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Tanaka M, Nakamura T. Targeting epigenetic aberrations of sarcoma in CRISPR era. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2023; 62:510-525. [PMID: 36967299 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23142] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are rare malignancies that exhibit diverse biological, genetic, morphological, and clinical characteristics. Genetic alterations, such as gene fusions, mutations in transcriptional machinery components, histones, and DNA methylation regulatory molecules, play an essential role in sarcomagenesis. These mutations induce and/or cooperate with specific epigenetic aberrations required for the growth and maintenance of sarcomas. Appropriate mouse models have been developed to clarify the significance of genetic and epigenetic interactions in sarcomas. Studies using the mouse models for human sarcomas have demonstrated major advances in our understanding the developmental processes as well as tumor microenvironment of sarcomas. Recent technological progresses in epigenome editing will not only improve the studies using animal models but also provide a direct clue for epigenetic therapies. In this manuscript, we review important epigenetic aberrations in sarcomas and their representative mouse models, current methods of epigenetic editing using CRISPR/dCas9 systems, and potential applications in sarcoma studies and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miwa Tanaka
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuro Nakamura
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Tanaka M, Homme M, Teramura Y, Kumegawa K, Yamazaki Y, Yamashita K, Osato M, Maruyama R, Nakamura T. HEY1-NCOA2 expression modulates chondrogenic differentiation and induces mesenchymal chondrosarcoma in mice. JCI Insight 2023; 8:160279. [PMID: 37212282 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.160279] [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: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma affects adolescents and young adults, and most cases usually have the HEY1::NCOA2 fusion gene. However, the functional role of HEY1-NCOA2 in the development and progression of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma remains largely unknown. This study aimed to clarify the functional role of HEY1-NCOA2 in transformation of the cell of origin and induction of typical biphasic morphology of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. We generated a mouse model for mesenchymal chondrosarcoma by introducing HEY1-NCOA2 into mouse embryonic superficial zone (eSZ) followed by subcutaneous transplantation into nude mice. HEY1-NCOA2 expression in eSZ cells successfully induced subcutaneous tumors in 68.9% of recipients, showing biphasic morphologies and expression of Sox9, a master regulator of chondrogenic differentiation. ChIP sequencing analyses indicated frequent interaction between HEY1-NCOA2 binding peaks and active enhancers. Runx2, which is important for differentiation and proliferation of the chondrocytic lineage, is invariably expressed in mouse mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, and interaction between HEY1-NCOA2 and Runx2 is observed using NCOA2 C-terminal domains. Although Runx2 knockout resulted in significant delay in tumor onset, it also induced aggressive growth of immature small round cells. Runx3, which is also expressed in mesenchymal chondrosarcoma and interacts with HEY1-NCOA2, replaced the DNA-binding property of Runx2 only in part. Treatment with the HDAC inhibitor panobinostat suppressed tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo, abrogating expression of genes downstream of HEY1-NCOA2 and Runx2. In conclusion, HEY1::NCOA2 expression modulates the transcriptional program in chondrogenic differentiation, affecting cartilage-specific transcription factor functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miwa Tanaka
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, The Cancer Institute, and
| | - Mizuki Homme
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuyo Teramura
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohei Kumegawa
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, The Cancer Institute, and
| | - Yukari Yamazaki
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyoko Yamashita
- Department of Pathology, The Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Motomi Osato
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Reo Maruyama
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, The Cancer Institute, and
| | - Takuro Nakamura
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Tanaka M, Chuaychob S, Homme M, Yamazaki Y, Lyu R, Yamashita K, Ae K, Matsumoto S, Kumegawa K, Maruyama R, Qu W, Miyagi Y, Yokokawa R, Nakamura T. ASPSCR1::TFE3 orchestrates the angiogenic program of alveolar soft part sarcoma. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1957. [PMID: 37029109 PMCID: PMC10082046 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37049-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a soft part malignancy affecting adolescents and young adults. ASPS is characterized by a highly integrated vascular network, and its high metastatic potential indicates the importance of ASPS's prominent angiogenic activity. Here, we find that the expression of ASPSCR1::TFE3, the fusion transcription factor causatively associated with ASPS, is dispensable for in vitro tumor maintenance; however, it is required for in vivo tumor development via angiogenesis. ASPSCR1::TFE3 is frequently associated with super-enhancers (SEs) upon its DNA binding, and the loss of its expression induces SE-distribution dynamic modification related to genes belonging to the angiogenesis pathway. Using epigenomic CRISPR/dCas9 screening, we identify Pdgfb, Rab27a, Sytl2, and Vwf as critical targets associated with reduced enhancer activities due to the ASPSCR1::TFE3 loss. Upregulation of Rab27a and Sytl2 promotes angiogenic factor-trafficking to facilitate ASPS vascular network construction. ASPSCR1::TFE3 thus orchestrates higher ordered angiogenesis via modulating the SE activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miwa Tanaka
