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de Azevedo SSD, Ribeiro-Alves M, Côrtes FH, Delatorre E, Hoagland B, Villela LM, Grinsztejn B, Veloso VG, Morgado MG, Souza TML, Bello G. HIV-1 controllers exhibit an enhanced antiretroviral innate state characterised by overexpression of p21 and MCPIP1 and silencing of ERVK-6 RNA expression. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2024; 119:e240071. [PMID: 39292108 PMCID: PMC11404982 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760240071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection can activate the expression of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), particularly HERV-K (HML-2). HIV controllers (HICs) are rare people living with HIV (PLWHs) who naturally control HIV-1 replication and overexpress some cellular restriction factors that negatively regulate the LTR-driven transcription of HIV-1 proviruses. OBJECTIVES To understand the ability of HICs to control the expression of endogenous retroviruses. METHODS We measured endogenous retrovirus type K6 (ERVK-6) RNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HICs (n = 23), antiretroviral (ART)-suppressed subjects (n = 8), and HIV-1-negative (NEG) individuals (n = 10) and correlated the transcript expression of ERVK-6 with multiple HIV-1 cellular restriction factors. FINDINGS Our study revealed that ERVK-6 RNA expression in PBMCs from HICs was significantly downregulated compared with that in both the ART and NEG control groups. Moreover, we detected that ERVK-6 RNA levels in PBMCs across all groups were negatively correlated with the expression levels of p21 and MCPIP1, two cellular restriction factors that limit the activation of macrophages and T cells by downregulating the activity of NF-kB. MAIN CONCLUSIONS These findings support the hypothesis that HICs activate innate antiviral mechanisms that may simultaneously downregulate the transcription of both exogenous (HIV-1) and endogenous (ERVK-6) retroviruses. Future studies with larger cohorts should be performed to confirm this hypothesis and to explore the role of p21 and MCPIP1 in regulating HERV-K expression in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcelo Ribeiro-Alves
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em DST/AIDS, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Fernanda Heloise Côrtes
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de AIDS & Imunologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Edson Delatorre
- Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Patologia, Laboratório de Genômica e Ecologia Viral, Vitória, ES, Brasil
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em DST/AIDS, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Larissa M Villela
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em DST/AIDS, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em DST/AIDS, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Valdilea Gonçalvez Veloso
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em DST/AIDS, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Mariza G Morgado
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de AIDS & Imunologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Thiago Moreno L Souza
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Inovação em Doenças de Populações Negligenciadas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Gonzalo Bello
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de AIDS & Imunologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Arbovírus e Vírus Hemorrágicos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Saw PE, Liu Q, Wong PP, Song E. Cancer stem cell mimicry for immune evasion and therapeutic resistance. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:1101-1112. [PMID: 38925125 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are heterogeneous, possess self-renewal attributes, and orchestrate important crosstalk in tumors. We propose that the CSC state represents "mimicry" by cancer cells that leads to phenotypic plasticity. CSC mimicry is suggested as CSCs can impersonate immune cells, vasculo-endothelia, or lymphangiogenic cells to support cancer growth. CSCs facilitate both paracrine and juxtracrine signaling to prime tumor-associated immune and stromal cells to adopt pro-tumoral phenotypes, driving therapeutic resistance. Here, we outline the ingenuity of CSCs' mimicry in their quest to evade immune detection, which leads to immunotherapeutic resistance, and highlight CSC-mimicry-targeted therapeutic strategies for robust immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phei Er Saw
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Nanhai Clinical Translational Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping-Pui Wong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Nanhai Clinical Translational Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Erwei Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Nanhai Clinical Translational Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, China; Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Zenith Institute of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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3
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Kim DY, Kim H, Ko EJ, Koh SB, Kim H, Lee JY, Lee CM, Eo WK, Kim KH, Cha HJ. Correlation analysis of cancer stem cell marker CD133 and human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K env in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. Genes Genomics 2024; 46:511-518. [PMID: 38457096 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-024-01499-6] [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: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K is a type of retrovirus that is present in the human genome, and its expression is usually silenced in healthy tissues. The precise mechanism by which HERV-K env influences cancer stemness is not fully understood, but it has been suggested that HERV-K env may activate various signaling pathways that promote stemness traits in cancer cells. OBJECTIVE To establish the connection between HERV-K env expression and cancer stemness in ovarian cancer cells, we carried out correlation analyses between HERV-K env and the cancer stem cell (CSC) marker known as the cluster of differentiation 133 (CD133) gene in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. METHOD To perform correlation analysis between HERV-K env and CSCs, ovarian cancer cells were cultured in a medium designed for cancer stem cell induction. The expression of HERV-K env and CD133 genes was verified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analyses. Additionally, the expression of stemness-related markers, such as OCT-4 and Nanog, was also confirmed using RT-qPCR. RESULTS In the stem cell induction medium, the number of tumorsphere-type SKOV3 cells increased, and the expression of CD133 and HERV-K env genes was up-regulated. Additionally, other stemness-related markers like OCT-4 and Nanog also exhibited increased expression when cultured in the cancer stem cell induction medium. However, when HERV-K env knockout (KO) SKOV3 cells were cultured in the same cancer stem cell induction medium, there was a significant decrease in the number of tumorsphere-type cells compared to mock SKOV3 cells subjected to the same conditions. Furthermore, the expression of CD133, Nanog, and OCT-4 did not show a significant increase in HERV-K env KO SKOV3 cells compared to mock SKOV3 cells cultured in the same cancer stem cell induction medium. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that the expression of HERV-K env increased in SKOV3 cells when cultured in cancer stem cell induction media, and cancer stem cell induction was inhibited by KO of HERV-K env in SKOV3 cells. These results suggest a strong association between HERV-K env and stemness in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do-Ye Kim
- Departments of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Heungyeol Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannah Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ji Ko
- Departments of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Suk Bong Koh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongbae Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Young Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul Min Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ilsan Medical Center School of Medicine, Cha University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan Kyu Eo
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Hyung Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Biomedical Research Institute and Pusan Cancer Center, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hee-Jae Cha
- Departments of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea.
- Institute for Medical Science, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Dai L, Fan J, Qin Z. Development of human endogenous retrovirus type K- related treatments for human diseases. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29532. [PMID: 38497450 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29532] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) constitute approximately 8% of the human genome and have long been regarded as silent passengers within our genomes. However, the reactivation of HERVs has been increasingly linked to a range of human diseases, particularly the HERV-K (HML-2) family. Many studies are dedicated to elucidating the potential role of HERV-K in pathogenicity. While the underlying mechanisms require further investigation, targeting HERV-K transactivation emerges as a promising avenue for treating human diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and infectious diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in the development of HERV-K-targeted therapeutic strategies against various human diseases, including antiretroviral drugs, immunotherapy, and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Dai
- Department of Pathology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Jiaojiao Fan
- Department of Pathology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Qin
- Department of Pathology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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Zanrè V, Bellinato F, Cardile A, Passarini C, Monticelli J, Di Bella S, Menegazzi M. Lamivudine, Doravirine, and Cabotegravir Downregulate the Expression of Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs), Inhibit Cell Growth, and Reduce Invasive Capability in Melanoma Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1615. [PMID: 38338893 PMCID: PMC10855363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study explores the impact of antiretroviral administration on the expression of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), cell growth, and invasive capability of human melanoma cell lines in culture. We investigated three antiretrovirals-lamivudine, doravirine, and cabotegravir-in A375, FO-1, and SK-Mel-28, BRAF-mutated, and in MeWo, P53-mutated, melanoma cell lines. The findings indicate a general capability of these drugs to downregulate the expression of HERV-K Pol and Env genes and hinder cell viability, mobility, and colony formation capacity of melanoma cells. The antiretroviral drugs also demonstrate selectivity against malignant cells, sparing normal human epithelial melanocytes. The study reveals that the integrase inhibitor cabotegravir is particularly effective in inhibiting cell growth and invasion across different cell lines in comparison with lamivudine and doravirine, which are inhibitors of the viral reverse transcriptase enzyme. The investigation further delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed effects, highlighting the potential induction of ferroptosis, apoptosis, and alterations in cell cycle regulatory proteins. Our findings showed cytostatic effects principally revealed in A375, and SK-Mel-28 cell lines through a downregulation of retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation and/or cyclin D1 expression. Signs of ferroptosis were detected in both A375 cells and FO-1 cells by a decrease in glutathione peroxidase 4 and ferritin expression, as well as by an increase in transferrin protein levels. Apoptosis was also detected in FO-1 and SK-Mel-28, but only with cabotegravir treatment. Moreover, we explored the expression and activity of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein and its correlation with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. Both the STING activity and PD-L1 expression were decreased, suggesting that the antiretroviral treatments may counteract the detrimental effects of PD-L1 expression activation through the STING/interferon pathway triggered by HERV-K. Finally, this study underscores the potential therapeutic significance of cabotegravir in melanoma treatment. The findings also raise the prospect of using antiretroviral drugs to downregulate PD-L1 expression, potentially enhancing the therapeutic responses of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Zanrè
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (V.Z.); (A.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Francesco Bellinato
- Section of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale Stefani 1, 37126 Verona, Italy;
| | - Alessia Cardile
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (V.Z.); (A.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Carlotta Passarini
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (V.Z.); (A.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Jacopo Monticelli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Trieste University Hospital (ASUGI), Piazza dell’Ospitale 1, 34129 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Stefano Di Bella
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Marta Menegazzi
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (V.Z.); (A.C.); (C.P.)
