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Waitkus MS, Erman EN, Reitman ZJ, Ashley DM. Mechanisms of telomere maintenance and associated therapeutic vulnerabilities in malignant gliomas. Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:1012-1024. [PMID: 38285162 PMCID: PMC11145458 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noae016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
A majority of cancers (~85%) activate the enzyme telomerase to maintain telomere length over multiple rounds of cellular division. Telomerase-negative cancers activate a distinct, telomerase-independent mechanism of telomere maintenance termed alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). ALT uses homologous recombination to maintain telomere length and exhibits features of break-induced DNA replication. In malignant gliomas, the activation of either telomerase or ALT is nearly ubiquitous in pediatric and adult tumors, and the frequency with which these distinct telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMMs) is activated varies according to genetically defined glioma subtypes. In this review, we summarize the current state of the field of TMMs and their relevance to glioma biology and therapy. We review the genetic alterations and molecular mechanisms leading to telomerase activation or ALT induction in pediatric and adult gliomas. With this background, we review emerging evidence on strategies for targeting TMMs for glioma therapy. Finally, we comment on critical gaps and issues for moving the field forward to translate our improved understanding of glioma telomere maintenance into better therapeutic strategies for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Waitkus
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elise N Erman
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zachary J Reitman
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - David M Ashley
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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2
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Fukuoka M, Kodama T, Murai K, Hikita H, Sometani E, Sung J, Shimoda A, Shigeno S, Motooka D, Nishio A, Furuta K, Tatsumi T, Yusa K, Takehara T. Genome-wide loss-of-function genetic screen identifies INSIG2 as the vulnerability of hepatitis B virus-integrated hepatoma cells. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:859-870. [PMID: 38287498 PMCID: PMC10920982 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
There are approximately 250 million people chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) worldwide. Although HBV is often integrated into the host genome and promotes hepatocarcinogenesis, vulnerability of HBV integration in liver cancer cells has not been clarified. The aim of our study is to identify vulnerability factors for HBV-associated hepatocarcinoma. Loss-of-function screening was undertaken in HepG2 and HBV-integrated HepG2.2.15 cells expressing SpCas9 using a pooled genome-wide clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) library. Genes whose guide RNA (gRNA) abundance significantly decreased in HepG2.2.15 cells but not in HepG2 cells were extracted using the MAGeCK algorithm. We identified four genes (BCL2L1, VPS37A, INSIG2, and CFLAR) that showed significant reductions of gRNA abundance and thus potentially involved in the vulnerability of HBV-integrated cancer cells. Among them, siRNA-mediated mRNA inhibition or CRISPR-mediated genetic deletion of INSIG2 significantly impaired cell proliferation in HepG2.2.15 cells but not in HepG2 cells. Its inhibitory effect was alleviated by cotransfection of siRNAs targeting HBV. INSIG2 inhibition suppressed the pathways related to cell cycle and DNA replication, downregulated cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) levels, and delayed the G1 -to-S transition in HepG2.2.15 cells. CDK2 inhibitor suppressed cell cycle progression in HepG2.2.15 cells and INSIG2 inhibition did not suppress cell proliferation in the presence of CDK2 inhibitor. In conclusion, INSIG2 inhibition induced cell cycle arrest in HBV-integrated hepatoma cells in a CDK2-dependent manner, and thus INSIG2 might be a vulnerability factor for HBV-associated liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Fukuoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaOsakaJapan
| | - Takahiro Kodama
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaOsakaJapan
| | - Kazuhiro Murai
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaOsakaJapan
| | - Hayato Hikita
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaOsakaJapan
| | - Emi Sometani
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaOsakaJapan
| | - Jihyun Sung
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaOsakaJapan
| | - Akiyoshi Shimoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaOsakaJapan
| | - Satoshi Shigeno
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaOsakaJapan
| | - Daisuke Motooka
- Genome Information Research Center, Research Institute for Microbial DiseasesOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Akira Nishio
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaOsakaJapan
| | - Kunimaro Furuta
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaOsakaJapan
| | - Tomohide Tatsumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaOsakaJapan
| | - Kosuke Yusa
- Stem Cell Genetics, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical SciencesKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Tetsuo Takehara
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaOsakaJapan
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3
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Qian H, Ji R, Shen C, Wei Y, Sheng C, Ni Q, Pan J, Chi Y, You H, Miao Y, Shi M, Huang X, Shen A. ATRX is a predictive marker for endocrinotherapy and chemotherapy resistance in HER2-/HR+ breast cancer through the regulation of the AR, GLI3 and GATA2 transcriptional network. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:14996-15024. [PMID: 38126976 PMCID: PMC10781474 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205327] [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: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance in breast cancer (BC) is a clinical challenge. Exploring the mechanism and identifying a precise predictive biomarker for the drug resistance in BC is critical. Three first-line drug (paclitaxel, doxorubicin and tamoxifen) resistance datasets in BC from GEO were merged to obtain 1,461 differentially expressed genes for weighted correlation network analysis, resulting in identifying ATRX as the hub gene. ATRX is a chromatin remodelling protein, therefore, ATRX-associated transcription factors were explored, thereby identifying the network of AR, GLI3 and GATA2. GO and KEGG analyses revealed immunity, transcriptional regulation and endocrinotherapy/chemotherapy resistance were enriched. Moreover, CIBERSORT revealed immunity regulation was inhibited in the resistance group. ssGSEA showed a significantly lower immune status in the ATRX-Low group compared to the ATRX-High group. Furthermore, the peaks of H3K9me3 ChIP-seq on the four genes were higher in normal tissues than in BC tissues. Notably, the frequency of ATRX mutation was higher than BRCA in BC. Moreover, depressed ATRX revealed worse overall survival and disease-free survival in the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-/hormone receptor (HR)+ BC. Additionally, depressed ATRX predicted poor results for patients who underwent endocrinotherapy or chemotherapy in the HER2-/HR+ BC subgroup. A nomogram based on ATRX, TILs and ER exhibited a significantly accurate survival prediction ability. Importantly, overexpression of ATRX significantly inhibited the IC50 of the three first-line drugs on MCF-7 cell. Thus, ATRX is an efficient predictive biomarker for endocrinotherapy and chemotherapy resistance in HER2-/HR+ BC and acts by suppressing the AR, GLI3 and GATA2 transcriptional network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Qian
- Cancer Research Center Nantong, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226361, China
| | - Rui Ji
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226361, China
| | - Cheng Shen
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
| | - Yinze Wei
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226361, China
| | - Chenyi Sheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Qichao Ni
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jing Pan
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yifan Chi
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Huan You
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Ying Miao
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Minxin Shi
- Department of Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226361, China
| | - Xianghua Huang
- Department of Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226361, China
| | - Aiguo Shen
- Cancer Research Center Nantong, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226361, China
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4
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Du Y, Luo L, Xu X, Yang X, Yang X, Xiong S, Yu J, Liang T, Guo L. Unleashing the Power of Synthetic Lethality: Augmenting Treatment Efficacy through Synergistic Integration with Chemotherapy Drugs. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2433. [PMID: 37896193 PMCID: PMC10610204 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world, and chemotherapy is one of the main methods of cancer treatment. However, the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs has always been the main reason affecting the therapeutic effect. Synthetic lethality has emerged as a promising approach to augment the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy agents. Synthetic lethality (SL) refers to the specific cell death resulting from the simultaneous mutation of two non-lethal genes, which individually allow cell survival. This comprehensive review explores the classification of SL, screening methods, and research advancements in SL inhibitors, including Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) inhibitors, WEE1 G2 checkpoint kinase (WEE1) inhibitors, and protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) inhibitors. Emphasizing their combined use with chemotherapy drugs, we aim to unveil more effective treatment strategies for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (Y.D.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (X.Y.)
| | - Lulu Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (Y.D.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (X.Y.)
| | - Xinru Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (Y.D.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (X.Y.)
| | - Xinbing Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (Y.D.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (X.Y.)
| | - Xueni Yang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Smart Health Big Data Analysis and Location Services Engineering Lab of Jiangsu Province, School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China; (X.Y.); (S.X.)
| | - Shizheng Xiong
- Department of Bioinformatics, Smart Health Big Data Analysis and Location Services Engineering Lab of Jiangsu Province, School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China; (X.Y.); (S.X.)
| | - Jiafeng Yu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, China;
| | - Tingming Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (Y.D.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (X.Y.)
| | - Li Guo
- Department of Bioinformatics, Smart Health Big Data Analysis and Location Services Engineering Lab of Jiangsu Province, School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China; (X.Y.); (S.X.)
