1
|
Yasir M, Park J, Chun W. EWS/FLI1 Characterization, Activation, Repression, Target Genes and Therapeutic Opportunities in Ewing Sarcoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15173. [PMID: 37894854 PMCID: PMC10607184 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite their clonal origins, tumors eventually develop into complex communities made up of phenotypically different cell subpopulations, according to mounting evidence. Tumor cell-intrinsic programming and signals from geographically and temporally changing microenvironments both contribute to this variability. Furthermore, the mutational load is typically lacking in childhood malignancies of adult cancers, and they still exhibit high cellular heterogeneity levels largely mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Ewing sarcomas represent highly aggressive malignancies affecting both bone and soft tissue, primarily afflicting adolescents. Unfortunately, the outlook for patients facing relapsed or metastatic disease is grim. These tumors are primarily fueled by a distinctive fusion event involving an FET protein and an ETS family transcription factor, with the most prevalent fusion being EWS/FLI1. Despite originating from a common driver mutation, Ewing sarcoma cells display significant variations in transcriptional activity, both within and among tumors. Recent research has pinpointed distinct fusion protein activities as a principal source of this heterogeneity, resulting in markedly diverse cellular phenotypes. In this review, we aim to characterize the role of the EWS/FLI fusion protein in Ewing sarcoma by exploring its general mechanism of activation and elucidating its implications for tumor heterogeneity. Additionally, we delve into potential therapeutic opportunities to target this aberrant fusion protein in the context of Ewing sarcoma treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wanjoo Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.); (J.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tanaka M, Nakamura T. Targeting epigenetic aberrations of sarcoma in CRISPR era. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2023; 62:510-525. [PMID: 36967299 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are rare malignancies that exhibit diverse biological, genetic, morphological, and clinical characteristics. Genetic alterations, such as gene fusions, mutations in transcriptional machinery components, histones, and DNA methylation regulatory molecules, play an essential role in sarcomagenesis. These mutations induce and/or cooperate with specific epigenetic aberrations required for the growth and maintenance of sarcomas. Appropriate mouse models have been developed to clarify the significance of genetic and epigenetic interactions in sarcomas. Studies using the mouse models for human sarcomas have demonstrated major advances in our understanding the developmental processes as well as tumor microenvironment of sarcomas. Recent technological progresses in epigenome editing will not only improve the studies using animal models but also provide a direct clue for epigenetic therapies. In this manuscript, we review important epigenetic aberrations in sarcomas and their representative mouse models, current methods of epigenetic editing using CRISPR/dCas9 systems, and potential applications in sarcoma studies and therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miwa Tanaka
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuro Nakamura
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gong H, Xue B, Ru J, Pei G, Li Y. Targeted Therapy for EWS-FLI1 in Ewing Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4035. [PMID: 37627063 PMCID: PMC10452796 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164035] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (EwS) is a rare and predominantly pediatric malignancy of bone and soft tissue in children and adolescents. Although international collaborations have greatly improved the prognosis of most EwS, the occurrence of macrometastases or relapse remains challenging. The prototypic oncogene EWS-FLI1 acts as an aberrant transcription factor that drives the cellular transformation of EwS. In addition to its involvement in RNA splicing and the DNA damage response, this chimeric protein directly binds to GGAA repeats, thereby modifying the transcriptional profile of EwS. Direct pharmacological targeting of EWS-FLI1 is difficult because of its intrinsically disordered structure. However, targeting the EWS-FLI1 protein complex or downstream pathways provides additional therapeutic options. This review describes the EWS-FLI1 protein partners and downstream pathways, as well as the related target therapies for the treatment of EwS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helong Gong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China;
| | - Busheng Xue
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China;
| | - Jinlong Ru
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Centre Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany;
| | - Guoqing Pei
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China;
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lin MY, Damron TA, Horton JA. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis are early events in radiosensitization of EWS::FLI1 + Ewing sarcoma cells by Mithramycin A. Int J Radiat Biol 2023; 99:1570-1583. [PMID: 36913323 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2023.2188930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The oncogenic fusion protein EWS::FLI1 is an attractive therapeutic target in Ewing sarcoma (ES). Mithramycin A (MithA) is a potent and specific inhibitor of EWS::FLI1 that can selectively radiosensitize ES cells through transcriptional inhibition of DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. Here, we evaluate temporal changes in cell cycle progression and apoptosis in ES cells treated with MithA and/or ionizing radiation (RTx), testing the hypothesis that combining MithA with ionizing radiation would synergistically impair cell cycle progression and enhance apoptotic elimination to a greater extent than either agent alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four EWS::FLI1+ ES cell lines TC-71, RD-ES, SK-ES-1, and A673, and one EWS::ERG cell line (CHLA-25) were exposed to 10nM MithA or vehicle and followed 24 h later by exposure to 2 Gy x-radiation or sham irradiation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity was evaluated by cytometric assay, and assay of antioxidant gene expression by RT-qPCR. Cell cycle changes were evaluated by flow cytometry of nuclei stained with propidium iodide. Apoptosis was assessed by cytometric assessment of Caspase-3/7 activity and by immunoblotting of PARP-1 cleavage. Radiosensitization was evaluated by clonogenic survival assay. Proliferation (EdU) and apoptosis (TUNEL) were evaluated in SK-ES-1 xenograft tumors following pretreatment with 1 mg/kg MithA, followed 24 h later by a single 4 Gy fraction of x-radiation. RESULTS MithA-treated cells showed reduced levels of ROS, and were associated with increased expression of antioxidant genes SOD1, SOD2, and CAT. It nonetheless induced persistent G0/G1 arrest and a progressive increase of the sub-G1 fraction, suggesting apoptotic degeneration. In vitro assays of Caspase-3/7 activity and immunoblotting of Caspase-3/7 dependent cleavage of PARP-1 indicated that apoptosis began as early as 24 h after MithA exposure, reducing clonogenic survival. Tumors from xenograft mice treated with either radiation alone, or in combination with MithA showed a significant reduction of tumor cell proliferation, while apoptosis was significantly increased in the group receiving the combination of MithA and RTx. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data show that the anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects of MithA are the prominent components of radiosensitization of EWS::FLI1+ ES, rather than the result of acutely enhanced ROS levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Yun Lin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Cell & Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Timothy A Damron
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Cell & Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Jason A Horton
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Cell & Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhou L, Pan LZ, Fan YJ. DNMT3b affects colorectal cancer development by regulating FLI1 through DNA hypermethylation. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2023; 39:364-376. [PMID: 36655868 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12647] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Friend leukemia integration 1 (FLI1) is an ETS transcription factor family member. Here, we identified cg11017065 as the most hyper-methylated cytosine and guanine (CpG) in colorectal cancer (CRC), which belongs to the FLI1 gene. Moreover, integrated bioinformatics prediction and analysis of our cohort showed that FLI1 expression was downregulated and DNA methylation was elevated in CRC. Bioinformatics prediction also indicated that patients overexpressing FLI1 had higher survival rates than those with low FLI1 expression. CRC cells with ectopic expression of FLI1 had reduced invasion, migration, cloning ability and increased apoptosis. Furthermore, DNA-methyltransferase 3b (DNMT3b) was found to be significantly overexpressed in CRC, and low DNMT3b expression predicted a prolonged survival. DNMT3b bound to the FLI1 promoter. Inhibition of DNMT3b increased FLI1 expression and inhibited the malignant phenotype of CRC cells. Inhibition of FLI1 reversed the phenotypic modulation by DNMT3b depletion in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our data indicate that DNMT3b potentiates CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through downregulating FLI1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Zhen Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue-Juan Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yu L, Davis IJ, Liu P. Regulation of EWSR1-FLI1 Function by Post-Transcriptional and Post-Translational Modifications. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:382. [PMID: 36672331 PMCID: PMC9857208 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is the second most common bone tumor in childhood and adolescence. Currently, first-line therapy includes multidrug chemotherapy with surgery and/or radiation. Although most patients initially respond to chemotherapy, recurrent tumors become treatment refractory. Pathologically, Ewing sarcoma consists of small round basophilic cells with prominent nuclei marked by expression of surface protein CD99. Genetically, Ewing sarcoma is driven by a fusion oncoprotein that results from one of a small number of chromosomal translocations composed of a FET gene and a gene encoding an ETS family transcription factor, with ~85% of tumors expressing the EWSR1::FLI1 fusion. EWSR1::FLI1 regulates transcription, splicing, genome instability and other cellular functions. Although a tumor-specific target, EWSR1::FLI1-targeted therapy has yet to be developed, largely due to insufficient understanding of EWSR1::FLI1 upstream and downstream signaling, and the challenges in targeting transcription factors with small molecules. In this review, we summarize the contemporary molecular understanding of Ewing sarcoma, and the post-transcriptional and post-translational regulatory mechanisms that control EWSR1::FLI1 function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Le Yu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ian J. Davis
