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Trejo-Villegas OA, Heijink IH, Ávila-Moreno F. Preclinical evidence in the assembly of mammalian SWI/SNF complexes: Epigenetic insights and clinical perspectives in human lung disease therapy. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00409-X. [PMID: 38910326 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.06.026] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The SWI/SNF complex, also known as the BRG1/BRM-associated factor (BAF) complex, represents a critical regulator of chromatin remodeling mechanisms in mammals. It is alternatively referred to as mSWI/SNF and has been suggested to be imbalanced in human disease compared with human health. Three types of BAF assemblies associated with it have been described, including (1) canonical BAF (cBAF), (2) polybromo-associated BAF (PBAF), and (3) non-canonical BAF (ncBAF) complexes. Each of these BAF assemblies plays a role, either functional or dysfunctional, in governing gene expression patterns, cellular processes, epigenetic mechanisms, and biological processes. Recent evidence increasingly links the dysregulation of mSWI/SNF complexes to various human non-malignant lung chronic disorders and lung malignant diseases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive general state-of-the-art and a profound examination of the current understanding of mSWI/SNF assembly processes, as well as the structural and functional organization of mSWI/SNF complexes and their subunits. In addition, it explores their intricate functional connections with potentially dysregulated transcription factors, placing particular emphasis on molecular and cellular pathogenic processes in lung diseases. These processes are reflected in human epigenome aberrations that impact clinical and therapeutic levels, suggesting novel perspectives on the diagnosis and molecular therapies for human respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavio A Trejo-Villegas
- Lung Diseases and Functional Epigenomics Laboratory (LUDIFE), Biomedicine Research Unit (UBIMED), Facultad de Estudios Superiores-Iztacala (FES-Iztacala), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Avenida de los Barrios #1, Colonia Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla de Baz, 54090, Estado de México, México
| | - Irene H Heijink
- Departments of Pathology & Medical Biology and Pulmonology, GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Federico Ávila-Moreno
- Lung Diseases and Functional Epigenomics Laboratory (LUDIFE), Biomedicine Research Unit (UBIMED), Facultad de Estudios Superiores-Iztacala (FES-Iztacala), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Avenida de los Barrios #1, Colonia Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla de Baz, 54090, Estado de México, México; Research Unit, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER), Ismael Cosío Villegas, 14080, Ciudad de México, México; Research Tower, Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), 14080, Ciudad de México, México.
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2
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Wankhede D, Grover S, Hofman P. SMARCA4 alterations in non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Pathol 2024; 77:457-463. [PMID: 38702192 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2024-209394] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
AIMS A mutation in the SMARCA4 gene which encodes BRG1, a common catalytic subunit of switch/sucrose non-fermentable chromatin-remodelling complexes, plays a vital role in carcinogenesis. SMARCA4 mutations are present in approximately 10% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), making it a crucial gene in NSCLC, but with varying prognostic associations. To explore this, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prognostic significance of SMARCA4 mutations in NSCLC. METHODS Electronic database search was performed from inception to December 2022. Study characteristics and prognostic data were extracted from each eligible study. Depending on heterogeneity, pooled HR and 95% CI were derived using the random-effects or fixed-effects models. RESULTS 8 studies (11 cohorts) enrolling 8371 patients were eligible for inclusion. Data on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were available from 8 (10 cohorts) and 1 (3 cohorts) studies, respectively. Comparing SMARCA4-mutated NSCLC patients with SMARCA4-wild-type NSCLC patients, the summary HRs for OS and PFS were 1.49 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.87; I2=84%) and 3.97 (95% CI 1.32 to 11.92; I2=79%), respectively. The results from the trim-and-fill method for publication bias and sensitivity analysis were inconsistent with the primary analyses. Three studies reported NSCLC prognosis for category I and II mutations separately; category I was significantly associated with OS. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that SMARCA4 mutation negatively affects NSCLC OS and PFS. The prognostic effects of SMARCA4-co-occurring mutations and the predictive role of SMARCA4 mutation status in immunotherapy require further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durgesh Wankhede
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Univeristy of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sandeep Grover
- Center for Human Genetics, Universitatsklinikum Giessen und Marburg - Standort Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Paul Hofman
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Pasteur Hospital, University Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank BB-0033-00025, Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
- University Hospital Federation OncoAge, CHU de Nice, University Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
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3
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Wang A, Jin Y, Cao Z, Lu L, Li Z. Clinicopathological characteristics and treatment outcomes of advanced SMARCA4-deficient thoracic tumors. Cancer Med 2023; 13:e6809. [PMID: 38124509 PMCID: PMC10807565 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE SMARCA4-deficient thoracic tumors, characterized by distinct clinicopathological, morphological, immunohistochemical, and genetic features, differ significantly from conventional non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs). This group encompasses both SMARCA4-deficient NSCLCs (SMARCA4-NSCLCs) and SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumors (SMARCA4-UTs). The efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in treating SMARCA4-deficient thoracic tumors remains uncertain. METHODS Medical records of 36 patients diagnosed with stage IIIB, IIIC, or IV SMARCA4-deficient thoracic tumors were analyzed. We assessed the clinical, pathological, and genetic features of these patients through immunohistochemistry (IHC) and a 68-gene panel next-generation sequencing (NGS). We compared the differences between SMARCA4-NSCLCs and SMARCA4-UTs, and evaluated the impact of chemotherapy and immunotherapy on patient outcomes. RESULTS The majority of patients with SMARCA4-deficient thoracic tumors were heavy-smoking males, averaging 64.6 years in age. IHC predominantly showed weak or negative staining for markers such as TTF-1, CK5/6, p40, synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and CD56, which are often associated with adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and neuroendocrine tumors. The most common genetic mutations identified via NGS included TP53, CDKN2A, KRAS, STK11, NF1, and PTEN. No significant overall survival (OS) difference was observed between SMARCA4-NSCLCs and SMARCA4-UTs (p = 0.366). The median OS for patients treated with chemotherapy (n = 9) was 447 days, while the median OS for patients undergoing PD-1-inhibitor-based therapy (n = 16) was not reached (p = 0.105). CONCLUSION SMARCA4-deficient thoracic tumors exhibit distinct characteristics from conventional NSCLCs, and PD-1 inhibitors show promise in treating advanced SMARCA4-deficient thoracic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Wang
- Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University, School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yueping Jin
- Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University, School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Zhengqi Cao
- Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University, School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Li Lu
- Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University, School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Ziming Li
- Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University, School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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4
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Zhang Z, Li Q, Sun S, Li Z, Cui Z, Liu Q, Zhang Y, Xiong S, Zhang S. Expression of SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 in gastric adenocarcinoma and construction of a nomogram prognostic model. Int J Clin Oncol 2023; 28:1487-1500. [PMID: 37634210 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-023-02403-0] [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: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant expression of SWI/SNF complex subunits is closely associated with tumorigenesis. The clinicopathological and prognostic significance of altered SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 subunits has not been well evaluated in gastric adenocarcinoma. METHODS We collected 1271 postoperative cases of gastric adenocarcinoma and then constructed tissue microarrays (TMA), from which we obtained the immunohistochemistry expression of SMARCA2 and SMARCA4. Next, we screened the variables related to the loss of SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 by univariate correlation analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Then, we identified the variables related to prognosis by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Finally, we constructed a nomogram prognostic model and evaluated it. RESULTS The loss of SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 occurred in 236 (18.57%) and 86 (6.77%) cases, respectively, including 26 cases of co-loss. After multivariate logistic regression, variables independently associated with SMARCA2 loss were T stage, differentiation status, WHO histological classification, and EBER. Variables independently associated with SMARCA4 loss were differentiation status, WHO histological classification, PD-L1, and MMR. Survival analysis revealed that the SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 lost groups showed worse survival than the corresponding present groups (P = 0.032 and P = 0.0048, respectively). Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses identified independent prognostic factors, including age, T stage, N stage, M stage, SMARCA2, and chemotherapy. CONCLUSION The loss of SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 correlated with poor differentiation, leading to a worse prognosis. SMARCA2, as an independent prognostic factor, combined with other clinicopathological variables, established a novel nomogram prognostic model, which outperformed the AJCC TNM model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenkun Zhang
- Weihai Municipal Hospital, Shandong University, Weihai, 264200, Shandong, China
- Department of Oncology, Shouguang People's Hospital, Weifang, 262700, Shandong, China
| | - Qiujing Li
- Department of Pathology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Shandong University, No. 70 Heping Road, Huancui District, Weihai, 264200, Shandong, China
| | - Shanshan Sun
- Department of Oncology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Shandong University, Weihai, 264200, Shandong, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - ZhengGuo Cui
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Fukui School of Medical Sciences, 23-3 Matsuoka Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Pathology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Shandong University, No. 70 Heping Road, Huancui District, Weihai, 264200, Shandong, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Shandong University, No. 70 Heping Road, Huancui District, Weihai, 264200, Shandong, China
| | - Sili Xiong
- Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Shukun Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Shandong University, No. 70 Heping Road, Huancui District, Weihai, 264200, Shandong, China.
