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Sen T, Takahashi N, Chakraborty S, Takebe N, Nassar AH, Karim NA, Puri S, Naqash AR. Emerging advances in defining the molecular and therapeutic landscape of small-cell lung cancer. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:610-627. [PMID: 38965396 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00914-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) has traditionally been considered a recalcitrant cancer with a dismal prognosis, with only modest advances in therapeutic strategies over the past several decades. Comprehensive genomic assessments of SCLC have revealed that most of these tumours harbour deletions of the tumour-suppressor genes TP53 and RB1 but, in contrast to non-small-cell lung cancer, have failed to identify targetable alterations. The expression status of four transcription factors with key roles in SCLC pathogenesis defines distinct molecular subtypes of the disease, potentially enabling specific therapeutic approaches. Overexpression and amplification of MYC paralogues also affect the biology and therapeutic vulnerabilities of SCLC. Several other attractive targets have emerged in the past few years, including inhibitors of DNA-damage-response pathways, epigenetic modifiers, antibody-drug conjugates and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. However, the rapid development of therapeutic resistance and lack of biomarkers for effective selection of patients with SCLC are ongoing challenges. Emerging single-cell RNA sequencing data are providing insights into the plasticity and intratumoural and intertumoural heterogeneity of SCLC that might be associated with therapeutic resistance. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in genomic and transcriptomic characterization of SCLC with a particular focus on opportunities for translation into new therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Triparna Sen
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Nobuyuki Takahashi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Subhamoy Chakraborty
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Naoko Takebe
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amin H Nassar
- Division of Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nagla A Karim
- Inova Schar Cancer Institute Virginia, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Sonam Puri
- Division of Medical Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Abdul Rafeh Naqash
- Medical Oncology/ TSET Phase 1 program, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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Otani Y, Katayama H, Zhu Y, Huang R, Shigehira T, Shien K, Suzawa K, Yamamoto H, Shien T, Toyooka S, Fujimura A. Adrenergic microenvironment driven by cancer-associated Schwann cells contributes to chemoresistance in patients with lung cancer. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:2333-2345. [PMID: 38676373 PMCID: PMC11247558 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Doublecortin (DCX)-positive neural progenitor-like cells are purported components of the cancer microenvironment. The number of DCX-positive cells in tissues reportedly correlates with cancer progression; however, little is known about the mechanism by which these cells affect cancer progression. Here we demonstrated that DCX-positive cells, which are found in all major histological subtypes of lung cancer, are cancer-associated Schwann cells (CAS) and contribute to the chemoresistance of lung cancer cells by establishing an adrenergic microenvironment. Mechanistically, the activation of the Hippo transducer YAP/TAZ was involved in the acquisition of new traits of CAS and DCX positivity. We further revealed that CAS express catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes and synthesize adrenaline, which potentiates the chemoresistance of lung cancer cells through the activation of YAP/TAZ. Our findings shed light on CAS, which drive the formation of an adrenergic microenvironment by the reciprocal regulation of YAP/TAZ in lung cancer tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Otani
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Haruyoshi Katayama
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yidan Zhu
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Rongsheng Huang
- Department of Trauma Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Takafumi Shigehira
- Department of Cellular Physiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Shien
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ken Suzawa
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Yamamoto
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tadahiko Shien
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shinichi Toyooka
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Atsushi Fujimura
- Department of Cellular Physiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan
- Neutron Therapy Research Center, Okayama University, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan
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3
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Ito T. Molecular pathology of small cell lung cancer: Overview from studies on neuroendocrine differentiation regulated by ASCL1 and Notch signaling. Pathol Int 2024; 74:239-251. [PMID: 38607250 DOI: 10.1111/pin.13426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary neuroendocrine (NE) cells are rare airway epithelial cells. The balance between Achaete-scute complex homolog 1 (ASCL1) and hairy and enhancer of split 1, one of the target molecules of the Notch signaling pathway, is crucial for NE differentiation. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive lung tumor, characterized by rapid cell proliferation, a high metastatic potential, and the acquisition of resistance to treatment. The subtypes of SCLC are defined by the expression status of NE cell-lineage transcription factors, such as ASCL1, which roles are supported by SRY-box 2, insulinoma-associated protein 1, NK2 homeobox 1, and wingless-related integration site signaling. This network reinforces NE differentiation and may induce the characteristic morphology and chemosensitivity of SCLC. Notch signaling mediates cell-fate decisions, resulting in an NE to non-NE fate switch. The suppression of NE differentiation may change the histological type of SCLC to a non-SCLC morphology. In SCLC with NE differentiation, Notch signaling is typically inactive and genetically or epigenetically regulated. However, Notch signaling may be activated after chemotherapy, and, in concert with Yes-associated protein signaling and RE1-silencing transcription factor, suppresses NE differentiation, producing intratumor heterogeneity and chemoresistance. Accumulated information on the molecular mechanisms of SCLC will contribute to further advances in the control of this recalcitrant cancer.
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Grants
- 20H03691 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
- 18K19489 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
- 16590318 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
- 25460439 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
- Smoking Research Foundation, Japan
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaaki Ito
- Department of Medical Technology, Kumamoto Health Science University Faculty of Health Sciences, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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4
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Li Y, Sharma A, Schmidt-Wolf IGH. Evolving insights into the improvement of adoptive T-cell immunotherapy through PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in the clinical spectrum of lung cancer. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:80. [PMID: 38659003 PMCID: PMC11040940 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01926-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Undeniably, cancer immunotherapies have expanded the spectrum of cancer treatment, however, some patients do not respond to immunotherapies. This scenario is no different for lung cancer, whose two main types, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), still pose a serious clinical challenge. Adoptive T-cell therapies (ATC), which primarily include cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell therapy, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy and γδ-T-cell therapy, strengthen the patient's immune system in combating cancer. Combining ATC with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) further enhances the effectiveness of this approach to eradicate cancer. With a particular emphasis on CIK cell therapy, which recently completed 30 years, we highlight the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in NSCLC and SCLC. Besides, we provide insights into the potential synergies of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with adoptive T-cell immunotherapy in reshaping the treatment paradigm for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Li
- Department of Integrated Oncology, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, D-53127,, Bonn, Germany
| | - Amit Sharma
- Department of Integrated Oncology, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, D-53127,, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ingo G H Schmidt-Wolf
- Department of Integrated Oncology, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, D-53127,, Bonn, Germany.
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Wang F, Li S, Kong L, Feng K, Zuo R, Zhang H, Yu Y, Zhang K, Cao Y, Chai Y, Kang Q, Xu J. Tensile Stress-Activated and Exosome-Transferred YAP/TAZ-Notch Circuit Specifies Type H Endothelial Cell for Segmental Bone Regeneration. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309133. [PMID: 38225729 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The Ilizarov technique has been continuously innovated to utilize tensile stress (TS) for inducing a bone development-like regenerative process, aiming to achieve skeletal elongation and reconstruction. However, it remains uncertain whether this distraction osteogenesis (DO) process induced by TS involves the pivotal coupling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis mediated by type H endothelial cells (THECs). In this study, it is demonstrated that the Ilizarov technique induces the formation of a metaphysis-like architecture composed of THECs, leading to segmental bone regeneration during the DO process. Mechanistically, cell-matrix interactions-mediated activation of yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) transcriptionally upregulates the expression of Notch1 and Delta-like ligand 4, which act as direct positive regulators of THECs phenotype, in bone marrow endothelial cells (BMECs) upon TS stimulation. Simultaneously, the Notch intracellular domain enhances YAP/TAZ activity by transcriptionally upregulating YAP expression and stabilizing TAZ protein, thus establishing the YAP/TAZ-Notch circuit. Additionally, TS-stimulated BMECs secrete exosomes enriched with vital molecules in this positive feedback pathway, which can be utilized to promote segmental bone defect healing, mimicking the therapeutic effects of Ilizarov technique. The findings advance the understanding of TS-induced segmental bone regeneration and establish the foundation for innovative biological therapeutic strategies aimed at activating THECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Shanyu Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Lingchi Kong
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Kai Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Rongtai Zuo
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Hanzhe Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Yifan Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Kunqi Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Yuting Cao
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Yimin Chai
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Qinglin Kang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Jia Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
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Solta A, Ernhofer B, Boettiger K, Megyesfalvi Z, Heeke S, Hoda MA, Lang C, Aigner C, Hirsch FR, Schelch K, Döme B. Small cells - big issues: biological implications and preclinical advancements in small cell lung cancer. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:41. [PMID: 38395864 PMCID: PMC10893629 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01953-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Current treatment guidelines refer to small cell lung cancer (SCLC), one of the deadliest human malignancies, as a homogeneous disease. Accordingly, SCLC therapy comprises chemoradiation with or without immunotherapy. Meanwhile, recent studies have made significant advances in subclassifying SCLC based on the elevated expression of the transcription factors ASCL1, NEUROD1, and POU2F3, as well as on certain inflammatory characteristics. The role of the transcription regulator YAP1 in defining a unique SCLC subset remains to be established. Although preclinical analyses have described numerous subtype-specific characteristics and vulnerabilities, the so far non-existing clinical subtype distinction may be a contributor to negative clinical trial outcomes. This comprehensive review aims to provide a framework for the development of novel personalized therapeutic approaches by compiling the most recent discoveries achieved by preclinical SCLC research. We highlight the challenges faced due to limited access to patient material as well as the advances accomplished by implementing state-of-the-art models and methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Solta
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Büsra Ernhofer
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristiina Boettiger
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zsolt Megyesfalvi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Simon Heeke
- Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mir Alireza Hoda
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Lang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Aigner
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fred R Hirsch
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Center for Thoracic Oncology, Mount Sinai Health System, Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Karin Schelch
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Balazs Döme
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary.
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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7
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Guo H, Li W, Guo Y, Chen N, Cui J. Molecular classification of small cell lung cancer subtypes: Characteristics, prognostic factors, and clinical translation. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:130-139. [PMID: 37660289 PMCID: PMC10798698 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002693] [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: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly malignant tumor with a very poor prognosis; therefore, more effective treatments are urgently needed for patients afflicted with the disease. In recent years, emerging molecular classifications based on key transcription factors of SCLC have provided more information on the tumor pathophysiology, metastasis, immune microenvironment, and acquired therapeutic resistance and reflected the intertumoral heterogeneity of the various SCLC phenotypes. Additionally, advances in genomics and single-cell sequencing analysis have further revealed the high intratumoral heterogeneity and plasticity of the disease. Herein, we review and summarize these recent lines of evidence and discuss the possible pathogenesis of SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
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8
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Gutiérrez M, Zamora I, Freeman MR, Encío IJ, Rotinen M. Actionable Driver Events in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:105. [PMID: 38203275 PMCID: PMC10778712 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) stands out as the most aggressive form of lung cancer, characterized by an extremely high proliferation rate and a very poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate that falls below 7%. Approximately two-thirds of patients receive their diagnosis when the disease has already reached a metastatic or extensive stage, leaving chemotherapy as the remaining first-line treatment option. Other than the recent advances in immunotherapy, which have shown moderate results, SCLC patients cannot yet benefit from any approved targeted therapy, meaning that this cancer remains treated as a uniform entity, disregarding intra- or inter-tumoral heterogeneity. Continuous efforts and technological improvements have enabled the identification of new potential targets that could be used to implement novel therapeutic strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the most recent approaches for SCLC treatment, providing an extensive compilation of the targeted therapies that are currently under clinical evaluation and inhibitor molecules with promising results in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirian Gutiérrez
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (M.G.); (I.Z.)
| | - Irene Zamora
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (M.G.); (I.Z.)
| | - Michael R. Freeman
- Departments of Urology and Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA;
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ignacio J. Encío
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (M.G.); (I.Z.)
