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Zhang K, Zheng X, Sun Y, Feng X, Wu X, Liu W, Gao C, Yan Y, Tian W, Wang Y. TOP2A modulates signaling via the AKT/mTOR pathway to promote ovarian cancer cell proliferation. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2325126. [PMID: 38445610 PMCID: PMC10936659 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2325126] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a form of gynecological malignancy that is associated with worse patient outcomes than any other cancer of the female reproductive tract. Topoisomerase II α (TOP2A) is commonly regarded as an oncogene that is associated with malignant disease progression in a variety of cancers, its mechanistic functions in OC have yet to be firmly established. We explored the role of TOP2A in OC through online databases, clinical samples, in vitro and in vivo experiments. And initial analyses of public databases revealed high OC-related TOP2A expression in patient samples that was related to poorer prognosis. This was confirmed by clinical samples in which TOP2A expression was elevated in OC relative to healthy tissue. Kaplan-Meier analyses further suggested that higher TOP2A expression levels were correlated with worse prognosis in OC patients. In vitro, TOP2A knockdown resulted in the inhibition of OC cell proliferation, with cells entering G1 phase arrest and undergoing consequent apoptotic death. In rescue assays, TOP2A was confirmed to regulate cell proliferation and cell cycle through AKT/mTOR pathway activity. Mouse model experiments further affirmed the key role that TOP2A plays as a driver of OC cell proliferation. These data provide strong evidence supporting TOP2A as an oncogenic mediator and prognostic biomarker related to OC progression and poor outcomes. At the mechanistic level, TOP2A can control tumor cell growth via AKT/mTOR pathway modulation. These preliminary results provide a foundation for future research seeking to explore the utility of TOP2A inhibitor-based combination treatment regimens in platinum-resistant recurrent OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiwen Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xingyu Zheng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiqing Sun
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyu Feng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xirong Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Wenlu Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ye Yan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenyan Tian
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingmei Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Quinn CH, Beierle AM, Williams AP, Marayati R, Bownes LV, Market HR, Erwin ME, Aye JM, Stewart JE, Mroczek-Musulman E, Yoon KJ, Beierle EA. Preclinical evidence for employing MEK inhibition in NRAS mutated pediatric gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine-like tumors. Transl Oncol 2024; 47:102045. [PMID: 38959709 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are exceedingly rare, resulting in most pediatric treatment recommendations being based on data derived from adults. Trametinib is a kinase inhibitor that targets MEK1/2 and has been employed in the treatment of cancers harboring mutations in the Ras pathway. METHODS We utilized an established human pediatric gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine-like tumor patient-derived xenograft (PDX) with a known NRAS mutation to study the effects of MEK inhibition. We evaluated the effects of trametinib on proliferation, motility, and tumor growth in vivo. We created an intraperitoneal metastatic model of this PDX, characterized both the phenotype and the genotype of the metastatic PDX and again, investigated the effects of MEK inhibition. RESULTS We found target engagement with decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation with trametinib treatment. Trametinib led to decreased in vitro cell growth and motility, and decreased tumor growth and increased animal survival in a murine flank tumor model. Finally, we demonstrated that trametinib was able to significantly decrease gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine intraperitoneal tumor metastasis. CONCLUSIONS The results of these studies support the further investigation of MEK inhibition in pediatric NRAS mutated solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin H Quinn
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | - Andee M Beierle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35222, USA
| | - Adele P Williams
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | - Raoud Marayati
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | - Laura V Bownes
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | - Hooper R Market
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | - Michael E Erwin
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | - Jamie M Aye
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Jerry E Stewart
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | | | - Karina J Yoon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Beierle
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA.
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Mo S, Huang C, Wang Y, Zhao H, Wei H, Qin H, Jiang H, Qin S. Construction and validation of an endoscopic ultrasonography-based ultrasomics nomogram for differentiating pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors from pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1359364. [PMID: 38854733 PMCID: PMC11158619 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1359364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To develop and validate various ultrasomics models based on endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for retrospective differentiating pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) from pancreatic cancer. Methods A total of 231 patients, comprising 127 with pancreatic cancer and 104 with PNET, were retrospectively enrolled. These patients were randomly divided into either a training or test cohort at a ratio of 7:3. Ultrasomics features were extracted from conventional EUS images, focusing on delineating the region of interest (ROI) for pancreatic lesions. Subsequently, dimensionality reduction of the ultrasomics features was performed by applying the Mann-Whitney test and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm. Eight machine learning algorithms, namely logistic regression (LR), light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM), multilayer perceptron (MLP), random forest (RF), extra trees, k nearest neighbors (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), were employed to train prediction models using nonzero coefficient features. The optimal ultrasomics model was determined using a ROC curve and utilized for subsequent analysis. Clinical-ultrasonic features were assessed using both univariate and multivariate logistic regression. An ultrasomics nomogram model, integrating both ultrasomics and clinical-ultrasonic features, was developed. Results A total of 107 EUS-based ultrasomics features were extracted, and 6 features with nonzero coefficients were ultimately retained. Among the eight ultrasomics models based on machine learning algorithms, the RF model exhibited superior performance with an AUC= 0.999 (95% CI 0.9977 - 1.0000) in the training cohort and an AUC= 0.649 (95% CI 0.5215 - 0.7760) in the test cohort. A clinical-ultrasonic model was established and evaluated, yielding an AUC of 0.999 (95% CI 0.9961 - 1.0000) in the training cohort and 0.847 (95% CI 0.7543 - 0.9391) in the test cohort. Subsequently, the ultrasomics nomogram demonstrated a significant improvement in prediction accuracy in the test cohort, as evidenced by an AUC of 0.884 (95% CI 0.8047 - 0.9635) and confirmed by the Delong test. The calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) depicted this ultrasomics nomogram demonstrated superior accuracy. They also yielded the highest net benefit for clinical decision-making compared to alternative models. Conclusions A novel ultrasomics nomogram was proposed and validated, that integrated clinical-ultrasonic and ultrasomics features obtained through EUS, aiming to accurately and efficiently identify pancreatic cancer and PNET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangyang Mo
- Gastroenterology Department, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
- Gastroenterology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Oncology Department, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Yingwei Wang
- Gastroenterology Department, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Huaying Zhao
- Gastroenterology Department, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Haixiao Wei
- Gastroenterology Department, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Qin
- Gastroenterology Department, Liuzhou People’s Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Haixing Jiang
- Gastroenterology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Shanyu Qin
- Gastroenterology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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He H, Liang L, Jiang S, Liu Y, Huang J, Sun X, Li Y, Jiang Y, Cong L. GINS2 regulates temozolomide chemosensitivity via the EGR1/ECT2 axis in gliomas. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:205. [PMID: 38467631 PMCID: PMC10928080 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06586-w] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Temozolomide (TMZ), a DNA alkylating agent, has become the primary treatment for glioma, the most common malignancy of the central nervous system. Although TMZ-containing regimens produce significant clinical response rates, some patients inevitably suffer from inferior treatment outcomes or disease relapse, likely because of poor chemosensitivity of glioma cells due to a robust DNA damage response (DDR). GINS2, a subunit of DNA helicase, contributes to maintaining genomic stability and is highly expressed in various cancers, promoting their development. Here, we report that GINS2 was upregulated in TMZ-treated glioma cells and co-localized with γH2AX, indicating its participation in TMZ-induced DDR. Furthermore, GINS2 regulated the malignant phenotype and TMZ sensitivity of glioma cells, mostly by promoting DNA damage repair by affecting the mRNA stability of early growth response factor 1 (EGR1), which in turn regulates the transcription of epithelial cell-transforming sequence 2 (ECT2). We constructed a GINS2-EGR1-ECT2 prognostic model, which accurately predicted patient survival. Further, we screened Palbociclib/BIX-02189 which dampens GINS2 expression and synergistically inhibits glioma cell proliferation with TMZ. These findings delineate a novel mechanism by which GINS2 regulates the TMZ sensitivity of glioma cells and propose a promising combination therapy to treat glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua He
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Lu Liang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Shiyao Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yueying Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Jingjing Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yi Li
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yiqun Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Li Cong
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
