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Chaudhri A, Lizee G, Hwu P, Rai K. Chromatin Remodelers Are Regulators of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Cancer Res 2024; 84:965-976. [PMID: 38266066 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors show remarkable responses in a wide range of cancers, yet patients develop adaptive resistance. This necessitates the identification of alternate therapies that synergize with immunotherapies. Epigenetic modifiers are potent mediators of tumor-intrinsic mechanisms and have been shown to regulate immune response genes, making them prime targets for therapeutic combinations with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Some success has been observed in early clinical studies that combined immunotherapy with agents targeting DNA methylation and histone modification; however, less is known about chromatin remodeler-targeted therapies. Here, we provide a discussion on the regulation of tumor immunogenicity by the chromatin remodeling SWI/SNF complex through multiple mechanisms associated with immunotherapy response that broadly include IFN signaling, DNA damage, mismatch repair, regulation of oncogenic programs, and polycomb-repressive complex antagonism. Context-dependent targeting of SWI/SNF subunits can elicit opportunities for synthetic lethality and reduce T-cell exhaustion. In summary, alongside the significance of SWI/SNF subunits in predicting immunotherapy outcomes, their ability to modulate the tumor immune landscape offers opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apoorvi Chaudhri
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gregory Lizee
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Kunal Rai
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- MDACC Epigenomics Therapy Initiative, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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2
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Mi T, Zhang Z, Zhanghuang C, Jin L, Tan X, Liu J, Wu X, Li M, Wang J, Wang Z, Guo P, He D. Doxycycline hydrochloride inhibits the progress of malignant rhabdoid tumor of kidney by targeting MMP17 and MMP1 through PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 964:176291. [PMID: 38158115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176291] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify therapeutic targets for malignant rhabdoid tumors of kidney (MRTK) and to investigate the effects and underlying mechanism of doxycycline hydrochloride on these tumors. METHODS Gene expression and clinical data of MRTK were retrieved from the TARGET database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and prognostic-related genes (PRGs) were selected through a combination of statistical analyses. The functional roles of MMP17 and MMP1 were elucidated through RNA overexpression and intervention experiments. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies provided evidence for the inhibitory effect of doxycycline hydrochloride on MRTK. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing was employed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. RESULTS 3507 DEGs and 690 PRGs in MRTK were identified. Among these, we focused on 41 highly expressed genes associated with poor prognosis and revealed their involvement in extracellular matrix regulatory pathways. Notably, MMP17 and MMP1 stood out as particularly influential genes. When these genes were knocked out, a significant inhibition of proliferation, invasion and migration was observed in G401 cells. Furthermore, our study explored the impact of the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, doxycycline hydrochloride, on the malignant progression of G401 both in vitro and in vivo. Combined with sequencing data, the results indicated that doxycycline hydrochloride effectively inhibited MRTK progression, due to its ability to suppress the expression of MMP17 and MMP1 through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Doxycycline hydrochloride inhibits the expression of MMP17 and MMP1 through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the malignant progression of MRTK in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Mi
- Children's Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering Chongqing Key Laboratory, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Zhaoxia Zhang
- Children's Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering Chongqing Key Laboratory, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Chenghao Zhanghuang
- Children's Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering Chongqing Key Laboratory, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Liming Jin
- Children's Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering Chongqing Key Laboratory, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Xiaojun Tan
- Children's Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering Chongqing Key Laboratory, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Jiayan Liu
- Children's Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering Chongqing Key Laboratory, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Children's Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering Chongqing Key Laboratory, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Mujie Li
- Children's Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering Chongqing Key Laboratory, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Jinkui Wang
- Children's Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering Chongqing Key Laboratory, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Zhang Wang
- Children's Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering Chongqing Key Laboratory, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Peng Guo
- Children's Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering Chongqing Key Laboratory, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China; Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Dawei He
- Children's Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering Chongqing Key Laboratory, Chongqing, 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China; Department of Urology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China; Key Laboratory of Children's Developmental Diseases Research, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, 400014, China; National International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Major Childhood Developmental Diseases, Children 's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Diseases, Children 's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, China.
