1
|
Banaszek N, Kurpiewska D, Kozak K, Rutkowski P, Sobczuk P. Hedgehog pathway in sarcoma: from preclinical mechanism to clinical application. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:17635-17649. [PMID: 37815662 PMCID: PMC10657326 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05441-3] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Sarcomas are a diverse group of malignant neoplasms of mesenchymal origin. They develop rarely, but due to poor prognosis, they are a challenging and significant clinical problem. Currently, available therapeutic options have very limited activity. A better understating of sarcomas' pathogenesis may help develop more effective therapies in the future. The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is involved in both embryonic development and mature tissue repair and carcinogenesis. Shh pathway inhibitors are presently used in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Its increased activity has been demonstrated in many sarcomas, including osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and malignant rhabdoid tumor. In vitro studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of inhibitors of the Hedgehog pathway in inhibiting proliferation in those sarcomas in which the components of the pathway are overexpressed. These results were confirmed by in vivo studies, which additionally proved the influence of Shh pathway inhibitors on limiting the metastatic potential of sarcoma cells. However, until now, the efficacy of sarcomas treatment with Shh pathway inhibitors has not been established in clinical trials. The reason for that may be the non-canonical activation of the pathway or interactions with other signaling pathways, such as Wnt or Notch. In this review, we present the Shh signaling pathway's role in the pathogenesis of sarcomas, including both canonical and non-canonical signaling. We also propose how this knowledge could be potentially translated into clinics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Banaszek
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Kurpiewska
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kozak
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Rutkowski
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Sobczuk
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yasir M, Park J, Chun W. EWS/FLI1 Characterization, Activation, Repression, Target Genes and Therapeutic Opportunities in Ewing Sarcoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15173. [PMID: 37894854 PMCID: PMC10607184 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015173] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite their clonal origins, tumors eventually develop into complex communities made up of phenotypically different cell subpopulations, according to mounting evidence. Tumor cell-intrinsic programming and signals from geographically and temporally changing microenvironments both contribute to this variability. Furthermore, the mutational load is typically lacking in childhood malignancies of adult cancers, and they still exhibit high cellular heterogeneity levels largely mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Ewing sarcomas represent highly aggressive malignancies affecting both bone and soft tissue, primarily afflicting adolescents. Unfortunately, the outlook for patients facing relapsed or metastatic disease is grim. These tumors are primarily fueled by a distinctive fusion event involving an FET protein and an ETS family transcription factor, with the most prevalent fusion being EWS/FLI1. Despite originating from a common driver mutation, Ewing sarcoma cells display significant variations in transcriptional activity, both within and among tumors. Recent research has pinpointed distinct fusion protein activities as a principal source of this heterogeneity, resulting in markedly diverse cellular phenotypes. In this review, we aim to characterize the role of the EWS/FLI fusion protein in Ewing sarcoma by exploring its general mechanism of activation and elucidating its implications for tumor heterogeneity. Additionally, we delve into potential therapeutic opportunities to target this aberrant fusion protein in the context of Ewing sarcoma treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wanjoo Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.); (J.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tsibulnikov S, Fayzullina D, Karlina I, Schroeder BA, Karpova O, Timashev P, Ulasov I. Ewing sarcoma treatment: a gene therapy approach. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1066-1071. [PMID: 37037906 PMCID: PMC10088695 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00615-0] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive malignant tumor, characterized by non-random chromosomal translocations that produce fusion genes. Fusion genes and fusion protein products are promising targets for gene therapy. Therapeutic approaches and strategies vary based on target molecules (nucleotides, proteins) of interest. We present an extensive literature review of active molecules for gene therapy and methods of gene therapy delivery, both of which are necessary for successful treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Tsibulnikov
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostics, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, World-Class Research Centre "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Daria Fayzullina
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostics, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, World-Class Research Centre "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Irina Karlina
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostics, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, World-Class Research Centre "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Brett A Schroeder
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Olga Karpova
- Section of Virology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Peter Timashev
- World-Class Research Centre "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Ilya Ulasov
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostics, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, World-Class Research Centre "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Beadle EP, Bennett NE, Rhoades JA. Bioinformatics Screen Reveals Gli-Mediated Hedgehog Signaling as an Associated Pathway to Poor Immune Infiltration of Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3360. [PMID: 37444470 PMCID: PMC10341348 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Liposarcomas are the most diagnosed soft tissue sarcoma, with most cases consisting of well-differentiated (WDLPS) or dedifferentiated (DDLPS) histological subtypes. While both tumor subtypes can have clinical recurrence due to incomplete resections, DDLPS often has worse prognosis due to a higher likelihood of metastasis compared to its well-differentiated counterpart. Unfortunately, targeted therapeutic interventions have lagged in sarcoma oncology, making the need for molecular targeted therapies a promising future area of research for this family of malignancies. In this work, previously published data were analyzed to identify differential pathways that may contribute to the dedifferentiation process in liposarcoma. Interestingly, Gli-mediated Hedgehog signaling appeared to be enriched in dedifferentiated adipose progenitor cells and DDLPS tumors, and coincidentally Gli1 is often co-amplified with MDM2 and CDK4, given its genomic proximity along chromosome 12q13-12q15. However, we find that Gli2, but not Gli1, is differentially expressed between WDLPS and DDLPS, with a noticeable co-expression signature between Gli2 and genes involved in ECM remodeling. Additionally, Gli2 co-expression had a noticeable transcriptional signature that could suggest Gli-mediated Hedgehog signaling as an associated pathway contributing to poor immune infiltration in these tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik P. Beadle
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Natalie E. Bennett
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Julie A. Rhoades
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Health Care, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Apfelbaum AA, Wrenn ED, Lawlor ER. The importance of fusion protein activity in Ewing sarcoma and the cell intrinsic and extrinsic factors that regulate it: A review. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1044707. [PMID: 36505823 PMCID: PMC9727305 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1044707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence shows that despite clonal origins tumors eventually become complex communities comprised of phenotypically distinct cell subpopulations. This heterogeneity arises from both tumor cell intrinsic programs and signals from spatially and temporally dynamic microenvironments. While pediatric cancers usually lack the mutational burden of adult cancers, they still exhibit high levels of cellular heterogeneity that are largely mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Ewing sarcomas are aggressive bone and soft tissue malignancies with peak incidence in adolescence and the prognosis for patients with relapsed and metastatic disease is dismal. Ewing sarcomas are driven by a single pathognomonic fusion between a FET protein and an ETS family transcription factor, the most common of which is EWS::FLI1. Despite sharing a single driver mutation, Ewing sarcoma cells demonstrate a high degree of transcriptional heterogeneity both between and within tumors. Recent studies have identified differential fusion protein activity as a key source of this heterogeneity which leads to profoundly different cellular phenotypes. Paradoxically, increased invasive and metastatic potential is associated with lower EWS::FLI1 activity. Here, we review what is currently understood about EWS::FLI1 activity, the cell autonomous and tumor microenvironmental factors that regulate it, and the downstream consequences of these activity states on tumor progression. We specifically highlight how transcription factor regulation, signaling pathway modulation, and the extracellular matrix intersect to create a complex network of tumor cell phenotypes. We propose that elucidation of the mechanisms by which these essential elements interact will enable the development of novel therapeutic approaches that are designed to target this complexity and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth R. Lawlor
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kitagawa T, Kobayashi D, Baron B, Okita H, Miyamoto T, Takai R, Paudel D, Ohta T, Asaoka Y, Tokunaga M, Nakagawa K, Furutani-Seiki M, Araki N, Kuramitsu Y, Kobayashi M. AT-hook DNA-binding motif-containing protein one knockdown downregulates EWS-FLI1 transcriptional activity in Ewing's sarcoma cells. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269077. [PMID: 36194562 PMCID: PMC9531837 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing's sarcoma is the second most common bone malignancy in children or young adults and is caused by an oncogenic transcription factor by a chromosomal translocation between the EWSR1 gene and the ETS transcription factor family. However, the transcriptional mechanism of EWS-ETS fusion proteins is still unclear. To identify the transcriptional complexes of EWS-ETS fusion transcription factors, we applied a proximal labeling system called BioID in Ewing's sarcoma cells. We identified AHDC1 as a proximal protein of EWS-ETS fusion proteins. AHDC1 knockdown showed a reduced cell growth and transcriptional activity of EWS-FLI1. AHDC1 knockdown also reduced BRD4 and BRG1 protein levels, both known as interacting proteins of EWS-FLI1. Our results suggest that AHDC1 supports cell growth through EWS-FLI1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takao Kitagawa
- Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Daiki Kobayashi
- Department of Omics and Systems Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- Department of Tumor Genetics and Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto-Shi, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Byron Baron
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Hajime Okita
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinano, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Miyamoto
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Rie Takai
- Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Durga Paudel
- Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Tohru Ohta
- Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yoichi Asaoka
- Department of Systems Biochemistry in Pathology and Regeneration, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Masayuki Tokunaga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Koji Nakagawa
- Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Makoto Furutani-Seiki
- Department of Systems Biochemistry in Pathology and Regeneration, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Norie Araki
- Department of Tumor Genetics and Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto-Shi, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kuramitsu
- Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Masanobu Kobayashi
- Advanced Research Promotion Center, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Canonical Hedgehog Pathway and Noncanonical GLI Transcription Factor Activation in Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162523. [PMID: 36010600 PMCID: PMC9406872 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162523] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog signaling pathway is one of the fundamental pathways required for development and regulation of postnatal regeneration in a variety of tissues. The pathway has also been associated with cancers since the identification of a mutation in one of its components, PTCH, as the cause of Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome, which is associated with several cancers. Our understanding of the pathway in tumorigenesis has expanded greatly since that initial discovery over two decades ago. The pathway has tumor-suppressive and oncogenic functions depending on the context of the cancer. Furthermore, noncanonical activation of GLI transcription factors has been reported in a number of tumor types. Here, we review the roles of canonical Hedgehog signaling pathway and noncanonical GLI activation in cancers, particularly epithelial cancers, and discuss an emerging concept of the distinct outcomes that these modes have on cancer initiation and progression.
