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Lin L, Zou X, Nong W, Ge Y, Li F, Luo B, Zhang Q, Xie X. The potential value of cancer-testis antigens in ovarian cancer: Prognostic markers and targets for immunotherapy. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1284. [PMID: 38896069 PMCID: PMC11186301 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1284] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor immunotherapy has become an important adjuvant therapy after surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In recent years, the role of tumor-associated antigen (TAA) in tumor immunotherapy has become increasingly prominent. Cancer-testis antigen (CTA) is a kind of TAA that is highly restricted in a variety of tumors and can induce an immune response. AIMS This review article aimed to evaluate the role of CTA on the progression of ovarian cancer, its diagnostic efficacy, and the potential for immunotherapy. METHODS We analyzed publications and outlined a comprehensive of overview the regulatory mechanism, immunogenicity, clinical expression significance, tumorigenesis, and application prospects of CTA in ovarian cancer, with a particular focus on recent progress in CTA-based immunotherapy. RESULTS The expression of CTA affects the occurrence, development, and prognosis of ovarian cancer and is closely related to tumor immunity. CONCLUSION CTA can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of ovarian cancer and is an ideal target for antitumor immunotherapy. These findings provide novel insights on CTA in the improvement of diagnosis and treatment for ovarian cancer. The successes, current challenges and future prospects were also discussed to portray its significant potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Lin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine ScienceGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqiong Zou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine ScienceGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Weixia Nong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine ScienceGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Ge
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine ScienceGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine ScienceGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Bin Luo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine ScienceGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
- Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionKey Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University)NanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Qingmei Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine ScienceGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
- Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionKey Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University)NanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxun Xie
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine ScienceGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
- Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionKey Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University)NanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment of Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University)NanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
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Overcoming immune suppression with epigenetic modification in ovarian cancer. Transl Res 2019; 204:31-38. [PMID: 30048638 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The impressive successes of immunotherapy have yet to be reliably translated to treatment of ovarian cancer, which may be a consequence of the unique barriers to T cell migration and tumor engagement in the peritoneal cavity and omentum. Epigenetic alterations contribute to establishment of these barriers and other mechanisms of immune subversion; therefore, epigenetic modifying agents represent an opportunity to mount effective antitumor immune responses by disrupting this finely tuned tumor epigenetic framework. Here, we discuss how epigenetic modifiers might permit and stimulate de novo antitumor immune responses in ovarian cancer, focusing largely on 2 common classes, DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors. Specifically, increasing T and NK cell trafficking to the tumor microenvironment as well as induction of altered tumor cell phenotypes that promote immune engagement and cytotoxicity may provide a platform upon which to elaborate existing immunotherapeutic strategies. Indeed, promising combination of epigenetic modifying agents with checkpoint blockade antibodies or cellular therapies in preclinical models has led to a burgeoning number of clinical trials. Therefore, rather than implementation as a monotherapy, epigenetic modifiers may well be best suited as adjuvants in combinatorial strategies, potentiating antitumor immune responses and unleashing the promise of immunotherapy in ovarian cancer.
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Sanford T, Meng MV, Railkar R, Agarwal PK, Porten SP. Integrative analysis of the epigenetic basis of muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:19. [PMID: 29456764 PMCID: PMC5809922 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0451-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Elucidation of epigenetic alterations in bladder cancer will lead to further understanding of the biology of the disease and hopefully improved therapies. Our aim was to perform an integrative epigenetic analysis of invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder to identify the epigenetic abnormalities involved in the development and progression of this cancer. Methods Pre-processed methylation data and RNA-seq data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and processed using the R package TCGA-Assembler. An R package MethylMix was used to perform an analysis incorporating both methylation and gene expression data on all samples, as well as a subset analysis comparing patients surviving less than 2 years and patients surviving more than 2 years. Genes associated with poor prognosis were individually queried. Pathway analysis was performed on statistically significant genes identified by MethylMix criteria using ConsensusPathDB. Validation