regulates chromosome organization and gene expression in eukaryotes. Essential features that support these processes include biochemical marks on histones and DNA, 'writer' enzymes that generate or remove these marks and proteins that translate the marks into transcriptional regulation: reader-effectors. Here, we review recent studies that reveal how reader-effectors drive chromatin-mediated processes. Advances in proteomics and epigenomics have accelerated the discovery of chromatin marks and their correlation with gene states, outpacing our understanding of the corresponding reader-effectors. Therefore, we summarize the current state of knowledge and open questions about how reader-effectors impact cellular function and human disease and discuss how synthetic biology can deepen our knowledge of reader-effector activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kierra A Franklin
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Cara E Shields
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Karmella A Haynes
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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13
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Yadav R, Sun L, Salyana M, Eric M, Gotlieb V, Wang JC. SMARCA4-Deficient Undifferentiated Tumor of Lung Mass—A Rare Tumor With the Rarer Occurrence of Brain Metastasis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep 2022; 10:23247096221074864. [PMID: 35356840 PMCID: PMC8978313 DOI: 10.1177/23247096221074864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Among thoracic tumors, these include subsets of a relatively newly described and yet to be fully characterized tumor entity: SMARCA4-deficient Undifferentiated Tumor (SMARCA4-dUT). Mutations of SMARCA4 (SWI/SNF-related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily A, member 4) gene and loss of BRG1 (Brahma-related gene-1) is the underlying molecular hallmark of SMARCA4-dUT. They mostly involved the mediastinum, lung, and/or pleura showing undifferentiated round cell or rhabdoid morphology associated with aggressive clinical behavior. The pathogenesis of these tumors is still not clear. Morphologically, SMARAC4-dUT is differentiated from SMARCA4-dNSCLC by the presence of squamous and solid components in the latter. Immunohistochemically SMARC4-dUT has characteristic loss of SMARCA4 and SMARCA2 and strong expression of SOX2, CD34, and SALL4. Common sites of metastasis include lymph nodes, bones, and adrenal glands but rarely brain metastasis. We present a unique and rare case of a 76-year-old male with a right lung mass with documented pathology of SMARCA4-dUT and was found to have multiple brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Yadav
- Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Lishi Sun
- Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | | | - Minkin Eric
- Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | | | - Jen C. Wang
- Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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14
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Graf M, Interlandi M, Moreno N, Holdhof D, Göbel C, Melcher V, Mertins J, Albert TK, Kastrati D, Alfert A, Holsten T, de Faria F, Meisterernst M, Rossig C, Warmuth-Metz M, Nowak J, Meyer Zu Hörste G, Mayère C, Nef S, Johann P, Frühwald MC, Dugas M, Schüller U, Kerl K. Single-cell transcriptomics identifies potential cells of origin of MYC rhabdoid tumors. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1544. [PMID: 35318328 PMCID: PMC8941154 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29152-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdoid tumors (RT) are rare and highly aggressive pediatric neoplasms. Their epigenetically-driven intertumoral heterogeneity is well described; however, the cellular origin of RT remains an enigma. Here, we establish and characterize different genetically engineered mouse models driven under the control of distinct promoters and being active in early progenitor cell types with diverse embryonic onsets. From all models only Sox2-positive progenitor cells give rise to murine RT. Using single-cell analyses, we identify distinct cells of origin for the SHH and MYC subgroups of RT, rooting in early stages of embryogenesis. Intra- and extracranial MYC tumors harbor common genetic programs and potentially originate from fetal primordial germ cells (PGCs). Using PGC specific Smarcb1 knockout mouse models we validate that MYC RT originate from these progenitor cells. We uncover an epigenetic imbalance in MYC tumors compared to PGCs being sustained by epigenetically-driven subpopulations. Importantly, treatments with the DNA demethylating agent decitabine successfully impair tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. In summary, our work sheds light on the origin of RT and supports the clinical relevance of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors against this disease. Rhabdoid tumors (RT) are aggressive paediatric cancers with yet unknown cells of origin. Here, the authors establish genetically engineered mouse models of RT and, using single-cell RNA-seq and epigenomics, identify potential cells of origin for the SHH and MYC subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Graf
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Marta Interlandi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany.,Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Natalia Moreno
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Dörthe Holdhof
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Göbel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Viktoria Melcher
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Julius Mertins
- Department of Neurology, Schlosspark-Klinik, 14059, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Tumor Biology, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas K Albert
