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Favero A, Segatto I, Capuano A, Mattevi MC, Rampioni Vinciguerra GL, Musco L, D'Andrea S, Dall'Acqua A, Gava C, Perin T, Massarut S, Marchini C, Baldassarre G, Spessotto P, Belletti B. Loss of the extracellular matrix glycoprotein EMILIN1 accelerates Δ16HER2-driven breast cancer initiation in mice. NPJ Breast Cancer 2024; 10:5. [PMID: 38184660 PMCID: PMC10771445 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-023-00608-0] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important component of the tumor microenvironment and undergoes extensive remodeling during both initiation and progression of breast cancer (BC). EMILIN1 is an ECM glycoprotein, whose function has been linked to cancer and metastasis. However, EMILIN1 role during mammary gland and BC development has never been investigated. In silico and molecular analyses of human samples from normal mammary gland and BC showed that EMILIN1 expression was lower in tumors than in healthy mammary tissue and it predicted poor prognosis, particularly in HER2-positive BC. HER2+ BC accounts for 15-20% of all invasive BC and is characterized by high aggressiveness and poor prognosis. The Δ16HER2 isoform, a splice variant with very high oncogenic potential, is frequently expressed in HER2+ BC and correlates with metastatic disease. To elucidate the role of EMILIN1 in BC, we analyzed the phenotype of MMTV-Δ16HER2 transgenic mice, developing spontaneous multifocal mammary adenocarcinomas, crossed with EMILIN1 knock-out (KO) animals. We observed that Δ16HER2/EMILIN1 KO female mice exhibited an accelerated normal mammary gland development and a significantly anticipated appearance of palpable tumors (13.32 vs 15.28 weeks). This accelerated tumor initiation was corroborated by an increased number of tumor foci observed in mammary glands from Δ16HER2/EMILIN1 KO mice compared to the wild-type counterpart. Altogether our results underscore the centrality of ECM in the process of BC initiation and point to a role for EMILIN1 during normal mammary gland development and in protecting from HER2-driven breast tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Favero
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Ilenia Segatto
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Capuano
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Mattevi
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Rampioni Vinciguerra
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Santo Andrea Hospital, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorena Musco
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Sara D'Andrea
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dall'Acqua
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Chiara Gava
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
- Medical Department, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Tiziana Perin
- Unit of Pathology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Samuele Massarut
- Unit of Breast Surgery, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Cristina Marchini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, Biology Division, University of Camerino, via Gentile III da Varano, 62032, Camerino, Italy
| | - Gustavo Baldassarre
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Paola Spessotto
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Barbara Belletti
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) di Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy.
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Andreani C, Bartolacci C, Persico G, Casciaro F, Amatori S, Fanelli M, Giorgio M, Galié M, Tomassoni D, Wang J, Zhang X, Bick G, Coppari R, Marchini C, Amici A. SIRT6 promotes metastasis and relapse in HER2-positive breast cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22000. [PMID: 38081972 PMCID: PMC10713583 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The histone deacetylase sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) has been endowed with anti-cancer capabilities in many tumor types. Here, we investigate the impact of SIRT6-overexpression (SIRT6-OE) in Delta16HER2 mice, which are a bona fide model of HER2-positive breast cancer. After an initial delay in the tumor onset, SIRT6-OE induces a more aggressive phenotype of Delta16HER2 tumors promoting the formation of higher number of tumor foci and metastases than controls. This phenotype of SIRT6-OE tumors is associated with cancer stem cell (CSC)-like features and tumor dormancy, and low senescence and oxidative DNA damage. Accordingly, a sub-set of HER2-positive breast cancer patients with concurrent SIRT6-OE has a significant poorer relapse-free survival (RFS) probability than patients with low expression of SIRT6. ChIP-seq, RNA-seq and RT-PCR experiments indicate that SIRT6-OE represses the expression of the T-box transcription factor 3 (Tbx3) by deacetylation of H3K9ac. Accordingly, loss-of-function mutations of TBX3 or low TBX3 expression levels are predictive of poor prognosis in HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Our work indicates that high levels of SIRT6 are indicative of poor prognosis and high risk of metastasis in HER2-positive breast cancer and suggests further investigation of TBX3 as a downstream target of SIRT6 and co-marker of poor-prognosis. Our results point to a breast cancer subtype-specific effect of SIRT6 and warrant future studies dissecting the mechanisms of SIRT6 regulation in different breast cancer subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Andreani
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 45219, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Caterina Bartolacci
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 45219, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Giuseppe Persico
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS-European Institute of Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Casciaro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefano Amatori
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory "PaoLa", Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61032, Fano, Italy
| | - Mirco Fanelli
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory "PaoLa", Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61032, Fano, Italy
| | - Marco Giorgio
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS-European Institute of Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Mirco Galié
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Daniele Tomassoni
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
| | - Junbiao Wang
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
| | - Xiaoting Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, 45219, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gregory Bick
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, 45219, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Roberto Coppari
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
- Diabetes Center of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Marchini
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Augusto Amici
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
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Ruzzi F, Semprini MS, Scalambra L, Palladini A, Angelicola S, Cappello C, Pittino OM, Nanni P, Lollini PL. Virus-like Particle (VLP) Vaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12963. [PMID: 37629147 PMCID: PMC10454695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612963] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer vaccines are increasingly being studied as a possible strategy to prevent and treat cancers. While several prophylactic vaccines for virus-caused cancers are approved and efficiently used worldwide, the development of therapeutic cancer vaccines needs to be further implemented. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembled protein structures that mimic native viruses or bacteriophages but lack the replicative material. VLP platforms are designed to display single or multiple antigens with a high-density pattern, which can trigger both cellular and humoral responses. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of preventive VLP-based vaccines currently approved worldwide against HBV and HPV infections or under evaluation to prevent virus-caused cancers. Furthermore, preclinical and early clinical data on prophylactic and therapeutic VLP-based cancer vaccines were summarized with a focus on HER-2-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ruzzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Maria Sofia Semprini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Laura Scalambra
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Arianna Palladini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Stefania Angelicola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Chiara Cappello
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Olga Maria Pittino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Patrizia Nanni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Pier-Luigi Lollini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
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Wojtyś W, Oroń M. How Driver Oncogenes Shape and Are Shaped by Alternative Splicing Mechanisms in Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15112918. [PMID: 37296881 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112918] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of RNA sequencing methods has allowed us to study and better understand the landscape of aberrant pre-mRNA splicing in tumors. Altered splicing patterns are observed in many different tumors and affect all hallmarks of cancer: growth signal independence, avoidance of apoptosis, unlimited proliferation, invasiveness, angiogenesis, and metabolism. In this review, we focus on the interplay between driver oncogenes and alternative splicing in cancer. On one hand, oncogenic proteins-mutant p53, CMYC, KRAS, or PI3K-modify the alternative splicing landscape by regulating expression, phosphorylation, and interaction of splicing factors with spliceosome components. Some splicing factors-SRSF1 and hnRNPA1-are also driver oncogenes. At the same time, aberrant splicing activates key oncogenes and oncogenic pathways: p53 oncogenic isoforms, the RAS-RAF-MAPK pathway, the PI3K-mTOR pathway, the EGF and FGF receptor families, and SRSF1 splicing factor. The ultimate goal of cancer research is a better diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. In the final part of this review, we discuss present therapeutic opportunities and possible directions of further studies aiming to design therapies targeting alternative splicing mechanisms in the context of driver oncogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Wojtyś
- Laboratory of Human Disease Multiomics, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Oroń
- Laboratory of Human Disease Multiomics, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