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Surachada Chuaychob
- Department of Micro Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mizuki Homme
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Cell Biology, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukari Yamazaki
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ruyin Lyu
- Department of Micro Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kyoko Yamashita
- Division of Pathology, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ae
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiichi Matsumoto
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohei Kumegawa
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reo Maruyama
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wei Qu
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Yohei Miyagi
- Molecular Pathology and Genetics Division, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Ryuji Yokokawa
- Department of Micro Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takuro Nakamura
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
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Regulation of EWSR1-FLI1 Function by Post-Transcriptional and Post-Translational Modifications. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020382. [PMID: 36672331 PMCID: PMC9857208 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is the second most common bone tumor in childhood and adolescence. Currently, first-line therapy includes multidrug chemotherapy with surgery and/or radiation. Although most patients initially respond to chemotherapy, recurrent tumors become treatment refractory. Pathologically, Ewing sarcoma consists of small round basophilic cells with prominent nuclei marked by expression of surface protein CD99. Genetically, Ewing sarcoma is driven by a fusion oncoprotein that results from one of a small number of chromosomal translocations composed of a FET gene and a gene encoding an ETS family transcription factor, with ~85% of tumors expressing the EWSR1::FLI1 fusion. EWSR1::FLI1 regulates transcription, splicing, genome instability and other cellular functions. Although a tumor-specific target, EWSR1::FLI1-targeted therapy has yet to be developed, largely due to insufficient understanding of EWSR1::FLI1 upstream and downstream signaling, and the challenges in targeting transcription factors with small molecules. In this review, we summarize the contemporary molecular understanding of Ewing sarcoma, and the post-transcriptional and post-translational regulatory mechanisms that control EWSR1::FLI1 function.
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Apfelbaum AA, Wu F, Hawkins AG, Magnuson B, Jiménez JA, Taylor SD, Wrenn ED, Waltner O, Pfaltzgraff ER, Song JY, Hall C, Wellik DM, Ljungman M, Furlan SN, Ryan RJ, Sarthy JF, Lawlor ER. EWS::FLI1 and HOXD13 Control Tumor Cell Plasticity in Ewing Sarcoma. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:4466-4478. [PMID: 35653119 PMCID: PMC9588607 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Propagation of Ewing sarcoma requires precise regulation of EWS::FLI1 transcriptional activity. Determining the mechanisms of fusion regulation will advance our understanding of tumor progression. Here we investigated whether HOXD13, a developmental transcription factor that promotes Ewing sarcoma metastatic phenotypes, influences EWS::FLI1 transcriptional activity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Existing tumor and cell line datasets were used to define EWS::FLI1 binding sites and transcriptional targets. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and CRISPR interference were employed to identify enhancers. CUT&RUN and RNA sequencing defined binding sites and transcriptional targets of HOXD13. Transcriptional states were investigated using bulk and single-cell transcriptomic data from cell lines, patient-derived xenografts, and patient tumors. Mesenchymal phenotypes were assessed by gene set enrichment, flow cytometry, and migration assays. RESULTS We found that EWS::FLI1 creates a de novo GGAA microsatellite enhancer in a developmentally conserved regulatory region of the HOXD locus. Knockdown of HOXD13 led to widespread changes in expression of developmental gene programs and EWS::FLI1 targets. HOXD13 binding was enriched at established EWS::FLI1 binding sites where it influenced expression of EWS::FLI1-activated genes. More strikingly, HOXD13 bound and activated EWS::FLI1-repressed genes, leading to adoption of mesenchymal and migratory cell states that are normally suppressed by the fusion. Single-cell analysis confirmed that direct transcriptional antagonism between HOXD13-mediated gene activation and EWS::FLI1-dependent gene repression defines the state of Ewing sarcoma cells along a mesenchymal axis. CONCLUSIONS Ewing sarcoma tumors are comprised of tumor cells that exist along a mesenchymal transcriptional continuum. The identity of cells along this continuum is, in large part, determined by the competing activities of EWS::FLI1 and HOXD13. See related commentary by Weiss and Bailey, p. 4360.
