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Kervarrec T, Appenzeller S, Gramlich S, Coyaud E, Bachiri K, Appay R, Macagno N, Tallet A, Bonenfant C, Lecorre Y, Kapfer J, Kettani S, Srinivas N, Lei KC, Lange A, Becker JC, Sarosi EM, Sartelet H, von Deimling A, Touzé A, Guyétant S, Samimi M, Schrama D, Houben R. Analyses of combined Merkel cell carcinomas with neuroblastic components suggests that loss of T antigen expression in Merkel cell carcinoma may result in cell cycle arrest and neuroblastic transdifferentiation. J Pathol 2024; 264:112-124. [PMID: 39049595 DOI: 10.1002/path.6304] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer frequently caused by genomic integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). MCPyV-negative cases often present as combined MCCs, which represent a distinctive subset of tumors characterized by association of an MCC with a second tumor component, mostly squamous cell carcinoma. Up to now, only exceptional cases of combined MCC with neuroblastic differentiation have been reported. Herein we describe two additional combined MCCs with neuroblastic differentiation and provide comprehensive morphologic, immunohistochemical, transcriptomic, genetic and epigenetic characterization of these tumors, which both arose in elderly men and appeared as an isolated inguinal adenopathy. Microscopic examination revealed biphasic tumors combining a poorly differentiated high-grade carcinoma with a poorly differentiated neuroblastic component lacking signs of proliferation. Immunohistochemical investigation revealed keratin 20 and MCPyV T antigen (TA) in the MCC parts, while neuroblastic differentiation was confirmed in the other component in both cases. A clonal relation of the two components can be deduced from 20 and 14 shared acquired point mutations detected by whole exome analysis in both combined tumors, respectively. Spatial transcriptomics demonstrated a lower expression of stem cell marker genes such as SOX2 and MCM2 in the neuroblastic component. Interestingly, although the neuroblastic part lacked TA expression, the same genomic MCPyV integration and the same large T-truncating mutations were observed in both tumor parts. Given that neuronal transdifferentiation upon TA repression has been reported for MCC cell lines, the most likely scenario for the two combined MCC/neuroblastic tumors is that neuroblastic transdifferentiation resulted from loss of TA expression in a subset of MCC cells. Indeed, DNA methylation profiling suggests an MCC-typical cellular origin for the combined MCC/neuroblastomas. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/pathology
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/virology
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/metabolism
- Male
- Skin Neoplasms/pathology
- Skin Neoplasms/genetics
- Skin Neoplasms/virology
- Skin Neoplasms/metabolism
- Antigens, Viral, Tumor/genetics
- Antigens, Viral, Tumor/metabolism
- Cell Transdifferentiation
- Merkel cell polyomavirus/genetics
- Cell Cycle Checkpoints/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Aged, 80 and over
- Aged
- Neoplasms, Complex and Mixed/pathology
- Neoplasms, Complex and Mixed/genetics
- Neoplasms, Complex and Mixed/metabolism
- Neuroblastoma/pathology
- Neuroblastoma/genetics
- Neuroblastoma/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Kervarrec
- Department of Pathology, Université de Tours, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
- "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" team, UMR INRAE ISP 1282, Université de Tours, Tours, France
- CARADERM Network
| | - Silke Appenzeller
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Gramlich
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Kamel Bachiri
- PRISM INSERM U1192, Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Romain Appay
- Department of Pathology, Université de Marseille, Assistance publique des Hopitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Macagno
- CARADERM Network
- Department of Pathology, Université de Marseille, Assistance publique des Hopitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Anne Tallet
- Platform of Somatic Tumor Molecular Genetics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Christine Bonenfant
- Platform of Somatic Tumor Molecular Genetics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Yannick Lecorre
- Dermatology Department, LUNAM Université, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | | | | | - Nalini Srinivas
- Department of Translational Skin Cancer Research and Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kuan Cheok Lei
- Department of Translational Skin Cancer Research and Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja Lange
- Bioinformatics & Computational Biophysics, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jürgen C Becker
- Department of Translational Skin Cancer Research and Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva Maria Sarosi
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hervé Sartelet
- Laboratoire de Biopathologie, CHRU de Nancy, Nancy, France
- INSERM U1256, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Andreas von Deimling
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Antoine Touzé
- "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" team, UMR INRAE ISP 1282, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Serge Guyétant
- Department of Pathology, Université de Tours, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
- "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" team, UMR INRAE ISP 1282, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mahtab Samimi
- "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" team, UMR INRAE ISP 1282, Université de Tours, Tours, France
- CARADERM Network
