1
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Apfelbaum AA, Wrenn ED, Lawlor ER. The importance of fusion protein activity in Ewing sarcoma and the cell intrinsic and extrinsic factors that regulate it: A review. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1044707. [PMID: 36505823 PMCID: PMC9727305 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1044707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence shows that despite clonal origins tumors eventually become complex communities comprised of phenotypically distinct cell subpopulations. This heterogeneity arises from both tumor cell intrinsic programs and signals from spatially and temporally dynamic microenvironments. While pediatric cancers usually lack the mutational burden of adult cancers, they still exhibit high levels of cellular heterogeneity that are largely mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Ewing sarcomas are aggressive bone and soft tissue malignancies with peak incidence in adolescence and the prognosis for patients with relapsed and metastatic disease is dismal. Ewing sarcomas are driven by a single pathognomonic fusion between a FET protein and an ETS family transcription factor, the most common of which is EWS::FLI1. Despite sharing a single driver mutation, Ewing sarcoma cells demonstrate a high degree of transcriptional heterogeneity both between and within tumors. Recent studies have identified differential fusion protein activity as a key source of this heterogeneity which leads to profoundly different cellular phenotypes. Paradoxically, increased invasive and metastatic potential is associated with lower EWS::FLI1 activity. Here, we review what is currently understood about EWS::FLI1 activity, the cell autonomous and tumor microenvironmental factors that regulate it, and the downstream consequences of these activity states on tumor progression. We specifically highlight how transcription factor regulation, signaling pathway modulation, and the extracellular matrix intersect to create a complex network of tumor cell phenotypes. We propose that elucidation of the mechanisms by which these essential elements interact will enable the development of novel therapeutic approaches that are designed to target this complexity and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
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2
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Daley JD, Olson AC, Bailey KM. Harnessing immunomodulation during DNA damage in Ewing sarcoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1048705. [PMID: 36483025 PMCID: PMC9722957 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1048705] [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: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a fusion-oncoprotein-driven primary bone tumor most commonly diagnosed in adolescents. Given the continued poor outcomes for patients with metastatic and relapsed Ewing sarcoma, testing innovative therapeutic approaches is essential. Ewing sarcoma has been categorized as a 'BRCAness' tumor with emerging data characterizing a spectrum of DNA damage repair defects within individual Ewing tumors, including the presence of EWSR1::FLI1 itself, recurrent somatic mutations, and rare germline-based defects. It is critical to understand the cumulative impact of various DNA damage repair defects on an individual Ewing tumor's response to therapy. Further, in addition to DNA-damage-directed therapies, subsets of Ewing tumors may be more susceptible to DNA-damage/immunotherapy combinations given the significant cross-talk between DNA damage and inflammatory pathways in the tumor microenvironment. Here we review potential approaches utilizing DNA-damaging agents as modulators of the Ewing tumor immune microenvironment, with a focus on radiation and opportunities during disease metastasis and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D. Daley
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Adam C. Olson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kelly M. Bailey
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States,*Correspondence: Kelly M. Bailey,
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3
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Construction of a prognostic signature in Ewing's sarcoma: Based on metabolism-related genes. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101225. [PMID: 34555728 PMCID: PMC8461378 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE By combining the expression profiles of metabolism-related genes (MRGS) with clinical information, the expression quantities of MRGS and the influence on development and prognosis were systematically analyzed, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical study on the prognosis of Ewing's sarcoma. METHODS MRGs expression profiles of 64 patients with Ewing's sarcoma were obtained from GEO dataset. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify metabolization-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related with prognosis in Ewing's sarcoma patients. Then, multivariate Cox analysis was used to calculate novel prognostic markers based on metabolism-related DEGs. Besides, We validate the model using ICGC datasets. Finally, the new prognostic index was verified on the basis of the prognostic models. RESULTS Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified 74 metabolization-related DEGs, 25 of which were associated with Ewing's sarcoma patients' overall survival. Subsequently, we used 25 DEGs to construct metabolism-related prognostic signature for patients with Ewing's sarcoma. Based on the 18 DEGs regression coefficient, we propose the formula of each patient's risk score, and then divided the patients into high-risk group and low-risk group. The results indicated that the survival rate and survival time were higher in the low-risk group and lower in the high-risk group. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that risk score index was an independent prognostic factor for Ewing's sarcoma. CONCLUSION The experimental results suggest that the 18 metabolism-related DEGs marker may be effective in predicting the prognosis of Ewing's sarcoma to some extent, helping to individualize treatment of patients at different risks.