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3
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Tran S, Plant-Fox AS, Chi SN, Narendran A. Current advances in immunotherapy for atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT). Neurooncol Pract 2023; 10:322-334. [PMID: 37457224 PMCID: PMC10346396 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRT) are rare and aggressive embryonal tumors of central nervous system that typically affect children younger than 3 years of age. Given the generally poor outcomes of patients with ATRT and the significant toxicities associated with conventional multi-modal therapies, there is an urgent need for more novel approaches to treat ATRT, one such approach being immunotherapy. The recent rise of large-scale, multicenter interdisciplinary studies has delineated several molecular and genetic characteristics unique to ATRT. This review aims to describe currently available data on the tumor immune microenvironment of ATRT and its specific subtypes and to summarize the emerging clinical and preclinical results of immunotherapy-based approaches. It will also highlight the evolving knowledge of epigenetics on immunomodulation in this epigenetically influenced tumor, which may help guide the development of effective immunotherapeutic approaches in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Son Tran
- Departments of Oncology and Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ashley S Plant-Fox
- Division of Hematology, Stem Cell Transplant, and Neuro-Oncology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Susan N Chi
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aru Narendran
- Departments of Oncology and Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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4
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Chen X, Wu J, Pang G, Wei S, Wang P. Integrase Interactor 1 (INI1) Deficiency in a Lung Cancer Patient Presents Nonresponse to Immunotherapy and Tazemetostat: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e42934. [PMID: 37667707 PMCID: PMC10475322 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrase interactor 1 (INI1)-deficient lung cancer is extremely rare, often with poor prognosis, and lacks effective treatment. Previous studies have reported the efficacy of immunotherapy and enhancer of the zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibitor tazemetostat in various types of INI1-deficient tumors, such as sarcomas. However, the effectiveness of these treatments in INI1-deficient lung cancer has not yet been verified. We hereby report a case of a patient who was diagnosed with advanced squamous lung cancer with INI1 deficiency and received chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and tazemetostat treatments successively. The patient showed optimal response in the initial chemotherapy combined with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) immunotherapy, made rapid progress in the subsequent stage of maintenance immunotherapy, and showed nonresponse to tazemetostat. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a lung cancer patient with INI1 deficiency who received tazemetostat treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, CHN
| | - Jiaji Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, CHN
| | - Guanchao Pang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, CHN
| | - Shumei Wei
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, CHN
| | - Pingli Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, CHN
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5
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Yang J, Xu J, Wang W, Zhang B, Yu X, Shi S. Epigenetic regulation in the tumor microenvironment: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:210. [PMID: 37217462 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01480-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Over decades, researchers have focused on the epigenetic control of DNA-templated processes. Histone modification, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, RNA modification, and noncoding RNAs modulate many biological processes that are crucial to the development of cancers. Dysregulation of the epigenome drives aberrant transcriptional programs. A growing body of evidence suggests that the mechanisms of epigenetic modification are dysregulated in human cancers and might be excellent targets for tumor treatment. Epigenetics has also been shown to influence tumor immunogenicity and immune cells involved in antitumor responses. Thus, the development and application of epigenetic therapy and cancer immunotherapy and their combinations may have important implications for cancer treatment. Here, we present an up-to-date and thorough description of how epigenetic modifications in tumor cells influence immune cell responses in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and how epigenetics influence immune cells internally to modify the TME. Additionally, we highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting epigenetic regulators for cancer immunotherapy. Harnessing the complex interplay between epigenetics and cancer immunology to develop therapeutics that combine thereof is challenging but could yield significant benefits. The purpose of this review is to assist researchers in understanding how epigenetics impact immune responses in the TME, so that better cancer immunotherapies