- Department of Dermatology, Université de Tours, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Pedersen EA, Verhaegen ME, Joseph MK, Harms KL, Harms PW. Merkel cell carcinoma: updates in tumor biology, emerging therapies, and preclinical models. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1413793. [PMID: 39136002 PMCID: PMC11317257 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1413793] [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: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma thought to arise via either viral (Merkel cell polyomavirus) or ultraviolet-associated pathways. Surgery and radiotherapy have historically been mainstays of management, and immunotherapy has improved outcomes for advanced disease. However, there remains a lack of effective therapy for those patients who fail to respond to these established approaches, underscoring a critical need to better understand MCC biology for more effective prognosis and treatment. Here, we review the fundamental aspects of MCC biology and the recent advances which have had profound impact on management. The first genetically-engineered mouse models for MCC tumorigenesis provide opportunities to understand the potential MCC cell of origin and may prove useful for preclinical investigation of novel therapeutics. The MCC cell of origin debate has also been advanced by recent observations of MCC arising in association with a clonally related hair follicle tumor or squamous cell carcinoma in situ. These studies also suggested a role for epigenetics in the origin of MCC, highlighting a potential utility for this therapeutic avenue in MCC. These and other therapeutic targets form the basis for a wealth of ongoing clinical trials to improve MCC management. Here, we review these recent advances in the context of the existing literature and implications for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mallory K. Joseph
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kelly L. Harms
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Paul W. Harms
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Torre-Castro J, Rodríguez M, Alonso-Alonso R, Mendoza Cembranos MD, Díaz-Alejo JF, Rebollo-González M, Borregón J, Nájera Botello L, Mahillo-Fernández I, Samimi M, Kervarrec T, Requena L, Piris MÁ. LT and SOX9 expression are associated with gene sets that distinguish Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)-positive and MCPyV-negative Merkel cell carcinoma. Br J Dermatol 2024; 190:876-884. [PMID: 38261397 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljae033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive malignant neuroendocrine tumour. There are two subsets of MCC, one related to Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and the other to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). MCPyV-positive and MCPyV-negative MCCs have been considered to be different tumours, as the former harbour few DNA mutations and are not related to UVR, and the latter usually arise in sun-exposed areas and may be found in conjunction with other keratinocytic tumours, mostly squamous cell carcinomas. Two viral oncoproteins, large T antigen (LT; coded by MCPyV_gp3) and small T antigen (sT; coded by MCPyV_gp4), promote different carcinogenic pathways. OBJECTIVES To determine which genes are differentially expressed in MCPyV-positive and MCPyV-negative MCC; to describe the mutational burden and the most frequently mutated genes in both MCC subtypes; and to identify the clinical and molecular factors that may be related to patient survival. METHODS Ninety-two patients with a diagnosis of MCC were identified from the medical databases of participating centres. To study gene expression, a customized panel of 172 genes was developed. Gene expression profiling was performed with nCounter technology. For mutational studies, a customized panel of 26 genes was designed. Somatic single nucleotide variants (SNVs) were identified following the GATK Best Practices workflow for somatic mutations. RESULTS The expression of LT enabled the series to be divided into two groups (LT positive, n = 55; LT negative, n = 37). Genes differentially expressed in LT-negative patients were related to epithelial differentiation, especially SOX9, or proliferation and the cell cycle (MYC, CDK6), among others. Congruently, LT displayed lower expression in SOX9-positive patients, and differentially expressed genes in SOX9-positive patients were related to epithelial/squamous differentiation. In LT-positive patients, the mean SNV frequency was 4.3; in LT-negative patients it was 10 (P = 0.03). On multivariate survival analysis, the expression of SNAI1 [hazard ratio (HR) 1.046, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.007-1.086; P = 0.02] and CDK6 (HR 1.049, 95% CI 1.020-1.080; P = 0.001) were identified as risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Tumours with weak LT expression tend to co-express genes related to squamous differentiation and the cell cycle, and to have a higher mutational burden. These findings are congruent with those of earlier studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Rodríguez
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network on Cancer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ruth Alonso-Alonso
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network on Cancer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jesús Frutos Díaz-Alejo
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos Rebollo-González
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jennifer Borregón
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Nájera Botello
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Mahillo-Fernández
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Miguel Ángel Piris
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