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5
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Scholl S, Roufai DB, Chérif LL, Kamal M. RAIDS atlas of significant genetic and protein biomarkers in cervical cancer. J Gynecol Oncol 2023; 34:e74. [PMID: 37668079 PMCID: PMC10482580 DOI: 10.3802/jgo.2023.34.e74] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of function in epigenetic acting genes together with driver alterations in the PIK3CA pathway have been shown significantly associated with poor outcome in cervical squamous cell cancer. More recently, a CoxBoost analysis identified 16 gene alterations and 30 high level activated proteins to be of high interest, due to their association with either good or bad outcome, in the context of treatment received by chemoradiation. The objectives here were to review and confirm the significance of these molecular alterations as suggested by literature reports and to pinpoint alternate treatments options for poor-responders to chemoradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzy Scholl
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Saint-Cloud, France.
| | | | - Linda Larbi Chérif
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Maud Kamal
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Saint-Cloud, France
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6
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Alli VJ, Yadav P, Suresh V, Jadav SS. Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry Approaches Toward WEE1 Kinase Inhibitors and Its Degraders. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:20196-20233. [PMID: 37323408 PMCID: PMC10268025 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
WEE1 is a checkpoint kinase critical for mitotic events, especially in cell maturation and DNA repair. Most cancer cells' progression and survival are linked with elevated levels of WEE1 kinase. Thus, WEE1 kinase has become a new promising druggable target. A few classes of WEE1 inhibitors are designed by rationale or structure-based techniques and optimization approaches to identify selective acting anticancer agents. The discovery of the WEE1 inhibitor AZD1775 further emphasized WEE1 as a promising anticancer target. Therefore, the current review provides a comprehensive data on medicinal chemistry, synthetic approaches, optimization methods, and the interaction profile of WEE1 kinase inhibitors. In addition, WEE1 PROTAC degraders and their synthetic procedures, including a list of noncoding RNAs necessary for regulation of WEE1, are also highlighted. From the standpoint of medicinal chemistry, the contents of this compilation serve as an exemplar for the further design, synthesis, and optimization of promising WEE1-targeted anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Jyothi Alli
- Department
of Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Pawan Yadav
- Department
of Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Vavilapalli Suresh
- Department
of Organic Synthesis and Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500037, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Surender Singh Jadav
- Department
of Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500037, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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7
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Carson LM, Flynn RL. Highlighting vulnerabilities in the alternative lengthening of telomeres pathway. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2023; 70:102380. [PMID: 37149932 PMCID: PMC10247456 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2023.102380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway is a telomere elongation mechanism found in a small but often aggressive subset of cancers. Dependent on break-induced replication, telomere extension in ALT-positive cells relies on a baseline level of DNA replication stress to initiate elongation events. This results in an elevated level of DNA damage and presents a possible vulnerability to be exploited in the development of ALT-targeted cancer therapies. Currently, there are no treatment options that target the ALT mechanism or that are specific for ALT-positive tumors. Here, we review recent developments and promising directions in the development of ALT-targeted therapeutics, many of which involve tipping the balance towards inhibition or exacerbation of ALT activity to selectively target these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Carson
- Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Medicine, Cancer Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Rachel L Flynn
- Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Medicine, Cancer Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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8
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Sohn EJ, Goralsky JA, Shay JW, Min J. The Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Prospects of Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071945. [PMID: 37046606 PMCID: PMC10093677 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
As detailed by the end replication problem, the linear ends of a cell's chromosomes, known as telomeres, shorten with each successive round of replication until a cell enters into a state of growth arrest referred to as senescence. To maintain their immortal proliferation capacity, cancer cells must employ a telomere maintenance mechanism, such as telomerase activation or the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres pathway (ALT). With only 10-15% of cancers utilizing the ALT mechanism, progress towards understanding its molecular components and associated hallmarks has only recently been made. This review analyzes the advances towards understanding the ALT pathway by: (1) detailing the mechanisms associated with engaging the ALT pathway as well as (2) identifying potential therapeutic targets of ALT that may lead to novel cancer therapeutic treatments. Collectively, these studies indicate that the ALT molecular mechanisms involve at least two distinct pathways induced by replication stress and damage at telomeres. We suggest exploiting tumor dependency on ALT is a promising field of study because it suggests new approaches to ALT-specific therapies for cancers with poorer prognosis. While substantial progress has been made in the ALT research field, additional progress will be required to realize these advances into clinical practices to treat ALT cancers and improve patient prognoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Sohn
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Julia A Goralsky
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jerry W Shay
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9039, USA
| | - Jaewon Min
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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9
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Aguilera P, López-Contreras AJ. ATRX, a guardian of chromatin. Trends Genet 2023; 39:505-519. [PMID: 36894374 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
ATRX (alpha-thalassemia mental retardation X-linked) is one of the most frequently mutated tumor suppressor genes in human cancers, especially in glioma, and recent findings indicate roles for ATRX in key molecular pathways, such as the regulation of chromatin state, gene expression, and DNA damage repair, placing ATRX as a central player in the maintenance of genome stability and function. This has led to new perspectives about the functional role of ATRX and its relationship with cancer. Here, we provide an overview of ATRX interactions and molecular functions and discuss the consequences of its impairment, including alternative lengthening of telomeres and therapeutic vulnerabilities that may be exploited in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Aguilera
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Sevilla - Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.
| | - Andrés J López-Contreras
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Sevilla - Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.
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10
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Pöhlking C, Beier S, Formanski JP, Friese M, Schreiber M, Schwalbe B. Isolation of Cells from Glioblastoma Multiforme Grade 4 Tumors for Infection with Zika Virus prME and ME Pseudotyped HIV-1. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054467. [PMID: 36901897 PMCID: PMC10002608 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to isolate cells from grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme tumors for infection experiments with Zika virus (ZIKV) prME or ME enveloped HIV-1 pseudotypes. The cells obtained from tumor tissue were successfully cultured in human cerebrospinal fluid (hCSF) or a mixture of hCSF/DMEM in cell culture flasks with polar and hydrophilic surfaces. The isolated tumor cells as well as the U87, U138, and U343 cells tested positive for ZIKV receptors Axl and Integrin αvβ5. Pseudotype entry was detected by the expression of firefly luciferase or green fluorescent protein (gfp). In prME and ME pseudotype infections, luciferase expression in U-cell lines was 2.5 to 3.5 logarithms above the background, but still two logarithms lower than in the VSV-G pseudotype control. Infection of single cells was successfully detected in U-cell lines and isolated tumor cells by gfp detection. Even though prME and ME pseudotypes had low infection rates, pseudotypes with ZIKV envelopes are promising candidates for the treatment of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Pöhlking
- Department of Virology, LG-Schreiber, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Str. 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Beier
- Department of Virology, LG-Schreiber, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Str. 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Patrick Formanski
- Department of Virology, LG-Schreiber, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Str. 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Friese
- Department of Pathology and Neuropathology, Asklepios Kliniken Hamburg GmbH, Asklepios Klinik Nord, Standort Heidberg, 22417 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Schreiber
- Department of Virology, LG-Schreiber, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Str. 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Birco Schwalbe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Asklepios Kliniken Hamburg GmbH, Asklepios Klinik Nord, Standort Heidberg, 22417 Hamburg, Germany
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11
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Li S, Zhang H, Liu J, Shang G. Targeted therapy for osteosarcoma: a review. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04614-4. [PMID: 36807762 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04614-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma is a common primary malignant tumour of the bone that usually occurs in children and adolescents. It is characterised by difficult treatment, recurrence and metastasis, and poor prognosis. Currently, the treatment of osteosarcoma is mainly based on surgery and auxiliary chemotherapy. However, for recurrent and some primary osteosarcoma cases, owing to the rapid progression of disease and chemotherapy resistance, the effects of chemotherapy are poor. With the rapid development of tumour-targeted therapy, molecular-targeted therapy for osteosarcoma has shown promise. PURPOSE In this paper, we review the molecular mechanisms, related targets, and clinical applications of targeted osteosarcoma therapy. In doing this, we provide a summary of recent literature on the characteristics of targeted osteosarcoma therapy, the advantages of its clinical application, and development of targeted therapy in future. We aim to provide new insights into the treatment of osteosarcoma. CONCLUSION Targeted therapy shows potential in the treatment of osteosarcoma and may offer an important means of precise and personalised treatment in the future, but drug resistance and adverse effects may limit its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizhe Li
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Oncology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, Liaoning Province, China.,Graduate School, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - He Zhang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Oncology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jinxin Liu
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Oncology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Guanning Shang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Oncology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, Liaoning Province, China.
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12
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The application of patient-derived organoid in the research of lung cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:503-519. [PMID: 36696006 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00771-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. However, mechanisms of its progression remained unclear and new treatments against this disease are rapidly emerging. As a novel preclinical model, patient-derived organoid (PDO) can also be established from the patient's tumor tissue and cultured in the laboratory, which preserves the key biological characteristics of the original tumor. Compared to the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model of lung cancer, the culture success rate is improved, and the time and cost of model establishment are largely reduced. PDO is also expected to provide a more individual model to predict the efficacy of anti-cancer treatment in vitro. This paper summarizes the current application of PDO in the translational research of lung cancer.
