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Danielli SG, Wei Y, Dyer MA, Stewart E, Sheppard H, Wachtel M, Schäfer BW, Patel AG, Langenau DM. Single cell transcriptomic profiling identifies tumor-acquired and therapy-resistant cell states in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6307. [PMID: 39060228 PMCID: PMC11282092 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50527-2] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a pediatric tumor that resembles undifferentiated muscle cells; yet the extent to which cell state heterogeneity is shared with human development has not been described. Using single-cell/nucleus RNA sequencing from patient tumors, patient-derived xenografts, primary in vitro cultures, and cell lines, we identify four dominant muscle-lineage cell states: progenitor, proliferative, differentiated, and ground cells. We stratify these RMS cells/nuclei along the continuum of human muscle development and show that they share expression patterns with fetal/embryonal myogenic precursors rather than postnatal satellite cells. Fusion-negative RMS (FN-RMS) have a discrete stem cell hierarchy that recapitulates fetal muscle development and contain therapy-resistant FN-RMS progenitors that share transcriptomic similarity with bipotent skeletal mesenchymal cells. Fusion-positive RMS have tumor-acquired cells states, including a neuronal cell state, that are not found in myogenic development. This work identifies previously underappreciated cell state heterogeneity including unique treatment-resistant and tumor-acquired cell states that differ across RMS subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara G Danielli
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Yun Wei
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Massachusetts General Research Institute, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael A Dyer
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Elizabeth Stewart
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Heather Sheppard
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Marco Wachtel
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Beat W Schäfer
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Anand G Patel
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - David M Langenau
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Massachusetts General Research Institute, Charlestown, MA, USA.
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Hammoudeh SM, Ng Y, Wei BR, Madsen TD, Yadav MP, Simpson RM, Weigert R, Randazzo PA. Tongue orthotopic xenografts to study fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma invasion and metastasis in live animals. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100802. [PMID: 38964316 PMCID: PMC11294838 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
PAX3/7 fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma (FN-RMS) is a childhood mesodermal lineage malignancy with a poor prognosis for metastatic or relapsed cases. Limited understanding of advanced FN-RMS is partially attributed to the absence of sequential invasion and dissemination events and the challenge in studying cell behavior, using, for example, non-invasive intravital microscopy (IVM), in currently used xenograft models. Here, we developed an orthotopic tongue xenograft model of FN-RMS to study cell behavior and the molecular basis of invasion and metastasis using IVM. FN-RMS cells are retained in the tongue and invade locally into muscle mysial spaces and vascular lumen, with evidence of hematogenous dissemination to the lungs and lymphatic dissemination to lymph nodes. Using IVM of tongue xenografts reveals shifts in cellular phenotype, migration to blood and lymphatic vessels, and lymphatic intravasation. Insight from this model into tumor invasion and metastasis at the tissue, cellular, and subcellular level can guide new therapeutic avenues for advanced FN-RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Hammoudeh
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yeap Ng
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA; CCR-Intravital Microscopy Core, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bih-Rong Wei
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas D Madsen
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA; Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, University of Copenhagen, Department for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mukesh P Yadav
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - R Mark Simpson
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Roberto Weigert
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA; CCR-Intravital Microscopy Core, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Paul A Randazzo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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3