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5
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Xiaoxu D, Xianghong Y. Primary Undifferentiated Gallbladder Carcinoma With SMARCA4 Deletion: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Int J Surg Pathol 2023:10668969231206575. [PMID: 37899615 DOI: 10.1177/10668969231206575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Background. Undifferentiated gallbladder carcinoma is a rare type of cancer with poor prognosis, due to the absence of specific clinical manifestations, and the final diagnosis depends on pathological and immunohistochemical examinations. However, only a few reports of SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated gallbladder tumor have been published to date. Therefore, we report the diagnosis and treatment of an undifferentiated gallbladder carcinoma with SMARCA4 deficiency. Case Presentation. A 65-year-old woman with undifferentiated gallbladder carcinoma was treated using traditional Chinese medicine and underwent palliative surgery in our hospital. The postoperative pathology showed SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated gallbladder carcinoma with metastasis to the abdominal lymph nodes. Conclusions. This case report contributes to the limited literature regarding undifferentiated carcinoma without SMARCA4 in the gallbladder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng Xiaoxu
- Pathology Department, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Xianghong
- Pathology Department, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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6
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Hadziselimovic F, Verkauskas G, Stadler MB. Epigenetics, cryptorchidism, and infertility. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:24. [PMID: 37730534 PMCID: PMC10512650 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-023-00199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptorchid boys with defective mini-puberty and impaired differentiation of Ad spermatogonia (high infertility risk) have altered expression of several genes encoding histone methyltransferases compared to patients with intact differentiation of gonocytes into Ad spermatogonia (low infertility risk). RESULTS High infertility risk cryptorchid boys display hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which, together with the diminished expression of histone deacetylases and increased expression of HDAC8 decrotonylase, indicates altered histone marks and, thus, a perturbed histone code. Curative GnRHa treatment induces normalization of histone methyltransferase, chromatin remodeling, and histone deacetylase gene expression. As a result, histone changes induce differentiation of Ad spermatogonia from their precursors and, thus, fertility. In this short report, we describe key functions of histone lysine methyltransferases, chromatin remodeling proteins, and long-noncoding RNAs, and discuss their potential roles in processes leading to infertility. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that epigenetic mechanisms are critical to better understanding the root causes underlying male infertility related to cryptorchidism and its possible transgenerational transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Hadziselimovic
- Cryptorchidism Research Institute, Children’s Day Care Center, 4410 Liestal, Switzerland
| | - Gilvydas Verkauskas
- Children’s Surgery Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, 01513 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Michael B. Stadler
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
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7
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Wang L, Tang J. SWI/SNF complexes and cancers. Gene 2023; 870:147420. [PMID: 37031881 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to the study of genetic changes that can affect gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence, including DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodelling, X chromosome inactivation and non-coding RNA regulation. Of these, DNA methylation, histone modification and chromatin remodelling constitute the three classical modes of epigenetic regulation. These three mechanisms alter gene transcription by adjusting chromatin accessibility, thereby affecting cell and tissue phenotypes in the absence of DNA sequence changes. In the presence of ATP hydrolases, chromatin remodelling alters the structure of chromatin and thus changes the transcription level of DNA-guided RNA. To date, four types of ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling complexes have been identified in humans, namely SWI/SNF, ISWI, INO80 and NURD/MI2/CHD. SWI/SNF mutations are prevalent in a wide variety of cancerous tissues and cancer-derived cell lines as discovered by next-generation sequencing technologies.. SWI/SNF can bind to nucleosomes and use the energy of ATP to disrupt DNA and histone interactions, sliding or ejecting histones, altering nucleosome structure, and changing transcriptional and regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, mutations in the SWI/SNF complex have been observed in approximately 20% of all cancers. Together, these findings suggest that mutations targeting the SWI/SNF complex may have a positive impact on tumorigenesis and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Jinan 250000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jinglong Tang
- Adicon Medical Laboratory Center, Molecular Genetic Diagnosis Center, Pathological Diagnosis Center, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, China.
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8
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Targeted next-generation sequencing reveals activating CTNNB1 mutations in SMARCA4/BRG1-deficient sinonasal carcinomas: a report of two new cases and a brief review of the literature with an emphasis on histogenesis. Virchows Arch 2023; 482:453-460. [PMID: 36396744 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03449-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
SMARCA4/BRG1 is a catalytic subunit of the SWItch/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex and its inactivation is known to drive a variety of cancers across different organs. SMARCA4/BRG1-deficient carcinoma is a relatively new entity in the sinonasal region, and a comprehensive molecular investigation of the underlying genetic abnormalities is largely lacking. In this study, we report two new cases of SMARCA4/BRG1-deficient sinonasal carcinoma with targeted next-generation sequencing analysis, both of which revealed activating mutation of CTNNB1 in addition to somatic loss-of-function mutation of SMARCA4, providing further insights into its tumorigenesis and theoretical basis for the potential future targeted therapy. Activating CTNNB1 mutations in our cases may provide further evidence that SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal carcinoma, sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma, and olfactory carcinoma are genetically closely related lesions, as recently proposed in the literature.