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4
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Wang X, Dai C, Yin Y, Wu L, Jin W, Fu Y, Chen Z, Hao K, Lu B. Blocking the JAK2/STAT3 and ERK pathways suppresses the proliferation of gastrointestinal cancers by inducing apoptosis. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2021; 22:492-503. [PMID: 34128372 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2000842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulated crosstalk between different signaling pathways contributes to tumor development, including resistance to cancer therapy. In the present study, we found that the mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitor trametinib failed to suppress the proliferation of PANC-1 and MGC803 cells by activating the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway, while the JAK2 inhibitor fedratinib failed to inhibit the growth of the PANC-1 cells upon stimulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. In particular, the most prominent enhancement of the anti-proliferative effect resulted from the concurrent blockage of the JAK2/STAT3 and ERK signaling pathways. Furthermore, the combination of the two inhibitors resulted in a reduced tumor burden in mice. Our evidence suggests novel crosstalk between JAK2/STAT3 and ERK signaling in gastric cancer (GC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells and provides a therapeutic strategy to overcome potential resistance in gastrointestinal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Chunyan Dai
- Key Laboratory of Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yifei Yin
- Key Laboratory of Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Lin Wu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Weiyang Jin
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Yufei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Key Laboratory of Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Ke Hao
- Research Center of Blood Transfusion Medicine, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Blood Transfusion, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Bin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China
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5
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Sürmen MG, Sürmen S, Ali A, Musharraf SG, Emekli N. Phosphoproteomic strategies in cancer research: a minireview. Analyst 2020; 145:7125-7149. [PMID: 32996481 DOI: 10.1039/d0an00915f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the cellular processes is central to comprehend disease conditions and is also true for cancer research. Proteomic studies provide significant insight into cancer mechanisms and aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. Phosphoproteome is one of the most studied complements of the whole proteome given its importance in the understanding of cellular processes such as signaling and regulations. Over the last decade, several new methods have been developed for phosphoproteome analysis. A significant amount of these efforts pertains to cancer research. The current use of powerful analytical instruments in phosphoproteomic approaches has paved the way for deeper and sensitive investigations. However, these methods and techniques need further improvements to deal with challenges posed by the complexity of samples and scarcity of phosphoproteins in the whole proteome, throughput and reproducibility. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the variety of steps used in phosphoproteomic methods applied in cancer research including the enrichment and fractionation strategies. This will allow researchers to evaluate and choose a better combination of steps for their phosphoproteome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Gani Sürmen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Saime Sürmen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Arslan Ali
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Syed Ghulam Musharraf
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Nesrin Emekli
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Abstract
The term "adipose tissue" represents a multicellular and multifunctional organ involved in lipid storage, in hormone and temperature regulation, and in the protection of bones and vital organs from impact-based damage. Emerging evidence now suggests a more malignant role of adipose tissue in promoting cancer onset and progression via the release of secreted factors such as interleukin-6 (IL6) and extracellular vesicles (EVs). These adipose-source factors subsequently affect various aspects of tumorigenesis and/or cancer progression by either directly enhancing the tumor cell oncogenic phenotype or indirectly by the stimulating adjacent normal cells to adopt a more pro-cancer phenotype. Due to the recent growing interest in the role of IL6 and EVs released by adipose tissue in cancer promotion and progression, we are focusing on the protumorigenic impact of fat tissue via IL6 and EV secretion.