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Li J, Lu J, Xu M, Yang S, Yu T, Zheng C, Huang X, Pan Y, Chen Y, Long J, Zhang C, Huang H, Dai Q, Li B, Wang W, Yao S, Pan C. ODF2L acts as a synthetic lethal partner with WEE1 inhibition in epithelial ovarian cancer models. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:161544. [PMID: 36378528 PMCID: PMC9843051 DOI: 10.1172/jci161544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
WEE1 has emerged as an attractive target in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), but how EOC cells may alter their sensitivity to WEE1 inhibition remains unclear. Here, through a cell cycle machinery-related gene RNAi screen, we found that targeting outer dense fiber of sperm tails 2-like (ODF2L) was a synthetic lethal partner with WEE1 kinase inhibition in EOC cells. Knockdown of ODF2L robustly sensitized cells to treatment with the WEE1 inhibitor AZD1775 in EOC cell lines in vitro as well as in xenografts in vivo. Mechanistically, the increased sensitivity to WEE1 inhibition upon ODF2L loss was accompanied by accumulated DNA damage. ODF2L licensed the recruitment of PKMYT1, a functionally redundant kinase of WEE1, to the CDK1-cyclin B complex and thus restricted the activity of CDK1 when WEE1 was inhibited. Clinically, upregulation of ODF2L correlated with CDK1 activity, DNA damage levels, and sensitivity to WEE1 inhibition in patient-derived EOC cells. Moreover, ODF2L levels predicted the response to WEE1 inhibition in an EOC patient-derived xenograft model. Combination treatment with tumor-targeted lipid nanoparticles that packaged ODF2L siRNA and AZD1775 led to the synergistic attenuation of tumor growth in the ID8 ovarian cancer syngeneic mouse model. These data suggest that WEE1 inhibition is a promising precision therapeutic strategy for EOC cells expressing low levels of ODF2L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Jingyi Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, and
| | - Manman Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Shiyu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, and
| | - Tiantian Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, and
| | - Cuimiao Zheng
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Huang
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuwen Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Yangyang Chen
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junming Long
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunyu Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Hua Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Qingyuan Dai
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, and,Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Shuzhong Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Chaoyun Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, and,Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Zhou Y, Wang S, Wu W, Ling J, Li H, Jia Q, Zheng J, Zheng X, Yu R, Wu Q, Shi Y, Lieftink C, Beijersbergen RL, Yuan S, Bernards R, Jin H, Qin W. Sustained activation of EGFR-ERK1/2 signaling limits the response to tigecycline-induced mitochondrial respiratory deficiency in liver cancer. EBioMedicine 2022; 87:104397. [PMID: 36502574 PMCID: PMC9763382 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of tumor dependencies is important for developing therapeutic strategies for liver cancer. METHODS A genome-wide CRISPR screen was performed for finding critical vulnerabilities in liver cancer cells. Compounds screen, RNA sequencing, and human phospho-receptor tyrosine kinase arrays were applied to explore mechanisms and search for synergistic drugs. FINDINGS We identified mitochondrial translation-related genes associated with proliferation for liver cancer cells. Tigecycline induced deficiency of respiratory chain by disturbing mitochondrial translation process and showed therapeutic potential in liver cancer. For liver cancer cells extremely insensitive to tigecycline, a compounds screen was applied to identify MEK inhibitors as synergistic drugs to tigecycline-insensitive liver cancer cells. Mechanistically, sustained activation of EGFR-ERK1/2-MYC cascade conferred the insensitivity to tigecycline, which was mediated by enhanced secretion of EREG and AREG. Moreover, glycolytic enzymes, such as HK2 and PKM2 were upregulated to stimulate glycolysisin a MYC-dependent manner. Tigecycline induced respiratory chain deficiency in combination with cutting off EGFR-ERK1/2-MYC cascade by MEK inhibitors or EGFR inhibitors, resulting in decrease of both oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in liver cancer cells. INTERPRETATION Our study proved that blocking EGFR-ERK1/2-MYC cascade combined with tigecycline could be a potential therapeutic strategy for liver cancer. FUNDING This work was funded by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82073039,82222047, 81920108025), Program of Shanghai Academic/Technology Research Leader (22XD1423100), Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Project (20JC1411100), 111 Project (B21024), Innovative Research Team of High-level Local Universities in Shanghai (SHSMU-ZDCX20212700, SHSMU-ZDCX20210802) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (YG2019GD01).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Siying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaojiao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingling Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruobing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiangxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaoping Shi
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cor Lieftink
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roderick L. Beijersbergen
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Shengxian Yuan
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China,Corresponding author.
| | - René Bernards
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Corresponding author. Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Haojie Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Corresponding author. State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.25, Lane 2200 Xie-Tu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Wenxin Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Corresponding author. State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.25, Lane 2200 Xie-Tu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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15
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Drug Repurposing Applications to Overcome Male Predominance via Targeting G2/M Checkpoint in Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235854. [PMID: 36497337 PMCID: PMC9741366 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is strongly characterized by a male predominance with higher mortality rates and worse responses to treatment in males versus females. Despite the role of sex hormones, other causes that may contribute to sex bias in ESCC remain largely unknown, especially as age increases and the hormone difference begins to diminish between sexes. In this study, we analyzed genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics from 663 ESCC patients and found that G2/M checkpoint pathway-related sex bias and age bias were significantly present in multi-omics data. In accordance with gene expression patterns across sexes, ten compounds were identified by applying drug repurposing from three drug sensitivity databases: The Connective Map (CMap), Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC), and The Cancer Therapeutic Response Portal (CTRP). MK1775 and decitabine showed better efficacy in two male ESCC cell lines in vitro and in vivo. The drugs' relevance to the transition between G2 and M was especially evident in male cell lines. In our study, we first validated the sex bias of the G2/M checkpoint pathway in ESCC and then determined that G2/M targets may be included in combination therapy for male patients to improve the efficacy of ESCC treatment.
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16
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Integration of CRISPR/Cas9 with artificial intelligence for improved cancer therapeutics. J Transl Med 2022; 20:534. [PMID: 36401282 PMCID: PMC9673220 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03765-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene editing has great potential in treating diseases caused by well-characterized molecular alterations. The introduction of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)–based gene-editing tools has substantially improved the precision and efficiency of gene editing. The CRISPR/Cas9 system offers several advantages over the existing gene-editing approaches, such as its ability to target practically any genomic sequence, enabling the rapid development and deployment of novel CRISPR-mediated knock-out/knock-in methods. CRISPR/Cas9 has been widely used to develop cancer models, validate essential genes as druggable targets, study drug-resistance mechanisms, explore gene non-coding areas, and develop biomarkers. CRISPR gene editing can create more-effective chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells that are durable, cost-effective, and more readily available. However, further research is needed to define the CRISPR/Cas9 system’s pros and cons, establish best practices, and determine social and ethical implications. This review summarizes recent CRISPR/Cas9 developments, particularly in cancer research and immunotherapy, and the potential of CRISPR/Cas9-based screening in developing cancer precision medicine and engineering models for targeted cancer therapy, highlighting the existing challenges and future directions. Lastly, we highlight the role of artificial intelligence in refining the CRISPR system's on-target and off-target effects, a critical factor for the broader application in cancer therapeutics.
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17
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Habibi M, Taheri G. A new machine learning method for cancer mutation analysis. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010332. [PMID: 36251702 PMCID: PMC9612828 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
It is complicated to identify cancer-causing mutations. The recurrence of a mutation in patients remains one of the most reliable features of mutation driver status. However, some mutations are more likely to happen than others for various reasons. Different sequencing analysis has revealed that cancer driver genes operate across complex pathways and networks, with mutations often arising in a mutually exclusive pattern. Genes with low-frequency mutations are understudied as cancer-related genes, especially in the context of networks. Here we propose a machine learning method to study the functionality of mutually exclusive genes in the networks derived from mutation associations, gene-gene interactions, and graph clustering. These networks have indicated critical biological components in the essential pathways, especially those mutated at low frequency. Studying the network and not just the impact of a single gene significantly increases the statistical power of clinical analysis. The proposed method identified important driver genes with different frequencies. We studied the function and the associated pathways in which the candidate driver genes participate. By introducing lower-frequency genes, we recognized less studied cancer-related pathways. We also proposed a novel clustering method to specify driver modules. We evaluated each driver module with different criteria, including the terms of biological processes and the number of simultaneous mutations in each cancer. Materials and implementations are available at: https://github.com/MahnazHabibi/MutationAnalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Habibi
- Department of Mathematics, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Golnaz Taheri
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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18
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CRISPR screening in cancer stem cells. Essays Biochem 2022; 66:305-318. [PMID: 35713228 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220009] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells with self-renewal ability. Increasing evidence points to the critical roles of CSCs in tumorigenesis, metastasis, therapy resistance, and cancer relapse. As such, the elimination of CSCs improves cancer treatment outcomes. However, challenges remain due to limited understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing self-renewal and survival of CSCs. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 screening has been increasingly used to identify genetic determinants in cancers. In this primer, we discuss the progress made and emerging opportunities of coupling advanced CRISPR screening systems with CSC models to reveal the understudied vulnerabilities of CSCs.