- IdiSNA, Navarre Institute for Health Research, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mirja Rotinen
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (M.G.); (I.Z.)
- IdiSNA, Navarre Institute for Health Research, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
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9
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Megyesfalvi Z, Gay CM, Popper H, Pirker R, Ostoros G, Heeke S, Lang C, Hoetzenecker K, Schwendenwein A, Boettiger K, Bunn PA, Renyi-Vamos F, Schelch K, Prosch H, Byers LA, Hirsch FR, Dome B. Clinical insights into small cell lung cancer: Tumor heterogeneity, diagnosis, therapy, and future directions. CA Cancer J Clin 2023; 73:620-652. [PMID: 37329269 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by rapid growth and high metastatic capacity. It has strong epidemiologic and biologic links to tobacco carcinogens. Although the majority of SCLCs exhibit neuroendocrine features, an important subset of tumors lacks these properties. Genomic profiling of SCLC reveals genetic instability, almost universal inactivation of the tumor suppressor genes TP53 and RB1, and a high mutation burden. Because of early metastasis, only a small fraction of patients are amenable to curative-intent lung resection, and these individuals require adjuvant platinum-etoposide chemotherapy. Therefore, the vast majority of patients are currently being treated with chemoradiation with or without immunotherapy. In patients with disease confined to the chest, standard therapy includes thoracic radiotherapy and concurrent platinum-etoposide chemotherapy. Patients with metastatic (extensive-stage) disease are treated with a combination of platinum-etoposide chemotherapy plus immunotherapy with an anti-programmed death-ligand 1 monoclonal antibody. Although SCLC is initially very responsive to platinum-based chemotherapy, these responses are transient because of the development of drug resistance. In recent years, the authors have witnessed an accelerating pace of biologic insights into the disease, leading to the redefinition of the SCLC classification scheme. This emerging knowledge of SCLC molecular subtypes has the potential to define unique therapeutic vulnerabilities. Synthesizing these new discoveries with the current knowledge of SCLC biology and clinical management may lead to unprecedented advances in SCLC patient care. Here, the authors present an overview of multimodal clinical approaches in SCLC, with a special focus on illuminating how recent advancements in SCLC research could accelerate clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Megyesfalvi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Carl M Gay
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Helmut Popper
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Robert Pirker
- Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gyula Ostoros
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Simon Heeke
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christian Lang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Konrad Hoetzenecker
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Schwendenwein
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristiina Boettiger
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul A Bunn
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ferenc Renyi-Vamos
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Karin Schelch
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmut Prosch
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lauren A Byers
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fred R Hirsch
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Center for Thoracic Oncology, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY, USA
| | - Balazs Dome
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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10
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Zhu Y, Li S, Wang H, Chi K, Ren W, Huang X, Zhuo M, Lin D. Molecular subtype expression and genomic profiling differ between surgically resected pure and combined small cell lung carcinoma. Hum Pathol 2023; 141:118-129. [PMID: 37586462 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
A new molecular subtype classification method has been proposed for small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). However, little is known about the differences between the pure (P-SCLC) and combined subtypes (C-SCLC). We aimed to compare the molecular subtype expression and genomic profiling in terms of clinical relevance between the two groups. 154 surgically resected SCLCs were analyzed for protein expression of four subtypes (ASCL1, NEUROD1, POU2F3, and YAP1) and two predictive markers (DLL3 and MYC) by immunohistochemistry (IHC). We also performed whole exome sequencing of 60 samples to examine genomic profiles. A total of 113 patients with P-SCLC and 41 with C-SCLC were included. In P-SCLC and C-SCLC, the expression of these markers was 78.8% and 41.5%, 98.2% and 97.6%, 42.5% and 51.2%, 38.9% and 85.4%, 85.0% and 68.3%, and 24.8% and 34.1%, respectively. ASCL1 and DLL3 were highly expressed in P-SCLC (p = 0.000 and p = 0.021, respectively), and YAP1 expression was significantly enriched in C-SCLC (p = 0.000). NGS results, including 45 P-SCLCs and 15 C-SCLCs, indicated that EGFR gene mutations were mostly observed in C-SCLCs (p = 0.000). C-SCLC showed higher CNA burden and wGII than P-SCLC (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05); conversely, P-SCLC had higher TMB burden and SDI (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05). YAP1 expression was associated with poor prognosis in P-SCLC but with favorable prognosis in C-SCLC. P-SCLC and C-SCLC are heterogeneous diseases characterized by different molecular subtype expressions and genomic profiles. Our data provide a basis for adopting histological subtype-based treatments, and further prospective studies are required to confirm our conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department I of Thoracic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Haiyue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Kaiwen Chi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Wenhao Ren
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Xiaozheng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Minglei Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department I of Thoracic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
| | - Dongmei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
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11
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Ozen M, Lopez CF. Data-driven structural analysis of small cell lung cancer transcription factor network suggests potential subtype regulators and transition pathways. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:55. [PMID: 37907529 PMCID: PMC10618210 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00316-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive disease and challenging to treat due to its mixture of transcriptional subtypes and subtype transitions. Transcription factor (TF) networks have been the focus of studies to identify SCLC subtype regulators via systems approaches. Yet, their structures, which can provide clues on subtype drivers and transitions, are barely investigated. Here, we analyze the structure of an SCLC TF network by using graph theory concepts and identify its structurally important components responsible for complex signal processing, called hubs. We show that the hubs of the network are regulators of different SCLC subtypes by analyzing first the unbiased network structure and then integrating RNA-seq data as weights assigned to each interaction. Data-driven analysis emphasizes MYC as a hub, consistent with recent reports. Furthermore, we hypothesize that the pathways connecting functionally distinct hubs may control subtype transitions and test this hypothesis via network simulations on a candidate pathway and observe subtype transition. Overall, structural analyses of complex networks can identify their functionally important components and pathways driving the network dynamics. Such analyses can be an initial step for generating hypotheses and can guide the discovery of target pathways whose perturbation may change the network dynamics phenotypically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Ozen
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Multiscale Modeling Group, SI3, Altos Labs, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Carlos F Lopez
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Multiscale Modeling Group, SI3, Altos Labs, Redwood City, CA, USA.
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12
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Lv L, Zhou X. Targeting Hippo signaling in cancer: novel perspectives and therapeutic potential. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e375. [PMID: 37799806 PMCID: PMC10547939 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As highly conserved among diverse species, Hippo signaling pathway regulates various biological processes, including development, cell proliferation, stem cell function, tissue regeneration, homeostasis, and organ size. Studies in the last two decades have provided a good framework for how these fundamental functions of Hippo signaling are tightly regulated by a network with numerous intracellular and extracellular factors. The Hippo signaling pathway, when dysregulated, may lead to a wide variety of diseases, especially cancer. There is growing evidence demonstrating that dysregulated Hippo signaling is closely associated with tumorigenesis, cancer cell invasion, and migration, as well as drug resistance. Therefore, the Hippo pathway is considered an appealing therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer. Promising novel agents targeting the Hippo signaling pathway for cancers have recently emerged. These novel agents have shown antitumor activity in multiple cancer models and demonstrated therapeutic potential for cancer treatment. However, the detailed molecular basis of the Hippo signaling-driven tumor biology remains undefined. Our review summarizes current advances in understanding the mechanisms by which Hippo signaling drives tumorigenesis and confers drug resistance. We also propose strategies for future preclinical and clinical development to target this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liemei Lv
- Department of HematologyShandong Provincial HospitalShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Xiangxiang Zhou
- Department of HematologyShandong Provincial HospitalShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Department of HematologyShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic DiseasesJinanShandongChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseasesthe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
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13
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Fan W, Jurado‐Arjona J, Alanis‐Lobato G, Péron S, Berger C, Andrade‐Navarro MA, Falk S, Berninger B. The transcriptional co-activator Yap1 promotes adult hippocampal neural stem cell activation. EMBO J 2023; 42:e110384. [PMID: 37083045 PMCID: PMC10233373 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021110384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Most adult hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) remain quiescent, with only a minor portion undergoing active proliferation and neurogenesis. The molecular mechanisms that trigger the transition from quiescence to activation are still poorly understood. Here, we found the activity of the transcriptional co-activator Yap1 to be enriched in active NSCs. Genetic deletion of Yap1 led to a significant reduction in the relative proportion of active NSCs, supporting a physiological role of Yap1 in regulating the transition from quiescence to activation. Overexpression of wild-type Yap1 in adult NSCs did not induce NSC activation, suggesting tight upstream control mechanisms, but overexpression of a gain-of-function mutant (Yap1-5SA) elicited cell cycle entry in NSCs and hilar astrocytes. Consistent with a role of Yap1 in NSC activation, single cell RNA sequencing revealed a partial induction of an activated NSC gene expression program. Furthermore, Yap1-5SA expression also induced expression of Taz and other key components of the Yap/Taz regulon that were previously identified in glioblastoma stem cell-like cells. Consequently, dysregulated Yap1 activity led to repression of hippocampal neurogenesis, aberrant cell differentiation, and partial acquisition of a glioblastoma stem cell-like signature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Fan
- Institute of Physiological ChemistryUniversity Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
- Present address:
Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, New MedicinesUCB Biopharma SPRLBraine‐l'AlleudBelgium
| | - Jerónimo Jurado‐Arjona
- Institute of Physiological ChemistryUniversity Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Gregorio Alanis‐Lobato
- Faculty of BiologyJohannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
- Present address:
Global Computational Biology and Data SciencesBoehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KGBiberach an der RissGermany
| | - Sophie Péron
- Institute of Physiological ChemistryUniversity Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Christian Berger
- Institute of GeneticsJohannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
| | | | - Sven Falk
- Institute of BiochemistryFriedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Nürnberg‐ErlangenErlangenGermany
| | - Benedikt Berninger
- Institute of Physiological ChemistryUniversity Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
- The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
- Focus Program Translational NeuroscienceJohannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
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14
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Ozen M, Lopez CF. Data-driven structural analysis of Small Cell Lung Cancer transcription factor network suggests potential subtype regulators and transition pathways. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.01.535226. [PMID: 37066351 PMCID: PMC10104011 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.01.535226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive disease and challenging to treat due to its mixture of transcriptional subtypes and subtype transitions. Transcription factor (TF) networks have been the focus of studies to identify SCLC subtype regulators via systems approaches. Yet, their structures, which can provide clues on subtype drivers and transitions, are barely investigated. Here, we analyze the structure of an SCLC TF network by using graph theory concepts and identify its structurally important components responsible for complex signal processing, called hubs. We show that the hubs of the network are regulators of different SCLC subtypes by analyzing first the unbiased network structure and then integrating RNA-seq data as weights assigned to each interaction. Data-driven analysis emphasizes MYC as a hub, consistent with recent reports. Furthermore, we hypothesize that the pathways connecting functionally distinct hubs may control subtype transitions and test this hypothesis via network simulations on a candidate pathway and observe subtype transition. Overall, structural analyses of complex networks can identify their functionally important components and pathways driving the network dynamics. Such analyses can be an initial step for generating hypotheses and can guide the discovery of target pathways whose perturbation may change the network dynamics phenotypically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Ozen
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Currently at: Computational Innovation Hub, Multiscale Modeling Group, Altos Labs, Redwood City, CA 94065, USA
| | - Carlos F. Lopez
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Currently at: Computational Innovation Hub, Multiscale Modeling Group, Altos Labs, Redwood City, CA 94065, USA
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15
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Frost TC, Gartin AK, Liu M, Cheng J, Dharaneeswaran H, Keskin DB, Wu CJ, Giobbie-Hurder A, Thakuria M, DeCaprio JA. YAP1 and WWTR1 expression inversely correlates with neuroendocrine markers in Merkel cell carcinoma. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e157171. [PMID: 36719743 PMCID: PMC9974098 DOI: 10.1172/jci157171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundMerkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine (NE) skin cancer caused by severe UV-induced mutations or expression of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) large and small T antigens (LT and ST). Despite deep genetic differences between MCPyV-positive and -negative subtypes, current clinical diagnostic markers are indistinguishable, and the expression profile of MCC tumors is, to our knowledge, unexplored.MethodsHere, we leveraged bulk and single-cell RNA-Seq of patient-derived tumor biopsies and cell lines to explore the underlying transcriptional environment of MCC.ResultsStrikingly, MCC samples could be separated into transcriptional subtypes that were independent of MCPyV status. Instead, we observed an inverse correlation between a NE gene signature and the Hippo pathway transcription factors Yes1-associated transcriptional regulator (YAP1) and WW domain-containing transcriptional regulator 1 (WWTR1). This inverse correlation was broadly present at the transcript and protein levels in the tumor biopsies as well as in established and patient-derived cell lines. Mechanistically, expression of YAP1 or WWTR1 in a MCPyV-positive MCC cell line induced cell-cycle arrest at least in part through TEA domain-dependent (TEAD-dependent) transcriptional repression of MCPyV LT.ConclusionThese findings identify what we believe to be a previously unrecognized heterogeneity in NE gene expression within MCC and support a model of YAP1/WWTR1 silencing as essential for the development of MCPyV-positive MCC.FundingUS Public Health Service grants R35CA232128, P01CA203655, and P30CA06516.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C. Frost