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Martynov I, Dhaka L, Wilke B, Hoyer P, Vahdad MR, Seitz G. Contemporary preclinical mouse models for pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma: from bedside to bench to bedside. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1333129. [PMID: 38371622 PMCID: PMC10869630 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1333129] [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: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common pediatric soft-tissue malignancy, characterized by high clinicalopathological and molecular heterogeneity. Preclinical in vivo models are essential for advancing our understanding of RMS oncobiology and developing novel treatment strategies. However, the diversity of scholarly data on preclinical RMS studies may challenge scientists and clinicians. Hence, we performed a systematic literature survey of contemporary RMS mouse models to characterize their phenotypes and assess their translational relevance. Methods We identified papers published between 01/07/2018 and 01/07/2023 by searching PubMed and Web of Science databases. Results Out of 713 records screened, 118 studies (26.9%) were included in the qualitative synthesis. Cell line-derived xenografts (CDX) were the most commonly utilized (n = 75, 63.6%), followed by patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and syngeneic models, each accounting for 11.9% (n = 14), and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) (n = 7, 5.9%). Combinations of different model categories were reported in 5.9% (n = 7) of studies. One study employed a virus-induced RMS model. Overall, 40.0% (n = 30) of the studies utilizing CDX models established alveolar RMS (aRMS), while 38.7% (n = 29) were embryonal phenotypes (eRMS). There were 20.0% (n = 15) of studies that involved a combination of both aRMS and eRMS subtypes. In one study (1.3%), the RMS phenotype was spindle cell/sclerosing. Subcutaneous xenografts (n = 66, 55.9%) were more frequently used compared to orthotopic models (n = 29, 24.6%). Notably, none of the employed cell lines were derived from primary untreated tumors. Only a minority of studies investigated disseminated RMS phenotypes (n = 16, 13.6%). The utilization areas of RMS models included testing drugs (n = 64, 54.2%), studying tumorigenesis (n = 56, 47.5%), tumor modeling (n = 19, 16.1%), imaging (n = 9, 7.6%), radiotherapy (n = 6, 5.1%), long-term effects related to radiotherapy (n = 3, 2.5%), and investigating biomarkers (n = 1, 0.8%). Notably, no preclinical studies focused on surgery. Conclusions This up-to-date review highlights the need for mouse models with dissemination phenotypes and cell lines from primary untreated tumors. Furthermore, efforts should be directed towards underexplored areas such as surgery, radiotherapy, and biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Illya Martynov
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Giessen, Germany
| | - Lajwanti Dhaka
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Wilke
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Paul Hoyer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - M. Reza Vahdad
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Giessen, Germany
| | - Guido Seitz
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg, Giessen, Germany
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4
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Hammoudeh SM, Ng Y, Wei BR, Madsen TD, Simpson RM, Weigert R, Randazzo PA. Fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma orthotopic tongue xenografts for study of invasion, intravasation and metastasis in live animals. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.21.558858. [PMID: 38076999 PMCID: PMC10705524 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.21.558858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
PAX3/7 Fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma (FN-RMS) is a childhood mesodermal lineage malignancy with a poor prognosis for metastatic or relapsed cases. Towards achieving a more complete understanding of advanced FN-RMS, we developed an orthotopic tongue xenograft model for studies of molecular basis of FN-RMS invasion and metastasis. The behavior of FN-RMS cells injected into murine tongue was examined using in vivo bioluminescence imaging, non-invasive intravital microscopy (IVM), and histopathology and compared to the prevailing hindlimb intramuscular and subcutaneous xenografts. FN-RMS cells were retained in the tongue and invaded locally into muscle mysial spaces and vascular lumen. While evidence of hematogenous dissemination to the lungs occurred in tongue and intramuscular xenografts, evidence of local invasion and lymphatic dissemination to lymph nodes only occurred in tongue xenografts. IVM and RNA-seq of tongue xenografts reveal shifts in cellular phenotype and differentiation state in tongue xenografts. IVM also shows homing to blood and lymphatic vessels, lymphatic intravasation, and dynamic membrane protrusions. Based on these findings, the tongue orthotopic xenograft of FN-RMS is a valuable model for tumor progression studies at the tissue, cellular and subcellular levels providing insight into kinetics and molecular bases of tumor invasion and metastasis and, hence, new therapeutic avenues for advanced FN-RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Hammoudeh
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yeap Ng
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- CCR-Intravital Microscopy Core, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bih-Rong Wei
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Thomas D Madsen
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, University of Copenhagen, Department for Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - R Mark Simpson
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Roberto Weigert
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- CCR-Intravital Microscopy Core, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul A Randazzo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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5