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Affiliation(s)
- April A. Apfelbaum
- Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA,Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Feinan Wu
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Allegra G. Hawkins
- Childhood Cancer Data Lab Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian Magnuson
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Jiménez
- Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Sean D. Taylor
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Emma D. Wrenn
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Olivia Waltner
- Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | | | - Jane Y. Song
- Immunology Discovery, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Cody Hall
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Deneen M. Wellik
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53705
| | - Mats Ljungman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Scott N. Furlan
- Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Russell J.H. Ryan
- Immunology Discovery, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jay F. Sarthy
- Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Elizabeth R. Lawlor
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.,Correspondence: Elizabeth R. Lawlor MD, PhD, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Olive Lab, 1100 Olive Way, Suite 100 Seattle, WA 98101,
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Li L, Yu J, Cheng S, Peng Z, Ben-David Y, Luo H. Transcription factor Fli-1 as a new target for antitumor drug development. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 209:1155-1168. [PMID: 35447268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.076] [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: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli-1) belonging to the E26 Transformation-Specific (ETS) transcription factor family is not only expressed in normal cells such as hematopoietic stem cells and vascular endothelial cells, but also abnormally expressed in various malignant tumors including Ewing sarcoma, Merkel cell sarcoma, small cell lung carcinoma, benign or malignant hemangioma, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, bladder cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma. Fli-1 binds to the promoter or enhancer of the target genes and participates in a variety of physiological and pathological processes of tumor cells, including cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The expression of Fli-1 gene is related to the specific biological functions and characteristics of the tissue in which it is located. In tumor research, Fli-1 gene is used as a specific marker for the occurrence, metastasis, efficacy, and prognosis of tumors, thus, a potential new target for tumor diagnosis and treatment. These studies indicated that Fli-1 may be a specific candidate for antitumor drug development. Recent studies identified small molecules regulating Fli-1 thanks to our screened strategy of natural products and their derivatives. Therefore, in this review, the advanced research on Fli-1 as a target for antitumor drug development is analyzed in different cancers. The inhibitors and agonists of Fli-1 that regulate its expression are introduced and their clinical applications in the treatment of cancer, thus providing new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, P.R. China; College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, P.R. China
| | - Jia Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, P.R. China; The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academic of Science, Guiyang 550014, P.R. China
| | - Sha Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, P.R. China; The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academic of Science, Guiyang 550014, P.R. China
| | - Zhilin Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, P.R. China; The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academic of Science, Guiyang 550014, P.R. China
| | - Yaacov Ben-David
- State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, P.R. China; The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academic of Science, Guiyang 550014, P.R. China
| | - Heng Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, P.R. China; The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academic of Science, Guiyang 550014, P.R. China.