Collapse
|
8
|
Fayzullina D, Tsibulnikov S, Stempen M, Schroeder BA, Kumar N, Kharwar RK, Acharya A, Timashev P, Ulasov I. Novel Targeted Therapeutic Strategies for Ewing Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081988. [PMID: 35454895 PMCID: PMC9032664 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Ewing sarcoma is an uncommon cancer that arises in mesenchymal tissues and represents the second most widespread malignant bone neoplasm after osteosarcoma in children. Therapy has increased the 5-year survival rate in the last 40 years, although the recurrence rate has remained high. There is an immediate and unmet need for the development of novel Ewing sarcoma therapies. We offer new prospective targets for the therapy of Ewing sarcoma. The EWSR1/FLI1 fusion protein, which is identified in 85–90% of Ewing sarcoma tumors, and its direct targets are given special focus in this study. Experimantal therapy that targets multiple signaling pathways activated during ES progression, alone or in combination with existing regimens, may become the new standard of care for Ewing sarcoma patients, improving patient survival. Abstract Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an uncommon cancer that arises in mesenchymal tissues and represents the second most widespread malignant bone neoplasm after osteosarcoma in children. Amplifications in genomic, proteomic, and metabolism are characteristics of sarcoma, and targeting altered cancer cell molecular processes has been proposed as the latest promising strategy to fight cancer. Recent technological advancements have elucidated some of the underlying oncogenic characteristics of Ewing sarcoma. Offering new insights into the physiological basis for this phenomenon, our current review examines the dynamics of ES signaling as it related to both ES and the microenvironment by integrating genomic and proteomic analyses. An extensive survey of the literature was performed to compile the findings. We have also highlighted recent and ongoing studies integrating metabolomics and genomics aimed at better understanding the complex interactions as to how ES adapts to changing biochemical changes within the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daria Fayzullina
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Department of Advanced Materials, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (D.F.); (S.T.); (M.S.); (P.T.)
| | - Sergey Tsibulnikov
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Department of Advanced Materials, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (D.F.); (S.T.); (M.S.); (P.T.)
| | - Mikhail Stempen
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Department of Advanced Materials, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (D.F.); (S.T.); (M.S.); (P.T.)
| | - Brett A. Schroeder
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA;
| | - Naveen Kumar
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India; (N.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Rajesh Kumar Kharwar
- Endocrine Research Lab, Department of Zoology, Kutir Post Graduate College, Chakkey, Jaunpur 222146, India;
| | - Arbind Acharya
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India; (N.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Peter Timashev
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (D.F.); (S.T.); (M.S.); (P.T.)
- Department of Advanced Materials, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Ilya Ulasov
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Department of Advanced Materials, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (D.F.); (S.T.); (M.S.); (P.T.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Markey FB, Romero B, Parashar V, Batish M. Identification of a New Transcriptional Co-Regulator of STEAP1 in Ewing's Sarcoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061300. [PMID: 34073779 PMCID: PMC8225120 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) is caused by a chromosomal translocation leading to the formation of the fused EWSFLI1 gene, which codes for an aberrant transcription factor EWSFLI1. The transcriptional targets of EWSFLI1 have been viewed as promising and novel drug targets in the treatment of ES. One such target is six transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 1 (STEAP1), a transmembrane protein that is upregulated by EWSFLI1 in ES. STEAP1 is a hallmark of tumor invasiveness and an indicator of tumor responsiveness to therapy. EWSFLI1 binds to the STEAP1 promoter region, but the mechanism of action by which it upregulates STEAP1 expression in ES is not entirely understood. Upon analysis of the STEAP1 promoter, we predicted two binding sites for NKX2.2, another crucial transcription factor involved in ES pathogenesis. We confirmed the interaction of NKX2.2 with the STEAP1 promoter using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis. We used single-molecule RNA imaging, biochemical, and genetic studies to identify the novel role of NKX2.2 in regulating STEAP1 expression in ES. Our results show that NKX2.2 is a co-regulator of STEAP1 expression and functions by interacting with the STEAP1 promoter at sites proximal to the reported EWSFLI1 sites. The co-operative interaction of NKX2.2 with EWSFLI1 in regulating STEAP1 holds potential as a new target for therapeutic interventions for ES.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatu Badiane Markey
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA;
| | - Brigette Romero
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA; (B.R.); (V.P.)
| | - Vijay Parashar
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA; (B.R.); (V.P.)
| | - Mona Batish
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA;
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA; (B.R.); (V.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-302-831-8591
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Koustas E, Sarantis P, Karamouzis MV, Vielh P, Theocharis S. The Controversial Role of Autophagy in Ewing Sarcoma Pathogenesis-Current Treatment Options. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11030355. [PMID: 33652741 PMCID: PMC7996923 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing Sarcoma (ES) is a rare, aggressive, and highly metastasizing cancer in children and young adults. Most ES cases carry the fusion of the Ewing Sarcoma Breakpoint Region 1 (EWSR1) and FLI1 (Friend leukemia virus integration site 1) genes, leading to an EWS-FLI1 fused protein, which is associated with autophagy, a homeostatic and catabolic mechanism under normal and pathological conditions. Following such interesting and controversial data regarding autophagy in ES, many clinical trials using modulators of autophagy are now underway in this field. In the present review, we summarize current data and clinical trials that associate autophagy with ES. In vitro studies highlight the controversial role of autophagy as a tumor promoter or a tumor suppressor mechanism in ES. Clinical and in vitro studies on ES, together with the autophagy modulators, suggest that caution should be adopted in the application of autophagy as a therapeutic target. Monitoring and targeting autophagy in every ES patient could eliminate the need for targeting multiple pathways in order to achieve the maximum beneficial effect. Future studies are required to focus on which ES patients are affected by autophagy modulators in order to provide novel and more efficient therapeutic protocols for patients with ES based on the current autophagy status of the tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Koustas
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.K.); (P.S.)
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.K.); (P.S.)
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Michalis V. Karamouzis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Philippe Vielh
- Medipath & American Hospital of Paris, 17 rue Gazan, 75014 Paris, France;
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.K.); (P.S.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +30-210-7462267; Fax: +30-2107462157
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Suzuki T. [Research on Analysis of Final Diagnosis and Prognostic Factors, and Development of New Therapeutic Drugs for Malignant Tumors (Especially Malignant Pediatric Tumors)]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2020; 140:229-271. [PMID: 32009046 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.19-00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Outcomes of treatment for malignant pediatric tumors including leukemia are improving by conventional multimodal treatment with strong chemotherapy, surgical resection, radiotherapy, and bone marrow transplantation. However, patients with advanced neuroblastoma, metastatic Ewing's sarcoma family of tumor (ESFT), and metastatic osteosarcoma continue to have an extremely poor prognosis. Therefore novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to improve their survival. Apoptotic cell death is a key mechanism for normal cellular homeostasis. Intact apoptotic mechanisms are pivotal for embryonic development, tissue remodeling, immune regulation, and tumor regression. Genetic aberrations disrupting programmed cell death often underpin tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Moreover, it has been suggested that apoptosis or cell differentiation proceeds to spontaneous regression in early stage neuroblastoma. Therefore apoptosis or cell differentiation is a critical event in this cancer. We extracted many compounds from natural plants (Angelica keiskei, Alpinia officiarum, Lycaria puchury-major, Brassica rapa) or synthesized cyclophane pyridine, indirubin derivatives, vitamin K3 derivatives, burchellin derivatives, and GANT61, and examined their effects on apoptosis, cell differentiation, and cell cycle in neuroblastoma and ESFT cell lines compared with normal cells. Some compounds were very effective against these tumor cells. These results suggest that they may be applicable as an efficacious and safe drug for the treatment of malignant pediatric tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Suzuki
- Laboratory of Clinical Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yoon JW, Lamm M, Chandler C, Iannaccone P, Walterhouse D. Up-regulation of GLI1 in vincristine-resistant rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:511. [PMID: 32493277 PMCID: PMC7310145 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-06985-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The clinical significance of GLI1 expression either through canonical Hedgehog signal transduction or through non-canonical mechanisms in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) or Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is incompletely understood. We tested a role for Hedgehog (HH) signal transduction and GL11 expression in development of vincristine (VCR) resistance in RMS and EWS. Methods We characterized baseline expression and activity of HH pathway components in 5 RMS (RD, Rh18, Ruch-2, Rh30, and Rh41) and 5 EWS (CHLA9, CHLA10, TC32, CHLA258, and TC71) cell lines. We then established VCR-resistant RMS and EWS cell lines by exposing cells to serially increasing concentrations of VCR and determining the IC50. We defined resistance as a ≥ 30-fold increase in IC50 compared with parental cells. We determined changes in gene expression in the VCR-resistant cells compared with parental cells using an 86-gene cancer drug resistance array that included GLI1 and tested the effect of GLI1 inhibition with GANT61 or GLI1 siRNA on VCR resistance. Results We found evidence for HH pathway activity and GLI1 expression in RMS and EWS cell lines at baseline, and evidence that GLI1 contributes to survival and proliferation of these sarcoma cells. We were able to establish 4 VCR-resistant cell lines (Ruch-2VR, Rh30VR, Rh41VR, and TC71VR). GLI1 was significantly up-regulated in the Rh30VR, Rh41VR, and TC71VR cells. The only other gene in the drug resistance panel that was significantly up-regulated in each of these VCR-resistant cell lines compared with their corresponding parental cells was the GLI1 direct target and multidrug resistance gene, ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 1 (MDR1). We established major vault protein (MVP), which was up-regulated in both vincristine-resistant alveolar RMS cell lines (Rh30VR and Rh41VR), as another direct target of GLI1 during development of drug resistance. Treatment of the VCR-resistant cell lines with the small molecule inhibitor GANT61 or GLI1 siRNA together with VCR significantly decreased cell viability at doses that did not reduce viability individually. Conclusions These experiments demonstrate that GLI1 up-regulation contributes to VCR resistance in RMS and EWS cell lines and suggest that targeting GLI1 may benefit patients with RMS or EWS by reducing multidrug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joon Won Yoon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Box 30, 225 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Marilyn Lamm
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Box 30, 225 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Christopher Chandler
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Box 30, 225 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Philip Iannaccone
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Box 30, 225 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Department of Pathology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - David Walterhouse
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Box 30, 225 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lézot F, Corre I, Morice S, Rédini F, Verrecchia F. SHH Signaling Pathway Drives Pediatric Bone Sarcoma Progression. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030536. [PMID: 32110934 PMCID: PMC7140443 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary bone tumors can be divided into two classes, benign and malignant. Among the latter group, osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are the most prevalent malignant primary bone tumors in children and adolescents. Despite intensive efforts to improve treatments, almost 40% of patients succumb to the disease. Specifically, the clinical outcome for metastatic osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma remains poor; less than 30% of patients who present metastases will survive 5 years after initial diagnosis. One common and specific point of these bone tumors is their ability to deregulate bone homeostasis and remodeling and divert them to their benefit. Over the past years, considerable interest in the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway has taken place within the cancer research community. The activation of this SHH cascade can be done through different ways and, schematically, two pathways can be described, the canonical and the non-canonical. This review discusses the current knowledge about the involvement of the SHH signaling pathway in skeletal development, pediatric bone sarcoma progression and the related therapeutic options that may be possible for these tumors.