- Program in Virology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology and
| | - Ashley K. Gartin
- Program in Virology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology and
| | - Mofei Liu
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jingwei Cheng
- Department of Medical Oncology and
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Harita Dharaneeswaran
- Department of Medical Oncology and
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma Center of Excellence, Dana-Farber/Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Derin B. Keskin
- Department of Medical Oncology and
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Translational Immunogenomics Laboratory, DFCI, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Metropolitan College, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Section for Bioinformatics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Catherine J. Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology and
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Translational Immunogenomics Laboratory, DFCI, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anita Giobbie-Hurder
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Manisha Thakuria
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma Center of Excellence, Dana-Farber/Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James A. DeCaprio
- Program in Virology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology and
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma Center of Excellence, Dana-Farber/Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Horie M, Tanaka H, Suzuki M, Sato Y, Takata S, Takai E, Miyashita N, Saito A, Nakatani Y, Yachida S. An integrative epigenomic approach identifies ELF3 as an oncogenic regulator in ASCL1-positive neuroendocrine carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2023. [PMID: 36840413 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is a highly aggressive subtype of the neuroendocrine tumor with an extremely poor prognosis. We have previously conducted a comprehensive genomic analysis of over 100 cases of NEC of the gastrointestinal system (GIS-NEC) and unraveled its unique and organ-specific genomic drivers. However, the epigenomic features of GIS-NEC remain unexplored. In this study, we have described the epigenomic landscape of GIS-NEC and small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) by integrating motif enrichment analysis from the assay of transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC-seq) and enhancer profiling from a novel cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) assay for H3K27ac and identified ELF3 as one of the super-enhancer-related transcriptional factors in NEC. By combining CUT&Tag and knockdown RNA sequencing for ELF3, we uncovered the transcriptional network regulated by ELF3 and defined its distinctive gene signature, including AURKA, CDC25B, CLDN4, ITGB6, and YWAHB. Furthermore, a loss-of-function assay revealed that ELF3 depletion led to poor cell viability. Finally, using gene expression of clinical samples, we successfully divided GIS-NEC patients into two subgroups according to the ELF3 signature and demonstrated that tumor-promoting pathways were activated in the ELF3 signature-high group. Our findings highlight the transcriptional regulation of ELF3 as an oncogenic transcription factor and its tumor-promoting properties in NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Horie
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.,Department of Cancer Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidenori Tanaka
- Department of Cancer Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masami Suzuki
- Department of Cancer Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Sato
- Department of Cancer Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - So Takata
- Department of Cancer Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Erina Takai
- Department of Cancer Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoya Miyashita
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Akira Saito
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Nakatani
- Department of Cancer Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinichi Yachida
- Department of Cancer Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Division of Genomic Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
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17
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Abstract
Deregulation of transcription factors is critical to hallmarks of cancer. Genetic mutations, gene fusions, amplifications or deletions, epigenetic alternations, and aberrant post-transcriptional modification of transcription factors are involved in the regulation of various stages of carcinogenesis, including cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Thus, targeting the dysfunctional transcription factors may lead to new cancer therapeutic strategies. However, transcription factors are conventionally considered as "undruggable." Here, we summarize the recent progresses in understanding the regulation of transcription factors in cancers and strategies to target transcription factors and co-factors for preclinical and clinical drug development, particularly focusing on c-Myc, YAP/TAZ, and β-catenin due to their significance and interplays in cancer.
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18
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Challenges in the treatment of small cell lung cancer in the era of immunotherapy and molecular classification. Lung Cancer 2023; 175:88-100. [PMID: 36493578 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
For many years the standard of care for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has remained unchanged. Despite decades of active research, current treatment options are limited and the prognosis of patients with extended disease (ED) SCLC remains poor. The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represents an exception and the only recent approval for ED-SCLC. However, the magnitude of benefit obtained with immunotherapy in SCLC is much more modest than that observed in other malignancies. Different pro-immunogenic or immunosuppressive features within the tumor microenvironment of SCLC may either modulate the sensitivity to immunotherapy or conversely dampen the efficacy of ICIs. Beside immunotherapy, a deeper understanding of the molecular biology of SCLC has led to the identification of new therapeutic targets for this lethal malignancy. Recent epigenetic and gene expression studies have resulted into a new molecular classification of four distinct subtypes of SCLC, defined by the relative expression of key transcription regulators and each characterized by specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. This review discusses the rationale for immunotherapy in SCLC and summarizes the main ICIs-trials in this tumor. We provide also an overview of new potential therapeutic opportunities and their integration with the new molecular classification of SCLC.
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19
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Gopal P, Petty A, Rogacki K, Bera T, Bareja R, Peacock CD, Abazeed ME. Multivalent state transitions shape the intratumoral composition of small cell lung carcinoma. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabp8674. [PMID: 36516249 PMCID: PMC9750150 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abp8674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Studies to date have not resolved how diverse transcriptional programs contribute to the intratumoral heterogeneity of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), an aggressive tumor associated with a dismal prognosis. Here, we identify distinct and commutable transcriptional states that confer discrete functional attributes in individual SCLC tumors. We combine an integrative approach comprising the transcriptomes of 52,975 single cells, high-resolution measurement of cell state dynamics at the single-cell level, and functional and correlative studies using treatment naïve xenografts with associated clinical outcomes. We show that individual SCLC tumors contain distinctive proportions of stable cellular states that are governed by bidirectional cell state transitions. Using drugs that target the epigenome, we reconfigure tumor state composition in part by altering individual state transition rates. Our results reveal new insights into how single-cell transition behaviors promote cell state equilibrium in SCLC and suggest that facile plasticity underlies its resistance to therapy and lethality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Gopal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 251 E. Huron St., Galter Pavilion LC-178, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Aaron Petty
- Department of Translational Hematology Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic, 2111 East 96th St./NE-6, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kevin Rogacki
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 251 E. Huron St., Galter Pavilion LC-178, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Titas Bera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 251 E. Huron St., Galter Pavilion LC-178, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Rohan Bareja
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Ave., New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Craig D. Peacock
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2109 Adelbert Road, Biomedical Research Building 647B, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Mohamed E. Abazeed
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 251 E. Huron St., Galter Pavilion LC-178, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior St./Lurie 7, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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20
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Szeitz B, Megyesfalvi Z, Woldmar N, Valkó Z, Schwendenwein A, Bárány N, Paku S, László V, Kiss H, Bugyik E, Lang C, Szász AM, Pizzatti L, Bogos K, Hoda MA, Hoetzenecker K, Marko-Varga G, Horvatovich P, Döme B, Schelch K, Rezeli M. In-depth proteomic analysis reveals unique subtype-specific signatures in human small-cell lung cancer. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e1060. [PMID: 36149789 PMCID: PMC9506422 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) molecular subtypes have been primarily characterized based on the expression pattern of the following key transcription regulators: ASCL1 (SCLC‐A), NEUROD1 (SCLC‐N), POU2F3 (SCLC‐P) and YAP1 (SCLC‐Y). Here, we investigated the proteomic landscape of these molecular subsets with the aim to identify novel subtype‐specific proteins of diagnostic and therapeutic relevance. Methods Pellets and cell media of 26 human SCLC cell lines were subjected to label‐free shotgun proteomics for large‐scale protein identification and quantitation, followed by in‐depth bioinformatic analyses. Proteomic data were correlated with the cell lines’ phenotypic characteristics and with public transcriptomic data of SCLC cell lines and tissues. Results Our quantitative proteomic data highlighted that four molecular subtypes are clearly distinguishable at the protein level. The cell lines exhibited diverse neuroendocrine and epithelial–mesenchymal characteristics that varied by subtype. A total of 367 proteins were identified in the cell pellet and 34 in the culture media that showed significant up‐ or downregulation in one subtype, including known druggable proteins and potential blood‐based markers. Pathway enrichment analysis and parallel investigation of transcriptomics from SCLC cell lines outlined unique signatures for each subtype, such as upregulated oxidative phosphorylation in SCLC‐A, DNA replication in SCLC‐N, neurotrophin signalling in SCLC‐P and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in SCLC‐Y. Importantly, we identified the YAP1‐driven subtype as the most distinct SCLC subgroup. Using sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis, we identified proteins that clearly distinguish four SCLC subtypes based on their expression pattern, including potential diagnostic markers for SCLC‐Y (e.g. GPX8, PKD2 and UFO). Conclusions We report for the first time, the protein expression differences among SCLC subtypes. By shedding light on potential subtype‐specific therapeutic vulnerabilities and diagnostic biomarkers, our results may contribute to a better understanding of SCLC biology and the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beáta Szeitz
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Megyesfalvi
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nicole Woldmar
- Division of Clinical Protein Science, & Imaging, Department of Clinical Sciences (Lund) and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Proteomics of Blood/LADETEC, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Zsuzsanna Valkó
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Schwendenwein
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nándor Bárány
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,First Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Paku
- First Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktória László
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helga Kiss
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Edina Bugyik
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary.,First Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Christian Lang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Attila Marcell Szász
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Bioinformatics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Luciana Pizzatti
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Proteomics of Blood/LADETEC, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Krisztina Bogos
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mir Alireza Hoda
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Konrad Hoetzenecker
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - György Marko-Varga
- Division of Clinical Protein Science, & Imaging, Department of Clinical Sciences (Lund) and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Peter Horvatovich
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Balázs Döme
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin Schelch
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Melinda Rezeli
- Division of Clinical Protein Science, & Imaging, Department of Clinical Sciences (Lund) and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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21
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Forced Overexpression of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) Activates Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) Expression and Increases the Invasion and Proliferation Abilities of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Cells. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071704. [PMID: 35885009 PMCID: PMC9313375 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071704] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We sought to investigate the interaction between signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway in human small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells. Methods: The STAT3-overexpressing SCLC cell lines H146 and H446 were established by plasmid DNA transfection for in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results: Overexpression of STAT3 increased YAP protein expression in H146 and H446 cells. STAT3 overexpression significantly increased YAP mRNA expression and the mRNA expression of the YAP signaling downstream genes CTGF and CYR61 in H146 and H446 cells (p < 0.05). We showed that STAT3 overexpression promoted EMT (epithelial−mesenchymal transition) with increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP9 expression. Transwell assays showed that STAT3 overexpression increased the invasion ability of H146 and H446 cells. In addition, STAT3-overexpressing H146 cells grew significantly more rapidly than control H146 cells in the xenograft mouse model (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and Western blotting (WB) showed that STAT3-overexpressing H146 tumors had increased p-STAT3 and YAP staining and protein expression compared with control tumors. Increased EMT was also observed in STAT3-overexpressed xenograft tumors. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that the overexpression of STAT3 promotes SCLC EMT, invasion, and proliferation through the activation of the YAP signaling pathway.