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Dennis Kastrati
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Amelie Alfert
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Till Holsten
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Tumor Biology, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Flavia de Faria
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Brasìlia, 70684-831, Brasìlia, Brazil
| | - Michael Meisterernst
- Institute of Molecular Tumor Biology, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Rossig
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Monika Warmuth-Metz
- Neuroradiological Reference Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Nowak
- Neuroradiological Reference Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,SRH Poliklinik Gera GmbH, Radiological Practice Gotha, Gotha, Germany
| | - Gerd Meyer Zu Hörste
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Chloe Mayère
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.,iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.,iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Johann
- Swabian Children's Cancer Center, Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Augsburg, 86156, Augsburg, Germany.,Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael C Frühwald
- Swabian Children's Cancer Center, Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Augsburg, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Martin Dugas
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany.,Institute of Medical Informatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schüller
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.,Research Institute Children's Cancer Center, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kornelius Kerl
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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15
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Tessiri S, Techasen A, Kongpetch S, Namjan A, Loilome W, Chan-on W, Thanan R, Jusakul A. Therapeutic targeting of ARID1A and PI3K/AKT pathway alterations in cholangiocarcinoma. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12750. [PMID: 35070505 PMCID: PMC8761367 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic alterations in ARID1A were detected at a high frequency in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Growing evidence indicates that the loss of ARID1A expression leads to activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and increasing sensitivity of ARID1A-deficient cells for treatment with the PI3K/AKT inhibitor. Therefore, we investigated the association between genetic alterations of ARID1A and the PI3K/AKT pathway and evaluated the effect of AKT inhibition on ARID1A-deficient CCA cells. METHODS Alterations of ARID1A, PI3K/AKT pathway-related genes, clinicopathological data and overall survival of 795 CCA patients were retrieved from cBio Cancer Genomics Portal (cBioPortal) databases. The association between genetic alterations and clinical data were analyzed. The effect of the AKT inhibitor (MK-2206) on ARID1A-deficient CCA cell lines and stable ARID1A-knockdown cell lines was investigated. Cell viability, apoptosis, and expression of AKT signaling were analyzed using an MTT assay, flow cytometry, and Western blots, respectively. RESULTS The analysis of a total of 795 CCA samples revealed that ARID1A alterations significantly co-occurred with mutations of EPHA2 (p < 0.001), PIK3CA (p = 0.047), and LAMA1 (p = 0.024). Among the EPHA2 mutant CCA tumors, 82% of EPHA2 mutant tumors co-occurred with ARID1A truncating mutations. CCA tumors with ARID1A and EPHA2 mutations correlated with better survival compared to tumors with ARID1A mutations alone. We detected that 30% of patients with PIK3CA driver missense mutations harbored ARID1A-truncated mutations and 60% of LAMA1-mutated CCA co-occurred with truncating mutations of ARID1A. Interestingly, ARID1A-deficient CCA cell lines and ARID1A-knockdown CCA cells led to increased sensitivity to treatment with MK-2206 compared to the control. Treatment with MK-2206 induced apoptosis in ARID1A-knockdown KKU-213A and HUCCT1 cell lines and decreased the expression of pAKTS473 and mTOR. CONCLUSION These findings suggest a dependency of ARID1A-deficient CCA tumors with the activation of the PI3K/AKT-pathway, and that they may be more vulnerable to selective AKT pathway inhibitors which can be used therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supharada Tessiri
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand,Biomedical Science Program, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Anchalee Techasen
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand,Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Sarinya Kongpetch
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Achira Namjan
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand,Biomedical Science Program, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Watcharin Loilome
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Waraporn Chan-on
- Center for Research and Innovation, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Raynoo Thanan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Apinya Jusakul
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand,Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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16