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9
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Nguyen VT, Tessema M, Weissman BE. The SWI/SNF Complex: A Frequently Mutated Chromatin Remodeling Complex in Cancer. Cancer Treat Res 2023; 190:211-244. [PMID: 38113003 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-45654-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The switch/sucrose non-fermenting (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex is a global regulator of gene expression known to maintain nucleosome-depleted regions at active enhancers and promoters. The mammalian SWI/SNF protein subunits are encoded by 29 genes and 11-15 subunits including an ATPase domain of either SMARCA4 (BRG1) or SMARCA2 (BRM) are assembled into a complex. Based on the distinct subunits, SWI/SNF are grouped into 3 major types (subfamilies): the canonical BRG1/BRM-associated factor (BAF/cBAF), polybromo-associated BAF (PBAF), and non-canonical BAF (GBAF/ncBAF). Pan-cancer genome sequencing studies have shown that nearly 25% of all cancers bear mutations in subunits of the SWI/SNF complex, many of which are loss of function (LOF) mutations, suggesting a tumor suppressor role. Inactivation of SWI/SNF complex subunits causes widespread epigenetic dysfunction, including increased dependence on antagonistic components such as polycomb repressor complexes (PRC1/2) and altered enhancer regulation, likely promoting an oncogenic state leading to cancer. Despite the prevalence of mutations, most SWI/SNF-mutant cancers lack targeted therapeutic strategies. Defining the dependencies created by LOF mutations in SWI/SNF subunits will identify better targets for these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinh The Nguyen
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mathewos Tessema
- Lung Cancer Program, Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Bernard Ellis Weissman
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
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10
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Wang H, Tran TT, Duong KT, Nguyen T, Le UM. Options of Therapeutics and Novel Delivery Systems of Drugs for the Treatment of Melanoma. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:4487-4505. [PMID: 36305753 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00775] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most severe cancerous diseases. The cells employ multiple signaling pathways, such as ERK, HGF/c-MET, WNT, and COX-2 to cause the cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis. Treatment of melanoma, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy, is based on 4 major or 11 substages of the disease. Fourteen drugs, including dacarbazine, interferon α-2b, interleukin-12, ipilimumab, peginterferon α-2b, vemurafenib, trametinib, talimogene laherparepvec, cobimetinib, pembrolizumab, dabrafenib, binimetinib, encorafenib, and nivolumab, have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of melanoma. All of them are in conventional dosage forms of injection solutions, suspensions, oral tablets, or capsules. Major drawbacks of the treatment are side effects of the drugs and patients' incompliance to them. These are consequences of high doses and long-term treatments for the diseases. Currently more than 350 NCI-registered clinical trials are being carried out to treat advanced and/or metastatic melanoma using novel treatment methods, such as immune cell therapy, cancer vaccines, and new therapeutic targets. In addition, novel delivery systems using biomaterials of the approved drugs have been developed attempting to increase the drug delivery, targeting, stability, bioavailability, thus potentially reducing the toxicity and increasing the treatment effectiveness. Nanoparticles and liposomes have been emerging as advanced delivery systems which can improve drug stability and systemic circulation time. In this review, the most recent findings in the options for treatment and development of novel drug delivery systems for the treatment of melanoma are comprehensively discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Wang
- College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, California 95757, United States.,Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences College of Graduate Study, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, California 95757, United States
| | - Tuan T Tran
- College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, California 95757, United States
| | - Katherine T Duong
- CVS Pharmacy, 18872 Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach, California 92648, United States
| | - Trieu Nguyen
- College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, California 95757, United States
| | - Uyen M Le
- College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, California 95757, United States
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11
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Zhang Z, Li Q, Sun S, Li Z, Cui ZG, Zhang M, Liu Q, Zhang Y, Xiong S, Zhang S. Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of SWI/SNF complex subunits in undifferentiated gastric carcinoma. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:383. [PMID: 36464671 PMCID: PMC9721057 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02847-0] [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: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The switch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) complex is an evolutionarily conserved chromatin remodeling complex that displays dysfunction in many tumors, especially undifferentiated carcinoma. Cancer stem cells (CSC), a special type of undifferentiated cancer cells with stem cell-like properties, play an essential role in tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. In undifferentiated gastric carcinomas, the association of SWI/SNF complexes with clinicopathological features, CSC phenotype, and the prognosis is not fully understood. METHODS We collected a cohort of 21 patients with undifferentiated/dedifferentiated gastric carcinoma. We next performed immunohistochemistry staining for the five subunits of the SWI/SNF complex (ARID1A, ARID1B, SMARCA2, SMARCA4, and SMARCB1), and four mismatch repair proteins (MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6), as well as other markers such as p53, PD-L1, and cancer stem cell (CSC) markers (SOX2, SALL4). Then, we investigated the correlation of SWI/SNF complex subunits with clinicopathological characters and performed prognostic analysis. RESULTS We observed SMARCA2 loss in 12 cases (57.14%), followed by ARID1A (5 cases, 23.81%) and SMARCA4 (3 cases, 14.29%). Fourteen cases (66.67%) lost any one of the SWI/SNF complex subunits, including 3 cases with SMARCA2 and ARID1A co-loss, and 3 cases with SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 co-loss. Correlation analysis revealed that the CSC phenotype occurred more frequently in the SWI/SNF complex deficient group (P = 0.0158). Survival analysis revealed that SWI/WNF complex deficiency, undifferentiated status, CSC phenotype, and the loss of SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 resulted in worse survival. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses screened out three independent factors associated with worse prognosis: undifferentiated status, SWI/SNF complex deficiency, and lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSIONS The SWI/SNF complex deficiency was more likely to result in a CSC phenotype and worse survival and was an independent prognostic factor in undifferentiated/dedifferentiated gastric carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenkun Zhang
- Weihai Municipal Hospital, Shandong University, Weihai, 264200, Shandong, China.,Department of Oncology, Shouguang People's Hospital, Weifang, 262700, Shandong, China
| | - Qiujing Li
- Department of Pathology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Shandong University, Weihai, 264200, Shandong, China
| | - Shanshan Sun
- Department of Oncology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Shandong University, Weihai, 264200, Shandong, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Zheng Guo Cui
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Fukui School of Medical Science, 23-3 Matsuoka Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Menglan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining, 810000, Qinghai, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Pathology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Shandong University, Weihai, 264200, Shandong, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Shandong University, Weihai, 264200, Shandong, China
| | - Sili Xiong
- Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Shukun Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Shandong University, Weihai, 264200, Shandong, China.
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12
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Fang X, Rao K, Wei Z, Cheng J. SOX10
modulated
SMARCA4
dysregulation alleviates
DNA
replication stress in cutaneous melanoma. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:5846-5857. [DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjian Fang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery Fujian Medical University Affiliated First Quanzhou Hospital Quanzhou Fujian Province China
| | - Keqiang Rao
- School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai China
| | - Zhiyi Wei
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery Fujian Medical University Affiliated First Quanzhou Hospital Quanzhou Fujian Province China
| | - Juntao Cheng
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery Fujian Medical University Affiliated First Quanzhou Hospital Quanzhou Fujian Province China
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13
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Li X, Feng C, Peng S. Epigenetics alternation in lung fibrosis and lung cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1060201. [PMID: 36420141 PMCID: PMC9676258 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1060201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory disease including interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) and lung cancer is a group of devastating diseases that linked with increased morbidity and healthcare burden. However, respiratory diseases cannot be fully explained by the alternation of genetic information. Genetic studies described that epigenetic mechanisms also participate to transmit genetic information. Recently, many studies demonstrated the role of altered epigenetic modification in the pathogenesis of lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis. Due to lacking effective medication, the underlying pathophysiological processes and causal relationships of lung diseases with epigenetic mechanisms still need to be better understood. Our present review provided a systematic revision of current knowledge concerning diverse epigenetic aberrations in major lung diseases, with special emphasis on DNA methylation, histone modifications, lncRNAs profiles, telomere patterns, as well as chromatin-remodelling complexes. We believed that a new target therapy for lung disease based on findings of the involved epigenetic pathway is a promising future direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueren Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tianjin Haihe Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunjing Feng
- The Institute Includes H&B(Tianjin) Stem Cell Research Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Shouchun Peng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tianjin Haihe Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Tianjin, China
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14
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Zhang L, Sun T, Wu XY, Fei FM, Gao ZZ. Delineation of a SMARCA4-specific competing endogenous RNA network and its function in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:10501-10515. [PMID: 36312469 PMCID: PMC9602240 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i29.10501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy worldwide, and the mortality rate continues to rise each year. SMARCA4 expression has been associated with poor prognosis in various types of cancer; however, the specific mechanism of action of SMARCA4 in HCC needs to be fully elucidated.
AIM To explore the specific mechanism of action of SMARCA4 in HCC.
