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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Wysong
- From the Department of Dermatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
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2
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Nishida H, Kondo Y, Kusaba T, Kawamura K, Oyama Y, Daa T. CD8/PD-L1 immunohistochemical reactivity and gene alterations in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281647. [PMID: 36780540 PMCID: PMC9925078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, several immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) or PD-1 have been developed for cancer therapy. The genetic background of tumors and factors that influence PD-L1 expression in tumor tissues are not yet elucidated in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). CD8-positive tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are known to be related to tumor immunity. Here, we aimed to study the relationship between CD8/PD-L1 immunohistochemical reactivity and gene alterations in cSCC. Tumorigenic genes were examined to identify gene alterations using next-generation sequencing (NGS). We collected 27 cSCC tissue samples (from 13 metastatic and 14 non-metastatic patients at primary diagnosis). We performed immunohistochemical staining for CD8 and PD-L1, and NGS using a commercially available sequencing panel (Illumina Cancer Hotspot Panel V2) that targets 50 cancer-associated genes. Immunohistochemically, CD8-positive TILs showed a high positive score in cSCC without metastasis; in these cases, cSCC occurred predominantly in sun-exposed areas, the tumor size was smaller, and the total gene variation numbers were notably low. The tumor depth, PD-L1 positivity, and gene variation number with or without tumor metastasis were not related, but the gene variation number tended to be higher in cSCCs arising in non-sun-exposed areas. Tumor metastasis was more common in cSCC arising in non-sun-exposed areas, which decreased the number of TILs or CD8-positive cells. From a genetic perspective, the total gene alterations were higher in cSCC with metastasis. Among them, ERBB4 and NPM1 are presumably involved in cSCC tumorigenesis; in addition, GNAQ, GNAS, JAK2, NRAS, IDH2, and CTNNB1 may be related to tumor metastasis. These results provide information on potential genes that can be targeted for cSCC therapy and on immune checkpoint inhibitors that may be used for cSCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruto Nishida
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Yoshihiko Kondo
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kusaba
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kawamura
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Yuzo Oyama
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Daa
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
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Scola L, Bongiorno MR, Forte GI, Aiello A, Accardi G, Scrimali C, Spina R, Lio D, Candore G. TGF-β/VEGF-A Genetic Variants Interplay in Genetic Susceptibility to Non-Melanocytic Skin Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071235. [PMID: 35886018 PMCID: PMC9317818 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Differential genetically determined expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β pathway and of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) might modulate the molecular “milieu” involved in the etio-pathogenesis of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). We have evaluated the frequency of some functionally relevant SNPs of TGF-β and VEGF-A genes in 70 NMSC patients and 161 healthy controls, typed for TGF-β1 rs1800471, TGF-β2 rs900, TGF-βR1 rs334348 and rs334349, TGF-βR2 rs4522809 and VEGF-A rs3025039 SNPs. TGF-βR2 rs1800629G allele and related genotypes were found to be associated with a possible protective role against NMSC, whereas VEGF-A rs3025039T was associated with an increased risk. To evaluate the effect of genotype combinations on NMSC susceptibility, we determined the frequencies of 31 pseudo-haplotypes due to non-random linkage among alleles of loci not lying on the same chromosome. Two pseudo-haplotypes that imply a minor allele of TGF-βR2 or minor allele of VEGF-A SNPs combined with major alleles of the other SNPs were, respectively, associated with a protective effect, and susceptibility to NMSC. In addition, a pseudo-haplotype involving minor alleles of TGF-β2 rs900, TGF-βR1 rs334348 and rs4522809 SNPs might be a susceptibility marker for NMSC. In conclusion, our data suggest that a complex interplay among the genetic polymorphisms of TGF-β, TGF-β receptors and VEGF-A genes might influence the net effect of genetic background of the patients on NMSC development. This might be relevant in the risk evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of NMSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Scola
- Clinical Pathology, Department of Bio-Medicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90135 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Maria Rita Bongiorno
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Giusi Irma Forte
- Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), 90015 Cefalù, Italy;
| | - Anna Aiello
- General Pathology, Department of Bio-Medicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90135 Palermo, Italy; (A.A.); (G.A.); (G.C.)
| | - Giulia Accardi
- General Pathology, Department of Bio-Medicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90135 Palermo, Italy; (A.A.); (G.A.); (G.C.)
| | - Chiara Scrimali
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Rossella Spina
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Domenico Lio
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Migrate”, University of Palermo, 90135 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppina Candore
- General Pathology, Department of Bio-Medicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90135 Palermo, Italy; (A.A.); (G.A.); (G.C.)