was performed using flow cytometry on bladder cancer cell lines. Results A total of 408 patients met all inclusion criteria. There were a total of 240 genes differentially methylated by MethylMix criteria. Review of individual genes specific to poor-prognosis patients revealed the majority to be candidate tumor suppressors in other cancer types. Pathway analysis showed increase in methylation of genes involved in antioxidant pathways including glutathione and NRF2. Genes involved in estrogen metabolism were also hypermethylated while genes involved in the EGFR pathway were found to be hypomethylated. EGFR expression was confirmed to be elevated in six bladder cancer cell lines. Conclusions In patients with invasive urothelial carcinoma, we found differential methylation in patients with better and worse prognosis after cystectomy. Differentially methylated genes are involved in many relevant oncologic pathways, including EGFR and antioxidant pathways, that may be a target for therapy or chemoprevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Sanford
- Urologic Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 10—Hatfield CRC, Room 2-5952, Bethesda, MD 20892-1210 USA
| | - Maxwell V. Meng
- Department of Urology, University of California, Mail code 1695, 550 16th Street, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
| | - Reema Railkar
- Urologic Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 10—Hatfield CRC, Room 2-5952, Bethesda, MD 20892-1210 USA
| | - Piyush K. Agarwal
- Urologic Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 10—Hatfield CRC, Room 2-5952, Bethesda, MD 20892-1210 USA
| | - Sima P. Porten
- Department of Urology, University of California, Mail code 1695, 550 16th Street, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
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Huang XQ, Zhou ZQ, Zhang XF, Chen CL, Tang Y, Zhu Q, Zhang JH, Xia JC. Overexpression of SMOC2 Attenuates the Tumorigenicity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells and Is Associated With a Positive Postoperative Prognosis in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Cancer 2017; 8:3812-3827. [PMID: 29151969 PMCID: PMC5688935 DOI: 10.7150/jca.20775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Secreted modular calcium binding protein-2 (SMOC2), a recently identified matricellular protein that belongs to the SPARC protein family, has been reported to be downregulated in various cancers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance and biological function of SMOC2 in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting analyses revealed that SMOC2 mRNA and protein levels were significantly downregulated in human HCC tissues compared to the matched adjacent normal tissues. Clinicopathological analysis indicated that SMOC2 expression was significantly associated with tumor size, number of tumors, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage and distant metastasis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that high tumor SMOC2 expression was associated with improved overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with HCC. Functional analyses (cell proliferation and colony formation assays, cell migration and invasion assays, cell cycle and apoptosis assays) demonstrated that stable overexpression of SMOC2 using a lentiviral vector significantly inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion, and induced G0/G1 phase arrest in HCC cells in vitro. In addition, experiments with a mouse model revealed the suppressed effect of SMOC2 on HCC tumorigenicity and metastases in vivo. These results suggest that SMOC2 functions as a tumor suppressor during the development of HCC and may represent an effective prognostic factor and novel therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Qiong Huang
- Huadu District People's Hospital of Guangzhou, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, 510800, China.,Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, 510010, China
| | - Zi-Qi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, 510060, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, 510060, China
| | - Chang-Long Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, 510060, China
| | - Yan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, 510060, China
| | - Qian Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, 510060, China
| | - Jian-Hua Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, 510010, China.,Department of Health Service Management, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, 510006, China
| | - Jian-Chuan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, 510060, China
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WANG ZHAOXIA, LI LI, WANG YANG. Effects of Per2 overexpression on growth inhibition and metastasis, and on MTA1, nm23-H1 and the autophagy-associated PI3K/PKB signaling pathway in nude mice xenograft models of ovarian cancer. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:4561-8. [PMID: 27082164 PMCID: PMC4878548 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between Period2 (Per2) and the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer, in addition to evaluating the effect of this gene on the growth and metastasis of ovarian cancer in nude mice xenograft models. The detection of Per2 by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) and western blotting methods at various stages of ovarian cancer in tumor tissue samples was conducted. Nude mice xenograft models of ovarian cancer were constructed using an ovarian cancer cell line and, using a gene transfection technique, exogenous infusion of the recombinant gene, Per2, was performed. To assess for the successful and stable expression of Per2 in the tumor tissue, levels of Per2 expression in the nude mice xenograft models were detected by RT‑qPCR. During the experimental period, the tumor volumes were measured every three days. Two weeks following treatment cessation, the nude mice were sacrificed and the tumor weight and volume were measured. Furthermore, detection of the changes in expression levels of metastasis‑associated gene 1 (MTA‑1) and tumor metastasis suppressor gene, non‑metastasis protein 23‑H1 (nm23‑H1), and the expression change of autophagy‑associated signal transduction pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB) kinase