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7
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Kondo T. Current Status of Proteomics in Ewing's Sarcoma. Proteomics Clin Appl 2018; 13:e1700130. [PMID: 29992772 DOI: 10.1002/prca.201700130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Ewing's sarcoma is an extremely rare mesenchymal malignancy of the bone, which predominantly occurs in children and young adolescents. Ewing's sarcoma is characterized by chromosomal translocations resulting in the formation of chimeric fusions between the EWS gene and transcription factors of the ETS family, such as EWS-FLI-1. The clinical outcome of Ewing's sarcoma remains poor, and novel therapeutic approaches are required. Proteomic analyses have been applied to identify the functions of the fusion gene product, and a novel mechanism of EWS-FLI-1 turnover has been proposed. Furthermore, proteomics has revealed the regulation of IL-6 secretion by EWS-FLI-1, which may promote malignant behavior in tumor cells. In addition, proteomic approaches have been used to assess the effects of unique genes and drugs on Ewing's sarcoma and to determine specific biomarker candidates for the prediction of drug resistance and recurrence. By identifying the proteins relevant to the molecular backgrounds of clinical characters of Ewing's sarcoma, we can understand the biology of Ewing's sarcoma and develop clinical applications. Fundamental research systems such as tumor cell and tissue biobanks and databases are required to make effective use of the limited clinical materials and promote research into Ewing's sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Kondo
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 104-0045 Tokyo, Japan
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8
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Krook MA, Hawkins AG, Patel RM, Lucas DR, Van Noord R, Chugh R, Lawlor ER. A bivalent promoter contributes to stress-induced plasticity of CXCR4 in Ewing sarcoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:61775-61788. [PMID: 27528222 PMCID: PMC5308690 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity is a major impediment to cancer cures. Tumor cell heterogeneity can arise by irreversible genetic mutation, as well as by non-mutational mechanisms, which can be reversibly modulated by the tumor microenvironment and the epigenome. We recently reported that the chemokine receptor CXCR4 is induced in Ewing sarcoma cells in response to microenvironmental stress. In the current study, we investigated plasticity of CXCR4 expression in vivo and assessed whether CXCR4 impacts on tumor growth. Our studies showed that Ewing sarcoma cells convert between CXCR4 negative and CXCR4 positive states in vivo and that positive cells are most abundant adjacent to areas of necrosis. In addition, tumor volumes directly correlated with CXCR4 expression supporting a role for CXCR4 in growth promotion. Mechanistically, our results show that, in ambient conditions where CXCR4 expression is low, the CXCR4 promoter exists in a poised, bivalent state with simultaneous enrichment of both activating (H3K4me3) and repressive (H3K27me3) post-translational histone modifications. In contrast, when exposed to stress, CXCR4 negative cells lose the H3K27me3 mark. This loss of promoter bivalency is associated with CXCR4 upregulation. These studies demonstrate that stress-dependent plasticity of CXCR4 is, in part, mediated by epigenetic plasticity and a bivalent promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A Krook
- Translational Oncology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Allegra G Hawkins
- Translational Oncology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rajiv M Patel
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David R Lucas
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Raelene Van Noord
- Translational Oncology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rashmi Chugh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Lawlor
- Translational Oncology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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9
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Hernandez-Muñoz I, Figuerola E, Sanchez-Molina S, Rodriguez E, Fernández-Mariño AI, Pardo-Pastor C, Bahamonde MI, Fernández-Fernández JM, García-Domínguez DJ, Hontecillas-Prieto L, Lavarino C, Carcaboso AM, de Torres C, Tirado OM, de Alava E, Mora J. RING1B contributes to Ewing sarcoma development by repressing the NaV1.6 sodium channel and the NF-κB pathway, independently of the fusion oncoprotein. Oncotarget 2018; 7:46283-46300. [PMID: 27317769 PMCID: PMC5216798 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive tumor defined by EWSR1 gene fusions that behave as an oncogene. Here we demonstrate that RING1B is highly expressed in primary ES tumors, and its expression is independent of the fusion oncogene. RING1B-depleted ES cells display an expression profile enriched in genes functionally involved in hematological development but RING1B depletion does not induce cellular differentiation. In ES cells, RING1B directly binds the SCN8A sodium channel promoter and its depletion results in enhanced Nav1.6 expression and function. The signaling pathway most significantly modulated by RING1B is NF-κB. RING1B depletion results in enhanced p105/p50 expression, which sensitizes ES cells to apoptosis by FGFR/SHP2/STAT3 blockade. Reduced NaV1.6 function protects ES cells from apoptotic cell death by maintaining low NF-κB levels. Our findings identify RING1B as a trait of the cell-of-origin and provide a potential targetable vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisabeth Figuerola