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19
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Bhargava R, Lynskey ML, O’Sullivan RJ. New twists to the ALTernative endings at telomeres. DNA Repair (Amst) 2022; 115:103342. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2022.103342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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20
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Perspective on the Use of DNA Repair Inhibitors as a Tool for Imaging and Radionuclide Therapy of Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071821. [PMID: 35406593 PMCID: PMC8997380 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The current routine treatment for glioblastoma (GB), the most lethal high-grade brain tumor in adults, aims to induce DNA damage in the tumor. However, the tumor cells might be able to repair that damage, which leads to therapy resistance. Fortunately, DNA repair defects are common in GB cells, and their survival is often based on a sole backup repair pathway. Hence, targeted drugs inhibiting essential proteins of the DNA damage response have gained momentum and are being introduced in the clinic. This review gives a perspective on the use of radiopharmaceuticals targeting DDR kinases for imaging in order to determine the DNA repair phenotype of GB, as well as for effective radionuclide therapy. Finally, four new promising radiopharmaceuticals are suggested with the potential to lead to a more personalized GB therapy. Abstract Despite numerous innovative treatment strategies, the treatment of glioblastoma (GB) remains challenging. With the current state-of-the-art therapy, most GB patients succumb after about a year. In the evolution of personalized medicine, targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) is gaining momentum, for example, to stratify patients based on specific biomarkers. One of these biomarkers is deficiencies in DNA damage repair (DDR), which give rise to genomic instability and cancer initiation. However, these deficiencies also provide targets to specifically kill cancer cells following the synthetic lethality principle. This led to the increased interest in targeted drugs that inhibit essential DDR kinases (DDRi), of which multiple are undergoing clinical validation. In this review, the current status of DDRi for the treatment of GB is given for selected targets: ATM/ATR, CHK1/2, DNA-PK, and PARP. Furthermore, this review provides a perspective on the use of radiopharmaceuticals targeting these DDR kinases to (1) evaluate the DNA repair phenotype of GB before treatment decisions are made and (2) induce DNA damage via TRT. Finally, by applying in-house selection criteria and analyzing the structural characteristics of the DDRi, four drugs with the potential to become new therapeutic GB radiopharmaceuticals are suggested.
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Pladevall-Morera D, Castejón-Griñán M, Aguilera P, Gaardahl K, Ingham A, Brosnan-Cashman JA, Meeker AK, Lopez-Contreras AJ. ATRX-Deficient High-Grade Glioma Cells Exhibit Increased Sensitivity to RTK and PDGFR Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071790. [PMID: 35406561 PMCID: PMC8997088 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
High-grade glioma, including anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma (GBM) patients, have a poor prognosis due to the lack of effective treatments. Therefore, the development of new therapeutic strategies to treat these gliomas is urgently required. Given that high-grade gliomas frequently harbor mutations in the SNF2 family chromatin remodeler ATRX, we performed a screen to identify FDA-approved drugs that are toxic to ATRX-deficient cells. Our findings reveal that multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) inhibitors cause higher cellular toxicity in high-grade glioma ATRX-deficient cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a combinatorial treatment of RTKi with temozolomide (TMZ)-the current standard of care treatment for GBM patients-causes pronounced toxicity in ATRX-deficient high-grade glioma cells. Our findings suggest that combinatorial treatments with TMZ and RTKi may increase the therapeutic window of opportunity in patients who suffer high-grade gliomas with ATRX mutations. Thus, we recommend incorporating the ATRX status into the analyses of clinical trials with RTKi and PDGFRi.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pladevall-Morera
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability and Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (D.P.-M.); (M.C.-G.); (P.A.); (K.G.); (A.I.)
| | - María Castejón-Griñán
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability and Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (D.P.-M.); (M.C.-G.); (P.A.); (K.G.); (A.I.)
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Sevilla, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Paula Aguilera
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability and Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (D.P.-M.); (M.C.-G.); (P.A.); (K.G.); (A.I.)
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Sevilla, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Karina Gaardahl
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability and Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (D.P.-M.); (M.C.-G.); (P.A.); (K.G.); (A.I.)
| | - Andreas Ingham
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability and Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (D.P.-M.); (M.C.-G.); (P.A.); (K.G.); (A.I.)
| | - Jacqueline A. Brosnan-Cashman
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (J.A.B.-C.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Alan K. Meeker
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (J.A.B.-C.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Andres J. Lopez-Contreras
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability and Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (D.P.-M.); (M.C.-G.); (P.A.); (K.G.); (A.I.)
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Sevilla, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Correspondence:
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22
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Dall GV, Hamilton A, Ratnayake G, Scott C, Barker H. Interrogating the Genomic Landscape of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: A Potential for Patient Benefit. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061561. [PMID: 35326717 PMCID: PMC8946513 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is a rare and aggressive gynaecological malignancy. Surgical removal and chemotherapy are commonly used to treat uLMS, but recurrence rates are high. Over the last few decades, clarification of the genomic landscape of uLMS has revealed a number of recurring mutations, including TP53, RB1, ATRX, PTEN, and MED12. Such genomic aberrations are difficult to target therapeutically or are actively targeted in other malignancies, and their potential as targets for the treatment of uLMS remains largely unexplored. Recent identification of deficiencies in homologous recombination in a minority of these tumours, however, has provided a rationale for investigation of PARP inhibitors in this sub-set. Here, we review these mutations and the evidence for therapeutic avenues that may be applied in uLMS. We also provide a comprehensive background on diagnosis and current therapeutic strategies as well as reviewing preclinical models of uLMS, which may be employed not only in testing emerging therapies but also in understanding this challenging and deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve V. Dall
- Walter and Eliza Hall, Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.S.); (H.B.)
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Anne Hamilton
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | | | - Clare Scott
- Walter and Eliza Hall, Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.S.); (H.B.)
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Holly Barker
- Walter and Eliza Hall, Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.S.); (H.B.)
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
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23
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Lin K, Shen SH, Lu F, Zheng P, Wu S, Liao J, Jiang X, Zeng G, Wei D. CRISPR screening of E3 ubiquitin ligases reveals Ring Finger Protein 185 as a novel tumor suppressor in glioblastoma repressed by promoter hypermethylation and miR-587. J Transl Med 2022; 20:96. [PMID: 35183197 PMCID: PMC8858481 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03284-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant primary brain tumor. E3 ligases play important functions in glioma pathogenesis. CRISPR system offers a powerful platform for genome manipulation, while the screen of E3 ligases in GBM still remains to be explored. Here, we first constructed an E3 ligase small guide RNA (sgRNAs) library for glioma cells growth screening. After four passages, 299 significantly enriched or lost genes (SELGs) were compared with the initial state. Then the clinical significance of SELGs were validated and analyzed with TCGA glioblastoma and CGGA datasets. As RNF185 showed lost signal, decreased expression and favorable prognostic significance, we chose RNF185 for functional analysis. In vitro overexpressed cellular phenotype showed that RNF185 was a tumor suppressor in two glioma cell lines. Finally, the molecular mechanism of decreased RNF185 expression was investigated and increased miR-587 expression and DNA hypermethylation was evaluated. This study would provide a link between the molecular basis and glioblastoma pathogenesis, and a novel perspective for glioblastoma treatment.
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Aguilar-Morante D, Gómez-Cabello D, Quek H, Liu T, Hamerlik P, Lim YC. Therapeutic Opportunities of Disrupting Genome Integrity in Adult Diffuse Glioma. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020332. [PMID: 35203541 PMCID: PMC8869545 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult diffuse glioma, particularly glioblastoma (GBM), is a devastating tumor of the central nervous system. The existential threat of this disease requires on-going treatment to counteract tumor progression. The present outcome is discouraging as most patients will succumb to this disease. The low cure rate is consistent with the failure of first-line therapy, radiation and temozolomide (TMZ). Even with their therapeutic mechanism of action to incur lethal DNA lesions, tumor growth remains undeterred. Delivering additional treatments only delays the inescapable development of therapeutic tolerance and disease recurrence. The urgency of establishing lifelong tumor control needs to be re-examined with a greater focus on eliminating resistance. Early genomic and transcriptome studies suggest each tumor subtype possesses a unique molecular network to safeguard genome integrity. Subsequent seminal work on post-therapy tumor progression sheds light on the involvement of DNA repair as the causative contributor for hypermutation and therapeutic failure. In this review, we will provide an overview of known molecular factors that influence the engagement of different DNA repair pathways, including targetable vulnerabilities, which can be exploited for clinical benefit with the use of specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Aguilar-Morante
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; (D.A.-M.); (D.G.-C.)
| | - Daniel Gómez-Cabello
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; (D.A.-M.); (D.G.-C.)
| | - Hazel Quek
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia;
| | - Tianqing Liu
- NICM Health Research Institute, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
| | | | - Yi Chieh Lim
- Danish Cancer Society, 2100 København, Denmark;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-35-257-413
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New Approaches with Precision Medicine in Adult Brain Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030712. [PMID: 35158978 PMCID: PMC8833635 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Primary brain tumors are rare neoplasms with limited effective systemic treatment options. Recent advances in new molecular techniques have brought about novel information about molecular markers and potential targetable molecular alterations in brain tumors. Targeted therapeutic approaches are already established in several extracranial malignancies and its application is increasingly used and studied in the management of primary brain tumors. The aim of this article is to summarize the latest progress in precision medicine approaches in primary brain tumors. Abstract Primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors represent a heterogenous group of tumors. The 2021 fifth edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors of the CNS emphasizes the advanced role of molecular diagnostics with routine implementation of molecular biomarkers in addition to histologic features in the classification of CNS tumors. Thus, novel diagnostic methods such as DNA methylome profiling are increasingly used to provide a more precise diagnostic work-up of CNS tumors. In addition to these diagnostic precision medicine advantages, molecular alterations are also addressed therapeutically with targeted therapies. Like in other tumor entities, precision medicine has therefore also arrived in the treatment of CNS malignancies as the application of targeted therapies has shown promising response rates. Nevertheless, large prospective studies are currently missing as most targeted therapies were evaluated in single arm, basket, or platform trials. In this review, we focus on the current evidence of precision medicine in the treatment of primary CNS tumors in adults. We outline the pathogenic background and prevalence of the most frequent targetable genetic alterations and summarize the existing evidence of precision medicine approaches for the treatment of primary CNS tumors.