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6
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Ramsoomair CK, Ceccarelli M, Heiss JD, Shah AH. The epitranscriptome of high-grade gliomas: a promising therapeutic target with implications from the tumor microenvironment to endogenous retroviruses. J Transl Med 2023; 21:893. [PMID: 38071304 PMCID: PMC10709919 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04725-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) comprises 45.6% of all primary malignant brain cancers and is one of the most common and aggressive intracranial tumors in adults. Intratumoral heterogeneity with a wide range of proteomic, genetic, and epigenetic dysregulation contributes to treatment resistance and poor prognosis, thus demanding novel therapeutic approaches. To date, numerous clinical trials have been developed to target the proteome and epigenome of high-grade gliomas with promising results. However, studying RNA modifications, or RNA epitranscriptomics, is a new frontier within neuro-oncology. RNA epitranscriptomics was discovered in the 1970s, but in the last decade, the extent of modification of mRNA and various non-coding RNAs has emerged and been implicated in transposable element activation and many other oncogenic processes within the tumor microenvironment. This review provides background information and discusses the therapeutic potential of agents modulating epitranscriptomics in high-grade gliomas. A particular emphasis will be placed on how combination therapies that include immune agents targeting hERV-mediated viral mimicry could improve the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian K Ramsoomair
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14Th Terrace, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14Th Terrace, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
| | - Michele Ceccarelli
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1550 N.W. 10Th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - John D Heiss
- Surgical Neurology Branch, Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Neurological, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ashish H Shah
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14Th Terrace, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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Shah AH, Rivas SR, Doucet-O’Hare TT, Govindarajan V, DeMarino C, Wang T, Ampie L, Zhang Y, Banasavadi-Siddegowda YK, Walbridge S, Maric D, Garcia-Montojo M, Suter RK, Lee MH, Zaghloul KA, Steiner J, Elkahloun AG, Chandar J, Seetharam D, Desgraves J, Li W, Johnson K, Ivan ME, Komotar RJ, Gilbert MR, Heiss JD, Nath A. Human endogenous retrovirus K contributes to a stem cell niche in glioblastoma. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e167929. [PMID: 37395282 PMCID: PMC10313366 DOI: 10.1172/jci167929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancestral viral relics that constitute nearly 8% of the human genome. Although normally silenced, the most recently integrated provirus HERV-K (HML-2) can be reactivated in certain cancers. Here, we report pathological expression of HML-2 in malignant gliomas in both cerebrospinal fluid and tumor tissue that was associated with a cancer stem cell phenotype and poor outcomes. Using single-cell RNA-Seq, we identified glioblastoma cellular populations with elevated HML-2 transcripts in neural progenitor-like cells (NPC-like) that drive cellular plasticity. Using CRISPR interference, we demonstrate that HML-2 critically maintained glioblastoma stemness and tumorigenesis in both glioblastoma neurospheres and intracranial orthotopic murine models. Additionally, we demonstrate that HML-2 critically regulated embryonic stem cell programs in NPC-derived astroglia and altered their 3D cellular morphology by activating the nuclear transcription factor OCT4, which binds to an HML-2-specific long-terminal repeat (LTR5Hs). Moreover, we discovered that some glioblastoma cells formed immature retroviral virions, and inhibiting HML-2 expression with antiretroviral drugs reduced reverse transcriptase activity in the extracellular compartment, tumor viability, and pluripotency. Our results suggest that HML-2 fundamentally contributes to the glioblastoma stem cell niche. Because persistence of glioblastoma stem cells is considered responsible for treatment resistance and recurrence, HML-2 may serve as a unique therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish H. Shah
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sarah R. Rivas
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tara T. Doucet-O’Hare
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Vaidya Govindarajan
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Catherine DeMarino
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tongguang Wang
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Leonel Ampie
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yong Zhang
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Stuart Walbridge
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dragan Maric
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marta Garcia-Montojo
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert K. Suter
- Georgetown University, Bioinformatics Section, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Myoung-Hwa Lee
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kareem A. Zaghloul
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph Steiner
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Abdel G. Elkahloun
- Cancer Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jay Chandar
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Deepa Seetharam
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jelisah Desgraves
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Wenxue Li
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kory Johnson
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael E. Ivan
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ricardo J. Komotar
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mark R. Gilbert
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John D. Heiss
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Avindra Nath
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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8
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Stricker E, Peckham-Gregory EC, Scheurer ME. HERVs and Cancer-A Comprehensive Review of the Relationship of Human Endogenous Retroviruses and Human Cancers. Biomedicines 2023; 11:936. [PMID: 36979914 PMCID: PMC10046157 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability and genetic mutations can lead to exhibition of several cancer hallmarks in affected cells such as sustained proliferative signaling, evasion of growth suppression, activated invasion, deregulation of cellular energetics, and avoidance of immune destruction. Similar biological changes have been observed to be a result of pathogenic viruses and, in some cases, have been linked to virus-induced cancers. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), once external pathogens, now occupy more than 8% of the human genome, representing the merge of genomic and external factors. In this review, we outline all reported effects of HERVs on cancer development and discuss the HERV targets most suitable for cancer treatments as well as ongoing clinical trials for HERV-targeting drugs. We reviewed all currently available reports of the effects of HERVs on human cancers including solid tumors, lymphomas, and leukemias. Our review highlights the central roles of HERV genes, such as gag, env, pol, np9, and rec in immune regulation, checkpoint blockade, cell differentiation, cell fusion, proliferation, metastasis, and cell transformation. In addition, we summarize the involvement of HERV long terminal repeat (LTR) regions in transcriptional regulation, creation of fusion proteins, expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and promotion of genome instability through recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Stricker
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77047, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77047, USA
| | | | - Michael E. Scheurer
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77047, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77047, USA
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9
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Fan TJ, Cui J. Human Endogenous Retroviruses in Diseases. Subcell Biochem 2023; 106:403-439. [PMID: 38159236 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-40086-5_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), which are conserved sequences of ancient retroviruses, are widely distributed in the human genome. Although most HERVs have been rendered inactive by evolution, some have continued to exhibit important cytological functions. HERVs in the human genome perform dual functions: on the one hand, they are involved in important physiological processes such as placental development and immune regulation; on the other hand, their aberrant expression is closely associated with the pathological processes of several diseases, such as cancers, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections. HERVs can also regulate a variety of host cellular functions, including the expression of protein-coding genes and regulatory elements that have evolved from HERVs. Here, we present recent research on the roles of HERVs in viral infections and cancers, including the dysregulation of HERVs in various viral infections, HERV-induced epigenetic modifications of histones (such as methylation and acetylation), and the potential mechanisms of HERV-mediated antiviral immunity. We also describe therapies to improve the efficacy of vaccines and medications either by directly or indirectly targeting HERVs, depending on the HERV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Jiao Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Cui
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Kitsou K, Lagiou P, Magiorkinis G. Human endogenous retroviruses in cancer: Oncogenesis mechanisms and clinical implications. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28350. [PMID: 36428242 PMCID: PMC10108094 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are viral sequences integrated into the human genome, resulting from the infection of human germ-line cells by ancient exogenous retroviruses. Despite losing their replication and retrotransposition abilities, HERVs appear to have been co-opted in human physiological functions while their aberrant expression is linked to human disease. The role of HERVs in multiple malignancies has been demonstrated, however, the extent to which HERV activation and expression participate in the development of cancer is not yet fully comprehended. In this review article, we discuss the presumed role of HERVs in carcinogenesis and their promising diagnostic and prognostic implications. Additionally, we explore recent data on the HERVs in cancer therapeutics, either through the manipulation of their expression, to induce antitumor innate immunity responses or as cancer immunotherapy targets. Finally, more precise and higher resolution high-throughput sequencing approaches will further elucidate HERV participation in human physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Kitsou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Goudi, Greece
| | - Pagona Lagiou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Goudi, Greece
| | - Gkikas Magiorkinis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Goudi, Greece
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11
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Cipriani C, Giudice M, Petrone V, Fanelli M, Minutolo A, Miele MT, Toschi N, Maracchioni C, Siracusano M, Benvenuto A, Coniglio A, Curatolo P, Mazzone L, Sandro G, Garaci E, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P, Matteucci C, Balestrieri E. Modulation of human endogenous retroviruses and cytokines expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from autistic children and their parents. Retrovirology 2022; 19:26. [PMID: 36451209 PMCID: PMC9709758 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-022-00603-6] [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: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Putative pathogenic effects mediated by human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in neurological and psychiatric disorders in humans have been extensively described. HERVs may alter the development of the brain by means of several mechanisms, including modulation of gene expression, alteration of DNA stability, and activation of immune system. We recently demonstrated that autistic children and their mothers share high expression levels of some HERVs and cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) ex vivo, suggesting a close mother-child association in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). RESULTS In the present study, PBMCs from autistic children and their parents were exposed to stimulating factors (Interleukin-2/Phytohaemagglutinin) or drugs, as Valproic acid and Efavirenz. The results show that HERVs and cytokines expression can be modulated in vitro by different stimuli in PBMCs from autistic children and their mothers, while no significant changes were found in PBMCs ASD fathers or in controls individuals. In particular, in vitro exposure to interleukin-2/Phytohaemagglutinin or valproic acid induces the expression of several HERVs and cytokines while Efavirenz inhibits them. CONCLUSION Herein we show that autistic children and their mothers share an intrinsic responsiveness to in vitro microenvironmental changes in expressing HERVs and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Remarkably, the antiretroviral drug Efavirenz restores the expression of specific HERV families to values similar to those of the controls, also reducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines but keeping the regulatory ones high. Our findings open new perspectives to study the role of HERVs in the biological mechanisms underlying Autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cipriani
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Giudice
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vita Petrone
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marialaura Fanelli
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Minutolo
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Martino T. Miele
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Toschi
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XMartinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Christian Maracchioni
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Siracusano
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Benvenuto
- grid.413009.fChild Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, System Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University Hospital of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Coniglio
- grid.413009.fChild Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, System Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University Hospital of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Curatolo
- grid.413009.fChild Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, System Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University Hospital of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Mazzone
- grid.413009.fChild Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, System Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University Hospital of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Grelli Sandro
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy ,Virology Unit, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Garaci
- University San Raffaele, Rome, Italy ,grid.18887.3e0000000417581884IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy ,grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Matteucci
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Balestrieri
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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12
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Sahu S, Singh B, Kumar Rai A. Human endogenous retrovirus regulates the initiation and progression of cancers (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 2022; 17:143. [PMID: 36157315 PMCID: PMC9468830 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2022.2576] [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: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of genes is altered in various diseases and is responsible for the disease's initiation, progression and pathology. Several other genes, predominantly inactivated, may become activated in a given condition and contribute to the initiation and progression of the disease. Similarly, human endogenous viruses (HERVs) are an incomplete, non-productive and inactive viral sequence present in the heterochromatin of the human genome, and are often referred to as junk DNA. HERVs were inserted into the host genome millions of years ago. However, they were silenced due to multiple mutations and recombination that occurred over time. However, their expression is increased in cancers due to either epigenetic or transcriptional dysregulation. Some of the HERVs having intact open reading frames have been reported to express virus-like particles, functional peptides and proteins involved in tumorigenesis. To summarize, there is involvement of different HERVs in the initiation and progression of several cancers. The present review aims to provide concise information on HERV and its involvement in the initiation and progression of multiple types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srishti Sahu
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211004, India
| | - Bharat Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211004, India
| | - Ambak Kumar Rai
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211004, India
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13
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Hajimoradi Javarsiani M, Sajedianfard J, Haghjooy Javanmard S. The effects of metformin on the hippo pathway in the proliferation of melanoma cancer cells: a preclinical study. Arch Physiol Biochem 2022; 128:1150-1155. [PMID: 32407182 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2020.1760304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
YAP and TAZ, two closely related transcriptional regulators, have crucial roles in tissue repair upon injury, organ size control, and cancer treatment. Some drugs, such as metformin, that alter cell metabolism can play a role in the regulation of the Hippo pathway. The cells were treated with various concentrations of metformin, dacarbazine (IC50), and both of them. The evaluation of the biomarker and proteins was performed by FACS and immunoblotting, respectively. Cell viability was reduced by 50% after 24 h. Data showed that metformin treatment down-regulated YAP and TAZ (p = .002) expressions and enhanced YAP phosphorylation (p < .001). Metformin, alone and in combination, inhibited the growth and viability of melanoma cells in vitro. The increase in the phosphorylation of YAP renders it a potential target in the development of anticancer drugs. This study showed the effects of metformin on the inhibition of oncogenic YAP and TAZ in the proliferation of melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javad Sajedianfard
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shagayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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14
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Rivas SR, Valdez MJM, Govindarajan V, Seetharam D, Doucet-O’Hare TT, Heiss JD, Shah AH. The Role of HERV-K in Cancer Stemness. Viruses 2022; 14:v14092019. [PMID: 36146825 PMCID: PMC9504571 DOI: 10.3390/v14092019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) is the most recently integrated retrovirus in the human genome, with implications for multiple disorders, including cancer. Although typically transcriptionally silenced in normal adult cells, dysregulation of HERV-K (HML-2) elements has been observed in cancer, including breast, germ cell tumors, pancreatic, melanoma, and brain cancer. While multiple methods of carcinogenesis have been proposed, here we discuss the role of HERV-K (HML-2) in the promotion and maintenance of the stem-cell in cancer. Aberrant expression of HERV-K has been shown to promote expression of stem cell markers and promote dedifferentiation. In this review, we discuss HERV-K (HML-2) as a potential therapeutic target based on evidence that some tumors depend on the expression of its proteins for survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. Rivas
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Correspondence: (S.R.R.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Mynor J. Mendez Valdez
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Department of Neurosurgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Vaidya Govindarajan
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Department of Neurosurgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Deepa Seetharam
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Department of Neurosurgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Tara T. Doucet-O’Hare
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - John D. Heiss
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ashish H. Shah
- Section of Virology and Immunotherapy, Department of Neurosurgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Correspondence: (S.R.R.); (A.H.S.)