can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Zhou Z, Huang D, Yang S, Liang J, Wang X, Rao Q. Clinicopathological Significance, Related Molecular Changes and Tumor Immune Response Analysis of the Abnormal SWI/SNF Complex Subunit PBRM1 in Gastric Adenocarcinoma. PATHOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY RESEARCH 2022; 28:1610479. [PMID: 35928964 PMCID: PMC9344308 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2022.1610479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background: PBRM1 gene abnormalities were recently found to play a role in tumor development and tumor immune activity. This article will explore the clinicopathological and molecular changes and tumor immune activity of the abnormal SWI/SNF complex subunit PBRM1 in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) and its significance. Methods: The cBioPortal, LinkedOmics and TISIDB datasets were used to analyze the abnormality of the PBRM1 gene in GAC and its relationship with prognosis, related molecular changes and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). In addition, 198 GAC cases were collected to further study the relationship between the loss/attenuation of PBRM1 expression and clinicopathology, prognosis, microsatellite stability, PD-L1 expression and TIL in GAC. DNA whole-exome sequencing was performed on 7 cases of gastric cancer with loss of PBRM1 expression. Results: The cBioPortal data showed that PBRM1 deletion/mutation accounted for 7.32% of GAC and was significantly associated with several molecular changes, such as molecular subtypes of GAC. The LinkedOmics dataset showed that PBRM1 mutation and its promoter DNA methylation showed lower PBRM1 mRNA expression, and PBRM1 mutation cases showed significantly higher mRNA expression of PD-L1 (CD274). TISIDB data showed that PBRM1 abnormalities were significantly positively associated with multiple TILs. In our group of 198 cases, the loss/attenuation of PBRM1 expression was significantly positively correlated with intra-tumoral tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (iTILs) and deficient MMR and PD-L1 expression. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that the overall survival of GAC patients with loss/attenuation of PBRM1 expression was significantly better (p = 0.023). iTIL was an independent prognostic factor of GAC. Loss of PBRM1 expression often co-occurs with mutations in other SWI/SNF complex subunit genes, and there are some repetitive KEGG signaling changes. Conclusion: Abnormality of the PBRM1 gene may be related to the occurrence of some GACs and can affect tumor immune activity, thereby affecting clinicopathology and prognosis. It may be a potentially effective predictive marker for immunotherapy and a novel therapeutic approach associated with synthetic lethality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyi Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Dandan Huang
- Digestive Endoscopic Center, The Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Shudong Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jiabei Liang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiu Rao
- Department of Pathology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Qiu Rao,
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7
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Zhang C, Li H. Molecular targeted therapies for pediatric atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors. Pediatr Investig 2022; 6:111-122. [PMID: 35774526 PMCID: PMC9218972 DOI: 10.1002/ped4.12325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery Children's Hospital of Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery Children's Hospital of Fudan University Shanghai China
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8
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Rare Hereditary Gynecological Cancer Syndromes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031563. [PMID: 35163487 PMCID: PMC8835983 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary cancer syndromes, which are characterized by onset at an early age and an increased risk of developing certain tumors, are caused by germline pathogenic variants in tumor suppressor genes and are mostly inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Therefore, hereditary cancer syndromes have been used as powerful models to identify and characterize susceptibility genes associated with cancer. Furthermore, clarification of the association between genotypes and phenotypes in one disease has provided insights into the etiology of other seemingly different diseases. Molecular genetic discoveries from the study of hereditary cancer syndrome have not only changed the methods of diagnosis and management, but have also shed light on the molecular regulatory pathways that are important in the development and treatment of sporadic tumors. The main cancer susceptibility syndromes that involve gynecologic cancers include hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome as well as Lynch syndrome. However, in addition to these two hereditary cancer syndromes, there are several other hereditary syndromes associated with gynecologic cancers. In the present review, we provide an overview of the clinical features, and discuss the molecular genetics, of four rare hereditary gynecological cancer syndromes; Cowden syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, DICER1 syndrome and rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome 2.