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22
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Miyakawa K, Miyashita N, Horie M, Terasaki Y, Tanaka H, Urushiyama H, Fukuda K, Okabe Y, Ishii T, Kuwahara N, Suzuki HI, Nagase T, Saito A. ASCL1 regulates super-enhancer-associated miRNAs to define molecular subtypes of small cell lung cancer. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:3932-3946. [PMID: 35789143 PMCID: PMC9633298 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine tumor with dismal prognosis. Recently, molecular subtypes of SCLC have been defined by the expression status of ASCL1, NEUROD1, YAP1, and POU2F3 transcription regulators. ASCL1 is essential for neuroendocrine differentiation and is expressed in the majority of SCLC. Although previous studies investigated ASCL1 target genes in SCLC cells, ASCL1‐mediated regulation of miRNAs and its relationship to molecular subtypes remain poorly explored. Here, we performed genome‐wide profiling of chromatin modifications (H3K27me3, H3K4me3, and H3K27ac) by CUT&Tag assay and ASCL1 knockdown followed by RNA sequencing and miRNA array analyses in SCLC cells. ASCL1 could preferentially regulate genes associated with super‐enhancers (SEs) defined by enrichment of H3K27ac marking. Moreover, ASCL1 positively regulated several SE‐associated miRNAs, such as miR‐7, miR‐375, miR‐200b‐3p, and miR‐429, leading to repression of their targets, whereas ASCL1 suppressed miR‐455‐3p, an abundant miRNA in other molecular subtypes. We further elucidated unique patterns of SE‐associated miRNAs in different SCLC molecular subtypes, highlighting subtype‐specific miRNA networks with functional relevance. Notably, we found apparent de‐repression of common target genes of different miRNAs following ASCL1 knockdown, suggesting combinatorial action of multiple miRNAs underlying molecular heterogeneity of SCLC (e.g., co‐targeting of YAP1 by miR‐9 and miR‐375). Our comprehensive analyses provide novel insights into SCLC pathogenesis and a clue to understanding subtype‐dependent phenotypic differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuko Miyakawa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoya Miyashita
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masafumi Horie
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Terasaki
- Department of Analytic Human Pathology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenori Tanaka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Urushiyama
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensuke Fukuda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yugo Okabe
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Ishii
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Division for Health Service Promotion, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naomi Kuwahara
- Department of Analytic Human Pathology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi I Suzuki
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takahide Nagase
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Saito
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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23
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Jin Y, Zhao Q, Zhu W, Feng Y, Xiao T, Zhang P, Jiang L, Hou Y, Guo C, Huang H, Chen Y, Tong X, Cao J, Li F, Zhu X, Qin J, Gao D, Liu XY, Zhang H, Chen L, Thomas RK, Wong KK, Zhang L, Wang Y, Hu L, Ji H. Identification of TAZ as the essential molecular switch in orchestrating SCLC phenotypic transition and metastasis. Natl Sci Rev 2022; 9:nwab232. [PMID: 35967587 PMCID: PMC9365451 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwab232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a recalcitrant cancer characterized by high metastasis. However, the exact cell type contributing to metastasis remains elusive. Using a Rb1 L/L /Trp53 L/L mouse model, we identify the NCAMhiCD44lo/- subpopulation as the SCLC metastasizing cell (SMC), which is progressively transitioned from the non-metastasizing NCAMloCD44hi cell (non-SMC). Integrative chromatin accessibility and gene expression profiling studies reveal the important role of the SWI/SNF complex, and knockout of its central component, Brg1, significantly inhibits such phenotypic transition and metastasis. Mechanistically, TAZ is silenced by the SWI/SNF complex during SCLC malignant progression, and its knockdown promotes SMC transition and metastasis. Importantly, ectopic TAZ expression reversely drives SMC-to-non-SMC transition and alleviates metastasis. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses identify SMC as the dominant subpopulation in human SCLC metastasis, and immunostaining data show a positive correlation between TAZ and patient prognosis. These data uncover high SCLC plasticity and identify TAZ as the key molecular switch in orchestrating SCLC phenotypic transition and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujuan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qiqi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Weikang Zhu
- Center for Excellence in Mathematical Sciences, National Center for Mathematics and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Key Laboratory of Management, Decision and Information System, Hua Loo-Keng Center for Mathematical Sciences, Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Tian Xiao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine of Tumor, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Liyan Jiang
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yingyong Hou
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chenchen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hsinyi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yabin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xinyuan Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jiayu Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xueliang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Jun Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Dong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Luonan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Roman K Thomas
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne 50931, Germany
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne 50937, Germany
| | - Kwok-Kin Wong
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Center for Excellence in Mathematical Sciences, National Center for Mathematics and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Key Laboratory of Management, Decision and Information System, Hua Loo-Keng Center for Mathematical Sciences, Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Liang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hongbin Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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24
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YAP and TAZ: Monocorial and bicorial transcriptional co-activators in human cancers. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188756. [PMID: 35777600 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The transcriptional regulators YAP and TAZ are involved in numerous physiological processes including organ development, growth, immunity and tissue regeneration. YAP and TAZ dysregulation also contribute to tumorigenesis, thereby making them attractive cancer therapeutic targets. Arbitrarily, YAP and TAZ are often considered as a single protein, and are referred to as YAP/TAZ in most studies. However, increasing experimental evidences documented that YAP and TAZ perform both overlapping and distinct functions in several physiological and pathological processes. In addition to regulating distinct processes, YAP and TAZ are also regulated by distinct upstream cues. The aim of the review is to describe the distinct roles of YAP and TAZ focusing particularly on cancer. Therapeutic strategies targeting either YAP and TAZ proteins or only one of them should be carefully evaluated. Selective targeting of YAP or TAZ may in fact impair different pathways and determine diverse clinical outputs.
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25
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Williams JF, Vivero M. Diagnostic criteria and evolving molecular characterization of pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas. Histopathology 2022; 81:556-568. [PMID: 35758205 DOI: 10.1111/his.14714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine carcinomas of the lung are currently classified into two categories: small cell lung carcinoma and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Diagnostic criteria for small cell- and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma are based solely on tumor morphology; however, overlap in histologic and immunophenotypic features between the two types of carcinoma can potentially make their classification challenging. Accurate diagnosis of pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas is paramount for patient management, as clinical course and treatment differ between small cell and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Molecular-genetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data published over the past decade suggest that small cell and large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas are not homogeneous categories but rather comprise multiple groups of distinctive malignancies. Nuances in the susceptibility of small cell lung carcinoma subtypes to different chemotherapeutic regimens and the discovery of targetable mutations in large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma suggest that classification and treatment of neuroendocrine carcinomas may be informed by ancillary molecular and protein expression testing going forward. This review summarizes current diagnostic criteria, prognostic and predictive correlates of classification, and evidence of previously unrecognized subtypes of small cell and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Williams
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marina Vivero
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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26
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A conserved YAP/Notch/REST network controls the neuroendocrine cell fate in the lungs. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2690. [PMID: 35577801 PMCID: PMC9110333 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30416-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch pathway is a conserved cell-cell communication pathway that controls cell fate decisions. Here we sought to determine how Notch pathway activation inhibits the neuroendocrine cell fate in the lungs, an archetypal process for cell fate decisions orchestrated by Notch signaling that has remained poorly understood at the molecular level. Using intratumoral heterogeneity in small-cell lung cancer as a tractable model system, we uncovered a role for the transcriptional regulators REST and YAP as promoters of the neuroendocrine to non-neuroendocrine transition. We further identified the specific neuroendocrine gene programs repressed by REST downstream of Notch in this process. Importantly, we validated the importance of REST and YAP in neuroendocrine to non-neuroendocrine cell fate switches in both developmental and tissue repair processes in the lungs. Altogether, these experiments identify conserved roles for REST and YAP in Notch-driven inhibition of the neuroendocrine cell fate in embryonic lungs, adult lungs, and lung cancer.