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15
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Zhang Q, Pan J, Cong Y, Mao J. Transcriptional Regulation of Endogenous Retroviruses and Their Misregulation in Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710112. [PMID: 36077510 PMCID: PMC9456331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), deriving from exogenous retroviral infections of germ line cells occurred millions of years ago, represent ~8% of human genome. Most ERVs are highly inactivated because of the accumulation of mutations, insertions, deletions, and/or truncations. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that ERVs influence host biology through genetic and epigenetic mechanisms under particular physiological and pathological conditions, which provide both beneficial and deleterious effects for the host. For instance, certain ERVs expression is essential for human embryonic development. Whereas abnormal activation of ERVs was found to be involved in numbers of human diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of regulation of ERVs would provide insights into the role of ERVs in health and diseases. Here, we provide an overview of mechanisms of transcriptional regulation of ERVs and their dysregulation in human diseases.
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16
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Zhang M, Zheng S, Liang JQ. Transcriptional and reverse transcriptional regulation of host genes by human endogenous retroviruses in cancers. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:946296. [PMID: 35928153 PMCID: PMC9343867 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.946296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) originated from ancient retroviral infections of germline cells millions of years ago and have evolved as part of the host genome. HERVs not only retain the capacity as retroelements but also regulate host genes. The expansion of HERVs involves transcription by RNA polymerase II, reverse transcription, and re-integration into the host genome. Fast progress in deep sequencing and functional analysis has revealed the importance of domesticated copies of HERVs, including their regulatory sequences, transcripts, and proteins in normal cells. However, evidence also suggests the involvement of HERVs in the development and progression of many types of cancer. Here we summarize the current state of knowledge about the expression of HERVs, transcriptional regulation of host genes by HERVs, and the functions of HERVs in reverse transcription and gene editing with their reverse transcriptase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengwen Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Second Affiliated Hospital, Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shu Zheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Second Affiliated Hospital, Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shu Zheng,
| | - Jessie Qiaoyi Liang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Center for Gut Microbiota Research, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Jessie Qiaoyi Liang,
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17
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Guo Y, Yang C, Liu Y, Li T, Li H, Han J, Jia L, Wang X, Zhang B, Li J, Li L. High Expression of HERV-K (HML-2) Might Stimulate Interferon in COVID-19 Patients. Viruses 2022; 14:996. [PMID: 35632738 PMCID: PMC9143815 DOI: 10.3390/v14050996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Interferon is a marker of host antiviral immunity, which is disordered in COVID-19 patients. ERV can affect the secretion of interferon through the cGAS-STING pathway. In this study, we explored whether IFN-I and HERV-K (HML-2) were activated in COVID-19 patients and whether there was an interaction between them. Methods. We collected blood samples from COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. We first detected the expression of HERV-K (HML-2) gag, env, and pol genes and IFN-I-related genes between patients and healthy people by qPCR, synchronously detected VERO cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. Then, the chromosome distributions of highly expressed HERV-K (HML-2) gag, env, and pol genes were mapped by the next-generation sequencing results, and GO analysis was performed on the related genes. Results. We found that the HERV-K (HML-2) gag, env, and pol genes were highly expressed in COVID-19 patients and VERO cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. The interferon-related genes IFNB1, ISG15, and IFIT1 were also activated in COVID-19 patients, and GO analysis showed that HERV-K (HML-2) can regulate the secretion of interferon. Conclusions. The high expression of HERV-K (HML-2) might activate the increase of interferon in COVID-19 patients, proving that HERV-K does not only play a negative role in the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lin Li
- Department of AIDS Research, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.G.); (C.Y.); (Y.L.); (T.L.); (H.L.); (J.H.); (L.J.); (X.W.); (B.Z.); (J.L.)
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18
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Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Acidified Metastatic Melanoma Cells Stimulate Growth, Migration, and Stemness of Normal Keratinocytes. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030660. [PMID: 35327461 PMCID: PMC8945455 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is a highly malignant tumor. Melanoma cells release extracellular vesicles (EVs), which contribute to the growth, metastasis, and malignancy of neighboring cells by transfer of tumor-promoting miRNAs, mRNA, and proteins. Melanoma microenvironment acidification promotes tumor progression and determines EVs’ properties. We studied the influence of EVs derived from metastatic melanoma cells cultivated at acidic (6.5) and normal (7.4) pH on the morphology and homeostasis of normal keratinocytes. Acidification of metastatic melanoma environment made EVs more prooncogenic with increased expression of prooncogenic mi221 RNA, stemless factor CD133, and pro-migration factor SNAI1, as well as with downregulated antitumor mir7 RNA. Incubation with EVs stimulated growth and migration both of metastatic melanoma cells and keratinocytes and changed the morphology of keratinocytes to stem-like phenotype, which was confirmed by increased expression of the stemness factors KLF and CD133. Activation of the AKT/mTOR and ERK signaling pathways and increased expression of epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR and SNAI1 were detected in keratinocytes upon incubation with EVs. Moreover, EVs reduced the production of different cytokines (IL6, IL10, and IL12) and adhesion factors (sICAM-1, sICAM-3, sPecam-1, and sCD40L) usually secreted by keratinocytes to control melanoma progression. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the correlation between decreased expression of these secreted factors and worse survival prognosis for patients with metastatic melanoma. Altogether, our data mean that metastatic melanoma EVs are important players in the transformation of normal keratinocytes.