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Shang Y, Mo J, Huo R, Li X, Fang G, Wei Z, Gu G, Zhu X, Zhang C, Liu C, Yan D. Investigation of the prevalence and clinical implications of ERBB2 exon 16 skipping mutations in Chinese pan-cancer patients. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1064598. [PMID: 36686783 PMCID: PMC9859631 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1064598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although rare, ERBB2 exon 16 skipping mutations (ERBB2ΔEx16) have been implicated in resistance to anti-HER2 and anti-EGFR targeted agents. Our study investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of ERBB2ΔEx16 in Chinese pan-cancer patients. Methods We retrospectively screened 40996 patients, spanning 19 cancer types, who had available genomic profiles acquired with DNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS). We characterized the clinical and molecular features of the ERBB2ΔEx16-positive patients. Furthermore, we also analyzed a pan-cancer dataset from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; n=8705). Results A total of 22 patients were detected with ERBB2ΔEx16, resulting in an overall prevalence rate of 0.054% (22/40996). Of them, 16 patients had lung cancer (LC; 0.05%, 16/30890), five patients had gastric cancer (GC; 0.35%, 5/1448), and one patient had ovarian cancer (0.12%, 1/826). Among the 16 LC patients, ERBB2ΔEx16 was detected in four treatment-naïve EGFR/ALK-negative patients and 12 EGFR-positive patients after the onset of resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The treatment-naïve patients harbored no LC-associated oncogenic drivers except ERBB2 amplification, suggesting a potential oncogenic role for ERBB2ΔEx16. Consistently, ERBB2ΔEx16+ patients from TCGA data also carried no known drivers despite various concurrent alterations. In the 12 EGFR TKI-resistant LC patients, relative variant frequencies for ERBB2ΔEx16 were lower than in untreated patients, suggesting ERBB2ΔEx16 as secondary alterations following TKI treatment and thereby implicating ERBB2ΔEx16 in mediating therapeutic resistance. Conclusions Our study identified an overall ERBB2ΔEx16 prevalence rate of 0.054% and provided insights into the clinical implications of ERBB2ΔEx16 in Chinese pan-cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Shang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Cancer Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Baoding, China
| | - Jianming Mo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ran Huo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Cancer Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Baoding, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Cancer Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Baoding, China
| | - Guotao Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Cancer Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Baoding, China
| | - Zichun Wei
- Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guomin Gu
- Second Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiaodan Zhu
- Second Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Chan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunling Liu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical, Urumqi, China,*Correspondence: Dong Yan, ; Chunling Liu,
| | - Dong Yan
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Dong Yan, ; Chunling Liu,
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Chow CY, Lie EF, Wu CH, Chow LW. Clinical implication of genetic composition and molecular mechanism on treatment strategies of HER2-positive breast cancers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:964824. [PMID: 36387174 PMCID: PMC9659858 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.964824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The current clinical management model of HER2-positive breast cancers is commonly based on guidelines, which in turn are based on the design and outcome of clinical trials. While this model is useful to most practicing clinicians, the treatment outcome of individual patient is not certain at the start of treatment. As the understanding of the translational research of carcinogenesis and the related changes in cancer genetics and tumor microenvironment during treatment is critical in the selection of right choice of treatment to maximize the successful clinical outcome for the patient, this review article intends to discuss the latest developments in the genetic and molecular mechanisms of cancer progression and treatment resistance, and how they influence the planning of the treatment strategies of HER2-positive breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Y.C. Chow
- UNIMED Medical Institute, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Cheng-Hsun Wu
- Department of Anatomy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Louis W.C. Chow
- UNIMED Medical Institute, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Organisation for Oncology and Translational Research, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Louis W.C. Chow,
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Prevention and Therapy of Metastatic HER-2 + Mammary Carcinoma with a Human Candidate HER-2 Virus-like Particle Vaccine. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102654. [PMID: 36289916 PMCID: PMC9599132 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are a promising therapeutic alternative to monoclonal antibodies against HER-2+ breast cancer. We present the preclinical activity of an ES2B-C001, a VLP-based vaccine being developed for human breast cancer therapy. FVB mice challenged with HER-2+ mammary carcinoma cells QD developed progressive tumors, whereas all mice vaccinated with ES2B-C001+Montanide ISA 51, and 70% of mice vaccinated without adjuvant, remained tumor-free. ES2B-C001 completely inhibited lung metastases in mice challenged intravenously. HER-2 transgenic Delta16 mice developed mammary carcinomas by 4−8 months of age; two administrations of ES2B-C001+Montanide prevented tumor onset for >1 year. Young Delta16 mice challenged intravenously with QD cells developed a mean of 68 lung nodules in 13 weeks, whereas all mice vaccinated with ES2B-C001+Montanide, and 73% of mice vaccinated without adjuvant, remained metastasis-free. ES2B-C001 in adjuvant elicited strong anti-HER-2 antibody responses comprising all Ig isotypes; titers ranging from 1−10 mg/mL persisted for many months. Antibodies inhibited the 3D growth of human HER-2+ trastuzumab-sensitive and -resistant breast cancer cells. Vaccination did not induce cytokine storms; however, it increased the ELISpot frequency of IFN-γ secreting HER-2-specific splenocytes. ES2B-C001 is a promising candidate vaccine for the therapy of tumors expressing HER-2. Preclinical results warrant further development towards human clinical studies.
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Resistance to Trastuzumab. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205115. [PMID: 36291900 PMCID: PMC9600208 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Trastuzumab is a humanized antibody that has significantly improved the management and treatment outcomes of patients with cancers that overexpress HER2. Many research groups, both in academia and industry, have contributed towards understanding the various mechanisms engaged by trastuzumab to mediate its anti-tumor effects. Nevertheless, data from several clinical studies have indicated that a significant proportion of patients exhibit primary or acquired resistance to trastuzumab therapy. In this article, we discuss underlying mechanisms that contribute towards to resistance. Furthermore, we discuss the potential strategies to overcome some of the mechanisms of resistance to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of trastuzumab and other therapies based on it. Abstract One of the most impactful biologics for the treatment of breast cancer is the humanized monoclonal antibody, trastuzumab, which specifically recognizes the HER2/neu (HER2) protein encoded by the ERBB2 gene. Useful for both advanced and early breast cancers, trastuzumab has multiple mechanisms of action. Classical mechanisms attributed to trastuzumab action include cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis, and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Recent studies have identified the role of the adaptive immune system in the clinical actions of trastuzumab. Despite the multiple mechanisms of action, many patients demonstrate resistance, primary or adaptive. Newly identified molecular and cellular mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance include induction of immune suppression, vascular mimicry, generation of breast cancer stem cells, deregulation of long non-coding RNAs, and metabolic escape. These newly identified mechanisms of resistance are discussed in detail in this review, particularly considering how they may lead to the development of well-rationalized, patient-tailored combinations that improve patient survival.
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HER2-Displaying M13 Bacteriophages induce Therapeutic Immunity against Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14164054. [PMID: 36011047 PMCID: PMC9406369 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14164054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The high incidence and death rates of breast cancer make the development of new therapies an urgent need. The introduction into the clinic of the anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody trastuzumab considerably improved the overall survival and time-to-disease progression of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. However, many patients do not benefit from it because of resistance to therapy. Cancer vaccines, by inducing into the patient an anti-cancer specific immunity, might represent an alternative immunotherapeutic approach, but despite promises, so far no anti-HER2 cancer vaccine has been approved for human use. In this study, we propose therapeutic phage-based vaccines, against HER2 and its aggressive isoform Δ16HER2, able to elicit a protective immunity and potentially capable of preventing relapse in HER2-positive breast cancer patients, even in those who develop trastuzumab resistance. Abstract The advent of trastuzumab has significantly improved the prognosis of HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer patients; nevertheless, drug resistance limits its clinical benefit. Anti-HER2 active immunotherapy represents an attractive alternative strategy, but effective immunization needs to overcome the patient’s immune tolerance against the self-HER2. Phage display technology, taking advantage of phage intrinsic immunogenicity, permits one to generate effective cancer vaccines able to break immune tolerance to self-antigens. In this study, we demonstrate that both preventive and therapeutic vaccination with M13 bacteriophages, displaying the extracellular (EC) and transmembrane (TM) domains of human HER2 or its Δ16HER2 splice variant on their surface (ECTM and Δ16ECTM phages), delayed mammary tumor onset and reduced tumor growth rate and multiplicity in ∆16HER2 transgenic mice, which are tolerant to human ∆16HER2. This antitumor protection correlated with anti-HER2 antibody production. The molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effect of vaccine-elicited anti-HER2 antibodies were analyzed in vitro against BT-474 human breast cancer cells, sensitive or resistant to trastuzumab. Immunoglobulins (IgG) purified from immune sera reduced cell viability mainly by impairing ERK phosphorylation and reactivating retinoblastoma protein function in both trastuzumab-sensitive and -resistant BT-474 cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that phage-based HER2 vaccines impair mammary cancer onset and progression, opening new perspectives for HER2+ breast cancer treatment.