Collapse
|
14
|
Eckerdt F, Clymer J, Bell JB, Beauchamp EM, Blyth GT, Goldman S, Platanias LC. Pharmacological mTOR targeting enhances the antineoplastic effects of selective PI3Kα inhibition in medulloblastoma. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12822. [PMID: 31492956 PMCID: PMC6731286 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49299-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the treatment of medulloblastoma, patients in high-risk categories still face very poor outcomes. Evidence indicates that a subpopulation of cancer stem cells contributes to therapy resistance and tumour relapse in these patients. To prevent resistance and relapse, the development of treatment strategies tailored to target subgroup specific signalling circuits in high-risk medulloblastomas might be similarly important as targeting the cancer stem cell population. We have previously demonstrated potent antineoplastic effects for the PI3Kα selective inhibitor alpelisib in medulloblastoma. Here, we performed studies aimed to enhance the anti-medulloblastoma effects of alpelisib by simultaneous catalytic targeting of the mTOR kinase. Pharmacological mTOR inhibition potently enhanced the suppressive effects of alpelisib on cancer cell proliferation, colony formation and apoptosis and additionally blocked sphere-forming ability of medulloblastoma stem-like cancer cells in vitro. We identified the HH effector GLI1 as a target for dual PI3Kα and mTOR inhibition in SHH-type medulloblastoma and confirmed these results in HH-driven Ewing sarcoma cells. Importantly, pharmacologic mTOR inhibition greatly enhanced the inhibitory effects of alpelisib on medulloblastoma tumour growth in vivo. In summary, these findings highlight a key role for PI3K/mTOR signalling in GLI1 regulation in HH-driven cancers and suggest that combined PI3Kα/mTOR inhibition may be particularly interesting for the development of effective treatment strategies in high-risk medulloblastomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Eckerdt
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Jessica Clymer
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology/Neuro Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan B Bell
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elspeth M Beauchamp
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Medicine Service, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gavin T Blyth
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stewart Goldman
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology/Neuro Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Leonidas C Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Medicine Service, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pietrobono S, Gagliardi S, Stecca B. Non-canonical Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Cancer: Activation of GLI Transcription Factors Beyond Smoothened. Front Genet 2019; 10:556. [PMID: 31244888 PMCID: PMC6581679 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) pathway is a highly conserved signaling that plays a critical role in controlling cell specification, cell–cell interaction and tissue patterning during embryonic development. Canonical activation of HH-GLI signaling occurs through binding of HH ligands to the twelve-pass transmembrane receptor Patched 1 (PTCH1), which derepresses the seven-pass transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor Smoothened (SMO). Thus, active SMO initiates a complex intracellular cascade that leads to the activation of the three GLI transcription factors, the final effectors of the HH-GLI pathway. Aberrant activation of this signaling has been implicated in a wide variety of tumors, such as those of the brain, skin, breast, gastrointestinal, lung, pancreas, prostate and ovary. In several of these cases, activation of HH-GLI signaling is mediated by overproduction of HH ligands (e.g., prostate cancer), loss-of-function mutations in PTCH1 or gain-of-function mutations in SMO, which occur in the majority of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), SHH-subtype medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Besides the classical canonical ligand-PTCH1-SMO route, mounting evidence points toward additional, non-canonical ways of GLI activation in cancer. By non-canonical we refer to all those mechanisms of activation of the GLI transcription factors occurring independently of SMO. Often, in a given cancer type canonical and non-canonical activation of HH-GLI signaling co-exist, and in some cancer types, more than one mechanism of non-canonical activation may occur. Tumors harboring non-canonical HH-GLI signaling are less sensitive to SMO inhibition, posing a threat for therapeutic efficacy of these antagonists. Here we will review the most recent findings on the involvement of alternative signaling pathways in inducing GLI activity in cancer and stem cells. We will also discuss the rationale of targeting these oncogenic pathways in combination with HH-GLI inhibitors as a promising anti-cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pietrobono
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Sinforosa Gagliardi
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Peer E, Tesanovic S, Aberger F. Next-Generation Hedgehog/GLI Pathway Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040538. [PMID: 30991683 PMCID: PMC6520835 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog/Glioma-associated oncogene homolog (HH/GLI) signaling pathway regulates self-renewal of rare and highly malignant cancer stem cells (CSC), which have been shown to account for the initiation and maintenance of tumor growth as well as for drug resistance, metastatic spread and relapse. Efficacious therapeutic approaches targeting CSC pathways, such as HH/GLI signaling in combination with chemo, radiation or immunotherapy are, therefore, of high medical need. Pharmacological inhibition of HH/GLI pathway activity represents a promising approach to eliminate malignant CSC. Clinically approved HH/GLI pathway inhibitors target the essential pathway effector Smoothened (SMO) with striking therapeutic efficacy in skin and brain cancer patients. However, multiple genetic and molecular mechanisms resulting in de novo and acquired resistance to SMO inhibitors pose major limitations to anti-HH/GLI therapies and, thus, the eradication of CSC. In this review, we summarize reasons for clinical failure of SMO inhibitors, including mechanisms caused by genetic alterations in HH pathway effectors or triggered by additional oncogenic signals activating GLI transcription factors in a noncanonical manner. We then discuss emerging novel and rationale-based approaches to overcome SMO-inhibitor resistance, focusing on pharmacological perturbations of enzymatic modifiers of GLI activity and on compounds either directly targeting oncogenic GLI factors or interfering with synergistic crosstalk signals known to boost the oncogenicity of HH/GLI signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Peer
- Department of Biosciences, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Suzana Tesanovic
- Department of Biosciences, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Fritz Aberger
- Department of Biosciences, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Enabling precision medicine by unravelling disease pathophysiology: quantifying signal transduction pathway activity across cell and tissue types. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1603. [PMID: 30733525 PMCID: PMC6367506 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-38179-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transduction pathways are important in physiology and pathophysiology. Targeted drugs aim at modifying pathogenic pathway activity, e.g., in cancer. Optimal treatment choice requires assays to measure pathway activity in individual patient tissue or cell samples. We developed a method enabling quantitative measurement of functional pathway activity based on Bayesian computational model inference of pathway activity from measurements of mRNA levels of target genes of the pathway-associated transcription factor. Oestrogen receptor, Wnt, and PI3K-FOXO pathway assays have been described previously. Here, we report model development for androgen receptor, Hedgehog, TGFβ, and NFκB pathway assays, biological validation on multiple cell types, and analysis of data from published clinical studies (multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, contact dermatitis, Ewing sarcoma, lymphoma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, skin and prostate cancer). Multiple pathway analysis of clinical prostate cancer (PCa) studies showed increased AR activity in hyperplasia and primary PCa but variable AR activity in castrate resistant (CR) PCa, loss of TGFβ activity in PCa, increased Wnt activity in TMPRSS2:ERG fusion protein-positive PCa, active PI3K pathway in advanced PCa, and active PI3K and NFκB as potential hormonal resistance pathways. Potential value for future clinical practice includes disease subtyping and prediction and targeted therapy response prediction and monitoring.