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Ramachandran B, Rajkumar T, Gopisetty G. Challenges in modeling EWS-FLI1-driven transgenic mouse model for Ewing sarcoma. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:12181-12194. [PMID: 34956445 PMCID: PMC8661172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
EWS-FLI1 is a master regulator of Ewing sarcoma (ES) oncogenesis. Although EWS-FLI1 represents a clear therapeutic target, targeted therapeutic inhibitors are lacking. Scientific literature has indicated accumulating information pertaining to EWS-FLI1 translocation, pathogenesis, function, oncogenic partnerships, and potential clinical relevance. However, attempts to develop EWS-FLI1-driven human-like ES mouse models or in vivo systems ended up with limited success. Establishing such models as preclinical screening tools may accelerate the development of EWS-FLI1 targeted therapeutic inhibitors. This review summarizes the current scenario, which focuses on the limitations, challenges, and possible reasons for past failures in model development and also plausible interim alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balaji Ramachandran
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (W.I.A) No. 38, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Thangarajan Rajkumar
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (W.I.A) No. 38, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Gopal Gopisetty
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (W.I.A) No. 38, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai 600036, India
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Heisey DAR, Jacob S, Lochmann TL, Kurupi R, Ghotra MS, Calbert ML, Shende M, Maves YK, Koblinski JE, Dozmorov MG, Boikos SA, Benes CH, Faber AC. Pharmaceutical Interference of the EWS-FLI1-driven Transcriptome By Cotargeting H3K27ac and RNA Polymerase Activity in Ewing Sarcoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1868-1879. [PMID: 34315769 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The EWSR1-FLI1 t(11;22)(q24;q12) translocation is the hallmark genomic alteration of Ewing sarcoma, a malignancy of the bone and surrounding tissue, predominantly affecting children and adolescents. Although significant progress has been made for the treatment of localized disease, patients with metastasis or who relapse after chemotherapy have less than a 30% five-year survival rate. EWS-FLI1 is currently not clinically druggable, driving the need for more effective targeted therapies. Treatment with the H3K27 demethylase inhibitor, GSK-J4, leads to an increase in H3K27me and a decrease in H3K27ac, a significant event in Ewing sarcoma because H3K27ac associates strongly with EWS-FLI1 binding at enhancers and promoters and subsequent activity of EWS-FLI1 target genes. We were able to identify targets of EWS-FLI1 tumorigenesis directly inhibited by GSK-J4. GSK-J4 disruption of EWS-FLI1-driven transcription was toxic to Ewing sarcoma cells and slowed tumor growth in patient-derived xenografts (PDX) of Ewing sarcoma. Responses were markedly exacerbated by cotreatment with a disruptor of RNA polymerase II activity, the CDK7 inhibitor THZ1. This combination together suppressed EWS-FLI1 target genes and viability of ex vivo PDX Ewing sarcoma cells in a synergistic manner. In PDX models of Ewing Sarcoma, the combination shrank tumors. We present a new therapeutic strategy to treat Ewing sarcoma by decreasing H3K27ac at EWS-FLI1-driven transcripts, exacerbated by blocking phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II to further hinder the EWS-FLI1-driven transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A R Heisey
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia
| | - Sheeba Jacob
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia
| | - Timothy L Lochmann
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia
| | - Richard Kurupi
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia
| | - Maninderjit S Ghotra
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia
| | - Marissa L Calbert
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia
| | - Mayuri Shende
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | | | | | - Mikhail G Dozmorov
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Sosipatros A Boikos
- Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, School of Medicine and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
| | - Cyril H Benes
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anthony C Faber
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia.