were analyzed. The findings demonstrated that with ovarian cancer stage development, the expression of Per2 gradually reduced or ceased. In addition, exogenous Per2 was successfully and stably expressed in nude mice tumor tissue samples. Furthermore, in the Per2 overexpression group, MTA‑1 protein expression was significantly reduced when compared with the phosphate‑buffered saline (PBS) control and empty plasmid groups, while nm23‑H1 protein expression was significantly higher when compared with those two groups. The expression levels of PI3K and PKB kinase, which are marker proteins of the autophagy associated signaling pathway PI3K/PKB, were significantly downregulated, when compared with the PBS control and empty plasmid groups (P<0.001). Thus, it was demonstrated that Per2 is closely associated with the development of ovarian cancer, and late‑stage ovarian cancer is associated with Per2 mutation or deletion. Per2 overexpression, via exogenous infusion reduced the ovarian cancer growth rate, which was demonstrated by a significant increase in the tumor inhibition rate. In addition, Per2 may inhibit the expression of MTA‑1 and promote the expression of nm23‑H1 to restrict ovarian tumor growth and metastasis. Finally, it is hypothesized that Per2 affects autophagy by interfering with the PI3K/PKB signaling pathway, causing inhibition of tumor angiogenesis in order to inhibit tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZHAOXIA WANG
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - LI LI
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - YANG WANG
- Bank of China Shanxi Branch, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
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Chen X, Liu L, Mims J, Punska EC, Williams KE, Zhao W, Arcaro KF, Tsang AW, Zhou X, Furdui CM. Analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression in radiation-resistant head and neck tumors. Epigenetics 2016; 10:545-61. [PMID: 25961636 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2015.1048953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to radiation therapy constitutes a significant challenge in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). Alteration in DNA methylation is thought to play a role in this resistance. Here, we analyzed DNA methylation changes in a matched model of radiation resistance for HNSCC using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Our results show that compared to radiation-sensitive cells (SCC-61), radiation-resistant cells (rSCC-61) had a significant increase in DNA methylation. After combining these results with microarray gene expression data, we identified 84 differentially methylated and expressed genes between these 2 cell lines. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed ILK signaling, glucocorticoid receptor signaling, fatty acid α-oxidation, and cell cycle regulation as top canonical pathways associated with radiation resistance. Validation studies focused on CCND2, a protein involved in cell cycle regulation, which was identified as hypermethylated in the promoter region and downregulated in rSCC-61 relative to SCC-61 cells. Treatment of rSCC-61 and SCC-61 with the DNA hypomethylating agent 5-aza-2'deoxycitidine increased CCND2 levels only in rSCC-61 cells, while treatment with the control reagent cytosine arabinoside did not influence the expression of this gene. Further analysis of HNSCC data from The Cancer Genome Atlas found increased methylation in radiation-resistant tumors, consistent with the cell culture data. Our findings point to global DNA methylation status as a biomarker of radiation resistance in HNSCC, and suggest a need for targeted manipulation of DNA methylation to increase radiation response in HNSCC.
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Key Words
- 5-Aza, 5-aza-2′deoxycitidine
- AKT, Protein kinase B
- AraC, Cytosine arabinoside
- CCNA1, Cyclin A1
- CCND2, Cyclin D2
- CDK4, Cyclin-dependent kinase 4
- CDKN1A, Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21, Cip1)
- DNA methylation
- DNMT, DNA methyltransferase
- EIF2AK2, Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-αkinase 2
- FASN, Fatty acid synthase
- GSK-3, Glycogen synthase kinase 3
- Gene expression
- HM450, HumanMethylation450
- HNSCC, Head and neck squamous cell cancer
- Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC)
- IGFBP3, Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3
- ILK, Integrin linked kinase
- IPA, Ingenuity pathway analysis
- IRF1, Interferon regulatory factor 1
- KLF4, Kruppel-like factor 4
- KRT19, Keratin 19, LIPG, Endothelial lipase
- LXR, Liver X receptor
- MGMT, O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase
- NFATC2, Nuclear factor of activated t-cells cytoplasmic 2
- PCNA, Proliferating cell nuclear antigen
- PTEN, Phosphatase and tensin homolog
- RXR, Retinoid X receptor
- Radiation resistance
- SAM, S-Adenosylmethionine
- SOCS3, Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3
- STAT1, Signal transducers and activators of transcription 1
- TCGA, The Cancer Genome Atlas
- The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)
- VHL, Von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor
- dmCpG, differentially methylated CpG
- hTERT, human telomerase reverse transcriptase
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Chen
- a Section on Molecular Medicine; Department of Internal Medicine; Wake Forest School of Medicine ; Winston-Salem , NC , USA
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Atrian F, Lelièvre SA. Mining the epigenetic landscape of tissue polarity in search of new targets for cancer therapy. Epigenomics 2015; 7:1313-25. [PMID: 26646365 DOI: 10.2217/epi.15.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic nature of cancer encourages the development of inhibitors of epigenetic pathways. Yet, the clinical use for solid tumors of approved epigenetic drugs is meager. We argue that this situation might improve upon understanding the coinfluence between epigenetic pathways and tissue architecture. We present emerging information on the epigenetic control of the polarity axis, a central feature of epithelial architecture created by the orderly distribution of multiprotein complexes at cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix contacts and altered upon cancer onset (with apical polarity loss), invasive progression (with basolateral polarity loss) and metastatic development (with basoapical polarity imbalance). This information combined with the impact of polarity-related proteins on epigenetic mechanisms of cancer enables us to envision how to guide the choice of drugs specific for distinct epigenetic modifiers, in order to halt cancer development and counter the consequences of polarity alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Atrian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, Lynn Hall, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Sophie A Lelièvre