Collapse
|
18
|
Fleming JT, Brignola E, Chen L, Guo Y, Zhao S, Wang Q, Li B, Correa H, Ermilov AN, Dlugosz AA, Chiang C. Insight into the Etiology of Undifferentiated Soft Tissue Sarcomas from a Novel Mouse Model. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:1024-1035. [PMID: 30683671 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway has been linked to the formation of numerous cancer types, including the myogenic soft tissue sarcoma, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (eRMS). Here, we report PCG2, a novel mouse model in which human GLI2A, a constitutive activator of Hedgehog signaling, induced undifferentiated sarcomas that were phenotypically divergent from eRMS. Rather, sarcomas arising in PCG2 mice featured some characteristics that were reminiscent of Ewing sarcoma. Even though it is widely understood that Ewing sarcoma formation is driven by EWS-ETS gene fusions, a genetically defined mouse model is not well-established. While EWS-ETS gene fusions were not present in PCG2 sarcomas, precluding their designation as Ewing sarcoma, we did find that GLI2A induced expression of known EWS-ETS gene targets essential to Ewing pathogenesis, most notably, Nkx2.2. Moreover, we found that naïve mesenchymal progenitors originate tumors in PCG2 mice. Altogether, our work provides a novel genetic mouse model, which directly connects oncogenic Hedgehog activity to the etiology of undifferentiated soft tissue sarcomas for the first time. IMPLICATIONS: The finding that activation of Gli2 transcription factor is sufficient to induce Ewing-like sarcomas provides a direct transformative role of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in undifferentiated soft tissue sarcoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan T Fleming
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Emily Brignola
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Shilin Zhao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Quan Wang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Bingshan Li
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Hernán Correa
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Alexandre N Ermilov
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Andrzej A Dlugosz
- Departments of Dermatology and Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Chin Chiang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lau BW, Huh K, Madero-Marroquin R, De Marchi F, Lim Y, Wang Q, Lobo F, Marchionni L, Smith DB, DeZern A, Levis MJ, Aplan PD, Matsui W, Gondek LP. Hedgehog/GLI1 activation leads to leukemic transformation of myelodysplastic syndrome in vivo and GLI1 inhibition results in antitumor activity. Oncogene 2019; 38:687-698. [PMID: 30171262 PMCID: PMC6358463 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0431-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are stem cell disorders with risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Gene expression profiling reveals transcriptional expression of GLI1, of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, in poor-risk MDS/AML. Using a murine model of MDS we demonstrated that constitutive Hh/Gli1 activation accelerated leukemic transformation and decreased overall survival. Hh/Gli1 activation resulted in clonal expansion of phenotypically defined granulocyte macrophage progenitors (GMPs) and acquisition of self-renewal potential in a non-self-renewing progenitor compartment. Transcriptome analysis of GMPs revealed enrichment in gene signatures of self-renewal pathways, operating via direct Gli1 activation. Using human cell lines we demonstrated that in addition to canonical Hh signaling, GLI1 is activated in a Smoothened-independent manner. GLI1 knockdown or inhibition with GANT61 resulted in decreased proliferation and clonogenic potential. Our data suggest that GLI1 activation is frequent in MDS during disease progression and inhibition of GLI1 is an attractive therapeutic target for a subset of patients.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Granulocyte-Macrophage Progenitor Cells/metabolism
- Granulocyte-Macrophage Progenitor Cells/pathology
- Hedgehog Proteins/genetics
- Hedgehog Proteins/metabolism
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/genetics
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/metabolism
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/pathology
- Pyridines/pharmacology
- Pyrimidines/pharmacology
- Zinc Finger Protein GLI1/genetics
- Zinc Finger Protein GLI1/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie W Lau
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Kyounghee Huh
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Rafael Madero-Marroquin
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Federico De Marchi
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Yiting Lim
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Qiuju Wang
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Francisco Lobo
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luigi Marchionni
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Douglas B Smith
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Amy DeZern
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Mark J Levis
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Peter D Aplan
- Genetics Branch National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - William Matsui
- LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712USA, USA.
| | - Lukasz P Gondek
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
MiR-708-5p is inversely associated with EWS/FLI1 Ewing sarcoma but does not represent a prognostic predictor. Cancer Genet 2019; 230:21-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
21
|
Sen N, Cross AM, Lorenzi PL, Khan J, Gryder BE, Kim S, Caplen NJ. EWS-FLI1 reprograms the metabolism of Ewing sarcoma cells via positive regulation of glutamine import and serine-glycine biosynthesis. Mol Carcinog 2018; 57:1342-1357. [PMID: 29873416 PMCID: PMC6175245 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is a soft tissue and bone tumor that occurs primarily in adolescents and young adults. In most cases of EWS, the chimeric transcription factor, EWS-FLI1 is the primary oncogenic driver. The epigenome of EWS cells reflects EWS-FLI1 binding and activation or repression of transcription. Here, we demonstrate that EWS-FLI1 positively regulates the expression of proteins required for serine-glycine biosynthesis and uptake of the alternative nutrient source glutamine. Specifically, we show that EWS-FLI1 activates expression of PHGDH, PSAT1, PSPH, and SHMT2. Using cell-based studies, we also establish that EWS cells are dependent on glutamine for cell survival and that EWS-FLI1 positively regulates expression of the glutamine transporter, SLC1A5 and two enzymes involved in the one-carbon cycle, MTHFD2 and MTHFD1L. Inhibition of serine-glycine biosynthesis in EWS cells impacts their redox state leading to an accumulation of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Importantly, analysis of EWS primary tumor transcriptome data confirmed that the aforementioned genes we identified as regulated by EWS-FLI1 exhibit increased expression compared with normal tissues. Furthermore, retrospective analysis of an independent data set generated a significant stratification of the overall survival of EWS patients into low- and high-risk groups based on the expression of PHGDH, PSAT1, PSPH, SHMT2, SLC1A5, MTHFD2, and MTHFD1L. In summary, our study demonstrates that EWS-FLI1 reprograms the metabolism of EWS cells and that serine-glycine metabolism or glutamine uptake are potential targetable vulnerabilities in this tumor type.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nirmalya Sen
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR)National Cancer Institute (NCI)BethesdaMaryland
| | - Allison M. Cross
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR)National Cancer Institute (NCI)BethesdaMaryland
| | - Philip L. Lorenzi
- Proteomic and Metabolomics Core Facility, Department of Bioinformatics and Computational BiologyThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
| | - Javed Khan
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR)National Cancer Institute (NCI)BethesdaMaryland
| | - Berkley E. Gryder
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR)National Cancer Institute (NCI)BethesdaMaryland
| | - Suntae Kim
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR)National Cancer Institute (NCI)BethesdaMaryland
| | - Natasha J. Caplen
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR)National Cancer Institute (NCI)BethesdaMaryland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yu H, Ge Y, Guo L, Huang L. Potential approaches to the treatment of Ewing's sarcoma. Oncotarget 2018; 8:5523-5539. [PMID: 27740934 PMCID: PMC5354928 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) is a highly aggressive and metastatic tumor in children and young adults caused by a chromosomal fusion between the Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1) gene and the transcription factor FLI1 gene. ES is managed with standard treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Although the 5-year survival rate for primary ES has improved, the survival rate for ES patients with metastases or recurrence remains low. Several novel molecular targets in ES have recently been identified and investigated in preclinical and clinical settings, and targeting the function of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), the fusion protein EWS-FLI1 and mTOR has shown promise. There has also been increasing interest in the immune responses of ES patients. Immunotherapies using T cells, NK cells, cancer vaccines and monoclonal antibodies have been considered for ES, especially for recurrent patients. Because understanding the pathogenesis of ES is extremely important for the development of novel treatments, this review focuses on the mechanisms and functions of targeted therapies and immunotherapies in ES. It is anticipated that integrating the knowledge obtained from basic research and translational and clinical studies will lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of ES.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjiu Yu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China.,Department of VIP, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Yonggui Ge
- Department of Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Lianying Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Lin Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Loganathan SN, Tang N, Fleming JT, Ma Y, Guo Y, Borinstein SC, Chiang C, Wang J. BET bromodomain inhibitors suppress EWS-FLI1-dependent transcription and the IGF1 autocrine mechanism in Ewing sarcoma. Oncotarget 2017; 7:43504-43517. [PMID: 27259270 PMCID: PMC5190040 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is driven by characteristic chromosomal translocations between the EWSR1 gene with genes encoding ETS family transcription factors (EWS-ETS), most commonly FLI1. However, direct pharmacological inhibition of transcription factors like EWS-FLI1 remains largely unsuccessful. Active gene transcription requires orchestrated actions of many epigenetic regulators, such as the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family proteins. Emerging BET bromodomain inhibitors have exhibited promising antineoplastic activities via suppression of oncogenic transcription factors in various cancers. We reasoned that EWS-FLI1-mediated transcription activation might be susceptible to BET inhibition. In this study, we demonstrated that small molecule BET bromodomain inhibitors repressed EWS-FLI1-driven gene signatures and downregulated important target genes. However, expression of EWS-FLI1 was not significantly affected. Repression of autocrine IGF1 by BET inhibitors led to significant inhibition of the IGF1R/AKT pathway critical to Ewing sarcoma cell proliferation and survival. Consistently, BET inhibitors impaired viability and clonogenic survival of Ewing sarcoma cell lines and blocked EWS-FLI1-induced transformation of mouse NIH3T3 fibroblast cells. Selective depletion of individual BET genes partially phenocopied the actions of BET inhibitors. Finally, the prototypical BET inhibitor, JQ1, significantly repressed Ewing sarcoma xenograft tumor growth. These findings suggest therapeutic potential of BET inhibitors in Ewing sarcoma and highlight an emerging paradigm of using epigenetic agents to treat cancers driven by fusion transcription factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudan N Loganathan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nan Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Jonathan T Fleming
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yufang Ma