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Gibriel AA, Ismail MF, Sleem H, Zayed N, Yosry A, El-Nahaas SM, Shehata NI. Diagnosis and staging of HCV associated fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma with target identification for miR-650, 552-3p, 676-3p, 512-5p and 147b. Cancer Biomark 2022; 34:413-430. [DOI: 10.3233/cbm-210456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic HCV infection progresses to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The latter represents the third most common cause for cancer mortality. Currently, there is no reliable non-invasive biomarker for diagnosis of HCV mediated disorders. OBJECTIVE: Profiling expression signature for circulatory miRNAs in the plasma of 167 Egyptian patients (40 healthy, 48 HCV fibrotic, 39 HCV cirrhotic and 40 HCV-HCC cases). METHODS: QRTPCR was used to quantify expression signature for circulatory miRNAs. RESULTS: MiR-676 and miR-650 were powerful in discriminating cirrhotic and late fibrosis from HCC. MiR-650 could distinguish mild (f0-f1) and advanced (f2-f3) fibrosis from HCC cases. MiR-650 and miR-147b could distinguish early fibrosis from healthy controls meanwhile miR-676 and miR-147b could effectively distinguish between mild chronic and (f1-f3) cases from healthy individuals. All studied miRNAs, except miR-512, can differentiate between (f0-f3) cases and healthy controls. Multivariate logistic regression revealed three potential miRNA panels for effective differentiation of HCC, cirrhotic and chronic liver cases. MiR-676-3p and miR-512-5p were significantly correlated in (f1-f3) fibrosis meanwhile miR-676 and miR-512 could differentiate between cirrhosis and (f0-f3) cases. Both miR-650 and miR-512-5p were positively correlated in the cirrhotic group and in (f0-f4) group. Putative targets for investigated miRNAs were also determined. CONCLUSIONS: Investigated miRNAs could assist in staging and diagnosis of HCV associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Ahmed Gibriel
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manal Fouad Ismail
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hameis Sleem
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Naglaa Zayed
- Endemic Medicine Department and Hepatology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayman Yosry
- Endemic Medicine Department and Hepatology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Saeed M. El-Nahaas
- Endemic Medicine Department and Hepatology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Qin T, Mullan B, Ravindran R, Messinger D, Siada R, Cummings JR, Harris M, Muruganand A, Pyaram K, Miklja Z, Reiber M, Garcia T, Tran D, Danussi C, Brosnan-Cashman J, Pratt D, Zhao X, Rehemtulla A, Sartor MA, Venneti S, Meeker AK, Huse JT, Morgan MA, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG, Yadav VN, Koschmann C. ATRX loss in glioma results in dysregulation of cell-cycle phase transition and ATM inhibitor radio-sensitization. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110216. [PMID: 35021084 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ATRX, a chromatin remodeler protein, is recurrently mutated in H3F3A-mutant pediatric glioblastoma (GBM) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant grade 2/3 adult glioma. Previous work has shown that ATRX-deficient GBM cells show enhanced sensitivity to irradiation, but the etiology remains unclear. We find that ATRX binds the regulatory elements of cell-cycle phase transition genes in GBM cells, and there is a marked reduction in Checkpoint Kinase 1 (CHEK1) expression with ATRX loss, leading to the early release of G2/M entry after irradiation. ATRX-deficient cells exhibit enhanced activation of master cell-cycle regulator ATM with irradiation. Addition of the ATM inhibitor AZD0156 doubles median survival in mice intracranially implanted with ATRX-deficient GBM cells, which is not seen in ATRX-wild-type controls. This study demonstrates that ATRX-deficient high-grade gliomas (HGGs) display Chk1-mediated dysregulation of cell-cycle phase transitions, which opens a window for therapies targeting this phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Qin
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brendan Mullan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, 3520D MSRB 1, 1150 W Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ramya Ravindran
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, 3520D MSRB 1, 1150 W Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dana Messinger
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, 3520D MSRB 1, 1150 W Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ruby Siada
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, 3520D MSRB 1, 1150 W Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jessica R Cummings
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, 3520D MSRB 1, 1150 W Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Micah Harris
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, 3520D MSRB 1, 1150 W Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ashwath Muruganand
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, 3520D MSRB 1, 1150 W Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kalyani Pyaram
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Zachary Miklja
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, 3520D MSRB 1, 1150 W Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Mary Reiber
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, 3520D MSRB 1, 1150 W Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Taylor Garcia
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, 3520D MSRB 1, 1150 W Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dustin Tran
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, 3520D MSRB 1, 1150 W Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Carla Danussi
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Drew Pratt
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xinyi Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alnawaz Rehemtulla
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Maureen A Sartor
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sriram Venneti
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alan K Meeker
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jason T Huse
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Meredith A Morgan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Pedro R Lowenstein
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Maria G Castro
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Viveka Nand Yadav
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, 3520D MSRB 1, 1150 W Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Carl Koschmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, 3520D MSRB 1, 1150 W Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Yu C, Luo D, Yu J, Zhang M, Zheng X, Xu G, Wang J, Wang H, Xu Y, Jiang K, Xu J, Ma X, Jing J, Shi H. Genome-wide CRISPR-cas9 knockout screening identifies GRB7 as a driver for MEK inhibitor resistance in KRAS mutant colon cancer. Oncogene 2022; 41:191-203. [PMID: 34718347 PMCID: PMC8732282 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02077-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Targeting the KRAS pathway is a promising but challenging approach for colorectal cancer therapy. Despite showing potent efficacy in BRAF-mutated melanoma, MEK inhibitors appeared to be tolerated by colorectal cancer cells due to their intrinsic compensatory signaling. Here, we performed genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening in the presence of MEK inhibitor to identify genes that are synthetically lethal with MEK inhibition in CRC models harboring KRAS mutations. Several genes were identified as potential functional drivers, which were significantly enriched in the GRB7-mediated RTK pathway. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function assays validated that GRB7 potently rendered CRC cells primary resistance to MEK inhibitors through the RTK pathway. Mass spectrum analysis of GRB7 immunoprecipitates revealed that PLK1 was the predominant interacting kinase of GRB7. Inhibition of PLK1 suppressed downstream signaling of RTK, including FAK, STAT3, AKT, and 4EBP1. The combination of PLK1 and MEK inhibitors synergistically inhibited CRC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, we identified GRB7-PLK1 as a pivotal axis mediating RTKs, resulting in MEK inhibitor tolerance. PLK1 is therefore a promising target for synergizing MEK inhibitors in the clinical treatment of CRC patients harboring KRAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chune Yu
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xiaobo Zheng
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Guangchao Xu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Huiling Wang
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yufei Xu
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Ke Jiang
- Department of Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 145 Middle Shandong Road, 200001, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jing Jing
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
| | - Hubing Shi
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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Shojaei Baghini S, Gardanova ZR, Zekiy AO, Shomali N, Tosan F, Jarahian M. Optimizing sgRNA to Improve CRISPR/Cas9 Knockout Efficiency: Special Focus on Human and Animal Cell. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:775309. [PMID: 34869290 PMCID: PMC8640246 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.775309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
During recent years, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) technologies have been noticed as a rapidly evolving tool to deliver a possibility for modifying target sequence expression and function. The CRISPR/Cas9 tool is currently being used to treat a myriad of human disorders, ranging from genetic diseases and infections to cancers. Preliminary reports have shown that CRISPR technology could result in valued consequences for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), cystic fibrosis (CF), β-thalassemia, Huntington's diseases (HD), etc. Nonetheless, high rates of off-target effects may hinder its application in clinics. Thereby, recent studies have focused on the finding of the novel strategies to ameliorate these off-target effects and thereby lead to a high rate of fidelity and accuracy in human, animals, prokaryotes, and also plants. Meanwhile, there is clear evidence indicating that the design of the specific sgRNA with high efficiency is of paramount importance. Correspondingly, elucidation of the principal parameters that contributed to determining the sgRNA efficiencies is a prerequisite. Herein, we will deliver an overview regarding the therapeutic application of CRISPR technology to treat human disorders. More importantly, we will discuss the potent influential parameters (e.g., sgRNA structure and feature) implicated in affecting the sgRNA efficacy in CRISPR/Cas9 technology, with special concentration on human and animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Shojaei Baghini
- Plant Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Zhanna R. Gardanova
- Department of Psychotherapy, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Medical Faculty, Russian State Social University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Angelina Olegovna Zekiy
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Navid Shomali
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Foad Tosan
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Mostafa Jarahian
- German Cancer Research Center, Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit (G401), Heidelberg, Germany
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ATRX proximal protein associations boast roles beyond histone deposition. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009909. [PMID: 34780483 PMCID: PMC8629390 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The ATRX ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling/helicase protein associates with the DAXX histone chaperone to deposit histone H3.3 over repetitive DNA regions. Because ATRX-protein interactions impart functions, such as histone deposition, we used proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID) to identify proximal associations for ATRX. The proteomic screen captured known interactors, such as DAXX, NBS1, and PML, but also identified a range of new associating proteins. To gauge the scope of their roles, we examined three novel ATRX-associating proteins that likely differed in function, and for which little data were available. We found CCDC71 to associate with ATRX, but also HP1 and NAP1, suggesting a role in chromatin maintenance. Contrastingly, FAM207A associated with proteins involved in ribosome biosynthesis and localized to the nucleolus. ATRX proximal associations with the SLF2 DNA damage response factor help inhibit telomere exchanges. We further screened for the proteomic changes at telomeres when ATRX, SLF2, or both proteins were deleted. The loss caused important changes in the abundance of chromatin remodelling, DNA replication, and DNA repair factors at telomeres. Interestingly, several of these have previously been implicated in alternative lengthening of telomeres. Altogether, this study expands the repertoire of ATRX-associating proteins and functions. ATRX is a protein that is needed to keep repetitive DNA regions organized. It does so in part by binding the DAXX histone chaperone to deposit histone proteins on DNA and assemble structures known as nucleosomes. While important, ATRX has additional functions that remain understudied. To better understand its various biological roles, we first identified the other proteins that are found in its proximity. ATRX-associating proteins were implicated in a range of functions, in addition to histone deposition. Our results suggest that ATRX-associating proteins likely help compact DNA after it is assembled into nucleosomes, and also promote its stability. We then examined the effect of ATRX on telomeres (repetitive DNA regions at the end of chromosomes). ATRX and at least one of its associating proteins suppressed spurious DNA exchanges at telomeres. To understand why, we then identified proteomic changes that occur at telomeres when ATRX was deleted. Loss of ATRX altered the enrichment of a surprising number of proteins at telomeres, including several DNA damage response and chromatin remodelling proteins.