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27
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Quaranta V, Linkous A. Organoids as a Systems Platform for SCLC Brain Metastasis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:881989. [PMID: 35574308 PMCID: PMC9096159 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.881989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive, neuroendocrine tumor. Traditional reductionist approaches have proven ineffective to ameliorate the uniformly dismal outcomes for SCLC - survival at 5 years remains less than 5%. A major obstacle to improving treatment is that SCLC tumor cells disseminate early, with a strong propensity for metastasizing to the brain. Accumulating evidence indicates that, contrary to previous textbook knowledge, virtually every SCLC tumor is comprised of multiple subtypes. Important questions persist regarding the role that this intra-tumor subtype heterogeneity may play in supporting the invasive properties of SCLC. A recurrent hypothesis in the field is that subtype interactions and/or transition dynamics are major determinants of SCLC metastatic seeding and progression. Here, we review the advantages of cerebral organoids as an experimentally accessible platform for SCLC brain metastasis, amenable to genetic manipulations, drug perturbations, and assessment of subtype interactions when coupled, e.g., to temporal longitudinal monitoring by high-content imaging or high-throughput omics data generation. We then consider systems approaches that can produce mathematical and computational models useful to generalize lessons learned from ex vivo organoid cultures, and integrate them with in vivo observations. In summary, systems approaches combined with ex vivo SCLC cultures in brain organoids may effectively capture both tumor-tumor and host-tumor interactions that underlie general principles of brain metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Linkous
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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28
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Wang WZ, Shulman A, Amann JM, Carbone DP, Tsichlis PN. Small cell lung cancer: Subtypes and therapeutic implications. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:543-554. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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29
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Jiang Y, Xie WJ, Chen RW, You WW, Ye WL, Chen H, Chen WX, Xu JP. The Hippo Signaling Core Components YAP and TAZ as New Prognostic Factors in Lung Cancer. Front Surg 2022; 9:813123. [PMID: 35388363 PMCID: PMC8977465 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.813123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe Hippo pathway is an essential signaling cascade that regulates cell and organ growth. However, there is no consensus about (i) the expression levels of the Hippo signaling core components yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in lung cancer, especially in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), or (ii) their association with the prognosis of patients with SCLC.MethodsWe screened relevant articles and identified eligible studies in the PubMed, EMBASE, COCHRANE, and WanFang databases. A combined analysis was performed to investigate (i) the expression levels of the major effectors, YAP and TAZ, in lung cancer and its subsets and (ii) their prognostic role in lung cancer, especially in SCLC.ResultsIn total, 6 studies related to TAZ and 13 studies concerning YAP were enrolled in this meta-analysis. We found that high TAZ expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the overall population [Ph < 0.001, crude hazard ratio (HR) = 1.629, 95% CI = 1.199–2.214 for TAZ expression; Ph = 0.029, adjusted HR = 2.127, 95% CI = 1.307–3.460 for TAZ], the Caucasian population (Ph = 0.043, crude HR = 1.233, 95% CI = 1.030–1.477 for TAZ expression), and the Asian population (Ph = 0.551, adjusted HR = 2.676, 95% CI = 1.798–3.982 for TAZ). Moreover, there was a significant negative association between YAP expression and an unsatisfactory survival of patients with lung cancer (Ph = 0.327, crude HR = 1.652, 95% CI = 1.211–2.253 for YAP expression) and patients with NSCLC [disease-free survival (DFS): Ph = 0.693, crude HR = 2.562, 95% CI = 1.876–3.499 for YAP expression; Ph = 0.920, crude HR = 2.617, 95% CI = 1.690–4.052 for YAP-mRNA; OS: Ph = 0.878, crude HR = 1.777, 95% CI = 1.233–2.562 for YAP expression], especially in the Asian population (DFS: Ph = 0.414, crude HR = 2.515, 95% CI = 1.755–3.063; OS: Ph = 0.712, crude HR = 1.772, 95% CI = 1.214–2.587). However, no association was observed in the multivariate combined analysis. High YAP expression was significantly associated with short OS of patients with SCLC in our combined multivariate analysis in the Asian population (Ph = 0.289, crude HR = 4.482, 95% CI = 2.182–9.209), but not with crude data (Ph = 0.033, crude HR = 1.654, 95% CI = 0.434–6.300).ConclusionThe Hippo pathway is involved in carcinogenesis and progression of NSCLC and SCLC, and high expression levels of YAP and TAZ are independent and novel prognostic factors for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fuzhou Second Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
- Yu Jiang
| | - Wen-Jing Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fuzhou Second Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Rong-Wei Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fuzhou Second Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wei-Wei You
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fuzhou Second Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wei-Lin Ye
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fuzhou Second Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fuzhou Second Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wen-Xu Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fuzhou Second Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wen-Xu Chen
| | - Jian-Ping Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Jian-Ping Xu
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30
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Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a rapidly growing, highly metastatic, and relatively immune-cold lung cancer subtype. Historically viewed in the laboratory and clinic as a single disease, new discoveries suggest that SCLC comprises multiple molecular subsets. Expression of MYC family members and lineage-related transcription factors ASCL1, NEUROD1, and POU2F3 (and, in some studies, YAP1) define unique molecular states that have been associated with distinct responses to a variety of therapies. However, SCLC tumors exhibit a high degree of intratumoral heterogeneity, with recent studies suggesting the existence of tumor cell plasticity and phenotypic switching between subtype states. While SCLC plasticity is correlated with, and likely drives, therapeutic resistance, the mechanisms underlying this plasticity are still largely unknown. Subtype states are also associated with immune-related gene expression, which likely impacts response to immune checkpoint blockade and may reveal novel targets for alternative immunotherapeutic approaches. In this review, we synthesize recent discoveries on the mechanisms of SCLC plasticity and how these processes may impinge on antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate D Sutherland
- Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) Cancer Biology and Stem Cells Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Abbie S Ireland
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Trudy G Oliver
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
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31
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The role of YAP1 in small cell lung cancer. Hum Cell 2022; 35:628-638. [DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00669-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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32
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Qu S, Fetsch P, Thomas A, Pommier Y, Schrump DS, Miettinen MM, Chen H. Molecular Subtypes of Primary SCLC Tumors and Their Associations With Neuroendocrine and Therapeutic Markers. J Thorac Oncol 2022; 17:141-153. [PMID: 34534680 PMCID: PMC8692365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2021.08.763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A new molecular subtype classification was recently proposed for SCLC. It is necessary to validate it in primary SCLC tumors by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and define its clinical relevance. METHODS We used IHC to assess four subtype markers (ASCL1, NEUROD1, POU2F3, and YAP1) in 194 cores from 146 primary SCLC tumors. The profiles of tumor-associated CD3+ and CD8+ T-cells, MYC paralogs, SLFN11, and SYP were compared among different subtypes. Validation was performed using publicly available RNA sequencing data of SCLC. RESULTS ASCL1, NEUROD1, POU2F3, and YAP1 were the dominant molecular subtypes in 78.2%, 5.6%, 7%, and 2.8% of the tumors, respectively; 6.3% of the tumors were negative for all four subtype markers. Notably, three cases were uniquely positive for YAP1. Substantial intratumoral heterogeneity was observed, with 17.6% and 2.8% of the tumors being positive for two and three subtype markers, respectively. The non-ASCL1/NEUROD1 tumors had more CD8+ T-cells and manifested more frequently an "inflamed" immunophenotype. L-MYC and MYC were more often associated with ASCL1/NEUROD1 subtypes and non-ASCL1/NEUROD1 subtypes, respectively. SLFN11 expression was absent in 40% of the tumors, especially those negative for the four subtype markers. SYP was often expressed in the ASCL1 and NEUROD1 subtypes and was associated with less tumor-associated CD8+ T-cells and a "desert" immunophenotype. CONCLUSIONS We validated the new molecular subtype classification in primary SCLC tumors by IHC and identified several intriguing associations between subtypes and therapeutic markers. The new subtype classification may potentially assist treatment decisions in SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Qu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Patricia Fetsch
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Anish Thomas
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - David S Schrump
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Markku M Miettinen
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Haobin Chen
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Krencz I, Sztankovics D, Danko T, Sebestyen A, Khoor A. Progression and metastasis of small cell lung carcinoma: the role of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and metabolic alterations. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:1141-1157. [PMID: 34958428 PMCID: PMC8825381 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-10012-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is characterized by high metastatic rate and poor prognosis. The platinum-based chemotherapy still represents the backbone of the therapy; however, acquired resistance develops almost in all patients. Although SCLC has been formerly considered a homogeneous disease, recent advances in SCLC research have highlighted the importance of inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity and have resulted in the subclassification of SCLC. The newly described SCLC subtypes are characterized by distinct biological behavior and vulnerabilities that can be therapeutically exploited. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is frequently affected in SCLC, and its activation represents a promising therapeutic target. Since the mTOR pathway is a master regulator of cellular metabolism, its alterations may also influence the bioenergetic processes of SCLC cells. Despite the encouraging preclinical results, both mTOR and metabolic inhibitors have met limited clinical success so far. Patient selection for personalized therapy, the development of rational drug combinations, and a better understanding of heterogeneity and spatiotemporal evolution of the tumor cells may improve efficacy and can help to overcome acquired resistance. Here we provide a summary of current investigations regarding the role of the mTOR pathway and metabolic alterations in the progression and metastasis formation of SCLC.