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Varkoly K, Tan S, Beladi R, Fonseca D, Zanetti IR, Kraberger S, Shah C, Yaron JR, Zhang L, Juby M, Fath A, Ambadapadi S, House M, Maranian P, Pepine CJ, Varsani A, Moreb J, Schultz-Cherry S, Lucas AR. RNA Virus Gene Signatures Detected in Patients With Cardiomyopathy After Chemotherapy; A Pilot Study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:821162. [PMID: 35360008 PMCID: PMC8962958 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.821162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Viral infections are pervasive and leading causes of myocarditis. Immune-suppression after chemotherapy increases opportunistic infections, but the incidence of virus-induced myocarditis is unknown. Objective An unbiased, blinded screening for RNA viruses was performed after chemotherapy with correlation to cardiac function. Methods High-throughput sequencing of RNA isolated from blood samples was analyzed following chemotherapy for hematological malignancies (N = 28) and compared with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Results On initial rigorous analysis, low levels of influenza orthomyxovirus and avian paramyxovirus sequences were detectable, but without significant correlation to LVEF (r = 0.208). A secondary broad data mining analysis for virus sequences, without filtering human sequences, detected significant correlations for paramyxovirus with LVEF after chemotherapy (r = 0.592, P < 0.0096). Correlations were similar for LVEF pre- and post- chemotherapy for orthomyxovirus (R = 0.483, P < 0.0421). Retrovirus detection also correlated with LVEF post (r = 0.453, p < 0.0591), but not pre-chemotherapy, but is suspect due to potential host contamination. Detectable phage and anellovirus had no correlation. Combined sequence reads (all viruses) demonstrated significant correlation (r = 0.621, P < 0.0078). Reduced LVEF was not associated with chemotherapy (P = NS). Conclusions This is the first report of RNA virus screening in circulating blood and association with changes in cardiac function among patients post chemotherapy, using unbiased, blinded, high-throughput sequencing. Influenza orthomyxovirus, avian paramyxovirus and retrovirus sequences were detectable in patients with reduced LVEF. Further analysis for RNA virus infections in patients with cardiomyopathy after chemotherapy is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Varkoly
- Department of Internal Medicine, McLaren Macomb Hospital- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Mt Clemens, MI, United States
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Shaoyuan Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Roxana Beladi
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Ascension Providence Hospital- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Southfield, MI, United States
| | - David Fonseca
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Isabela Rivabem Zanetti
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Simona Kraberger
- The Biodesign Center of Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Center for Evolution and Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Chintan Shah
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jordan R. Yaron
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Liqiang Zhang
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Michael Juby
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Ayman Fath
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dignity Health, Creighton University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Sriram Ambadapadi
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Melanie House
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dignity Health, Creighton University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Paul Maranian
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Carl J. Pepine
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Arvind Varsani
- The Biodesign Center of Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Center for Evolution and Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jan Moreb
- Hematologic Malignancies, Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program, Forsyth Medical Center, Derrick L Davis Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Stacey Schultz-Cherry
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Alexandra R. Lucas
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- *Correspondence: Alexandra R. Lucas
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Fayzullina D, Kharwar RK, Acharya A, Buzdin A, Borisov N, Timashev P, Ulasov I, Kapomba B. FNC: An Advanced Anticancer Therapeutic or Just an Underdog? Front Oncol 2022; 12:820647. [PMID: 35223502 PMCID: PMC8867032 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.820647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Azvudine (FNC) is a novel cytidine analogue that has both antiviral and anticancer activities. This minireview focuses on its underlying molecular mechanisms of suppressing viral life cycle and cancer cell growth and discusses applications of this nucleoside drug for advanced therapy of tumors and malignant blood diseases. FNC inhibits positive-stand RNA viruses, like HCV, EV, SARS-COV-2, HBV, and retroviruses, including HIV, by suppressing their RNA-dependent polymerase enzymes. It may also inhibit such enzyme (reverse transcriptase) in the human retrotransposons, including human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). As the activation of retrotransposons can be the major factor of ongoing cancer genome instability and consequently higher aggressiveness of tumors, FNC has a potential to increase the efficacy of multiple anticancer therapies. Furthermore, FNC also showed other aspects of anticancer activity by inhibiting adhesion, migration, invasion, and proliferation of malignant cells. It was also reported to be involved in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, thereby inhibiting the progression of cancer through different pathways. To the date, the grounds of FNC effects on cancer cells are not fully understood and hence additional studies are needed for better understanding molecular mechanisms of its anticancer activities to support its medical use in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Fayzullina
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Rajesh Kumar Kharwar
- Endocrine Research Lab, Department of Zoology, Kutir Post Graduate College, Chakkey, Jaunpur, India
| | - Arbind Acharya
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Anton Buzdin
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nicolas Borisov
- Department of Medical and Biological Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Peter Timashev
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya Ulasov
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Byron Kapomba
- Department of General Surgery, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Harare, Zimbabwe,*Correspondence: Byron Kapomba,
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21
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Müller MD, Holst PJ, Nielsen KN. A Systematic Review of Expression and Immunogenicity of Human Endogenous Retroviral Proteins in Cancer and Discussion of Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1330. [PMID: 35163254 PMCID: PMC8836156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections that have become fixed in the human genome. While HERV genes are typically silenced in healthy somatic cells, there are numerous reports of HERV transcription and translation across a wide spectrum of cancers, while T and B cell responses against HERV proteins have been detected in cancer patients. This review systematically categorizes the published evidence on the expression of and adaptive immune response against specific HERVs in distinct cancer types. A systematic literature search was performed using Medical Search Headings (MeSH) in the PubMed/Medline database. Papers were included if they described the translational activity of HERVs. We present multiple tables that pair the protein expression of specific HERVs and cancer types with information on the quality of the evidence. We find that HERV-K is the most investigated HERV. HERV-W (syncytin-1) is the second-most investigated, while other HERVs have received less attention. From a therapeutic perspective, HERV-K and HERV-E are the only HERVs with experimental demonstration of effective targeted therapies, but unspecific approaches using antiviral and demethylating agents in combination with chemo- and immunotherapies have also been investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Dons Müller
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark;
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22
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Kitsou K, Iliopoulou M, Spoulou V, Lagiou P, Magiorkinis G. Viral Causality of Human Cancer and Potential Roles of Human Endogenous Retroviruses in the Multi-Omics Era: An Evolutionary Epidemiology Review. Front Oncol 2021; 11:687631. [PMID: 34778024 PMCID: PMC8586426 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.687631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Being responsible for almost 12% of cancers worldwide, viruses are among the oldest known and most prevalent oncogenic agents. The quality of the evidence for the in vivo tumorigenic potential of microorganisms varies, thus accordingly, viruses were classified in 4 evidence-based categories by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2009. Since then, our understanding of the role of viruses in cancer has significantly improved, firstly due to the emergence of high throughput sequencing technologies that allowed the “brute-force” recovery of unknown viral genomes. At the same time, multi-omics approaches unravelled novel virus-host interactions in stem-cell biology. We now know that viral elements, either exogenous or endogenous, have multiple sometimes conflicting roles in human pathophysiology and the development of cancer. Here we integrate emerging evidence on viral causality in human cancer from basic mechanisms to clinical studies. We analyze viral tumorigenesis under the scope of deep-in-time human-virus evolutionary relationships and critically comment on the evidence through the eyes of clinical epidemiology, firstly by reviewing recognized oncoviruses and their mechanisms of inducing tumorigenesis, and then by examining the potential role of integrated viruses in our genome in the process of carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Kitsou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Immunobiology and Vaccinology Research Laboratory, First Department of Peadiatrics, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Iliopoulou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vana Spoulou
- Immunobiology and Vaccinology Research Laboratory, First Department of Peadiatrics, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Pagona Lagiou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gkikas Magiorkinis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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23
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Mao J, Zhang Q, Cong YS. Human endogenous retroviruses in development and disease. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:5978-5986. [PMID: 34849202 PMCID: PMC8604659 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) represent ∼8% of human genome, deriving from exogenous retroviral infections of germ line cells occurred millions of years ago and being inherited by the offspring in a Mendelian fashion. Most of HERVs are nonprotein-coding because of the accumulation of mutations, insertions, deletions, and/or truncations. It has been long thought that HERVs were "junk DNA". However, it is now known that HERVs are involved in various biological processes through encoding proteins, acting as promoters/enhancers, or lncRNAs to affect human health and disease. In this review, we summarized recent findings about HERVs, with implications in embryonic development, pluripotency, cancer, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Mao
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Sheng Cong
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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24
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Shah AH, Gilbert M, Ivan ME, Komotar RJ, Heiss J, Nath A. The role of human endogenous retroviruses in gliomas: from etiological perspectives and therapeutic implications. Neuro Oncol 2021; 23:1647-1655. [PMID: 34120190 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Accounting for approximately 8% of the human genome, Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) have been implicated in a variety of cancers including gliomas. In normal cells, tight epigenetic regulation of HERVs prevent aberrant expression; however, in cancer cells, HERVs expression remains pervasive, suggesting a role of HERVs in oncogenic transformation. HERVs may contribute to oncogenesis in several ways including insertional mutagenesis, chromosomal rearrangements, proto-oncogene formation, and maintenance of stemness. On the other hand, recent data has suggested that reversing epigenetic silencing of HERVs may induce robust anti-tumor immune responses, suggesting HERVs' potential therapeutic utility in gliomas. By reversing epigenetic modifications that silence HERVs, DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors may stimulate a viral-mimicry cascade via HERV-derived dsRNA formation that induce interferon-mediated apoptosis. Leveraging this anti-tumor autoimmune response may be a unique avenue to target certain subsets of epigenetically-dysregulated gliomas. Nevertheless, the role of HERVs in gliomas as either arbitrators of oncogenesis or forerunners of the innate anti-tumor immune response remains unclear. Here, we review the role of HERVs in gliomas, their potential dichotomous function in propagating oncogenesis and stimulating the anti-tumor immune response and identify future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish H Shah
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Mark Gilbert
- Neuro-oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health
| | - Michael E Ivan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Ricardo J Komotar
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
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25
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Dervan E, Bhattacharyya DD, McAuliffe JD, Khan FH, Glynn SA. Ancient Adversary - HERV-K (HML-2) in Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:658489. [PMID: 34055625 PMCID: PMC8155577 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.658489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV), ancient integrations of exogenous viruses, make up 8% of our genome. Long thought of as mere vestigial genetic elements, evidence is now accumulating to suggest a potential functional role in numerous pathologies including neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and multiple cancers. The youngest member of this group of transposable elements is HERV-K (HML-2). Like the majority of HERV sequences, significant post-insertional mutations have disarmed HERV-K (HML-2), preventing it from producing infectious viral particles. However, some insertions have retained limited coding capacity, and complete open reading frames for all its constituent proteins can be found throughout the genome. For this reason HERV-K (HML-2) has garnered more attention than its peers. The tight epigenetic control thought to suppress expression in healthy tissue is lost during carcinogenesis. Upregulation of HERV-K (HML-2) derived mRNA and protein has been reported in a variety of solid and liquid tumour types, and while causality has yet to be established, progressively more data are emerging to suggest this phenomenon may contribute to tumour growth and metastatic capacity. Herein we discuss its potential utility as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic target in light of the current in vitro, in vivo and clinical evidence linking HERV-K (HML-2) to tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoin Dervan