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Padwal MK, Basu S, Basu B. Application of Machine Learning in Predicting Hepatic Metastasis or Primary Site in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:9244-9261. [PMID: 37887568 PMCID: PMC10605255 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30100668] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) account for 80% of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs). GEP-NETs are well-differentiated tumors, highly heterogeneous in biology and origin, and are often diagnosed at the metastatic stage. Diagnosis is commonly through clinical symptoms, histopathology, and PET-CT imaging, while molecular markers for metastasis and the primary site are unknown. Here, we report the identification of multi-gene signatures for hepatic metastasis and primary sites through analyses on RNA-SEQ datasets of pancreatic and small intestinal NETs tissue samples. Relevant gene features, identified from the normalized RNA-SEQ data using the mRMRe algorithm, were used to develop seven Machine Learning models (LDA, RF, CART, k-NN, SVM, XGBOOST, GBM). Two multi-gene random forest (RF) models classified primary and metastatic samples with 100% accuracy in training and test cohorts and >90% accuracy in an independent validation cohort. Similarly, three multi-gene RF models identified the pancreas or small intestine as the primary site with 100% accuracy in training and test cohorts, and >95% accuracy in an independent cohort. Multi-label models for concurrent prediction of hepatic metastasis and primary site returned >98.42% and >87.42% accuracies on training and test cohorts, respectively. A robust molecular signature to predict liver metastasis or the primary site for GEP-NETs is reported for the first time and could complement the clinical management of GEP-NETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Kumar Padwal
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India;
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India;
| | - Sandip Basu
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India;
- Radiation Medicine Centre, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Tata Memorial Hospital Annexe, Mumbai 400012, India
| | - Bhakti Basu
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India;
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India;
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Safari M, Scotto L, Litman T, Petrukhin LA, Zhu H, Shen M, Robey RW, Hall MD, Fojo T, Bates SE. Novel Therapeutic Strategies Exploiting the Unique Properties of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4960. [PMID: 37894327 PMCID: PMC10605125 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last few decades of treatment, the outcomes for at least some subsets of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) have improved. However, the identification of new vulnerabilities for this heterogeneous group of cancers remains a priority. METHODS Using two libraries of compounds selected for potential repurposing, we identified the inhibitors of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and histone deacetylases (HDAC) as the agents with the highest activity. We validated the hits in an expanded set of neuroendocrine cell lines and examined the mechanisms of action. RESULTS In Kelly, NH-6, and NCI-H82, which are two neuroblastoma and one small cell lung cancer cell lines, respectively, metabolic studies suggested that cell death following NAMPT inhibition is the result of a reduction in basal oxidative phosphorylation and energy production. NAMPT is the rate-limiting enzyme in the production of NAD+, and in the three cell lines, NAMPT inhibition led to a marked reduction in the ATP and NAD+ levels and the catalytic activity of the citric acid cycle. Moreover, comparative analysis of the mRNA expression in drug-sensitive and -insensitive cell lines found less dependency of the latter on oxidative phosphorylation for their energy requirement. Further, the analysis of HDAC and NAMPT inhibitors administered in combination found marked activity using low sub-lethal concentrations of both agents, suggesting a synergistic effect. CONCLUSION These data suggest NAMPT inhibitors alone or in combination with HDAC inhibitors could be particularly effective in the treatment of neuroendocrine neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Safari
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Luigi Scotto
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Thomas Litman
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 1172 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lubov A. Petrukhin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Hu Zhu
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Min Shen
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Robert W. Robey
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Matthew D. Hall
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tito Fojo
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- James J. Peters Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Susan E. Bates
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- James J. Peters Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Blázquez-Encinas R, Moreno-Montilla MT, García-Vioque V, Gracia-Navarro F, Alors-Pérez E, Pedraza-Arevalo S, Ibáñez-Costa A, Castaño JP. The uprise of RNA biology in neuroendocrine neoplasms: altered splicing and RNA species unveil translational opportunities. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2023; 24:267-282. [PMID: 36418657 PMCID: PMC9685014 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09771-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) comprise a highly heterogeneous group of tumors arising from the diffuse neuroendocrine system. NENs mainly originate in gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and pulmonary tissues, and despite being rare, show rising incidence. The molecular mechanisms underlying NEN development are still poorly understood, although recent studies are unveiling their genomic, epigenomic and transcriptomic landscapes. RNA was originally considered as an intermediary between DNA and protein. Today, compelling evidence underscores the regulatory relevance of RNA processing, while new RNA molecules emerge with key functional roles in core cell processes. Indeed, correct functioning of the interrelated complementary processes comprising RNA biology, its processing, transport, and surveillance, is essential to ensure adequate cell homeostasis, and its misfunction is related to cancer at multiple levels. This review is focused on the dysregulation of RNA biology in NENs. In particular, we survey alterations in the splicing process and available information implicating the main RNA species and processes in NENs pathology, including their role as biomarkers, and their functionality and targetability. Understanding how NENs precisely (mis)behave requires a profound knowledge at every layer of their heterogeneity, to help improve NEN management. RNA biology provides a wide spectrum of previously unexplored processes and molecules that open new avenues for NEN detection, classification and treatment. The current molecular biology era is rapidly evolving to facilitate a detailed comprehension of cancer biology and is enabling the arrival of personalized, predictive and precision medicine to rare tumors like NENs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Blázquez-Encinas
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain
| | - María Trinidad Moreno-Montilla
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Víctor García-Vioque
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Francisco Gracia-Navarro
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Emilia Alors-Pérez
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Sergio Pedraza-Arevalo
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Alejandro Ibáñez-Costa
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Justo P Castaño
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain.
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Liu P, Luo J, Tan N, Li C, Xu J, Yang X. Establishing a prognostic model of chromatin modulators and identifying potential drug candidates in renal clear cell patients. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:104. [PMID: 36941564 PMCID: PMC10029171 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05229-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal carcinoma is a common malignant tumor of the urinary system. Advanced renal carcinoma has a low 5-year survival rate and a poor prognosis. More and more studies have confirmed that chromatin regulators (CRs) can regulate the occurrence and development of cancer. This article investigates the functional and prognostic value of CRs in renal carcinoma patients. METHODS mRNA expression and clinical information were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO regression analysis were used to select prognostic chromatin-regulated genes and use them to construct a risk model for predicting the prognosis of renal cancer. Differences in prognosis between high-risk and low-risk groups were compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between chromatin regulators and tumor immune infiltration, and explored differences in drug sensitivity between risk groups. RESULTS We constructed a model consisting of 11 CRs to predict the prognosis of renal cancer patients. We not only successfully validated its feasibility, but also found that the 11 CR-based model was an independent prognostic factor. Functional analysis showed that CRs were mainly enriched in cancer development-related signalling pathways. We also found through the TIMER database that CR-based models were also associated with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoints. At the same time, the genomics of drug sensitivity in cancer database was used to analyze the commonly used drugs of renal clear cell carcinoma patients. It was found that patients in the low-risk group were sensitive to medicines such as axitinib, pazopanib, sorafenib, and gemcitabine. In contrast, those in the high-risk group may be sensitive to sunitinib. CONCLUSION The chromatin regulator-related prognostic model we constructed can be used to assess the prognostic risk of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The results of this study can bring new ideas for targeted therapy of clear cell renal carcinoma, helping doctors to take corresponding measures in advance for patients with different risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puyu Liu
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, No.149 Dalian Road, Zunyi City, 563000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Jihang Luo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Na Tan
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, No.149 Dalian Road, Zunyi City, 563000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Chengfang Li
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, No.149 Dalian Road, Zunyi City, 563000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Jieyu Xu
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, No.149 Dalian Road, Zunyi City, 563000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Xiaorong Yang
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, No.149 Dalian Road, Zunyi City, 563000, Guizhou Province, China.