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Kakkar A, Ashraf SF, Rathor A, Adhya AK, Mani S, Sikka K, Jain D. SMARCA4/BRG1-Deficient Sinonasal Carcinoma: Morphologic Spectrum of an Evolving Entity. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 146:1122-1130. [PMID: 34871352 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2021-0001-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Molecular analysis of poorly differentiated/undifferentiated sinonasal neoplasms has resulted in identification of a growing number of genetically defined tumors. SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal carcinoma is one such recently described entity that emerged from within sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC), neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), and teratocarcinosarcoma (TCS). OBJECTIVE.— To identify SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal carcinomas from a large institutional cohort of poorly differentiated/undifferentiated carcinomas and evaluate their clinicopathologic features. DESIGN.— SMARCA4/BRG1 immunohistochemistry was performed on all tumors diagnosed as SNUC, poorly differentiated carcinoma, NEC, and TCS during a 12-year period. SMARCA2/BRM and INSM1 immunostaining was performed in SMARCA4-deficient cases. RESULTS.— Twelve SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal carcinomas were identified among 299 cases. Morphologically, 5 cases were large cell NEC, 2 cases were small cell NEC, and 5 were TCS. SMARCA4 loss was diffuse and complete in 10 cases, while 2 cases showed focal retention. Most cases showed diffuse cytokeratin staining accompanied by weak, usually focal staining for chromogranin and synaptophysin. INSM-1 showed negativity in most cases. All cases showed retained SMARCA2 expression. IDH1/2 mutation was absent in all cases analyzed. Four of 7 patients died of disease, and aggressive multimodality treatment had better outcome. CONCLUSIONS.— SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal carcinomas are morphologically akin to sinonasal poorly differentiated NECs and TCS, display cytokeratin positivity and only focal staining for neuroendocrine markers, and have aggressive biological behavior. Inclusion of SMARCA4 in the immunohistochemical panel for diagnostic workup of all sinonasal NEC and TCS phenotypes will facilitate their early recognition. Comprehensive germline and somatic mutational analyses of these tumors are necessary for further insights into their molecular pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aanchal Kakkar
- From the Department of Pathology (Kakkar, Ashraf, Rathor, Jain), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Subiyathul Farah Ashraf
- From the Department of Pathology (Kakkar, Ashraf, Rathor, Jain), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Amber Rathor
- From the Department of Pathology (Kakkar, Ashraf, Rathor, Jain), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Amit Kumar Adhya
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India (Adhya)
| | - Suresh Mani
- The Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (Mani, Sikka), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Kapil Sikka
- The Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (Mani, Sikka), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepali Jain
- From the Department of Pathology (Kakkar, Ashraf, Rathor, Jain), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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17
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Khalique S, Nash S, Mansfield D, Wampfler J, Attygale A, Vroobel K, Kemp H, Buus R, Cottom H, Roxanis I, Jones T, von Loga K, Begum D, Guppy N, Ramagiri P, Fenwick K, Matthews N, Hubank MJF, Lord CJ, Haider S, Melcher A, Banerjee S, Natrajan R. Quantitative Assessment and Prognostic Associations of the Immune Landscape in Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3854. [PMID: 34359755 PMCID: PMC8345766 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a rare subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer characterised by a high frequency of loss-of-function ARID1A mutations and a poor response to chemotherapy. Despite their generally low mutational burden, an intratumoural T cell response has been reported in a subset of OCCC, with ARID1A purported to be a biomarker for the response to the immune checkpoint blockade independent of micro-satellite instability (MSI). However, assessment of the different immune cell types and spatial distribution specifically within OCCC patients has not been described to date. Here, we characterised the immune landscape of OCCC by profiling a cohort of 33 microsatellite stable OCCCs at the genomic, gene expression and histological level using targeted sequencing, gene expression profiling using the NanoString targeted immune panel, and multiplex immunofluorescence to assess the spatial distribution and abundance of immune cell populations at the protein level. Analysis of these tumours and subsequent independent validation identified an immune-related gene expression signature associated with risk of recurrence of OCCC. Whilst histological quantification of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL, Salgado scoring) showed no association with the risk of recurrence or ARID1A mutational status, the characterisation of TILs via multiplexed immunofluorescence identified spatial differences in immunosuppressive cell populations in OCCC. Tumour-associated macrophages (TAM) and regulatory T cells were excluded from the vicinity of tumour cells in low-risk patients, suggesting that high-risk patients have a more immunosuppressive microenvironment. We also found that TAMs and cytotoxic T cells were also excluded from the vicinity of tumour cells in ARID1A-mutated OCCCs compared to ARID1A wild-type tumours, suggesting that the exclusion of these immune effectors could determine the host response of ARID1A-mutant OCCCs to therapy. Overall, our study has provided new insights into the immune landscape and prognostic associations in OCCC and suggest that tailored immunotherapeutic approaches may be warranted for different subgroups of OCCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saira Khalique
- Division of Brest Cancer, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (S.K.); (S.N.); (H.K.); (R.B.); (H.C.); (I.R.); (N.G.); (C.J.L.); (S.H.)