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9
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Zhang Z, Guo H, Zhang H. Upregulated Expression of Actin-Like 6A is a Risk Factor Affecting the Prognosis of Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 13:9467-9475. [PMID: 35002324 PMCID: PMC8722579 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s342745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Actin-like 6A (ACTL6A), a regulatory subunit of the ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling complex SWI/SNF, acts as an oncogenic factor. This study is aimed at evaluating the correlation between ACTL6A expression and clinicopathological parameters in pancreatic cancer (PC) patients. Methods The differences of Actl6a mRNA expression between PC tissues and normal pancreatic tissues were analyzed in public databases, and ACTL6A expression was then determined and confirmed in 60 paired tissue specimens using immunohistochemistry staining. The association analysis between ACTL6A expression and the clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed, as well as Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to identify the prognostic factors in the overall survival (OS) of patients with PC. Results The mRNA expression of Actl6a showed significantly higher in PC compared to normal controls (p < 0.05) from public databases. The score of immunohistochemistry staining further confirmed that ACTL6A expression was significantly upregulated in PC tissues (p < 0.001) through immunohistochemistry staining. High ACTL6A expression was associated with lymphovascular space invasion of PC. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the high expression of ACTL6A was markedly associated with poor OS. Moreover, univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated that ACTL6A acted as an independent risk factor for PC prognosis. Conclusion ACTL6A is upregulated in PC and acts as a risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with PC, and therefore clinicians could around it design preventive measures and individualized treatment to improve mortality in patients with PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Haochun Guo
- Department of Oncology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Haijun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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Haberecker M, Bühler MM, Mendieta AP, Guggenberger R, Arnold F, Markert E, Rechsteiner M, Zoche M, Britschgi C, Pauli C. Molecular and immunophenotypic characterization of SMARCB1 (INI1) - deficient intrathoracic Neoplasms. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:1860-1869. [PMID: 35864317 PMCID: PMC9708576 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-022-01133-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The switch/sucrose-non-fermenting (SWI/SNF) complex is an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex that plays important roles in DNA repair, transcription and cell differentiation. This complex consists of multiple subunits and is of particular interest in thoracic malignancies due to frequent subunit alteration of SMARCA4 (BRG1). Much less is known about SMARCB1 (INI1) deficient intrathoracic neoplasms, which are rare, often misclassified and understudied. In a retrospective analysis of 1479 intrathoracic malignant neoplasms using immunohistochemistry for INI1 (SMARCB1) on tissue micro arrays (TMA) and a search through our hospital sarcoma database, we identified in total nine intrathoracic, INI1 deficient cases (n = 9). We characterized these cases further by additional immunohistochemistry, broad targeted genomic analysis, methylation profiling and correlated them with clinical and radiological data. This showed that genomic SMARCB1 together with tumor suppressor alterations drive tumorigenesis in some of these cases, rather than epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation. A proper diagnostic classification, however, remains challenging. Intrathoracic tumors with loss or alteration of SMARCB1 (INI1) are highly aggressive and remain often underdiagnosed due to their rarity, which leads to false diagnostic interpretations. A better understanding of these tumors and proper diagnosis is important for better patient care as clinical trials and more targeted therapeutic options are emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Haberecker
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Matteo Bühler
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alicia Pliego Mendieta
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roman Guggenberger
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Arnold
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eva Markert
- grid.413349.80000 0001 2294 4705Institute of Pathology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Markus Rechsteiner
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Zoche
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Britschgi
- grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Pauli