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Onishi I, Yamamoto K, Kinowaki Y, Kitagawa M, Kurata M. To Discover the Efficient and Novel Drug Targets in Human Cancers Using CRISPR/Cas Screening and Databases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12322. [PMID: 34830205 PMCID: PMC8622676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas has emerged as an excelle nt gene-editing technology and is used worldwide for research. The CRISPR library is an ideal tool for identifying essential genes and synthetic lethality targeted for cancer therapies in human cancers. Synthetic lethality is defined as multiple genetic abnormalities that, when present individually, do not affect function or survival, but when present together, are lethal. Recently, many CRISPR libraries are available, and the latest libraries are more accurate and can be applied to few cells. However, it is easier to efficiently search for cancer targets with their own screenings by effectively using databases of CRISPR screenings, such as Depmap portal, PICKLES (Pooled In-Vitro CRISPR Knockout Library Essentiality Screens), iCSDB, Project Score database, and CRISP-view. This review will suggest recent optimal CRISPR libraries and effective databases for Novel Approaches in the Discovery and Design of Targeted Therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iichiroh Onishi
- Department of Comprehensive Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan; (K.Y.); (Y.K.); (M.K.)
| | | | | | | | - Morito Kurata
- Department of Comprehensive Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan; (K.Y.); (Y.K.); (M.K.)
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Xie Y, Wang H, Wang S, Feng Y, Feng Y, Fan S, Hu C, Liu X, Hou T. Clinicopathological Significance of ATRX Expression in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients: A Retrospective Study. J Cancer 2021; 12:6931-6936. [PMID: 34729095 PMCID: PMC8558651 DOI: 10.7150/jca.63333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in south China. Radiation technology improves the local control rates in early NPC. However, the distant metastases are still the main cause of treatment failure. Thus, to find biomarkers for prognosis will help to enhance the survival of NPC. ATRX is a chromatin remodeling protein localized in the nucleus. Deletion or mutation of ATRX gene has been demonstrated in a variety of malignancies. However, the significance of ATRX expression in the prognosis of NPC remains unclear. Methods: Tumor tissues from 227 NPC patients diagnosed in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from 2011 to 2016 were selected. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the ATRX expression level of the tumor tissue. Chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between ATRX expression and clinical characteristics such as age, sex, T stage, N stage and clinical stage. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and log-rank was used to compare the difference in survival rate. Results: There were 53 patients with negative ATRX expression, accounting for 24.2% of the total group. ATRX expression was not significantly associated with age, sex, N stage, clinical stage, and progression-free survival (PFS) (P>0.05). However, patients with negative ATRX expression had earlier T staging (P=0.045) and a higher 5-year overall survival (84.9% vs 66.9%, P=0.022). Conclusions: Loss of ATRX expression may contribute to better prognosis in patients with NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangchun Xie
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Haihua Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Sisi Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yuhua Feng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yeqian Feng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Songqing Fan
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Chunhong Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Xianling Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Tao Hou
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
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Zhang H, Qin C, An C, Zheng X, Wen S, Chen W, Liu X, Lv Z, Yang P, Xu W, Gao W, Wu Y. Application of the CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing technique in basic research, diagnosis, and therapy of cancer. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:126. [PMID: 34598686 PMCID: PMC8484294 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01431-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna for the development of the Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated nuclease9 (CRISPR/Cas9) gene editing technology that provided new tools for precise gene editing. It is possible to target any genomic locus virtually using only a complex nuclease protein with short RNA as a site-specific endonuclease. Since cancer is caused by genomic changes in tumor cells, CRISPR/Cas9 can be used in the field of cancer research to edit genomes for exploration of the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and development. In recent years, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been increasingly used in cancer research and treatment and remarkable results have been achieved. In this review, we introduced the mechanism and development of the CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing system. Furthermore, we summarized current applications of this technique for basic research, diagnosis and therapy of cancer. Moreover, the potential applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in new emerging hotspots of oncology research were discussed, and the challenges and future directions were highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Zhang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Chunhong Qin
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Changming An
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiwang Zheng
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.,General Hospital, Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuxin Wen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, Shanxi, China
| | - Wenjie Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, Shanxi, China
| | - Xianfang Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenghua Lv
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, Shandong, China
| | - Pingchang Yang
- Research Center of Allergy and Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, Shandong, China.
| | - Wei Gao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China. .,General Hospital, Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China. .,Department of Cell biology and Genetics, Basic Medical School of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
| | - Yongyan Wu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China. .,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China. .,General Hospital, Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
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Kim DV, Kulishova LM, Torgasheva NA, Melentyev VS, Dianov GL, Medvedev SP, Zakian SM, Zharkov DO. Mild phenotype of knockouts of the major apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease APEX1 in a non-cancer human cell line. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257473. [PMID: 34529719 PMCID: PMC8445474 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The major human apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) site endonuclease, APEX1, is a central player in the base excision DNA repair (BER) pathway and has a role in the regulation of DNA binding by transcription factors. In vertebrates, APEX1 knockouts are embryonic lethal, and only a handful of knockout cell lines are known. To facilitate studies of multiple functions of this protein in human cells, we have used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to knock out the APEX1 gene in a widely used non-cancer hypotriploid HEK 293FT cell line. Two stable knockout lines were obtained, one carrying two single-base deletion alleles and one single-base insertion allele in exon 3, another homozygous in the single-base insertion allele. Both mutations cause a frameshift that leads to premature translation termination before the start of the protein's catalytic domain. Both cell lines totally lacked the APEX1 protein and AP site-cleaving activity, and showed significantly lower levels of the APEX1 transcript. The APEX1-null cells were unable to support BER on uracil- or AP site-containing substrates. Phenotypically, they showed a moderately increased sensitivity to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS; ~2-fold lower EC50 compared with wild-type cells), and their background level of natural AP sites detected by the aldehyde-reactive probe was elevated ~1.5-2-fold. However, the knockout lines retained a nearly wild-type sensitivity to oxidizing agents hydrogen peroxide and potassium bromate. Interestingly, despite the increased MMS cytotoxicity, we observed no additional increase in AP sites in knockout cells upon MMS treatment, which could indicate their conversion into more toxic products in the absence of repair. Overall, the relatively mild cell phenotype in the absence of APEX1-dependent BER suggests that mammalian cells possess mechanisms of tolerance or alternative repair of AP sites. The knockout derivatives of the extensively characterized HEK 293FT cell line may provide a valuable tool for studies of APEX1 in DNA repair and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria V. Kim
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
- SB RAS Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Liliya M. Kulishova
- SB RAS Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | | | - Vasily S. Melentyev
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
- SB RAS Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Grigory L. Dianov
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
- SB RAS Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Department of Oncology, MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Suren M. Zakian
- SB RAS Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Dmitry O. Zharkov
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
- SB RAS Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
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35
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Takebe N, Naqash AR, O'Sullivan Coyne G, Kummar S, Do K, Bruns A, Juwara L, Zlott J, Rubinstein L, Piekarz R, Sharon E, Streicher H, Mittra A, Miller SB, Ji J, Wilsker D, Kinders RJ, Parchment RE, Chen L, Chang TC, Das B, Mugundu G, Doroshow JH, Chen AP. Safety, Antitumor Activity, and Biomarker Analysis in a Phase I Trial of the Once-daily Wee1 Inhibitor Adavosertib (AZD1775) in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:3834-3844. [PMID: 33863809 PMCID: PMC8282703 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-0329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Wee1 kinase inhibitor adavosertib abrogates cell-cycle arrest, leading to cell death. Prior testing of twice-daily adavosertib in patients with advanced solid tumors determined the recommended phase II dose (RPh2D). Here, we report results for once-daily adavosertib. PATIENTS AND METHODS A 3 + 3 dose-escalation design was used, with adavosertib given once daily on days 1 to 5 and 8 to 12 in 21-day cycles. Molecular biomarkers of Wee1 activity, including tyrosine 15-phosphorylated Cdk1/2 (pY15-Cdk), were assessed in paired tumor biopsies. Whole-exome sequencing and RNA sequencing of remaining tumor tissue identified potential predictive biomarkers. RESULTS Among the 42 patients enrolled, the most common toxicities were gastrointestinal and hematologic; dose-limiting toxicities were grade 4 hematologic toxicity and grade 3 fatigue. The once-daily RPh2D was 300 mg. Six patients (14%) had confirmed partial responses: four ovarian, two endometrial. Adavosertib plasma exposures were similar to those from twice-daily dosing. On cycle 1 day 8 (pre-dose), tumor pY15-Cdk levels were higher than baseline in four of eight patients, suggesting target rebound during the day 5 to 8 dosing break. One patient who progressed rapidly had a tumor WEE1 mutation and potentially compensatory PKMYT1 overexpression. Baseline CCNE1 overexpression occurred in both of two responding patients, only one of whom had CCNE1 amplification, and in zero of three nonresponding patients. CONCLUSIONS We determined the once-daily adavosertib RPh2D and observed activity in patients with ovarian or endometrial carcinoma, including two with baseline CCNE1 mRNA overexpression. Future studies will determine whether CCNE1 overexpression is a predictive biomarker for adavosertib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Takebe
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Geraldine O'Sullivan Coyne
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Shivaani Kummar
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Khanh Do
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ashley Bruns
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lamin Juwara
- Clinical Monitoring Research Program, Clinical Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Jennifer Zlott
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Larry Rubinstein
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Richard Piekarz
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Elad Sharon
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Howard Streicher
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Arjun Mittra
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sarah B Miller
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jiuping Ji
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Deborah Wilsker
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Robert J Kinders
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Ralph E Parchment
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Li Chen
- Molecular Characterization Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Ting-Chia Chang
- Molecular Characterization Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Biswajit Das
- Molecular Characterization Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Ganesh Mugundu
- AstraZeneca, Clinical Pharmacology, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - James H Doroshow
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Alice P Chen
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland.