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, Lynn Hall, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
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Zych J, Stimamiglio MA, Senegaglia AC, Brofman PRS, Dallagiovanna B, Goldenberg S, Correa A. The epigenetic modifiers 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and trichostatin A influence adipocyte differentiation in human mesenchymal stem cells. Braz J Med Biol Res 2014; 46:405-16. [PMID: 23797495 PMCID: PMC3854397 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20132893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2012] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modification are
important in stem cell differentiation. Methylation is principally associated
with transcriptional repression, and histone acetylation is correlated with an
active chromatin state. We determined the effects of these epigenetic mechanisms
on adipocyte differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone
marrow (BM-MSCs) and adipose tissue (ADSCs) using the chromatin-modifying agents
trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, and
5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5azadC), a demethylating agent. Subconfluent MSC
cultures were treated with 5, 50, or 500 nM TSA or with 1, 10, or
100 µM 5azadC for 2 days before the initiation of adipogenesis. The
differentiation was quantified and expression of the adipocyte genes PPARG and
FABP4 and of the anti-adipocyte gene GATA2 was evaluated. TSA decreased
adipogenesis, except in BM-MSCs treated with 5 nM TSA. Only treatment
with 500 nM TSA decreased cell proliferation. 5azadC treatment decreased
proliferation and adipocyte differentiation in all conditions evaluated,
resulting in the downregulation of PPARG and FABP4 and the upregulation of
GATA2. The response to treatment was stronger in ADSCs than in BM-MSCs,
suggesting that epigenetic memories may differ between cells of different
origins. As epigenetic signatures affect differentiation, it should be possible
to direct the use of MSCs in cell therapies to improve process efficiency by
considering the various sources available.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Zych
- Laboratório de Biologia Básica de Células-Tronco, Instituto Carlos Chagas, FIOCRUZ, Curitiba, PR, Brasil.
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Kim R, Kulkarni P, Hannenhalli S. Derepression of Cancer/testis antigens in cancer is associated with distinct patterns of DNA hypomethylation. BMC Cancer 2013; 13:144. [PMID: 23522060 PMCID: PMC3618251 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-13-144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Cancer/Testis Antigens (CTAs) are a heterogeneous group of proteins whose expression is typically restricted to the testis. However, they are aberrantly expressed in most cancers that have been examined to date. Broadly speaking, the CTAs can be divided into two groups: the CTX antigens that are encoded by the X-linked genes and the non-X CT antigens that are encoded by the autosomes. Unlike the non-X CTAs, the CTX antigens form clusters of closely related gene families and their expression is frequently associated with advanced disease with poorer prognosis. Regardless however, the mechanism(s) underlying their selective derepression and stage-specific expression in cancer remain poorly understood, although promoter DNA demethylation is believed to be the major driver. Methods Here, we report a systematic analysis of DNA methylation profiling data from various tissue types to elucidate the mechanism underlying the derepression of the CTAs in cancer. We analyzed the methylation profiles of 501 samples including sperm, several cancer types, and their corresponding normal somatic tissue types. Results We found strong evidence for specific DNA hypomethylation of CTA promoters in the testis and cancer cells but not in their normal somatic counterparts. We also found that hypomethylation was clustered on the genome into domains that coincided with nuclear lamina-associated domains (LADs) and that these regions appeared to be insulated by CTCF sites. Interestingly, we did not observe any significant differences in the hypomethylation pattern between the CTAs without CpG islands and the CTAs with CpG islands in the proximal promoter. Conclusion Our results corroborate that widespread DNA hypomethylation appears to be the driver in the derepression of CTA expression in cancer and furthermore, demonstrate that these hypomethylated domains are associated with the nuclear lamina-associated domains (LADS). Taken together, our results suggest that wide-spread methylation changes in cancer are linked to derepression of germ-line-specific genes that is orchestrated by the three dimensional organization of the cancer genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kim