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Genetics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Pengda Liu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Apfelbaum AA, Wrenn ED, Lawlor ER. The importance of fusion protein activity in Ewing sarcoma and the cell intrinsic and extrinsic factors that regulate it: A review. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1044707. [PMID: 36505823 PMCID: PMC9727305 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1044707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence shows that despite clonal origins tumors eventually become complex communities comprised of phenotypically distinct cell subpopulations. This heterogeneity arises from both tumor cell intrinsic programs and signals from spatially and temporally dynamic microenvironments. While pediatric cancers usually lack the mutational burden of adult cancers, they still exhibit high levels of cellular heterogeneity that are largely mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Ewing sarcomas are aggressive bone and soft tissue malignancies with peak incidence in adolescence and the prognosis for patients with relapsed and metastatic disease is dismal. Ewing sarcomas are driven by a single pathognomonic fusion between a FET protein and an ETS family transcription factor, the most common of which is EWS::FLI1. Despite sharing a single driver mutation, Ewing sarcoma cells demonstrate a high degree of transcriptional heterogeneity both between and within tumors. Recent studies have identified differential fusion protein activity as a key source of this heterogeneity which leads to profoundly different cellular phenotypes. Paradoxically, increased invasive and metastatic potential is associated with lower EWS::FLI1 activity. Here, we review what is currently understood about EWS::FLI1 activity, the cell autonomous and tumor microenvironmental factors that regulate it, and the downstream consequences of these activity states on tumor progression. We specifically highlight how transcription factor regulation, signaling pathway modulation, and the extracellular matrix intersect to create a complex network of tumor cell phenotypes. We propose that elucidation of the mechanisms by which these essential elements interact will enable the development of novel therapeutic approaches that are designed to target this complexity and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth R. Lawlor
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li P, Wu Y, Hamlett ED, Goodwin AJ, Halushka PV, Carroll SL, Liu M, Fan H. Suppression of Fli-1 protects against pericyte loss and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease. Mol Ther 2022; 30:1451-1464. [PMID: 35038582 PMCID: PMC9077320 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain pericytes regulate cerebral blood flow, maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and facilitate the removal of amyloid β (Aβ) which is critical to healthy brain activity. Pericyte loss has been observed in brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and animal models. Our previous data demonstrated that friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli-1), an ETS transcription factor, governs pericyte viability in murine sepsis; however, the role of Fli-1 and its impact on pericyte loss in AD remains unknown. Here, we demonstrated that Fli-1 expression was up-regulated in postmortem brains from a cohort of human AD donors and in 5xFAD mice, which corresponded with a decreased pericyte number, elevated inflammatory mediators, and increased Aβ accumulation as compared to cognitively normal individuals and WT mice. Antisense oligonucleotide Fli-1 Gapmer administrated via intrahippocampal injection decelerated pericyte loss, decreased inflammatory response, ameliorated cognitive deficits, improved BBB dysfunction, and reduced Aβ deposition in 5xFAD mice. Fli-1 Gapmer-mediated inhibition of Fli-1 protected against Aβ accumulation-induced human brain pericyte apoptosis in vitro. Overall, these studies indicate that Fli-1 contributes to pericyte loss, inflammatory response, Aβ deposition, vascular dysfunction and cognitive decline, and suggest that inhibition of Fli-1 may represent novel therapeutic strategies for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Eric D Hamlett
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Andrew J Goodwin
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Perry V Halushka
- Department of Medicine and Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425; Department of Pharmacology and, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Steven L Carroll
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Meng Liu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Hongkuan Fan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ramachandran B, Rajkumar T, Gopisetty G. Challenges in modeling EWS-FLI1-driven transgenic mouse model for Ewing sarcoma. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:12181-12194. [PMID: 34956445 PMCID: PMC8661172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
EWS-FLI1 is a master regulator of Ewing sarcoma (ES) oncogenesis. Although EWS-FLI1 represents a clear therapeutic target, targeted therapeutic inhibitors are lacking. Scientific literature has indicated accumulating information pertaining to EWS-FLI1 translocation, pathogenesis, function, oncogenic partnerships, and potential clinical relevance. However, attempts to develop EWS-FLI1-driven human-like ES mouse models or in vivo systems ended up with limited success. Establishing such models as preclinical screening tools may accelerate the development of EWS-FLI1 targeted therapeutic inhibitors. This review summarizes the current scenario, which focuses on the limitations, challenges, and possible reasons for past failures in model development and also plausible interim alternatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Balaji Ramachandran
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (W.I.A) No. 38, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Thangarajan Rajkumar
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (W.I.A) No. 38, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Gopal Gopisetty
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (W.I.A) No. 38, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai 600036, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sole A, Grossetête S, Heintzé M, Babin L, Zaïdi S, Revy P, Renouf B, De Cian A, Giovannangeli C, Pierre-Eugène C, Janoueix-Lerosey I, Couronné L, Kaltenbach S, Tomishima M, Jasin M, Grünewald TGP, Delattre O, Surdez D, Brunet E. Unraveling Ewing sarcoma tumorigenesis originating from patient-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4994-5006. [PMID: 34341072 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (EwS) is characterized by pathognomonic translocations, most frequently fusing EWSR1 with FLI1. An estimated 30% of EwS tumors also display genetic alterations in STAG2, TP53, or CDKN2A (SPC). Numerous attempts to develop relevant EwS models from primary human cells have been unsuccessful in faithfully recapitulating the phenotypic, transcriptomic and epigenetic features of EwS. In this study, by engineering the t(11;22)(q24;q12) translocation together with a combination of SPC mutations, we generated a wide collection of immortalized cells (EWIma cells) tolerating EWSR1-FLI1 expression from primary mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from an EwS patient. Within this model, SPC alterations strongly favored EwS oncogenicity. Xenograft experiments with independent EWIma cells induced tumors and metastases in mice, which displayed bona fide features of EwS. EWIma cells presented balanced but also more complex translocation profiles mimicking chromoplexy, which is frequently observed in EwS and other cancers. Collectively, these results demonstrate that bone marrow-derived MSCs are a source of origin for EwS and also provide original experimental models to investigate Ewing sarcomagenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sole
- Laboratory of Genome Dynamics in the Immune System,INSERM, UMR 1163, Imagine Institute for Genetic Diseases
| | | | - Maxime Heintzé
- Laboratory of Genome Dynamics in the Immune System,INSERM, UMR 1163, Imagine Institute for Genetic Diseases
| | | | | | | | | | - Anne De Cian
- INSERM U1154, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle
| | | | | | | | | | - Sophie Kaltenbach
- Cytogenetics, H�'pital Necker - Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique - H�'pitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Cité
| | | | - Maria Jasin
- Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
| | - Thomas G P Grünewald
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center
| | - Olivier Delattre
- Genetics and biology of pediatric tumors, Institut Curie - Centre de Recherche
| | - Didier Surdez
- INSERM U830, Équipe Labellisé LNCC, PSL Université, SIREDO Oncology Centre, Institut Curie, Institute Curie
| | - Erika Brunet
- Laboratory of Genome Dynamics in the Immune System,INSERM, UMR 1163, Imagine Institute for Genetic Diseases
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tanaka M, Nakamura T. Modeling fusion gene-associated sarcoma: Advantages for understanding sarcoma biology and pathology. Pathol Int 2021; 71:643-654. [PMID: 34265156 DOI: 10.1111/pin.13142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Disease-specific gene fusions are reportedly major driver mutations in approximately 30% of bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Most fusion genes encode transcription factors or co-factors that regulate downstream target genes, altering cell growth, lineage commitment, and differentiation. Given the limitations of investigating their functions in vitro, the generation of mouse models expressing fusion genes in the appropriate cellular lineages is pivotal. Therefore, we generated a series of mouse models by introducing fusion genes into embryonic mesenchymal progenitors. This review describes mouse models of Ewing, synovial, alveolar soft part, and CIC-rearranged sarcomas. Furthermore, we describe the similarities between these models and their human counterparts. These models provide remarkable advantages to identify cells-of-origin, specific collaborators of fusion genes, angiogenesis key factors, or diagnostic biomarkers. Finally, we discuss the relationship between fusion proteins and the epigenetic background as well as the possible role of the super-enhancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miwa Tanaka