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Gambichler T, Schrama D, Käpynen R, Weyer-Fahlbusch SS, Becker JC, Susok L, Kreppel F, Abu Rached N. Current Progress in Vaccines against Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Narrative Review and Update. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:533. [PMID: 38793784 PMCID: PMC11125734 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050533] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that mainly occurs in elderly and immunocompromised patients. Due to the success of immune checkpoint inhibition in MCC, the importance of immunotherapy and vaccines in MCC has increased in recent years. In this article, we aim to present the current progress and perspectives in the development of vaccines for this disease. Here, we summarize and discuss the current literature and ongoing clinical trials investigating vaccines against MCC. We identified 10 articles through a PubMed search investigating a vaccine against MCC. From the international clinical trial database Clinical.Trials.gov, we identified nine studies on vaccines for the management of MCC, of which seven are actively recruiting. Most of the identified studies investigating a vaccine against MCC are preclinical or phase 1/2 trials. The vaccine principles mainly included DNA- and (synthetic) peptide-based vaccines, but RNA-based vaccines, oncolytic viruses, and the combination of vaccines and immunotherapy are also under investigation for the treatment of MCC. Although the management of MCC is changing, when compared to times before the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors, it will still take some time before the first MCC vaccine is ready for approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Gambichler
- Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (R.K.); (N.A.R.)
- Department of Dermatology, Dortmund Hospital gGmbH and Faculty of Health, Witten-Herdecke University, 44122 Dortmund, Germany; (S.S.W.-F.); (L.S.)
- Department of Dermatology and Phlebology, Christian Hospital Unna, 59423 Unna, Germany
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Riina Käpynen
- Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (R.K.); (N.A.R.)
| | - Sera S. Weyer-Fahlbusch
- Department of Dermatology, Dortmund Hospital gGmbH and Faculty of Health, Witten-Herdecke University, 44122 Dortmund, Germany; (S.S.W.-F.); (L.S.)
| | - Jürgen C. Becker
- Translational Skin Cancer Research, DKTK Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, West German Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany;
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura Susok
- Department of Dermatology, Dortmund Hospital gGmbH and Faculty of Health, Witten-Herdecke University, 44122 Dortmund, Germany; (S.S.W.-F.); (L.S.)
| | - Florian Kreppel
- Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany;
| | - Nessr Abu Rached
- Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (R.K.); (N.A.R.)
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5
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Nathans JF, Ayers JL, Shendure J, Simpson CL. Genetic Tools for Cell Lineage Tracing and Profiling Developmental Trajectories in the Skin. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:936-949. [PMID: 38643988 PMCID: PMC11034889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The epidermis is the body's first line of protection against dehydration and pathogens, continually regenerating the outermost protective skin layers throughout life. During both embryonic development and wound healing, epidermal stem and progenitor cells must respond to external stimuli and insults to build, maintain, and repair the cutaneous barrier. Recent advances in CRISPR-based methods for cell lineage tracing have remarkably expanded the potential for experiments that track stem and progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation over the course of tissue and even organismal development. Additional tools for DNA-based recording of cellular signaling cues promise to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms driving normal skin morphogenesis and response to stressors as well as the dysregulation of cell proliferation and differentiation in skin diseases and cancer. In this review, we highlight cutting-edge methods for cell lineage tracing, including in organoids and model organisms, and explore how cutaneous biology researchers might leverage these techniques to elucidate the developmental programs that support the regenerative capacity and plasticity of the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny F Nathans
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jessica L Ayers
- Molecular Medicine and Mechanisms of Disease PhD Program, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jay Shendure
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Cory L Simpson
- Department of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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Kervarrec T, Appenzeller S, Tallet A, Jullie ML, Sohier P, Guillonneau F, Rütten A, Berthon P, Le Corre Y, Hainaut-Wierzbicka E, Blom A, Beneton N, Bens G, Nardin C, Aubin F, Dinulescu M, Visée S, Herfs M, Touzé A, Guyétant S, Samimi M, Houben R, Schrama D. Detection of wildtype Merkel cell polyomavirus genomic sequence and VP1 transcription in a subset of Merkel cell carcinoma. Histopathology 2024; 84:356-368. [PMID: 37830288 DOI: 10.1111/his.15068] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is frequently caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Characteristic for these virus-positive (VP) MCC is MCPyV integration into the host genome and truncation of the viral oncogene Large T antigen (LT), with full-length LT expression considered as incompatible with MCC growth. Genetic analysis of a VP-MCC/trichoblastoma combined tumour demonstrated that virus-driven MCC can arise from an epithelial cell. Here we describe two further cases of VP-MCC combined with an adnexal tumour, i.e. one trichoblastoma and one poroma. METHODS AND RESULTS Whole-genome sequencing of MCC/trichoblastoma again provided evidence of a trichoblastoma-derived MCC. Although an MCC-typical LT-truncating mutation was detected, we could not determine an integration site and we additionally detected a wildtype sequence encoding full-length LT. Similarly, Sanger sequencing of the combined MCC/poroma revealed coding sequences for both truncated and full-length LT. Moreover, in situ RNA hybridization demonstrated expression of a late region mRNA encoding the viral capsid protein VP1 in both combined as well as in a few cases of pure MCC. CONCLUSION The data presented here suggest the presence of wildtype MCPyV genomes and VP1 transcription in a subset of MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Kervarrec