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
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36
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Segura-Bayona S, Villamor-Payà M, Attolini CSO, Koenig LM, Sanchiz-Calvo M, Boulton SJ, Stracker TH. Tousled-Like Kinases Suppress Innate Immune Signaling Triggered by Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres. Cell Rep 2021; 32:107983. [PMID: 32755577 PMCID: PMC7408502 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Tousled-like kinases 1 and 2 (TLK1/2) control histone deposition through the ASF1 histone chaperone and influence cell cycle progression and genome maintenance, yet the mechanisms underlying TLK-mediated genome stability remain uncertain. Here, we show that TLK loss results in severe chromatin decompaction and altered genome accessibility, particularly affecting heterochromatic regions. Failure to maintain heterochromatin increases spurious transcription of repetitive elements and induces features of alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). TLK depletion culminates in a cGAS-STING-TBK1-mediated innate immune response that is independent of replication-stress signaling and attenuated by the depletion of factors required to produce extra-telomeric DNA. Analysis of human cancers reveals that chromosomal instability correlates with high TLK2 and low STING levels in many cohorts. Based on these findings, we propose that high TLK levels contribute to immune evasion in chromosomally unstable and ALT+ cancers. TLK-deficient cells have increased accessibility at heterochromatin regions TLK1/2 suppress spurious transcription and telomere hyper-recombination Extra-telomeric DNA generated upon TLK loss promotes innate immune signaling cGAS-STING-TBK1 signaling in TLK-deficient cells is independent of replication stress
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Segura-Bayona
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain; The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
| | - Marina Villamor-Payà
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Camille Stephan-Otto Attolini
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Lars M Koenig
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Sanchiz-Calvo
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Simon J Boulton
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Travis H Stracker
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
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Casar-Borota O, Boldt H, Engström B, Andersen MS, Baussart B, Bengtsson D, Berinder K, Ekman B, Feldt-Rasmussen U, Höybye C, Jørgensen JOL, Kolnes AJ, Korbonits M, Rasmussen ÅK, Lindsay JR, Loughrey PB, Maiter D, Manojlovic-Gacic E, Pahnke J, Poliani PL, Popovic V, Ragnarsson O, Schalin-Jäntti C, Scheie D, Tóth M, Villa C, Wirenfeldt M, Kunicki J, Burman P. Corticotroph Aggressive Pituitary Tumors and Carcinomas Frequently Harbor ATRX Mutations. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:1183-1194. [PMID: 33106857 PMCID: PMC7993578 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Aggressive pituitary tumors (APTs) are characterized by unusually rapid growth and lack of response to standard treatment. About 1% to 2% develop metastases being classified as pituitary carcinomas (PCs). For unknown reasons, the corticotroph tumors are overrepresented among APTs and PCs. Mutations in the alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) gene, regulating chromatin remodeling and telomere maintenance, have been implicated in the development of several cancer types, including neuroendocrine tumors. OBJECTIVE To study ATRX protein expression and mutational status of the ATRX gene in APTs and PCs. DESIGN We investigated ATRX protein expression by using immunohistochemistry in 30 APTs and 18 PCs, mostly of Pit-1 and T-Pit cell lineage. In tumors lacking ATRX immunolabeling, mutational status of the ATRX gene was explored. RESULTS Nine of the 48 tumors (19%) demonstrated lack of ATRX immunolabelling with a higher proportion in patients with PCs (5/18; 28%) than in those with APTs (4/30;13%). Lack of ATRX was most common in the corticotroph tumors, 7/22 (32%), versus tumors of the Pit-1 lineage, 2/24 (8%). Loss-of-function ATRX mutations were found in all 9 ATRX immunonegative cases: nonsense mutations (n = 4), frameshift deletions (n = 4), and large deletions affecting 22-28 of the 36 exons (n = 3). More than 1 ATRX gene defect was identified in 2 PCs. CONCLUSION ATRX mutations occur in a subset of APTs and are more common in corticotroph tumors. The findings provide a rationale for performing ATRX immunohistochemistry to identify patients at risk of developing aggressive and potentially metastatic pituitary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivera Casar-Borota
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Olivera Casar-Borota, MD, PhD, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University and Department of Clinical Pathology, Uppsala University Hospital, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, 75851 Uppsala, Sweden. E-mail:
| | - Henning Bünsow Boldt
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Britt Edén Engström
- Department of Medical Sciences, Endocrinology and Mineral Metabolism, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marianne Skovsager Andersen
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Daniel Bengtsson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kalmar, Region of Kalmar County, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Katarina Berinder
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bertil Ekman
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen
- Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Research Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Höybye
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jens Otto L Jørgensen
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anders Jensen Kolnes
- Section of Specialized Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts, UK
- The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Åse Krogh Rasmussen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John R Lindsay
- Mater Infirmorum Hospital, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust (BHSCT), UK
- Regional Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, UK
| | - Paul Benjamin Loughrey
- Regional Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, UK
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - Dominique Maiter
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, UCL Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Jens Pahnke
- University of Oslo (UiO) and Oslo University Hospital (OUS), Department of Pathology, Translational Neurodegeneration Research and Neuropathology Lab, Oslo, Norway
- LIED, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Pietro Luigi Poliani
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Oskar Ragnarsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Camilla Schalin-Jäntti
- Endocrinology, Abdominal Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - David Scheie
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miklós Tóth
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Chiara Villa
- Department of Pathological Cytology and Anatomy, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
- INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes-Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Department of Endocrinology, Sart Tilman B35, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Martin Wirenfeldt
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jacek Kunicki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pia Burman
- Department of Endocrinology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Lund University, Sweden
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Sarkar E, Khan A. Erratic journey of CRISPR/Cas9 in oncology from bench-work to successful-clinical therapy. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2021; 27:100289. [PMID: 33667951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2020.100289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR is a customized molecular scissor, comprising genetic guide made of RNA and an enzyme, Cas9 which snips DNA in simpler, cheaper and more precise way than any other gene editing tools. In recent years CRISPR/Cas has taken the research world by storm being go-to genome editor for potential gene therapy to fix cancer as well as several hereditary disorders. This review explores the literature around the mechanism of Nobel winning CRISPR/Cas9 and its journey from its discovery to various pre-clinical and clinical trials in oncology, focusing mostly on PD-1 knockout CAR-T cell therapy. It also discusses the hurdles and ethical dispute associated with CRISPR, such as unintended on-target and off-target cuts, embryonic germ-line editing. Despite the controversies regarding the safety of this technique, many studies reported promising results on targeting cancer and other diseases using CRISPR/Cas9. Outcomes from the first successful clinical trial showed the beneficial long term effect on genetically modified T-cells in targeting cancer cells which opens the door for CRISPR to be the most preferred technique to help treating cancer and other diseases in future. As far as germ-line editing is concerned, further studies are needed to support the safety of this technique in humans fixing genetic disorders and mutations. Therefore till date only somatic cell editing is ethically approved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esha Sarkar
- Department of Biochemistry, Era's Lucknow Medical College and hospital, Era University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Afreen Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Era's Lucknow Medical College and hospital, Era University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Vergara IA, Wilmott JS, Long GV, Scolyer RA. Genetic drivers of non-cutaneous melanomas: Challenges and opportunities in a heterogeneous landscape. Exp Dermatol 2021; 31:13-30. [PMID: 33455025 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Non-cutaneous melanomas most frequently involve the uveal tract and mucosal membranes, including the conjunctiva. In contrast to cutaneous melanoma, they often present at an advanced clinical stage, are associated with worse clinical outcomes and show poorer responses to immunotherapy. The mutational load within most non-cutaneous melanomas reflects their lower ultraviolet light (UV) exposure. The genetic drivers within non-cutaneous melanomas are heterogeneous. Within ocular melanomas, posterior uveal tract melanomas typically harbour one of two distinct, sets of driver mutations and alterations of clinical and biological significance. In contrast to posterior uveal tract melanomas, anterior uveal tract melanomas of the iris and conjunctival melanomas frequently carry both a higher mutational burden and specific mutations linked with UV exposure. The genetic drivers in iris melanomas more closely resemble those of the posterior uveal tract, whereas conjunctival melanomas harbour similar genetic driver mutations to cutaneous melanomas. Mucosal melanomas occur in sun-shielded sites including sinonasal and oral cavities, nasopharynx, oesophagus, genitalia, anus and rectum, and their mutational landscape is frequently associated with a dominant process of spontaneous deamination and infrequent presence of UV mutation signatures. Genetic drivers of mucosal melanomas are diverse and vary with anatomic location. Further understanding of the causes of already identified recurrent molecular events in non-cutaneous melanomas, identification of additional drivers in specific subtypes, integrative multi-omics analyses and analysis of the tumor immune microenvironment will expand knowledge in this field. Furthermore, such data will likely uncover new therapeutic strategies which will lead to improved clinical outcomes in non-cutaneous melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael A Vergara