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Funkhouser AT, Strigenz AM, Blair BB, Miller AP, Shealy JC, Ewing JA, Martin JC, Funk CR, Edenfield WJ, Blenda AV. KIT Mutations Correlate with Higher Galectin Levels and Brain Metastasis in Breast and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112781. [PMID: 35681762 PMCID: PMC9179545 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate a potential role for galectins as biomarkers that enable diagnosis or prognostication of breast or non-small cell lung cancer, the serum levels of galectins -1, -3, -7, -8, and -9 of cancer patients determined by ELISA assays were compared to the mutation status of 50 known cancer-critical genes, which were determined using multiplex PCR in tumors of the same patients. Mutations in the KIT proto-oncogene, which codes for the c-Kit protein, a receptor tyrosine kinase, correlated with higher levels of galectins -1, -3, -8, and -9 in breast cancer patients and galectin-1 in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Mutations in the KIT gene were more likely found in brain metastases from both of these primary cancers. The most common KIT mutation in our panel was p.M541L, a missense mutation in the transmembrane domain of the c-Kit protein. These results demonstrate an association between KIT oncogenic signaling and elevated serum galectins in patients with metastatic disease. Changes in protein trafficking and the glycocalyx composition of cancer cells may explain the observed alterations in galectin expression. This study can be useful for the targeted selection of receptor tyrosine kinase and galectin inhibitor anti-cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery T Funkhouser
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Alexander M Strigenz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Bailey B Blair
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Andrew P Miller
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Jonah C Shealy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Joseph A Ewing
- Data Support Core, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Julie C Martin
- Prisma Health Cancer Institute, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Christopher R Funk
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | - Anna V Blenda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
- Prisma Health Cancer Institute, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
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Kaissarian NM, Meyer D, Kimchi-Sarfaty C. Synonymous Variants: Necessary Nuance in our Understanding of Cancer Drivers and Treatment Outcomes. J Natl Cancer Inst 2022; 114:1072-1094. [PMID: 35477782 PMCID: PMC9360466 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djac090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Once called "silent mutations" and assumed to have no effect on protein structure and function, synonymous variants are now recognized to be drivers for some cancers. There have been significant advances in our understanding of the numerous mechanisms by which synonymous single nucleotide variants (sSNVs) can affect protein structure and function by affecting pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA expression, stability, folding, miRNA binding, translation kinetics, and co-translational folding. This review highlights the need for considering sSNVs in cancer biology to gain a better understanding of the genetic determinants of human cancers and to improve their diagnosis and treatment. We surveyed the literature for reports of sSNVs in cancer and found numerous studies on the consequences of sSNVs on gene function with supporting in vitro evidence. We also found reports of sSNVs that have statistically significant associations with specific cancer types but for which in vitro studies are lacking to support the reported associations. Additionally, we found reports of germline and somatic sSNVs that were observed in numerous clinical studies and for which in silico analysis predicts possible effects on gene function. We provide a review of these investigations and discuss necessary future studies to elucidate the mechanisms by which sSNVs disrupt protein function and are play a role in tumorigeneses, cancer progression, and treatment efficacy. As splicing dysregulation is one of the most well recognized mechanisms by which sSNVs impact protein function, we also include our own in silico analysis for predicting which sSNVs may disrupt pre-mRNA splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayiri M Kaissarian
- Hemostasis Branch, Division of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation & Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Douglas Meyer
- Hemostasis Branch, Division of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation & Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Chava Kimchi-Sarfaty
- Hemostasis Branch, Division of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation & Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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Vandiver AR, Thomas BJ, Karimzada M, Knowles BC, Botten GA, Spreafico R, Rotman JN, Gharavi NM, Chesnut C, Wesel K, Mangul S, Soriano T, Scumpia PO. Detection of viral gene expression in risk-stratified biopsies reveals no active HPV in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:1711-1716. [PMID: 34036652 PMCID: PMC9639216 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is known to promote the development of mucosal squamous cell carcinoma (mSCC), including pathologically high-grade lesions, but its role in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cuSCC) remains unclear, particularly in lesions that are considered high risk. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine whether enhanced HPV transcriptional activity can be detected in high-risk cuSCC samples compared with low-grade SCC samples or normal skin. METHODS We performed RNA sequencing of cuSCC across 23 risk-stratified skin lesions. A subset of samples was tested for the presence of HPV DNA. High-quality, non-human reads from each sample group were used for viral analysis using Microbiome Coverage Profiler. RESULTS None of the samples analysed had detectable expression of HPV RNA, while 64% of samples tested positive for HPV DNA. All samples were found to have expression of human endogenous retrovirus, and multiple samples showed expression of other viruses. CONCLUSIONS Viral and prophage gene expression can be monitored in cuSCC or normal skin biopsies, yet no sample in our study showed evidence of active HPV gene expression despite evidence of HPV genome presence. This suggests HPV transcription does not play a role in differentiating high-risk cuSCCs from low-risk cuSCCs or normal skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R. Vandiver
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brandon J. Thomas
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad Karimzada
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Byron C. Knowles
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Giovanni A. Botten
- Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Roberto Spreafico
- Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy N. Rotman
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nima M Gharavi
- Department of Dermatology and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cameron Chesnut
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Spokane, WAS, USA,Chestnut MD Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship at Clinic 5C, Spokane, WAS, USA
| | - Kevin Wesel
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Serghei Mangul
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Teresa Soriano
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Philip O. Scumpia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Department of Dermatology, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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