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Sanchez-Molina
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Rodriguez
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Fernández-Mariño
- Laboratori de Fisiologia Molecular, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003-Barcelona, Spain.,Present Affiliation: Department of Neuroscience and Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison-53705, USA
| | - Carlos Pardo-Pastor
- Laboratori de Fisiologia Molecular, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003-Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Isabel Bahamonde
- Laboratori de Fisiologia Molecular, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003-Barcelona, Spain
| | - José M Fernández-Fernández
- Laboratori de Fisiologia Molecular, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel J García-Domínguez
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013-Seville, Spain
| | - Lourdes Hontecillas-Prieto
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013-Seville, Spain
| | - Cinzia Lavarino
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angel M Carcaboso
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen de Torres
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar M Tirado
- Sarcoma Research Group, Laboratori d'Oncología Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrique de Alava
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013-Seville, Spain
| | - Jaume Mora
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
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10
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Santoro M, Menegaz BA, Lamhamedi-Cherradi SE, Molina ER, Wu D, Priebe W, Ludwig JA, Mikos AG. Modeling Stroma-Induced Drug Resistance in a Tissue-Engineered Tumor Model of Ewing Sarcoma. Tissue Eng Part A 2017; 23:80-89. [PMID: 27923328 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2016.0369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) tumor models are gaining traction in the research community given their capacity to mimic aspects of the tumor microenvironment absent in monolayer systems. In particular, the ability to spatiotemporally control cell placement within ex vivo 3D systems has enabled the study of tumor-stroma interactions. Furthermore, by regulating biomechanical stimuli, one can reveal how biophysical cues affect stromal cell phenotype and how their phenotype impacts tumor drug sensitivity. Both tumor architecture and shear force have profound effects on Ewing sarcoma (ES) cell behavior and are known to elicit ligand-mediated activation of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), thereby mediating resistance of ES cells to IGF-1R inhibitors. Here, we demonstrate that these same biophysical cues-modeled by coculturing ES cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in 3D scaffolds within a flow perfusion bioreactor-activate interleukin-6 and transcription factor Stat3. Critically, an active Stat3 pathway drastically alters the equilibrium of IGF-1R-targeted ligands (IGF-1) and antagonists (IGFBP-3) secreted by MSCs. To elucidate how this might promote ES tumor growth under physiological shear-stress conditions, ES cells and MSCs were co-cultured by using a flow perfusion bioreactor at varying ratios that simulate a wide range of native MSC abundance. Our results indicate that ES cells and MSCs stimulate each other's growth. Co-targeting IGF-1R and Stat3 enhanced antineoplastic activity over monotherapy treatment. Although this discovery requires prospective clinical validation in patients, it reveals the power of employing a more physiological tissue-engineered 3D tumor model to elucidate how tumor cells co-opt stromal cells to acquire drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Santoro
- 1 Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University , Houston, Texas.,2 Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, Texas
| | - Brian A Menegaz
- 2 Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, Texas
| | | | - Eric R Molina
- 3 Department of Bioengineering, Rice University , Houston, Texas
| | - Danielle Wu
- 4 Department of BioSciences, Rice University , Houston, Texas
| | - Waldemar Priebe
- 5 Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, Texas
| | - Joseph A Ludwig
- 2 Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, Texas
| | - Antonios G Mikos
- 1 Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University , Houston, Texas.,3 Department of Bioengineering, Rice University , Houston, Texas
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11