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Chin Chiang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jialiang Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lu Q, Zhang Y, Ma L, Li D, Li M, Li J, Liu P. EWS-FLI1 positively regulates autophagy by increasing ATG4B expression in Ewing sarcoma cells. Int J Mol Med 2017; 40:1217-1225. [PMID: 28902354 PMCID: PMC5593458 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is the most common malignant bone tumor in children and young adults. It is characterized by chromosomal translocations fusing the EWS gene with an ETS oncogene, most frequently FLI1. In the present study, the authors aimed to investigate the function of EWS-FLI1 in autophagy in ES cells, and identified that EWS-FLI1 positively regulates autophagy in ES cells. ATG4B expression was observed markedly upregulated by EWS-FLI1 overexpression, and silencing of ATG4B dramatically inhibits autophagy in ES cells. Furthermore, apoptosis was inhibited in ATG4B overexpressed ES cells, and ATG4B-potentiated autophagy is required for ES cells survival. Taken together, the authors demonstrated the role of EWS-FLI1 and ATG4B in autophagy in ES cells, and suggested EWS-FLI1 and ATG4B as potential therapeutic targets for ES.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qunshan Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Yuankai Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Deqiang Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Jianmin Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Peilai Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Boehme KA, Nitsch J, Riester R, Handgretinger R, Schleicher SB, Kluba T, Traub F. Arsenic trioxide potentiates the effectiveness of etoposide in Ewing sarcomas. Int J Oncol 2016; 49:2135-2146. [PMID: 27665785 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcomas (ES) are rare mesenchymal tumours, most commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been shown to efficiently and selectively target leukaemic blasts as well as solid tumour cells. Since multidrug resistance often occurs in recurrent and metastatic ES, we tested potential additive effects of ATO in combination with the cytostatic drugs etoposide and doxorubicin. The Ewing sarcoma cell lines A673, RD-ES and SK-N-MC as well as mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) for control were treated with ATO, etoposide and doxorubicin in single and combined application. Viability and proliferation (MTS assay, colony formation, 3D spheroid culture) as well as cell death induction (western blot analysis, flow cytometry) were analysed. In the MTS viability assays ATO treatment significantly reduced the metabolic activity of all three ES cell lines (A673, RD-ES and SK-N-MC) examined. Moreover, all ES cell lines were sensitive to etoposide, whereas MSC remained unaffected by the drug concentrations used. With the exception of ATO in RD-ES cells, all drugs induced apoptosis in the ES cell lines, indicated by caspase-3 and PARP cleavage. Combination of the agents potentiated the reduction of viability as well as the inhibitory effect on clonal growth. In addition, cell death induction was obviously enhanced in RD-ES and SK-N-MC cells by a combination of ATO and etoposide compared to single application. Summarised, the combination of low dose, physiologically easily tolerable ATO with commonly used etoposide and doxorubicin concentrations efficiently and selectively suppressed viability and colony formation in ES cell lines, whereas a combination of ATO and etoposide was favourable for cell death induction. In addition to an increase of the effectiveness of the cytostatic drugs and prevention of potential drug resistance, this approach may also reduce toxicity effects, since the individual doses can be reduced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Boehme
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Juliane Nitsch
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Rosa Riester
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Rupert Handgretinger
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sabine B Schleicher
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Torsten Kluba
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Frank Traub
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kim SK, Park YK. Ewing sarcoma: a chronicle of molecular pathogenesis. Hum Pathol 2016; 55:91-100. [PMID: 27246176 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Sarcomas have traditionally been classified according to their chromosomal alterations regardless of whether they accompany simple or complex genetic changes. Ewing sarcoma, a classic small round cell bone tumor, is a well-known mesenchymal malignancy that results from simple sarcoma-specific genetic alterations. The genetic alterations are translocations between genes of the TET/FET family (TLS/FUS, EWSR1, and TAF15) and genes of the E26 transformation-specific (ETS) family. In this review, we intend to summarize a chronicle of molecular findings of Ewing sarcoma including recent advances and explain resultant molecular pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sang Kyum Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong-Koo Park
- Department of Pathology, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Caropreso V, Darvishi E, Turbyville TJ, Ratnayake R, Grohar PJ, McMahon JB, Woldemichael GM. Englerin A Inhibits EWS-FLI1 DNA Binding in Ewing Sarcoma Cells. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:10058-66. [PMID: 26961871 PMCID: PMC4858959 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.701375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
High-throughput screening of extracts from plants, marine, and micro-organisms led to the identification of the extract from the plant Phyllanthus engleri as the most potent inhibitor of EWS-FLI1 induced luciferase reporter expression. Testing of compounds isolated from this extract in turn led to the identification of Englerin A (EA) as the active constituent of the extract. EA induced both necrosis and apoptosis in Ewing cells subsequent to a G2M accumulation of cells in the cell cycle. It also impacted clonogenic survival and anchorage-independent proliferation while also decreasing the proportion of chemotherapy-resistant cells identified by high ALDH activity. EA also caused a sustained increase in cytosolic calcium levels. EA appears to exert its effect on Ewing cells through a decrease in phosphorylation of EWS-FLI1 and its ability to bind DNA. This effect is mediated, at least in part, through a decrease in the levels of the calcium-dependent protein kinase PKC-βI after a transient up-regulation.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Aldehyde Dehydrogenase/genetics
- Aldehyde Dehydrogenase/metabolism
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Bone Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Bone Neoplasms/genetics
- Bone Neoplasms/metabolism
- Bone Neoplasms/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- DNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- DNA, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Humans
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Phosphorylation/drug effects
- Phosphorylation/genetics
- Protein Binding/drug effects
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/metabolism
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/genetics
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Ewing/drug therapy
- Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics
- Sarcoma, Ewing/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology
- Sesquiterpenes, Guaiane/pharmacology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Caropreso
- From the Molecular Targets Laboratory, NCI, National Institutes of Health
| | - Emad Darvishi
- From the Molecular Targets Laboratory, NCI, National Institutes of Health
| | - Thomas J Turbyville
- Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., and
| | - Ranjala Ratnayake
- From the Molecular Targets Laboratory, NCI, National Institutes of Health
| | - Patrick J Grohar
- Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
| | - James B McMahon
- From the Molecular Targets Laboratory, NCI, National Institutes of Health
| | - Girma M Woldemichael
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Molecular Targets Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, Maryland 21702,
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Arnhold V, Boos J, Lanvers-Kaminsky C. Targeting hedgehog signaling pathway in pediatric tumors: in vitro evaluation of SMO and GLI inhibitors. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2016; 77:495-505. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-016-2962-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
29
|
Park H, Turkalo TK, Nelson K, Folmsbee SS, Robb C, Roper B, Azuma M. Ewing sarcoma EWS protein regulates midzone formation by recruiting Aurora B kinase to the midzone. Cell Cycle 2015; 13:2391-9. [PMID: 25483190 DOI: 10.4161/cc.29337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a malignant bone cancer that primarily occurs in children and adolescents. Eighty-five percent of Ewing sarcoma is characterized by the presence of the aberrant chimeric EWS/FLI1 fusion gene. Previously, we demonstrated that an interaction between EWS/FLI1 and wild-type EWS led to the inhibition of EWS activity and mitotic dysfunction. Although defective mitosis is considered to be a critical step in cancer initiation, it is unknown how interference with EWS contributes to Ewing sarcoma formation. Here, we demonstrate that EWS/FLI1- and EWS-knockdown cells display a high incidence of defects in the midzone, a midline structure located between segregating chromatids during anaphase. Defects in the midzone can lead to the failure of cytokinesis and can result in the induction of aneuploidy. The similarity among the phenotypes of EWS/FLI1- and EWS siRNA-transfected HeLa cells points to the inhibition of EWS as the key mechanism for the induction of midzone defects. Supporting this observation, the ectopic expression of EWS rescues the high incidence of midzone defects observed in Ewing sarcoma A673 cells. We discovered that EWS interacts with Aurora B kinase, and that EWS is also required for recruiting Aurora B to the midzone. A domain analysis revealed that the R565 in the RGG3 domain of EWS is essential for both Aurora B interaction and the recruitment of Aurora B to the midzone. Here, we propose that the impairment of EWS-dependent midzone formation via the recruitment of Aurora B is a potential mechanism of Ewing sarcoma development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyewon Park
- a Department of Molecular Biosciences; University of Kansas; Lawrence, KS USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Rivera-Valentin RK, Zhu L, Hughes DPM. Bone Sarcomas in Pediatrics: Progress in Our Understanding of Tumor Biology and Implications for Therapy. Paediatr Drugs 2015; 17:257-71. [PMID: 26002157 PMCID: PMC4516866 DOI: 10.1007/s40272-015-0134-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The pediatric bone sarcomas osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma represent a tremendous challenge for the clinician. Though less common than acute lymphoblastic leukemia or brain tumors, these aggressive cancers account for a disproportionate amount of the cancer morbidity and mortality in children, and have seen few advances in survival in the past decade, despite many large, complicated, and expensive trials of various chemotherapy combinations. To improve the outcomes of children with bone sarcomas, a better understanding of the biology of these cancers is needed, together with informed use of targeted therapies that exploit the unique biology of each disease. Here we summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the contribution of receptor tyrosine kinases, intracellular signaling pathways, bone biology and physiology, the immune system, and the tumor microenvironment in promoting and maintaining the malignant phenotype. These observations are coupled with a review of the therapies that target each of these mechanisms, focusing on recent or ongoing clinical trials if such information is available. It is our hope that, by better understanding the biology of osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, rational combination therapies can be designed and systematically tested, leading to improved outcomes for a group of children who desperately need them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rocio K. Rivera-Valentin
- Department of Pediatrics-Research, The Children’s Cancer Hospital at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 853, MOD 1.021d, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Limin Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics-Research, The Children’s Cancer Hospital at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 853, MOD 1.021d, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Dennis P. M. Hughes
- Department of Pediatrics-Research, The Children’s Cancer Hospital at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 853, MOD 1.021d, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Cidre-Aranaz F, Alonso J. EWS/FLI1 Target Genes and Therapeutic Opportunities in Ewing Sarcoma. Front Oncol 2015; 5:162. [PMID: 26258070 PMCID: PMC4507460 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive bone malignancy that affect children and young adults. Ewing sarcoma is the second most common primary bone malignancy in pediatric patients. Although significant progress has been made in the treatment of Ewing sarcoma since it was first described in the 1920s, in the last decade survival rates have remained unacceptably invariable, thus pointing to the need for new approaches centered in the molecular basis of the disease. Ewing sarcoma driving mutation, EWS–FLI1, which results from a chromosomal translocation, encodes an aberrant transcription factor. Since its first characterization in 1990s, many molecular targets have been described to be regulated by this chimeric transcription factor. Their contribution to orchestrate Ewing sarcoma phenotype has been reported over the last decades. In this work, we will focus on the description of a selection of EWS/FLI1 targets, their functional role, and their potential clinical relevance. We will also discuss their role in other types of cancer as well as the need for further studies to be performed in order to achieve a broader understanding of their particular contribution to Ewing sarcoma development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Cidre-Aranaz
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Área de Genética Humana, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III , Madrid , Spain
| | - Javier Alonso
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Área de Genética Humana, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III , Madrid , Spain
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sand LGL, Szuhai K, Hogendoorn PCW. Sequencing Overview of Ewing Sarcoma: A Journey across Genomic, Epigenomic and Transcriptomic Landscapes. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:16176-215. [PMID: 26193259 PMCID: PMC4519945 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160716176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive neoplasm occurring predominantly in adolescent Caucasians. At the genome level, a pathognomonic EWSR1-ETS translocation is present. The resulting fusion protein acts as a molecular driver in the tumor development and interferes, amongst others, with endogenous transcription and splicing. The Ewing sarcoma cell shows a poorly differentiated, stem-cell like phenotype. Consequently, the cellular origin of Ewing sarcoma is still a hot discussed topic. To further characterize Ewing sarcoma and to further elucidate the role of EWSR1-ETS fusion protein multiple genome, epigenome and transcriptome level studies were performed. In this review, the data from these studies were combined into a comprehensive overview. Presently, classical morphological predictive markers are used in the clinic and the therapy is dominantly based on systemic chemotherapy in combination with surgical interventions. Using sequencing, novel predictive markers and candidates for immuno- and targeted therapy were identified which were summarized in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurens G L Sand
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, The Netherlands.