- Discipline of Pathology, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), Galway, Ireland
| | - Dibyangana D Bhattacharyya
- Discipline of Pathology, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), Galway, Ireland.,Laboratory of Cancer ImmunoMetabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Jake D McAuliffe
- Discipline of Pathology, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), Galway, Ireland
| | - Faizan H Khan
- Discipline of Pathology, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), Galway, Ireland
| | - Sharon A Glynn
- Discipline of Pathology, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), Galway, Ireland
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26
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Wieland L, Engel K, Volkmer I, Krüger A, Posern G, Kornhuber ME, Staege MS, Emmer A. Overexpression of Endogenous Retroviruses and Malignancy Markers in Neuroblastoma Cell Lines by Medium-Induced Microenvironmental Changes. Front Oncol 2021; 11:637522. [PMID: 34026614 PMCID: PMC8138558 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.637522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the commonest solid tumor outside the central nervous system in infancy and childhood with a unique biological heterogeneity. In patients with advanced, metastasizing neuroblastoma, treatment failure and poor prognosis is often marked by resistance to chemo- or immunotherapy. Thus, identification of robust biomarkers seems essential for understanding tumor progression and developing effective therapy. Here, we have studied the expression of human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) as potential targets in NB cell lines during stem-cell medium-induced microenvironmental change. Quantitative PCR revealed that relative expression of the HERV-K family and HERV-W1 ENV were increased in all three NB cell lines after incubation in stem-cell medium. Virus transcriptome analyses revealed the transcriptional activation of three endogenous retrovirus elements: HERV-R ENV (ERV3-1), HERV-E1 and HERV-Fc2 ENV (ERVFC1-1). Known malignancy markers in NB, e.g. proto-oncogenic MYC or MYCN were expressed highly heterogeneously in the three investigated NB cell lines with up-regulation of MYC and MYCN upon medium-induced microenvironmental change. In addition, SiMa cells exclusively showed a phenotype switching from loosely-adherent monolayers to low proliferating grape-like cellular aggregates, which was accompanied by an enhanced CD133 expression. Interestingly, the overexpression of HERV was associated with a significant elevation of immune checkpoint molecule CD200 in both quantitative PCR and RNA-seq analysis suggesting tumor escape mechanism in NB cell lines after incubation in serum-free stem cell medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Wieland
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.,Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Kristina Engel
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Ines Volkmer
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Anna Krüger
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Guido Posern
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Malte E Kornhuber
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Martin S Staege
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Alexander Emmer
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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27
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Glinsky GV. Genomics-Guided Drawing of Molecular and Pathophysiological Components of Malignant Regulatory Signatures Reveals a Pivotal Role in Human Diseases of Stem Cell-Associated Retroviral Sequences and Functionally-Active hESC Enhancers. Front Oncol 2021; 11:638363. [PMID: 33869024 PMCID: PMC8044830 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.638363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive DNA sequences (repeats) colonized two-third of human genome and a majority of repeats comprised of transposable genetic elements (TE). Evolutionary distinct categories of TE represent nucleic acid sequences that are repeatedly copied from and pasted into chromosomes at multiple genomic locations and acquired a multitude of regulatory functions. Here, genomics-guided maps of stemness regulatory signatures were drawn to dissect the contribution of TE to clinical manifestations of malignant phenotypes of human cancers. From patients’ and physicians’ perspectives, the clinical definition of a tumor’s malignant phenotype could be restricted to the early diagnosis of sub-types of malignancies with the increased risk of existing therapy failure and high likelihood of death from cancer. It is the viewpoint from which the understanding of stemness and malignant regulatory signatures is considered in this contribution. Genomics-guided analyses of experimental and clinical observations revealed the pivotal role of human stem cell-associated retroviral sequences (SCARS) in the origin and pathophysiology of clinically-lethal malignancies. SCARS were defined as the evolutionary- and biologically-related family of genomic regulatory sequences, the principal physiological function of which is to create and maintain the stemness phenotype during human preimplantation embryogenesis. For cell differentiation to occur, SCARS expression must be silenced and SCARS activity remains repressed in most terminally-differentiated human cells which are destined to perform specialized functions in the human body. Epigenetic reprogramming, de-repression, and sustained activity of SCARS results in various differentiation-defective phenotypes. One of the most prominent tissue- and organ-specific clinical manifestations of sustained SCARS activities is diagnosed as a pathological condition defined by a consensus of morphological, molecular, and genetic examinations as the malignant growth. Here, contemporary evidence are acquired, analyzed, and reported defining both novel diagnostic tools and druggable molecular targets readily amenable for diagnosis and efficient therapeutic management of clinically-lethal malignancies. These diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are based on monitoring of high-fidelity molecular signals of continuing SCARS activities in conjunction with genomic regulatory networks of thousands’ functionally-active embryonic enhancers affecting down-stream phenotype-altering genetic loci. Collectively, reported herein observations support a model of SCARS-activation triggered singular source code facilitating the intracellular propagation and intercellular (systemic) dissemination of disease states in the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennadi V Glinsky
- Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States.,Department of Functional & Translational Genomics, OncoSCAR, Inc., Portland, OR, United States
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28
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The Regulation and Functions of Endogenous Retrovirus in Embryo Development and Stem Cell Differentiation. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:6660936. [PMID: 33727936 PMCID: PMC7937486 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6660936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are repetitive sequences in the genome, belonging to the retrotransposon family. During the course of life, ERVs are associated with multiple aspects of chromatin and transcriptional regulation in development and pathological conditions. In mammalian embryos, ERVs are extensively activated in early embryo development, but with a highly restricted spatial-temporal pattern; and they are drastically silenced during differentiation with exceptions in extraembryonic tissue and germlines. The dynamic activation pattern of ERVs raises questions about how ERVs are regulated in the life cycle and whether they are functionally important to cell fate decision during early embryo and somatic cell development. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the pieces of evidence demonstrating regulations and functions of ERVs during stem cell differentiation, which suggests that ERV activation is not a passive result of cell fate transition but the active epigenetic and transcriptional regulation during mammalian development and stem cell differentiation.
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29
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Gao Y, Yu XF, Chen T. Human endogenous retroviruses in cancer: Expression, regulation and function. Oncol Lett 2020; 21:121. [PMID: 33552242 PMCID: PMC7798031 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are the remnants of ancient retroviruses that infected human germline cells and became integrated into the human genome millions of years ago. Although most of these sequences are incomplete and silent, several potential pathological roles of HERVs have been observed in numerous diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, and especially cancer, including breast cancer and pancreatic carcinoma. The present review investigates the expression signatures and complex regulatory mechanisms of HERVs in cancer. The long terminal repeats-driven transcriptional initiation of HERVs are regulated by transcription factors (such as Sp3) and epigenetic modifications (such as DNA methylation), and are influenced by environmental factors (such as ultraviolet radiation). In addition, this review focuses on the dual opposing effects of HERVs in cancer. HERVs can suppress cancer via immune activation; however, they can also promote cancer. HERV env gene serves a prime role in promoting carcinogenesis in certain malignant tumors, including breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, germ cell tumors, leukemia and Kaposi's sarcoma. Also, HERV ENV proteins can promote cancer via immune suppression. Targeting ENV proteins is a potential future antitumor treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gao
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zheijang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Fang Yu
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zheijang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Ting Chen
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zheijang 310009, P.R. China
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30
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Wu B, Gan Y, Xu Y, Wu Z, Xu G, Wang P, Wang C, Meng Z, Li M, Zhang J, Zhuang H, Zhang X, Yang L, Li J, Gan X, Yu X, Huang W, Gu Y, Xu R. Identification of the novel Np17 oncogene in human leukemia. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:23647-23667. [PMID: 33226963 PMCID: PMC7762455 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We previously defined the HERV-K Np9 as a viral oncogene. Here we report the discovery of a novel oncogene, Np17, which is homologous to the viral Np9 gene and predominantly present in Hominoidea. Np17 is located on chromosome 8, consists of 7 exons, and encodes a 16.8kDa nuclear protein with149 amino-acid residue. Functionally, knockdown of Np17 induced growth inhibition of leukemia cells, whereas enforced expression of Np17 promoted growth of leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo. In human leukemia, Np17 was detected in 59.65% (34/57) of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients examined and associated with refractory/relapsed AML. Mechanistically, Np17 decreased p53 levels and its mechanism might be involved in recruiting nuclear MDM2 to p53 for ubiquitin-mediated degradation. These findings reveal that Np17 is a novel oncogene associated with refractory/relapsed leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Wu
- Department of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China.,Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Yichao Gan
- Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China.,Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Zhaoxing Wu
- Department of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China.,Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Ganyu Xu
- College of Letters and Sciences, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China.,Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Zhipeng Meng
- Molecular Oncology Program and Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Mengyuan Li
- Department of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China.,Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- Molecular Oncology Program and Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Haifeng Zhuang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Xuzhao Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Linlin Yang
- Department of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China.,Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jinfan Li
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoxian Gan
- Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Xiaofang Yu
- Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Wendong Huang
- Molecular Oncology Program and Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Ying Gu
- Department of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China.,Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Rongzhen Xu
- Department of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China.,Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
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31
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Liu CH, Grandi N, Palanivelu L, Tramontano E, Lin LT. Contribution of Human Retroviruses to Disease Development-A Focus on the HIV- and HERV-Cancer Relationships and Treatment Strategies. Viruses 2020; 12:E852. [PMID: 32759845 PMCID: PMC7472297 DOI: 10.3390/v12080852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal retroviruses are known for their transforming potential, and this is also true for the ones hosted by humans, which have gathered expanding attention as one of the potent causative agents in various disease, including specific cancer types. For instance, Human T Lymphotropic virus (HTLV) is a well-studied class of oncoviruses causing T cell leukemia, while human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is linked to a series of defining cancers including Kaposi sarcoma, certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and cervical cancer. Of note, in addition to these "modern" exogenous retroviruses, our genome harbors a staggering number of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). HERVs are the genetic remnants of ancient retroviral germline infection of human ancestors and are typically silenced in normal tissues due to inactivating mutations and sequence loss. While some HERV elements have been appropriated and contribute to human physiological functions, others can be reactivated through epigenetic dysregulations to express retroviral elements and promote carcinogenesis. Conversely, HERV replication intermediates or protein products can also serve as intrinsic pathogen-associated molecular patterns that cause the immune system to interpret it as an exogenous infection, thereby stimulating immune responses against tumors. As such, HERVs have also been targeted as a potential internal strategy to sensitize tumor cells for promising immunotherapies. In this review, we discuss the dynamic role of human retroviruses in cancer development, focusing on HIV and HERVs contribution. We also describe potential treatment strategies, including immunotherapeutic targeting of HERVs, inhibiting DNA methylation to expose HERV signatures, and the use of antiretroviral drugs against HIV and HERVs, which can be employed as prospective anti-cancer modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Hsuan Liu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Nicole Grandi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (N.G.); (E.T.)
| | - Lalitha Palanivelu
- International Master Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (N.G.); (E.T.)