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Melcher V, Kerl K. The Growing Relevance of Immunoregulation in Pediatric Brain Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5601. [PMID: 34830753 PMCID: PMC8615622 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric brain tumors are genetically heterogeneous solid neoplasms. With a prevailing poor prognosis and widespread resistance to conventional multimodal therapy, these aggressive tumors are the leading cause of childhood cancer-related deaths worldwide. Advancement in molecular research revealed their unique genetic and epigenetic characteristics and paved the way for more defined prognostication and targeted therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, uncovering the intratumoral metrics on a single-cell level placed non-malignant cell populations such as innate immune cells into the context of tumor manifestation and progression. Targeting immune cells in pediatric brain tumors entails unique challenges but promising opportunities to improve outcome. Herein, we outline the current understanding of the role of the immune regulation in pediatric brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Melcher
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Kornelius Kerl
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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12
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Li J, Wen S, Li B, Li N, Zhan X. Phosphorylation-Mediated Molecular Pathway Changes in Human Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors Identified by Quantitative Phosphoproteomics. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092225. [PMID: 34571875 PMCID: PMC8471408 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the biological role of protein phosphorylation in human nonfunctional pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PitNETs), proteins extracted from NF-PitNET and control tissues were analyzed with tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics coupled with TiO2 enrichment of phosphopeptides. A total of 595 differentially phosphorylated proteins (DPPs) with 1412 phosphosites were identified in NF-PitNETs compared to controls (p < 0.05). KEGG pathway network analysis of 595 DPPs identified nine statistically significant signaling pathways, including the spliceosome pathway, the RNA transport pathway, proteoglycans in cancer, SNARE interactions in vesicular transport, platelet activation, bacterial invasion of epithelial cells, tight junctions, vascular smooth muscle contraction, and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. GO analysis revealed that these DPPs were involved in multiple cellular components (CCs), biological processes (BPs), and molecule functions (MFs). The kinase analysis of 595 DPPs identified seven kinases, including GRP78, WSTF, PKN2, PRP4, LOK, NEK1, and AMPKA1, and the substrate of these kinases could provide new ideas for seeking drug targets for NF-PitNETs. The randomly selected DPP calnexin was further confirmed with immunoprecipitation (IP) and Western blot (WB). These findings provide the first DPP profiling, phosphorylation-mediated molecular network alterations, and the key kinase profiling in NF-PitNET pathogenesis, which are a precious resource for understanding the biological roles of protein phosphorylation in NF-PitNET pathogenesis and discovering effective phosphoprotein biomarkers and therapeutic targets and drugs for the management of NF-PitNETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Li
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics of Chinese Ministry of Health, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China; (J.L.); (S.W.); (B.L.)
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan 250117, China;
| | - Siqi Wen
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics of Chinese Ministry of Health, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China; (J.L.); (S.W.); (B.L.)
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan 250117, China;
| | - Biao Li
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics of Chinese Ministry of Health, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, China; (J.L.); (S.W.); (B.L.)
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan 250117, China;
| | - Na Li
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan 250117, China;
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, 440 Jiyan Road, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Xianquan Zhan
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan 250117, China;
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, 440 Jiyan Road, Jinan 250117, China
- Correspondence: or
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13
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Zin F, Cotter JA, Haberler C, Dottermusch M, Neumann J, Schüller U, Schweizer L, Thomas C, Nemes K, Johann PD, Kool M, Frühwald MC, Paulus W, Judkins A, Hasselblatt M. Histopathological patterns in atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors are related to molecular subgroup. Brain Pathol 2021; 31:e12967. [PMID: 33938067 PMCID: PMC8412123 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a highly malignant tumor that may not only contain rhabdoid tumor cells but also poorly differentiated small-round-blue cells as well as areas with mesenchymal or epithelial differentiation. Little is known on factors associated with histopathological diversity. Recent studies demonstrated three molecular subgroups of AT/RT, namely ATRT-TYR, ATRT-SHH, and ATRT-MYC. We thus aimed to investigate if morphological patterns might be related to molecular subgroup status. Hematoxylin-eosin stained sections of 114 AT/RT with known molecular subgroup status were