| | - Sarah Nash
- Division of Brest Cancer, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (S.K.); (S.N.); (H.K.); (R.B.); (H.C.); (I.R.); (N.G.); (C.J.L.); (S.H.)
| | - David Mansfield
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (D.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Julian Wampfler
- Gynaecology Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK; (J.W.); (A.A.); (K.V.)
| | - Ayoma Attygale
- Gynaecology Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK; (J.W.); (A.A.); (K.V.)
- Department of Histopathology, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK
| | - Katherine Vroobel
- Gynaecology Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK; (J.W.); (A.A.); (K.V.)
- Department of Histopathology, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK
| | - Harriet Kemp
- Division of Brest Cancer, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (S.K.); (S.N.); (H.K.); (R.B.); (H.C.); (I.R.); (N.G.); (C.J.L.); (S.H.)
| | - Richard Buus
- Division of Brest Cancer, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (S.K.); (S.N.); (H.K.); (R.B.); (H.C.); (I.R.); (N.G.); (C.J.L.); (S.H.)
| | - Hannah Cottom
- Division of Brest Cancer, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (S.K.); (S.N.); (H.K.); (R.B.); (H.C.); (I.R.); (N.G.); (C.J.L.); (S.H.)
| | - Ioannis Roxanis
- Division of Brest Cancer, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (S.K.); (S.N.); (H.K.); (R.B.); (H.C.); (I.R.); (N.G.); (C.J.L.); (S.H.)
| | - Thomas Jones
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK; (T.J.); (M.J.F.H.)
| | - Katharina von Loga
- Biomedical Research Centre, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SM2 5PT, UK; (K.v.L.); (D.B.)
| | - Dipa Begum
- Biomedical Research Centre, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SM2 5PT, UK; (K.v.L.); (D.B.)
| | - Naomi Guppy
- Division of Brest Cancer, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (S.K.); (S.N.); (H.K.); (R.B.); (H.C.); (I.R.); (N.G.); (C.J.L.); (S.H.)
| | - Pradeep Ramagiri
- Tumour Profiling Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (P.R.); (K.F.); (N.M.)
| | - Kerry Fenwick
- Tumour Profiling Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (P.R.); (K.F.); (N.M.)
| | - Nik Matthews
- Tumour Profiling Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (P.R.); (K.F.); (N.M.)
| | - Michael J. F. Hubank
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK; (T.J.); (M.J.F.H.)
| | - Christopher J. Lord
- Division of Brest Cancer, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (S.K.); (S.N.); (H.K.); (R.B.); (H.C.); (I.R.); (N.G.); (C.J.L.); (S.H.)
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Syed Haider
- Division of Brest Cancer, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (S.K.); (S.N.); (H.K.); (R.B.); (H.C.); (I.R.); (N.G.); (C.J.L.); (S.H.)
| | - Alan Melcher
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (D.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Susana Banerjee
- Gynaecology Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK; (J.W.); (A.A.); (K.V.)