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuro Nakamura
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Park H, Kim H, Hassebroek V, Azuma Y, Slawson C, Azuma M. Chromosomal localization of Ewing sarcoma EWSR1/FLI1 protein promotes the induction of aneuploidy. J Biol Chem 2020; 296:100164. [PMID: 33293370 PMCID: PMC7857440 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a pediatric bone cancer that expresses the chimeric protein EWSR1/FLI1. We previously demonstrated that EWSR1/FLI1 impairs the localization of Aurora B kinase to the midzone (the midline structure located between segregating chromosomes) during anaphase. While localization of Aurora B is essential for faithful cell division, it is unknown whether interference with midzone organization by EWSR1/FLI1 induces aneuploidy. To address this, we generated stable Tet-on inducible cell lines with EWSR1/FLI1, using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to integrate the transgene at the safe-harbor AAVS1 locus in DLD-1 cells. Induced cells expressing EWSR1/FLI1 displayed an increased incidence of aberrant localization of Aurora B, and greater levels of aneuploidy, compared with noninduced cells. Furthermore, the expression of EWSR1/FLI1-T79A, containing a threonine (Thr) to alanine (Ala) substitution at amino acid 79, failed to induce these phenotypes, indicating that Thr 79 is critical for EWSR1/FLI1 interference with mitosis. In contrast, the phosphomimetic mutant EWSR1/FLI1-T79D (Thr to aspartic acid (Asp)) retained the high activity as wild-type EWSR1/FLI1. Together, these findings suggest that phosphorylation of EWSR1/FLI1 at Thr 79 promotes the colocalization of EWSR1/FLI1 and Aurora B on the chromosomes during prophase and metaphase and, in addition, impairs the localization of Aurora B during anaphase, leading to induction of aneuploidy. This is the first demonstration of the mechanism for EWSR1/FLI1-dependent induction of aneuploidy associated with mitotic dysfunction and the identification of the phosphorylation of the Thr 79 of EWSR1/FLI1 as a critical residue required for this induction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyewon Park
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Haeyoung Kim
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Victoria Hassebroek
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Yoshiaki Azuma
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Chad Slawson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City Kansas, USA
| | - Mizuki Azuma
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Miller HE, Gorthi A, Bassani N, Lawrence LA, Iskra BS, Bishop AJR. Reconstruction of Ewing Sarcoma Developmental Context from Mass-Scale Transcriptomics Reveals Characteristics of EWSR1-FLI1 Permissibility. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E948. [PMID: 32290418 PMCID: PMC7226175 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive pediatric cancer of enigmatic cellular origins typically resulting from a single translocation event t (11; 22) (q24; q12). The resulting fusion gene, EWSR1-FLI1, is toxic or unstable in most primary tissues. Consequently, attempts to model Ewing sarcomagenesis have proven unsuccessful thus far, highlighting the need to identify the cellular features which permit stable EWSR1-FLI1 expression. By re-analyzing publicly available RNA-Sequencing data with manifold learning techniques, we uncovered a group of Ewing-like tissues belonging to a developmental trajectory between pluripotent, neuroectodermal, and mesodermal cell states. Furthermore, we demonstrated that EWSR1-FLI1 expression levels control the activation of these developmental trajectories within Ewing sarcoma cells. Subsequent analysis and experimental validation demonstrated that the capability to resolve R-loops and mitigate replication stress are probable prerequisites for stable EWSR1-FLI1 expression in primary tissues. Taken together, our results demonstrate how EWSR1-FLI1 hijacks developmental gene programs and advances our understanding of Ewing sarcomagenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry E. Miller
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (H.E.M.)
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Aparna Gorthi
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (H.E.M.)
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Nicklas Bassani
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Liesl A. Lawrence
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (H.E.M.)
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Brian S. Iskra
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (H.E.M.)
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Alexander J. R. Bishop
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (H.E.M.)
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Vaidya A, Jain S, Prashantha Kumar B, Singh SK, Kashaw SK, Agrawal RK. Synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives: anticancer and 3D QSAR studies. MONATSHEFTE FUR CHEMIE 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00706-020-02553-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
15
|
Li H, Yang F, Hu A, Wang X, Fang E, Chen Y, Li D, Song H, Wang J, Guo Y, Liu Y, Li H, Huang K, Zheng L, Tong Q. Therapeutic targeting of circ-CUX1/EWSR1/MAZ axis inhibits glycolysis and neuroblastoma progression. EMBO Mol Med 2019; 11:e10835. [PMID: 31709724 PMCID: PMC6895612 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201910835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of metabolic reprogramming in tumor progression. However, the mechanisms regulating glycolytic gene expression remain elusive in neuroblastoma (NB), the most common extracranial malignancy in childhood. Herein, we identify that CUT‐like homeobox 1 (CUX1) and CUX1‐generated circular RNA (circ‐CUX1) contribute to aerobic glycolysis and NB progression. Mechanistically, p110 CUX1, a transcription factor generated by proteolytic processing of p200 CUX1, promotes the expression of enolase 1, glucose‐6‐phosphate isomerase, and phosphoglycerate kinase 1, while circ‐CUX1 binds to EWS RNA‐binding protein 1 (EWSR1) to facilitate its interaction with MYC‐associated zinc finger protein (MAZ), resulting in transactivation of MAZ and transcriptional alteration of CUX1 and other genes associated with tumor progression. Administration of an inhibitory peptide blocking circ‐CUX1‐EWSR1 interaction or lentivirus mediating circ‐CUX1 knockdown suppresses aerobic glycolysis, growth, and aggressiveness of NB cells. In clinical NB cases, CUX1 is an independent prognostic factor for unfavorable outcome, and patients with high circ‐CUX1 expression have lower survival probability. These results indicate circ‐CUX1/EWSR1/MAZ axis as a therapeutic target for aerobic glycolysis and NB progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Anpei Hu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Clinical Center of Human Genomic Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Erhu Fang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yajun Chen
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Huajie Song
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jianqun Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yanhua Guo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hongjun Li
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Clinical Center of Human Genomic Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Liduan Zheng
- Clinical Center of Human Genomic Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.,Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qiangsong Tong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.,Clinical Center of Human Genomic Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang Y, Liao G, Bai J, Zhang X, Xu L, Deng C, Yan M, Xie A, Luo T, Long Z, Xiao Y, Li X. Identifying Cancer Driver lncRNAs Bridged by Functional Effectors through Integrating Multi-omics Data in Human Cancers. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 17:362-373. [PMID: 31302496 PMCID: PMC6626872 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of somatic driver mutations in the human genome enables cells to gradually acquire a growth advantage and contributes to tumor development. Great efforts on protein-coding cancer drivers have yielded fruitful discoveries and clinical applications. However, investigations on cancer drivers in non-coding regions, especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are extremely scarce due to the limitation of functional understanding. Thus, to identify driver lncRNAs integrating multi-omics data in human cancers, we proposed a computational framework, DriverLncNet, which dissected the functional impact of somatic copy number alteration (CNA) of lncRNAs on regulatory networks and captured key functional effectors in dys-regulatory networks. Applying it to 5 cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we portrayed the landscape of 117 driver lncRNAs and revealed their associated cancer hallmarks through their functional effectors. Moreover, lncRNA RP11-571M6.8 was detected to be highly associated with immunotherapeutic targets (PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4) and regulatory T cell infiltration level and their markers (IL2RA and FCGR2B) in glioblastoma multiforme, highlighting its immunosuppressive function. Meanwhile, a high expression of RP11-1020A11.1 in bladder carcinoma was predictive of poor survival independent of clinical characteristics, and CTD-2256P15.2 in lung adenocarcinoma responded to the sensitivity of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) inhibitors. In summary, this study provided a framework to decipher the mechanisms of tumorigenesis from driver lncRNA level, established a new landscape of driver lncRNAs in human cancers, and offered potential clinical implications for precision oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Gaoming Liao
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Jing Bai
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Liwen Xu
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Chunyu Deng
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Min Yan
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Aimin Xie
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Tao Luo
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Zhilin Long
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Yun Xiao
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China.