| | - Liang-Tzung Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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Ebelt ND, Zuniga E, Johnson BL, Diamond DJ, Manuel ER. 5-Azacytidine Potentiates Anti-tumor Immunity in a Model of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2020; 11:538. [PMID: 32296439 PMCID: PMC7136411 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors evolve a variety of mechanisms to escape immune detection while expressing tumor-promoting molecules that can be immunogenic. Here, we show that transposable elements (TE) and gene encoded, tumor-associated antigens (TAA), which can be both highly immunogenic and tumor-promoting, are significantly upregulated during the transition from pre-malignancy to malignancy in an inducible model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Coincident with the increased presence of TEs and TAAs was the downregulation of gene transcripts associated with antigen presentation, T cell recruitment and intrinsic anti-viral responses, suggesting a unique strategy employed by PDAC to possibly augment tumorigenesis while escaping detection by the immune system. In vitro treatment of mouse and human PDAC cell lines with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine (Aza) resulted in augmented expression of transcripts for antigen presentation machinery and T cell chemokines. When immunocompetent mice implanted with PDAC were therapeutically treated with Aza, we observed significant tumor regression that was not observed in immunocompromised mice, implicating anti-tumor immunity as the principal mechanism of tumor growth control. Analysis of PDAC tumors, immediately following Aza treatment in immunocompetent mice, revealed a significantly greater infiltration of T cells and various innate immune subsets compared to control treatment, suggesting that Aza treatment enhances tumor immunogenicity. Thus, augmenting antigen presentation and T cell chemokine expression using DNA methyltransferase inhibitors could be leveraged to potentiate adaptive anti-tumor immune responses against PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy D. Ebelt
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Edith Zuniga
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Benjamin L. Johnson
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Don J. Diamond
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Edwin R. Manuel
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
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Endogenous Retroviruses Activity as a Molecular Signature of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20236050. [PMID: 31801288 PMCID: PMC6928979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20236050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are genetic elements resulting from relics of ancestral infection of germline cells, now recognized as cofactors in the etiology of several complex diseases. Here we present a review of findings supporting the role of the abnormal HERVs activity in neurodevelopmental disorders. The derailment of brain development underlies numerous neuropsychiatric conditions, likely starting during prenatal life and carrying on during subsequent maturation of the brain. Autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, and schizophrenia are neurodevelopmental disorders that arise clinically during early childhood or adolescence, currently attributed to the interplay among genetic vulnerability, environmental risk factors, and maternal immune activation. The role of HERVs in human embryogenesis, their intrinsic responsiveness to external stimuli, and the interaction with the immune system support the involvement of HERVs in the derailed neurodevelopmental process. Although definitive proofs that HERVs are involved in neurobehavioral alterations are still lacking, both preclinical models and human studies indicate that the abnormal expression of ERVs could represent a neurodevelopmental disorders-associated biological trait in affected individuals and their parents.
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High-throughput label-free characterization of viable, necrotic and apoptotic human lymphoma cells in a coplanar-electrode microfluidic impedance chip. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 150:111887. [PMID: 31780405 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.111887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The study and the characterization of cell death mechanisms are fundamental in cell biology research. Traditional death/viability assays usually involve laborious sample preparation and expensive equipment or reagents. In this work, we use electrical impedance spectroscopy as a label-free methodology to characterize viable, necrotic and apoptotic human lymphoma U937 cells. A simple three-electrode coplanar layout is used in a differential measurement scheme and thousands of cells are measured at high-throughput (≈200 cell/s). Tailored signal processing enables accurate and robust cell characterization without the need for cell focusing systems. The results suggest that, at low frequency (0.5 MHz), signal magnitude enables the discrimination between viable/necrotic cells and cell fragments, whereas phase information allows discriminating between viable cells and necrotic cells. At higher frequency (10 MHz) two subpopulations of cell fragments are distinguished. This work substantiates the prominent role of electrical impedance spectroscopy for the development of next-generation cell viability assays.
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Zou Y, Yang R, Huang ML, Kong YG, Sheng JF, Tao ZZ, Gao L, Chen SM. NOTCH2 negatively regulates metastasis and epithelial-Mesenchymal transition via TRAF6/AKT in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2019; 38:456. [PMID: 31699119 PMCID: PMC6836530 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1463-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinically, distant metastasis after primary treatment remains a key problem in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Thus, identification of the underlying mechanisms and development of novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. NOTCH has been shown to function as a tumor promotor that enhances angiogenesis, cancer invasion and metastasis in NPC. However, the precise roles of the four individual NOTCH receptors and their mechanisms of action are unclear. METHODS We used Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemical analysis, phalloidin staining, mouse tumor metastatic dissemination models, gene set enrichment analysis, immunoprecipitation assays and a series of functional assays to determine the potential role of NOTCH2 in regulating NPC metastasis. RESULTS NOTCH2 expression in the NPC tissues of patients with cervical lymph node metastasis was lower than that of patients without cervical lymph node metastasis. Correspondingly, NOTCH2 expression was low in metastatic and poorly differentiated NPC cells. NOTCH2 expression correlated negatively with survival time in patients with NPC. Suppression of NOTCH2 expression promoted NPC cell metastasis, whereas NOTCH2 overexpression inhibited this process. Furthermore, NOTCH2 attenuated the TRAF6-AKT signaling axis via an interaction between the NOTCH2 intracellular domain (N2ICD) and TRAF6, which inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and eventually suppressed NPC metastasis. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal that loss of NOTCH2 activates the TRAF6/AKT axis and promotes metastasis in NPC, suggesting that NOTCH2 may represent a therapeutic target for the treatment of NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Zou
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, 430060 Hubei People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, 430060 Hubei People’s Republic of China
| | - Mao-Ling Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, 430060 Hubei People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong-Gang Kong
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, 430060 Hubei People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian-Fei Sheng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, 430060 Hubei People’s Republic of China
| | - Ze-Zhang Tao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, 430060 Hubei People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Gao
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jinan, China
| | - Shi-Ming Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, 430060 Hubei People’s Republic of China
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The Concomitant Expression of Human Endogenous Retroviruses and Embryonic Genes in Cancer Cells under Microenvironmental Changes is a Potential Target for Antiretroviral Drugs. CANCER MICROENVIRONMENT 2019; 12:105-118. [PMID: 31691184 DOI: 10.1007/s12307-019-00231-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In our genomes there are thousands of copies of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) originated from the integration of exogenous retroviruses that infected germ line cells millions of years ago, and currently an altered expression of this elements has been associated to the onset, progression and acquisition of aggressiveness features of many cancers. The transcriptional reactivation of HERVs is mainly an effect of their responsiveness to some factors in cell microenvironment, such as nutrients, hormones and cytokines. We have already demonstrated that, under pressure of microenvironmental changes, HERV-K (HML-2) activation is required to maintain human melanoma cell plasticity and CD133+ cancer stem cells survival. In the present study, the transcriptional activity of HERV-K (HML-2), HERV-H, CD133 and the embryonic transcription factors OCT4, NANOG and SOX2 was evaluated during the in vitro treatment with antiretroviral drugs in cells from melanoma, liver and lung cancers exposed to microenvironmental changes. The exposure to stem cell medium induced a phenotype switching with the generation of sphere-like aggregates, characterized by the concomitant increase of HERV-K (HML-2) and HERV-H, CD133 and embryonic genes transcriptional activity. Although with heterogenic response among the different cell lines, the in vitro treatment with antiretroviral drugs affected HERVs transcriptional activity in parallel with the reduction of CD133 and embryonic genes expression, clonogenic activity and cell growth, accompanied by the induction of apoptosis. The responsiveness to antiretroviral drugs treatment of cancer cells with stemness features and expressing HERVs suggests the use of these drugs as innovative approach to treat aggressive tumours in combination with chemotherapeutic/radiotherapy regimens.
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Li W, Yang L, Harris RS, Lin L, Olson TL, Hamele CE, Feith DJ, Loughran TP, Poss M. Retrovirus insertion site analysis of LGL leukemia patient genomes. BMC Med Genomics 2019; 12:88. [PMID: 31208405 PMCID: PMC6580525 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-019-0549-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia is an uncommon cancer characterized by sustained clonal proliferation of LGL cells. Antibodies reactive to retroviruses have been documented in the serum of patients with LGL leukemia. Culture or molecular approaches have to date not been successful in identifying a retrovirus. Methods Because a retrovirus must integrate into the genome of an infected cell, we focused our efforts on detecting a novel retrovirus integration site in the clonally expanded LGL cells. We present a new computational tool that uses long-insert mate pair sequence data to search the genome of LGL leukemia cells for retrovirus integration sites. We also utilize recently published methods to interrogate the status of polymorphic human endogenous retrovirus type K (HERV-K) provirus in patient genomes. Results Our data show that there are no new retrovirus insertions in LGL genomes of LGL leukemia patients. However, our insertion call tool did detect four HERV-K provirus integration sites that are polymorphic in the human population but absent from the human reference genome, hg19. To determine if the prevalence of these or other polymorphic proviral HERV-Ks differed between LGL leukemia patients and the general population, we used a recently developed tool that reports sites in the human genome occupied by a known proviral HERV-K. We report that there are significant differences in the number of polymorphic HERV-Ks in the genomes of LGL leukemia patients of European origin compared to individuals with European ancestry in the 1000 genomes (KGP) data. Conclusions Our study confirms that the clonal expansion of LGL cells in LGL leukemia is not driven by the integration of a new infectious or endogenous retrovirus, although we do not rule out that these cells are responding to retroviral antigens produced in other cell types. However, our computational analyses revealed that the genomes of LGL leukemia patients carry a higher burden of polymorphic HERV-K proviruses compare to individuals from KGP of European ancestry. Our research emphasizes the merits of comprehensive genomic assessment of HERV-K in cancer samples and suggests that further analyses to determine contributions of HERV-K to LGL leukemia are warranted. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12920-019-0549-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiling Li
- The School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.,Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Robert S Harris
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Statistics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Thomas L Olson
- University of Virginia Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, USA
| | - Cait E Hamele
- University of Virginia Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, USA
| | - David J Feith
- University of Virginia Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, USA
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- University of Virginia Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, USA
| | - Mary Poss
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA. .,Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA. .,University of Virginia Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, USA.