- James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Trimmer C, Sotgia F, Lisanti MP, Capozza F. Cav1 inhibits benign skin tumor development in a two-stage carcinogenesis model by suppressing epidermal proliferation. Am J Transl Res 2013; 5:80-91. [PMID: 23390568 PMCID: PMC3560478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/30/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Caveolin-1 (Cav1) is the main protein component of the membrane lipid rafts caveolae. Cav1 serves as a scaffolding protein that compartmentalizes a multitude of signaling molecules and sequesters them in their inactive state. Due to its function in the negative regulation of signal transduction, loss of Cav1 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many cancers, but its role in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is largely unexplored. cSCC is a multi-stage disease characterized by the development of benign, premalignant lesions and their progression into malignant cancer. Here, we use a two-stage carcinogenesis protocol to elucidate the function of Cav1 in the different stages of benign papilloma development: initiation and promotion. First, we demonstrate that Cav1 knock-out (KO) mice are more susceptible to benign papilloma development after being subjected to a DMBA/TPA initiation/promotion protocol. Treatment of wild-type (WT) and Cav1 KO mice with DMBA alone shows that both groups have similar rates of apoptosis. In contrast, treatment of these groups with TPA alone indicates that Cav1 KO mice are more susceptible to promoter treatment as evidenced by increased epidermal proliferation. Furthermore, primary keratinocytes isolated from Cav1 KO mice have a proliferative advantage over WT keratinocytes in both low- and high-calcium medium, conditions that promote proliferation and induce differentiation, respectively. Collectively, these data indicate that Cav1 functions to suppress proliferation in the epidermis, and loss of this function promotes the development of benign skin tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Trimmer
- Department of Cancer Biology/Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Federica Sotgia
- Department of Cancer Biology/Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphia, PA, USA
- Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Unit, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of ManchesterUK
| | - Michael P Lisanti
- Department of Cancer Biology/Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphia, PA, USA
- Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Unit, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of ManchesterUK
| | - Franco Capozza
- Department of Cancer Biology/Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphia, PA, USA
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Cav1 suppresses tumor growth and metastasis in a murine model of cutaneous SCC through modulation of MAPK/AP-1 activation. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2012; 182:992-1004. [PMID: 23267770 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2012] [Revised: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Caveolin-1 (Cav1) is a scaffolding protein that serves to regulate the activity of several signaling molecules. Its loss has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several types of cancer, but its role in the development and progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) remains largely unexplored. Herein, we use the keratinocyte cell line PAM212, a murine model of cSCC, to determine the function of Cav1 in skin tumor biology. We first show that Cav1 overexpression decreases cell and tumor growth, whereas Cav1 knockdown increases these attributes in PAM212 cells. In addition, Cav1 knockdown increases the invasive ability and incidence of spontaneous lymph node metastasis. Finally, we demonstrate that Cav1 knockdown increases extracellular signaling-related kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase/activator protein-1 pathway activation. We attribute the growth and invasive advantage conferred by Cav1 knockdown to increased expression of activator protein-1 transcriptional targets, including cyclin D1 and keratin 18, which show inverse expression in PAM212 based on the expression level of Cav1. In summary, we demonstrate that loss of Cav1 affects several characteristics associated with aggressive human skin tumors and that this protein may be an important modulator of tumor growth and invasion in cSCC.
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Samudio-Ruiz SL, Hudson LG. Increased DNA methyltransferase activity and DNA methylation following Epidermal Growth Factor stimulation in ovarian cancer cells. Epigenetics 2012; 7:216-24. [PMID: 22430797 DOI: 10.4161/epi.7.3.19273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer progression is correlated with accumulation of aberrant CpG island methylation. In ovarian cancer, ascites fluid contains numerous Epidermal-Growth-Factor-Receptor (EGFR) activators, which could result in a tumor microenvironment of constant EGFR activation. Signaling pathways downstream of EGFR, such as Ras, regulate DNA methylation. We hypothesized that chronic EGFR activation could alter DNA methylation. We found that EGFR activation increased DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity acutely, as well as after long-term EGF treatment or expression of a mutationally activated EGFR. Furthermore, this increase in DNMT activity was dependent on EGFR catalytic activity and resulted in increased global DNA methylation. Additionally, treatment with the DNMT inhibitor/hypomethylating agent 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (AZA) inhibited the EGF induced increase of both DNMT activity and global methylation. These data support a role for EGFR in the process of accumulated DNA methylation during ovarian cancer progression and suggest that epigenetic therapy may be beneficial for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina L Samudio-Ruiz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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Gloss BS, Patterson KI, Barton CA, Gonzalez M, Scurry JP, Hacker NF, Sutherland RL, O'Brien PM, Clark SJ. Integrative genome-wide expression and promoter DNA methylation profiling identifies a potential novel panel of ovarian cancer epigenetic biomarkers. Cancer Lett 2011; 318:76-85. [PMID: 22155104 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Revised: 11/11/2011] [Accepted: 12/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To identify epigenetic-based biomarkers for diagnosis of ovarian cancer we performed MeDIP-Chip in A2780 and CaOV3 ovarian cancer cell lines. Validation by Sequenom massARRAY methylation analysis confirmed a panel of six gene promoters (ARMCX1, ICAM4, LOC134466, PEG3, PYCARD & SGNE1) where hypermethylation discriminated 27 serous ovarian cancer clinical samples versus 12 normal ovarian surface epithelial cells (OSE) (ROC of 0.98). Notably, CpG sites across the transcription start site of a potential long-intergenic non-coding RNA (lincRNA) gene (LOC134466), was shown to be hypermethylated in 81% of serous EOC and could differentiate tumours from OSE (p<0.05). We propose that this potential biomarker panel holds great promise as a diagnostic test for high-grade (Type II) serous ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Gloss