- Department of Pathology, Université de Tours, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
- "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE ISP 1282, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Silke Appenzeller
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anne Tallet
- Platform of Somatic Tumor Molecular Genetics, Université de Tours, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Marie-Laure Jullie
- Department of Pathology, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU de Bordeaux, CARADERM Network, Pessac, France
| | - Pierre Sohier
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Pathology, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP.Centre-Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Francois Guillonneau
- 3P5 Proteomics, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Centre-Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Patricia Berthon
- "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE ISP 1282, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Yannick Le Corre
- Dermatology Department, LUNAM Université, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | | | - Astrid Blom
- Department of General and Oncologic Dermatology, CARADERM Network Ambroise-Paré hospital, APHP & Research Unit EA 4340, University of Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris-Saclay University, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | | | - Guido Bens
- Dermatology Department, CHR d'Orléans, Orléans, France
- Dermatology Department, CH de Blois, Blois, France
| | - Charline Nardin
- Dermatology Department, Inserm 1098, Université de Franche Comté, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Francois Aubin
- Dermatology Department, Inserm 1098, Université de Franche Comté, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Monica Dinulescu
- Dermatology Department, CHR Rennes, Rennes, France
- Institut Dermatologique du Grand Ouest (IDGO), Rennes, France
| | - Sebastien Visée
- Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier d'Angoulème, Angoulème, France
| | - Michael Herfs
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Antoine Touzé
- "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE ISP 1282, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Serge Guyétant
- Department of Pathology, Université de Tours, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
- "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE ISP 1282, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mahtab Samimi
- "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE ISP 1282, Université de Tours, Tours, France
- Departement of Dermatology, Université de Tours, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Shadbash P, Hosseini SM, Shoraka S, Ghaemi A, Haghazali M, Mohebbi SR. Possible association between polyomaviruses and gastrointestinal complications: a narrative review. GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY FROM BED TO BENCH 2024; 17:121-131. [PMID: 38994506 PMCID: PMC11234488 DOI: 10.22037/ghfbb.v17i2.2796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Polyomaviruses are a group of small, double-stranded DNA viruses that are known to be associated with the development of certain human diseases, but there is evidence that these viruses might be associated with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Several polyomaviruses have been identified, such as JC polyomavirus (JCPyV), BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) and recently Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Although the direct effects of polyomaviruses on transformation of human cells and cancer development are not clearly recognized, their association with certain human diseases including GI cancers has been proposed through several molecular and epidemiological studies. For example, JCPyV and BKPyV have been linked to colorectal cancer, as there is growing evidence of finding viral genomes in cancerous tissues. Nevertheless, the major role of JCPyV, BKPyV and MCPyV in colorectal cancer progression is still under extensive investigation, and further surveys is required to establish a conclusive cause-and-effect relationship. Understanding the role of these viruses in cancer development has significant implications for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. It seems that proving a causal link between polyomaviruses and GI cancers might provide a novel path for targeted therapies or design and development of specific therapeutic vaccines. In addition, performing research on the possible link can provide insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, potentially leading to the identification of novel biomarkers. This review focuses on polyomaviruses, in particular a recently discovered polyomavirus, MCPyV, and their possible link with human gastrointestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piruz Shadbash
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Masoud Hosseini
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrzad Shoraka
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ghaemi