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Moasser MM. Inactivating amplified HER2: challenges, dilemmas, and future directions. Cancer Res 2022; 82:2811-2820. [PMID: 35731927 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The pharmaceutical inactivation of driver oncogenes has revolutionized the treatment of cancer replacing cytotoxic chemotherapeutic approaches with kinase inhibitor therapies for many types of cancers. This approach has not yet been realized for the treatment of HER2-amplified cancers. The monotherapy activities associated with HER2-targeting antibodies and kinase inhibitors are modest, and their clinical use has been in combination with, and not in replacement of cytotoxic chemotherapies. This stands in sharp contrast to achievements in the treatment of many other oncogene-driven cancers. The mechanism-based treatment hypothesis regarding the inactivation of HER2 justifies expectations far beyond what is currently realized. Overcoming this barrier requires mechanistic insights that can fuel new directions for pursuit, but scientific investigation of this treatment hypothesis, particularly with regards to trastuzumab, has been complicated by conflicting and confusing data sets, ironclad dogma, and mechanistic conclusions that have repeatedly failed to translate clinically. We are now approaching a point of convergence regarding the challenges and resiliency in this tumor driver, and I will provide here a review and opinion to inform where we currently stand with this treatment hypothesis and where the future potential lies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark M Moasser
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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11
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Öther-Gee Pohl S, Myant KB. Alternative RNA splicing in tumour heterogeneity, plasticity and therapy. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:dmm049233. [PMID: 35014671 PMCID: PMC8764416 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is a process by which a single gene is able to encode multiple different protein isoforms. It is regulated by the inclusion or exclusion of introns and exons that are joined in different patterns prior to protein translation, thus enabling transcriptomic and proteomic diversity. It is now widely accepted that alternative splicing is dysregulated across nearly all cancer types. This widespread dysregulation means that nearly all cellular processes are affected - these include processes synonymous with the hallmarks of cancer - evasion of apoptosis, tissue invasion and metastasis, altered cellular metabolism, genome instability and drug resistance. Emerging evidence indicates that the dysregulation of alternative splicing also promotes a permissive environment for increased tumour heterogeneity and cellular plasticity. These are fundamental regulators of a patient's response to therapy. In this Review, we introduce the mechanisms of alternative splicing and the role of aberrant splicing in cancer, with particular focus on newfound evidence of alternative splicing promoting tumour heterogeneity, cellular plasticity and altered metabolism. We discuss recent in vivo models generated to study alternative splicing and the importance of these for understanding complex tumourigenic processes. Finally, we review the effects of alternative splicing on immune evasion, cell death and genome instability, and how targeting these might enhance therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin B. Myant
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics of Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
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12
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McKee AM, Kirkup BM, Madgwick M, Fowler WJ, Price CA, Dreger SA, Ansorge R, Makin KA, Caim S, Le Gall G, Paveley J, Leclaire C, Dalby M, Alcon-Giner C, Andrusaite A, Feng TY, Di Modica M, Triulzi T, Tagliabue E, Milling SW, Weilbaecher KN, Rutkowski MR, Korcsmáros T, Hall LJ, Robinson SD. Antibiotic-induced disturbances of the gut microbiota result in accelerated breast tumor growth. iScience 2021; 24:103012. [PMID: 34522855 PMCID: PMC8426205 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota's function in regulating health has seen it linked to disease progression in several cancers. However, there is limited research detailing its influence in breast cancer (BrCa). This study found that antibiotic-induced perturbation of the gut microbiota significantly increases tumor progression in multiple BrCa mouse models. Metagenomics highlights the common loss of several bacterial species following antibiotic administration. One such bacteria, Faecalibaculum rodentium, rescued this increased tumor growth. Single-cell transcriptomics identified an increased number of cells with a stromal signature in tumors, and subsequent histology revealed an increased abundance of mast cells in the tumor stromal regions. We show that administration of a mast cell stabilizer, cromolyn, rescues increased tumor growth in antibiotic treated animals but has no influence on tumors from control cohorts. These findings highlight that BrCa-microbiota interactions are different from other cancers studied to date and suggest new research avenues for therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair M. McKee
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7AU, UK
| | - Benjamin M. Kirkup
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7AU, UK
| | - Matthew Madgwick
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7AU, UK
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - Wesley J. Fowler
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7AU, UK
| | - Christopher A. Price
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7AU, UK
| | - Sally A. Dreger
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7AU, UK
| | - Rebecca Ansorge
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7AU, UK
| | - Kate A. Makin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Shabhonam Caim
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7AU, UK
| | - Gwenaelle Le Gall
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Jack Paveley
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7AU, UK
| | - Charlotte Leclaire
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7AU, UK
| | - Matthew Dalby
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7AU, UK
| | - Cristina Alcon-Giner
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7AU, UK
| | - Anna Andrusaite
- Centre for Immunobiology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Tzu-Yu Feng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Martina Di Modica
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Instituto Nazionale di Tumori, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Tiziana Triulzi
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Instituto Nazionale di Tumori, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Elda Tagliabue
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Instituto Nazionale di Tumori, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Simon W.F. Milling
- Centre for Immunobiology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Katherine N. Weilbaecher
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Molecular Oncology, Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Melanie R. Rutkowski
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Tamás Korcsmáros
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7AU, UK
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - Lindsay J. Hall
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7AU, UK
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
- Chair of Intestinal Microbiome, School of Life Sciences, ZIEL – Institute for Food & Health, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Stephen D. Robinson
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7AU, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
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13
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Pupa SM, Ligorio F, Cancila V, Franceschini A, Tripodo C, Vernieri C, Castagnoli L. HER2 Signaling and Breast Cancer Stem Cells: The Bridge behind HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Aggressiveness and Therapy Refractoriness. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194778. [PMID: 34638263 PMCID: PMC8507865 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer (BC) is not a single disease, but a group of different tumors, and altered HER2 expression defines a particularly aggressive subtype. Although HER2 pharmacological inhibition has dramatically improved the prognosis of HER2-positive BC patients, there is still an urgent need for improved knowledge of HER2 biology and mechanisms underlying HER2-driven aggressiveness and drug susceptibility. Emerging data suggest that the clinical efficacy of molecularly targeted therapies is related to their ability to target breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), a population that is not only self-sustaining and able to differentiate into distinct lineages, but also contributes to tumor growth, aggressiveness, metastasis and treatment resistance. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of how the full-length HER2 receptor, the d16HER2 splice variant and the truncated p95HER2 variants are involved in the regulation and maintenance of BCSCs. Abstract HER2 overexpression/amplification occurs in 15–20% of breast cancers (BCs) and identifies a highly aggressive BC subtype. Recent clinical progress has increased the cure rates of limited-stage HER2-positive BC and significantly prolonged overall survival in patients with advanced disease; however, drug resistance and tumor recurrence remain major concerns. Therefore, there is an urgent need to increase knowledge regarding HER2 biology and implement available treatments. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subset of malignant cells capable of unlimited self-renewal and differentiation and are mainly considered to contribute to tumor onset, aggressiveness, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Seminal studies have highlighted the key role of altered HER2 signaling in the maintenance/enrichment of breast CSCs (BCSCs) and elucidated its bidirectional communication with stemness-related pathways, such as the Notch and Wingless/β-catenin cascades. d16HER2, a splice variant of full-length HER2 mRNA, has been identified as one of the most oncogenic HER2 isoform significantly implicated in tumorigenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)/stemness and the response to targeted therapy. In addition, expression of a heterogeneous collection of HER2 truncated carboxy-terminal fragments (CTFs), collectively known as p95HER2, identifies a peculiar subgroup of HER2-positive BC with poor prognosis, with the p95HER2 variants being able to regulate CSC features. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current evidence regarding HER2-/d16HER2-/p95HER2-positive BCSCs in the context of the signaling pathways governing their properties and describes the future prospects for targeting these components to achieve long-lasting tumor control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serenella M. Pupa
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, AmadeoLab, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.F.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-022-390-2573; Fax: +39-022-390-2692
| | - Francesca Ligorio
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.L.); or (C.V.)
| | - Valeria Cancila
- Tumor Immunology Unit, University of Palermo, Corso Tukory 211, 90134 Palermo, Italy; (V.C.); (C.T.)
| | - Alma Franceschini
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, AmadeoLab, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.F.); (L.C.)
| | - Claudio Tripodo
- Tumor Immunology Unit, University of Palermo, Corso Tukory 211, 90134 Palermo, Italy; (V.C.); (C.T.)
| | - Claudio Vernieri
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.L.); or (C.V.)
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Castagnoli
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, AmadeoLab, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.F.); (L.C.)