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Hooper KM, Hmeljak J. Supporting the translation of multiscale research in rare disease. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050495. [PMID: 37737037 PMCID: PMC10538288 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Summary: In anticipation of our upcoming Special Issue, ‘Translating Multiscale Research in Rare Disease’, we celebrate the strides taken in rare disease research that are improving patient diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty M. Hooper
- The Company of Biologists, Bidder Building, Station Road, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9LF, UK
| | - Julija Hmeljak
- The Company of Biologists, Bidder Building, Station Road, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9LF, UK
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6
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Steiner AJ, Zheng Y, Tang Y. Characterization of a rhabdomyosarcoma reveals a critical role for SMG7 in cancer cell viability and tumor growth. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10152. [PMID: 37349371 PMCID: PMC10287741 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36568-5] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) are a rare and diverse group of mesenchymal cancers plagued with aggression, poor response to systemic therapy, and high rates of recurrence. Although STSs generally have low mutational burdens, the most commonly mutated genes are tumor suppressors, which frequently acquire mutations inducing nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). This suggests that STS cells may exploit NMD to suppress these anti-cancer genes. To examine the role that the NMD factor SMG7 plays in STS, we developed an inducible knockout mouse model in the Trp53-/- background. Here, we isolated a subcutaneous STS and identified it as a rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). We report that knockout of SMG7 significantly inhibited NMD in our RMS cells, which led to the induction of NMD targets GADD45b and the tumor suppressor GAS5. The loss of NMD and upregulation of these anti-cancer genes were concomitant with the loss of RMS cell viability and inhibited tumor growth. Importantly, SMG7 was dispensable for homeostasis in our mouse embryonic fibroblasts and adult mice. Overall, our data show that the loss of SMG7 induces a strong anti-cancer effect both in vitro and in vivo. We present here the first evidence that disrupting SMG7 function may be tolerable and provide a therapeutic benefit for STS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Steiner
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Yang Zheng
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Yi Tang
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
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7
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Regenold M, Wang X, Kaneko K, Bannigan P, Allen C. Harnessing immunotherapy to enhance the systemic anti-tumor effects of thermosensitive liposomes. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:1059-1073. [PMID: 36577832 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-022-01272-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy plays an important role in debulking tumors in advance of surgery and/or radiotherapy, tackling residual disease, and treating metastatic disease. In recent years many promising advanced drug delivery strategies have emerged that offer more targeted delivery approaches to chemotherapy treatment. For example, thermosensitive liposome-mediated drug delivery in combination with localized mild hyperthermia can increase local drug concentrations resulting in a reduction in systemic toxicity and an improvement in local disease control. However, the majority of solid tumor-associated deaths are due to metastatic spread. A therapeutic approach focused on a localized target area harbors the risk of overlooking and undertreating potential metastatic spread. Previous studies reported systemic, albeit limited, anti-tumor effects following treatment with thermosensitive liposomal chemotherapy and localized mild hyperthermia. This work explores the systemic treatment capabilities of a thermosensitive liposome formulation of the vinca alkaloid vinorelbine in combination with mild hyperthermia in an immunocompetent murine model of rhabdomyosarcoma. This treatment approach was found to be highly effective at heated, primary tumor sites. However, it demonstrated limited anti-tumor effects in secondary, distant tumors. As a result, the addition of immune checkpoint inhibition therapy was pursued to further enhance the systemic anti-tumor effect of this treatment approach. Once combined with immune checkpoint inhibition therapy, a significant improvement in systemic treatment capability was achieved. We believe this is one of the first studies to demonstrate that a triple combination of thermosensitive liposomes, localized mild hyperthermia, and immune checkpoint inhibition therapy can enhance the systemic treatment capabilities of thermosensitive liposomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Regenold
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Xuehan Wang
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Kan Kaneko
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Pauric Bannigan
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Christine Allen
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3M2, Canada.