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Haghazali
- Behbood Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Mohebbi
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Durand MA, Drouin A, Mouchard A, Durand L, Esnault C, Berthon P, Tallet A, Le Corre Y, Hainaut-Wierzbicka E, Blom A, Saiag P, Beneton N, Bens G, Nardin C, Aubin F, Dinulescu M, Collin C, Fromont-Hankard G, Cribier B, Laurent-Roussel S, Cokelaere K, Houben R, Schrama D, Peixoto P, Hervouet E, Bachiri K, Kantar D, Coyaud E, Guyétant S, Samimi M, Touzé A, Kervarrec T. Distinct Regulation of EZH2 and its Repressive H3K27me3 Mark in Polyomavirus-Positive and -Negative Merkel Cell Carcinoma. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:1937-1946.e7. [PMID: 37037414 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer for which Merkel cell polyomavirus integration and expression of viral oncogenes small T and Large T have been identified as major oncogenic determinants. Recently, a component of the PRC2 complex, the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) that induces H3K27 trimethylation as a repressive mark has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target in MCC. Because divergent results have been reported for the levels of EZH2 and trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone 3, we analyzed these factors in a large MCC cohort to identify the molecular determinants of EZH2 activity in MCC and to establish MCC cell lines' sensitivity to EZH2 inhibitors. Immunohistochemical expression of EZH2 was observed in 92% of MCC tumors (156 of 170), with higher expression levels in virus-positive than virus-negative tumors (P = 0.026). For the latter, we showed overexpression of EZHIP, a negative regulator of the PRC2 complex. In vitro, ectopic expression of the large T antigen in fibroblasts led to the induction of EZH2 expression, whereas the knockdown of T antigens in MCC cell lines resulted in decreased EZH2 expression. EZH2 inhibition led to selective cytotoxicity on virus-positive MCC cell lines. This study highlights the distinct mechanisms of EZH2 induction between virus-negative and -positive MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Alice Durand
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Aurélie Drouin
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Alice Mouchard
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France; Department of Dermatology, CHRU of Tours, University of Tours, Chambray-lès-Tours, France
| | - Laurine Durand
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Clara Esnault
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Patricia Berthon
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Anne Tallet
- Platform of Somatic Tumor Molecular Genetics, CHU of Tours, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Yannick Le Corre
- Dermatology Department, CHU of Angers, LUNAM University, Angers, France
| | | | - Astrid Blom
- Department of General and Oncologic Dermatology, Ambroise-Paré Hospital, CARADERM Network, Boulogne-Billancourt, France; Research unit EA 4340, University of Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris-Saclay University, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Philippe Saiag
- Department of General and Oncologic Dermatology, Ambroise-Paré Hospital, CARADERM Network, Boulogne-Billancourt, France; Research unit EA 4340, University of Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris-Saclay University, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Nathalie Beneton
- Dermatology Department, CHU of Le Mans, University of Le Mans, Le Mans, France
| | - Guido Bens
- Dermatology department, CHR Orleans, Orleans, France
| | - Charlee Nardin
- Dermatology, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France; INSERM 1098, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - François Aubin
- Dermatology, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France; INSERM 1098, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Monica Dinulescu
- Dermatology department, CHU Rennes, Institut Dermatologique du Grand Ouest (IDGO), Rennes, France
| | - Christine Collin
- Platform of Somatic Tumor Molecular Genetics, CHU of Tours, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | | | - Bernard Cribier
- Dermatology Department, CHU of Strasbourg, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paul Peixoto
- INSERM, EFS-BFC, UMR 1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Besançon, France; EPIgenetics and GENe Expression Technical Platform (EPIGENExp), University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Eric Hervouet
- INSERM, EFS-BFC, UMR 1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Besançon, France; EPIgenetics and GENe Expression Technical Platform (EPIGENExp), University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Kamel Bachiri
- Department of Biology, Inserm U1192, Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse-PRISM, CHU Lille, Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Diala Kantar
- Department of Biology, Inserm U1192, Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse-PRISM, CHU Lille, Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Etienne Coyaud
- Department of Biology, Inserm U1192, Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse-PRISM, CHU Lille, Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Serge Guyétant
- Pathology Department, CHU of Tours, University of Tours, Tours, France; Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mahtab Samimi
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France; Department of Dermatology, CHRU of Tours, University of Tours, Chambray-lès-Tours, France
| | - Antoine Touzé
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Thibault Kervarrec
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France; Pathology Department, CHU of Tours, University of Tours, Tours, France.