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14
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Han B, Yang M, Yang X, Liu M, Xie Q, Fan G, Hosseini DK, Yu J, Song P, Chen X, Sun H. Systematic Analysis of Survival-Associated Alternative Splicing Signatures in Thyroid Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:561457. [PMID: 34249669 PMCID: PMC8261059 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.561457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) is a key mechanism involved in regulating gene expression and is closely related to tumorigenesis. The incidence of thyroid cancer (THCA) has increased during the past decade, and the role of AS in THCA is still unclear. Here, we used TCGA and to generate AS maps in patients with THCA. Univariate analysis revealed 825 AS events related to the survival of THCA. Five prognostic models of AA, AD, AT, ES, and ME events were obtained through lasso and multivariate analyses, and the final prediction model was established by integrating all the AS events in the five prediction models. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that the overall survival rate of patients in the high-risk group was significantly shorter than that of patients in the low-risk group. The ROC results revealed that the prognostic capabilities of each model at 3, 5, and 8 years were all greater than 0.7, and the final prognostic capabilities of the models were all greater than 0.9. By reviewing other databases and utilizing qPCR, we verified the established THCA gene model. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis showed that abnormal AS events might play key roles in tumor development and progression of THCA by participating in changes in molecular structure, homeostasis of the cell environment and in cell energy. Finally, a splicing correlation network was established to reveal the potential regulatory patterns between the predicted splicing factors and AS event candidates. In summary, AS should be considered an important prognostic indicator of THCA. Our results will help to elucidate the underlying mechanism of AS in the process of THCA tumorigenesis and broaden the prognostic and clinical application of molecular targeted therapy for THCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoai Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Minlan Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiuping Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengzhi Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Xie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guorun Fan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Davood K Hosseini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, United States
| | - Jintao Yu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Song
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiong Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haiying Sun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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15
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Ginzel JD, Acharya CR, Lubkov V, Mori H, Boone PG, Rochelle LK, Roberts WL, Everitt JI, Hartman ZC, Crosby EJ, Barak LS, Caron MG, Chen JQ, Hubbard NE, Cardiff RD, Borowsky AD, Lyerly HK, Snyder JC. HER2 Isoforms Uniquely Program Intratumor Heterogeneity and Predetermine Breast Cancer Trajectories During the Occult Tumorigenic Phase. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:1699-1711. [PMID: 34131071 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
HER2-positive breast cancers are among the most heterogeneous breast cancer subtypes. The early amplification of HER2 and its known oncogenic isoforms provide a plausible mechanism in which distinct programs of tumor heterogeneity could be traced to the initial oncogenic event. Here a Cancer rainbow mouse simultaneously expressing fluorescently barcoded wildtype (WTHER2), exon-16 null (d16HER2), and N-terminally truncated (p95HER2) HER2 isoforms is used to trace tumorigenesis from initiation to invasion. Tumorigenesis was visualized using whole-gland fluorescent lineage tracing and single-cell molecular pathology. We demonstrate that within weeks of expression, morphologic aberrations were already present and unique to each HER2 isoform. Although WTHER2 cells were abundant throughout the mammary ducts, detectable lesions were exceptionally rare. In contrast, d16HER2 and p95HER2 induced rapid tumor development. d16HER2 incited homogenous and proliferative luminal-like lesions which infrequently progressed to invasive phenotypes whereas p95HER2 lesions were heterogenous and invasive at the smallest detectable stage. Distinct cancer trajectories were observed for d16HER2 and p95HER2 tumors as evidenced by oncogene-dependent changes in epithelial specification and the tumor microenvironment. These data provide direct experimental evidence that intratumor heterogeneity programs begin very early and well in advance of screen or clinically detectable breast cancer. IMPLICATIONS: Although all HER2 breast cancers are treated equally, we show a mechanism by which clinically undetected HER2 isoforms program heterogenous cancer phenotypes through biased epithelial specification and adaptations within the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Ginzel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Chaitanya R Acharya
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Veronica Lubkov
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Hidetoshi Mori
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and The Center for Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Peter G Boone
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Lauren K Rochelle
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Wendy L Roberts
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jeffrey I Everitt
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Zachary C Hartman
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Erika J Crosby
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Lawrence S Barak
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Marc G Caron
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jane Q Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and The Center for Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Neil E Hubbard
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and The Center for Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Robert D Cardiff
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and The Center for Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Alexander D Borowsky
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and The Center for Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - H Kim Lyerly
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Joshua C Snyder
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina. .,Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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16
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Kedashiro S, Kameyama T, Mizutani K, Takai Y. Nectin-4 and p95-ErbB2 cooperatively regulate Hippo signaling-dependent SOX2 gene expression, enhancing anchorage-independent T47D cell proliferation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7344. [PMID: 33795719 PMCID: PMC8016986 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86437-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nectin-4, upregulated in various cancer cells, cis-interacts with ErbB2 and its trastuzumab-resistant splice variants, p95-ErbB2 and ErbB2∆Ex16, enhancing DNA synthesis through the PI3K-AKT signaling in human breast cancer T47D cells in an adherent culture. We found here that nectin-4 and p95-ErbB2, but not nectin-4 and either ErbB2 or ErbB2∆Ex16, cooperatively enhanced SOX2 gene expression and cell proliferation in a suspension culture. This enhancement of T47D cell proliferation in a suspension culture by nectin-4 and p95-ErbB2 was dependent on the SOX2 gene expression. In T47D cells, nectin-4 and any one of p95-ErbB2, ErbB2, or ErbB2∆Ex16 cooperatively activated the PI3K-AKT signaling, known to induce the SOX2 gene expression, to similar extents. However, only a combination of nectin-4 and p95-ErbB2, but not that of nectin-4 and either ErbB2 or ErbB2∆Ex16, cooperatively enhanced the SOX2 gene expression. Detailed studies revealed that only nectin-4 and p95-ErbB2 cooperatively activated the Hippo signaling. YAP inhibited the SOX2 gene expression in this cell line and thus the MST1/2-LATS1/2 signaling-mediated YAP inactivation increased the SOX2 gene expression. These results indicate that only the combination of nectin-4 and p95-ErbB2, but not that of nectin-4 and either ErbB2 or ErbB2∆Ex16, cooperatively regulates the Hippo signaling-dependent SOX2 gene expression, enhancing anchorage-independent T47D cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Kedashiro
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kameyama
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kiyohito Mizutani
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Yoshimi Takai
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
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17
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Hart V, Gautrey H, Kirby J, Tyson-Capper A. HER2 splice variants in breast cancer: investigating their impact on diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Oncotarget 2020; 11:4338-4357. [PMID: 33245725 PMCID: PMC7679030 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of the HER2 receptor occurs in approximately 20% of breast cancer patients. HER2 positivity is associated with poor prognosis and aggressive tumour phenotypes, which led to rapid progress in HER2 targeted therapeutics and diagnostic testing. Whilst these advances have greatly increased patients' chances of survival, resistance to HER2 targeted therapies, be that intrinsic or acquired, remains a problem. Different forms of the HER2 protein exist within tumours in tandem and can display altered biological activities. Interest in HER2 variants in breast cancer increased when links between resistance to anti-HER2 therapies and a particular variant, Δ16-HER2, were identified. Moreover, the P100 variant potentially reduces the efficacy of the anti-HER2 therapy trastuzumab. Another variant, Herstatin, exhibits 'auto-inhibitory' behaviour. More recently, new HER2 variants have been identified and are currently being assessed for their pro- and anti-cancer properties. It is important when directing the care of patients to consider HER2 variants collectively. This review considers HER2 variants in the context of the tumour environment where multiple variants are co-expressed at altered ratios. This study also provides an up to date account of the landscape of HER2 variants and links this to patterns of resistance against HER2 therapies and treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vic Hart
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Hannah Gautrey
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - John Kirby
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Alison Tyson-Capper
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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18
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Zabaleta ME, Forbes-Hernández TY, Simal-Gandara J, Quiles JL, Cianciosi D, Bullon B, Giampieri F, Battino M. Effect of polyphenols on HER2-positive breast cancer and related miRNAs: Epigenomic regulation. Food Res Int 2020; 137:109623. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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19
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Pellarin I, Belletti B, Baldassarre G. RNA splicing alteration in the response to platinum chemotherapy in ovarian cancer: A possible biomarker and therapeutic target. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:586-615. [PMID: 33058230 DOI: 10.1002/med.21741] [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] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Since its discovery, alternative splicing has been recognized as a powerful way for a cell to amplify the genetic information and for a living organism to adapt, evolve, and survive. We now know that a very high number of genes are regulated by alternative splicing and that alterations of splicing have been observed in different types of human diseases, including cancer. Here, we review the accumulating knowledge that links the regulation of alternative splicing to the response to chemotherapy, focusing our attention on ovarian cancer and platinum-based treatments. Moreover, we discuss how expanding information could be exploited to identify new possible biomarkers of platinum response, to better select patients, and/or to design new therapies able to overcome platinum resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilenia Pellarin
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Barbara Belletti
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Gustavo Baldassarre
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
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20
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Wang J, Iannarelli R, Pucciarelli S, Laudadio E, Galeazzi R, Giangrossi M, Falconi M, Cui L, Navia AM, Buccioni M, Marucci G, Tomassoni D, Serini L, Sut S, Maggi F, Dall'Acqua S, Marchini C, Amici A. Acetylshikonin isolated from Lithospermum erythrorhizon roots inhibits dihydrofolate reductase and hampers autochthonous mammary carcinogenesis in Δ16HER2 transgenic mice. Pharmacol Res 2020; 161:105123. [PMID: 32822867 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women and, among different BC subtypes, triple negative (TN) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive BCs have the worst prognosis. In this study, we investigated the anticancer activity of the root ethanolic and hexane extracts from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine known also as tzu ts'ao or tzu-ken, against in vitro and in vivo models of TNBC and HER2-positive BC. Treatment with L. erythrorhizon root extracts resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of BC cell viability and in a significant reduction of the growth of TNBC cells transplanted in syngeneic mice. Acetylshikonin, a naphthoquinone, was identified as the main bioactive component in extracts and was responsible for the observed antitumor activity, being able to decrease BC cell viability and to interfere with autochthonous mammary carcinogenesis in Δ16HER2 transgenic mice. Acetylshikonin anticancer effect depends on its ability to act as a potent inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), to down-regulate key mediators governing cancer growth and progression, such as HER2, Src and STAT3, and to induce apoptosis by caspase-3 activation. The accumulation of acetylshikonin in blood samples as well as in brain, kidney, liver and tumor tissues was also investigated by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) highlighting that L. erythrorhizon treatment is effective in delivering the active compound into the target tissues. These results provide evidence that L. erythrorhizon extract and in particular its main component acetylshikonin are effective against aggressive BC subtypes and reveal new acetylshikonin mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junbiao Wang
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Pucciarelli
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
| | - Emiliano Laudadio
- Dipartimento Scienze e Ingegneria della Materia, dell'Ambiente ed Urbanistica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, 60128, Italy
| | - Roberta Galeazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, 60128, Italy
| | - Mara Giangrossi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
| | - Maurizio Falconi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
| | - Lishan Cui
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
| | | | - Michela Buccioni
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Tomassoni
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
| | - Laura Serini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
| | - Stefania Sut
- DAFNAE Dipartimento di Agronomia, Animali, Alimenti, Risorse naturali e Ambiente, University of Padova, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Filippo Maggi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
| | - Stefano Dall'Acqua
- DSF Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy.