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Tanaka M, Nakamura T. Modeling fusion gene-associated sarcoma: Advantages for understanding sarcoma biology and pathology. Pathol Int 2021; 71:643-654. [PMID: 34265156 DOI: 10.1111/pin.13142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Disease-specific gene fusions are reportedly major driver mutations in approximately 30% of bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Most fusion genes encode transcription factors or co-factors that regulate downstream target genes, altering cell growth, lineage commitment, and differentiation. Given the limitations of investigating their functions in vitro, the generation of mouse models expressing fusion genes in the appropriate cellular lineages is pivotal. Therefore, we generated a series of mouse models by introducing fusion genes into embryonic mesenchymal progenitors. This review describes mouse models of Ewing, synovial, alveolar soft part, and CIC-rearranged sarcomas. Furthermore, we describe the similarities between these models and their human counterparts. These models provide remarkable advantages to identify cells-of-origin, specific collaborators of fusion genes, angiogenesis key factors, or diagnostic biomarkers. Finally, we discuss the relationship between fusion proteins and the epigenetic background as well as the possible role of the super-enhancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miwa Tanaka
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuro Nakamura
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
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10
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Trib1 promotes acute myeloid leukemia progression by modulating the transcriptional programs of Hoxa9. Blood 2021; 137:75-88. [PMID: 32730594 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019004586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pseudokinase Trib1 functions as a myeloid oncogene that recruits the E3 ubiquitin ligase COP1 to C/EBPα and interacts with MEK1 to enhance extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. A close genetic effect of Trib1 on Hoxa9 has been observed in myeloid leukemogenesis, where Trib1 overexpression significantly accelerates Hoxa9-induced leukemia onset. However, the mechanism underlying how Trib1 functionally modulates Hoxa9 transcription activity is unclear. Herein, we provide evidence that Trib1 modulates Hoxa9-associated super-enhancers. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis identified increased histone H3K27Ac signals at super-enhancers of the Erg, Spns2, Rgl1, and Pik3cd loci, as well as increased messenger RNA expression of these genes. Modification of super-enhancer activity was mostly achieved via the degradation of C/EBPα p42 by Trib1, with a slight contribution from the MEK/ERK pathway. Silencing of Erg abrogated the growth advantage acquired by Trib1 overexpression, indicating that Erg is a critical downstream target of the Trib1/Hoxa9 axis. Moreover, treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells with the BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 showed growth inhibition in a Trib1/Erg-dependent manner both in vitro and in vivo. Upregulation of ERG by TRIB1 was also observed in human AML cell lines, suggesting that Trib1 is a potential therapeutic target of Hoxa9-associated AML. Taken together, our study demonstrates a novel mechanism by which Trib1 modulates chromatin and Hoxa9-driven transcription in myeloid leukemogenesis.
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11
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Preclinical In Vivo Modeling of Pediatric Sarcoma-Promises and Limitations. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10081578. [PMID: 33918045 PMCID: PMC8069549 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10081578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric sarcomas are an extremely heterogeneous group of genetically distinct diseases. Despite the increasing knowledge on their molecular makeup in recent years, true therapeutic advancements are largely lacking and prognosis often remains dim, particularly for relapsed and metastasized patients. Since this is largely due to the lack of suitable model systems as a prerequisite to develop and assess novel therapeutics, we here review the available approaches to model sarcoma in vivo. We focused on genetically engineered and patient-derived mouse models, compared strengths and weaknesses, and finally explored possibilities and limitations to utilize these models to advance both biological understanding as well as clinical diagnosis and therapy.
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12
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Kannan S, Lock I, Ozenberger BB, Jones KB. Genetic drivers and cells of origin in sarcomagenesis. J Pathol 2021; 254:474-493. [DOI: 10.1002/path.5617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarmishta Kannan
- Departments of Orthopaedics and Oncological Sciences Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine Salt Lake City UT USA
| | - Ian Lock
- Departments of Orthopaedics and Oncological Sciences Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine Salt Lake City UT USA
| | - Benjamin B Ozenberger
- Departments of Orthopaedics and Oncological Sciences Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine Salt Lake City UT USA
| | - Kevin B Jones
- Departments of Orthopaedics and Oncological Sciences Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine Salt Lake City UT USA
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13
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Kerdivel G, Boeva V. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Followed by Next-Generation Sequencing (ChIP-Seq) Analysis in Ewing Sarcoma. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2226:265-284. [PMID: 33326109 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1020-6_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
ChIP-seq is the method of choice for profiling protein-DNA interactions, and notably for characterizing the landscape of transcription factor binding and histone modifications. This technique has been widely used to study numerous aspects of tumor biology and led to the development of several promising cancer therapies. In Ewing sarcoma research, ChIP-seq provided important insights into the mechanism of action of the major oncogenic fusion protein EWSR1-FLI1 and related epigenetic and transcriptional changes. In this chapter, we provide a detailed pipeline to analyze ChIP-seq experiments from the preprocessing of raw data to tertiary analysis of detected binding sites. We also advise on best practice to prepare tumor samples prior to sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenneg Kerdivel
- Cochin Institute, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, University of Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Valentina Boeva
- INSERM, U1016, Cochin Institute, CNRS UMR8104, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France. .,Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Institute for Machine Learning, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Zürich, Switzerland.