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Pisanu ME, Maugeri-Saccà M, Fattore L, Bruschini S, De Vitis C, Tabbì E, Bellei B, Migliano E, Kovacs D, Camera E, Picardo M, Jakopin Z, Cippitelli C, Bartolazzi A, Raffa S, Torrisi MR, Fulciniti F, Ascierto PA, Ciliberto G, Mancini R. Inhibition of Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 reverts BRAF and MEK inhibition-induced selection of cancer stem cells in BRAF-mutated melanoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2018; 37:318. [PMID: 30558661 PMCID: PMC6298024 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0989-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combination therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors significantly improves survival in BRAF mutated melanoma patients but is unable to prevent disease recurrence due to the emergence of drug resistance. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been involved in these long-term treatment failures. We previously reported in lung cancer that CSCs maintenance is due to altered lipid metabolism and dependent upon Stearoyl-CoA-desaturase (SCD1)-mediated upregulation of YAP and TAZ. On this ground, we investigated the role of SCD1 in melanoma CSCs. METHODS SCD1 gene expression data of melanoma patients were downloaded from TCGA and correlated with disease progression by bioinformatics analysis and confirmed on patient's tissues by qRT-PCR and IHC analyses. The effects of combination of BRAF/MEKi and the SCD1 inhibitor MF-438 were monitored by spheroid-forming and proliferation assays on a panel of BRAF-mutated melanoma cell lines grown in 3D and 2D conditions, respectively. SCD1, YAP/TAZ and stemness markers were evaluated in melanoma cells and tissues by qRT-PCR, WB and Immunofluorescence. RESULTS We first observed that SCD1 expression increases during melanoma progression. BRAF-mutated melanoma 3D cultures enriched for CSCs overexpressed SCD1 and were more resistant than 2D differentiated cultures to BRAF and MEK inhibitors. We next showed that exposure of BRAF-mutated melanoma cells to MAPK pathway inhibitors enhanced stemness features by upregulating the expression of YAP/TAZ and downstream genes but surprisingly not SCD1. However, SCD1 pharmacological inhibition was able to downregulate YAP/TAZ and to revert at the same time CSC enrichment and resistance to MAPK inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS Our data underscore the role of SCD1 as prognostic marker in melanoma and promote the use of SCD1 inhibitors in combination with MAPK inhibitors for the control of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Pisanu
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Present Address: High Resolution NMR Unit, Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Maugeri-Saccà
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Fattore
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutics Agents Unit, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Bruschini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Claudia De Vitis
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Tabbì
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Bellei
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics research, San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute, IRCSS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Emilia Migliano
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute, IRCSS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Kovacs
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics research, San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute, IRCSS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Camera
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics research, San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute, IRCSS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Picardo
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics research, San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute, IRCSS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Ziga Jakopin
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Claudia Cippitelli
- Pathology Research laboratory, Sapienza University, Sant’Andrea Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Armando Bartolazzi
- Pathology Research laboratory, Sapienza University, Sant’Andrea Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Raffa
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Cellular Diagnostics Unit, Sapienza University, Sant’Andrea Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Torrisi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Cellular Diagnostics Unit, Sapienza University, Sant’Andrea Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Fulciniti
- Istituto Cantonale di Patologia, Servizio di Citologia Clinica, 6600 Locarno, Switzerland
| | - Paolo A. Ascierto
- Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione “G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Directorate, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCSS Regina Elena, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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The Decrease in Human Endogenous Retrovirus-H Activity Runs in Parallel with Improvement in ADHD Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Methylphenidate Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113286. [PMID: 30360480 PMCID: PMC6274708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing scientific evidence demonstrated the deregulation of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) expression in complex diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune, psychiatric, and neurological disorders. The dynamic regulation of HERV activity and their responsiveness to a variety of environmental stimuli designate HERVs as genetic elements that could be modulated by drugs. Methylphenidate (MPH) is widely used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the time course of human endogenous retrovirus H (HERV-H) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with respect to clinical response in ADHD patients undergoing MPH therapy. A fast reduction in HERV-H activity in ADHD patients undergoing MPH therapy was observed in parallel with an improvement in clinical symptoms. Moreover, when PBMCs from drug-naïve patients were cultured in vitro, HERV-H expression increased, while no changes in the expression levels were found in ADHD patients undergoing therapy. This suggests that MPH could affect the HERV-H activity and supports the hypothesis that high expression levels of HERV-H could be considered a distinctive trait of ADHD patients.
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Garcia-Montojo M, Doucet-O'Hare T, Henderson L, Nath A. Human endogenous retrovirus-K (HML-2): a comprehensive review. Crit Rev Microbiol 2018; 44:715-738. [PMID: 30318978 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2018.1501345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The human genome contains a large number of retroviral elements acquired over the process of evolution, some of which are specific to primates. However, as many of these are defective or silenced through epigenetic changes, they were historically considered "junk DNA" and their potential role in human physiology or pathological circumstances have been poorly studied. The most recently acquired, human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K), has multiple copies in the human genome and some of them have complete open reading frames that are transcribed and translated, especially in early embryogenesis. Phylogenetically, HERV-K is considered a supergroup of viruses. One of the subtypes, termed HML-2, seems to be the most active and hence, it is the best studied. Aberrant expression of HML-2 in adult tissues has been associated with certain types of cancer and with neurodegenerative diseases. This review discusses the discovery of these viruses, their classification, structure, regulation and potential for replication, physiological roles, and their involvement in disease pathogenesis. Finally, it presents different therapeutic approaches being considered to target these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Garcia-Montojo
- a Section of Infections of the Nervous System , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Tara Doucet-O'Hare
- a Section of Infections of the Nervous System , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Lisa Henderson
- a Section of Infections of the Nervous System , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Avindra Nath
- a Section of Infections of the Nervous System , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
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Matteucci C, Balestrieri E, Argaw-Denboba A, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P. Human endogenous retroviruses role in cancer cell stemness. Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 53:17-30. [PMID: 30317035 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer incidence and mortality, metastasis, drug resistance and recurrence are still the critical issues of oncological diseases. In this scenario, increasing scientific evidences demonstrate that the activation of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) is involved in the aggressiveness of tumors such as melanoma, breast, germ cell, renal, ovarian, liver and haematological cancers. In their dynamic regulation, HERVs have also proved to be important determinants of pluripotency in human embryonic stem cells (ESC) and of the reprogramming process of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In many types of tumors, essential characteristics of aggressiveness have been associated with the achievement of stemness features, often accompanied with the identification of defined subpopulations, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs), which possess stem cell-like properties and sustain tumorigenesis. Indeed, CSCs show high self-renewal capacity with a peculiar potential in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, heterogeneity, recurrence, radiotherapy and drug resistance. However, HERVs role in CSCs biology is still not fully elucidated. In this regard, CD133 is a widely recognized marker of CSCs, and our group demonstrated, for the first time, the requirement of HERV-K activation to expand and maintain a CD133+ melanoma cell subpopulation with stemness features in response to microenvironmental modifications. The review will discuss HERVs expression as cancer hallmark, with particular focus on their role in the regulation of cancer stemness features and the potential involvement as targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Balestrieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Ayele Argaw-Denboba
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy; European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy; Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere, 100, 00133, Rome, Italy
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Balestrieri E, Argaw-Denboba A, Gambacurta A, Cipriani C, Bei R, Serafino A, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P, Matteucci C. Human Endogenous Retrovirus K in the Crosstalk Between Cancer Cells Microenvironment and Plasticity: A New Perspective for Combination Therapy. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1448. [PMID: 30013542 PMCID: PMC6036167 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal activation of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) has been associated with several diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity, and neurological disorders. In particular, in cancer HERV activity and expression have been specifically associated with tumor aggressiveness and patient outcomes. Cancer cell aggressiveness is intimately linked to the acquisition of peculiar plasticity and heterogeneity based on cell stemness features, as well as on the crosstalk between cancer cells and the microenvironment. The latter is a driving factor in the acquisition of aggressive phenotypes, associated with metastasis and resistance to conventional cancer therapies. Remarkably, in different cell types and stages of development, HERV expression is mainly regulated by epigenetic mechanisms and is subjected to a very precise temporal and spatial regulation according to the surrounding microenvironment. Focusing on our research experience with HERV-K involvement in the aggressiveness and plasticity of melanoma cells, this perspective aims to highlight the role of HERV-K in the crosstalk between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. The implications for a combination therapy targeted at HERVs with standard approaches are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Balestrieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Ayele Argaw-Denboba
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gambacurta
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Cipriani
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Annalucia Serafino
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
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Lu Y, Boswell M, Boswell W, Kneitz S, Hausmann M, Klotz B, Regneri J, Savage M, Amores A, Postlethwait J, Warren W, Schartl M, Walter R. Comparison of Xiphophorus and human melanoma transcriptomes reveals conserved pathway interactions. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2018; 31:496-508. [PMID: 29316274 PMCID: PMC6013346 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Comparative analysis of human and animal model melanomas can uncover conserved pathways and genetic changes that are relevant for the biology of cancer cells. Spontaneous melanoma in Xiphophorus interspecies backcross hybrid progeny may be informative in identifying genes and functional pathways that are similarly related to melanoma development in all vertebrates, including humans. To assess functional pathways involved in the Xiphophorus melanoma, we performed gene expression profiling of the melanomas produced in interspecies BC1 and successive backcross generations (i.e., BC5 ) of the cross: X. hellerii × [X. maculatus Jp 163 A × X. hellerii]. Using RNA-Seq, we identified genes that are transcriptionally co-expressed with the driver oncogene, xmrk. We determined functional pathways in the fish melanoma that are also present in human melanoma cohorts that may be related to dedifferentiation based on the expression levels of pigmentation genes. Shared pathways between human and Xiphophorus melanomas are related to inflammation, cell migration, cell proliferation, pigmentation, cancer development, and metastasis. Our results suggest xmrk co-expressed genes are associated with dedifferentiation and highlight these signaling pathways as playing important roles in melanomagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Lu
- The Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Mikki Boswell
- The Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - William Boswell
- The Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Susanne Kneitz
- Physiological Chemistry, Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Clinic Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Hausmann
- Physiological Chemistry, Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Clinic Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Klotz