| | - Cristina Marchini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Augusto Amici
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
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21
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Yochum ZA, Villaruz LC. Alternative splicing of HER2: a novel mediator of EGFR TKI resistance. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2020; 9:1606-1612. [PMID: 32953533 PMCID: PMC7481647 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-20-618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Yochum
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Liza C Villaruz
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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22
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Simond AM, Muller WJ. In vivo modeling of the EGFR family in breast cancer progression and therapeutic approaches. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 147:189-228. [PMID: 32593401 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Modeling breast cancer through the generation of genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) has become the gold standard in the study of human breast cancer. Notably, the in vivo modeling of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family has been key to the development of therapeutics and has helped better understand the signaling pathways involved in cancer initiation, progression and metastasis. The HER2/ErbB2 receptor is a member of the EGFR family and 20% of breast cancers are found to belong in the HER2-positive histological subtype. Historical and more recent advances in the field have shaped our understanding of HER2-positive breast cancer signaling and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Simond
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - William J Muller
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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23
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T-cell Activating Tribodies as a Novel Approach for Efficient Killing of ErbB2-positive Cancer Cells. J Immunother 2020; 42:1-10. [PMID: 30520849 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The Tyrosine Kinase Receptor ErbB2 (HER2) when overexpressed in breast cancer (BC) is associated with poor prognosis. The monoclonal antibody Trastuzumab has become a standard treatment of ErbB2+BC. The antibody treatment has limited efficacy, often meets resistance and induces cardiotoxicity. T-cell recruiting bispecific antibody derivatives (TRBA) offer a more effective alternative to standard antibody therapy. We evaluated a panel of TRBAs targeting 3 different epitopes on the ErbB2 receptor either in a bivalent targeting tribody structure or as a monovalent scFv-fusion (BiTE format) for binding, cytotoxicity on Trastuzumab-resistant cell lines, and induction of cardiotoxicity. All three TRBAs bind with high affinity to the ErbB2 extracellular domain and a large panel of ErbB2-positive tumor cells. Tribodies had an increased in vitro cytotoxic potency as compared to BiTEs. It is interesting to note that, Tribodies targeting the epitopes on ErbB2 receptor domains I and II bind and activate lysis of mammary and gastric tumor cells more efficiently than a Tribody targeting the Trastuzumab epitope on domain IV. The first 2 are also active on Trastuzumab-resistant cancer cells lacking or masking the epitope recognized by Trastuzumab. None of the Tribodies studied showed significant toxicity on human cardiomyocytes. Altogether these results make these novel anti-ErbB2 bispecific Tribodies candidates for therapeutic development for treating ErbB2-positive Trastuzumab-resistant cancer patients.
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24
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Hess KL, Jewell CM. Phage display as a tool for vaccine and immunotherapy development. Bioeng Transl Med 2020; 5:e10142. [PMID: 31989033 PMCID: PMC6971447 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria and coopt the cellular machinery to create more phage proteins, eventually resulting in the release of new phage particles. Phages are heavily utilized in bioengineering for applications ranging from tissue engineering scaffolds to immune signal delivery. Of specific interest to vaccines and immunotherapies, phages have demonstrated an ability to activate both the innate and adaptive immune systems. The genome of these viral particles can be harnessed for DNA vaccination, or the surface proteins can be exploited for antigen display. More specifically, genes that encode an antigen of interest can be spliced into the phage genome, allowing antigenic proteins or peptides to be displayed by fusion to phage capsid proteins. Phages therefore present antigens to immune cells in a highly ordered and repetitive manner. This review discusses the use of phage with adjuvanting activity as antigen delivery vehicles for vaccination against infectious disease and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystina L. Hess
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological CenterAberdeen Proving GroundMaryland
| | - Christopher M. Jewell
- Fischell Department of BioengineeringUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMaryland
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical DevicesCollege ParkMaryland
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of Maryland Medical SchoolBaltimoreMaryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer CenterBaltimoreMaryland
- U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsBaltimoreMaryland
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25
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Hsu CC, Liao BC, Liao WY, Markovets A, Stetson D, Thress K, Yang JCH. Exon 16–Skipping HER2 as a Novel Mechanism of Osimertinib Resistance in EGFR L858R/T790M–Positive Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer. J Thorac Oncol 2020; 15:50-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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26
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Citron F, Segatto I, Vinciguerra GLR, Musco L, Russo F, Mungo G, D'Andrea S, Mattevi MC, Perin T, Schiappacassi M, Massarut S, Marchini C, Amici A, Vecchione A, Baldassarre G, Belletti B. Downregulation of miR-223 Expression Is an Early Event during Mammary Transformation and Confers Resistance to CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Luminal Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2019; 80:1064-1077. [PMID: 31862778 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-1793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
miR-223 is an anti-inflammatory miRNA that in cancer acts either as an oncosuppressor or oncopromoter, in a context-dependent manner. In breast cancer, we demonstrated that it dampens the activation of the EGF pathway. However, little is known on the role of miR-223 during breast cancer onset and progression. miR-223 expression was decreased in breast cancer of luminal and HER2 subtypes and inversely correlated with patients' prognosis. In normal luminal mammary epithelial cells, miR-223 acted cell autonomously in the control of their growth and morphology in three-dimensional context. In the MMTV-Δ16HER2 transgenic mouse model, oncogene transformation resulted in a timely abrogation of miR-223 expression, likely due to activation of E2F1, a known repressor of miR-223 transcription. Accordingly, treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors, which eventually results in restraining E2F1 activity, restored miR-223 expression and miR-223 ablation induced luminal breast cancer resistance to CDK4/6 inhibition, both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, miR-223 expression was lost in microdissected ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) from patients with luminal and HER2-positive breast cancer. Altogether, these results identify downmodulation of miR-223 as an early step in luminal breast cancer onset and suggest that it could be used to identify aggressive DCIS and predict the response to targeted therapy. SIGNIFICANCE: miR-223 may represent a predictive biomarker of response to CDK4/6 inhibitors and its loss could identify DCIS lesions that are likely to progress into invasive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Citron
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Ilenia Segatto
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Rampioni Vinciguerra
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy.,Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza" Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorena Musco
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Francesca Russo
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Giorgia Mungo
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Sara D'Andrea
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Mattevi
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Tiziana Perin
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Monica Schiappacassi
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Samuele Massarut
- Breast Surgery Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Cristina Marchini
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Augusto Amici
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Andrea Vecchione
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza" Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gustavo Baldassarre
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy.
| | - Barbara Belletti
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy.