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Kahraman S, Bardakci M, Aykan MB, Yasar S, Erol C, Hizal M, Akinci MB, Kos FT, Kos T, Dede DS, Karadurmus N, Yalcin S, Sendur MAN, Yalcin B. Clinicopathological and survival features of neuroendocrine tumors: A retrospective analysis of 153 cases, our current remarks on a heterogeneous tumor group, and still unmet future expectations. J Cancer Res Ther 2023; 19:347-354. [PMID: 37006071 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_353_22] [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] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Objective Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) originate from the diffuse neuroendocrine cell system and constitute a heterogeneous group of tumors exhibiting diverse clinical and biological characteristics. NENs include well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). In the present study, we performed a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with NET to evaluate clinicopathological characteristics, treatment and outcomes. Material and Methods Data from 153 patients diagnosed with NET who were treated and followed up at three tertiary care centers from November 2002 to June 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. Clinicopathological and prognostic factors, treatment modalities and survival data were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess survival data and comparisons were performed using the logrank test. Results Median age (IQR) was 53 (18-80) years. 85.6% of the patients had gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP)-NET. The primary tumor was resected in 95 patients (62.1%) and metastasectomy were performed in 22 patients (14.4%). Seventy-eight patients received systemic therapy for metastatic disease. Patients were followed up for a median of 22 (IQR = 33.8) months. The estimated one-year and three-year survival rate was 89.8% and 74.4%, respectively. Median progression-free survival (PFS) were 10.1, 8.5, and 4.2 months after first-, second- and third-line therapy, respectively. Conclusion The number of systemic treatment options and diagnostic tools for NETs has significantly improved in the last few years. NET classification, which treatment will be more appropriate for which group of patients, the molecular basis of this disease and the development of treatment strategies are open-ended questions that still need to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seda Kahraman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Murat Bardakci
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Musa B Aykan
- Gülhane Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serkan Yasar
- Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cihan Erol
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mutlu Hizal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - M Bulent Akinci
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fahriye Tugba Kos
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tugba Kos
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Didem S Dede
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nuri Karadurmus
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gulhane Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Suayib Yalcin
- Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ali Nahit Sendur
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bulent Yalcin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
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10
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Smith PJ, McKeown SR, Patterson LH. Targeting DNA topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A) in the hypoxic tumour microenvironment using unidirectional hypoxia-activated prodrugs (uHAPs). IUBMB Life 2023; 75:40-54. [PMID: 35499745 PMCID: PMC10084299 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The hypoxic tumour microenvironment (hTME), arising from inadequate and chaotic vascularity, can present a major obstacle for the treatment of solid tumours. Hypoxic tumour cells compromise responses to treatment since they can generate resistance to radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The hTME impairs the delivery of a range of anti-cancer drugs, creates routes for metastasis and exerts selection pressures for aggressive phenotypes; these changes potentially occur within an immunosuppressed environment. Therapeutic strategies aimed at the hTME include targeting the molecular changes associated with hypoxia. An alternative approach is to exploit the prevailing lack of oxygen as a principle for the selective activation of prodrugs to target cellular components within the hTME. This review focuses on the design concepts and rationale for the use of unidirectional Hypoxia-Activated Prodrugs (uHAPs) to target the hTME as exemplified by the uHAPs AQ4N and OCT1002. These agents undergo irreversible reduction in a hypoxic environment to active forms that target DNA topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A). This nuclear enzyme is essential for cell division and is a recognised chemotherapeutic target. An activated uHAP interacts with the enzyme-DNA complex to induce DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and tumour cell death. uHAPs are designed to overcome the shortcomings of conventional HAPs and offer unique pharmacodynamic properties for effective targeting of TOP2A in the hTME. uHAP therapy in combination with standard of care treatments has the potential to enhance outcomes by co-addressing the therapeutic challenge presented by the hTME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Smith
- Cancer and Genetics Division, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Laurence H Patterson
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
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11
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Greenberg J, Limberg J, Verma A, Kim D, Chen X, Lee YJ, Moore MD, Ullmann TM, Thiesmeyer JW, Loewenstein Z, Chen KJ, Egan CE, Stefanova D, Bareja R, Zarnegar R, Finnerty BM, Scognamiglio T, Du YCN, Elemento O, Fahey TJ, Min IM. Metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors feature elevated T cell infiltration. JCI Insight 2022; 7:160130. [PMID: 36301668 PMCID: PMC9746918 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.160130] [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: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are malignancies arising from the islets of Langerhans. Therapeutic options are limited for the over 50% of patients who present with metastatic disease. We aimed to identify mechanisms to remodel the PNET tumor microenvironment (TME) to ultimately enhance susceptibility to immunotherapy. The TMEs of localized and metastatic PNETs were investigated using an approach that combines RNA-Seq, cancer and T cell profiling, and pharmacologic perturbations. RNA-Seq analysis indicated that the primary tumors of metastatic PNETs showed significant activation of inflammatory and immune-related pathways. We determined that metastatic PNETs featured increased numbers of tumor-infiltrating T cells compared with localized tumors. T cells isolated from both localized and metastatic PNETs showed evidence of recruitment and antigen-dependent activation, suggestive of an immune-permissive microenvironment. A computational analysis suggested that vorinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, may perturb the transcriptomic signature of metastatic PNETs. Treatment of PNET cell lines with vorinostat increased chemokine CCR5 expression by NF-κB activation. Vorinostat treatment of patient-derived metastatic PNET tissues augmented recruitment of autologous T cells, and this augmentation was substantiated in a mouse model of PNET. Pharmacologic induction of chemokine expression may represent a promising approach for enhancing the immunogenicity of metastatic PNET TMEs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Akanksha Verma
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, and
| | - David Kim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rohan Bareja
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, and
| | | | | | - Theresa Scognamiglio
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yi-Chieh Nancy Du
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, and
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12
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Zhao F, Chang J, Zhao P, Wang W, Sun X, Ma X, Yin M, Wang Y, Yang Y. Oncogenetic Function and Prognostic Value of DNA Topoisomerase II Alpha in Human Malignances: A Pan-Cancer Analysis. Front Genet 2022; 13:856692. [PMID: 35873470 PMCID: PMC9301266 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.856692] [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: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing studies have revealed significant associations between TOP2A with oncogenesis and prognosis of human cancers; however, pan-cancer analysis has not been reported. Here, we explored the potential carcinogenic function and the association with clinical outcomes of TOP2A in 33 different human cancers. The results showed that TOP2A was amplified in 31 investigated cancers; TOP2A expression was significantly associated with metastasis of six different cancers and significantly associated with the survival of patients in ten different cancers; TOP2A-encoded protein was obviously upregulated in five available cancers; phosphorylated TOP2A protein at S1106 was significantly upregulated in all six available cancers. Moreover, TOP2A expression was found to be associated with the cancer-associated immune cell infiltration, including fibroblasts, Tregs, and macrophages. In addition, the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses revealed a most significant association between TOP2A with the Wnt signaling pathway and DNA conformation change. This work provides a comprehensive knowledge of TOP2A in different cancers, including carcinogenic function, prognostic values for metastasis, and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulai Zhao
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Junli Chang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyi Wang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingyuan Sun
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoping Ma
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengchen Yin
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongjun Wang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanping Yang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yanping Yang,
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13
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Zhang Y, Heylen L, Partoens M, Mills JD, Kaminski RM, Godard P, Gillard M, de Witte PAM, Siekierska A. Connectivity Mapping Using a Novel sv2a Loss-of-Function Zebrafish Epilepsy Model as a Powerful Strategy for Anti-epileptic Drug Discovery. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:881933. [PMID: 35686059 PMCID: PMC9172968 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.881933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) regulates action potential-dependent neurotransmitter release and is commonly known as the primary binding site of an approved anti-epileptic drug, levetiracetam. Although several rodent knockout models have demonstrated the importance of SV2A for functional neurotransmission, its precise physiological function and role in epilepsy pathophysiology remains to be elucidated. Here, we present a novel sv2a knockout model in zebrafish, a vertebrate with complementary advantages to rodents. We demonstrated that 6 days post fertilization homozygous sv2a–/– mutant zebrafish larvae, but not sv2a+/– and sv2a+/+ larvae, displayed locomotor hyperactivity and spontaneous epileptiform discharges, however, no major brain malformations could be observed. A partial rescue of this epileptiform brain activity could be observed after treatment with two commonly used anti-epileptic drugs, valproic acid and, surprisingly, levetiracetam. This observation indicated that additional targets, besides Sv2a, maybe are involved in the protective effects of levetiracetam against epileptic seizures. Furthermore, a transcriptome analysis provided insights into the neuropathological processes underlying the observed epileptic phenotype. While gene expression profiling revealed only one differentially expressed gene (DEG) between wildtype and sv2a+/– larvae, there were 4386 and 3535 DEGs between wildtype and sv2a–/–, and sv2a+/– and sv2a–/– larvae, respectively. Pathway and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis between wildtype and sv2a–/– larvae revealed several pathways and GO terms enriched amongst up- and down-regulated genes, including MAPK signaling, synaptic vesicle cycle, and extracellular matrix organization, all known to be involved in epileptogenesis and epilepsy. Importantly, we used the Connectivity map database to identify compounds with opposing gene signatures compared to the one observed in sv2a–/– larvae, to finally rescue the epileptic phenotype. Two out of three selected compounds rescued electrographic discharges in sv2a–/– larvae, while negative controls did not. Taken together, our results demonstrate that sv2a deficiency leads to increased seizure vulnerability and provide valuable insight into the functional importance of sv2a in the brain in general. Furthermore, we provided evidence that the concept of connectivity mapping represents an attractive and powerful approach in the discovery of novel compounds against epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhang
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lise Heylen
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michèle Partoens
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - James D. Mills
- Department of Neuropathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, United Kingdom
| | - Rafal M. Kaminski
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
- UCB Pharma, Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium
| | | | | | - Peter A. M. de Witte
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Peter A. M. de Witte,
| | - Aleksandra Siekierska
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Aleksandra Siekierska,
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14
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Discovery of the anti-influenza A virus activity of SB216763 and cyclosporine A by mining infected cells and compound cellular signatures. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2021.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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15
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IGF2BP1 Promotes Proliferation of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms by Post-Transcriptional Enhancement of EZH2. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092121. [PMID: 35565249 PMCID: PMC9131133 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092121] [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: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) are very heterogeneous malignancies arising at different sites of the body that show an increasing incidence in recent decades. Here, we show that IGF2 mRNA binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) is highly expressed in NEN cell lines, leading to enhanced cell proliferation. This oncogenic function relies on post-transcriptional stimulation of EZH2 expression by IGF2BP1, resulting in epigenetic silencing of cell cycle inhibitors via tri-methylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3). Combinatorial pharmacological targeting of IGF2BP1, EZH2, and the EZH2-activator Myc leads to synergistic antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in NEN cells, representing a novel therapeutic strategy in neuroendocrine malignancies. Abstract Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) represent a heterogenous class of highly vascularized neoplasms that are increasing in prevalence and are predominantly diagnosed at a metastatic state. The molecular mechanisms leading to tumor initiation, metastasis, and chemoresistance are still under investigation. Hence, identification of novel therapeutic targets is of great interest. Here, we demonstrate that the RNA-binding Protein IGF2BP1 is a post-transcriptional regulator of components of the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), an epigenic modifier affecting transcriptional regulation and proliferation: Comprehensive in silico analyses along with in vitro experiments showed that IGF2BP1 promotes neuroendocrine tumor cell proliferation by stabilizing the mRNA of Enhancer of Zeste 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of PRC2, which represses gene expression by tri-methylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3). The IGF2BP1-driven stabilization and protection of EZH2 mRNA is m6A-dependent and enhances EZH2 protein levels which stimulates cell cycle progression by silencing cell cycle arrest genes through enhanced H3K27 tri-methylation. Therapeutic inhibition of IGF2BP1 destabilizes EZH2 mRNA and results in a reduced cell proliferation, paralleled by an increase in G1 and sub-G1 phases. Combined targeting of IGF2BP1, EZH2, and Myc, a transcriptional activator of EZH2 and well-known target of IGF2BP1 cooperatively induces tumor cell apoptosis. Our data identify IGF2BP1 as an important driver of tumor progression in NEN, and indicate that disruption of the IGF2BP1-Myc-EZH2 axis represents a promising approach for targeted therapy of neuroendocrine neoplasms.
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16
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Mollazadegan K, Skogseid B, Botling J, Åkerström T, Eriksson B, Welin S, Sundin A, Crona J. Poor outcome after systemic therapy in secondary high-grade pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Endocr Connect 2022; 11:EC-21-0604.R1. [PMID: 35148276 PMCID: PMC8942326 DOI: 10.1530/ec-21-0604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Longitudinal changes in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (panNET) cell proliferation correlate with fast disease progression and poor prognosis. The optimal treatment strategy for secondary panNET grade (G)3 that has progressed from a previous low- or intermediate-grade to high-grade panNET G3 is currently unknown. This was a single-center retrospective cohort study aimed to characterize treatment patterns and outcomes among patients with secondary panNET-G3. Radiological responses were assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. A total of 22 patients were included and received a median of 2 (range, 1-4) treatment lines in 14 different combinations. Median overall survival (OS) was 9 months (interquartile range (IQR): 4.25-17.5). For the 15 patients who received platinum-etoposide chemotherapy, median OS was 7.5 months (IQR: 3.75-10) and median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4 months (IQR: 2.5-5.5). The 15 patients who received conventional panNET therapies achieved a median OS of 8 months (IQR: 5-16.75) and median PFS was 5.5 months (IQR: 2.75-8.25). We observed one partial response on 177Lu DOTA-TATE therapy. In conclusion, this hypothesis-generating study failed to identify any promising treatment alternatives for patients with secondary panNET-G3. This demonstrates the need for both improved biological understanding of this particular NET entity and for designing prospective studies to further assess its treatment in larger patient cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazhan Mollazadegan
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence should be addressed to K Mollazadegan:
| | - Britt Skogseid
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Botling
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tobias Åkerström
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Barbro Eriksson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Staffan Welin
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Sundin
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joakim Crona
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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17
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Chen J, Qiao K, Zhang C, Zhou X, Du Q, Deng Y, Cao L. VRK2 activates TNFα/NF-κB signaling by phosphorylating IKKβ in pancreatic cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:1288-1302. [PMID: 35173553 PMCID: PMC8771851 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.66313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
NF-κB signaling is active in more than 50% of patients with pancreatic cancer and plays an important role in promoting the progression of pancreatic cancer. Revealing the activation mechanism of NF-κB signaling is important for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In this study, the regulation of TNFα/NF-κB signaling by VRK2 (vaccinia-related kinase 2) was investigated. The levels of VRK2 protein were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The functions of VRK2 in the progression of pancreatic cancer were examined using CCK8 assay, anchorage-independent assay, EdU assay and tumorigenesis assay. The regulation of VRK2 on the NF-κB signaling was investigated by immunoprecipitation and invitro kinase assay. It was discovered in this study that the expression of VRK2 was upregulated in pancreatic cancer and that the VRK2 expression level was significantly correlated with the pathological characteristics and the survival time of patients. VRK2 promoted the growth, sphere formation and subcutaneous tumorigenesis of pancreatic carcinoma cells as well as the organoid growth derived from the pancreatic cancer mouse model. Investigation of the molecular mechanism indicated that VRK2 interacts with IKKβ, phosphorylating its Ser177 and Ser181 residues and thus activating the TNFα/NF-κB signaling pathway. An IKKβ inhibitors abolished the promotive effect of VRK2 on the growth of organoids. The findings of this study indicate that VRK2 promotes the progression of pancreatic cancer by activating the TNFα/NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting that VRK2 is a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jionghuang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kexiong Qiao
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaolei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyang Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qian Du
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuezhen Deng
- Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liping Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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18
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Cdk5 drives formation of heterogeneous pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:83. [PMID: 34862365 PMCID: PMC8642406 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00372-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are a heterogeneous population of neoplasms that arise from hormone-secreting islet cells of the pancreas and have increased markedly in incidence over the past four decades. Non-functional PanNETs, which occur more frequently than hormone-secreting tumors, are often not diagnosed until later stages of tumor development and have poorer prognoses. Development of successful therapeutics for PanNETs has been slow, partially due to a lack of diverse animal models for pre-clinical testing. Here, we report development of an inducible, conditional mouse model of PanNETs by using a bi-transgenic system for regulated expression of the aberrant activator of Cdk5, p25, specifically in β-islet cells. This model produces a heterogeneous population of PanNETs that includes a subgroup of well-differentiated, non-functional tumors. Production of these tumors demonstrates the causative potential of aberrantly active Cdk5 for generation of PanNETs. Further, we show that human PanNETs express Cdk5 pathway components, are dependent on Cdk5 for growth, and share genetic and transcriptional overlap with the INS-p25OE model. The utility of this model is enhanced by the ability to form tumor-derived allografts. This new model of PanNETs will facilitate molecular delineation of Cdk5-dependent PanNETs and the development of new targeted therapeutics.