| | - Xia Li
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tomino L, Bopp E, Felgenhauer J, Selich‐Anderson J, Shah N. Combinatorial BRD4 and AURKA inhibition is synergistic against preclinical models of Ewing sarcoma. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tomino
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood DisordersNationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Emily Bopp
- College of Arts and SciencesThe Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Joshua Felgenhauer
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood DisordersNationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Julia Selich‐Anderson
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood DisordersNationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Nilay Shah
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood DisordersNationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Ohio USA
- College of Medicine, Department of PediatricsThe Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Fleming JT, Brignola E, Chen L, Guo Y, Zhao S, Wang Q, Li B, Correa H, Ermilov AN, Dlugosz AA, Chiang C. Insight into the Etiology of Undifferentiated Soft Tissue Sarcomas from a Novel Mouse Model. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:1024-1035. [PMID: 30683671 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway has been linked to the formation of numerous cancer types, including the myogenic soft tissue sarcoma, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (eRMS). Here, we report PCG2, a novel mouse model in which human GLI2A, a constitutive activator of Hedgehog signaling, induced undifferentiated sarcomas that were phenotypically divergent from eRMS. Rather, sarcomas arising in PCG2 mice featured some characteristics that were reminiscent of Ewing sarcoma. Even though it is widely understood that Ewing sarcoma formation is driven by EWS-ETS gene fusions, a genetically defined mouse model is not well-established. While EWS-ETS gene fusions were not present in PCG2 sarcomas, precluding their designation as Ewing sarcoma, we did find that GLI2A induced expression of known EWS-ETS gene targets essential to Ewing pathogenesis, most notably, Nkx2.2. Moreover, we found that naïve mesenchymal progenitors originate tumors in PCG2 mice. Altogether, our work provides a novel genetic mouse model, which directly connects oncogenic Hedgehog activity to the etiology of undifferentiated soft tissue sarcomas for the first time. IMPLICATIONS: The finding that activation of Gli2 transcription factor is sufficient to induce Ewing-like sarcomas provides a direct transformative role of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in undifferentiated soft tissue sarcoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan T Fleming
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Emily Brignola
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Shilin Zhao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Quan Wang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Bingshan Li
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Hernán Correa
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Alexandre N Ermilov
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Andrzej A Dlugosz
- Departments of Dermatology and Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Chin Chiang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Li L, Song W, Yan X, Li A, Zhang X, Li W, Wen X, Zhou L, Yu D, Hu JF, Cui J. Friend leukemia virus integration 1 promotes tumorigenesis of small cell lung cancer cells by activating the miR-17-92 pathway. Oncotarget 2018; 8:41975-41987. [PMID: 28410216 PMCID: PMC5522042 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is regarded as the most devastative type of human lung malignancies. The rapid and disseminated growth pattern remains the primary cause of poor clinical prognosis in patients with SCLC. However, the molecular factors that drive rapid progression of SCLC remain unclear. Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (FLI1), an Ets transcription factor family member, has been previously reported to act as a major driver of hematological malignancies. In this study, we explored the potential role of FLI1 in SCLC. Using immunohistochemical staining, we found that FLI1 was significantly upregulated in SCLC tissues, compared to that in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and normal lung tissues (p < 0.01). The expression score of FLI1 oncoprotein was associated with the extensive stage of SCLC and the overexpressed Ki67. Knockdown of FLI1 with small interfering RNA (siRNA) or short hairpin RNA (shRNA) promoted apoptosis and induced repression of cell proliferation, tumor colony formation and in vivo tumorigenicity in highly aggressive SCLC cell lines. Importantly, we discovered that FLI1 promoted tumorigenesis by activating the miR-17-92 cluster family. This study uncovers FLI1 as an important driving factor that promotes tumor growth in SCLC through the miR-17-92 pathway. FLI1 may serve as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention of SCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Li
- Cancer Center, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Song
- Cancer Center, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xu Yan
- Cancer Center, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ailing Li
- Stanford University Medical School, Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Xiaoying Zhang
- Cancer Center, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Li
- Cancer Center, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Wen
- Cancer Center, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Cancer Center, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dehai Yu
- Cancer Center, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ji-Fan Hu
- Cancer Center, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Stanford University Medical School, Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Palo Alto, USA
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Minas TZ, Surdez D, Javaheri T, Tanaka M, Howarth M, Kang HJ, Han J, Han ZY, Sax B, Kream BE, Hong SH, Çelik H, Tirode F, Tuckermann J, Toretsky JA, Kenner L, Kovar H, Lee S, Sweet-Cordero EA, Nakamura T, Moriggl R, Delattre O, Üren A. Combined experience of six independent laboratories attempting to create an Ewing sarcoma mouse model. Oncotarget 2018; 8:34141-34163. [PMID: 27191748 PMCID: PMC5470957 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) involves a tumor-specific chromosomal translocation that produces the EWS-FLI1 protein, which is required for the growth of ES cells both in vitro and in vivo. However, an EWS-FLI1-driven transgenic mouse model is not currently available. Here, we present data from six independent laboratories seeking an alternative approach to express EWS-FLI1 in different murine tissues. We used the Runx2, Col1a2.3, Col1a3.6, Prx1, CAG, Nse, NEFL, Dermo1, P0, Sox9 and Osterix promoters to target EWS-FLI1 or Cre expression. Additional approaches included the induction of an endogenous chromosomal translocation, in utero knock-in, and the injection of Cre-expressing adenovirus to induce EWS-FLI1 expression locally in multiple lineages. Most models resulted in embryonic lethality or developmental defects. EWS-FLI1-induced apoptosis, promoter leakiness, the lack of potential cofactors, and the difficulty of expressing EWS-FLI1 in specific sites were considered the primary reasons for the failed attempts to create a transgenic mouse model of ES.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsion Zewdu Minas
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Didier Surdez
- Genetics and Biology of Cancers Unit, Institut Curie Research Center, PSL Research University, Île-de-France, Paris, France.,INSERM U830, Institut Curie Research Center, Île-de-France, Paris, France
| | | | - Miwa Tanaka
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michelle Howarth
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Hong-Jun Kang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Jenny Han
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Zhi-Yan Han
- Genetics and Biology of Cancers Unit, Institut Curie Research Center, PSL Research University, Île-de-France, Paris, France.,INSERM U830, Institut Curie Research Center, Île-de-France, Paris, France
| | - Barbara Sax
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara E Kream
- Department of Medicine, and Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Science Center, Farmington, CT, United States of America
| | - Sung-Hyeok Hong
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Haydar Çelik
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Franck Tirode
- Genetics and Biology of Cancers Unit, Institut Curie Research Center, PSL Research University, Île-de-France, Paris, France.,INSERM U830, Institut Curie Research Center, Île-de-France, Paris, France
| | - Jan Tuckermann
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jeffrey A Toretsky
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria.,Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Pathology of Laboratory Animals (UPLA), University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinrich Kovar
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Children´s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sean Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - E Alejandro Sweet-Cordero
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Takuro Nakamura
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Richard Moriggl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Olivier Delattre
- Genetics and Biology of Cancers Unit, Institut Curie Research Center, PSL Research University, Île-de-France, Paris, France.,INSERM U830, Institut Curie Research Center, Île-de-France, Paris, France.,Unité de génétique somatique, Institut Curie, Île-de-France, Paris, France
| | - Aykut Üren
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hernandez-Muñoz I, Figuerola E, Sanchez-Molina S, Rodriguez E, Fernández-Mariño AI, Pardo-Pastor C, Bahamonde MI, Fernández-Fernández JM, García-Domínguez DJ, Hontecillas-Prieto L, Lavarino C, Carcaboso AM, de Torres C, Tirado OM, de Alava E, Mora J. RING1B contributes to Ewing sarcoma development by repressing the NaV1.6 sodium channel and the NF-κB pathway, independently of the fusion oncoprotein. Oncotarget 2018; 7:46283-46300. [PMID: 27317769 PMCID: PMC5216798 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive tumor defined by EWSR1 gene fusions that behave as an oncogene. Here we demonstrate that RING1B is highly expressed in primary ES tumors, and its expression is independent of the fusion oncogene. RING1B-depleted ES cells display an expression profile enriched in genes functionally involved in hematological development but RING1B depletion does not induce cellular differentiation. In ES cells, RING1B directly binds the SCN8A sodium channel promoter and its depletion results in enhanced Nav1.6 expression and function. The signaling pathway most significantly modulated by RING1B is NF-κB. RING1B depletion results in enhanced p105/p50 expression, which sensitizes ES cells to apoptosis by FGFR/SHP2/STAT3 blockade. Reduced NaV1.6 function protects ES cells from apoptotic cell death by maintaining low NF-κB levels. Our findings identify RING1B as a trait of the cell-of-origin and provide a potential targetable vulnerability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisabeth Figuerola