| | - Karoly Szuhai
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, The Netherlands.
| | - Pancras C W Hogendoorn
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Digging a hole under Hedgehog: downstream inhibition as an emerging anticancer strategy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2015; 1856:62-72. [PMID: 26080084 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling is a key regulator of development and stem cell fate and its aberrant activation is a leading cause of a number of tumors. Activating germline or somatic mutations of genes encoding Hh pathway components are found in Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Medulloblastoma (MB). Ligand-dependent Hedgehog hyperactivation, due to autocrine or paracrine mechanisms, is also observed in a large number of malignancies of the breast, colon, skin, bladder, pancreas and other tissues. The key tumorigenic role of Hedgehog has prompted effort aimed at identifying inhibitors of this signaling. To date, only the antagonists of the membrane transducer Smo have been approved for therapy or are under clinical trials in patients with BCC and MB linked to Ptch or Smo mutations. Despite the good initial response, patients treated with Smo antagonists have eventually developed resistance due to the occurrence of compensating mechanisms. Furthermore, Smo antagonists are not effective in tumors where the Hedgehog hyperactivation is due to mutations of pathway components downstream of Smo, or in case of non-canonical, Smo-independent activation of the Gli transcription factors. For all these reasons, the research of Hh inhibitors acting downstream of Smo is becoming an area of intensive investigation. In this review we illustrate the progresses made in the identification of effective Hedgehog inhibitors and their application in cancer, with a special emphasis on the newly identified downstream inhibitors. We describe in detail the Gli inhibitors and illustrate their mode of action and applications in experimental and/or clinical settings.
Collapse
|
34
|
Matsumoto T, Tabata K, Suzuki T. The GANT61, a GLI inhibitor, induces caspase-independent apoptosis of SK-N-LO cells. Biol Pharm Bull 2015; 37:633-41. [PMID: 24694609 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b13-00920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
GANT61 is a small-molecule inhibitor of glioma-associated oncogene 1 (GLI1)- and GLI2-mediated transcription at the nuclear level that exerts its effect by preventing DNA binding. It has been demonstrated to induce cell death against Ewing's sarcoma family tumor (ESFT) cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. The most sensitive cell line was SK-N-LO, which expresses the EWS-FLI1 fusion gene. SK-N-LO cells treated with GANT61 showed cellular and nuclear morphological changes, including cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation, in a concentration-dependent manner, as visualized by Hoechst 33342 staining. Furthermore, annexin V-propidium iodide (PI) double-staining revealed a significant increase in the number of late apoptotic cells. GANT61 induced a significant decrease in the proportion of cells in the S phase. Significant decrease of the protein levels of GLI2, survivin, cyclin A and claspin, and significant increase of p21 expression was also observed in the cells treated with GANT61. Moreover, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage was observed, but no cleavage of caspase-3 or -7, or any change in the expressions of Bcl-2 or p53 were observed. These findings suggest that GANT61 induces cell death of SK-N-LO cells in a caspase-independent manner, by inhibiting DNA replication in the S phase.
Collapse
|
35
|
Crompton BD, Stewart C, Taylor-Weiner A, Alexe G, Kurek KC, Calicchio ML, Kiezun A, Carter SL, Shukla SA, Mehta SS, Thorner AR, de Torres C, Lavarino C, Suñol M, McKenna A, Sivachenko A, Cibulskis K, Lawrence MS, Stojanov P, Rosenberg M, Ambrogio L, Auclair D, Seepo S, Blumenstiel B, DeFelice M, Imaz-Rosshandler I, Schwarz-Cruz y Celis A, Rivera MN, Rodriguez-Galindo C, Fleming MD, Golub TR, Getz G, Mora J, Stegmaier K. The Genomic Landscape of Pediatric Ewing Sarcoma. Cancer Discov 2014; 4:1326-41. [DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-13-1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 342] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
36
|
de Souza RR, Oliveira ID, del Giúdice Paniago M, Yaoita FHK, Caran EMM, Macedo CRPD, Petrilli AS, Abib SDCV, de Seixas Alves MT, de Toledo SRC. Investigation of IGF2, Hedgehog and fusion gene expression profiles in pediatric sarcomas. Growth Horm IGF Res 2014; 24:130-136. [PMID: 24846856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The childhood sarcomas are malignant tumors with high mortality rates. They are divided into two genetic categories: a category without distinct pattern karyotypic changes and the other category showing unique translocations that originate gene rearrangements. This category includes rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), Ewing's sarcoma (ES) and synovial sarcoma (SS). Diverse studies have related development genes, such as; IGF2, IHH, PTCH1 and GLI1 and sarcomatogenesis. OBJECTIVE To characterize the RMS, ES and SS rearrangements, we quantify the expression of IGF2 IHH, PTCH1 and GLI1 genes and correlate molecular data with clinical parameters of patients. DESIGN We analyzed 29 RMS, 10 SS and 60 ES tumor samples by RT-PCR (polymerase chain reaction-reverse transcription) and qPCR (quantitative PCR). RESULTS Among the samples of ARMS, 50% had rearrangements of PAX3/7-FOXO1, 60% of ES samples were EWS-FLI1 positive and 90% of SS samples were positive for SS18-SSX1/2. In relation to the control reference samples (QPCR Human Reference Total RNA-Stratagene, Human Skeletal Muscle Total RNA-Ambion, Universal RNA Human Normal Tissues-Ambion), RMS samples showed a high IGF2 gene expression (p<0.0001). Moreover, ES samples showed a low IGF2 gene expression (p<0.0001) and high IHH (p<0.0001), PTCH1 (p=0.0173) and GLI1 (p=0.0113) gene expressions. CONCLUSIONS The molecular characterization of IGF and Hedgehog pathway in these pediatric sarcomas may collaborate to enable a better understanding of the biological behavior of these neoplasms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robson Ramos de Souza
- Pediatric Oncology Institute (GRAACC), Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Indhira Dias Oliveira
- Pediatric Oncology Institute (GRAACC), Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Mario del Giúdice Paniago
- Pediatric Oncology Institute (GRAACC), Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Fernando Hideki Kato Yaoita
- Pediatric Oncology Institute (GRAACC), Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Eliana Maria Monteiro Caran
- Pediatric Oncology Institute (GRAACC), Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Antonio Sergio Petrilli
- Pediatric Oncology Institute (GRAACC), Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Simone de Campos Vieira Abib
- Pediatric Oncology Institute (GRAACC), Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Maria Teresa de Seixas Alves
- Pediatric Oncology Institute (GRAACC), Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Pathology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Silvia Regina Caminada de Toledo
- Pediatric Oncology Institute (GRAACC), Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
High-resolution genome-wide copy-number analyses identify localized copy-number alterations in Ewing sarcoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 22:76-84. [PMID: 23628818 DOI: 10.1097/pdm.0b013e31827a47f9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma family tumors are aggressive sarcomas of childhood and adolescence with continuing poor outcomes. Decades of research on the characteristics of the often solitary-known oncogenic-genomic aberration in Ewing sarcoma family tumors, namely a TET-ETS fusion, have provided little advancement in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of Ewing sarcoma or treatment thereof. In this study, the high-resolution single-nucleotide polymorphism technology was used to identify additional/secondary copy-number alterations (CNAs) in Ewing sarcoma that might elucidate the aggressive biology of this sarcoma. We compared paired constitutional and tumor DNA samples. Commonly known genomic alterations including gain of 1q and chromosome 8 were the most frequently detected changes in this study. In addition, deletions and loss of heterozygosity were identified in 10q, 11p, and 17p. Furthermore, tumor-specific CNAs were identified not only in genes previously known to be of interest, including CDKN2A, but also in genes not previously associated with Ewing sarcoma, including SOX6 and PTEN. Selected array-based findings were confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunohistochemical studies, or sequencing. The results highlight an unexpected level of cytogenetic complexity associated with several of the samples, 2 of which contained TP53 mutations. In summary, our high-resolution genome-wide copy-number data identify several novel CNAs associated with Ewing sarcoma, which are promising targets for novel therapeutic strategies in this aggressive sarcoma.