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19
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Peng Y, Tan S, Zhu G, Fang C, He P, Peng F, Gan Y, Tian J, Su S, Yang X, Li B. Successful application of ICG fluorescence imaging technology in rectal neuroendocrine tumor liver metastasis. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2021; 37:102653. [PMID: 34848376 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We report the use of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging technology to assist the resection of rectal neuroendocrine tumors with liver metastases. The liver metastases of rectal neuroendocrine tumors show strong fluorescent signals, the tumor borders are clear, and there is no fluorescence at the resection margin, indicating that the tumor has been completely removed. Postoperative pathology also confirmed that the tumor margin was negative. ICG fluorescence imaging has great potential in assisting the resection of liver metastases of neuroendocrine tumors, and at the same time is able to assist in judging the removal of the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisheng Peng
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Shunde Tan
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Gang Zhu
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Cheng Fang
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Pan He
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Fangyi Peng
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yu Gan
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jie Tian
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Song Su
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Xiaoli Yang
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou 646000, China.
| | - Bo Li
- Department of General Surgery (Hepatobiliary Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou 646000, China.
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20
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Gava F, Pignolet J, Déjean S, Mondésert O, Morin R, Agossa J, Ducommun B, Lobjois V. Quantitative Analysis of Cell Aggregation Dynamics Identifies HDAC Inhibitors as Potential Regulators of Cancer Cell Clustering. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225840. [PMID: 34830995 PMCID: PMC8616495 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225840] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastases formation involves the formation, circulation and seeding of cohesive group of tumor cells called circulating tumors cells clusters at distant organs from the primary tumor. These clusters have a much higher metastatic potential than individual circulating tumor cell, it is therefore important to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in their formation. To this aim, in this study, from the analysis of the relationship between in vitro aggregation quantitative characterization of 25 cancer cell lines and their expression data, we identified genes significantly associated with aggregation. Interestingly, we found that these genes were strongly correlated with the transcriptional signature induced by HDAC inhibitors treatment and we finally showed experimentally that two HDAC inhibitors inhibits tumor cells cluster formation in vitro. These results open new therapeutic perspectives to prevent metastasis formation. Abstract Characterization of the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor cell clustering could open the way to new therapeutic strategies. Towards this aim, we used an in vitro quantitative procedure to monitor the anchorage-independent cell aggregation kinetics in a panel of 25 cancer cell lines. The analysis of the relationship between selected aggregation dynamic parameters and the gene expression data for these cell lines from the CCLE database allowed identifying genes with expression significantly associated with aggregation parameter variations. Comparison of these transcripts with the perturbagen signatures from the Connectivity Map resource highlighted that they were strongly correlated with the transcriptional signature of most histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. Experimental evaluation of two HDAC inhibitors (SAHA and ISOX) showed that they inhibited the initial step of in vitro tumor cell aggregation. This validates our findings and reinforces the potential interest of HDCA inhibitors to prevent metastasis spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Gava
- Institut des Technologies Avancées en Sciences du Vivant (ITAV)-USR3505, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, 31100 Toulouse, France; (F.G.); (J.P.); (O.M.); (J.A.); (B.D.)
| | - Julie Pignolet
- Institut des Technologies Avancées en Sciences du Vivant (ITAV)-USR3505, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, 31100 Toulouse, France; (F.G.); (J.P.); (O.M.); (J.A.); (B.D.)
| | - Sébastien Déjean
- Institut de Mathématiques de Toulouse (IMT)-UMR5219, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse, France;
| | - Odile Mondésert
- Institut des Technologies Avancées en Sciences du Vivant (ITAV)-USR3505, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, 31100 Toulouse, France; (F.G.); (J.P.); (O.M.); (J.A.); (B.D.)
| | - Renaud Morin
- Imactiv-3D SAS, 1 Place Pierre POTIER, 31100 Toulouse, France;
| | - Joseph Agossa
- Institut des Technologies Avancées en Sciences du Vivant (ITAV)-USR3505, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, 31100 Toulouse, France; (F.G.); (J.P.); (O.M.); (J.A.); (B.D.)
- Institut de Mathématiques de Toulouse (IMT)-UMR5219, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse, France;
| | - Bernard Ducommun
- Institut des Technologies Avancées en Sciences du Vivant (ITAV)-USR3505, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, 31100 Toulouse, France; (F.G.); (J.P.); (O.M.); (J.A.); (B.D.)
- CHU de Toulouse, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Valérie Lobjois
- Institut des Technologies Avancées en Sciences du Vivant (ITAV)-USR3505, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, 31100 Toulouse, France; (F.G.); (J.P.); (O.M.); (J.A.); (B.D.)
- Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Unit (MCD)–UMR5577, Center for Integrative Biology (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse, France
- Correspondence:
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21
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Maharjan CK, Ear PH, Tran CG, Howe JR, Chandrasekharan C, Quelle DE. Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5117. [PMID: 34680266 PMCID: PMC8533967 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are unique, slow-growing malignancies whose molecular pathogenesis is incompletely understood. With rising incidence of pNETs over the last four decades, larger and more comprehensive 'omic' analyses of patient tumors have led to a clearer picture of the pNET genomic landscape and transcriptional profiles for both primary and metastatic lesions. In pNET patients with advanced disease, those insights have guided the use of targeted therapies that inhibit activated mTOR and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways or stimulate somatostatin receptor signaling. Such treatments have significantly benefited patients, but intrinsic or acquired drug resistance in the tumors remains a major problem that leaves few to no effective treatment options for advanced cases. This demands a better understanding of essential molecular and biological events underlying pNET growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. This review examines the known molecular alterations associated with pNET pathogenesis, identifying which changes may be drivers of the disease and, as such, relevant therapeutic targets. We also highlight areas that warrant further investigation at the biological level and discuss available model systems for pNET research. The paucity of pNET models has hampered research efforts over the years, although recently developed cell line, animal, patient-derived xenograft, and patient-derived organoid models have significantly expanded the available platforms for pNET investigations. Advancements in pNET research and understanding are expected to guide improved patient treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra K. Maharjan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Po Hien Ear
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (P.H.E.); (C.G.T.); (J.R.H.)
| | - Catherine G. Tran
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (P.H.E.); (C.G.T.); (J.R.H.)
| | - James R. Howe
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (P.H.E.); (C.G.T.); (J.R.H.)
| | - Chandrikha Chandrasekharan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Dawn E. Quelle
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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22
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Yang KC, Kalloger SE, Aird JJ, Lee MKC, Rushton C, Mungall KL, Mungall AJ, Gao D, Chow C, Xu J, Karasinska JM, Colborne S, Jones SJM, Schrader J, Morin RD, Loree JM, Marra MA, Renouf DJ, Morin GB, Schaeffer DF, Gorski SM. Proteotranscriptomic classification and characterization of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109817. [PMID: 34644566 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs) are biologically and clinically heterogeneous. Here, we use a multi-omics approach to uncover the molecular factors underlying this heterogeneity. Transcriptomic analysis of 84 PNEN specimens, drawn from two cohorts, is substantiated with proteomic profiling and identifies four subgroups: Proliferative, PDX1-high, Alpha cell-like and Stromal/Mesenchymal. The Proliferative subgroup, consisting of both well- and poorly differentiated specimens, is associated with inferior overall survival probability. The PDX1-high and Alpha cell-like subgroups partially resemble previously described subtypes, and we further uncover distinctive metabolism-related features in the Alpha cell-like subgroup. The Stromal/Mesenchymal subgroup exhibits molecular characteristics of YAP1/WWTR1(TAZ) activation suggestive of Hippo signaling pathway involvement in PNENs. Whole-exome sequencing reveals subgroup-enriched mutational differences, supported by activity inference analysis, and identifies hypermorphic proto-oncogene variants in 14.3% of sequenced PNENs. Our study reveals differences in cellular signaling axes that provide potential directions for PNEN patient stratification and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Yang
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Steve E Kalloger
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Division of Anatomical Pathology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada; Pancreas Centre BC, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L8, Canada
| | - John J Aird
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada; Division of Anatomical Pathology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Michael K C Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Christopher Rushton
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Karen L Mungall
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Andrew J Mungall
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Dongxia Gao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada; Genetic Pathology Evaluation Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Christine Chow
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada; Genetic Pathology Evaluation Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Jing Xu
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | | | - Shane Colborne
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Steven J M Jones
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Jörg Schrader
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ryan D Morin
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Jonathan M Loree
- Division of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Marco A Marra
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Daniel J Renouf
- Pancreas Centre BC, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L8, Canada; Division of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Gregg B Morin
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - David F Schaeffer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada; Division of Anatomical Pathology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada; Pancreas Centre BC, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L8, Canada
| | - Sharon M Gorski
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; Centre for Cell Biology, Development, and Disease, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
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23
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Rinke A, Auernhammer CJ, Bodei L, Kidd M, Krug S, Lawlor R, Marinoni I, Perren A, Scarpa A, Sorbye H, Pavel ME, Weber MM, Modlin I, Gress TM. Treatment of advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasia, are we on the way to personalised medicine? Gut 2021; 70:1768-1781. [PMID: 33692095 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-321300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasia (GEPNEN) comprises clinically as well as prognostically diverse tumour entities often diagnosed at late stage. Current classification provides a uniform terminology and a Ki67-based grading system, thereby facilitating management. Advances in the study of genomic and epigenetic landscapes have amplified knowledge of tumour biology and enhanced identification of prognostic and potentially predictive treatment subgroups. Translation of this genomic and mechanistic biology into advanced GEPNEN management is limited. 'Targeted' treatments such as somatostatin analogues, peptide receptor radiotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors are treatment options but predictive tools are lacking. The inability to identify clonal heterogeneity and define critical oncoregulatory pathways prior to therapy, restrict therapeutic efficacy as does the inability to monitor disease status in real time. Chemotherapy in the poor prognosis NEN G3 group, though associated with acceptable response rates, only leads to short-term tumour control and their molecular biology requires delineation to provide new and more specific treatment options.The future requires an exploration of the NEN tumour genome, its microenvironment and an identification of critical oncologic checkpoints for precise drug targeting. In the advance to personalised medical treatment of patients with GEPNEN, clinical trials need to be based on mechanistic and multidimensional characterisation of each tumour in order to identify the therapeutic agent effective for the individual tumour.This review surveys advances in NEN research and delineates the current status of translation with a view to laying the basis for a genome-based personalised medicine management of advanced GEPNEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Rinke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Infectiology, University Hospital Marburg and Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christoph J Auernhammer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV and Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroendocrine Tumors of the GastroEnteroPancreatic System (GEPNET-KUM), Ludwig Maximilian University, LMU Klinikum, Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa Bodei
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mark Kidd
- Wren Laboratories, Branford, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sebastian Krug
- Clinic for Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany
| | - Rita Lawlor
- Applied Research on Cancer Centre, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Marinoni
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aurel Perren
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Applied Research on Cancer Centre, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Halfdan Sorbye
- Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marianne Ellen Pavel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Endocrinology, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias M Weber
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Endocrinology, Johannes Gutenberg University Hospital Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Irvin Modlin
- Gastroenterological and Endoscopic Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Thomas M Gress
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Infectiology, University Hospital Marburg and Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
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24
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Targeting HDACs in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Models. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061408. [PMID: 34204116 PMCID: PMC8228033 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Compared to pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNET) represent a rare and heterogeneous tumor entity. In addition to surgical resection, several therapeutic approaches, including biotherapy, targeted therapy or chemotherapy are applicable. However, primary or secondary resistance to current therapies is still challenging. Recent genome-wide sequencing efforts in PanNET identified a large number of mutations in pathways involved in epigenetic modulation, including acetylation. Therefore, targeting epigenetic modulators in neuroendocrine cells could represent a new therapeutic avenue. Detailed information on functional effects and affected signaling pathways upon epigenetic targeting in PanNETs, however, is missing. The primary human PanNET cells NT-3 and NT-18 as well as the murine insulinoma cell lines beta-TC-6 (mouse) and RIN-T3 (rat) were treated with the non-selective histone-deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor panobinostat (PB) and analyzed for functional effects and affected signaling pathways by performing Western blot, FACS and qPCR analyses. Additionally, NanoString analysis of more than 500 potentially affected targets was performed. In vivo immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyses on tumor samples from xenografts and the transgenic neuroendocrine Rip1Tag2-mouse model were investigated. PB dose dependently induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in neuroendocrine cells in human and murine species. HDAC inhibition stimulated redifferentiation of human primary PanNET cells by increasing mRNA-expression of somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) and insulin production. In addition to hyperacetylation of known targets, PB mediated pleitropic effects via targeting genes involved in the cell cycle and modulation of the JAK2/STAT3 axis. The HDAC subtypes are expressed ubiquitously in the existing cell models and in human samples of metastatic PanNET. Our results uncover epigenetic HDAC modulation using PB as a promising new therapeutic avenue in PanNET, linking cell-cycle modulation and pathways such as JAK2/STAT3 to epigenetic targeting. Based on our data demonstrating a significant impact of HDAC inhibition in clinical relevant in vitro models, further validation in vivo is warranted.