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14
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Xu J, Wang K, Zhang Z, Xue D, Li W, Pan Z. The Role of Forkhead Box Family in Bone Metabolism and Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:772237. [PMID: 35153742 PMCID: PMC8832510 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.772237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box (Fox) family, an evolutionarily conserved family of transcription factors carrying the "Forkhead" motif, plays an indispensable role in human health and disease. Fox family genes are involved in cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis, embryonic development, aging, glucose and lipid metabolism, and immune regulation. The regulatory role of the Fox family in the context of bone metabolism and orthopedic diseases is an emerging research hotspot. In this review, we highlight the major molecular mechanisms underlying the regulatory role of Fox factors in bone metabolism, bone development, bone homeostasis, and bone diseases associated with inhibition or upregulation of Fox factors. In addition, we discuss the emerging evidence in the realm of Fox factor-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxiang Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kanbin Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Zengjie Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Deting Xue
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Deting Xue, ; Weixu Li, ; Zhijun Pan,
| | - Weixu Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Deting Xue, ; Weixu Li, ; Zhijun Pan,
| | - Zhijun Pan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Deting Xue, ; Weixu Li, ; Zhijun Pan,
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15
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Liu Y, Eckenrode JM, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Hayden RC, Kyomuhangi A, Ponomareva LV, Cui Z, Rohr J, Tsodikov OV, Van Lanen SG, Shaaban KA, Leggas M, Thorson JS. Mithramycin 2'-Oximes with Improved Selectivity, Pharmacokinetics, and Ewing Sarcoma Antitumor Efficacy. J Med Chem 2020; 63:14067-14086. [PMID: 33191745 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mithramycin A (MTM) inhibits the oncogenic transcription factor EWS-FLI1 in Ewing sarcoma, but poor pharmacokinetics (PK) and toxicity limit its clinical use. To address this limitation, we report an efficient MTM 2'-oxime (MTMox) conjugation strategy for rapid MTM diversification. Comparative cytotoxicity assays of 41 MTMox analogues using E-twenty-six (ETS) fusion-dependent and ETS fusion-independent cancer cell lines revealed improved ETS fusion-independent/dependent selectivity indices for select 2'-conjugated analogues as compared to MTM. Luciferase-based reporter assays demonstrated target engagement at low nM concentrations, and molecular assays revealed that analogues inhibit the transcriptional activity of EWS-FLI1. These in vitro screens identified MTMox32E (a Phe-Trp dipeptide-based 2'-conjugate) for in vivo testing. Relative to MTM, MTMox32E displayed an 11-fold increase in plasma exposure and improved efficacy in an Ewing sarcoma xenograft. Importantly, these studies are the first to point to simple C3 aliphatic side-chain modification of MTM as an effective strategy to improve PK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States.,Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Joseph M Eckenrode
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Yinan Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States.,Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States.,Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Reiya C Hayden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Annet Kyomuhangi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Larissa V Ponomareva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States.,Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Zheng Cui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Jürgen Rohr
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Oleg V Tsodikov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Steven G Van Lanen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Khaled A Shaaban
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States.,Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Markos Leggas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States.,Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
| | - Jon S Thorson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States.,Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States
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16
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Martin JC, Hoegel TJ, Lynch ML, Woloszynska A, Melendy T, Ohm JE. Exploiting Replication Stress as a Novel Therapeutic Intervention. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 19:192-206. [PMID: 33020173 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive pediatric tumor of the bone and soft tissue. The current standard of care is radiation and chemotherapy, and patients generally lack targeted therapies. One of the defining molecular features of this tumor type is the presence of significantly elevated levels of replication stress as compared with both normal cells and many other types of cancers, but the source of this stress is poorly understood. Tumors that harbor elevated levels of replication stress rely on the replication stress and DNA damage response pathways to retain viability. Understanding the source of the replication stress in Ewing sarcoma may reveal novel therapeutic targets. Ewing sarcomagenesis is complex, and in this review, we discuss the current state of our knowledge regarding elevated replication stress and the DNA damage response in Ewing sarcoma, one contributor to the disease process. We will also describe how these pathways are being successfully targeted therapeutically in other tumor types, and discuss possible novel, evidence-based therapeutic interventions in Ewing sarcoma. We hope that this consolidation will spark investigations that uncover new therapeutic targets and lead to the development of better treatment options for patients with Ewing sarcoma. IMPLICATIONS: This review uncovers new therapeutic targets in Ewing sarcoma and highlights replication stress as an exploitable vulnerability across multiple cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Martin
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Tamara J Hoegel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Miranda L Lynch
- Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
| | - Anna Woloszynska
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Thomas Melendy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Joyce E Ohm
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York.