- Physiological Chemistry, Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Clinic Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Janine Regneri
- Physiological Chemistry, Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Clinic Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markita Savage
- The Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Angel Amores
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - John Postlethwait
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Wesley Warren
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Manfred Schartl
- Physiological Chemistry, Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Clinic Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
- Texas A&M Institute for Advanced Studies and Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Ronald Walter
- The Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
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Mueller T, Hantsch C, Volkmer I, Staege MS. Differentiation-Dependent Regulation of Human Endogenous Retrovirus K Sequences and Neighboring Genes in Germ Cell Tumor Cells. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1253. [PMID: 29963023 PMCID: PMC6013571 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Under physiological conditions, most human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are transcriptionally silent. However, re-activation of HERVs is observed under pathological conditions like inflammation or cancer. In addition to expression of HERV sequences, an impact of HERV-loci on expression of adjacent genes has been suggested as probably important patho-physiological mechanism. A candidate for such a gene is PRODH (proline dehydrogenase 1), which is located on chromosome 22 adjacent to HERVK-24. Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are known to express high level of HERVK sequences. In addition, non-seminomatous GCT are useful models to study HERV expression in the context of differentiation since they reflect aspects of cellular development during embryogenesis and usually contain different cell types. This is due to the embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, which are the stem cell component of GCT. They are pluripotent, show high expression of pluripotency markers like OCT4 and LIN28A and can differentiate into either somatic derivatives (teratoma cells) or choriocarcinoma or yolk-sac tumor cells reflecting extra-embryonal differentiation. OCT4 is lost upon differentiation. We used GCT derived cell lines of varying differentiation stages to analyze expression of HERVK and PRODH. Differentiation status and cellular relationship of GCT cells was determined using microarray analysis and western blotting of the embryonic pluripotency markers OCT4 and LIN28A. The highest expression of HERVK was found in undifferentiated EC cells, which retain a stem cell phenotype and express both OCT4 and LIN28. In contrast, the lowest expression of HERVK was observed in somatic differentiated GCT cells which also lack OCT4 and LIN28A whereas GCT cells with differentiation characteristics of yolk-sac tumor expressed LIN28A but not OCT4 and showed intermediate level of HERVK. A similar pattern was found for PRODH. Differentiation of EC cells by siRNA mediated knock-down of OCT4 or treatment with differentiation inducing medium decreased expression of HERVK and PRODH. Treatment of differentiated GCT cells with 5′-azacytidine and trichostatin A increased expression of HERVK and PRODH, indicating that epigenetic mechanisms are responsible for altered expression of these genes. Our data suggest that HERVK expression is dependent on cellular differentiation stages regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, which can also affect expression of neighboring genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Mueller
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Haematology/Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Claudia Hantsch
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Ines Volkmer
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Martin S Staege
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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Grandi N, Tramontano E. HERV Envelope Proteins: Physiological Role and Pathogenic Potential in Cancer and Autoimmunity. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:462. [PMID: 29593697 PMCID: PMC5861771 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are relics of ancient infections accounting for about the 8% of our genome. Despite their persistence in human DNA led to the accumulation of mutations, HERVs are still contributing to the human transcriptome, and a growing number of findings suggests that their expression products may have a role in various diseases. Among HERV products, the envelope proteins (Env) are currently highly investigated for their pathogenic properties, which could likely be participating to several disorders with complex etiology, particularly in the contexts of autoimmunity and cancer. In fact, HERV Env proteins have been shown, on the one side, to trigger both innate and adaptive immunity, prompting inflammatory, cytotoxic and apoptotic reactions; and, on the other side, to prevent the immune response activation, presenting immunosuppressive properties and acting as immune downregulators. In addition, HERV Env proteins have been shown to induce abnormal cell-cell fusion, possibly contributing to tumor development and metastasizing processes. Remarkably, even highly defective HERV env genes and alternative env splicing variants can provide further mechanisms of pathogenesis. A well-known example is the HERV-K(HML2) env gene that, depending on the presence or the absence of a 292-bp deletion, can originate two proteins of different length (Np9 and Rec) proposed to have oncogenic properties. The understanding of their involvement in complex pathological disorders made HERV Env proteins potential targets for therapeutic interventions. Of note, a monoclonal antibody directed against a HERV-W Env is currently under clinical trial as therapeutic approach for multiple sclerosis, representing the first HERV-based treatment. The present review will focus on the current knowledge of the HERV Env expression, summarizing its role in human physiology and its possible pathogenic effects in various cancer and autoimmune disorders. It moreover analyzes HERV Env possible exploitation for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Grandi
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Cagliari, Italy
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Díaz-Carballo D, Klein J, Acikelli AH, Wilk C, Saka S, Jastrow H, Wennemuth G, Dammann P, Giger-Pabst U, Khosrawipour V, Rassow J, Nienen M, Strumberg D. Cytotoxic stress induces transfer of mitochondria-associated human endogenous retroviral RNA and proteins between cancer cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:95945-95964. [PMID: 29221178 PMCID: PMC5707072 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
About 8 % of the human genome consists of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), which are relicts of ancient exogenous retroviral infections incurred during evolution. Although the majority of HERVs have functional gene defects or epigenetic modifications, many of them are still able to produce retroviral proteins that have been proposed to be involved in cellular transformation and cancer development. We found that, in chemo-resistant U87RETO glioblastoma cells, cytotoxic stress induced by etoposide promotes accumulation and large-scale fission of mitochondria, associated with the detection of HERV-WE1 (syncytin-1) and HERV-FRD1 (syncytin-2) in these organelles. In addition, mitochondrial preparations also contained the corresponding receptors, i.e. ASCT2 and MFSD2. We clearly demonstrated that mitochondria associated with HERV-proteins were shuttled between adjacent cancer cells not only via tunneling tubes, but also by direct cellular uptake across the cell membrane. Furthermore, anti-syncytin-1 and anti-syncytin-2 antibodies were able to specifically block this direct cellular uptake of mitochondria even more than antibodies targeting the cognate receptors. Here, we suggest that the association of mitochondria with syncytin-1/syncytin-2 together with their respective receptors could represent a novel mechanism of cell-to-cell transfer. In chemotherapy-refractory cancer cells, this might open up attractive avenues to novel mitochondria-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Díaz-Carballo
- Institute for Molecular Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Marienhospital Herne, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Klein
- Institute for Molecular Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Marienhospital Herne, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ali H Acikelli
- Institute for Molecular Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Marienhospital Herne, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Camilla Wilk
- Institute for Molecular Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Marienhospital Herne, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sahitya Saka
- Institute for Molecular Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Marienhospital Herne, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Holger Jastrow
- Institute of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Gunther Wennemuth
- Institute of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Phillip Dammann
- Central Animal Laboratory, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Urs Giger-Pabst
- Department of Surgery, Marienhospital Herne, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Veria Khosrawipour
- Department of Surgery, Marienhospital Herne, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Joachim Rassow
- Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mikalai Nienen
- Department of Nephrology, Marienhospital Herne, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Dirk Strumberg
- Institute for Molecular Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Marienhospital Herne, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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47
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The Genes of Life and Death: A Potential Role for Placental-Specific Genes in Cancer. Bioessays 2017; 39. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201700091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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48
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Lu G, Zhou L, Song W, Wu S, Zhu B, Wang D. Expression of ORAOV1, CD133 and WWOX correlate with metastasis and prognosis in gastric adenocarcinoma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2017; 10:8916-8924. [PMID: 31966760 PMCID: PMC6965444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral cancer overexpressed 1 (ORAOV1) which is a novel candidate oncogene is a useful biomarker of metastasis and prognosis in various cancers. CD133 which is a biomarker of cancer stem cells is overexpressed in many cancers and promotes cancer cells growth and metastasis. WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) which is a suppressor gene of tumor can inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis in various cancers. However, associations among ORAOV1, CD133, and WWOX and their clinicopathological significance in gastric adenocarcionma (GAC) are unclear. In this study, we analyzed associations among ORAOV1, CD133, and WWOX in GAC, and their respective associations with clinicopathological characteristics and survival in GAC. METHOD Positive expression of ORAOV1, CD133, and WWOX in 236 whole GAC tissue samples were detected by immunohistochemistry staining. Patients' clinical data were also collected. RESULTS Levels of ORAOV1 and CD133 were significantly higher, and levels of WWOX significantly lower, in GAC tissues than in normal gastric tissues. Levels of ORAOV1 and CD133 were positively associated with tumor grade, invasion of depth, lymph node metastasis (LNM), and tumor-node metastasis (TNM) stages, and inversely with patients overall survival time; levels of WWOX was negatively correlated with tumor grade, invasion of depth, LNM, and TNM stages, and the WWOX-positive subgroup had significantly longer overall survival time than did the WWOX-negative subgroup. In multivariate analysis, high expression of ORAOV1 and CD133, invasion of depth, and TNM stages, and low expression of WWOX were potential to be independent prognostic factors for overall survival time in patients with GAC. CONCLUSIONS The expression of ORAOV1, CD133, and WWOX represent promising biomarkers for metastasis and prognosis, and potential therapeutic targets for GAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyu Lu
- Department of Emergence, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui, China
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui, China
| | - Wenqing Song
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui, China
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui, China
| | - Shiwu Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui, China
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui, China
| | - Bo Zhu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui, China
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui, China
| | - Danna Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui, China
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical CollegeAnhui, China
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Darrah EJ, Stoltz KP, Ledwith M, Tarakanova VL. ATM supports gammaherpesvirus replication by attenuating type I interferon pathway. Virology 2017; 510:137-146. [PMID: 28732227 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ataxia-Telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase participates in multiple networks, including DNA damage response, oxidative stress, and mitophagy. ATM also supports replication of diverse DNA and RNA viruses. Gammaherpesviruses are prevalent cancer-associated viruses that benefit from ATM expression during replication. This proviral role of ATM had been ascribed to its signaling within the DNA damage response network; other functions of ATM have not been considered. In this study increased type I interferon (IFN) responses were observed in ATM deficient gammaherpesvirus-infected macrophages. Using a mouse model that combines ATM and type I IFN receptor deficiencies we show that increased type I IFN response in the absence of ATM fully accounts for the proviral role of ATM during gammaherpesvirus replication. Further, increased type I IFN response rendered ATM deficient macrophages more susceptible to antiviral effects of type II IFN. This study identifies attenuation of type I IFN responses as the primary mechanism underlying proviral function of ATM during gammaherpesvirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Darrah
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Kyle P Stoltz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Mitchell Ledwith
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Vera L Tarakanova
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States; Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States.
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