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27
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Volpari T, De Santis F, Bracken AP, Pupa SM, Buschbeck M, Wegner A, Di Cosimo S, Lisanti MP, Dotti G, Massaia M, Pruneri G, Anichini A, Fortunato O, De Braud F, Del Vecchio M, Di Nicola M. Anticancer innovative therapy: Highlights from the ninth annual meeting. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2019; 51:1-9. [PMID: 31862236 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Ninth Annual Conference of "Anticancer Innovative Therapy", organized by Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano (Fondazione IRCCS INT) and hosted by Hotel Michelangelo, was held in Milan on 25 January 2019. Cutting-edge science was presented in two main scientific sessions: i) pre-clinical evidences and new targets, and ii) clinical translation. The Keynote lecture entitled "Cancer stem cells (CSCs): metabolic strategies for their identification and eradication" presented by M. Lisanti, was one of the highlights of the conference. One key concept of the meeting was how the continuous advances in our knowledge about molecular mechanisms in various fields of research (cancer metabolism reprogramming, epigenetic regulation, transformation/invasiveness, and immunology, among others) are driving cancer research towards more effective personalized antineoplastic strategies. Specifically, recent preclinical data on the following topics were discussed: 1. Polycomb group proteins in cancer; 2. A d16HER2 splice variant is a flag of HER2 addiction across HER2-positive cancers; 3. Studying chromatin as a nexus between translational and basic research; 4. Metabolomic analysis in cancer patients; 5. CDK4-6 cyclin inhibitors: clinical activity and future perspectives as immunotherapy adjuvant; and 6. Cancer stem cells (CSCs): metabolic strategies for their identification and eradication. In terms of clinical translation, several novel approaches were presented: 1. Developing CAR-T cell therapies: an update of preclinical and clinical development at University of North Carolina; 2. Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell activation and immune suppression in multiple myeloma; 3. Predictive biomarkers for real-world immunotherapy: the cancer immunogram model in the clinical arena; and 4. Mechanisms of resistance to immune checkpoint blockade in solid tumors. Overall, the pre-clinical and clinical findings presented could pave the way to identify novel actionable therapeutic targets to significantly enhance the care of persons with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Volpari
- Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapeutics Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - F De Santis
- Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapeutics Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - A P Bracken
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - S M Pupa
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - M Buschbeck
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), Campus ICO-Germans Trias I Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - A Wegner
- Technische Universiät Braunschweig, Department of Bioinfomatics and Biochemistry and Braunschweig Integrated Center of Systems Biology (BRICS), Rebenring 56, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - S Di Cosimo
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - M P Lisanti
- Translational Medicine, Biomedical Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - G Dotti
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - M Massaia
- Laboratorio di Immunologia dei Tumori del Sangue, Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca in Biologia Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy; SC Ematologia, AO S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - G Pruneri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS - Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - A Anichini
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - O Fortunato
- Tumor Genomics Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - F De Braud
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - M Del Vecchio
- Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapeutics Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy; Unit of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - M Di Nicola
- Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapeutics Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy; Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
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28
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Kedashiro S, Sugiura A, Mizutani K, Takai Y. Nectin-4 cis-interacts with ErbB2 and its trastuzumab-resistant splice variants, enhancing their activation and DNA synthesis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18997. [PMID: 31831814 PMCID: PMC6908695 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55460-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Nectin-4 cell adhesion molecule and ErbB2 tyrosine kinase receptor are upregulated in many cancers, including breast cancer, and promote cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Using human breast cancer cell lines T47D and SUM190-PT, in which both nectin-4 and ErbB2 were upregulated, we showed here that nectin-4 cis-interacted with ErB2 and enhanced its dimerization and activation, followed by the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT signalling pathway for DNA synthesis. The third immunoglobulin-like domain of nectin-4 cis-interacted with domain IV of ErbB2. This region differs from the trastuzumab-interacting region but is included in the trastuzumab-resistant splice variants of ErbB2, p95-ErbB2 and ErbB2ΔEx16. Nectin-4 also cis-interacted with these trastuzumab-resistant splice variants and enhanced the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT signalling pathway for DNA synthesis. In addition, nectin-4 enhanced the activation of the p95-ErbB2-induced JAK-STAT3 signalling pathway, but not the ErbB2- or ErbB2ΔEx16-induced JAK-STAT3 signalling pathway. These results indicate that nectin-4 cis-interacts with ErbB2 and its trastuzumab-resistant splice variants and enhances the activation of these receptors and downstream signalling pathways in a novel mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Kedashiro
- From the Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Ayumu Sugiura
- From the Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kiyohito Mizutani
- From the Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Yoshimi Takai
- From the Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
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29
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Falconi M, Giangrossi M, Zabaleta ME, Wang J, Gambini V, Tilio M, Bencardino D, Occhipinti S, Belletti B, Laudadio E, Galeazzi R, Marchini C, Amici A. A novel 3'-tRNA Glu-derived fragment acts as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer by targeting nucleolin. FASEB J 2019; 33:13228-13240. [PMID: 31560576 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900382rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) have been defined as a novel class of small noncoding RNAs. tRFs have been reported to be deregulated in cancer, but their biologic function remains to be fully understood. We have identified a new tRF (named tRF3E), derived from mature tRNAGlu, that is specifically expressed in healthy mammary glands but not in breast cancer (BC). Consistently, tRF3E levels significantly decrease in the blood of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive BC reflecting tumor status (control > early cancer > metastatic cancer). tRF3E down-regulation was recapitulated in Δ16HER2 transgenic mice, representing a BC preclinical model. Pulldown assays, used to search for proteins capable to selectively bind tRF3E, have shown that this tRF specifically interacts with nucleolin (NCL), an RNA-binding protein overexpressed in BC and able to repress the translation of p53 mRNA. The binding properties of NCL-tRF3E complex, predicted in silico and analyzed by EMSA assays, are congruent with a competitive displacement of p53 mRNA by tRF3E, leading to an increased p53 expression and consequently to a modulation of cancer cell growth. Here, we provide evidence that tRF3E plays an important role in the pathogenesis of BC displaying tumor-suppressor functions through a NCL-mediated mechanism.-Falconi, M., Giangrossi, M., Elexpuru Zabaleta, M., Wang, J., Gambini, V., Tilio, M., Bencardino, D., Occhipinti, S., Belletti, B., Laudadio, E., Galeazzi, R., Marchini, C., Amici, A. A novel 3'-tRNAGlu-derived fragment acts as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer by targeting nucleolin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Falconi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Mara Giangrossi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | - Junbiao Wang
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Valentina Gambini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Martina Tilio
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Daniela Bencardino
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Sergio Occhipinti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Barbara Belletti
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Emiliano Laudadio
- Dipartimento Scienze e Ingegneria della Materia, dell'Ambiente ed Urbanistica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Roberta Galeazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Cristina Marchini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Augusto Amici
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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30
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Chiodoni C, Cancila V, Renzi TA, Perrone M, Tomirotti AM, Sangaletti S, Botti L, Dugo M, Milani M, Bongiovanni L, Marrale M, Tripodo C, Colombo MP. Transcriptional Profiles and Stromal Changes Reveal Bone Marrow Adaptation to Early Breast Cancer in Association with Deregulated Circulating microRNAs. Cancer Res 2019; 80:484-498. [PMID: 31776132 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-1425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The presence of a growing tumor establishes a chronic state of inflammation that acts locally and systemically. Bone marrow responds to stress signals by expanding myeloid cells endowed with immunosuppressive functions, further fostering tumor growth and dissemination. How early in transformation the cross-talk with the bone marrow begins and becomes detectable in blood is unknown. Here, gene expression profiling of the bone marrow along disease progression in a spontaneous model of mammary carcinogenesis demonstrates that transcriptional modifications in the hematopoietic compartment occurred as early as preinvasive disease stages. The transcriptional profile showed downregulation of adaptive immunity and induction of programs related to innate immunity and response to danger signals triggered by activating transcription factor 3. Transcriptional reprogramming was paralleled by the expansion of myeloid populations at the expense of erythroid and B lymphoid fractions. Hematopoietic changes were associated with modifications of the bone marrow stromal architecture through relocalization and increased density in the interstitial area of Nestin+ mesenchymal cells expressing CXCL12 and myeloid cells expressing CXCL12 receptor CXCR4. These early events were concomitant with deregulation of circulating miRNAs, which were predicted regulators of transcripts downregulated in the bone marrow and involved in lymphoid differentiation and activation. These data provide a link between sensing of peripheral cancer initiation by the bone marrow and hematopoietic adaptation to distant noxia through transcriptional rewiring toward innate/inflammatory response programs. SIGNIFICANCE: The bone marrow senses distant tissue transformation at premalignant/preinvasive stages, suggesting that circulating messengers, intercepted in the blood, could serve as early diagnostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Chiodoni
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Cancila
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Human Pathology Section, University of Palermo School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy
| | - Tiziana A Renzi
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Milena Perrone
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea M Tomirotti
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabina Sangaletti
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Botti
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Dugo
- Platform of Integrated Biology - Bioinformatics, Department of Applied Research and Technology Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Milani
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Bongiovanni
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Human Pathology Section, University of Palermo School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maurizio Marrale
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudio Tripodo
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Human Pathology Section, University of Palermo School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mario P Colombo
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
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Phenethyl isothiocyanate hampers growth and progression of HER2-positive breast and ovarian carcinoma by targeting their stem cell compartment. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2019; 42:815-828. [DOI: 10.1007/s13402-019-00464-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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The d16HER2 Splice Variant: A Friend or Foe of HER2-Positive Cancers? Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11070902. [PMID: 31261614 PMCID: PMC6678616 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ERBB2 or HER2) amplification/overexpression is associated with a particularly aggressive molecular subtype of breast cancer (BC), characterized by a poor prognosis, increased metastatic potential, and disease recurrence. As only approximately 50% of HER2-positive patients respond to HER2-targeted therapies, greater knowledge of the biology of HER2 and the mechanisms that underlie drug susceptibility is needed to improve cure rates. Evidence suggests that the coexistence of full-length, wild-type HER2 (wtHER2) and altered forms of HER2—such as carboxy-terminus-truncated fragments, activating mutations, and splice variants—significantly increases the heterogeneity of HER2-positive disease, affecting its biology, clinical course, and treatment response. In particular, expression of the d16HER2 splice variant in human HER2-positive BC has a crucial pathobiological function, wherein the absence of sixteen amino acids from the extracellular domain induces the formation of stable and constitutively active HER2 homodimers on the tumor cell surface. Notably, the d16HER2 variant significantly influences the initiation and aggressiveness of tumors, cancer stem cell properties, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the susceptibility of HER2-positive BC cells to trastuzumab compared with its wtHER2 counterpart, thus constituting a novel and potentially clinically useful biomarker. The aims of this review are to summarize the existing evidence regarding the pathobiological functions of the d16HER2 variant and discuss its current and future value with regard to risk assessment and treatment choices in HER2-positive disease.