- Cancer Research Program, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria St., Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
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Chen MY, Liao WSL, Lu Z, Bornmann WG, Hennessey V, Washington MN, Rosner GL, Yu Y, Ahmed AA, Bast RC. Decitabine and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) inhibit growth of ovarian cancer cell lines and xenografts while inducing expression of imprinted tumor suppressor genes, apoptosis, G2/M arrest, and autophagy. Cancer 2011; 117:4424-38. [PMID: 21491416 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.26073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic therapy has had a significant impact on the management of hematologic malignancies, but its role in the treatment of ovarian cancer remains to be defined. The authors previously demonstrated that treatment of ovarian and breast cancer cells with DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors can up-regulate the expression of imprinted tumor suppressors. In this study, demethylating agents and HDAC inhibitors were tested for their ability to induce re-expression of tumor suppressor genes, inhibiting growth of ovarian cancer cells in culture and in xenografts. METHODS Ovarian cancer cells (Hey and SKOv3) were treated with demethylating agents (5-aza-20-deoxycytidine [DAC] or 5-azacitidine [AZA]) or with HDAC inhibitors (suberoylanilide hydroxamicacid [SAHA] or trichostatin A [TSA]) to determine their impact on cellular proliferation, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, autophagy, and re-expression of 2 growth inhibitory imprinted tumor suppressor genes: guanosine triphosphate-binding Di-RAS-like 3 (ARHI) and paternally expressed 3 (PEG3). The in vivo activities of DAC and SAHA were assessed in a Hey xenograft model. RESULTS The combination of DAC and SAHA produced synergistic inhibition of Hey and SKOv3 cell growth by apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. DAC induced autophagy in Hey cells that was enhanced by SAHA. Treatment with both agents induced re-expression of ARHI and PEG3 in cultured cells and in xenografts, correlating with growth inhibition. Knockdown of ARHI decreased DAC-induced autophagy. DAC and SAHA inhibited the growth of Hey xenografts and induced autophagy in vivo. CONCLUSIONS A combination of DAC and SAHA inhibited ovarian cancer growth while inducing apoptosis, G2/M arrest, autophagy, and re-expression of imprinted tumor suppressor genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Yu Chen
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Wong J, Sia YY, Misso NL, Aggarwal S, Ng A, Bhoola KD. Effects of the demethylating agent, 5-azacytidine, on expression of the kallikrein-kinin genes in carcinoma cells of the lung and pleura. PATHOLOGY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2011; 2011:167046. [PMID: 21904690 PMCID: PMC3166727 DOI: 10.4061/2011/167046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 06/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Tissue kallikrein (KLK1) and plasma kallikrein (KLKB1) may regulate the growth and proliferation of tumours of the lung and pleura, through the generation of kinin peptides that signal through the kinin B(1) (BDKRB1) and B(2) (BDKRB2) receptors. The development and progression of cancer results from genetic mutations, as well as epigenetic changes that include methylation of DNA at CpG islands. The aim of this study was to assess whether expression of the kallikrein-kinin genes in lung cancer and mesothelioma cells is regulated by DNA methylation. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR and immunocytochemistry showed differences in the basal expression of the kallikrein-kinin genes and proteins in lung carcinoma and mesothelioma cells, compared with non-malignant lung epithelial and mesothelial cells, respectively. Following treatment with the demethylating agent, 5-azacytidine (5-AZA), KLKB1 mRNA expression was consistently increased in both lung carcinoma and mesothelioma cells, whereas KLK1, BDKRB1 and BDKRB2 mRNA expression was decreased or unchanged. Increased expression of KLKB1 after 5-AZA treatment suggests it may function as a tumour suppressor gene in cancers of the lung and pleura. Studies on DNA methylation of the kallikrein-kinin genes will enhance understanding of their role in carcinogenesis and provide insights into the importance of kallikreins as tumour biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Wong
- Lung Institute of Western Australia and Centre for Asthma, Allergy and Respiratory Research, The University of Western Australia, Ground Floor, E Block, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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Mossman D, Scott RJ. Long term transcriptional reactivation of epigenetically silenced genes in colorectal cancer cells requires DNA hypomethylation and histone acetylation. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23127. [PMID: 21829702 PMCID: PMC3150411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Epigenetic regulation of genes involves the coordination of DNA methylation and histone modifications to maintain transcriptional status. These two features are frequently disrupted in malignancy such that critical genes succumb to inactivation. 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) is an agent which inhibits DNA methyltransferase, and holds great potential as a treatment for cancer, yet the extent of its effectiveness varies greatly between tumour types. Previous evidence suggests expression status after 5-aza-dC exposure cannot be explained by the DNA methylation status alone. AIM We sought to identify chromatin changes involved with short and long term gene reactivation following 5-aza-dC exposure. Two colorectal cancer cell lines, HCT116 and SW480, were treated with 5-aza-dC and then grown in drug-free media to allow DNA re-methylation. DNA methylation and chromatin modifications were assessed with bisulfite sequencing and Chromatin Immuno-Precipitation analysis. RESULTS Increased H3 acetylation, H3K4 tri-methylation and loss of H3K27 tri-methylation were associated with reactivation. Hypermethylated genes that did not show increased acetylation were transiently expressed with 5-aza-dC treatment before reverting to an inactive state. Three reactivated genes, CDO1, HSPC105 and MAGEA3, were still expressed 10 days post 5-aza-dC treatment and displayed localised hypomethylation at the transcriptional start site, and also an increased enrichment of histone H3 acetylation. CONCLUSIONS These observations suggest that hypomethylation alone is insufficient to reactivate silenced genes and that increased Histone H3 acetylation in unison with localised hypomethylation allows long term reversion of these epigenetically silenced genes. This study suggests that combined DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors may aid long term reactivation of silenced genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mossman