METHODS Herein, the expression level of SMARCA4 as well as its association with HCC prognosis were evaluated using transcriptome profiling and clinical data of 18 different types of cancer collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Furthermore, SMARCA4-high and -low groups were identified. Thereafter, gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed to identify the function of SMARCA4, followed by construction of a SMARCA4-specific competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network using starBase database. The role of SMARCA4 in immunotherapy and its association with immune cells were assessed using correlation analysis.
RESULTS It was observed that SMARCA4 was overexpressed and negatively correlated with prognosis in HCC. Further, SMARCA4 expression was positively associated with tumor mutational burden, microsatellite stability, and immunotherapy efficacy. The SNHG3/THUMP3-AS1-miR-139-5p-SMARCA4 ceRNA network was established and could be assumed to serve as a stimulatory mechanism in HCC.
CONCLUSION The findings of this study demonstrated that SMARCA4 plays a significant role in progression and immune infiltration in HCC. Moreover, a ceRNA network was detected, which was found to be correlated with poor prognosis in HCC. The findings of this study could contribute towards the identification of predictive markers for immunotherapy and a novel mechanism of action for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Jiaxing Second Hospital, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ting Sun
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Jiaxing Second Hospital, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiao-Ye Wu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Jiaxing Second Hospital, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fa-Ming Fei
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Gao
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
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15
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A pan-cancer bioinformatic analysis of the carcinogenic role of SMARCA1 in human carcinomas. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274823. [PMID: 36126083 PMCID: PMC9488775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
SMARCA1is a mammalian imitation switch (ISWI) gene that encodes for SNF2L. SNF2L is involved in regulating cell transition from a committed progenitor state to a differentiated state. Although many papers have detailed the correlation between SMARCA1 and different cancers, no pan-cancer analysis has been conducted to date. We started by exploring the potential carcinogenic role of SMARCA1 across 33 carcinomas using the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and the genotype-tissue expression (GTEx) databases. The expression of SMARCA1 was significantly elevated in some tumor types but not in others. There was a distinct relationship between SMARCA1 expression and patient prognosis. S116 phosphorylation levels were up-regulated in both lung adenocarcinoma and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma. The expression level of SMARCA1 was positively correlated with cancer-associated fibroblasts infiltration in a number of tumors, such as colon adenocarcinoma, cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma. It was also associated with CD8+ T-cell infiltration in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, SMARCA1 is involved in chromatin remodeling and protein processing-associated mechanisms. Our study presents an initial assessment and illustration of the carcinogenic role of SMARCA1 in different carcinomas.
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16
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Luo J, Ding B, Campisi A, Chen T, Teng H, Ji C. Molecular, clinicopathological characteristics and surgical results of resectable SMARCA4-deficient thoracic tumors. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022:10.1007/s00432-022-04359-6. [PMID: 36121510 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04359-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE SMARCA4-deficient thoracic tumors are rapid aggressive malignancies, often diagnosed at an advanced and inoperable stage. The value of pulmonary resection for resectable SMARCA4-deficient thoracic tumors is largely unknown. METHODS In this observational study, we included 45 patients who received surgery for stage I-III SMARCA4-deficient tumors. We compared the molecular, clinicopathological characteristics and survival between SMARCA4-dNSCLC and SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor (SMARCA4-dUT) patients. RESULTS Thirty-four SMARCA4-dNSCLC and 11 SMARCA4-dUT patients were included in this study. Molecular profiles were available in 33 out of 45 patients. The most common mutated gene was TP53 (21, 64%), and followed by STK11 (9, 27%), KRAS (5, 15%), FGFR1 (4, 12%) and ROS1 (4, 12%). There were 3 patients that harbored ALK mutation including 1 EML4-ALK rearrangement. There were 2 patients that harbored EGFR rare site missense mutation. SMARCA4-dUT patients had significance worse TTP (HR = 4.35 95% CI 1.77-10.71, p = 0.001) and OS (HR = 4.27, 95% CI 1.12-16.35, p = 0.022) compared to SMARCA4-dNSCLC patients. SMARCA4-dUT histologic type, stage II/III, R1/2 resection and lymphovascular invasion were independent poor prognostic predictors for both TTP and OS. There were 8 patients who received immunotherapy, the objective response rate was 50%. The SMARCA4-dNSCLC patient with ALK rearrangement was treated with crizotinib as second-line therapy, and achieved stable disease for 9.7 months. CONCLUSION Patients with SMARCA4-deficient tumors have a high probability of early recurrence after surgery, except for stage I patients. Immunotherapy seems to be a valuable strategy to treat recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jizhuang Luo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 241 West Huaihai Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Bowen Ding
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 241 West Huaihai Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Alessio Campisi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 241 West Huaihai Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, University and Hospital Trust-Ospedale Borgo Trento, piazzale aristide stefani 1, Verona, Italy
| | - Tangbing Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 241 West Huaihai Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Haohua Teng
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 241 West Huaihai Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Chunyu Ji
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 241 West Huaihai Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030, China.
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17
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[Analysis of Clinicopathologic Features of 9 Cases of
SMARCA4-deficient Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2022; 25:575-582. [PMID: 36002194 PMCID: PMC9411953 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2022.102.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SMARCA4-deficient non-small cell lung cancer (SMARCA4-dNSCLC) is a rare primary lung malignancy. These diseases are not listed separately in the 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of lung neoplasms, but they have special morphological, immunophenotypic and molecular genetic characteristics. This study aims to improve understanding of SMARCA4-dNSCLC by discussing the clinicopathological features, diagonosis and differential diagnosis of the disease. METHODS The clinical and imaging data of 9 cases of SMARCA4-dNSCLC diagnosed in Shanghai Changhai Hospital from January 2020 to March 2022 were collected. The clinicopathological features were analyzed by histological and immunohistochemical staining, and the literature was reviewed. RESULTS The median age of 9 patients was 65 years old. Six men were smokers. The average maximum diameter of tumor was 3.3 cm. Six cases had been metastasized. The imaging showed that it was an infiltrating mass with unclear boundary and 3 cases invaded the pleura. Nine cases were diagnosed as SMARCA4-dNSCLC, which mainly showed three pathological forms including classic lung adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma and poorly differentiated carcinoma. Poorly differentiated tumor cells are epithelioid, syncytial or rhabdomyoid, the cytoplasm was rich, the cytoplasm could be completely transparent to eosinophilic, eosinophilic globules or small abscesses could be seen, showing solid flakes, with more inflammatory cells and flake necrosis in the stroma. Immunohistochemistry showed that SMARCA4 was negative in all cases and eight cases demonstrated cytokeratin 5.2 (CAM5.2) and cytokeratin 7 (CK7) was diffusely strongly positive, p40 was negative, thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) was negative in 6 cases, partially positive in 2 cases and diffusely positive in 1 case. CONCLUSIONS SMARCA4-dNSCLC is a rare subtype of lung cancer with complex and diverse pathological morphology. The characteristic of immunohistochemical phenotype can assist in the diagnosis.