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33
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Li J, Xiao Q, Bao Y, Wang W, Goh J, Wang P, Yu Q. HER2-L755S mutation induces hyperactive MAPK and PI3K-mTOR signaling, leading to resistance to HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:1513-1522. [PMID: 31135266 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1624113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
L755S, a HER2 kinase domain mutation, is the most common HER2 mutation in breast cancer associated with resistance to anti-HER2 trastuzumab treatment. Here, we showed that HER2-L755S confers hyperactivation of MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways and resistance to both reversible and irreversible HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors. We further demonstrated that the HER2 TKIs in combination with MEK inhibitor, AZD6244, or PI3K inhibitor, GDC0941, yield robust killing in HER2-L755S cancer cells, indicating a novel targeted strategy to overcome HER2-L755S resistance to anti-HER2 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayao Li
- a School of Pharmacy , Jinan University , Guangzhou , China.,b Cancer Research Institute , Jinan University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Qian Xiao
- a School of Pharmacy , Jinan University , Guangzhou , China.,b Cancer Research Institute , Jinan University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Yi Bao
- c Cancer Therapeutics and Stratified Oncology , Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) , Biopolis , Singapore
| | - Wenyu Wang
- c Cancer Therapeutics and Stratified Oncology , Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) , Biopolis , Singapore
| | - Jianyuan Goh
- c Cancer Therapeutics and Stratified Oncology , Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) , Biopolis , Singapore
| | - Panpan Wang
- a School of Pharmacy , Jinan University , Guangzhou , China.,b Cancer Research Institute , Jinan University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Qiang Yu
- b Cancer Research Institute , Jinan University , Guangzhou , China.,c Cancer Therapeutics and Stratified Oncology , Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) , Biopolis , Singapore
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Manni I, de Latouliere L, Gurtner A, Piaggio G. Transgenic Animal Models to Visualize Cancer-Related Cellular Processes by Bioluminescence Imaging. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:235. [PMID: 30930779 PMCID: PMC6428995 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical animal models are valuable tools to improve treatments of malignant diseases, being an intermediate step of experimentation between cell culture and human clinical trials. Among different animal models frequently used in cancer research are mouse and, more recently, zebrafish models. Indeed, most of the cellular pathways are highly conserved between human, mouse and zebrafish, thus rendering these models very attractive. Recently, several transgenic reporter mice and zebrafishes have been generated in which the luciferase reporter gene are placed under the control of a promoter whose activity is strictly related to specific cancer cellular processes. Other mouse models have been generated by the cDNA luciferase knockin in the locus of a gene whose expression/activity has increased in cancer. Using BioLuminescence Imaging (BLI), we have now the opportunity to spatiotemporal visualize cell behaviors, among which proliferation, apoptosis, migration and immune responses, in any body district in living animal in a time frame process. We provide here a review of the available models to visualized cancer and cancer-associated events in living animals by BLI and as they have been successful in identifying new stages of early tumor progression, new interactions between different tissues and new therapeutic responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Manni
- UOSD SAFU, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa de Latouliere
- UOSD SAFU, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Aymone Gurtner
- UOSD SAFU, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Piaggio
- UOSD SAFU, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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The landscape of d16HER2 splice variant expression across HER2-positive cancers. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3545. [PMID: 30837627 PMCID: PMC6401102 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40310-5] [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: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The HER2 splice variant characterized by the deletion of exon 16 and denominated as d16HER2, is associated with HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) aggressiveness, stemness, and trastuzumab susceptibility and is considered to be a “flag” of HER2 dependence. However, with the exception of quantitative real-time PCR analysis, easily reproducible assays are still lacking to clinically detect and quantify the d16HER2 expression. Further, no data on d16HER2 expression and its potential role are available in HER2-positive gastrointestinal malignancies. Here, we used a novel RNA in situ hybridization technique (BaseScope) to discriminate d16HER2 variant expression from the wild type isoform (WTHER2) and to assess their levels across different HER2-positive histological samples. Our results demonstrate the existence of outliers, with d16HER2 mRNA high scores restricted to HER2-positive gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) coupled with increased d16HER2 expression compared with BC. Consistent with previously reported data on BC, experiments performed in HER2-positive GC patient-derived xenografts suggest that increased d16HER2 expression is associated with a clinical benefit/response to single-agent trastuzumab. Therefore, d16HER2 may be considered as a “flag” of HER2 dependence in GC and can be clinically investigated as a marker of trastuzumab susceptibility in several other HER2-driven cancers, including CRC. As a clinical proof-of-concept, we indicate that high d16HER2 mRNA scores are exclusively found in patients with a long-term benefit from trastuzumab exceeding 12 months (clinical “outliers”), and that d16HER2 expression is also increased in circulating tumor-released exosomes obtained from baseline plasma samples of long-term responders.
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36
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Montes M, Sanford BL, Comiskey DF, Chandler DS. RNA Splicing and Disease: Animal Models to Therapies. Trends Genet 2019; 35:68-87. [PMID: 30466729 PMCID: PMC6339821 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing of pre-mRNA increases genetic diversity, and recent studies estimate that most human multiexon genes are alternatively spliced. If this process is not highly regulated and accurate, it leads to mis-splicing events, which may result in proteins with altered function. A growing body of work has implicated mis-splicing events in a range of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and muscular dystrophies. Understanding the mechanisms that cause aberrant splicing events and how this leads to disease is vital for designing effective therapeutic strategies. In this review, we focus on advances in therapies targeting splicing, and highlight the animal models developed to recapitulate disease phenotypes as a model for testing these therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías Montes
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program and The Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brianne L Sanford
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Daniel F Comiskey
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program and The Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dawn S Chandler
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program and The Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
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37
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Bartolacci C, Andreani C, Curcio C, Occhipinti S, Massaccesi L, Giovarelli M, Galeazzi R, Iezzi M, Tilio M, Gambini V, Wang J, Marchini C, Amici A. Phage-Based Anti-HER2 Vaccination Can Circumvent Immune Tolerance against Breast Cancer. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 6:1486-1498. [DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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38
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Segatto I, Zompit MDM, Citron F, D'Andrea S, Vinciguerra GLR, Perin T, Berton S, Mungo G, Schiappacassi M, Marchini C, Amici A, Vecchione A, Baldassarre G, Belletti B. Stathmin Is Required for Normal Mouse Mammary Gland Development and Δ16HER2-Driven Tumorigenesis. Cancer Res 2018; 79:397-409. [PMID: 30478213 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-2488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Postnatal development of the mammary gland relies on the maintenance of oriented cell division and apicobasal polarity, both of which are often deregulated in cancer. The microtubule (MT) network contributes to control these processes; however, very little is known about the impact of altered MT dynamics in the development of a complex organ and on the role played by MT-interacting proteins such as stathmin. In this study, we report that female stathmin knock-out (STM KO) mice are unable to nurse their litters due to frank impairment of mammary gland development. In mouse mammary epithelial cells, loss of stathmin compromised the trafficking of polarized proteins and the achievement of proper apicobasal polarity. In particular, prolactin receptor internalization and localization was altered in STM KO mammary epithelial cells, leading to decreased protein stability and downmodulation of the Prl/PrlR/STAT5 signaling pathway. Absence of stathmin induced alterations in mitotic spindle orientation, accumulation of mitotic defects, and apoptosis, overall contributing to tissue disorganization and further decreasing the expansion of the mammary epithelial compartment. Loss of stathmin in MMTV-Δ16HER2 transgenic mice decreased the incidence and increased the latency of these very aggressive mammary carcinomas. Collectively, these data identify the essential mammary protein stathmin as protumorigenic and suggest it may serve as a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: Stathmin expression is critical to maintain oriented cell division and apicobasal polarity in normal mammary glands and to establish a protumorigenic program that eventually sustains HER2-positive breast cancer formation in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilenia Segatto
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Mara De Marco Zompit
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Francesca Citron
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Sara D'Andrea
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Rampioni Vinciguerra
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy.,Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza" Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Perin
- Unit of Pathology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Stefania Berton
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Giorgia Mungo
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Monica Schiappacassi
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Cristina Marchini
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Augusto Amici
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Andrea Vecchione
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza" Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gustavo Baldassarre
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy.
| | - Barbara Belletti
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy.