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Bao X, Ren T, Huang Y, Ren C, Yang K, Zhang H, Guo W. Bortezomib induces apoptosis and suppresses cell growth and metastasis by inactivation of Stat3 signaling in chondrosarcoma. Int J Oncol 2016; 50:477-486. [PMID: 28000897 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Bortezomib, formerly known as PS341, is a novel proteasome inhibitor with in vitro and in vivo antineoplastic effects in many malignancies. However, diverse antitumor mechanisms of bortezomib have been identified in many investigations and preclinical studies. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which bortezomib acts will improve the therapeutic utility of this drug in different cancer types. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects of bortezomib on chondrosarcoma. Bortezomib selectively inhibited cell growth in chondrosarcoma cells but not in normal articular cartilage cells. In addition to growth inhibition, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, bortezomib triggered alleviation of migratory and invasive properties of chondrosarcoma cells. Mechanistically, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) and its downstream targets Bcl-2, cyclin D1 and c-Myc was inactivated by bortezomib treatment. Accordingly, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated Stat3 knockdown enhanced bortezomib-induced apoptosis, and concomitantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of bortezomib on cell viability, migration and invasion. Moreover, while Slug, MMP9, MMP2, CD44, N-cadherin and vimentin, the mesenchymal cell markers, were repressed by bortezomib concomitant increased expression of E-cadherin was observed. In vivo, bortezomib downregulated Stat3 activity and mesenchymal cell marker expression, induced apoptosis and inhibition of metastasis and tumor growth. Together, inactivation of Stat3 signaling contributes to bortezomib-induced inhibition of tumor growth, migration and invation on chondrosarcoma. Bortezomib demonstrates an antineoplastic role on chondrosarcoma both in vitro and in vivo. These beneficial effects can be explained by bortezomib-mediated Stat3 supression. The present study suggests a promising therapeutics target in chondrosarcoma and probably in other kinds of metastatic malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Bao
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Ren
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
| | - Yi Huang
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
| | - Chongmin Ren
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
| | - Kang Yang
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
| | - Hongliang Zhang
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
| | - Wei Guo
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
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12
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Bailey KM, Airik M, Krook MA, Pedersen EA, Lawlor ER. Micro-Environmental Stress Induces Src-Dependent Activation of Invadopodia and Cell Migration in Ewing Sarcoma. Neoplasia 2016; 18:480-8. [PMID: 27566104 PMCID: PMC5018098 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic Ewing sarcoma has a very poor prognosis and therefore new investigations into the biologic drivers of metastatic progression are key to finding new therapeutic approaches. The tumor microenvironment is highly dynamic, leading to exposure of different regions of a growing solid tumor to changes in oxygen and nutrient availability. Tumor cells must adapt to such stress in order to survive and propagate. In the current study, we investigate how Ewing sarcoma cells respond to the stress of growth factor deprivation and hypoxia. Our findings reveal that serum deprivation leads to a reversible change in Ewing cell cytoskeletal phenotypes. Using an array of migration and invasion techniques, including gelatin matrix degradation invadopodia assays, we show that exposure of Ewing sarcoma cells to serum deprivation and hypoxia triggers enhanced migration, invadopodia formation, matrix degradation and invasion. Further, these functional changes are accompanied by and dependent on activation of Src kinase. Activation of Src, and the associated invasive cell phenotype, were blocked by exposing hypoxia and serum-deprived cells to the Src inhibitor dasatinib. These results indicate that Ewing sarcoma cells demonstrate significant plasticity in response to rapidly changing micro-environmental stresses that can result from rapid tumor growth and from necrosis-causing therapies. In response to these stresses, Ewing cells transition to a more migratory and invasive state and our data show that Src is an important mediator of this stress response. Our data support exploration of clinically available Src inhibitors as adjuvant agents for metastasis prevention in Ewing sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Bailey
- University of Michigan, Department of Pediatrics, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; University of Michigan, Department of Translational Oncology Program, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Merlin Airik
- University of Michigan, Department of Pediatrics, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; University of Michigan, Department of Translational Oncology Program, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Melanie A Krook
- University of Michigan, Department of Pediatrics, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; University of Michigan, Department of Translational Oncology Program, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Elisabeth A Pedersen