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18
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Qin L, Dai H, Wang J. Key Considerations in Targeted Protein Degradation Drug Discovery and Development. Front Chem 2022; 10:934337. [PMID: 35978859 PMCID: PMC9376879 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.934337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting proteins’ enzymatic functions with small molecule inhibitors, as well as functions of receptor proteins with small-molecule agonists and antagonists, were the major forms of small-molecule drug development. These small-molecule modulators are based on a conventional occupancy-driven pharmacological approach. For proteome space traditionally considered undruggable by small-molecule modulators, such as enzymes with scaffolding functions, transcription factors, and proteins that lack well-defined binding pockets for small molecules, targeted protein degraders offer the opportunity to drug the proteome with an event-driven pharmacological approach. A degrader molecule, either PROTAC or molecular glue, brings the protein of interest (POI) and E3 ubiquitin ligase in close proximity and engages the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), the cellular waste disposal system for the degradation of the POI. For the development of targeted protein degraders to meet therapeutic needs, several aspects will be considered, namely, the selective degradation of disease-causing proteins, the oral bioavailability of degraders beyond Lipinski’s rule of five (bRo5) scope, demands of new E3 ubiquitin ligases and molecular glue degraders, and drug resistance of the new drug modality. This review will illustrate several under-discussed key considerations in targeted protein degradation drug discovery and development: 1) the contributing factors for the selectivity of PROTAC molecules and the design of PROTACs to selectively degrade synergistic pathological proteins; 2) assay development in combination with a multi-omics approach for the identification of new E3 ligases and their corresponding ligands, as well as molecular glue degraders; 3) a molecular design to improve the oral bioavailability of bRo5 PROTACs, and 4) drug resistance of degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liena Qin
- Insilico Medicine Ltd., Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Liena Qin, ; Han Dai, ; Junfeng Wang,
| | - Han Dai
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Liena Qin, ; Han Dai, ; Junfeng Wang,
| | - Junfeng Wang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
- International Magnetobiology Frontier Research Center, Hefei, China
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Liena Qin, ; Han Dai, ; Junfeng Wang,
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19
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Li Z, Seehawer M, Polyak K. Untangling the web of intratumour heterogeneity. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:1192-1201. [PMID: 35941364 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00969-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Intratumour heterogeneity (ITH) is a hallmark of cancer that drives tumour evolution and disease progression. Technological and computational advances have enabled us to assess ITH at unprecedented depths, yet this accumulating knowledge has not had a substantial clinical impact. This is in part due to a limited understanding of the functional relevance of ITH and the inadequacy of preclinical experimental models to reproduce it. Here, we discuss progress made in these areas and illuminate future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheqi Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marco Seehawer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kornelia Polyak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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20
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The Emerging Roles of circSMARCA5 in Cancer. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:3015818. [PMID: 35712125 PMCID: PMC9197613 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3015818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNAs have a unique covalent closed-loop structure, which is mainly formed by the reverse splicing of exons from a precursor mRNA. With the development of key technologies such as high-throughput sequencing and the advancement of bioinformatics in recent years, our understanding of circular RNAs has become increasingly more detailed, and their abnormal expression in a variety of cancers has attracted increasing attention. Studies have shown that circSNARCA5 not only plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of cancer but may also serve as a reliable indicator for tumor screening or a good marker for evaluating cancer prognosis. Nevertheless, there are no reviews focusing on the relationship between circSMARCA5 and cancer. Therefore, we will first explain the main biological characteristics of circSMARCA5, such as biogenesis and biological effects. Then, the focus will be on its role and significance in cancer. Finally, we will summarize the known information on circSMARCA5 in cancer and discuss future research prospects.
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21
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Liang X, Li L, Fan Y. Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Immunological Roles of HELLS in Pan-Cancer: A Bioinformatics Analysis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:870726. [PMID: 35774795 PMCID: PMC9237247 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.870726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inappropriate repair of DNA damage drives carcinogenesis. Lymphoid-specific helicase (HELLS) is an important component of the chromatin remodeling complex that helps repair DNA through various mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone posttranslational modification, and nucleosome remodeling. Its role in human cancer initiation and progression has garnered recent attention. Our study aims to provide a more systematic and comprehensive understanding of the role of HELLS in the development and progression of multiple malignancies through analysis of HELLS in cancers. Methods We explored the role of HELLS in cancers using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database. Multiple web platforms and software were used for data analysis, including R, Cytoscape, HPA, Archs4, TISIDB, cBioPortal, STRING, GSCALite, and CancerSEA. Results High HELLS expression was found in a variety of cancers and differentially expressed across molecular and immune subtypes. HELLS was involved in many cancer pathways. Its expression positively correlated with Th2 and Tcm cells in most cancers. It also correlated with genetic markers of immunomodulators in various cancers. Conclusions Our study elucidates the role HELLS plays in promotion, inhibition, and treatment of different cancers. HELLS is a potential cancer diagnostic and prognostic biomarker with immune, targeted, or cytotoxic therapeutic value. This work is a prerequisite to clinical validation and treatment of HELLS in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Linji Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yuchao Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Cancer Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yuchao Fan,
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22
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Yadav R, Sun L, Salyana M, Eric M, Gotlieb V, Wang JC. SMARCA4-Deficient Undifferentiated Tumor of Lung Mass—A Rare Tumor With the Rarer Occurrence of Brain Metastasis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep 2022; 10:23247096221074864. [PMID: 35356840 PMCID: PMC8978313 DOI: 10.1177/23247096221074864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Among thoracic tumors, these include subsets of a relatively newly described and yet to be fully characterized tumor entity: SMARCA4-deficient Undifferentiated Tumor (SMARCA4-dUT). Mutations of SMARCA4 (SWI/SNF-related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily A, member 4) gene and loss of BRG1 (Brahma-related gene-1) is the underlying molecular hallmark of SMARCA4-dUT. They mostly involved the mediastinum, lung, and/or pleura showing undifferentiated round cell or rhabdoid morphology associated with aggressive clinical behavior. The pathogenesis of these tumors is still not clear. Morphologically, SMARAC4-dUT is differentiated from SMARCA4-dNSCLC by the presence of squamous and solid components in the latter. Immunohistochemically SMARC4-dUT has characteristic loss of SMARCA4 and SMARCA2 and strong expression of SOX2, CD34, and SALL4. Common sites of metastasis include lymph nodes, bones, and adrenal glands but rarely brain metastasis. We present a unique and rare case of a 76-year-old male with a right lung mass with documented pathology of SMARCA4-dUT and was found to have multiple brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Yadav
- Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Lishi Sun
- Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | | | - Minkin Eric
- Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | | | - Jen C. Wang
- Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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23
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Tang Z, Wang X, Xia Z, Wang Z, Zhao Y, Liu Y. Case Report: Multicentric Reticulohistiocytosis Associated With Posterior Mediastinal Adenosquamous Carcinoma, Antinuclear Antibody Positivity and Lupus Anticoagulant Positivity. Front Immunol 2022; 12:749669. [PMID: 35069525 PMCID: PMC8777097 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.749669] [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: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH) is a rare systemic disease of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. A number of studies in the literature have documented that it can coexist with malignancy or autoimmune disease, making it difficult to determine the most appropriate therapy. Here, we present a case study of MRH associated with posterior mediastinal adenosquamous carcinoma along with antinuclear antibody positivity and lupus anticoagulant positivity. The patient experienced 6 months of clinical benefit after surgical resection and chemoradiotherapy of the mediastinal malignancy. This case adds to the available literature on multicentric reticulohistiocytosis associated with different types of malignancy and provides supplementary clinical data on the coexistence of this syndrome with malignancy and immune system abnormalities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case study describing MRH accompanied by posterior mediastinal adenosquamous carcinoma and lupus anticoagulant positivity. The unknown aetiology and polymorphic clinical presentation of MRH warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Laboratory of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangpeng Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zijing Xia
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Laboratory of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhongming Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Laboratory of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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24
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Ghigna MR, Thomas de Montpreville V. Mediastinal tumours and pseudo-tumours: a comprehensive review with emphasis on multidisciplinary approach. Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/162/200309. [PMID: 34615701 PMCID: PMC9488622 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0309-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of a mediastinal mass may be challenging for clinicians, since lesions arising within the mediastinum include a variety of disease entities, frequently requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Age and sex represent important information, which need to be integrated with imaging and laboratory findings. In addition, the location of the mediastinal lesion is fundamental; indeed, we propose to illustrate mediastinal diseases based on the compartment of origin. We consider that this structured approach may serve as hint to the diagnostic modalities and management of mediastinal diseases. In this review, we present primary mediastinal tumours in the evolving context of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools, with recently described entities, based on our own experience with >900 cases encountered in the past 10 years. Given the mediastinal anatomical heterogeneity, the correct positioning of mediastinal lesions becomes primal, in order to first establish a clinical suspicion and then to assist in planning biopsy and surgical procedurehttps://bit.ly/3p0gsk3