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8
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Gutierrez WR, Rytlewski JD, Scherer A, Roughton GA, Carnevale NC, Vyas KY, McGivney GR, Brockman QR, Knepper-Adrian V, Dodd RD. Loss of Nf1 and Ink4a/Arf Are Associated with Sex-Dependent Growth Differences in a Mouse Model of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:1218-1232. [PMID: 36826025 PMCID: PMC9955904 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45020080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive form of cancer that accounts for half of all pediatric soft tissue sarcomas. Little progress has been made in improving survival outcomes over the past three decades. Mouse models of rhabdomyosarcoma are a critical component of translational research aimed at understanding tumor biology and developing new, improved therapies. Though several models exist, many common mutations found in human rhabdomyosarcoma tumors remain unmodeled and understudied. This study describes a new model of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma driven by the loss of Nf1 and Ink4a/Arf, two mutations commonly found in patient tumors. We find that this new model is histologically similar to other previously-published rhabdomyosarcoma models, although it substantially differs in the time required for tumor onset and in tumor growth kinetics. We also observe unique sex-dependent phenotypes in both primary and newly-developed orthotopic syngeneic allograft tumors that are not present in previous models. Using in vitro and in vivo studies, we examined the response to vincristine, a component of the standard-of-care chemotherapy for RMS. The findings from this study provide valuable insight into a new mouse model of rhabdomyosarcoma that addresses an ongoing need for patient-relevant animal models to further translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wade R. Gutierrez
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | - Amanda Scherer
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Grace A. Roughton
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Nina C. Carnevale
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Krisha Y. Vyas
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Gavin R. McGivney
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Qierra R. Brockman
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | - Rebecca D. Dodd
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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9
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Abstract
The publication of Resource articles is essential for the dissemination of novel, or substantially enhanced, tools, techniques, disease models, datasets and resources. By sharing knowledge and resources in a globally accessible manner, we can support human disease research to accelerate the translation of fundamental discoveries to effective treatments or diagnostics for diverse patient populations. To promote and encourage excellence in Resource articles, Disease Models & Mechanisms (DMM) is launching a new 'Outstanding Resource Paper Prize'. To celebrate this, we highlight recent outstanding DMM Resource articles that have the ultimate goal of benefitting of human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty M. Hooper
- The Company of Biologists, Bidder Building, Station Road, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9LF, UK
| | - Julija Hmeljak
- The Company of Biologists, Bidder Building, Station Road, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9LF, UK
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10
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Brady DC, Hmeljak J, Dar AC. Understanding and drugging RAS: 40 years to break the tip of the iceberg. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:274631. [PMID: 35244677 PMCID: PMC8905715 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049519] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Several cancers and rare genetic diseases are caused by dysregulation in the RAS signaling pathway. RAS proteins serve as molecular switches that regulate pathways involved in cellular growth, differentiation and survival. These pathways have been an intense area of investigation for four decades, since the initial identification of somatic RAS mutations linked to human cancers. In the past few years, inhibitors against several RAS effectors, as well as direct inhibitors of the K-RAS mutant G12C, have been developed. This Special Issue in DMM includes original Research articles on RAS-driven cancers and RASopathies. The articles provide insights into mechanisms and biomarkers, and evaluate therapeutic targets. Several articles also present new disease models, whereas others describe technologies or approaches to evaluate the function of RAS in vivo. The collection also includes a series of Review articles on RAS biology and translational aspects of defining and treating RAS-driven diseases. In this Editorial, we summarize this collection and discuss the potential impact of the articles within this evolving area of research. We also identify areas of growth and possible future developments. Summary: This Editorial introduces DMM’s new Special Issue on the RAS pathway. The Guest Editors reflect on the impact of the featured articles on the landscape of the RAS field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donita C Brady
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Julija Hmeljak
- The Company of Biologists, Bidder Building, Station Road, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9LF, UK
| | - Arvin C Dar
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Tisch Cancer Institute, Center for Therapeutic Discovery, Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029-5674, USA
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