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Rachael Natrajan
- Division of Brest Cancer, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (S.K.); (S.N.); (H.K.); (R.B.); (H.C.); (I.R.); (N.G.); (C.J.L.); (S.H.)
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18
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What Is New in Biomarker Testing at Diagnosis of Advanced Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma? Implications for Cytology and Liquid Biopsy. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmp2020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery and clinical validation of biomarkers predictive of the response of non-squamous non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NS-NSCLC) to therapeutic strategies continue to provide new data. The evaluation of novel treatments is based on molecular analyses aimed at determining their efficacy. These tests are increasing in number, but the tissue specimens are smaller and smaller and/or can have few tumor cells. Indeed, in addition to tissue samples, complementary cytological and/or blood samples can also give access to these biomarkers. To date, it is recommended and necessary to look for the status of five genomic molecular biomarkers (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAFV600, NTRK) and of a protein biomarker (PD-L1). However, the short- and more or less long-term emergence of new targeted treatments of genomic alterations on RET and MET, but also on others’ genomic alteration, notably on KRAS, HER2, NRG1, SMARCA4, and NUT, have made cellular and blood samples essential for molecular testing. The aim of this review is to present the interest in using cytological and/or liquid biopsies as complementary biological material, or as an alternative to tissue specimens, for detection at diagnosis of new predictive biomarkers of NS-NSCLC.
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19
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Gregorova J, Vychytilova-Faltejskova P, Sevcikova S. Epigenetic Regulation of MicroRNA Clusters and Families during Tumor Development. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1333. [PMID: 33809566 PMCID: PMC8002357 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small non-coding single-stranded RNA molecules regulating gene expression on a post-transcriptional level based on the seed sequence similarity. They are frequently clustered; thus, they are either simultaneously transcribed into a single polycistronic transcript or they may be transcribed independently. Importantly, microRNA families that contain the same seed region and thus target related signaling proteins, may be localized in one or more clusters, which are in a close relationship. MicroRNAs are involved in basic physiological processes, and their deregulation is associated with the origin of various pathologies, including solid tumors or hematologic malignancies. Recently, the interplay between the expression of microRNA clusters and families and epigenetic machinery was described, indicating aberrant DNA methylation or histone modifications as major mechanisms responsible for microRNA deregulation during cancerogenesis. In this review, the most studied microRNA clusters and families affected by hyper- or hypomethylation as well as by histone modifications are presented with the focus on particular mechanisms. Finally, the diagnostic and prognostic potential of microRNA clusters and families is discussed together with technologies currently used for epigenetic-based cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Gregorova
- Babak Myeloma Group, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Petra Vychytilova-Faltejskova
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Sabina Sevcikova
- Babak Myeloma Group, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic;
- Department of Clinical Hematology, University Hospital Brno, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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20
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Targeting Chromatin Complexes in Myeloid Malignancies and Beyond: From Basic Mechanisms to Clinical Innovation. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122721. [PMID: 33371192 PMCID: PMC7767226 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aberrant function of chromatin regulatory networks (epigenetics) is a hallmark of cancer promoting oncogenic gene expression. A growing body of evidence suggests that the disruption of specific chromatin-associated protein complexes has therapeutic potential in malignant conditions, particularly those that are driven by aberrant chromatin modifiers. Of note, a number of enzymatic inhibitors that block the catalytic function of histone modifying enzymes have been established and entered clinical trials. Unfortunately, many of these molecules do not have potent single-agent activity. One potential explanation for this phenomenon is the fact that those drugs do not profoundly disrupt the integrity of the aberrant network of multiprotein complexes on chromatin. Recent advances in drug development have led to the establishment of novel inhibitors of protein–protein interactions as well as targeted protein degraders that may provide inroads to longstanding effort to physically disrupt oncogenic multiprotein complexes on chromatin. In this review, we summarize some of the current concepts on the role epigenetic modifiers in malignant chromatin states with a specific focus on myeloid malignancies and recent advances in early-phase clinical trials.