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17
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Benini S, Gamberi G, Cocchi S, Righi A, Frisoni T, Longhi A, Gambarotti M. Identification of a novel fusion transcript EWSR1-VEZF1 by anchored multiplex PCR in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Pathol Res Pract 2019; 216:152760. [PMID: 31812440 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2019.152760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to describe a novel genetic finding examining the molecular and pathological features of a case of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor occurring in the thigh of a 17-year-old male. Fusion gene detection using a next-generation sequencing-based anchored multiplex PCR technique (Archer FusionPlex Sarcoma Panel) was used to identify the novel fusion of EWSR1-VEZF1 from the frozen tumor sample. EWSR1-VEZF1 fusion is a novel molecular gene rearrangement involving exon 8 of the EWSR1 gene and exon 2 of the VEZF1 gene. Data were validated with gene sequencing and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. This case report describes a novel rearrangement involving EWSR1 on chromosome 22 and VEZF1 on chromosome 17. The result obtained demonstrates the value of the next-generation sequencing-based anchored multiplex PCR technique (Archer FusionPlex Sarcoma Panel) both in diagnosis and patient care and might become a helpful diagnostic tool for this tumor type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Benini
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Gamberi
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Cocchi
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Righi
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tommaso Frisoni
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, Italy; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Longhi
- Department of Chemotherapy, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Gambarotti
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
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18
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Tomino L, Bopp E, Felgenhauer J, Selich‐Anderson J, Shah N. Combinatorial BRD4 and AURKA inhibition is synergistic against preclinical models of Ewing sarcoma. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tomino
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood DisordersNationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Emily Bopp
- College of Arts and SciencesThe Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Joshua Felgenhauer
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood DisordersNationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Julia Selich‐Anderson
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood DisordersNationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Nilay Shah
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood DisordersNationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Ohio USA
- College of Medicine, Department of PediatricsThe Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
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19
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Bromodomain and extraterminal proteins foster the core transcriptional regulatory programs and confer vulnerability in liposarcoma. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1353. [PMID: 30903020 PMCID: PMC6430783 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09257-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Liposarcomas (LPSs) are a group of malignant mesenchymal tumors showing adipocytic differentiation. Here, to gain insight into the enhancer dysregulation and transcriptional addiction in this disease, we chart super-enhancer structures in both LPS tissues and cell lines. We identify a bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein-cooperated FUS-DDIT3 function in myxoid LPS and a BET protein-dependent core transcriptional regulatory circuitry consisting of FOSL2, MYC, and RUNX1 in de-differentiated LPS. Additionally, SNAI2 is identified as a crucial downstream target that enforces both proliferative and metastatic potentials to de-differentiated LPS cells. Genetic depletion of BET genes, core transcriptional factors, or SNAI2 mitigates consistently LPS malignancy. We also reveal a compelling susceptibility of LPS cells to BET protein degrader ARV-825. BET protein depletion confers additional advantages to circumvent acquired resistance to Trabectedin, a chemotherapy drug for LPS. Moreover, this study provides a framework for discovering and targeting of core oncogenic transcriptional programs in human cancers. Liposarcoma (LPS) is a rare cancer that can acquire resistance to chemotherapy. Here, the authors map super-enhancers in LPS, finding BET-protein dependent mechanisms that can be targeted by a BET protein degrader, which also can overcome acquired resistance to chemotherapy in LPS.