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Asrani K, Torres AFC, Woo J, Vidotto T, Tsai HK, Luo J, Corey E, Hanratty B, Coleman I, Yegnasubramanian S, De Marzo AM, Nelson PS, Haffner MC, Lotan TL. Reciprocal YAP1 loss and INSM1 expression in neuroendocrine prostate cancer. J Pathol 2021; 255:425-437. [PMID: 34431104 PMCID: PMC8599638 DOI: 10.1002/path.5781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a rare but aggressive histologic variant of prostate cancer that responds poorly to androgen deprivation therapy. Hybrid NEPC-adenocarcinoma (AdCa) tumors are common, often eluding accurate pathologic diagnosis and requiring ancillary markers for classification. We recently performed an outlier-based meta-analysis across a number of independent gene expression microarray datasets to identify novel markers that differentiate NEPC from AdCa, including up-regulation of insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) and loss of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1). Here, using diverse cancer gene expression datasets, we show that Hippo pathway-related genes, including YAP1, are among the top down-regulated gene sets with expression of the neuroendocrine transcription factors, including INSM1. In prostate cancer cell lines, transgenic mouse models, and human prostate tumor cohorts, we confirm that YAP1 RNA and YAP1 protein expression are silenced in NEPC and demonstrate that the inverse correlation of INSM1 and YAP1 expression helps to distinguish AdCa from NEPC. Mechanistically, we find that YAP1 loss in NEPC may help to maintain INSM1 expression in prostate cancer cell lines and we further demonstrate that YAP1 silencing likely occurs epigenetically, via CpG hypermethylation near its transcriptional start site. Taken together, these data nominate two additional markers to distinguish NEPC from AdCa and add to data from other tumor types suggesting that Hippo signaling is tightly reciprocally regulated with neuroendocrine transcription factor expression. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushal Asrani
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Alba F. C. Torres
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Juhyung Woo
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Thiago Vidotto
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Harrison K. Tsai
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Current address: Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jun Luo
- Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Eva Corey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Brian Hanratty
- Divisions of Human Biology and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Ilsa Coleman
- Divisions of Human Biology and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Srinivasan Yegnasubramanian
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Angelo M. De Marzo
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Peter S. Nelson
- Divisions of Human Biology and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Michael C. Haffner
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Divisions of Human Biology and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Tamara L. Lotan
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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35
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Ito F, Sato T, Emoto K, Kaizuka N, Yagi K, Watanabe R, Hashiguchi MH, Ninomiya H, Ikematsu Y, Tanaka K, Domoto H, Shiomi T. Standard therapy-resistant small cell lung cancer showing dynamic transition of neuroendocrine fate during the cancer trajectory: A case report. Mol Clin Oncol 2021; 15:261. [PMID: 34790350 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2021.2423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
While small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has been treated as a single disease historically, recent studies have suggested that SCLC can be classified into molecular subtypes based on the expression of lineage transcription factors such as achaete-scute homolog 1 (ASCL1), neurogenic differentiation factor 1 (NEUROD1), POU domain class 2 transcription factor 3 (POU2F3) and transcriptional coactivator YAP1 (YAP1). These transcription factor-based subtypes may be specifically targeted in therapy, and recent studies have suggested that the SCLC subtypes represent different stages of dynamic evolution of SCLC rather than independent diseases. Nevertheless, evidence of shift in neuroendocrine differentiation during SCLC evolution has been lacking in the clinical setting. In the present study, a 60-year-old male was diagnosed with extensive SCLC. The tumor responded not to the standard SCLC regimen of carboplatin, etoposide and atezolizumab, but to the non-SCLC regimen of carboplatin, nab-paclitaxel and pembrolizumab. The patient succumbed 5 months after the initial diagnosis and a pathological autopsy was performed. The tumor was originally negative for all four transcription factors, ASCL1, NEUROD1, POU2F3 and YAP1, in the biopsy specimens at diagnosis. Loss of synaptophysin expression and emergence of Myc proto-oncogene protein and YAP1 expression was recorded in the autopsy specimens, suggesting the transition to a decreased neuroendocrine fate during the disease trajectory. This case provides clinical evidence of dynamic transition of neuroendocrine fate during SCLC evolution. In light of SCLC heterogeneity and plasticity, development of precision medicine is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumimaro Ito
- Department of Medicine, Keiyu Hospital, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-8521, Japan.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takashi Sato
- Department of Medicine, Keiyu Hospital, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-8521, Japan.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0374, Japan
| | - Katsura Emoto
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Nobuki Kaizuka
- Department of Medicine, Keiyu Hospital, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-8521, Japan.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0374, Japan
| | - Kazuma Yagi
- Department of Medicine, Keiyu Hospital, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-8521, Japan
| | - Rinako Watanabe
- Department of Medicine, Keiyu Hospital, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-8521, Japan
| | | | - Hironori Ninomiya
- Division of Pathology, Cancer Institute, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan
| | - Yuki Ikematsu
- Research Institute for Diseases of the Chest, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kentaro Tanaka
- Research Institute for Diseases of the Chest, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hideharu Domoto
- Department of Pathology, Keiyu Hospital, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-8521, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Shiomi
- Department of Medicine, Keiyu Hospital, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-8521, Japan
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Cargill KR, Hasken WL, Gay CM, Byers LA. Alternative Energy: Breaking Down the Diverse Metabolic Features of Lung Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 11:757323. [PMID: 34745994 PMCID: PMC8566922 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.757323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer initiation, progression, and relapse. From the initial observation that cancer cells preferentially ferment glucose to lactate, termed the Warburg effect, to emerging evidence indicating that metabolic heterogeneity and mitochondrial metabolism are also important for tumor growth, the complex mechanisms driving cancer metabolism remain vastly unknown. These unique shifts in metabolism must be further investigated in order to identify unique therapeutic targets for individuals afflicted by this aggressive disease. Although novel therapies have been developed to target metabolic vulnerabilities in a variety of cancer models, only limited efficacy has been achieved. In particular, lung cancer metabolism has remained relatively understudied and underutilized for the advancement of therapeutic strategies, however recent evidence suggests that lung cancers have unique metabolic preferences of their own. This review aims to provide an overview of essential metabolic mechanisms and potential therapeutic agents in order to increase evidence of targeted metabolic inhibition for the treatment of lung cancer, where novel therapeutics are desperately needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lauren A. Byers
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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37
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Yan W, Chung CY, Xie T, Ozeck M, Nichols TC, Frey J, Udyavar AR, Sharma S, Paul TA. Intrinsic and acquired drug resistance to LSD1 inhibitors in small cell lung cancer occurs through a TEAD4-driven transcriptional state. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:1309-1328. [PMID: 34669238 PMCID: PMC8936524 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a heterogeneous disease, consisting of intratumoral and intertumoral neuroendocrine (ASCL1 and/or NEUROD1), mesenchymal-like, and YAP-driven transcriptional states. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1; also known as KDM1A) inhibitors have recently been progressed to clinical trials in SCLC based on a promising preclinical antitumor activity. A potential clinical limitation of LSD1 inhibitors is the heterogeneous drug responses that have been observed in SCLC cell lines and patient-derived models. Based on these observations, we studied molecular and transcriptional signatures that predict patient response to this class of drug. Employing SCLC patient-derived transcriptional signatures, we define that SCLC cell lines sensitive to LSD1 inhibitors are enriched in neuroendocrine transcriptional markers, whereas cell lines enriched in a mesenchymal-like transcriptional program demonstrate intrinsic resistance to LSD1 inhibitors. We have identified a reversible, adaptive resistance mechanism to LSD1 inhibitors through epigenetic reprogramming to a TEAD4-driven mesenchymal-like state. Our data suggest that only a segment of SCLC patients, with a defined neuroendocrine differentiation state, will likely benefit from LSD1 inhibitors. It provides novel evidence for the selection of a TEAD4-driven mesenchymal-like subpopulation resistant to LSD1 inhibitors in SCLC patients that may require effective drug combinations to sustain effective clinical responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Yan
- Oncology Research Discovery, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Chi-Yeh Chung
- Oncology Research Discovery, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Tao Xie
- Oncology Research Discovery, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mark Ozeck
- Oncology Research Discovery, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Timothy C Nichols
- Oncology Research Discovery, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Frey
- Oncology Research Discovery, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Shikhar Sharma
- Oncology Research Discovery, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Paul
- Oncology Research Discovery, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, San Diego, CA, USA
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38
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Wu Q, Guo J, Liu Y, Zheng Q, Li X, Wu C, Fang D, Chen X, Ma L, Xu P, Xu X, Liao C, Wu M, Shen L, Song H. YAP drives fate conversion and chemoresistance of small cell lung cancer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabg1850. [PMID: 34597132 PMCID: PMC10938532 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg1850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a high degree of plasticity and is characterized by a remarkable response to chemotherapy followed by the development of resistance. Here, we use a mouse SCLC model to show that intratumoral heterogeneity of SCLC is progressively established during SCLC tumorigenesis. YAP/TAZ and Notch are required for the generation of non-neuroendocrine (Non-NE) SCLC tumor cells, but not for the initiation of SCLC. YAP signals through Notch-dependent and Notch-independent pathways to promote the fate conversion of SCLC from NE to Non-NE tumor cells by inducing Rest expression. In addition, YAP activation enhances the chemoresistance in NE SCLC tumor cells, while the inactivation of YAP in Non-NE SCLC tumor cells switches cell death induced by chemotherapy drugs from apoptosis to pyroptosis. Our study demonstrates that YAP plays critical roles in the establishment of intratumoral heterogeneity and highlights the potential of targeting YAP for chemoresistant SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingzhe Wu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jingxin Guo
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Yuning Liu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Qi Zheng
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Chuanqiang Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Dong Fang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pinglong Xu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xiaofang Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Cheng Liao
- Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co. Ltd., No. 1288, Haike Road, Pudong, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Li Shen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Hai Song
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
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Bai R, Li L, Chen X, Zhao Y, Song W, Tian H, Cui J. Advances in novel molecular typing and precise treatment strategies for small cell lung cancer. Chin J Cancer Res 2021; 33:522-534. [PMID: 34584377 PMCID: PMC8435821 DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2021.04.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a high-grade neuroendocrine (NE) cancer characterized by high circulating tumor-cell burden and early extensive metastasis. Considering the complexity of SCLC genes and the immune microenvironment, their unique molecular heterogeneity profiles have been continuously explored. The understanding of SCLC subtypes has recently changed from traditional "classical" and "variant" types to "NE" and "non-NE" phenotypes and to the subtypes defined by major transcriptional regulators, which indicates the gradual revelation of high intratumoral heterogeneity and plasticity characteristics of SCLCs. Advances in genomics as well as the development of single-cell sequencing analysis and new preclinical models have helped investigators gain many new insights into SCLCs and the development of targeted therapy and immunotherapy strategies. This article provides an overview of changes in molecular typing, tumor heterogeneity, and plasticity and that of advances in the precise treatment of different subtypes of SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rilan Bai
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Lingyu Li
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yuguang Zhao
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wei Song
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Huimin Tian
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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Wang X, Guo Y, Liu L, Wei J, Zhang J, Xie T, Dong J, Li J, Xing P, Yang L. YAP1 protein expression has variant prognostic significance in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) stratified by histological subtypes. Lung Cancer 2021; 160:166-174. [PMID: 34364705 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2021.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, expression of YAP1, a nuclear effector of an inactivated HIPPO pathway, has been identified as one of four molecular subtypes of SCLC. However, the clinicopathological relevance and prognostic significance of YAP1 expression in SCLC stratified by histological subtypes has not been systematically reported to date. METHODS Tumor sections and corresponding formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples of 297 SCLC patients were retrieved from the pathological specimen repository and were subsequently reviewed by pathologists. Forty-six C-SCLCs (combined SCLCs) (15.5%) and 251P-SCLCs (pure SCLCs) (84.5%) were identified respectively. YAP1 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and assessed semi-quantitatively on tumor tissue array (TMA). Propensity score was used to match C-SCLCs and P-SCLCs in a ratio of 1 to 2 to balance age, gender, tumor stage and treatment methods. Finally, 46C-SCLCs and 92P-SCLCs were included for prognostic analysis. RESULTS The positive rate of YAP1 expression was significantly higher in C-SCLCs than P-SCLCs before matching (52.2% vs 29.1%, P = 0.004). After matching by propensity score, the prescribed clinical parameters were well balanced between P-SCLCs and C-SCLCs. Expression of YAP1 was associated worse overall survival (OS) (5- year OS%, 39.0% vs. 74.9%, P = 0.013) and was an independent risk factor for OS (HR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.01-8.51; P = 0.048) exclusively in C-SCLC. Univariate survival analysis in subgroups of different clinical variables also confirmed the prognostic impact of YAP1 was most significant in C-SCLC. But for P-SCLCs, expression of YAP1 showed no prognostic impact. CONCLUSIONS Expression of YAP1 in small cell components of C-SCLC was significantly higher than that in P-SCLC. Besides, it served as an unfavorable predictor for OS in C-SCLC but not in P-SCLC, which suggested different entities of small cell components with variant YAP1 expression and potential different targetable oncogenic pathway between C-SCLC and P-SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yiying Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jiacong Wei
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jinyao Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Tongji Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jiyan Dong
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Junling Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Puyuan Xing
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