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21
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Zhang S, DuBois W, Zhang K, Simmons JK, Hughitt VK, Gorjifard S, Gaikwad S, Peat TJ, Mock BA. Mouse tumor susceptibility genes identify drug combinations for multiple myeloma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 6. [PMID: 32923678 PMCID: PMC7486007 DOI: 10.20517/2394-4722.2020.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Long-term genetic studies utilizing backcross and congenic strain analyses coupled with positional cloning strategies and functional studies identified Cdkn2a, Mtor, and Mndal as mouse plasmacytoma susceptibility/resistance genes. Tumor incidence data in congenic strains carrying the resistance alleles of Cdkn2a and Mtor led us to hypothesize that drug combinations affecting these pathways are likely to have an additive, if not synergistic effect in inhibiting tumor cell growth. Traditional and novel systems-level genomic approaches were used to assess combination activity, disease specificity, and clinical potential of a drug combination involving rapamycin/everolimus, an Mtor inhibitor, with entinostat, an histone deacetylase inhibitor. The combination synergistically repressed oncogenic MYC and activated the Cdkn2a tumor suppressor. The identification of MYC as a primary upstream regulator led to the identification of small molecule binders of the G-quadruplex structure that forms in the NHEIII region of the MYC promoter. These studies highlight the importance of identifying drug combinations which simultaneously upregulate tumor suppressors and downregulate oncogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuling Zhang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wendy DuBois
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ke Zhang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - John K Simmons
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,Personal Genome Diagnostics, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - V Keith Hughitt
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sayeh Gorjifard
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Genome Sciences, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Snehal Gaikwad
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tyler J Peat
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Beverly A Mock
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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22
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Farooqi AA, Fayyaz S, Poltronieri P, Calin G, Mallardo M. Epigenetic deregulation in cancer: Enzyme players and non-coding RNAs. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:197-207. [PMID: 32738290 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Data obtained from cutting-edge research have shown that deregulated epigenetic marks are critical hallmarks of cancer. Rapidly emerging scientific evidence has helped in developing a proper understanding of the mechanisms leading to control of cellular functions, from changes in chromatin accessibility, transcription and translation, and in post-translational modifications. Firstly, mechanisms of DNA methylation and demethylation are introduced, as well as modifications of DNA and RNA, with particular focus on N6-methyladenosine (m6A), discussing the effects of these modifications in normal cells and in malignancies. Then, chromatin modifying proteins and remodelling complexes are discussed. Many enzymes and accessory proteins in these complexes have been found mutated or have undergone differential splicing, leading to defective protein complexes. Epigenetic mechanisms acting on nucleosomes by polycomb repressive complexes and on chromatin by SWI/SNF complexes on nucleosome assembly/disassembly, as well as main mutated genes linked to cancers, are reviewed. Among enzymes acting on histones and other proteins erasing the reversible modifications are histone deacetylases (HDACs). Sirtuins are of interest since most of these enzymes not only deacylate histones and other proteins, but also post-translationally modify proteins adding a Mono-ADP-ribose (MAR) moiety. MAR can be read by MACRO-domain containing proteins such as histone MacroH2A1, with specific function in chromatin assembly. Finally, recent advances are presented on non-coding RNAs with a scaffold function, prospecting their role in assembly of chromatin modifying complexes, recruiting enzyme players to chromatin regions. Lastly, the imbalance in metabolites production due to mitochondrial dysfunction is presented, with the potential of these metabolites to inhibit enzymes, either writers, readers or erasers of epitranscriptome marks. In the perspectives, studies are overwied on drugs under development aiming to limit excessive enzyme activities and to reactivate chromatin modifying complexes, for therapeutic application. This knowledge may lead to novel drugs and personalised medicine for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan.
| | | | - Palmiro Poltronieri
- Institute of Sciences of Food Productions, National Research Council of Italy, via Monteroni Km 7, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - George Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, and Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Massimo Mallardo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples, "Federico II" via Pansini 5, Napoli, Italy.