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9
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Jani S, Church CD, Nghiem P. Insights into anti-tumor immunity via the polyomavirus shared across human Merkel cell carcinomas. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1172913. [PMID: 37287968 PMCID: PMC10242112 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1172913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding and augmenting cancer-specific immunity is impeded by the fact that most tumors are driven by patient-specific mutations that encode unique antigenic epitopes. The shared antigens in virus-driven tumors can help overcome this limitation. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a particularly interesting tumor immunity model because (1) 80% of cases are driven by Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) oncoproteins that must be continually expressed for tumor survival; (2) MCPyV oncoproteins are only ~400 amino acids in length and are essentially invariant between tumors; (3) MCPyV-specific T cell responses are robust and strongly linked to patient outcomes; (4) anti-MCPyV antibodies reliably increase with MCC recurrence, forming the basis of a standard clinical surveillance test; and (5) MCC has one of the highest response rates to PD-1 pathway blockade among all solid cancers. Leveraging these well-defined viral oncoproteins, a set of tools that includes over 20 peptide-MHC class I tetramers has been developed to facilitate the study of anti-tumor immunity across MCC patients. Additionally, the highly immunogenic nature of MCPyV oncoproteins forces MCC tumors to develop robust immune evasion mechanisms to survive. Indeed, several immune evasion mechanisms are active in MCC, including transcriptional downregulation of MHC expression by tumor cells and upregulation of inhibitory molecules including PD-L1 and immunosuppressive cytokines. About half of patients with advanced MCC do not persistently benefit from PD-1 pathway blockade. Herein, we (1) summarize the lessons learned from studying the anti-tumor T cell response to virus-positive MCC; (2) review immune evasion mechanisms in MCC; (3) review mechanisms of resistance to immune-based therapies in MCC and other cancers; and (4) discuss how recently developed tools can be used to address open questions in cancer immunotherapy. We believe detailed investigation of this model cancer will provide insight into tumor immunity that will likely also be applicable to more common cancers without shared tumor antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Jani
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Candice D. Church
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
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10
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Sundqvist BZ, Kilpinen SK, Böhling TO, Koljonen VSK, Sihto HJ. Transcriptomic analyses reveal three distinct molecular subgroups of Merkel cell carcinoma with differing prognoses. Int J Cancer 2023; 152:2099-2108. [PMID: 36620996 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy with a poor prognosis and an unknown cell of origin. Proffered cells of origin include epithelial stem cells of the hair follicle or interfollicular epidermis, dermal stem cells and pro/pre- or pre-B cells. MCC has also been proposed to have more than one cell of origin and indeed to represent more than one type of carcinoma, currently grouped together due to phenotypic similarities. We explored the heterogeneous nature of MCC by studying the most variably expressed genes with the goal of identifying gene expression patterns that are either clinically relevant or have implications regarding the cell(s) of origin. We performed RNA sequencing on primary tumor samples from 102 patients and identified the top 200 most variably expressed genes. These genes and the tumor samples were hierarchically clustered based on their expression. The functions of three gene clusters exhibiting clearly divergent expression between samples were studied by cross-referencing the lists of genes with online databases. High expression of a gene cluster related to embryonic developmental processes and low expression of a gene cluster related to neuroendocrine processes distinguished Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)-negative tumors from MCPyV-positive tumors. Furthermore, two prognostically relevant subgroups of MCPyV-positive MCC were identified based on dichotomic expression of genes related to epidermal structures and processes. We identified three distinct molecular subgroups of MCC with prognostic relevance. We propose that the dichotomic expression of epidermis-related genes might reflect both an epidermal and a nonepidermal origin for MCPyV-positive MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Z Sundqvist
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sami K Kilpinen
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tom O Böhling
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virve S K Koljonen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harri J Sihto
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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11
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Houben R, Alimova P, Sarma B, Hesbacher S, Schulte C, Sarosi EM, Adam C, Kervarrec T, Schrama D. 4-[(5-Methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)amino]-2H-phenyl-1-phthalazinone Inhibits MCPyV T Antigen Expression in Merkel Cell Carcinoma Independent of Aurora Kinase A. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092542. [PMID: 37174007 PMCID: PMC10177447 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092542] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is frequently caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), and MCPyV-positive tumor cells depend on expression of the virus-encoded T antigens (TA). Here, we identify 4-[(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)amino]-2H-phenyl-1-phthalazinone (PHT)-a reported inhibitor of Aurora kinase A-as a compound inhibiting growth of MCC cells by repressing noncoding control region (NCCR)-controlled TA transcription. Surprisingly, we find that TA repression is not caused by inhibition of Aurora kinase A. However, we demonstrate that β-catenin-a transcription factor repressed by active glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)-is activated by PHT, suggesting that PHT bears a hitherto unreported inhibitory activity against GSK3, a kinase known to function in promoting TA transcription. Indeed, applying an in vitro kinase assay, we demonstrate that PHT directly targets GSK3. Finally, we demonstrate that PHT exhibits in vivo antitumor activity in an MCC xenograft mouse model, suggesting a potential use in future therapeutic settings for MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pamela Alimova