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Sanchez-Molina
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Rodriguez
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Fernández-Mariño
- Laboratori de Fisiologia Molecular, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003-Barcelona, Spain.,Present Affiliation: Department of Neuroscience and Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison-53705, USA
| | - Carlos Pardo-Pastor
- Laboratori de Fisiologia Molecular, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003-Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Isabel Bahamonde
- Laboratori de Fisiologia Molecular, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003-Barcelona, Spain
| | - José M Fernández-Fernández
- Laboratori de Fisiologia Molecular, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel J García-Domínguez
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013-Seville, Spain
| | - Lourdes Hontecillas-Prieto
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013-Seville, Spain
| | - Cinzia Lavarino
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angel M Carcaboso
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen de Torres
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar M Tirado
- Sarcoma Research Group, Laboratori d'Oncología Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrique de Alava
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013-Seville, Spain
| | - Jaume Mora
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Vaidya A, Jain AK, Prashantha Kumar B, Sastry G, Kashaw SK, Agrawal RK. CoMFA, CoMSIA, kNN MFA and docking studies of 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives as potent caspase-3 activators. ARAB J CHEM 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2014.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
|
23
|
Increased survival and cell cycle progression pathways are required for EWS/FLI1-induced malignant transformation. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2419. [PMID: 27735950 PMCID: PMC5133963 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is the second most frequent childhood bone cancer driven by the EWS/FLI1 (EF) fusion protein. Genetically defined ES models are needed to understand how EF expression changes bone precursor cell differentiation, how ES arises and through which mechanisms of inhibition it can be targeted. We used mesenchymal Prx1-directed conditional EF expression in mice to study bone development and to establish a reliable sarcoma model. EF expression arrested early chondrocyte and osteoblast differentiation due to changed signaling pathways such as hedgehog, WNT or growth factor signaling. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) expressing EF showed high self-renewal capacity and maintained an undifferentiated state despite high apoptosis. Blocking apoptosis through enforced BCL2 family member expression in MSCs promoted efficient and rapid sarcoma formation when transplanted to immunocompromised mice. Mechanistically, high BCL2 family member and CDK4, but low P53 and INK4A protein expression synergized in Ewing-like sarcoma development. Functionally, knockdown of Mcl1 or Cdk4 or their combined pharmacologic inhibition resulted in growth arrest and apoptosis in both established human ES cell lines and EF-transformed mouse MSCs. Combinatorial targeting of survival and cell cycle progression pathways could counteract this aggressive childhood cancer.
Collapse
|
24
|
Nagai MA. Pleckstrin homology-like domain, family A, member 1 ( PHLDA1) and cancer. Biomed Rep 2016; 4:275-281. [PMID: 26998263 DOI: 10.3892/br.2016.580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pleckstrin homology-like domain, family A, member 1 (PHLDA1) encodes a member of an evolutionarily conserved pleckstrin homology-related domain protein family. It was first identified as a potential transcription factor required for Fas expression and activation-induced apoptosis in mouse T cell hybridomas. The exact molecular and biological functions of PHLDA1 remain to be elucidated. However, its expression is induced by a variety of external stimuli and there is evidence that it may function as a transcriptional activator that acts as a mediator of apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation and cell migration dependent on the cellular type and context. Recently, PHLDA1 has received attention due to its association with cancer. In the present review, the current knowledge of PHLDA1 protein structure, expression regulation and function is summarized. In addition, the current data in the literature is reviewed with regards to the role of PHLDA1 in cancer pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Aparecida Nagai
- Discipline of Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Center for Translational Research in Oncology, Cancer Institute of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 01246-000, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lv D, Liu J, Guo L, Wu D, Matsumoto K, Huang L. PRAS40 deregulates apoptosis in Ewing sarcoma family tumors by enhancing the insulin receptor/Akt and mTOR signaling pathways. Am J Cancer Res 2016; 6:486-497. [PMID: 27186418 PMCID: PMC4859675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
EWS expression in Ewing sarcoma family tumors (ESFTs) is decreased due to the haploinsufficiency elicited by chromosomal translocation. The abnormal expression levels of EWS and its downstream factors contribute to the manifestation of ESFTs. Previously, we reported that increased Proline-rich Akt substrate of 40 kDa (PRAS40), which is encoded by an EWS mRNA target, promotes the development of ESFTs. However, the mechanism remains elusive. To clarify the role of PRAS40 in ESFTs, we silenced PRAS40 expression in ESFT cells using siRNAs and found increased levels of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells. Cleaved caspase 3 levels and cytochrome C release were increased simultaneously. Furthermore, with PRAS40 knockdown, the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR downstream factors, i.e., S6K and S6, was attenuated notably. Ectopic expression of PRAS40 increased Akt and S6 phosphorylation. Activation of Akt only partially reversed the apoptosis induced by PRAS40 knockdown, and downregulation of S6 phosphorylation by PRAS40 silencing could not be sufficiently restored via Akt activation. Searching the upstream factors in this pathway, the autophosphorylation of insulin receptor (IR) was found to be inhibited significantly by PRAS40 silencing but increased by PRAS40 overexpression. Therefore, PRAS40 may enhance IR phosphorylation to facilitate Akt and mTOR signaling leading to the apoptosis deregulation in ESFTs. Moreover, in vivo results confirmed that PRAS40 deletion suppressed the growth of ESFT xenografts and downregulated IR and S6 phosphorylation. Our findings suggest a novel functioning model for PRAS40, which represents a novel therapeutic target for ESFTs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Lv
- Department of Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University9 South Lvshun Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, P. R. China
| | - Jinye Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University9 South Lvshun Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, P. R. China
| | - Lianying Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University9 South Lvshun Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, P. R. China
| | - Dawei Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University9 South Lvshun Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, P. R. China
| | - Ken Matsumoto
- Chemical Genetics Laboratory, RIKEN2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Lin Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University9 South Lvshun Road, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Park H, Turkalo TK, Nelson K, Folmsbee SS, Robb C, Roper B, Azuma M. Ewing sarcoma EWS protein regulates midzone formation by recruiting Aurora B kinase to the midzone. Cell Cycle 2015; 13:2391-9. [PMID: 25483190 DOI: 10.4161/cc.29337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a malignant bone cancer that primarily occurs in children and adolescents. Eighty-five percent of Ewing sarcoma is characterized by the presence of the aberrant chimeric EWS/FLI1 fusion gene. Previously, we demonstrated that an interaction between EWS/FLI1 and wild-type EWS led to the inhibition of EWS activity and mitotic dysfunction. Although defective mitosis is considered to be a critical step in cancer initiation, it is unknown how interference with EWS contributes to Ewing sarcoma formation. Here, we demonstrate that EWS/FLI1- and EWS-knockdown cells display a high incidence of defects in the midzone, a midline structure located between segregating chromatids during anaphase. Defects in the midzone can lead to the failure of cytokinesis and can result in the induction of aneuploidy. The similarity among the phenotypes of EWS/FLI1- and EWS siRNA-transfected HeLa cells points to the inhibition of EWS as the key mechanism for the induction of midzone defects. Supporting this observation, the ectopic expression of EWS rescues the high incidence of midzone defects observed in Ewing sarcoma A673 cells. We discovered that EWS interacts with Aurora B kinase, and that EWS is also required for recruiting Aurora B to the midzone. A domain analysis revealed that the R565 in the RGG3 domain of EWS is essential for both Aurora B interaction and the recruitment of Aurora B to the midzone. Here, we propose that the impairment of EWS-dependent midzone formation via the recruitment of Aurora B is a potential mechanism of Ewing sarcoma development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyewon Park
- a Department of Molecular Biosciences; University of Kansas; Lawrence, KS USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Duggimpudi S, Larsson E, Nabhani S, Borkhardt A, Hoell JI. The cell cycle regulator CCDC6 is a key target of RNA-binding protein EWS. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119066. [PMID: 25751255 PMCID: PMC4353705 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic translocation of EWSR1 to ETS transcription factor coding region is considered as primary cause for Ewing sarcoma. Previous studies focused on the biology of chimeric transcription factors formed due to this translocation. However, the physiological consequences of heterozygous EWSR1 loss in these tumors have largely remained elusive. Previously, we have identified various mRNAs bound to EWS using PAR-CLIP. In this study, we demonstrate CCDC6, a known cell cycle regulator protein, as a novel target regulated by EWS. siRNA mediated down regulation of EWS caused an elevated apoptosis in cells in a CCDC6-dependant manner. This effect was rescued upon re-expression of CCDC6. This study provides evidence for a novel functional link through which wild-type EWS operates in a target-dependant manner in Ewing sarcoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sujitha Duggimpudi