- Discipline of Medical Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rodney J. Scott
- Discipline of Medical Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Division of Genetics, Hunter Area Pathology Service, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Creekmore AL, Silkworth WT, Cimini D, Jensen RV, Roberts PC, Schmelz EM. Changes in gene expression and cellular architecture in an ovarian cancer progression model. PLoS One 2011; 6:e17676. [PMID: 21390237 PMCID: PMC3048403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0017676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2010] [Accepted: 02/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Early stage disease often remains undetected due the lack of symptoms and reliable biomarkers. The identification of early genetic changes could provide insights into novel signaling pathways that may be exploited for early detection and treatment. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Mouse ovarian surface epithelial (MOSE) cells were used to identify stage-dependent changes in gene expression levels and signal transduction pathways by mouse whole genome microarray analyses and gene ontology. These cells have undergone spontaneous transformation in cell culture and transitioned from non-tumorigenic to intermediate and aggressive, malignant phenotypes. Significantly changed genes were overrepresented in a number of pathways, most notably the cytoskeleton functional category. Concurrent with gene expression changes, the cytoskeletal architecture became progressively disorganized, resulting in aberrant expression or subcellular distribution of key cytoskeletal regulatory proteins (focal adhesion kinase, α-actinin, and vinculin). The cytoskeletal disorganization was accompanied by altered patterns of serine and tyrosine phosphorylation as well as changed expression and subcellular localization of integral signaling intermediates APC and PKCβII. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our studies have identified genes that are aberrantly expressed during MOSE cell neoplastic progression. We show that early stage dysregulation of actin microfilaments is followed by progressive disorganization of microtubules and intermediate filaments at later stages. These stage-specific, step-wise changes provide further insights into the time and spatial sequence of events that lead to the fully transformed state since these changes are also observed in aggressive human ovarian cancer cell lines independent of their histological type. Moreover, our studies support a link between aberrant cytoskeleton organization and regulation of important downstream signaling events that may be involved in cancer progression. Thus, our MOSE-derived cell model represents a unique model for in depth mechanistic studies of ovarian cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L. Creekmore
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - William T. Silkworth
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Daniela Cimini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Roderick V. Jensen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Paul C. Roberts
- Department of Biomedical Science and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (EMS); (PCR)
| | - Eva M. Schmelz
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (EMS); (PCR)
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El-Serafi AT, Oreffo ROC, Roach HI. Epigenetic modifiers influence lineage commitment of human bone marrow stromal cells: Differential effects of 5-aza-deoxycytidine and trichostatin A. Differentiation 2011; 81:35-41. [PMID: 20970916 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2010.09.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2010] [Revised: 08/10/2010] [Accepted: 09/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Clinical imperatives for new bone to replace or restore the function of traumatized or bone lost as a consequence of age or disease has led to the need for therapies or procedures to generate bone for skeletal applications. However, current in vitro methods for the differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells (HBMSCs) do not, to date, produce homogeneous cell populations of the osteogenic or chondrogenic lineages. As epigenetic modifiers are known to influence differentiation, we investigated the effects of the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) or the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) on osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. Monolayer cultures of HBMSCs were treated for 3 days with the 5-aza-dC or TSA, followed by culture in the absence of modifiers. Cells were subsequently grown in pellet culture to determine matrix production. 5-aza-dC stimulated osteogenic differentiation as evidenced by enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity, increased Runx-2 expression in monolayer, and increased osteoid formation in 3D cell pellets. In pellets cultured in chondrogenic media, TSA enhanced cartilage matrix formation and chondrogenic structure. These findings indicate the potential of epigenetic modifiers, as agents, possibly in combination with other factors, to enhance the ability of HBMSCs to form functional bone or cartilage with significant therapeutic implications therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed T El-Serafi
- Bone and Joint Research Group, Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Institute of Developmental Sciences, University of Southampton, School of Medicine, UK.