Collapse
|
38
|
Fisher C. The diversity of soft tissue tumours withEWSR1gene rearrangements: a review. Histopathology 2013; 64:134-50. [DOI: 10.1111/his.12269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
39
|
Sankar S, Tanner JM, Bell R, Chaturvedi A, Randall RL, Beckerle MC, Lessnick SL. A novel role for keratin 17 in coordinating oncogenic transformation and cellular adhesion in Ewing sarcoma. Mol Cell Biol 2013; 33:4448-60. [PMID: 24043308 PMCID: PMC3838177 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00241-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic transformation in Ewing sarcoma is caused by EWS/FLI, an aberrant transcription factor fusion oncogene. Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1) is a critical target gene activated by EWS/FLI, but the mechanism by which GLI1 contributes to the transformed phenotype of Ewing sarcoma was unknown. In this work, we identify keratin 17 (KRT17) as a direct downstream target gene upregulated by GLI1. We demonstrate that KRT17 regulates cellular adhesion by activating AKT/PKB (protein kinase B) signaling. In addition, KRT17 is necessary for oncogenic transformation in Ewing sarcoma and accounts for much of the GLI1-mediated transformation function but via a mechanism independent of AKT signaling. Taken together, our data reveal previously unknown molecular functions for a cytoplasmic intermediate filament protein, KRT17, in coordinating EWS/FLI- and GLI1-mediated oncogenic transformation and cellular adhesion in Ewing sarcoma.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Bone Neoplasms/genetics
- Bone Neoplasms/metabolism
- Bone Neoplasms/pathology
- Cell Adhesion
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Keratin-17/genetics
- Keratin-17/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Nude
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/genetics
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics
- Sarcoma, Ewing/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology
- Signal Transduction
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Zinc Finger Protein GLI1
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Savita Sankar
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, University of Utah
| | - Jason M. Tanner
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, University of Utah
| | - Russell Bell
- Center for Children's Cancer Research, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah
| | - Aashi Chaturvedi
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, University of Utah
| | - R. Lor Randall
- Center for Children's Cancer Research, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah
- Department of Orthopedics, Sarcoma Services, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah
| | - Mary C. Beckerle
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, University of Utah
- Department of Biology, University of Utah
| | - Stephen L. Lessnick
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, University of Utah
- Center for Children's Cancer Research, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Borinstein SC, Beeler N, Block JJ, Gorlick R, Grohar P, Jedlicka P, Krailo M, Morris C, Phillips S, Siegal GP, Lawlor ER, Lessnick SL. A Decade in Banking Ewing Sarcoma: A Report from the Children's Oncology Group. Front Oncol 2013; 3:57. [PMID: 23519678 PMCID: PMC3602933 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2013.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Outcomes for patients with metastatic and recurrent Ewing sarcoma remain poor and a better understanding of the biology of this malignancy is critical to the development of prognostic biomarkers and novel therapies. Therefore, the Children's Oncology Group (COG) has created tissue banking protocols designed to collect high quality, clinically annotated, tumor specimens that can be distributed to researchers to perform basic science and correlative investigation. Data from the COG Ewing sarcoma tissue banking protocols AEWS02B1 and its successor study AEWS07B1 were reviewed in this study. Six-hundred and thirty five patients were enrolled on AEWS02B1 and 396 patients have had tissue submitted to AEWS07B1. The average age of participation was 13.2 years. About 86% were less than 19 years old and only 6% were greater than 21 years of age at diagnosis. When compared to SEER data, approximately 18% of all cases and only 8% of all patients >20 years old diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma annually in the United States have had tumor banked. The majority of participants submitted formalin fixed, paraffin embedded, primary tumor and blood samples. In total, fresh frozen tissue was submitted for only 29% of cases. Only seven metastatic tumor samples have been collected. Although the COG has been successful in collecting tumor samples from patients newly diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, fresh frozen tumor specimens from primary and metastatic disease are critically needed, especially from young adult patients, in order to conduct high quality basic science and translational research investigation with a goal of developing better treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott C Borinstein
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Christensen L, Joo J, Lee S, Wai D, Triche TJ, May WA. FOXM1 is an oncogenic mediator in Ewing Sarcoma. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54556. [PMID: 23365673 PMCID: PMC3554707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing Family Tumors (Ewing Sarcoma and peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor) are common bone and soft tissue malignancies of childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. Chromosomal translocation in these tumors produces fusion oncogenes of the EWS/ETS class, with EWS/FLI1 being by far the most common. EWS/ETS chimera are the only well established driver mutations in these tumors and they function as aberrant transcription factors. Understanding the downstream genes whose expression is modified has been a central approach to the study of these tumors. FOXM1 is a proliferation associated transcription factor which has increasingly been found to play a role in the pathogenesis of a wide range of human cancers. Here we demonstrate that FOXM1 is expressed in Ewing primary tumors and cell lines. Reduction in FOXM1 expression in Ewing cell lines results in diminished potential for anchorage independent growth. FOXM1 expression is enhanced by EWS/FLI1, though, unlike other tumor systems, it is not driven by expression of the EWS/FLI1 target GLI1. Thiostrepton is a compound known to inhibit FOXM1 by direct binding. We show that Thiostrepton diminishes FOXM1 expression in Ewing cell lines and this reduction reduces cell viability through an apoptotic mechanism. FOXM1 is involved in Ewing tumor pathogenesis and may prove to be a useful therapeutic target in Ewing tumors.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Animals
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Biomarkers, Tumor/antagonists & inhibitors
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Biopsy
- Bone Neoplasms/genetics
- Bone Neoplasms/metabolism
- Bone Neoplasms/pathology
- Cell Adhesion
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Child
- Forkhead Box Protein M1
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/antagonists & inhibitors
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Humans
- Mice
- NIH 3T3 Cells
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/genetics
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics
- Sarcoma, Ewing/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Thiostrepton/pharmacology
- Translocation, Genetic
- Young Adult
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Christensen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Saban Research Institute, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Jay Joo
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Saban Research Institute, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Sean Lee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Saban Research Institute, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Daniel Wai
- Department of Pathology, Saban Research Institute, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Timothy J. Triche
- Department of Pathology, Saban Research Institute, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - William A. May
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Saban Research Institute, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Molecular detection and targeting of EWSR1 fusion transcripts in soft tissue tumors. Med Oncol 2013; 30:412. [PMID: 23329308 PMCID: PMC3586390 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-012-0412-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Soft tissue tumors are a heterogeneous group of tumors, traditionally classified according to morphology and histogenesis. Molecular classification divides sarcomas into two main categories: (a) sarcomas with specific genetic alterations and (b) sarcomas showing multiple complex karyotypic abnormalities without any specific pattern. Most chromosomal alterations are represented by translocations which are increasingly detected. The identification of fusion transcripts, in fact, not only support the diagnosis but also provides the basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies aimed at blocking aberrant activity of the chimeric proteins. One of the genes most susceptible to breakage/translocation in soft tissue tumors is represented by Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1). This gene has a large number of fusion partners, mainly associated with the pathogenesis of Ewing's sarcoma but with other soft tissue tumors too. In this review, we illustrate the characteristics of this gene/protein, both in normal cellular physiology and in carcinogenesis. We describe the different fusion partners of EWSR1, the molecular pathways in which is involved and the main molecular biology techniques for the identification of fusion transcripts and for their inhibition.
Collapse
|
43
|
Kim J, Aftab BT, Tang JY, Kim D, Lee AH, Rezaee M, Kim J, Chen B, King EM, Borodovsky A, Riggins GJ, Epstein EH, Beachy PA, Rudin CM. Itraconazole and arsenic trioxide inhibit Hedgehog pathway activation and tumor growth associated with acquired resistance to smoothened antagonists. Cancer Cell 2013; 23:23-34. [PMID: 23291299 PMCID: PMC3548977 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2012.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recognition of the multiple roles of Hedgehog signaling in cancer has prompted intensive efforts to develop targeted pathway inhibitors. Leading inhibitors in clinical development act by binding to a common site within Smoothened, a critical pathway component. Acquired Smoothened mutations, including SMO(D477G), confer resistance to these inhibitors. Here, we report that itraconazole and arsenic trioxide, two agents in clinical use that inhibit Hedgehog signaling by mechanisms distinct from that of current Smoothened antagonists, retain inhibitory activity in vitro in the context of all reported resistance-conferring Smoothened mutants and GLI2 overexpression. Itraconazole and arsenic trioxide, alone or in combination, inhibit the growth of medulloblastoma and basal cell carcinoma in vivo, and prolong survival of mice with intracranial drug-resistant SMO(D477G) medulloblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Kim
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Blake T. Aftab
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Jean Y. Tang
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
| | - Daniel Kim
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Alex H. Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
| | - Melika Rezaee
- Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
| | - Jynho Kim
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Baozhi Chen
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, 75390-8593
| | - Emily M. King
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Alexandra Borodovsky
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Gregory J. Riggins
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Ervin H. Epstein
- Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
| | - Philip A. Beachy
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Corresponding authors: Philip A. Beachy, PhD, Professor of Biochemistry Lokey Stem Cell Research Building, Rm G3120a, Stanford University School of Medicine, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-5463, Tel: 650-723-4521, . Charles M. Rudin, MD, PhD, Professor of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, Cancer Research Building 2, Room 544, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, Tel: 410-502-0678, Fax: 410-502-0677,
| | - Charles M. Rudin
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Corresponding authors: Philip A. Beachy, PhD, Professor of Biochemistry Lokey Stem Cell Research Building, Rm G3120a, Stanford University School of Medicine, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-5463, Tel: 650-723-4521, . Charles M. Rudin, MD, PhD, Professor of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, Cancer Research Building 2, Room 544, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, Tel: 410-502-0678, Fax: 410-502-0677,