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20
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Anatomic Origin of Osteochondrogenic Progenitors Impacts Sensitivity to EWS-FLI1-Induced Transformation. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030313. [PMID: 30845695 PMCID: PMC6468467 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcomas predominantly arise in pelvic and stylopod bones (i.e., femur and humerus), likely as a consequence of EWS-FLI1 oncogene-induced transformation of mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs). MSCs located in the embryonic superficial zone cells (eSZ) of limbs express anatomically distinct posterior Hox genes. Significantly, high expression of posterior HOXD genes, especially HOXD13, is a hallmark of Ewing sarcoma. These data drove our hypothesis that Hox genes in posterior skeleton MSCs contribute to Ewing sarcoma tumorigenesis. We isolated eSZ cells from stylopod and zeugopod (i.e., tibia/fibula, radius/ulna) bones, from wild-type and Hoxd13 mutant embryos, and tested the impact of EWS-FLI1 transduction on cell proliferation, gene expression, and tumorigenicity. Our data demonstrate that both stylopod and zeugopod eSZ cells tolerate EWS-FLI1 but that stylopod eSZ cells are relatively more susceptible, demonstrating changes in proliferation and gene expression consistent with initiation of malignant transformation. Significantly, loss of Hoxd13 had no impact, showing that it is dispensable for the initiation of EWS-FLI1-induced transformation in mouse MSCs. These findings show that MSCs from anatomically distinct sites are differentially susceptible to EWS-FLI1-induced transformation, supporting the premise that the dominant presentation of Ewing sarcoma in pelvic and stylopod bones is attributable to anatomically-defined differences in MSCs.
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21
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Shimizu R, Tanaka M, Tsutsumi S, Aburatani H, Yamazaki Y, Homme M, Kitagawa Y, Nakamura T. EWS-FLI1 regulates a transcriptional program in cooperation with Foxq1 in mouse Ewing sarcoma. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:2907-2918. [PMID: 29945296 PMCID: PMC6125457 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
EWS-FLI1 constitutes an oncogenic transcription factor that plays key roles in Ewing sarcoma development and maintenance. We have recently succeeded in generating an ex vivo mouse model for Ewing sarcoma by introducing EWS-FLI1 into embryonic osteochondrogenic progenitors. The model well recapitulates the biological characteristics, small round cell morphology, and gene expression profiles of human Ewing sarcoma. Here, we clarified the global DNA binding properties of EWS-FLI1 in mouse Ewing sarcoma. GGAA microsatellites were found to serve as binding sites of EWS-FLI1 albeit with less frequency than that in human Ewing sarcoma; moreover, genomic distribution was not conserved between human and mouse. Nevertheless, EWS-FLI1 binding sites within GGAA microsatellites were frequently associated with the histone H3K27Ac enhancer mark, suggesting that EWS-FLI1 could affect global gene expression by binding its target sites. In particular, the Fox transcription factor binding motif was frequently observed within EWS-FLI1 peaks and Foxq1 was identified as the cooperative partner that interacts with the EWS portion of EWS-FLI1. Trib1 and Nrg1 were demonstrated as target genes that are co-regulated by EWS-FLI1 and Foxq1, and are important for cell proliferation and survival of Ewing sarcoma. Collectively, our findings present novel aspects of EWS-FLI1 function as well as the importance of GGAA microsatellites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikuka Shimizu
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Oral Diagnosis and Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Miwa Tanaka
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuichi Tsutsumi
- Genome Science Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Aburatani
- Genome Science Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukari Yamazaki
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mizuki Homme
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Kitagawa
- Department of Oral Diagnosis and Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takuro Nakamura
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
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