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Center for Child and Adolescent Health, Heinrich Heine University, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Erik Larsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell biology, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Schafiq Nabhani
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Center for Child and Adolescent Health, Heinrich Heine University, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Arndt Borkhardt
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Center for Child and Adolescent Health, Heinrich Heine University, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Jessica I Hoell
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Center for Child and Adolescent Health, Heinrich Heine University, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Merkes C, Turkalo TK, Wilder N, Park H, Wenger LW, Lewin SJ, Azuma M. Ewing sarcoma ewsa protein regulates chondrogenesis of Meckel's cartilage through modulation of Sox9 in zebrafish. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116627. [PMID: 25617839 PMCID: PMC4305327 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is the second most common skeletal (bone and cartilage) cancer in adolescents, and it is characterized by the expression of the aberrant chimeric fusion gene EWS/FLI1. Wild-type EWS has been proposed to play a role in mitosis, splicing and transcription. We have previously shown that EWS/FLI1 interacts with EWS, and it inhibits EWS activity in a dominant manner. Ewing sarcoma is a cancer that specifically develops in skeletal tissues, and although the above data suggests the significance of EWS, its role in chondrogenesis/skeletogenesis is not understood. To elucidate the function of EWS in skeletal development, we generated and analyzed a maternal zygotic (MZ) ewsa/ewsa line because the ewsa/wt and ewsa/ewsa zebrafish appeared to be normal and fertile. Compared with wt/wt, the Meckel's cartilage of MZ ewsa/ewsa mutants had a higher number of craniofacial prehypertrophic chondrocytes that failed to mature into hypertrophic chondrocytes at 4 days post-fertilization (dpf). Ewsa interacted with Sox9, which is the master transcription factor for chondrogenesis. Sox9 target genes were either upregulated (ctgfa, ctgfb, col2a1a, and col2a1b) or downregulated (sox5, nog1, nog2, and bmp4) in MZ ewsa/ewsa embryos compared with the wt/wt zebrafish embryos. Among these Sox9 target genes, the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiment demonstrated that Ewsa directly binds to ctgfa and ctgfb loci. Consistently, immunohistochemistry showed that the Ctgf protein is upregulated in the Meckel's cartilage of MZ ewsa/ewsa mutants. Together, we propose that Ewsa promotes the differentiation from prehypertrophic chondrocytes to hypertrophic chondrocytes of Meckel's cartilage through inhibiting Sox9 binding site of the ctgf gene promoter. Because Ewing sarcoma specifically develops in skeletal tissue that is originating from chondrocytes, this new role of EWS may provide a potential molecular basis of its pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Merkes
- Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, 7031 Haworth, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, United States of America
| | - Timothy K. Turkalo
- Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, 7031 Haworth, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, United States of America
| | - Nicole Wilder
- Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, 7031 Haworth, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, United States of America
| | - Hyewon Park
- Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, 7031 Haworth, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, United States of America
| | - Luke W. Wenger
- Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, 7031 Haworth, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, United States of America
| | - Seth J. Lewin
- Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, 7031 Haworth, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, United States of America
| | - Mizuki Azuma
- Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, 7031 Haworth, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Tanaka M, Yamaguchi S, Yamazaki Y, Kinoshita H, Kuwahara K, Nakao K, Jay PY, Noda T, Nakamura T. Somatic chromosomal translocation between Ewsr1 and Fli1 loci leads to dilated cardiomyopathy in a mouse model. Sci Rep 2015; 5:7826. [PMID: 25591392 PMCID: PMC5379005 DOI: 10.1038/srep07826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A mouse model that recapitulates the human Ewing's sarcoma-specific chromosomal translocation was generated utilizing the Cre/loxP-mediated recombination technique. A cross between Ewsr1-loxP and Fli1-loxP mice and expression of ubiquitous Cre recombinase induced a specific translocation between Ewsr1 and Fli1 loci in systemic organs of both adult mice and embryos. As a result Ewsr1-Fli1 fusion transcripts were expressed, suggesting a functional Ews-Fli1 protein might be synthesized in vivo. However, by two years of age, none of the Ewsr1-loxP/Fli1-loxP/CAG-Cre (EFCC) mice developed any malignancies, including Ewing-like small round cell sarcoma. Unexpectedly, all the EFCC mice suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy and died of chronic cardiac failure. Genetic recombination between Ewsr1 and Fli1 was confirmed in the myocardial tissue and apoptotic cell death of cardiac myocytes was observed at significantly higher frequency in EFCC mice. Moreover, expression of Ews-Fli1 in the cultured cardiac myocytes induced apoptosis. Collectively, these results indicated that ectopic expression of the Ews-Fli1 oncogene stimulated apoptotic signals, and suggested an important relationship between oncogenic signals and cellular context in the cell-of-origin of Ewing's sarcoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miwa Tanaka
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan
| | - Shuichi Yamaguchi
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan
| | - Yukari Yamazaki
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Kinoshita
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawaracho Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Koichiro Kuwahara
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawaracho Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kazuwa Nakao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawaracho Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Patrick Y Jay
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, U.S.A
| | - Tetsuo Noda
- Division of Cell Biology, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan
| | - Takuro Nakamura
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kang HJ, Park JH, Chen W, Kang SI, Moroz K, Ladanyi M, Lee SB. EWS-WT1 oncoprotein activates neuronal reprogramming factor ASCL1 and promotes neural differentiation. Cancer Res 2014; 74:4526-35. [PMID: 24934812 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-3663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The oncogenic fusion gene EWS-WT1 is the defining chromosomal translocation in desmoplastic small round-cell tumors (DSRCT), a rare but aggressive soft tissue sarcoma with a high rate of mortality. EWS-WT1 functions as an aberrant transcription factor that drives tumorigenesis, but the mechanistic basis for its pathogenic activity is not well understood. To address this question, we created a transgenic mouse strain that permits physiologic expression of EWS-WT1 under the native murine Ews promoter. EWS-WT1 expression led to a dramatic induction of many neuronal genes in embryonic fibroblasts and primary DSRCT, most notably the neural reprogramming factor ASCL1. Mechanistic analyses demonstrated that EWS-WT1 directly bound the proximal promoter of ASCL1, activating its transcription through multiple WT1-responsive elements. Conversely, EWS-WT1 silencing in DSRCT cells reduced ASCL1 expression and cell viability. Notably, exposure of DSRCT cells to neuronal induction media increased neural gene expression and induced neurite-like projections, both of which were abrogated by silencing EWS-WT1. Taken together, our findings reveal that EWS-WT1 can activate neural gene expression and direct partial neural differentiation via ASCL1, suggesting agents that promote neural differentiation might offer a novel therapeutic approach to treat DSRCT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jun Kang
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Jun Hong Park
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - WeiPing Chen
- Genomics Core Facility, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Soo Im Kang
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Krzysztof Moroz
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Marc Ladanyi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Sean Bong Lee
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Tanaka M, Yamazaki Y, Kanno Y, Igarashi K, Aisaki KI, Kanno J, Nakamura T. Ewing's sarcoma precursors are highly enriched in embryonic osteochondrogenic progenitors. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:3061-74. [PMID: 24911143 DOI: 10.1172/jci72399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing's sarcoma is a highly malignant bone tumor found in children and adolescents, and the origin of this malignancy is not well understood. Here, we introduced a Ewing's sarcoma-associated genetic fusion of the genes encoding the RNA-binding protein EWS and the transcription factor ETS (EWS-ETS) into a fraction of cells enriched for osteochondrogenic progenitors derived from the embryonic superficial zone (eSZ) of long bones collected from late gestational murine embryos. EWS-ETS fusions efficiently induced Ewing's sarcoma-like small round cell sarcoma formation by these cells. Analysis of the eSZ revealed a fraction of a precursor cells that express growth/differentiation factor 5 (Gdf5), the transcription factor Erg, and parathyroid hormone-like hormone (Pthlh), and selection of the Pthlh-positive fraction alone further enhanced EWS-ETS-dependent tumor induction. Genes downstream of the EWS-ETS fusion protein were quite transcriptionally active in eSZ cells, especially in regions in which the chromatin structure of the ETS-responsive locus was open. Inhibition of β-catenin, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), or enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) suppressed cell growth in a murine model of Ewing's sarcoma, suggesting the utility of the current system as a preclinical model. These results indicate that eSZ cells are highly enriched in precursors to Ewing's sarcoma and provide clues to the histogenesis of Ewing's sarcoma in bone.