digitalized and independently categorized by nine blinded observers into four morphological categories, that is, "rhabdoid," "small-round-blue," "epithelial," and "mesenchymal." The series comprised 48 ATRT-SHH, 40 ATRT-TYR, and 26 ATRT-MYC tumors. Inter-observer agreement was moderate but significant (Fleiss' kappa = 0.47; 95% C.I. 0.41-0.53; p < 0.001) and there was a highly significant overall association between morphological categories and molecular subgroups for each of the nine observers (p < 0.0001). Specifically, the category "epithelial" was found to be over-represented in ATRT-TYR (p < 0.000001) and the category "small-round-blue" to be over-represented in ATRT-SHH (p < 0.01). The majority of ATRT-MYC was categorized as "mesenchymal" or "rhabdoid," but this association was less compelling. The specificity of the category "epithelial" for ATRT-TYR was highest and accounted for 97% (range: 88-99%) whereas sensitivity was low [49% (range: 35%-63%)]. In line with these findings, cytokeratin-positivity was highly overrepresented in ATRT-TYR. In conclusion, morphological features of AT/RT might reflect molecular alterations and may also provide a first hint on molecular subgroup status, which will need to be confirmed by DNA methylation profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Zin
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jennifer A Cotter
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christine Haberler
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Dottermusch
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Neumann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schüller
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Leonille Schweizer
- Department of Neuropathology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Thomas
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Karolina Nemes
- Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Swabian Children´s, Cancer Center, University Childrens, Hospital Medical Center Augsburg and EU-RHAB Registry, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Pascal D Johann
- Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Swabian Children´s, Cancer Center, University Childrens, Hospital Medical Center Augsburg and EU-RHAB Registry, Augsburg, Germany.,Hopp Children´s Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Paediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcel Kool
- Hopp Children´s Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Paediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, Heidelberg, Germany.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael C Frühwald
- Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Swabian Children´s, Cancer Center, University Childrens, Hospital Medical Center Augsburg and EU-RHAB Registry, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Werner Paulus
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Judkins
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Martin Hasselblatt
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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14
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Cai C. SWI/SNF deficient central nervous system neoplasms. Semin Diagn Pathol 2021; 38:167-174. [PMID: 33762087 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) complexes are ubiquitous ATP dependent chromatin remodeling complexes that provide epigenetic regulation of gene expressions across the genome. Different combination of SWI/SNF subunits allow tissue specific regulation of critical cellular processes. The identification of SMARCB1 inactivation in pediatric malignant rhabdoid tumors provided the first example that the SWI/SNF complex may act as a tumor suppressor. It is now estimated at least 20% of all human tumors contain mutations in the subunits of the SWI/SNF complex. This review summarizes the central nervous system tumors with alterations in the SWI/SNF complex genes. Atypical teratoid/rabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a highly aggressive embryonal tumor genetically characterized by bi-allelic inactivation of SMARCB1, and immunohistochemically shows complete absence of nuclear expression of its protein product INI1. A small subset of AT/RT show retained INI1 expression but defects in another SWI/SNF complex gene SMARCA4. Embryonal tumors with medulloblastoma, pineoblastoma, or primitive neuroectodermal morphology but loss of INI1 expression are now classified as AT/RT. Cribriform neuroepithelial tumor (CRINET) is an intra or para-ventricular tumor that has similar SMARCB1 alterations as AT/RT but generally has a benign clinical course. Besides AT/RT and CRINET, compete loss of nuclear INI1 expression has also been reported in poorly differentiated chordoma and intracranial myxoid sarcoma within the central nervous system. Families with non-truncating SMARCB1 mutations are prone to develop schwannomatosis and a range of developmental syndromes. The schwannomas in these patients usually demonstrate a mosaic INI1 staining pattern suggestive of partial residual protein function. Finally, clear cell meningioma is a WHO grade II variant meningioma characterized by bi-allelic inactivation of the SMARCE1 gene and immunohistochemically show loss of its protein product BAF57 expression in tumor cell nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Cai
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.