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James S Wilmott
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Georgina V Long
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Royal North Shore and Mater Hospitals, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard A Scolyer
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and New South Wales Health Pathology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Beyond Kinases: Targeting Replication Stress Proteins in Cancer Therapy. Trends Cancer 2020; 7:430-446. [PMID: 33203609 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
DNA replication stress describes a state of impaired replication fork progress that triggers a cellular stress response to maintain genome stability and complete DNA synthesis. Replication stress is a common state that must be tolerated in many cancers. One promising therapeutic approach is targeting replication stress response factors such as the ataxia telangiectasia and rad 3-related kinase (ATR) or checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) kinases that some cancers depend upon to survive endogenous replication stress. However, research revealing the complexity of the replication stress response suggests new genetic interactions and candidate therapeutic targets. Many of these candidates regulate DNA transactions around reversed replication forks, including helicases, nucleases and alternative polymerases that promote fork stability and restart. Here we review emerging strategies to exploit replication stress for cancer therapy.
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Pharmacological Inhibition of WEE1 Potentiates the Antitumoral Effect of the dl922-947 Oncolytic Virus in Malignant Mesothelioma Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197333. [PMID: 33020398 PMCID: PMC7582744 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a very aggressive asbestos-related cancer, for which no therapy proves to be effective. We have recently shown that the oncolytic adenovirus dl922-947 had antitumor effects in MM cell lines and murine xenografts. Previous studies demonstrated that dl922-947-induced host cell cycle checkpoint deregulation and consequent DNA lesions associated with the virus efficacy. However, the cellular DNA damage response (DDR) can counteract this virus action. Therefore, we assessed whether AZD1775, an inhibitor of the G2/M DNA damage checkpoint kinase WEE1, could enhance MM cell sensitivity to dl922-947. Through cell viability assays, we found that AZD1775 synergized with dl922-947 selectively in MM cell lines and increased dl922-947-induced cell death, which showed hallmarks of apoptosis (annexinV-positivity, caspase-dependency, BCL-XL decrease, chromatin condensation). Predictably, dl922-947 and/or AZD1775 activated the DDR, as indicated by increased levels of three main DDR players: phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX), phospho-replication protein A (RPA)32, phospho-checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1). Dl922-947 also increased inactive Tyr-15-phosphorylated cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), a key WEE1 substrate, which is indicative of G2/M checkpoint activation. This increase in phospho-CDK1 was effectively suppressed by AZD1775, thus suggesting that this compound could, indeed, abrogate the dl922-947-induced DNA damage checkpoint in MM cells. Overall, our data suggest that the dl922-947-AZD1775 combination could be a feasible strategy against MM.
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Topatana W, Juengpanich S, Li S, Cao J, Hu J, Lee J, Suliyanto K, Ma D, Zhang B, Chen M, Cai X. Advances in synthetic lethality for cancer therapy: cellular mechanism and clinical translation. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:118. [PMID: 32883316 PMCID: PMC7470446 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00956-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic lethality is a lethal phenomenon in which the occurrence of a single genetic event is tolerable for cell survival, whereas the co-occurrence of multiple genetic events results in cell death. The main obstacle for synthetic lethality lies in the tumor biology heterogeneity and complexity, the inadequate understanding of synthetic lethal interactions, drug resistance, and the challenges regarding screening and clinical translation. Recently, DNA damage response inhibitors are being tested in various trials with promising results. This review will describe the current challenges, development, and opportunities for synthetic lethality in cancer therapy. The characterization of potential synthetic lethal interactions and novel technologies to develop a more effective targeted drug for cancer patients will be explored. Furthermore, this review will discuss the clinical development and drug resistance mechanisms of synthetic lethality in cancer therapy. The ultimate goal of this review is to guide clinicians at selecting patients that will receive the maximum benefits of DNA damage response inhibitors for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Win Topatana
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Sarun Juengpanich
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.,School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shijie Li
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Jiasheng Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Jiahao Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Jiyoung Lee
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | | | - Diana Ma
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Mingyu Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China. .,School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China. .,School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China. .,Key Laboratory of Endoscopic Technique Research of Zhejiang Province, No.3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
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Yuan G, Song J, Li N, Song Q, Li Y, Du Y, Wang X, Jiao Y, Wu L. Telomere Maintenance Associated Mutations in the Genetic Landscape of Gynecological Mucosal Melanoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1707. [PMID: 32984050 PMCID: PMC7492295 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Gynecological melanomas (GMs) are rare tumors with a poor prognosis. Here, we performed exome sequencing to generate the mutational landscape of GMs. Methods Next-generation sequencing was carried out on mucosal melanoma samples (n = 35) obtained from gynecological sites. The alternative telomere lengthening (ALT) phenotype was verified by fluorescence in situ hybridization and the C-circle assay. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect ATRX protein. Copy number variations in TERT were detected by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction. Results In the 58 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples, we identified 33 (56.9%) ALT-positive cases, with 23 showing loss of ATRX protein. TERT promoter mutation was not detected in GMs (n = 40), but copy number variations in the TERT region were observed in 20% (7/35) of the samples. TERT amplification was mutually exclusive with ALT (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier revealed that ALT relative to TERT amplification was associated with longer overall survival in GM patients without metastasis. Conclusion These findings indicate that telomere maintenance mechanisms play a critical role in the tumorigenesis of GMs and may aid in the prediction of clinical prognosis and the development of targeted therapy for the treatment of GM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangwen Yuan
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jinge Song
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Department of Blood Transfusion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qianqian Song
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yifei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yingxi Du
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuchen Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lingying Wu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Cole KA. Targeting ATRX Loss through Inhibition of the Cell-Cycle Checkpoint Mediator WEE1. Cancer Res 2020; 80:375-376. [PMID: 32015155 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-3587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this issue of Cancer Research, Liang and colleagues perform a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9-negative loss-of-function screen and identify WEE1 kinase as a therapeutic vulnerability in cells depleted of the ATRX chromatin remodeler gene. Because ATRX mutations are frequently mutated across a variety of pediatric and adult malignancies, this work may contribute to the preclinical rationale for a precision medicine trial of the WEE1 inhibitor AZD1775 (adavosertib) for patients whose tumors demonstrate ATRX loss.See related article by Liang et al., p. 510.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina A Cole
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. .,Colket Translational Research Building, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Correlation between IDH, ATRX, and TERT promoter mutations in glioma. Brain Tumor Pathol 2020; 37:33-40. [PMID: 32227259 DOI: 10.1007/s10014-020-00360-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
According to the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of central nervous system tumors, diffuse astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors are differentiated by the presence of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 or 2 (IDH1/2) mutation and the combined loss of the short arm of chromosome 1 and the long arm of chromosome 19 (1p/19q co-deletion). IDH-mutant astrocytoma often has p53 and alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) mutation, showing the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) phenotype, while IDH-mutant and 1p/19q-co-deleted oligodendroglioma often have wild-type p53 and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutation, showing telomerase activation. This study analyzed IDH, ATRX, and TERT promoter mutations, and the correlation between them. Immortalized cells overcome the telomere-related crisis by activating telomerase or ALT. In glioma, telomerase is mainly activated by TERT promoter mutation, while ALT is usually associated with ATRX mutation. Although the mechanism of how ATRX mutation induces ALT remains unclear, ATRX loss alone is believed to be insufficient to induce ALT. Treatments targeting telomere maintenance are promising.
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