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bhavishya Sarma
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Hesbacher
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Schulte
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Sarosi
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Adam
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thibault Kervarrec
- Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, INRA UMR 1282 BIP, 37200 Tours, France
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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12
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Merkel Cell Polyomavirus: Infection, Genome, Transcripts and Its Role in Development of Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020444. [PMID: 36672392 PMCID: PMC9857234 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The best characterized polyomavirus family member, i.e., simian virus 40 (SV40), can cause different tumors in hamsters and can transform murine and human cells in vitro. Hence, the SV40 contamination of millions of polio vaccine doses administered from 1955-1963 raised fears that this may cause increased tumor incidence in the vaccinated population. This is, however, not the case. Indeed, up to now, the only polyomavirus family member known to be the most important cause of a specific human tumor entity is Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). MCC is a highly deadly form of skin cancer for which the cellular origin is still uncertain, and which appears as two clinically very similar but molecularly highly different variants. While approximately 80% of cases are found to be associated with MCPyV the remaining MCCs carry a high mutational load. Here, we present an overview of the multitude of molecular functions described for the MCPyV encoded oncoproteins and non-coding RNAs, present the available MCC mouse models and discuss the increasing evidence that both, virus-negative and -positive MCC constitute epithelial tumors.
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13
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Ouyang K, Zheng DX, Agak GW. T-Cell Mediated Immunity in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246058. [PMID: 36551547 PMCID: PMC9775569 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and frequently lethal skin cancer with neuroendocrine characteristics. MCC can originate from either the presence of MCC polyomavirus (MCPyV) DNA or chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure that can cause DNA mutations. MCC is predominant in sun-exposed regions of the body and can metastasize to regional lymph nodes, liver, lungs, bone, and brain. Older, light-skinned individuals with a history of significant sun exposure are at the highest risk. Previous studies have shown that tumors containing a high number of tumor-infiltrating T-cells have favorable survival, even in the absence of MCPyV DNA, suggesting that MCPyV infection enhances T-cell infiltration. However, other factors may also play a role in the host antitumor response. Herein, we review the impact of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), mainly the CD4+, CD8+, and regulatory T-cell (Tregs) responses on the course of MCC, including their role in initiating MCPyV-specific immune responses. Furthermore, potential research avenues related to T-cell biology in MCC, as well as relevant immunotherapies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Ouyang
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - David X. Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - George W. Agak
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Correspondence:
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14
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Loke ASW, Lambert PF, Spurgeon ME. Current In Vitro and In Vivo Models to Study MCPyV-Associated MCC. Viruses 2022; 14:2204. [PMID: 36298759 PMCID: PMC9607385 DOI: 10.3390/v14102204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the only human polyomavirus currently known to cause human cancer. MCPyV is believed to be an etiological factor in at least 80% of cases of the rare but aggressive skin malignancy Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In these MCPyV+ MCC tumors, clonal integration of the viral genome results in the continued expression of two viral proteins: the viral small T antigen (ST) and a truncated form of the viral large T antigen. The oncogenic potential of MCPyV and the functional properties of the viral T antigens that contribute to neoplasia are becoming increasingly well-characterized with the recent development of model systems that recapitulate the biology of MCPyV+ MCC. In this review, we summarize our understanding of MCPyV and its role in MCC, followed by the current state of both in vitro and in vivo model systems used to study MCPyV and its contribution to carcinogenesis. We also highlight the remaining challenges within the field and the major considerations related to the ongoing development of in vitro and in vivo models of MCPyV+ MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Megan E. Spurgeon
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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15