- University of Michigan, Department of Pathology, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; University of Michigan, Department of Translational Oncology Program, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Lawlor
- University of Michigan, Department of Pediatrics, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; University of Michigan, Department of Pathology, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; University of Michigan, Department of Translational Oncology Program, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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13
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Pencik J, Pham HTT, Schmoellerl J, Javaheri T, Schlederer M, Culig Z, Merkel O, Moriggl R, Grebien F, Kenner L. JAK-STAT signaling in cancer: From cytokines to non-coding genome. Cytokine 2016; 87:26-36. [PMID: 27349799 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the past decades, studies of the Janus kinases (JAKs) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) signaling have uncovered highly conserved programs linking cytokine signaling to the regulation of essential cellular mechanisms such as proliferation, invasion, survival, inflammation and immunity. Inhibitors of the JAK/STAT pathway are used for treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. Aberrant JAK/STAT signaling has been identified to contribute to cancer progression and metastatic development. Targeting of JAK/STAT pathway is currently one of the most promising therapeutic strategies in prostate cancer (PCa), hematopoietic malignancies and sarcomas. Notably, newly identified regulators of JAK/STAT signaling, the non-coding RNAs transcripts and their role as important targets and potential clinical biomarkers are highlighted in this review. In addition to the established role of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in traditional cytokine signaling the non-coding RNAs add yet another layer of hidden regulation and function. Understanding the crosstalk of non-coding RNA with JAK/STAT signaling in cancer is of critical importance and may result in better patient stratification not only in terms of prognosis but also in the context of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Pencik
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Ha Thi Thanh Pham
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Schmoellerl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tahereh Javaheri
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michaela Schlederer
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Department for Pathology of Laboratory Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Zoran Culig
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Olaf Merkel
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Moriggl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Grebien
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Department for Pathology of Laboratory Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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14
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Mutz CN, Schwentner R, Kauer MO, Katschnig AM, Kromp F, Aryee DNT, Erhardt S, Goiny M, Alonso J, Fuchs D, Kovar H. EWS-FLI1 impairs aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation by blocking tryptophan breakdown via the kynurenine pathway. FEBS Lett 2016; 590:2063-75. [PMID: 27282934 PMCID: PMC4988508 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive pediatric tumor driven by the fusion protein EWS-FLI1. We report that EWS-FLI1 suppresses TDO2-mediated tryptophan (TRP) breakdown in ES cells. Gene expression and metabolite analyses reveal an EWS-FLI1-dependent regulation of TRP metabolism. TRP consumption increased in the absence of EWS-FLI1, resulting in kynurenine and kynurenic acid accumulation, both aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) ligands. Activated AHR binds to the promoter region of target genes. We demonstrate that EWS-FLI1 knockdown results in AHR nuclear translocation and activation. Our data suggest that EWS-FLI1 suppresses autocrine AHR signaling by inhibiting TDO2-catalyzed TRP breakdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia N Mutz
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Raphaela Schwentner
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian O Kauer
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna M Katschnig
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Kromp
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dave N T Aryee
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophie Erhardt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michel Goiny
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Javier Alonso
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras, ISCIII, Ctra, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dietmar Fuchs
- Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter Innsbruck Medical University, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Austria
| | - Heinrich Kovar
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Vienna, Austria
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15