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Rosa Ghigna
- Dept of Pathology, Marie Lannelongue Hospital, Le Plessis Robinson, France
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25
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Fulciniti F, Barizzi J, Migliora P, Papadia A, Mazzucchelli L. Cytologic presentation of ovarian large cell carcinoma with rhabdoid features detected on peritoneal washing. Report of one case with cyto-histologic correlation and previously undescribed inactivating SMARCA-4 mutations. Diagn Cytopathol 2021; 50:E95-E99. [PMID: 34905290 DOI: 10.1002/dc.24908] [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: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The SMARCA subgroup of genes belongs to the SWI1/SNF1 family, responsible for chromatin remodeling and repair within the nucleosome. The SMARCA4 gene is located on chromosome 19p13 and encodes the BRG1 (BRAhMA) protein. We report the cytological and histological findings in one case of large cell SMARCA4 deficient ovarian carcinoma with positive peritoneal washing in a 69-year-old woman. The neoplastic cells were present as singly lying or perivascular clusters and showed medium or large size, round to oval hyperchromatic nuclei, and scarce to moderate cytoplasms. Molecular pathology investigations performed on the ovarian surgical sample found two previously undescribed mutations in the SMARCA4 gene and additional mutations in the CTNNB1 (Beta Catenin gene) and in PIK3CA. To our knowledge, this case probably represents the third cytologic report of this variant of ovarian carcinoma and the first one with molecular pathologic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Fulciniti
- Istituto Cantonale di Patologia, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Locarno, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Barizzi
- Istituto Cantonale di Patologia, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Locarno, Switzerland
| | - Paola Migliora
- Istituto Cantonale di Patologia, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Locarno, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Papadia
- Servizio di Ginecologia e Ostetricia, Dipartimento di Ginecologia e Ostetricia, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Luca Mazzucchelli
- Istituto Cantonale di Patologia, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Locarno, Switzerland
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Kakkar A, Ashraf SF, Rathor A, Adhya AK, Mani S, Sikka K, Jain D. SMARCA4/BRG1-Deficient Sinonasal Carcinoma: Morphologic Spectrum of an Evolving Entity. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 146:1122-1130. [PMID: 34871352 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2021-0001-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Molecular analysis of poorly differentiated/undifferentiated sinonasal neoplasms has resulted in identification of a growing number of genetically defined tumors. SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal carcinoma is one such recently described entity that emerged from within sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC), neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), and teratocarcinosarcoma (TCS). OBJECTIVE.— To identify SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal carcinomas from a large institutional cohort of poorly differentiated/undifferentiated carcinomas and evaluate their clinicopathologic features. DESIGN.— SMARCA4/BRG1 immunohistochemistry was performed on all tumors diagnosed as SNUC, poorly differentiated carcinoma, NEC, and TCS during a 12-year period. SMARCA2/BRM and INSM1 immunostaining was performed in SMARCA4-deficient cases. RESULTS.— Twelve SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal carcinomas were identified among 299 cases. Morphologically, 5 cases were large cell NEC, 2 cases were small cell NEC, and 5 were TCS. SMARCA4 loss was diffuse and complete in 10 cases, while 2 cases showed focal retention. Most cases showed diffuse cytokeratin staining accompanied by weak, usually focal staining for chromogranin and synaptophysin. INSM-1 showed negativity in most cases. All cases showed retained SMARCA2 expression. IDH1/2 mutation was absent in all cases analyzed. Four of 7 patients died of disease, and aggressive multimodality treatment had better outcome. CONCLUSIONS.— SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal carcinomas are morphologically akin to sinonasal poorly differentiated NECs and TCS, display cytokeratin positivity and only focal staining for neuroendocrine markers, and have aggressive biological behavior. Inclusion of SMARCA4 in the immunohistochemical panel for diagnostic workup of all sinonasal NEC and TCS phenotypes will facilitate their early recognition. Comprehensive germline and somatic mutational analyses of these tumors are necessary for further insights into their molecular pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aanchal Kakkar
- From the Department of Pathology (Kakkar, Ashraf, Rathor, Jain), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Subiyathul Farah Ashraf
- From the Department of Pathology (Kakkar, Ashraf, Rathor, Jain), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Amber Rathor
- From the Department of Pathology (Kakkar, Ashraf, Rathor, Jain), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Amit Kumar Adhya
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India (Adhya)
| | - Suresh Mani
- The Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (Mani, Sikka), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Kapil Sikka
- The Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (Mani, Sikka), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepali Jain
- From the Department of Pathology (Kakkar, Ashraf, Rathor, Jain), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Wang Z, Liu C, Bai Y, Zhao X, Cui L, Peng Z, Zhang X, Wang X, Zhao Z, Li J, Shen L. Redefine Hyperprogressive Disease During Treatment With Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:761110. [PMID: 34858840 PMCID: PMC8630635 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.761110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Emerging evidence showed that immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) lead to hyperprogressive disease (HPD) in a small proportion of patients. There is no well-recognized standard for the evaluation of HPD. Comprehensive exploration of HPD definition system in gastrointestinal cancer treated with ICI is lacking to date. Methods A total of 126 patients with advanced or metastatic gastrointestinal cancer treated with ICI monotherapy were analyzed. Seven definitions of HPD were defined with tumor growth kinetics (TGK) or tumor growth rate (TGR) by including new lesions or not, and with different cutoffs. Incidence and performance of different criteria were compared. Clinicopathologic characteristics and baseline genomic variations associated with HPD were also explored. Results Tumor growth kinetics ratio of more than two fold that incorporated new lesions into calculation of HPD outperformed other definitions by successfully stratifying 14 patients (11.1%) with both accelerated disease progression (median PFS, 1.62 versus 1.93 months; hazard ratio, 1.85; 95% CI, 0.98 to 3.48; P = 0.059) and worse overall survival (median OS, 3.97 versus 10.23 months; hazard ratio, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.11 to 4.78; P = 0.021). Baseline genomic alterations in circulating tumor DNA, including SMARCA2, MSH6, APC signaling pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway, might be associated with the risk of HPD. Conclusion Incorporating new lesions emerging during the treatment was shown to be reliable for the assessment of TGK. TGK serves as a more convenient way to reflect tumor growth acceleration compared with TGR. Genomic alterations were suggested to be associated with the occurrence of HPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yuezong Bai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | | | - Longgang Cui
- Medical Affairs, 3D Medicines Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Peng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xicheng Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengyi Zhao
- Medical Affairs, 3D Medicines Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
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Pennemann FL, Mussabekova A, Urban C, Stukalov A, Andersen LL, Grass V, Lavacca TM, Holze C, Oubraham L, Benamrouche Y, Girardi E, Boulos RE, Hartmann R, Superti-Furga G, Habjan M, Imler JL, Meignin C, Pichlmair A. Cross-species analysis of viral nucleic acid interacting proteins identifies TAOKs as innate immune regulators. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7009. [PMID: 34853303 PMCID: PMC8636641 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27192-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell intrinsic antiviral response of multicellular organisms developed over millions of years and critically relies on the ability to sense and eliminate viral nucleic acids. Here we use an affinity proteomics approach in evolutionary distant species (human, mouse and fly) to identify proteins that are conserved in their ability to associate with diverse viral nucleic acids. This approach shows a core of orthologous proteins targeting viral genetic material and species-specific interactions. Functional characterization of the influence of 181 candidates on replication of 6 distinct viruses in human cells and flies identifies 128 nucleic acid binding proteins with an impact on virus growth. We identify the family of TAO kinases (TAOK1, -2 and -3) as dsRNA-interacting antiviral proteins and show their requirement for type-I interferon induction. Depletion of TAO kinases in mammals or flies leads to an impaired response to virus infection characterized by a reduced induction of interferon stimulated genes in mammals and impaired expression of srg1 and diedel in flies. Overall, our study shows a larger set of proteins able to mediate the interaction between viral genetic material and host factors than anticipated so far, attesting to the ancestral roots of innate immunity and to the lineage-specific pressures exerted by viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike L Pennemann
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Assel Mussabekova
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Christian Urban
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexey Stukalov
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Line Lykke Andersen
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Vincent Grass
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Teresa Maria Lavacca
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Cathleen Holze
- Innate Immunity Laboratory, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, 82152, Germany
| | - Lila Oubraham
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Yasmine Benamrouche
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Enrico Girardi
- CeMM - Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rasha E Boulos
- Computer Science and Mathematics Department, School of Arts and Science, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Rune Hartmann
- Aarhus University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics - Structural Biology, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Giulio Superti-Furga
- CeMM - Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Habjan
- Innate Immunity Laboratory, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, 82152, Germany
| | - Jean-Luc Imler
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Carine Meignin
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Andreas Pichlmair
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, 81675, Munich, Germany.