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23
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Strategies for Functional Interrogation of Big Cancer Data Using Drosophila Cancer Models. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113754. [PMID: 32466549 PMCID: PMC7312059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid development of high throughput genome analysis technologies accompanied by significant reduction in costs has led to the accumulation of an incredible amount of data during the last decade. The emergence of big data has had a particularly significant impact in biomedical research by providing unprecedented, systems-level access to many disease states including cancer, and has created promising opportunities as well as new challenges. Arguably, the most significant challenge cancer research currently faces is finding effective ways to use big data to improve our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis and developing effective new therapies. Functional exploration of these datasets and testing predictions from computational approaches using experimental models to interrogate their biological relevance is a key step towards achieving this goal. Given the daunting scale and complexity of the big data available, experimental systems like Drosophila that allow large-scale functional studies and complex genetic manipulations in a rapid, cost-effective manner will be of particular importance for this purpose. Findings from these large-scale exploratory functional studies can then be used to formulate more specific hypotheses to be explored in mammalian models. Here, I will discuss several strategies for functional exploration of big cancer data using Drosophila cancer models.
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24
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The SWI/SNF complex in cancer - biology, biomarkers and therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2020; 17:435-448. [PMID: 32303701 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-020-0357-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 300] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer genome-sequencing studies have revealed a remarkably high prevalence of mutations in genes encoding subunits of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodelling complexes, with nearly 25% of all cancers harbouring aberrations in one or more of these genes. A role for such aberrations in tumorigenesis is evidenced by cancer predisposition in both carriers of germline loss-of-function mutations and genetically engineered mouse models with inactivation of any of several SWI/SNF subunits. Whereas many of the most frequently mutated oncogenes and tumour-suppressor genes have been studied for several decades, the cancer-promoting role of mutations in SWI/SNF genes has been recognized only more recently, and thus comparatively less is known about these alterations. Consequently, increasing research interest is being focused on understanding the prognostic and, in particular, the potential therapeutic implications of mutations in genes encoding SWI/SNF subunits. Herein, we review the burgeoning data on the mechanisms by which mutations affecting SWI/SNF complexes promote cancer and describe promising emerging opportunities for targeted therapy, including immunotherapy with immune-checkpoint inhibitors, presented by these mutations. We also highlight ongoing clinical trials open specifically to patients with cancers harbouring mutations in certain SWI/SNF genes.
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25
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Sobczak M, Pietrzak J, Płoszaj T, Robaszkiewicz A. BRG1 Activates Proliferation and Transcription of Cell Cycle-Dependent Genes in Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020349. [PMID: 32033115 PMCID: PMC7072512 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer malignancy is usually characterized by unlimited self-renewal. In some types of advanced tumors that are rapidly dividing, gene expression profiles depict elevations in pro-proliferative genes accompanied by coordinately elevated transcription of factors responsible for removal of DNA lesions. In our studies, fast proliferating breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF7), BRG1, a component of the SWI/SNF complex, emerges as an activator of functionally-linked genes responsible for activities such as mitotic cell divisions and DNA repair. Products of at least some of them are considerably overrepresented in breast cancer cells and BRG1 facilitates growth of MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. BRG1 occurs at the promoters of genes such as CDK4, LIG1, and NEIL3, which are transcriptionally controlled by cell cycle progression and highly acetylated by EP300 in proliferating cells. As previously documented, in dividing cells BRG1 directly activates gene transcription by evicting EP300 modified nucleosomes from the promoters and, thereby, relaxing chromatin. However, the deficiency of BRG1 or EP300 activity for 48 h leads to cell growth arrest and to chromatin compaction, but also to the assembly of RB1/HDAC1/EZH2 complexes at the studied cell cycle-dependent gene promoters. Epigenetic changes include histone deacetylation and accumulation of H3K27me trimethylation, both known to repress transcription. Cell cycle arrest in G1 by inhibition of CDK4/6 phenocopies the effect of the long-term BRG1 inhibition on the chromatin structure. These results suggest that BRG1 may control gene transcription also by promoting expression of genes responsible for cell cycle progression in the studied breast cancer cells. In the current study, we show that BRG1 binding occurs at the promoters of functionally linked genes in proliferating breast cancer cells, revealing a new mechanism by which BRG1 defines gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Sobczak
- Department of General Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (M.S.); (J.P.)