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Li X, Li C, Guo C, Zhao Q, Cao J, Huang HY, Yue M, Xue Y, Jin Y, Hu L, Ji H. PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling orchestrates the phenotypic transition and chemo-resistance of small cell lung cancer. J Genet Genomics 2021; 48:640-651. [PMID: 34167917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a phenotypically heterogeneous disease with an extremely poor prognosis, which is mainly attributed to the rapid development of resistance to chemotherapy. However, the relation between the growth phenotypes and chemo-resistance of SCLC remains largely unclear. Through comprehensive bioinformatic analyses, we found that the heterogeneity of SCLC phenotype was significantly associated with different sensitivity to chemotherapy. Adherent or semiadherent SCLC cells were enriched with activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and were highly chemoresistant. Mechanistically, activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway promotes the phenotypic transition from suspension to adhesion growth pattern and confers SCLC cells with chemo-resistance. Such chemo-resistance could be largely overcome by combining chemotherapy with PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitors. Our findings support that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway plays an important role in SCLC phenotype transition and chemo-resistance, which holds important clinical implications for improving SCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospita, Hengyang MedicalSchool, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospita, Hengyang MedicalSchool, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Chenchen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qiqi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Jiayu Cao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hsin-Yi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Meiting Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yun Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yujuan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Liang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Hongbin Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 200120, China; School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
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42
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Yang X, Nanayakkara J, Claypool D, Saghafinia S, Wong JJM, Xu M, Wang X, Nicol CJB, Michael IP, Hafner M, Yang X, Renwick N. A miR-375/YAP axis regulates neuroendocrine differentiation and tumorigenesis in lung carcinoid cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10455. [PMID: 34001972 PMCID: PMC8129150 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89855-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung carcinoids are variably aggressive and mechanistically understudied neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Here, we identified and elucidated the function of a miR-375/yes-associated protein (YAP) axis in lung carcinoid (H727) cells. miR-375 and YAP are respectively high and low expressed in wild-type H727 cells. Following lentiviral CRISPR/Cas9-mediated miR-375 depletion, we identified distinct transcriptomic changes including dramatic YAP upregulation. We also observed a significant decrease in neuroendocrine differentiation and substantial reductions in cell proliferation, transformation, and tumor growth in cell culture and xenograft mouse disease models. Similarly, YAP overexpression resulted in distinct and partially overlapping transcriptomic changes, phenocopying the effects of miR-375 depletion in the same models as above. Transient YAP knockdown in miR-375-depleted cells reversed the effects of miR-375 on neuroendocrine differentiation and cell proliferation. Pathways analysis and confirmatory real-time PCR studies of shared dysregulated target genes indicate that this axis controls neuroendocrine related functions such as neural differentiation, exocytosis, and secretion. Taken together, we provide compelling evidence that a miR-375/YAP axis is a critical mediator of neuroendocrine differentiation and tumorigenesis in lung carcinoid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Yang
- grid.410356.50000 0004 1936 8331Laboratory of Translational RNA Biology, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen’s University, 88 Stuart St, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Canada
| | - Jina Nanayakkara
- grid.410356.50000 0004 1936 8331Laboratory of Translational RNA Biology, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen’s University, 88 Stuart St, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Canada
| | - Duncan Claypool
- grid.420086.80000 0001 2237 2479Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation, NIAMS, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Sadegh Saghafinia
- grid.5333.60000000121839049Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Justin J. M. Wong
- grid.410356.50000 0004 1936 8331Laboratory of Translational RNA Biology, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen’s University, 88 Stuart St, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Canada
| | - Minqi Xu
- grid.410356.50000 0004 1936 8331Laboratory of Translational RNA Biology, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen’s University, 88 Stuart St, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Canada
| | - Xiantao Wang
- grid.420086.80000 0001 2237 2479Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation, NIAMS, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Christopher J. B. Nicol
- grid.410356.50000 0004 1936 8331Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen’s University, 88 Stuart St, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Canada ,Division of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Queen’s Cancer Research Institute, 10 Stuart St, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Canada
| | - Iacovos P. Michael
- grid.5333.60000000121839049Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Markus Hafner
- grid.420086.80000 0001 2237 2479Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation, NIAMS, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Xiaolong Yang
- grid.410356.50000 0004 1936 8331Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen’s University, 88 Stuart St, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Canada
| | - Neil Renwick
- grid.410356.50000 0004 1936 8331Laboratory of Translational RNA Biology, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen’s University, 88 Stuart St, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Canada
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43
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Chu Y, Zhu C, Wang Q, Liu M, Wan W, Zhou J, Han R, Yang J, Luo W, Liu C, Zhou H, Li M, Yu F, Ye Y. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells induced PAX8 promotes ovarian cancer cell growth by stabilizing TAZ protein. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:4434-4443. [PMID: 33830648 PMCID: PMC8093979 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies have shown that the Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) can regulate metastasis and development of ovarian cancer. However, its specific mechanism has yet to be fully revealed. In this study, an RNA‐seq approach was adopted to compare the differences in mRNA levels in ovarian cancer cells being given or not given ADSCs. The mRNA level of paired box 8 (PAX8) changed significantly and was confirmed as an important factor in tumour‐inducing effect of ADSCs. In comparison with the ovarian cancer cells cultured in the common growth medium, those cultured in the medium supplemented with ADSCs showed a significant increase of the PAX8 level. Moreover, the cancer cell growth could be restricted, even in the ADSC‐treated group (P < .05), by inhibiting PAX8. In addition, an overexpression of PAX8 could elevate the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, Co‐IP assays in ovarian cancer cells revealed that an interaction existed between endogenous PAX8 and TAZ. And the PAX8 levels regulated the degradation of TAZ. The bioluminescence images captured in vivo manifested that the proliferation and the PAX8 expression level in ovarian cancers increased in the ADMSC‐treated group, and the effect of ADSCs in promoting tumours was weakened through inhibiting PAX8. Our findings indicate that the PAX8 expression increment could contribute a role in promoting the ADSC‐induced ovarian cancer cell proliferation through TAZ stability regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Chu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chengzhan Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Meixin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wei Wan
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Rendong Han
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenqiang Luo
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Huansheng Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fengsheng Yu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuanhua Ye
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Schwendenwein A, Megyesfalvi Z, Barany N, Valko Z, Bugyik E, Lang C, Ferencz B, Paku S, Lantos A, Fillinger J, Rezeli M, Marko-Varga G, Bogos K, Galffy G, Renyi-Vamos F, Hoda MA, Klepetko W, Hoetzenecker K, Laszlo V, Dome B. Molecular profiles of small cell lung cancer subtypes: therapeutic implications. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2021; 20:470-483. [PMID: 33718595 PMCID: PMC7917449 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC; accounting for approximately 13%-15% of all lung cancers) is an exceptionally lethal malignancy characterized by rapid doubling time and high propensity to metastasize. In contrast to the increasingly personalized therapies in other types of lung cancer, SCLC is still regarded as a homogeneous disease and the prognosis of SCLC patients remains poor. Recently, however, substantial progress has been made in our understanding of SCLC biology. Advances in genomics and development of new preclinical models have facilitated insights into the intratumoral heterogeneity and specific genetic alterations of this disease. This worldwide resurgence of studies on SCLC has ultimately led to the development of novel subtype-specific classifications primarily based on the neuroendocrine features and distinct molecular profiles of SCLC. Importantly, these biologically distinct subtypes might define unique therapeutic vulnerabilities. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge on the molecular profiles of SCLC subtypes with a focus on their potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schwendenwein
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Zsolt Megyesfalvi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology-Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nandor Barany
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, 1121 Budapest, Hungary
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Valko
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Edina Bugyik
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Christian Lang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bence Ferencz
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology-Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sandor Paku
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andras Lantos
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Janos Fillinger
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology-Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Melinda Rezeli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Gyorgy Marko-Varga
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Krisztina Bogos
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Galffy
- Torokbalint County Institute of Pulmonology, 2045 Torokbalint, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Renyi-Vamos
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology-Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mir Alireza Hoda
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Klepetko
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Konrad Hoetzenecker
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Viktoria Laszlo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology-Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balazs Dome
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology-Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, 1121 Budapest, Hungary
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45
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Cai L, Liu H, Huang F, Fujimoto J, Girard L, Chen J, Li Y, Zhang YA, Deb D, Stastny V, Pozo K, Kuo CS, Jia G, Yang C, Zou W, Alomar A, Huffman K, Papari-Zareei M, Yang L, Drapkin B, Akbay EA, Shames DS, Wistuba II, Wang T, Johnson JE, Xiao G, DeBerardinis RJ, Minna JD, Xie Y, Gazdar AF. Cell-autonomous immune gene expression is repressed in pulmonary neuroendocrine cells and small cell lung cancer. Commun Biol 2021; 4:314. [PMID: 33750914 PMCID: PMC7943563 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01842-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is classified as a high-grade neuroendocrine (NE) tumor, but a subset of SCLC has been termed “variant” due to the loss of NE characteristics. In this study, we computed NE scores for patient-derived SCLC cell lines and xenografts, as well as human tumors. We aligned NE properties with transcription factor-defined molecular subtypes. Then we investigated the different immune phenotypes associated with high and low NE scores. We found repression of immune response genes as a shared feature between classic SCLC and pulmonary neuroendocrine cells of the healthy lung. With loss of NE fate, variant SCLC tumors regain cell-autonomous immune gene expression and exhibit higher tumor-immune interactions. Pan-cancer analysis revealed this NE lineage-specific immune phenotype in other cancers. Additionally, we observed MHC I re-expression in SCLC upon development of chemoresistance. These findings may help guide the design of treatment regimens in SCLC. Ling Cai et al. used transcriptomic profiling data of healthy lung, patient-derived small cell lung cancer cell lines, xenografts, and primary tumors to examine a link between neuroendocrine (NE) signatures and immune gene expression. Their findings suggest that cell-autonomous immune gene repression is a shared feature between healthy and tumor cells of NE lineage and may influence tumor-immune cell interaction and response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Cai
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. .,Children's Research Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. .,Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Children's Research Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Junya Fujimoto
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luc Girard
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jun Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongwen Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu-An Zhang
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Dhruba Deb
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Victor Stastny
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Karine Pozo
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Christin S Kuo
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gaoxiang Jia
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Chendong Yang
- Children's Research Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Wei Zou
- Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adeeb Alomar
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kenneth Huffman
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Mahboubeh Papari-Zareei
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Pathology, National Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Benjamin Drapkin
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Esra A Akbay
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David S Shames
- Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ignacio I Wistuba
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tao Wang
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jane E Johnson
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Guanghua Xiao
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ralph J DeBerardinis
- Children's Research Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - John D Minna
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. .,Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. .,Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Yang Xie
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. .,Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. .,Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Adi F Gazdar
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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46
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Vural S, Palmisano A, Reinhold WC, Pommier Y, Teicher BA, Krushkal J. Association of expression of epigenetic molecular factors with DNA methylation and sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents in cancer cell lines. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:49. [PMID: 33676569 PMCID: PMC7936435 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01026-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Altered DNA methylation patterns play important roles in cancer development and progression. We examined whether expression levels of genes directly or indirectly involved in DNA methylation and demethylation may be associated with response of cancer cell lines to chemotherapy treatment with a variety of antitumor agents. RESULTS We analyzed 72 genes encoding epigenetic factors directly or indirectly involved in DNA methylation and demethylation processes. We examined association of their pretreatment expression levels with methylation beta-values of individual DNA methylation probes, DNA methylation averaged within gene regions, and average epigenome-wide methylation levels. We analyzed data from 645 cancer cell lines and 23 cancer types from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer datasets. We observed numerous correlations between expression of genes encoding epigenetic factors and response to chemotherapeutic agents. Expression of genes encoding a variety of epigenetic factors, including KDM2B, DNMT1, EHMT2, SETDB1, EZH2, APOBEC3G, and other genes, was correlated with response to multiple agents. DNA methylation of numerous target probes and gene regions was associated with expression of multiple genes encoding epigenetic factors, underscoring complex regulation of epigenome methylation by multiple intersecting molecular pathways. The genes whose expression was associated with methylation of multiple epigenome targets encode DNA methyltransferases, TET DNA methylcytosine dioxygenases, the methylated DNA-binding protein ZBTB38, KDM2B, SETDB1, and other molecular factors which are involved in diverse epigenetic processes affecting DNA methylation. While baseline DNA methylation of numerous epigenome targets was correlated with cell line response to antitumor agents, the complex relationships between the overlapping effects of each epigenetic factor on methylation of specific targets and the importance of such influences in tumor response to individual agents require further investigation. CONCLUSIONS Expression of multiple genes encoding epigenetic factors is associated with drug response and with DNA methylation of numerous epigenome targets that may affect response to therapeutic agents. Our findings suggest complex and interconnected pathways regulating DNA methylation in the epigenome, which may both directly and indirectly affect response to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suleyman Vural
- Biometric Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Dr., Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Alida Palmisano
- Biometric Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Dr., Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), 3150 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA, 22042, USA
| | - William C Reinhold
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Beverly A Teicher
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Julia Krushkal
- Biometric Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Dr., Rockville, MD, 20850, USA.