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Noujaim J, Payne LS, Judson I, Jones RL, Huang PH. Phosphoproteomics in translational research: a sarcoma perspective. Ann Oncol 2016; 27:787-94. [PMID: 26802162 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Phosphoproteomics has been extensively used as a preclinical research tool to characterize the phosphorylated components of the cancer proteome. Advances in the field have yielded insights into new drug targets, mechanisms of disease progression and drug resistance, and biomarker discovery. However, application of this technology to clinical research has been challenging because of practical issues relating to specimen integrity and tumour heterogeneity. Beyond these limitations, phosphoproteomics has the potential to play a pivotal role in translational studies and contribute to advances in different tumour groups, including rare disease sites like sarcoma. In this review, we propose that deploying phosphoproteomic technologies in translational research may facilitate the identification of better defined predictive biomarkers for patient stratification, inform drug selection in umbrella trials and identify new combinations to overcome drug resistance. We provide an overview of current phosphoproteomic technologies, such as affinity-based assays and mass spectrometry-based approaches, and discuss their advantages and limitations. We use sarcoma as an example to illustrate the current challenges in evaluating targeted kinase therapies in clinical trials. We then highlight useful lessons from preclinical studies in sarcoma biology to demonstrate how phosphoproteomics may address some of these challenges. Finally, we conclude by offering a perspective and list the key measures required to translate and benchmark a largely preclinical technology into a useful tool for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Noujaim
- Sarcoma Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - L S Payne
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - I Judson
- Sarcoma Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK Division of Clinical Studies
| | - R L Jones
- Sarcoma Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK Division of Clinical Studies
| | - P H Huang
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
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16
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Anderson JL, Park A, Akiyama R, Tap WD, Denny CT, Federman N. Evaluation of In Vitro Activity of the Class I PI3K Inhibitor Buparlisib (BKM120) in Pediatric Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0133610. [PMID: 26402468 PMCID: PMC4581723 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric bone and soft tissue sarcomas often display increased Akt phosphorylation through up regulation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF1) signaling. Additionally, Akt signaling has been linked to resistance to IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitors in sarcoma, further demonstrating the role of Akt in tumor survival. This suggests targeting components of the PI3K/Akt pathway may be an effective therapeutic strategy. Here, we investigated the in vitro activity of the pan-class I PI3K inhibitor buparlisib (BKM120) in pediatric bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Buparlisib inhibited activation of Akt and signaling molecules downstream of mTORC1 (mTOR complex 1) in Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines. Anti-proliferative effects were observed in both anchorage dependent and independent conditions and apoptosis was induced within 24 hours of drug treatment. Buparlisib demonstrated cytotoxicity as a single agent, but was found to be more effective when used in combination. Synergy was observed when buparlisib was combined with the IGF1R inhibitor NVP-AEW541 and the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. The addition of NVP-AEW541 also further reduced phospho-Akt levels and more potently induced apoptosis compared to buparlisib treatment alone. Additionally, the combination of buparlisib with the MEK1/2 inhibitor trametinib resulted in synergy in sarcoma cell lines possessing MAPK pathway mutations. Taken together, these data indicate buparlisib could be a novel therapy for the treatment of pediatric bone and soft tissue sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Anderson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Gwynne Hazen Cherry Memorial Laboratories, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Ann Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Gwynne Hazen Cherry Memorial Laboratories, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Ryan Akiyama
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Gwynne Hazen Cherry Memorial Laboratories, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - William D. Tap
- Department of Medicine, Division of Solid Tumors, Sarcoma Medical Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Christopher T. Denny
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Gwynne Hazen Cherry Memorial Laboratories, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Noah Federman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Gwynne Hazen Cherry Memorial Laboratories, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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