| | - Julita Pietrzak
- Department of General Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (M.S.); (J.P.)
| | - Tomasz Płoszaj
- Department of Clinical and Laboratory Genetics, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, 92-213 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Robaszkiewicz
- Department of General Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (M.S.); (J.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +48-42-6354449
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26
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Rekhtman N, Montecalvo J, Chang JC, Alex D, Ptashkin RN, Ai N, Sauter JL, Kezlarian B, Jungbluth A, Desmeules P, Beras A, Bishop JA, Plodkowski AJ, Gounder MM, Schoenfeld AJ, Namakydoust A, Li BT, Rudin CM, Riely GJ, Jones DR, Ladanyi M, Travis WD. SMARCA4-Deficient Thoracic Sarcomatoid Tumors Represent Primarily Smoking-Related Undifferentiated Carcinomas Rather Than Primary Thoracic Sarcomas. J Thorac Oncol 2019; 15:231-247. [PMID: 31751681 PMCID: PMC7556987 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2019.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Highly aggressive thoracic neoplasms characterized by SMARCA4 (BRG1) deficiency and undifferentiated round cell or rhabdoid morphology have been recently described and proposed to represent thoracic sarcomas. However, it remains unclear whether such tumors may instead represent sarcomatoid carcinomas, and how their clinicopathologic characteristics compare with those of nonsarcomatoid SMARCA4-deficient non–small cell lung carcinomas (SD-NSCC). Methods: We identified 22 SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcomatoid tumors (SD-TSTs) with round cell and/or rhabdoid morphology and 45 SD-NSCCs, and comprehensively analyzed their clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and genomic characteristics using 341–468 gene next-generation sequencing and other molecular platforms. Results: The relationship of SD-TSTs with NSCC was supported by (1) the presence of NSCC components juxtaposed with sarcomatoid areas in five cases, (2) focal expression of NSCC lineage markers TTF1 or p40 in four additional cases, (3) smoking history in all except one patient (mean = 51 pack-years), accompanied by genomic smoking signature, and (4) high tumor mutation burden (mean = 14.2 mutations per megabase) and mutations characteristic of NSCC in a subset. Compared with SD-NSCCs, SD-TSTs exhibited considerably larger primary tumor size (p < 0.0001), worse survival (p = 0.004), and more frequent presentation at younger age (30–50 years) despite heavier smoking history. Distinctive pathologic features of SD-TSTs included consistent lack of adhesion molecule claudin-4, SMARCA2 (BRM) codeficiency, and frequent expression of stem cell markers. Conclusions: SD-TSTs represent primarily smoking-associated undifferentiated/de-differentiated carcinomas rather than primary thoracic sarcomas. Despite their histogenetic relationship with NSCC, these tumors have unique clinicopathologic characteristics, supporting their recognition as a distinct entity. Further studies are warranted to determine therapeutic approaches to this novel class of exceptionally aggressive thoracic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Rekhtman
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
| | - Joseph Montecalvo
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Department of Pathology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan (current affiliation)
| | - Jason C Chang
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Deepu Alex
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Department of Pathology, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (current affiliation)
| | - Ryan N Ptashkin
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ni Ai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Division of Biostatistics, Ohio State University, Ohio (current affiliation)
| | - Jennifer L Sauter
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Brie Kezlarian
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Achim Jungbluth
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Patrice Desmeules
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Department of Pathology, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada (current affiliation)
| | - Amanda Beras
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Justin A Bishop
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Andrew J Plodkowski
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Mrinal M Gounder
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Adam J Schoenfeld
- Thoracic Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Azadeh Namakydoust
- Thoracic Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Bob T Li
- Thoracic Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Charles M Rudin
- Thoracic Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Gregory J Riely
- Thoracic Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David R Jones
- Thoracic Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Marc Ladanyi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - William D Travis
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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