- Innate Immunity Laboratory, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, 82152, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Munich, Germany.
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Peng L, Li J, Wu J, Xu B, Wang Z, Giamas G, Stebbing J, Yu Z. A Pan-Cancer Analysis of SMARCA4 Alterations in Human Cancers. Front Immunol 2021; 12:762598. [PMID: 34675941 PMCID: PMC8524462 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.762598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background SMARCA4, the essential ATPase subunit of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, regulates transcription through the control of chromatin structure and is increasingly thought to play significant roles in human cancers. This study aims to explore the potential role of SMARCA4 with a view to providing insights on pathologic mechanisms implicated here. Methods The potential roles of SMARCA4 in different tumors were explored based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-tissue expression (GTEx), Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) datasets. The expression difference, mutation and phosphorylation status, survival, pathological stage, DNA methylation, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), mismatch repair (MMR), tumor microenvironment (TME), and immune cell infiltration related to SMARCA4 were analyzed. Results High expression levels of SMARCA4 were observed in most cancer types. SMARCA4 expression in tumor samples correlates with poor overall survival in several cancers. Lung adenocarcinoma cases with altered SMARCA4 showed a poorer prognosis. Enhanced phosphorylation levels of S613, S695, S699, and S1417 were observed in several tumors, including breast cancer. SMARCA4 correlated with tumor immunity and associated with different immune cells and genes in different cancer types. TMB, MSI, MMR, and DNA methylation correlated with SMARCA4 dysregulation in cancers. SMARCA4 expression was negatively associated with CD8+ T-cell infiltration in several tumors. Furthermore, the SWI/SNF superfamily-type complex and ATPase complex may be involved in the functional mechanisms of SMARCA4, albeit these data require further confirmation. Conclusions Our study offers a comprehensive understanding of the oncogenic roles of SMARCA4 across different tumors. SMARCA4 may correlate with tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Peng
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jisheng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Department of Urology, Shouguang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shouguang, China
| | - Georgios Giamas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Stebbing
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zhentao Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital and Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, China
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Perspectives and Issues in the Assessment of SMARCA4 Deficiency in the Management of Lung Cancer Patients. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081920. [PMID: 34440689 PMCID: PMC8394288 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancers are ranked third among the cancer incidence in France in the year 2020, with adenocarcinomas being the commonest sub-type out of ~85% of non-small cell lung carcinomas. The constant evolution of molecular genotyping, which is used for the management of lung adenocarcinomas, has led to the current focus on tumor suppressor genes, specifically the loss of function mutation in the SMARCA4 gene. SMARCA4-deficient adenocarcinomas are preponderant in younger aged male smokers with a predominant solid morphology. The importance of identifying SMARCA4-deficient adenocarcinomas has gained interest for lung cancer management due to its aggressive behavior at diagnosis with vascular invasion and metastasis to the pleura seen upon presentation in most cases. These patients have poor clinical outcome with short overall survival rates, regardless of the stage of disease. The detection of SMARCA4 deficiency is possible in most pathology labs with the advent of sensitive and specific immunohistochemical antibodies. The gene mutations can be detected together with other established lung cancer molecular markers based on the current next generation sequencing panels. Sequencing will also allow the identification of associated gene mutations, notably KRAS, KEAP1, and STK11, which have an impact on the overall survival and progression-free survival of the patients. Predictive data on the treatment with anti-PD-L1 are currently uncertain in this high tumor mutational burden cancer, which warrants more groundwork. Identification of target drugs is also still in pre-clinical testing. Thus, it is paramount to identify the SMARCA4-deficient adenocarcinoma, as it carries worse repercussions on patient survival, despite having an exceptionally low prevalence. Herein, we discuss the pathophysiology of SMARCA4, the clinicopathological consequences, and different detection methods, highlighting the perspectives and challenges in the assessment of SMARCA4 deficiency for the management of non-small cell lung cancer patients. This is imperative, as the contemporary shift on identifying biomarkers associated with tumor suppressor genes such as SMARCA4 are trending; hence, awareness of pathologists and clinicians is needed for the SMARCA4-dNSCLC entity with close follow-up on new management strategies to overcome the poor possibilities of survival in such patients.