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Fu S, Hu W, Iyer R, Kavanagh JJ, Coleman RL, Levenback CF, Sood AK, Wolf JK, Gershenson DM, Markman M, Hennessy BT, Kurzrock R, Bast RC. Phase 1b-2a study to reverse platinum resistance through use of a hypomethylating agent, azacitidine, in patients with platinum-resistant or platinum-refractory epithelial ovarian cancer. Cancer 2010; 117:1661-9. [PMID: 21472713 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.25701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2010] [Revised: 04/06/2010] [Accepted: 04/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sequential treatment with azacitidine can induce re-expression of epigenetically silenced genes through genomic DNA hypomethylation and reverse carboplatin resistance of epithelial ovarian cancer cells. A phase 1b-2a clinical trial of this sequential combination of azacitidine and carboplatin was initiated in patients with platinum-resistant or platinum-refractory epithelial ovarian cancer. METHODS Patients with pathologically confirmed intermediate-grade or high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer who developed disease progression within 6 months (resistant disease, n = 18 patients) or during a platinum-based therapy (refractory disease, n = 12 patients) were eligible. All patients had measurable disease. RESULTS Thirty patients received a total of 163 cycles of treatment. This regimen produced 1 complete response, 3 partial responses (overall response rate [ORR], 13.8%), and 10 cases of stable disease among 29 evaluable patients. For those patients who achieved clinical benefits, the median duration of the treatment was 7.5 months. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for all patients were 3.7 months and 14 months, respectively. Patients with platinum-resistant disease achieved an ORR of 22%, with a median PFS of 5.6 months and a median OS of 23 months. The predominant toxicities were fatigue and myelosuppression. Correlative studies indicated that DR4 methylation in peripheral blood leukocytes was decreased during treatment in 3 of 4 objective responders (75%), but in only 5 of 13 nonresponders (38%). CONCLUSIONS To the authors' knowledge, the results of the current study provide the first clinical evidence that a hypomethylating agent may partially reverse platinum resistance in patients with ovarian cancer. Further clinical evaluation of hypomethylating agents in combination with carboplatin is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqing Fu
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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Adair SJ, Hogan KT. Treatment of ovarian cancer cell lines with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine upregulates the expression of cancer-testis antigens and class I major histocompatibility complex-encoded molecules. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2009; 58:589-601. [PMID: 18791715 PMCID: PMC11029901 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-008-0582-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2008] [Accepted: 08/21/2008] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To test the hypothesis that decrease in DNA methylation will increase the expression of cancer-testis antigens (CTA) and class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded molecules by ovarian cancer cells, and thus increase the ability of these cells to be recognized by antigen-reactive CD8(+) T cells. METHODS Human ovarian cancer cell lines were cultured in the presence or absence of varying concentrations of the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DAC) for 3-7 days. The expression levels of 12 CTA genes were measured using the polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression levels of class I MHC molecules and MAGE-A1 were measured by flow cytometry. T cell reactivity was determined using interferon-gamma ELISpot analysis. RESULTS DAC treatment of ovarian cancer cell lines increased the expression of 11 of 12 CTA genes tested including MAGE-A1, MAGE-A3, MAGE-A4, MAGE-A6, MAGE-A10, MAGE-A12, NY-ESO-1, TAG-1, TAG-2a, TAG-2b, and TAG-2c. In contrast, DAC treatment decreased the already low expression of the MAGE-A2 gene by ovarian cancer cells, a finding not previously observed in cancers of any histological type. DAC treatment increases the expression of class I MHC molecules by the cells. These effects were time-dependent over a 7-day interval, and were dose-dependent up to 1-3 microM for CTA and up to 10 microM for class I MHC molecules. Each cell line tested had a unique pattern of gene upregulation after exposure to DAC. The enhanced expression levels increased the recognition of 2 of 3 antigens recognized by antigen-reactive CD8(+) T cells. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the potential utility of combining DAC therapy with vaccine therapy in an attempt to induce the expression of antigens targeted by the vaccine, but they also demonstrate that care must be taken to target inducible antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J. Adair
- Department of Surgery and the Human Immune Therapy Center, University of Virginia, Box 801359, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Kevin T. Hogan
- Department of Surgery and the Human Immune Therapy Center, University of Virginia, Box 801359, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
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Barton CA, Hacker NF, Clark SJ, O'Brien PM. DNA methylation changes in ovarian cancer: implications for early diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Gynecol Oncol 2008; 109:129-39. [PMID: 18234305 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2007.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2007] [Revised: 12/07/2007] [Accepted: 12/10/2007] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review epigenetic changes identified in ovarian cancer, focusing on their potential as clinical markers for detection, monitoring of disease progression and as markers of therapeutic response. METHODS A comprehensive review of English language scientific literature on the topics of methylation and ovarian cancer was conducted. RESULTS Genome-wide demethylation of normally methylated and silenced chromosomal regions, and hypermethylation and silencing of genes including tumor suppressors are common features of cancer cells. Epigenetic alterations, including CpG island DNA methylation, occur in ovarian cancer and the identification of specific genes that are altered by epigenetic events is an area of intense research. Aberrant DNA methylation in ovarian cancer is observed in early cancer development, can be detected in DNA circulating in the blood and hence provides the promise of a non-invasive cancer detection test. In addition, identification of ovarian cancer-specific epigenetic changes has promise in molecular classification and disease stratification. CONCLUSIONS The detection of cancer-specific DNA methylation changes heralds an exciting new era in cancer diagnosis as well as evaluation of prognosis and therapeutic responsiveness and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Barton
- Cancer Research Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
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