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47
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Schleicher K, Schramek D. AJUBA: A regulator of epidermal homeostasis and cancer. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:546-559. [PMID: 33372298 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The epidermis, outermost layer of the skin, is constantly renewing itself through proliferative and differentiation processes. These processes are vital to maintain proper epidermal integrity during skin development and homeostasis and for preventing skin diseases and cancers. The biological mechanisms that permit this balancing act are vast, where individual pathway regulators are known, but the exact regulatory control and cross-talk between simultaneously turning one biological pathway on and an opposing one off remain elusive. This review explores the diverse roles the scaffolding protein AJUBA plays during epidermal homeostasis and cancer. Initially identified for its role in promoting meiotic progression in oocytes through Grb2 and MAP kinase activity, AJUBA also maintains cytoskeletal tension permitting epidermal tissue development and responds to retinoic acid committing cells to initiate development of surface epidermal layer. AJUBA regulates proliferation of skin stem cells through Hippo and Wnt signalling and encourages mitotic commitment through Aurora-A, Aurora-B and CDK1. In addition, AJUBA also induces epidermal differentiation to maintain appropriate epidermal thickness and barrier function by activating Notch signalling and stabilizing catenins and actin during cellular remodelling. AJUBA also plays an imperative context-dependent tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressive role within epithelial cancers. AJUBA's abundant roles within the epidermis signify its importance as a molecular switchboard, vetting multiple signalling pathways to control epidermal biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista Schleicher
- Molecular, Structural and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Schramek
- Molecular, Structural and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Yang K, Zhao Y, Du Y, Tang R. Evaluation of Hippo Pathway and CD133 in Radiation Resistance in Small-Cell Lung Cancer. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:8842554. [PMID: 33519935 PMCID: PMC7817273 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8842554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Although the Hippo pathway and CD133 have been reported to play pertinent roles in a variety of cancer, knowledge about their contribution to radiation resistance in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is limited. In this first-of-a-kind study, we have reported the expression of key Hippo pathway proteins in SCLC patients by immunohistochemical staining. We assessed the involvement of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) in radiation resistance by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry. In addition, we analysed the impact of CD133 on radiotherapy for SCLC. The mammalian Ste20-like serine/threonine kinase 2(MST2), pMST2, and pYAP1 in the Hippo pathway were not significantly associated with the disease stage and survival time in patients with SCLC. However, the pYAP1 expression showed some significance in the "YAP/TAZ subgroup" of SCLC patients. The proportion of CD133 in the SCLC cells was controlled by the YAP1 expression. The CD133 and YAP1 levels were significantly correlation with each other in tissues of SCLC patients. We sorted and isolated the CD133+ and CD133-cells in H69 and found that the cell surface glycoprotein may be associated with the radiation resistance of SCLC.In summary, we have firstly reported the expression of key Hippo pathway proteins in SCLC patients. Furthermore, we also identified that CD133 may be controlled by the expression of YAP1 in the Hippo pathway and that CD133 may be associated with the radiation resistance of SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710000, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400000, China
| | - Yonghao Du
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710000, China
| | - Ruixiang Tang
- Department of Oncology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710000, China
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49
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Tenjin Y, Matsuura K, Kudoh S, Usuki S, Yamada T, Matsuo A, Sato Y, Saito H, Fujino K, Wakimoto J, Ichimura T, Kohrogi H, Sakagami T, Niwa H, Ito T. Distinct transcriptional programs of SOX2 in different types of small cell lung cancers. J Transl Med 2020; 100:1575-1588. [PMID: 32801334 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-020-00479-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
SOX2 is recognized as an oncogene in human small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which is an aggressive neuroendocrine (NE) tumor. However, the role of SOX2 in SCLC is not completely understood, and strategies to selectively target SOX2 in SCLC cells remain elusive. Here, we show, using next-generation sequencing, that SOX2 expressed in the ASCL1-high SCLC (SCLC-A) subtype cell line is dependent on ASCL1, which is a lineage-specific transcriptional factor, and is involved in NE differentiation and tumorigenesis. ASCL1 recruits SOX2, which promotes INSM1 and WNT11 expression. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that SCLC tissue samples expressed SOX2, ASCL1, and INSM1 in 18 out of the 30 cases (60%). Contrary to the ASCL1-SOX2 signaling axis controlling SCLC biology in the SCLC-A subtype, SOX2 targets distinct genes such as those related to the Hippo pathway in the ASCL1-negative, YAP1-high SCLC (SCLC-Y) subtype. Although SOX2 knockdown experiments suppressed NE differentiation and cell proliferation in the SCLC-A subtype, they did not sufficiently impair the growth of the SCLC-Y subtype cell lines in vitro and ex vivo. The present results support the importance of the ASCL1-SOX2 axis as a main subtype of SCLC, and suggest the therapeutic potential of targeting the ASCL1-SOX2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Tenjin
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Kumi Matsuura
- Department of Pluripotent Stem Cell Biology, Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Shinji Kudoh
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Shingo Usuki
- Liaison Laboratory Research Promotion Center (LILA), Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Yamada
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Akira Matsuo
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Younosuke Sato
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Haruki Saito
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Kosuke Fujino
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Joeji Wakimoto
- Division of Pathology, Minami Kyushu National Hospital, Kagoshima, 899-5293, Japan
| | - Takaya Ichimura
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Hirotsugu Kohrogi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Omuta Tenryo Hospital, Tenryo 1-100, Omuta, Fukuoka, 836-8556, Japan
| | - Takuro Sakagami
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Niwa
- Department of Pluripotent Stem Cell Biology, Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Takaaki Ito
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
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50
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Pearsall SM, Humphrey S, Revill M, Morgan D, Frese KK, Galvin M, Kerr A, Carter M, Priest L, Blackhall F, Simpson KL, Dive C. The Rare YAP1 Subtype of SCLC Revisited in a Biobank of 39 Circulating Tumor Cell Patient Derived Explant Models: A Brief Report. J Thorac Oncol 2020; 15:1836-1843. [PMID: 32721553 PMCID: PMC7718082 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent consensus defines four SCLC subtypes on the basis of transcription factor expression: ASCL1, NEUROD1, POU2F3, and YAP1. The rare YAP1 subtype is associated with "neuroendocrine (NE)-low" cells among SCLC cell lines and patient samples. We evaluated YAP1 in 39 patients with phenotypically diverse circulating tumor cell-derived explant (CDX) models and revisited YAP1 in terms of prevalence, cell phenotype, and intertumor and intratumor heterogeneity. METHODS YAP1 transcript and protein expression were assessed by RNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry or multiplexed immunofluorescence of NE and non-NE CDX subpopulations. Physically separated NE and non-NE CDX ex vivo culture lysates were Western blotted for YAP1, NE marker SYP, and AXL. RESULTS RNA sequencing normalized for the four subtype transcription factors identified YAP1 expression in 14 of 39 CDX. A total of 10 CDX expressed YAP1 protein, and eight had strong YAP1 expression confined to rare non-NE cell clusters. This was confirmed in ex vivo CDX cultures in which adherent non-NE cells lacking SYP expression expressed YAP1. However, in two CDX, weaker cellular YAP1 expression was observed, widely dispersed in SYP-positive NE cells. CONCLUSIONS YAP1 was predominantly expressed in non-NE cell clusters in SCLC CDX, but two of 39 CDX expressed YAP1 in NE cells. CDX22P, with relatively high YAP1 expression, is an ASCL1 NE subtype with a low NE score and an outlier within this subtype in our CDX biobank. These descriptive data reveal subtly different YAP1 expression profiles, paving the way for functional studies to compare YAP1 signaling in non-NE and low NE cell contexts for potentially personalized therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Pearsall
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Humphrey
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mitchell Revill
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Derrick Morgan
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kristopher K Frese
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Melanie Galvin
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair Kerr
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mathew Carter
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lynsey Priest
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Blackhall
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom; Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn L Simpson
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Dive
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom; Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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