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Wang FJ, Jing YH, Cheng CS, Cao ZQ, Jiao JY, Chen Z. HELLS serves as a poor prognostic biomarker and its downregulation reserves the malignant phenotype in pancreatic cancer. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:189. [PMID: 34315468 PMCID: PMC8314468 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-01043-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SMARCAs, belonged to SWI/SNF2 subfamilies, are critical to cellular processes due to their modulation of chromatin remodeling processes. Although SMARCAs are implicated in the tumor progression of various cancer types, our understanding of how those members affect pancreatic carcinogenesis is quite limited and improving this requires bioinformatics analysis and biology approaches. METHODS To address this issue, we investigated the transcriptional and survival data of SMARCAs in patients with pancreatic cancer using ONCOMINE, GEPIA, Human Protein Atlas, and Kaplan-Meier plotter. We further verified the effect of significant biomarker on pancreatic cancer in vitro through functional experiment. RESULTS The Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test analyses showed a positive correlation between SMARCA1/2/3/SMARCAD1 and patients' overall survival (OS). On the other hand, mRNA expression of SMARCA6 (also known as HELLS) showed a negative correlation with OS. Meanwhile, no significant correlation was found between SMARCA4/5/SMARCAL1 and tumor stages and OS. The knockdown of HELLS impaired the colony formation ability, and inhibited pancreatic cancer cell proliferation by arresting cells at S phase. CONCLUSIONS Data mining analysis and cell function research demonstrated that HELLS played oncogenic roles in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer, and serve as a poor prognostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer. Our work laid a foundation for further clinical applications of HELLS in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Jiao Wang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yan-Hua Jing
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Chien-Shan Cheng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zhang-Qi Cao
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Ju-Ying Jiao
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
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Wei S, Pei J, von Mehren M, Abraham JA, Patchefsky AS, Cooper HS. SMARCA2-NR4A3 is a novel fusion gene of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma identified by RNA next-generation sequencing. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2021; 60:709-712. [PMID: 34124809 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare sarcoma of uncertain differentiation, characterized by recurrent chromosomal translocation involving NR4A3 (9q22.33) in more than 90% of cases. Five fusion partners for NR4A3 have been described including: EWSR1 (22q12.2), TAF15 (17q12), FUS (16p11.2), TCF12 (15q21), and TFG (3q12.2). This report describes a patient with an EMC at the dorsum of the right foot. The tumor showed a cord-like and reticular pattern in a background of myxoid matrix. The tumor cells demonstrated an epithelioid morphology with prominent nucleoli. The tumor cells were positive for synaptophysin, GFAP, with focal positivity for CD117, S100, Cam5.2, and NSE, and negative for AE1/3, desmin, and SMA. An RNA next-generation sequencing test showed a SMARCA2-NR4A3 gene fusion which has not been previously reported. The exon 3 of SMARCA2 was fused to exon 3 of NR4A3. This fusion was confirmed by NR4A3 break-apart FISH, although both SMARCA2 (9p24.3) and NR4A3 (9q22.33) are located on chromosome 9. The tumor cells showed retained expression of INI1 and SMARCA2 by immunohistochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanzeng Wei
- Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jianming Pei
- Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Margaret von Mehren
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John A Abraham
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Arthur S Patchefsky
- Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Harry S Cooper
- Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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What Is New in Biomarker Testing at Diagnosis of Advanced Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma? Implications for Cytology and Liquid Biopsy. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmp2020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery and clinical validation of biomarkers predictive of the response of non-squamous non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NS-NSCLC) to therapeutic strategies continue to provide new data. The evaluation of novel treatments is based on molecular analyses aimed at determining their efficacy. These tests are increasing in number, but the tissue specimens are smaller and smaller and/or can have few tumor cells. Indeed, in addition to tissue samples, complementary cytological and/or blood samples can also give access to these biomarkers. To date, it is recommended and necessary to look for the status of five genomic molecular biomarkers (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAFV600, NTRK) and of a protein biomarker (PD-L1). However, the short- and more or less long-term emergence of new targeted treatments of genomic alterations on RET and MET, but also on others’ genomic alteration, notably on KRAS, HER2, NRG1, SMARCA4, and NUT, have made cellular and blood samples essential for molecular testing. The aim of this review is to present the interest in using cytological and/or liquid biopsies as complementary biological material, or as an alternative to tissue specimens, for detection at diagnosis of new predictive biomarkers of NS-NSCLC.
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Chatzopoulos K, Boland JM. Update on genetically defined lung neoplasms: NUT carcinoma and thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumors. Virchows Arch 2021; 478:21-30. [PMID: 33409598 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-020-03011-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
NUT carcinoma, also known as NUT midline carcinoma, is an aggressive malignancy mainly affecting the midline structures of younger patients and almost invariably leading to death within a few months of the diagnosis. Morphologically, NUT carcinoma consists of sheets of monomorphous small or medium size cells with scant cytoplasm, commonly featuring areas of abrupt squamous differentiation with keratinization. Immunohistochemistry for NUT protein is sensitive and specific, typically showing a speckled nuclear reactivity, assisting in diagnosis. The molecular background of NUT carcinoma includes the reciprocal translocation t(15;19) leading to expression of the BRD4-NUT fusion transcript with oncogenic properties. Other less common genes may occasionally be fused with NUT not only in NUT carcinoma but also in other soft tissue tumors, highlighting the fact that NUT-rearranged tumors may represent a larger and more diverse family of neoplasms. Thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumors are aggressive malignancies diagnosed more often in young male smokers, which often lead to death within a few months. SMARCA4-deficient tumors show undifferentiated morphology with occasional hepatoid and rhabdoid features. Immunohistochemically, the hallmark of diagnosis is loss of expression of SMARCA4 (BRG1). Concurrent loss of SMARCA2 expression, as well as expression of one or more stem cell markers SOX2, CD34, or SALL4 is common. Truncating mutations in SMARCA4, a catalytic subunit of the mammalian BAF (SWI/SNF) complex, are the dominant oncogenic molecular event underlying the pathogenesis of these tumors. SMARCA4 deficiency can also be seen as a passenger somatic event in multiple solid neoplasms manifesting as focal dedifferentiation and rhabdoid morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Chatzopoulos
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Jennifer M Boland
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Li DK, Haffar S, Horibe M, Homsi HA, Zukerberg L, Murad MH, Visrodia KH, Gala M, Katzka DA, Bazerbachi F. Verrucous esophageal carcinoma is a unique indolent subtype of squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and individual patient regression analysis. J Gastroenterol 2021; 56:12-24. [PMID: 33079233 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-020-01736-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Verrucous esophageal carcinoma (VEC) is a rare malignancy that presents a diagnostic challenge. We aim to characterize the clinical and genomic features, tumor behavior, and treatment outcomes of VEC to guide clinical practice. METHODS We performed a systematic review of the literature and identified additional cases from Massachusetts General Hospital records and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We obtained individual VEC patient data and analyzed publicly available clinicogenomic data from TCGA. We performed a regression analysis comparing cases of VEC to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) to identify factors influencing survival. RESULTS A total of 135 patients were reported in 82 publications, and four unpublished cases from Massachusetts General Hospital (median age 65 years, 69% males, 48% smokers, 33% consumed alcohol). Symptoms were present at diagnosis in 95% of patients, most commonly dysphagia and weight loss. Median symptom onset to diagnosis time was 11.5 months with frequent misdiagnosis as Candida esophagitis. Among VEC cases with pathologic staging, lymph node metastases were rare (5%) compared to ESCC (40%). VEC was genomically characterized by enrichment of SMARCA4 missense mutations and a lack of pathogenic TP53 mutations. Despite its diagnostic elusiveness, in a multivariate regression analysis, VEC was detected at earlier stages (p = < 0.001) compared to ESCC, and advanced stage was the only significant factor affecting survival (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS VEC is a rare, clinically and genomically distinct subtype of ESCC. Recognition and diagnosis of this lesion may allow the pursuit of curative and less morbid treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrick K Li
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Samir Haffar
- Digestive Center for Diagnosis and Treatment, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Masayasu Horibe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Haya A Homsi
- School of Public Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Lawrence Zukerberg
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mohammad H Murad
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kavel H Visrodia
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Manish Gala
- Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Assistant in Medicine, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, GRJ 825D, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - David A Katzka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Fateh Bazerbachi
- Assistant in Medicine, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, GRJ 825D, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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36
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Kargbo RB. SMARCA2/4 PROTAC for Targeted Protein Degradation and Cancer Therapy. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:1797-1798. [PMID: 33062156 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert B. Kargbo
- Usona Institute, 277 Granada Drive, San Luis Obispo, California 93401-7337, United States
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Early CA, Wangsiricharoen S, Jones RM, VandenBussche CJ. Review of SMARCA4 (BRG1)-deficient carcinomas following a malignant pleural effusion specimen confounded by reduced claudin-4 expression. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2020; 10:197-207. [PMID: 32893180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
SMARCA4-deficient neoplasms are recently characterized high-grade malignancies associated with a poor prognosis. The SMARCA4 gene encodes BRG1, which is part of the SWI/SNF complex. SMARCA4-deficient neoplasms have an undifferentiated, often rhabdoid morphology, and demonstrate loss of BRG1 nuclear expression on immunohistochemistry. These neoplasms have become increasingly recognized and diagnosed in tissue specimens, but their features in cytologic specimens are poorly defined in the literature. The review is introduced by a diagnostically challenging case of a SMARCA4-deficient carcinoma involving a pleural fluid specimen in which the carcinoma cells demonstrated greatly reduced claudin-4 expression in the setting of strong, diffuse BerEP4 expression. Most of the malignant cells also demonstrated positive cytoplasmic staining for PAS and all were PAS-diastase negative, suggesting that the cytoplasm contained glycogen granules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Early
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Robert M Jones
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Christopher J VandenBussche
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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