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25
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RABL6A Promotes Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Angiogenesis and Progression In Vivo. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060633. [PMID: 34199469 PMCID: PMC8228095 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are difficult-to-treat neoplasms whose incidence is rising. Greater understanding of pNET pathogenesis is needed to identify new biomarkers and targets for improved therapy. RABL6A, a novel oncogenic GTPase, is highly expressed in patient pNETs and required for pNET cell proliferation and survival in vitro. Here, we investigated the role of RABL6A in pNET progression in vivo using a well-established model of the disease. RIP-Tag2 (RT2) mice develop functional pNETs (insulinomas) due to SV40 large T-antigen expression in pancreatic islet β cells. RABL6A loss in RT2 mice significantly delayed pancreatic tumor formation, reduced tumor angiogenesis and mitoses, and extended survival. Those effects correlated with upregulation of anti-angiogenic p19ARF and downregulation of proangiogenic c-Myc in RABL6A-deficient islets and tumors. Our findings demonstrate that RABL6A is a bona fide oncogenic driver of pNET angiogenesis and development in vivo.
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26
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Kaemmer CA, Umesalma S, Maharjan CK, Moose DL, Narla G, Mott SL, Zamba GKD, Breheny P, Darbro BW, Bellizzi AM, Henry MD, Quelle DE. Development and comparison of novel bioluminescent mouse models of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm metastasis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10252. [PMID: 33986468 PMCID: PMC8119958 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89866-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs) are slow growing cancers of increasing incidence that lack effective treatments once they become metastatic. Unfortunately, nearly half of pNEN patients present with metastatic liver tumors at diagnosis and current therapies fail to improve overall survival. Pre-clinical models of pNEN metastasis are needed to advance our understanding of the mechanisms driving the metastatic process and for the development of novel, targeted therapeutic interventions. To model metastatic dissemination of tumor cells, human pNEN cell lines (BON1 and Qgp1) stably expressing firefly luciferase (luc) were generated and introduced into NSG immunodeficient mice by intracardiac (IC) or intravenous (IV) injection. The efficiency, kinetics and distribution of tumor growth was evaluated weekly by non-invasive bioluminescent imaging (BLI). Tumors formed in all animals in both the IC and IV models. Bioluminescent Qgp1.luc cells preferentially metastasized to the liver regardless of delivery route, mimicking the predominant site of pNEN metastasis in patients. By comparison, BON1.luc cells most commonly formed lung tumors following either IV or IC administration and colonized a wider variety of tissues than Qgp1.luc cells. These models provide a unique platform for testing candidate metastasis genes and anti-metastatic therapies for pNENs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A Kaemmer
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, 2-570 Bowen Science Building, 51 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Shaikamjad Umesalma
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, 2-570 Bowen Science Building, 51 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Chandra K Maharjan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, 2-570 Bowen Science Building, 51 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Devon L Moose
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Goutham Narla
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sarah L Mott
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Gideon K D Zamba
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Patrick Breheny
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Benjamin W Darbro
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Andrew M Bellizzi
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Michael D Henry
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Urology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Dawn E Quelle
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, 2-570 Bowen Science Building, 51 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA. .,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. .,Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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27
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Simbolo M, Bilotta M, Mafficini A, Luchini C, Furlan D, Inzani F, Petrone G, Bonvissuto D, La Rosa S, Schinzari G, Bianchi A, Rossi E, Menghi R, Giuliante F, Boccia S, Scarpa A, Rindi G. Gene Expression Profiling of Pancreas Neuroendocrine Tumors with Different Ki67-Based Grades. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092054. [PMID: 33922803 PMCID: PMC8122987 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Ki67-based grading is a major prognostic parameter for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Gene expression profiles of these tumors have been explored, yet their relationship with Ki67-based tumor grade has only been superficially investigated. To fill this gap, we analyzed differentially expressed genes across 29 cases of different grades. Our data provided the first proof that the switch from lower to higher grades is associated with a profound change in the transcriptome. The comparison of multiple samples from the same patients, including primaries and metastasis, showed that the major determinant of difference was tumor grade, irrespective of the anatomic location or patient of origin. These data call for further investigation of this association and of the role of Ki67 in affecting chromosomal stability in neuroendocrine tumors of different grades, which may clarify the basis of tumor progression and provide clues on how to interfere with it. Abstract Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) display variable aggressive behavior. A major predictor of survival is tumor grade based on the Ki67 proliferation index. As information on transcriptomic profiles of PanNETs with different tumor grades is limited, we investigated 29 PanNETs (17 G1, 7 G2, 5 G3) for their expression profiles, mutations in 16 PanNET relevant genes and LINE-1 DNA methylation profiles. A total of 3050 genes were differentially expressed between tumors with different grades (p < 0.05): 1279 in G3 vs. G2; 2757 in G3 vs. G1; and 203 in G2 vs. G1. Mutational analysis showed 57 alterations in 11 genes, the most frequent being MEN1 (18/29), DAXX (7/29), ATRX (6/29) and MUTYH (5/29). The presence and type of mutations did not correlate with the specific expression profiles associated with different grades. LINE-1 showed significantly lower methylation in G2/G3 versus G1 tumors (p = 0.007). The expression profiles of matched primaries and metastasis (nodal, hepatic and colorectal wall) of three cases confirmed the role of Ki67 in defining specific expression profiles, which clustered according to tumor grades, independently from anatomic location or patient of origin. Such data call for future exploration of the role of Ki67 in tumor progression, given its involvement in chromosomal stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Simbolo
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.S.); (A.M.); (C.L.)
- ENETS Center of Excellence of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Mirna Bilotta
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00100 Roma, Italy; (M.B.); (G.R.)
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00100 Roma, Italy; (F.I.); (G.P.); (A.B.); (R.M.); (F.G.)
- ENETS Center of Excellence of Roma, 00100 Roma, Italy;
| | - Andrea Mafficini
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.S.); (A.M.); (C.L.)
- ENETS Center of Excellence of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
- ARC-NET Applied Research on Cancer Centre, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Claudio Luchini
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.S.); (A.M.); (C.L.)
- ENETS Center of Excellence of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Daniela Furlan
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; (D.F.); (S.L.R.)
| | - Frediano Inzani
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00100 Roma, Italy; (F.I.); (G.P.); (A.B.); (R.M.); (F.G.)
- ENETS Center of Excellence of Roma, 00100 Roma, Italy;
| | - Gianluigi Petrone
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00100 Roma, Italy; (F.I.); (G.P.); (A.B.); (R.M.); (F.G.)
- ENETS Center of Excellence of Roma, 00100 Roma, Italy;
| | - Davide Bonvissuto
- Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Neurosciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00100 Roma, Italy;
| | - Stefano La Rosa
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; (D.F.); (S.L.R.)
- Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1001 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Schinzari
- ENETS Center of Excellence of Roma, 00100 Roma, Italy;
- Department of Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00100 Roma, Italy;
| | - Antonio Bianchi
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00100 Roma, Italy; (F.I.); (G.P.); (A.B.); (R.M.); (F.G.)
- Pituitary Unit, Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00100 Roma, Italy
| | - Ernesto Rossi
- Department of Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00100 Roma, Italy;
| | - Roberta Menghi
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00100 Roma, Italy; (F.I.); (G.P.); (A.B.); (R.M.); (F.G.)
- Digestive Surgery Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00100 Roma, Italy
| | - Felice Giuliante
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00100 Roma, Italy; (F.I.); (G.P.); (A.B.); (R.M.); (F.G.)
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00100 Roma, Italy
| | - Stefania Boccia
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00100 Roma, Italy;
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.S.); (A.M.); (C.L.)
- ENETS Center of Excellence of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
- ARC-NET Applied Research on Cancer Centre, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Guido Rindi
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00100 Roma, Italy; (M.B.); (G.R.)
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00100 Roma, Italy; (F.I.); (G.P.); (A.B.); (R.M.); (F.G.)