Collapse
|
32
|
Ambati SR, Lopes EC, Kosugi K, Mony U, Zehir A, Shah SK, Taldone T, Moreira AL, Meyers PA, Chiosis G, Moore MAS. Pre-clinical efficacy of PU-H71, a novel HSP90 inhibitor, alone and in combination with bortezomib in Ewing sarcoma. Mol Oncol 2013; 8:323-36. [PMID: 24388362 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is characterized by multiple deregulated pathways that mediate cell survival and proliferation. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a critical component of the multi-chaperone complexes that regulate the disposition and activity of a large number of proteins involved in cell-signaling systems. We tested the efficacy of PU-H71, a novel HSP90 inhibitor in Ewing sarcoma cell lines, primary samples, benign mesenchymal stromal cells and hematopoietic stem cells. We performed cell cycle analysis, clonogenic assay, immunoblot analysis and reverse phase protein array in Ewing cell lines and in vivo experiments in NSG and nude mice using the A673 cell line. We noted a significant therapeutic window in the activity of PU-H71 against Ewing cell lines and benign cells. PU-H71 treatment resulted in G2/M phase arrest. Exposure to PU-H71 resulted in depletion of critical proteins including AKT, pERK, RAF-1, c-MYC, c-KIT, IGF1R, hTERT and EWS-FLI1 in Ewing cell lines. Our results indicated that Ewing sarcoma tumor growth and the metastatic burden were significantly reduced in the mice injected with PU-H71 compared to the control mice. We also investigated the effects of bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, alone and in combination with PU-H71 in Ewing sarcoma. Combination index (CI)-Fa plots and normalized isobolograms indicated synergism between PU-H71 and bortezomib. Ewing sarcoma xenografts were significantly inhibited when mice were treated with the combination compared to vehicle or either drug alone. This provides a strong rationale for clinical evaluation of PU-H71 alone and in combination with bortezomib in Ewing sarcoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Srikanth R Ambati
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Eloisi Caldas Lopes
- Department of Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kohji Kosugi
- Department of Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ullas Mony
- Department of Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ahmet Zehir
- Department of Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Smit K Shah
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tony Taldone
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Andre L Moreira
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Paul A Meyers
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Gabriela Chiosis
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Malcolm A S Moore
- Department of Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Stoll G, Surdez D, Tirode F, Laud K, Barillot E, Zinovyev A, Delattre O. Systems biology of Ewing sarcoma: a network model of EWS-FLI1 effect on proliferation and apoptosis. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 41:8853-71. [PMID: 23935076 PMCID: PMC3799442 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is the second most frequent pediatric bone tumor. In most of the patients, a chromosomal translocation leads to the expression of the EWS-FLI1 chimeric transcription factor that is the major oncogene in this pathology. Relative genetic simplicity of Ewing sarcoma makes it particularly attractive for studying cancer in a systemic manner. Silencing EWS-FLI1 induces cell cycle alteration and ultimately leads to apoptosis, but the exact molecular mechanisms underlying this phenotype are unclear. In this study, a network linking EWS-FLI1 to cell cycle and apoptosis phenotypes was constructed through an original method of network reconstruction. Transcriptome time-series after EWS-FLI1 silencing were used to identify core modulated genes by an original scoring method based on fitting expression profile dynamics curves. Literature data mining was then used to connect these modulated genes into a network. The validity of a subpart of this network was assessed by siRNA/RT-QPCR experiments on four additional Ewing cell lines and confirmed most of the links. Based on the network and the transcriptome data, CUL1 was identified as a new potential target of EWS-FLI1. Altogether, using an original methodology of data integration, we provide the first version of EWS-FLI1 network model of cell cycle and apoptosis regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gautier Stoll
- Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Paris cedex 05, France, INSERM U900, Bioinformatique, biostatistique et épidémiologie d'un système complexe, Paris, France, Mines ParisTech, Fontainebleau, France, INSERM U830, Unité de Génétique et Biologie des Cancers, Paris, France and Institut Curie, Unité de génétique somatique, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Human iNKT and MAIT cells exhibit a PLZF-dependent proapoptotic propensity that is counterbalanced by XIAP. Blood 2012; 121:614-23. [PMID: 23223428 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2012-09-456095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer (iNKT) T cells and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells represent peculiar T-lymphocyte subpopulations with innate-like properties that differ from conventional T cells. iNKT are reduced in the primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP). By studying the mechanism of this depletion, we herein report that iNKT cells exhibit a high susceptibility to apoptosis that is not observed with conventional T cells. Elevated expression of caspases 3 and 7 accounts for the proapoptotic phenotype of iNKT cells, which is inhibited by XIAP although it exerts a moderate effect in conventional T cells. Similarly, MAIT cells exhibit a proapoptotic propensity with elevated expression of activated caspases and are decreased in XIAP-deficient individuals. Knockdown of the transcription factor PLZF/ZBTB-16, which is involved in the effector program of iNKT cells, diminishes their proapoptotic phenotype. Conversely, overexpression of PLZF/ZBTB-16 in conventional T cells leads to a proapoptotic phenotype. Our findings identify a previously unknown pathway of regulation of innate-like T-cell homeostasis depending on XIAP and PLZF. The proapoptotic feature of iNKT cells also gives a reliable explanation of their exhaustion observed in different human conditions including the XIAP immunodeficiency.
Collapse
|
35
|
Sohn EJ, Park J, Kang SI, Wu YP. Accumulation of pre-let-7g and downregulation of mature let-7g with the depletion of EWS. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2012; 426:89-93. [PMID: 22910415 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
EWS functions in RNA splicing and transcription by encoding an RNA binding protein, which results in the chromosomal translocation t(11;22)(q24;q12) found in Ewing sarcoma. EWS interacts with the microprocessor complex involving Drosha and DGCR8, which play roles as the cofactors of primary microRNA processing. However, the role of EWS in microRNA biogenesis has not been investigated. Here, we show that endogenous EWS interacts with endogenous Drosha by IP-western blotting. In addition, EWS knockout mouse decreased the expression of Drosha. The depletion of EWS results in the accumulation of precursor let-7g but down-regulates mature let-7g in U2OS cells. Consistently, mature let 7g was suppressed in both Ewing sarcoma cell and primary Ewing sarcoma. Also, expression levels of Dicer and CCND1 (Cyclin D1), which are known target genes of the let-7 family were upregulated. Our findings suggest that EWS mediates generation of mature let-7g from pre-let-7g.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun Jung Sohn
- Genetics of Development and Disease Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20871, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Lissat A, Chao MM, Kontny U. Targeted therapy in Ewing sarcoma. ISRN ONCOLOGY 2012; 2012:609439. [PMID: 22690342 PMCID: PMC3368441 DOI: 10.5402/2012/609439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite marked improvement in the prognosis of patients with nonmetastatic Ewing sarcoma (ES), the outcome for patients with recurrent or metastatic disease remains poor. Insight into key biologic processes in ES could provide new therapeutic targets. The particular biologic feature of ES, the fusion of the EWS gene with a member of the ETS family of genes, is present in >95% of cases. The EWS-ETS chimeric protein leads to aberrant transcription that promotes tumor initiation and propagation via prosurvival and antiapoptotic pathways. Recent research has identified cooperating mutations important for ES tumorigenesis. This paper provides a summary of the latest research in ES and discusses potential novel targets for therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Lissat
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Huang L, Nakai Y, Kuwahara I, Matsumoto K. PRAS40 is a functionally critical target for EWS repression in Ewing sarcoma. Cancer Res 2012; 72:1260-9. [PMID: 22241085 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-11-2254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma family tumors (ESFT) are highly aggressive and highly metastatic tumors caused by a chromosomal fusion between the Ewing sarcoma protein (EWS) with the transcription factor FLI-1. However, expression of the EWS/FLI-1 chimeric oncogene by itself is insufficient for carcinogenesis, suggesting that additional events are required. Here, we report the identification of the Akt substrate PRAS40 as an EWS target gene. EWS negatively regulates PRAS40 expression by binding the 3' untranslated region in PRAS40 mRNA. ESFT cell proliferation was suppressed by treatment with an Akt inhibitor, and ESFT cell proliferation and metastatic growth were suppressed by siRNA-mediated PRAS40 knockdown. Furthermore, PRAS40 knockdown was sufficient to reverse an increased cell proliferation elicited by EWS knockdown. In support of a pathologic role for PRAS40 elevation in EFST, we documented inverse protein levels of EWS and PRAS40 in ESFT cells. Together, our findings suggest that PRAS40 promotes the development of ESFT and might therefore represent a novel therapeutic target in this aggressive disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Huang
- Molecular Entomology Laboratory, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Heterogeneous role of the glutathione antioxidant system in modulating the response of ESFT to fenretinide in normoxia and hypoxia. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28558. [PMID: 22174837 PMCID: PMC3234283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) is implicated in drug resistance mechanisms of several cancers and is a key regulator of cell death pathways within cells. We studied Ewing's sarcoma family of tumours (ESFT) cell lines and three mechanistically distinct anticancer agents (fenretinide, doxorubicin, and vincristine) to investigate whether the GSH antioxidant system is involved in the reduced sensitivity to these chemotherapeutic agents in hypoxia. Cell viability and death were assessed by the trypan blue exclusion assay and annexin V-PI staining, respectively. Hypoxia significantly decreased the sensitivity of all ESFT cell lines to fenretinide-induced death, whereas the effect of doxorubicin or vincristine was marginal and cell-line-specific. The response of the GSH antioxidant system in ESFT cell lines to hypoxia was variable and also cell-line-specific, although the level of GSH appeared to be most dependent on de novo biosynthesis rather than recycling. RNAi-mediated knockdown of key GSH regulatory enzymes γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase or glutathione disulfide reductase partially reversed the hypoxia-induced resistance to fenretinide, and increasing GSH levels using N-acetylcysteine augmented the hypoxia-induced resistance in a cell line-specific manner. These observations are consistent with the conclusion that the role of the GSH antioxidant system in modulating the sensitivity of ESFT cells to fenretinide is heterogeneous depending on environment and cell type. This is likely to limit the value of targeting GSH as a therapeutic strategy to overcome hypoxia-induced drug resistance in ESFT. Whether targeting the GSH antioxidant system in conjunction with other therapeutics may benefit some patients with ESFT remains to be seen.