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Ananthapadmanabhan V, Frost TC, Soroko KM, Knott A, Magliozzi BJ, Gokhale PC, Tirunagaru VG, Doebele RC, DeCaprio JA. Milademetan is a highly potent MDM2 inhibitor in Merkel cell carcinoma. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e160513. [PMID: 35801592 PMCID: PMC9310528 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.160513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin with 2 etiologies. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) integration is present in about 80% of all MCC. Virus-positive MCC (MCCP) tumors have few somatic mutations and usually express WT p53 (TP53). By contrast, virus-negative MCC (MCCN) tumors present with a high tumor mutational burden and predominantly UV mutational signature. MCCN tumors typically contain mutated TP53. MCCP tumors express 2 viral proteins: MCPyV small T antigen and a truncated form of large T antigen. MCPyV ST specifically activates expression of MDM2, an E3 ubiquitin ligase of p53, to inhibit p53-mediated tumor suppression. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of milademetan, a potent, selective, and orally available MDM2 inhibitor in several MCC models. Milademetan reduced cell viability of WT p53 MCC cell lines and triggered a rapid and sustained p53 response. Milademetan showed a dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth in MKL-1 xenograft and patient-derived xenograft models. Here, along with preclinical data for the efficacy of milademetan in WT p53 MCC tumors, we report several in vitro and in vivo models useful for future MCC studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Ananthapadmanabhan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas C. Frost
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Program in Virology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kara M. Soroko
- Experimental Therapeutics Core at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aine Knott
- Experimental Therapeutics Core at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brianna J. Magliozzi
- Experimental Therapeutics Core at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Prafulla C. Gokhale
- Experimental Therapeutics Core at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - James A. DeCaprio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Program in Virology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Small DNA tumor viruses and human cancer: Preclinical models of virus infection and disease. Tumour Virus Res 2022; 14:200239. [PMID: 35636683 PMCID: PMC9194455 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvr.2022.200239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human tumor viruses cause various human cancers that account for at least 15% of the global cancer burden. Among the currently identified human tumor viruses, two are small DNA tumor viruses: human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). The study of small DNA tumor viruses (adenoviruses, polyomaviruses, and papillomaviruses) has facilitated several significant biological discoveries and established some of the first animal models of virus-associated cancers. The development and use of preclinical in vivo models to study HPVs and MCPyV and their role in human cancer is the focus of this review. Important considerations in the design of animal models of small DNA tumor virus infection and disease, including host range, cell tropism, choice of virus isolates, and the ability to recapitulate human disease, are presented. The types of infection-based and transgenic model strategies that are used to study HPVs and MCPyV, including their strengths and limitations, are also discussed. An overview of the current models that exist to study HPV and MCPyV infection and neoplastic disease are highlighted. These comparative models provide valuable platforms to study various aspects of virus-associated human disease and will continue to expand knowledge of human tumor viruses and their relationship with their hosts.
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17
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Spurgeon ME, Cheng J, Ward-Shaw E, Dick FA, DeCaprio JA, Lambert PF. Merkel cell polyomavirus large T antigen binding to pRb promotes skin hyperplasia and tumor development. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010551. [PMID: 35560034 PMCID: PMC9132321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Clear evidence supports a causal link between Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and the highly aggressive human skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Integration of viral DNA into the human genome facilitates continued expression of the MCPyV small tumor (ST) and large tumor (LT) antigens in virus-positive MCCs. In MCC tumors, MCPyV LT is truncated in a manner that renders the virus unable to replicate yet preserves the LXCXE motif that facilitates its binding to and inactivation of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRb). We previously developed a MCPyV transgenic mouse model in which MCC tumor-derived ST and truncated LT expression were targeted to the stratified epithelium of the skin, causing epithelial hyperplasia, increased proliferation, and spontaneous tumorigenesis. We sought to determine if any of these phenotypes required the association between the truncated MCPyV LT and pRb. Mice were generated in which K14-driven MCPyV ST/LT were expressed in the context of a homozygous RbΔLXCXE knock-in allele that attenuates LT-pRb interactions through LT's LXCXE motif. We found that many of the phenotypes including tumorigenesis that develop in the K14-driven MCPyV transgenic mice were dependent upon LT's LXCXE-dependent interaction with pRb. These findings highlight the importance of the MCPyV LT-pRb interaction in an in vivo model for MCPyV-induced tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Spurgeon
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jingwei Cheng
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Ella Ward-Shaw
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Frederick A. Dick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - James A. DeCaprio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Paul F. Lambert
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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