- ENETS Center of Excellence of Roma, 00100 Roma, Italy;
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Wang F, Xu X, Ye Z, Qin Y, Yu X, Ji S. Prognostic Significance of Altered ATRX/DAXX Gene in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Meta-Analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:691557. [PMID: 34220718 PMCID: PMC8253224 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.691557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with increasing incidence and unpredictable behavior. Whole-exome sequencing recently has shown very frequent somatic mutations in the alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation X-linked (ATRX) and death domain-associated protein (DAXX) genes in PanNETs. And the prognostic significance of altered ATRX/DAXX genes in PanNETs patients have been revealed in several reports. However, many of these include small sample size and hold controversial opinions. To increase statistical power, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine a pooled conclusion. We examined the impact of altered ATRX/DAXX genes mainly on overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) in PanNETs. METHODS Eligible studies were identified and quality was assessed using multiple search strategies (last search May 2021). Data were collected from studies about prognostic significance of altered ATRX/DAXX in PanNETs. Studies were pooled, and combined hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate strength of the associations. RESULTS Fourteen studies involving 2313 patients treated for PanNETs were included. After evaluating for publication bias, disease-free survival and relapse-free survival was significantly shortened in patients with altered ATRX/DAXX gene, with combined HR 5.05 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.58-16.20, P = 0.01) and 3.21 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44-7.16, P < 0.01) respectively. However, the combined data showed there were no difference between patients with altered ATRX/DAXX gene or not in overall survival, with a combined HR 0.71 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.44-1.15, P = 0.23). We also performed a subgroup analysis with metastatic patients in overall survival, showing a combined HR 0.22 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.11-0.48, P = 0.96). The small number of studies and paucity of multivariate analyses are the limitations of our study. CONCLUSIONS This is the first rigorous pooled analysis assessing ATRX/DAXX mutation as prognostic biomarkers in PanNETs. Patients with altered ATRX/DAXX gene would have poor DFS according to the combined data. And altered ATRX/DAXX genes in metastatic patients showed a trend towards improved overall survival, although the difference did not reach statistical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowu Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeng Ye
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Qin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xianjun Yu, ; Shunrong Ji,
| | - Shunrong Ji
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xianjun Yu, ; Shunrong Ji,
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Gagliano T, Brancolini C. Targeting histone deacetylases for combination therapies in neuroendocrine tumors. Cancer Gene Ther 2020; 28:547-550. [PMID: 33221822 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-020-00260-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Gagliano
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe, 4, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Claudio Brancolini
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe, 4, 33100, Udine, Italy
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30
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Zhang C, Jin J, Xie J, Ye L, Su T, Jiang L, Zhou W, Jiang Y, Wu L, Wang T, Zhong X, Ning G, Shen B, Wang W. The Clinical Features and Molecular Mechanisms of ACTH-secreting Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5891690. [PMID: 32785672 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) causing ectopic adrenal corticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome (EAS) are rare and aggressive with little known information. We aimed to elucidate the clinical features and molecular mechanisms of pNETs with EAS by methylation analysis. METHODS Seven patients with ectopic ACTH-secreting pNETs who were diagnosed at Shanghai Clinical Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Center and Pancreatic Disease Center in Ruijin Hospital between 2001 and 2019 were enrolled. Twenty patients with ectopic ACTH-secreting thymic neuroendocrine tumors (TNETs) and 7 with nonfunctional pNETs (nf-pNETs) were also enrolled as controls. We collected clinical data and measured POMC promoter CpG methylation. RESULTS All 7 patients had elevated ACTH and urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels with positive ACTH staining in the pancreas and were diagnosed with ectopic ACTH-secreting pNET. Of the 7 patients, 6 underwent surgery and 1 underwent transarterial embolization (TAE). Two patients were free of disease after surgery; 2 died within 90 days after surgery; and 3 had metastases and died within 1 year. Compared with ACTH-secreting TNETs, ACTH-secreting pNETs had similar clinical and biochemical features but a significantly poorer prognosis. POMC promoter CpG methylation was significantly lower in ACTH-secreting pNETs than in nf-pNETs and normal pancreas. CONCLUSIONS ACTH-secreting pNETs are aggressive and fatal. Surgery is definitively curative for patients with resectable primary tumors without metastasis. Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) promoter hypomethylation caused pNETs to produce ACTH. This study further supplements the genetic features of ACTH-secreting NETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of Chinese Health Ministry, Ruijin Hospital, Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiabin Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes (Shanghai), Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Xie
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Ye
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of Chinese Health Ministry, Ruijin Hospital, Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingwei Su
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of Chinese Health Ministry, Ruijin Hospital, Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of Chinese Health Ministry, Ruijin Hospital, Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of Chinese Health Ministry, Ruijin Hospital, Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiran Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of Chinese Health Ministry, Ruijin Hospital, Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Luming Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of Chinese Health Ministry, Ruijin Hospital, Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Zhong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of Chinese Health Ministry, Ruijin Hospital, Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Ning
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of Chinese Health Ministry, Ruijin Hospital, Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Baiyong Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes (Shanghai), Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiqing Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of Chinese Health Ministry, Ruijin Hospital, Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Tran CG, Scott AT, Li G, Sherman SK, Ear PH, Howe JR. Metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors have decreased somatostatin expression and increased Akt signaling. Surgery 2020; 169:155-161. [PMID: 32611516 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2020.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors often present with metastases, which reduce survival. Molecular features associated with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor tumorigenesis have been reported, but mechanisms of metastasis remain incompletely understood. METHODS RNA sequencing was performed on primary and metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors from 43 patients. Differentially expressed genes were identified, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction used to confirm expression differences. BON cells were transfected with short interfering RNAs and short hairpin RNAs to create knockdowns. Expression changes were confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, cell viability assessed, and protein levels evaluated by Western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Nodal and hepatic metastases had decreased expression of somatostatin compared with primary tumors (P = .003). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction in a validation cohort confirmed 5.3-fold lower somatostatin expression in hepatic metastases (P = .043) with no difference in somatostatin receptor, synaptophysin, or chromogranin A expression. Somatostatin knockdown in BON cells increased cell metabolic activity, viability, and growth. Somatostatin-knockdown cells had significantly higher levels of phosphorylated Akt protein and higher mTOR compared with controls. CONCLUSION Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor metastases have lower expression of somatostatin than primary tumors, and somatostatin knockdown increased growth in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor cell lines. This was associated with increased activation of Akt, identifying this pathway as a potential mechanism by which loss of somatostatin expression promotes the metastatic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine G Tran
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
| | - Aaron T Scott
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
| | - Guiying Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
| | - Scott K Sherman
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
| | - Po Hien Ear
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
| | - James R Howe
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA.
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32
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Chatani PD, Agarwal SK, Sadowski SM. Molecular Signatures and Their Clinical Utility in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:575620. [PMID: 33537001 PMCID: PMC7848028 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.575620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are classified based on their histologic differentiation and proliferative indices, which have been used extensively to determine prognosis. Advances in next-generation sequencing and other high-throughput techniques have allowed researchers to objectively explore tumor specimens and learn about the genetic alterations associated with malignant transformation in PNETs. As a result, targeted, pathway-specific therapies have been emerging for the treatment of unresectable and metastatic disease. As we continue to trial various pharmaceutical products, evidence from studies using multi-omics approaches indicates that clinical aggressiveness stratifies along other genotypic and phenotypic demarcations, as well. In this review, we explore the clinically relevant and potentially targetable molecular signatures of PNETs, their associated trials, and the overall differences in reported prognoses and responses to existing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Dilip Chatani
- Endocrine Surgery Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sunita Kishore Agarwal
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Samira Mercedes Sadowski
- Endocrine Surgery Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Samira Mercedes Sadowski,
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