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Robin TP, Smith A, McKinsey E, Reaves L, Jedlicka P, Ford HL. EWS/FLI1 regulates EYA3 in Ewing sarcoma via modulation of miRNA-708, resulting in increased cell survival and chemoresistance. Mol Cancer Res 2012; 10:1098-108. [PMID: 22723308 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-12-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive pediatric cancer of the bone and soft tissue, in which patients whose tumors have a poor histologic response to initial chemotherapy have a poor overall prognosis. Therefore, it is important to identify molecules involved in resistance to chemotherapy. Herein, we show that the DNA repair protein and transcriptional cofactor, EYA3, is highly expressed in Ewing sarcoma tumor samples and cell lines compared with mesenchymal stem cells, the presumed cell-of-origin of Ewing sarcoma, and that it is regulated by the EWS/FLI1 fusion protein transcription factor. We further show that EWS/FLI1 mediates upregulation of EYA3 via repression of miR-708, a miRNA that targets the EYA3 3'-untranslated region, rather than by binding the EYA3 promoter directly. Importantly, we show that high levels of EYA3 significantly correlate with low levels of miR-708 in Ewing sarcoma samples, suggesting that this miR-mediated mechanism of EYA3 regulation holds true in human cancers. Because EYA proteins are important for cell survival during development, we examine, and show, that loss of EYA3 decreases survival of Ewing sarcoma cells. Most importantly, knockdown of EYA3 in Ewing sarcoma cells leads to sensitization to DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics used in the treatment of Ewing sarcoma, and as expected, after chemotherapeutic treatment, EYA3 knockdown cells repair DNA damage less effectively than their control counterparts. These studies identify EYA3 as a novel mediator of chemoresistance in Ewing sarcoma and define the molecular mechanisms of both EYA3 overexpression and of EYA3-mediated chemoresistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler P Robin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Martín Liberal J, Lagares-Tena L, Sáinz-Jaspeado M, Mateo-Lozano S, García del Muro X, Tirado OM. Targeted therapies in sarcomas: challenging the challenge. Sarcoma 2012; 2012:626094. [PMID: 22701332 PMCID: PMC3372278 DOI: 10.1155/2012/626094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal malignancies that very often lead to death. Nowadays, chemotherapy is the only available treatment for most sarcomas but there are few active drugs and clinical results still remain very poor. Thus, there is an imperious need to find new therapeutic alternatives in order to improve sarcoma patient's outcome. During the last years, there have been described a number of new molecular pathways that have allowed us to know more about cancer biology and tumorigenesis. Sarcomas are one of the tumors in which more advances have been made. Identification of specific chromosomal translocations, some important pathways characterization such as mTOR pathway or the insulin-like growth factor pathway, the stunning development in angiogenesis knowledge, and brand new agents like viruses have lead to the development of new therapeutic options with promising results. This paper makes an exhaustive review of preclinical and clinical evidence of the most recent targeted therapies in sarcomas and provides a future view of treatments that may lead to improve prognosis of patients affected with this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Martín Liberal
- Laboratori d'Oncología Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Lagares-Tena
- Laboratori d'Oncología Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Sáinz-Jaspeado
- Laboratori d'Oncología Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Mateo-Lozano
- Nanomedicine Research Program, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Research Center, CIBBIM-Nanomedicine, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Research Institute, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier García del Muro
- Laboratori d'Oncología Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar M. Tirado
- Laboratori d'Oncología Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Simmons O, Maples PB, Senzer N, Nemunaitis J. Ewing's Sarcoma: Development of RNA Interference-Based Therapy for Advanced Disease. ISRN ONCOLOGY 2012; 2012:247657. [PMID: 22523703 PMCID: PMC3317005 DOI: 10.5402/2012/247657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 12/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ewing's sarcoma tumors are associated with chromosomal translocation between the EWS gene and the ETS transcription factor gene. These unique target sequences provide opportunity for RNA interference(i)-based therapy. A summary of RNAi mechanism and therapeutically designed products including siRNA, shRNA and bi-shRNA are described. Comparison is made between each of these approaches. Systemic RNAi-based therapy, however, requires protected delivery to the Ewing's sarcoma tumor site for activity. Delivery systems which have been most effective in preclinical and clinical testing are reviewed, followed by preclinical assessment of various silencing strategies with demonstration of effectiveness to EWS/FLI-1 target sequences. It is concluded that RNAi-based therapeutics may have testable and achievable activity in management of Ewing's sarcoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Neil Senzer
- Gradalis, Inc., Dallas, TX 75201, USA
- Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers, Dallas, TX 75201, USA
- Texas Oncology, PA, Dallas, TX 75251, USA
- Medical City Dallas Hospital, Dallas, TX 75230, USA
| | - John Nemunaitis
- Gradalis, Inc., Dallas, TX 75201, USA
- Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers, Dallas, TX 75201, USA
- Texas Oncology, PA, Dallas, TX 75251, USA
- Medical City Dallas Hospital, Dallas, TX 75230, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Beauchamp EM, Uren A. A new era for an ancient drug: arsenic trioxide and Hedgehog signaling. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2012; 88:333-54. [PMID: 22391311 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394622-5.00015-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic has been used for ages as a therapeutic agent. Currently, it is an FDA approved drug to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia where it leads to degradation of the PML-RAR fusion protein. It has been shown to have various other targets in cells such as JNK, NFκB, thioredoxin reductase, and MAPK pathways. Most of its effects in cells have been through arsenic's ability to bind to thiol groups in cysteine residues. Recent evidence has shown that arsenic can inhibit the Hedgehog pathway by inhibiting GLI proteins. The proposed mechanism of action is through direct binding. Potential binding sites include the critical cysteine residues in GLI zinc finger domains. The role of the Hedgehog pathway has been implicated in many cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma, Ewing sarcoma, and rhabdoid tumors. Current Hedgehog pathway inhibitors have been fraught with resistance issues and so arsenic trioxide may provide an alternative therapy when combined with these other inhibitors or after acquired resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elspeth M Beauchamp
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Tostar U, Toftgård R, Zaphiropoulos PG, Shimokawa T. Reduction of human embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma tumor growth by inhibition of the hedgehog signaling pathway. Genes Cancer 2011; 1:941-51. [PMID: 21779473 DOI: 10.1177/1947601910385449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2010] [Revised: 08/30/2010] [Accepted: 09/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most frequent soft-tissue sarcoma in children. Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (E-RMS) represents the most common RMS subtype, but the molecular events driving this tumor are still largely unknown. The hedgehog (HH) pathway, a major signal transduction cascade, is linked with many cancers, including RMS. As we previously have detected loss of heterozygosity of PTCH1 in E-RMS, we now examined 8 E-RMS tumor samples and 5 E-RMS cell lines for the presence of PTCH1 mutations, but none was detected. However, in the E-RMS cell lines, a variable pattern of up-regulated expression of certain HH signaling target genes, including HHIP, PTCH1, SFRP1, and GLI1, was observed. Moreover, treatment with the small molecule HH signaling inhibitors cyclopamine and GANT61 inhibited cell proliferation in all E-RMS cell lines analyzed. Interestingly, GANT61 was more effective, and this was accompanied by increased apoptosis, while cyclopamine promoted necrotic events. Specific knockdown of SMO had no effect on the proliferation of E-RMS cells, indicating the presence of an SMO-independent HH signaling pathway in the E-RMS cell lines. Furthermore, in an in vivo xenograft model, tumor growth was significantly reduced by GANT61 treatment of E-RMS cells. Additionally, siRNA experiments provided evidence that inhibition of GLI1 or GLI3 but not GLI2 was sufficient to reduce proliferation of these cell lines. As GANT61 is known to block GLI1/GLI2 transcriptional activity, the inhibition of E-RMS growth by GANT61 is likely to be mediated through GLI1. In conclusion, our findings implicate that GLI1 could constitute an effective therapeutic target in pediatric E-RMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrica Tostar
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-14183 Sweden
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Herrero-Martin D, Fourtouna A, Niedan S, Riedmann LT, Schwentner R, Aryee DNT. Factors Affecting EWS-FLI1 Activity in Ewing's Sarcoma. Sarcoma 2011; 2011:352580. [PMID: 22135504 PMCID: PMC3216314 DOI: 10.1155/2011/352580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Revised: 08/31/2011] [Accepted: 08/31/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing's sarcoma family tumors (ESFT) are characterized by specific chromosomal translocations, which give rise to EWS-ETS chimeric proteins. These aberrant transcription factors are the main pathogenic drivers of ESFT. Elucidation of the factors influencing EWS-ETS expression and/or activity will guide the development of novel therapeutic agents against this fatal disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Herrero-Martin
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Argyro Fourtouna
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan Niedan
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lucia T. Riedmann
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Raphaela Schwentner
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dave N. T. Aryee
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Landrette SF, Cornett JC, Ni TK, Bosenberg MW, Xu T. piggyBac transposon somatic mutagenesis with an activated reporter and tracker (PB-SMART) for genetic screens in mice. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26650. [PMID: 22039523 PMCID: PMC3198810 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 09/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatic forward genetic screens have the power to interrogate thousands of genes in a single animal. Retroviral and transposon mutagenesis systems in mice have been designed and deployed in somatic tissues for surveying hematopoietic and solid tumor formation. In the context of cancer, the ability to visually mark mutant cells would present tremendous advantages for identifying tumor formation, monitoring tumor growth over time, and tracking tumor infiltrations and metastases into wild-type tissues. Furthermore, locating mutant clones is a prerequisite for screening and analyzing most other somatic phenotypes. For this purpose, we developed a system using the piggyBac (PB) transposon for somatic mutagenesis with an activated reporter and tracker, called PB-SMART. The PB-SMART mouse genetic screening system can simultaneously induce somatic mutations and mark mutated cells using bioluminescence or fluorescence. The marking of mutant cells enable analyses that are not possible with current somatic mutagenesis systems, such as tracking cell proliferation and tumor growth, detecting tumor cell infiltrations, and reporting tissue mutagenesis levels by a simple ex vivo visual readout. We demonstrate that PB-SMART is highly mutagenic, capable of tumor induction with low copy transposons, which facilitates the mapping and identification of causative insertions. We further integrated a conditional transposase with the PB-SMART system, permitting tissue-specific mutagenesis with a single cross to any available Cre line. Targeting the germline, the system could also be used to conduct F1 screens. With these features, PB-SMART provides an integrated platform for individual investigators to harness the power of somatic mutagenesis and phenotypic screens to decipher the genetic basis of mammalian biology and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean F. Landrette
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Jonathan C. Cornett
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Thomas K. Ni
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Marcus W. Bosenberg
- Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Tian Xu
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- School of Life Science, Fudan-Yale Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|