Collapse
|
39
|
Awad O, Yustein JT, Shah P, Gul N, Katuri V, O'Neill A, Kong Y, Brown ML, Toretsky JA, Loeb DM. High ALDH activity identifies chemotherapy-resistant Ewing's sarcoma stem cells that retain sensitivity to EWS-FLI1 inhibition. PLoS One 2010; 5:e13943. [PMID: 21085683 PMCID: PMC2978678 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2010] [Accepted: 10/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells are a chemotherapy-resistant population capable of self-renewal and of regenerating the bulk tumor, thereby causing relapse and patient death. Ewing's sarcoma, the second most common form of bone tumor in adolescents and young adults, follows a clinical pattern consistent with the Cancer Stem Cell model - remission is easily achieved, even for patients with metastatic disease, but relapse remains frequent and is usually fatal. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We have isolated a subpopulation of Ewing's sarcoma cells, from both human cell lines and human xenografts grown in immune deficient mice, which express high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH(high)) activity and are enriched for clonogenicity, sphere-formation, and tumor initiation. The ALDH(high) cells are resistant to chemotherapy in vitro, but this can be overcome by the ATP binding cassette transport protein inhibitor, verapamil. Importantly, these cells are not resistant to YK-4-279, a small molecule inhibitor of EWS-FLI1 that is selectively toxic to Ewing's sarcoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Ewing's sarcoma contains an ALDH(high) stem-like population of chemotherapy-resistant cells that retain sensitivity to EWS-FLI1 inhibition. Inhibiting the EWS-FLI1 oncoprotein may prove to be an effective means of improving patient outcomes by targeting Ewing's sarcoma stem cells that survive standard chemotherapy.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Aldehyde Dehydrogenase/metabolism
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Calcium Channel Blockers/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Doxorubicin/pharmacology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit/genetics
- Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, SCID
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/metabolism
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sarcoma, Ewing/drug therapy
- Sarcoma, Ewing/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology
- Sarcoma, Experimental/drug therapy
- Sarcoma, Experimental/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Experimental/pathology
- Spheroids, Cellular/drug effects
- Spheroids, Cellular/metabolism
- Spheroids, Cellular/pathology
- Transplantation, Heterologous
- Verapamil/pharmacology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ola Awad
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jason T. Yustein
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Preeti Shah
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Naheed Gul
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Varalakshmi Katuri
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alison O'Neill
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Yali Kong
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Milton L. Brown
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Jeffrey A. Toretsky
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - David M. Loeb
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
EGFR inhibitor C225 increases the radiosensitivity of human lung squamous cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int 2010; 10:39. [PMID: 20969791 PMCID: PMC2972262 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2867-10-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2009] [Accepted: 10/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of the present study is to investigate the direct biological effects of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor C225 on the radiosensitivity of human lung squamous cancer cell-H520. H520 cells were treated with different dosage of 60Co γ ray irradiation (1.953 Gy/min) in the presence or absence of C225. The cellular proliferation, colony forming capacity, apoptosis, the cell cycle distribution as well as caspase-3 were analyzed in vitro. Results We found that C225 treatment significantly increased radiosensitivity of H-520 cells to irradiation, and led to cell cycle arrest in G1 phase, whereas 60Co γ ray irradiation mainly caused G2 phase arrest. H-520 cells thus displayed both the G1 and G2 phase arrest upon treatment with C225 in combination with 60Co γ ray irradiation. Moreover, C225 treatment significantly increased the apoptosis percentage of H-520 cells (13.91% ± 1.88%) compared with the control group (5.75% ± 0.64%, P < 0.05). Conclusion In this regard, C225 treatment may make H-520 cells more sensitive to irradiation through the enhancement of caspase-3 mediated tumor cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.
Collapse
|
41
|
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and the Origin of Ewing's Sarcoma. Sarcoma 2010; 2011. [PMID: 20953407 PMCID: PMC2952797 DOI: 10.1155/2011/276463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin of Ewing's sarcoma is a subject of much debate. Once thought to be derived from primitive neuroectodermal cells, many now believe it to arise from a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC). Expression of the EWS-FLI1 fusion gene in MSCs changes cell morphology to resemble Ewing's sarcoma and induces expression of neuroectodermal markers. In murine cells, transformation to sarcomas can occur. In knockdown experiments, Ewing's sarcoma cells develop characteristics of MSCs and the ability to differentiate into mesodermal lineages. However, it cannot be concluded that MSCs are the cell of origin. The concept of an MSC still needs to be rigorously defined, and there may be different subpopulations of mesenchymal pluripotential cells. Furthermore, EWS-FLI1 by itself does not transform human cells, and cooperating mutations appear to be necessary. Therefore, while it is possible that Ewing's sarcoma may originate from a primitive mesenchymal cell, the idea needs to be refined further.
Collapse
|
42
|
Wei M, Liu B, Su L, Li J, Zhang J, Yu Y, Yan M, Yang Z, Chen X, Liu J, Lv X, Nie H, Zhang Q, Zheng Z, Yu B, Ji J, Zhang J, Zhu Z, Gu Q. A novel plant homeodomain finger 10-mediated antiapoptotic mechanism involving repression of caspase-3 in gastric cancer cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2010; 9:1764-74. [PMID: 20530714 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-09-1162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms governing tumorigenesis of gastric cancer have been an area of intense investigation. Currently, plant homeodomain (PHD) finger (PHF) proteins have been implicated in both tumor suppression and progression. However, the function of PHF10 has not been well characterized. Here, we show that various levels of PHF10 protein were observed in gastric cancer cell lines. Alteration of PHF10 expression, which is associated with tumor cell growth, may result in apoptosis in gastric cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of PHF10 expression in gastric cancer cells led to significant induction of caspase-3 expression at both the RNA and protein levels and thus induced alteration of caspase-3 substrates in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, results from luciferase assays indicated that PHF10 acted as a transcriptional repressor when the two PHD domains contained in PHF10 were intact. Combined with previous findings, our data suggest that PHF10 transcriptionally regulates the expression of caspase-3. Finally, by using systematic reporter deletion and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we localized a region between nucleotides -270 and -170 in the caspase-3 promoter that was required for the efficient inhibition of caspase-3 promoter activity by PHF10. Collectively, our findings show that PHF10 repressed caspase-3 expression and impaired the programmed cell death pathway in human gastric cancer at the transcriptional level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Wei
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|