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15
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Li RZ, Li YY, Qin H, Li SS. ACTL6A Promotes the Proliferation of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells and Correlates with Poor Clinical Outcomes. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:199-211. [PMID: 33469301 PMCID: PMC7812043 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s288807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background ACTL6A, a regulatory subunit of ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling complexes SWI/SNF, has been identified as a central oncogenic driver in many tumor types. Materials and Methods We used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect ACTL6A expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues. Then, the effect of ACTL6A on proliferation and DNA synthesis was explored by using cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) and EdU retention assays. The potential oncogenic mechanism of ACTL6A in ESCC cells was also analyzed by flow cytometry and Western blotting. We further established an ESCC xenograft mouse model to validate the in vitro results. Results ACTL6A expression, localized in cancer cell nuclei, was markedly higher in ESCC tissues than in the corresponding noncancerous tissues (P<0.001) and was positively associated with tumor size, histological differentiation, T stage and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that high ACTL6A expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) (P = 0.008, HR= 2.562, 95% CI: 1.241–5.289), and decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated that ACTL6A could increase the clinical prognostic efficiency of the original clinical prediction model. Further in vitro experiments showed that ACTL6A knockdown led to inhibition of cell proliferation and DNA synthesis in ESCC cell lines, while overexpression of ACTL6A had the opposite effects. ACTL6A knockdown resulted in G1 phase arrest, with downregulation of cyclin D1, CDK2 and S6K1/pS6 pathway proteins and upregulation of p21 and p27, while overexpression of ACTL6A facilitated the entry of more cells into S phase with upregulated cyclin D1, CDK2 and S6K1/pS6 pathway proteins and downregulated p21 and p27. Finally, a xenograft mouse model of ESCC cells validated the results in vitro. Conclusion ACTL6A expression may affect the proliferation and DNA synthesis of ESCC cells by facilitating ESCC cell cycle redistribution via the S6K1/pS6 pathway. Therefore, ACTL6A may potentially become an alternative therapeutic target for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Zhe Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University and First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Yun Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University and First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Stomatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Qin
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University and First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan-Shan Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University and First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, People's Republic of China
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16
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Actin-like 6A enhances the proliferative and invasive capacities of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by potentiating the activation of YAP signaling. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2020; 52:453-463. [DOI: 10.1007/s10863-020-09855-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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17
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Eberhart CG, Rubens JA. SWI/SNF complex differences promote cellular heterogeneity in rhabdoid tumors. Neuro Oncol 2020; 22:741-742. [PMID: 32227229 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noaa081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Charles G Eberhart
- Department of Pathology and Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey A Rubens
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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18
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Yasui H, Valind A, Karlsson J, Pietras C, Jansson C, Wille J, Romerius P, Backman T, Gisselsson D. A dynamic mutational landscape associated with an inter-regionally diverse immune response in malignant rhabdoid tumour. J Pathol 2020; 252:22-28. [PMID: 32542645 DOI: 10.1002/path.5490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Malignant rhabdoid tumour (MRT) is a childhood neoplasm of high malignancy characterised by biallelic mutation and/or loss of the epigenetic master regulator SMARCB1, accompanied by no or few other oncogenic drivers. In spite of their generally low mutational burden, an intratumoural T-cell response has been reported in a subset of MRTs, indicating that immune checkpoint inhibition may be considered a viable therapy option for some patients. We assess here the evolution over time and space of predicted neoantigens and indicators of immune checkpoint status in two MRT patients who progressed under treatment. Both patients showed an accumulation of novel clonal and subclonal mutations, including predicted neoantigens, in metastases compared to their inferred ancestral clones in the primary tumours. The first patient had peritoneal metastases from an MRT of the liver. Clonal deconvolution revealed polyclonal seeding from the primary tumour to a single metastatic site, followed by a local subclonal burst of mutations. The second patient had a renal MRT with multiple pulmonary metastases, each of which could be traced back to a single genetically unique founder cell, with formation of novel subclones in two metastases. Both patients showed a regionally heterogeneous landscape of predicted neoantigens and of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes expressing CD8 and PD1. In both patients, some tumour regions fulfilled established criteria for PD-L1 positivity (> 1% of tumour cells), while others did not. This suggests that even in a tumour type like MRT, with a single driver mutation, there can be heterogeneity in neoantigen repertoire, immune response, and biomarkers for checkpoint blockade among sampled locations. This must be taken into account when assessing progressed MRT patients for checkpoint inhibition therapy. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Yasui
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Anders Valind
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Paediatrics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jenny Karlsson
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Christina Pietras
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Caroline Jansson
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Joakim Wille
- Paediatric Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Patrik Romerius
- Paediatric Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Backman
- Paediatric Surgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - David Gisselsson
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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