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Abstract
Breast cancer is known to be a heterogeneous disease driven by a large repertoire of molecular abnormalities, which contribute to its diverse clinical behaviour. Despite the success of targeted therapy approaches for breast cancer patient management, there is still a lack of the molecular understanding of aggressive forms of the disease and clinical management of these patients remains difficult. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has paved the way for a more complete understanding of the molecular make-up of the breast cancer genome. As such, it is becoming apparent that disruption of canonical splicing within breast cancer governs its clinical progression. In this review, we discuss the role of dysregulation of spliceosomal component genes and associated factors in the progression of breast cancer, their role in therapy resistance and the use of quantitative isoform expression as potential prognostic and predictive biomarkers with a particular focus on oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Read
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Division of Molecular PathologyThe Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Rachael Natrajan
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Division of Molecular PathologyThe Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
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40
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Ross JS, Fakih M, Ali SM, Elvin JA, Schrock AB, Suh J, Vergilio J, Ramkissoon S, Severson E, Daniel S, Fabrizio D, Frampton G, Sun J, Miller VA, Stephens PJ, Gay LM. Targeting HER2 in colorectal cancer: The landscape of amplification and short variant mutations in ERBB2 and ERBB3. Cancer 2018; 124:1358-1373. [PMID: 29338072 PMCID: PMC5900732 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.31125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In contrast to lung cancer, few precision treatments are available for colorectal cancer (CRC). One rapidly emerging treatment target in CRC is ERBB2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2]). Oncogenic alterations in HER2, or its dimerization partner HER3, can underlie sensitivity to HER2-targeted therapies. METHODS In this study, 8887 CRC cases were evaluated by comprehensive genomic profiling for genomic alterations in 315 cancer-related genes, tumor mutational burden, and microsatellite instability. This cohort included both colonic (7599 cases; 85.5%) and rectal (1288 cases; 14.5%) adenocarcinomas. RESULTS A total of 569 mCRCs were positive for ERBB2 (429 cases; 4.8%) and/or ERBB3 (148 cases; 1.7%) and featured ERBB amplification, short variant alterations, or a combination of the 2. High tumor mutational burden (≥20 mutations/Mb) was significantly more common in ERBB-mutated samples, and ERBB3-mutated CRCs were significantly more likely to have high microsatellite instability (P<.002). Alterations affecting KRAS (27.3%) were significantly underrepresented in ERBB2-amplified samples compared with wild-type CRC samples (51.8%), and ERBB2- or ERBB3-mutated samples (49.0% and 60.8%, respectively) (P<.01). Other significant differences in mutation frequency were observed for genes in the PI3K/MTOR and mismatch repair pathways. CONCLUSIONS Although observed less often than in breast or upper gastrointestinal carcinomas, indications for which anti-HER2 therapies are approved, the percentage of CRC with ERBB genomic alterations is significant. Importantly, 32% of ERBB2-positive CRCs harbor short variant alterations that are undetectable by routine immunohistochemistry or fluorescence in situ hybridization testing. The success of anti-HER2 therapies in ongoing clinical trials is a promising development for patients with CRC. Cancer 2018;124:1358-73. © 2018 Foundation Medicine, Inc. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S. Ross
- Foundation Medicine IncCambridgeMassachusetts
- Department of PathologyAlbany Medical CenterAlbanyNew York
| | - Marwan Fakih
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research City of HopeDuarteCalifornia
| | | | | | | | - James Suh
- Foundation Medicine IncCambridgeMassachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - James Sun
- Foundation Medicine IncCambridgeMassachusetts
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41
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Palladini A, Thrane S, Janitzek CM, Pihl J, Clemmensen SB, de Jongh WA, Clausen TM, Nicoletti G, Landuzzi L, Penichet ML, Balboni T, Ianzano ML, Giusti V, Theander TG, Nielsen MA, Salanti A, Lollini PL, Nanni P, Sander AF. Virus-like particle display of HER2 induces potent anti-cancer responses. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1408749. [PMID: 29399414 PMCID: PMC5790387 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1408749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) occurs in 20–30% of invasive breast cancers. Monoclonal antibody therapy is effective in treating HER2-driven mammary carcinomas, but its utility is limited by high costs, side effects and development of resistance. Active vaccination may represent a safer, more effective and cheaper alternative, although the induction of strong and durable autoantibody responses is hampered by immune-tolerogenic mechanisms. Using a novel virus-like particle (VLP) based vaccine platform we show that directional, high-density display of human HER2 on the surface of VLPs, allows induction of therapeutically potent anti-HER2 autoantibody responses. Prophylactic vaccination reduced spontaneous development of mammary carcinomas by 50%-100% in human HER2 transgenic mice and inhibited the growth of HER2-positive tumors implanted in wild-type mice. The HER2-VLP vaccine shows promise as a new cost-effective modality for prevention and treatment of HER2-positive cancer. The VLP platform may represent an effective tool for development of vaccines against other non-communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Palladini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Susan Thrane
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christoph M Janitzek
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jessica Pihl
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine B Clemmensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,ExpreS2ion Biotechnologies, SCION-DTU Science Park, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas M Clausen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Giordano Nicoletti
- Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorena Landuzzi
- Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuel L Penichet
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery and Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, The Molecular Biology Institute, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tania Balboni
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna L Ianzano
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Giusti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Thor G Theander
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten A Nielsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ali Salanti
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pier-Luigi Lollini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Nanni
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Adam F Sander
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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42
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Alternative Splicing in Breast Cancer and the Potential Development of Therapeutic Tools. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8100217. [PMID: 28981467 PMCID: PMC5664086 DOI: 10.3390/genes8100217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is a key molecular mechanism now considered as a hallmark of cancer that has been associated with the expression of distinct isoforms during the onset and progression of the disease. The leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide is breast cancer, and even when the role of alternative splicing in this type of cancer has been established, the function of this mechanism in breast cancer biology is not completely decoded. In order to gain a comprehensive view of the role of alternative splicing in breast cancer biology and development, we summarize here recent findings regarding alternative splicing events that have been well documented for breast cancer evolution, considering its prognostic and therapeutic value. Moreover, we analyze how the response to endocrine and chemical therapies could be affected due to alternative splicing and differential expression of variant isoforms. With all this knowledge, it becomes clear that targeting alternative splicing represents an innovative approach for breast cancer therapeutics and the information derived from current studies could guide clinical decisions with a direct impact in the clinical advances for breast cancer patients nowadays.
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Superior Suppression of ErbB2-positive Tumor Cells by a Novel Human Triparatopic Tribody. J Immunother 2017; 40:117-128. [DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Palladini A, Nicoletti G, Lamolinara A, Dall'Ora M, Balboni T, Ianzano ML, Laranga R, Landuzzi L, Giusti V, Ceccarelli C, Santini D, Taffurelli M, Di Oto E, Asioli S, Amici A, Pupa SM, De Giovanni C, Tagliabue E, Iezzi M, Nanni P, Lollini PL. HER2 isoforms co-expression differently tunes mammary tumor phenotypes affecting onset, vasculature and therapeutic response. Oncotarget 2017; 8:54444-54458. [PMID: 28903354 PMCID: PMC5589593 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Full-length HER2 oncoprotein and splice variant Delta16 are co-expressed in human breast cancer. We studied their interaction in hybrid transgenic mice bearing human full-length HER2 and Delta16 (F1 HER2/Delta16) in comparison to parental HER2 and Delta16 transgenic mice. Mammary carcinomas onset was faster in F1 HER2/Delta16 and Delta16 than in HER2 mice, however tumor growth was slower, and metastatic spread was comparable in all transgenic mice. Full-length HER2 tumors contained few large vessels or vascular lacunae, whereas Delta16 tumors presented a more regular vascularization with numerous endothelium-lined small vessels. Delta16-expressing tumors showed a higher accumulation of i.v. injected doxorubicin than tumors expressing full-length HER2. F1 HER2/Delta16 tumors with high full-length HER2 expression made few large vessels, whereas tumors with low full-length HER2 and high Delta16 contained numerous small vessels and expressed higher levels of VEGF and VEGFR2. Trastuzumab strongly inhibited tumor onset in F1 HER2/Delta16 and Delta16 mice, but not in full-length HER2 mice. Addiction of F1 tumors to Delta16 was also shown by long-term stability of Delta16 levels during serial transplants, in contrast full-length HER2 levels underwent wide fluctuations. In conclusion, full-length HER2 leads to a faster tumor growth and to an irregular vascularization, whereas Delta16 leads to a faster tumor onset, with more regular vessels, which in turn could better transport cytotoxic drugs within the tumor, and to a higher sensitivity to targeted therapeutic agents. F1 HER2/Delta16 mice are a new immunocompetent mouse model, complementary to patient-derived xenografts, for studies of mammary carcinoma onset, prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Palladini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giordano Nicoletti
- Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Massimiliano Dall'Ora
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tania Balboni
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna L Ianzano
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Laranga
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorena Landuzzi
- Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Giusti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Ceccarelli
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Pathology Unit, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Donatella Santini
- Pathology Unit, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Taffurelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Enrico Di Oto
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Bellaria Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sofia Asioli
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Bellaria Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Carla De Giovanni
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Iezzi
- Aging Research Centre, "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Patrizia Nanni
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pier-Luigi Lollini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Andreani C, Bartolacci C, Wijnant K, Crinelli R, Bianchi M, Magnani M, Hysi A, Iezzi M, Amici A, Marchini C. Resveratrol fuels HER2 and ERα-positive breast cancer behaving as proteasome inhibitor. Aging (Albany NY) 2017; 9:508-523. [PMID: 28238967 PMCID: PMC5361678 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The phytoestrogen resveratrol has been reported to possess cancer chemo-preventive activity on the basis of its effects on tumor cell lines and xenograft or carcinogen-inducible in vivo models. Here we investigated the effects of resveratrol on spontaneous mammary carcinogenesis using Δ16HER2 mice as HER2+/ERα+ breast cancer model. Instead of inhibiting tumor growth, resveratrol treatment (0.0001% in drinking water; daily intake of 4μg/mouse) shortened tumor latency and enhanced tumor multiplicity in Δ16HER2 mice. This in vivo tumor-promoting effect of resveratrol was associated with up-regulation of Δ16HER2 and down-regulation of ERα protein levels and was recapitulated in vitro by murine (CAM6) and human (BT474) tumor cell lines. Our results demonstrate that resveratrol, acting as a proteasome inhibitor, leads to Δ16HER2 accumulation which favors the formation of Δ16HER2/HER3 heterodimers. The consequential activation of downstream mTORC1/p70S6K/4EBP1 pathway triggers cancer growth and proliferation. This study provides evidence that resveratrol mechanism of action (and hence its effects) depends on the intrinsic molecular properties of the cancer model under investigation, exerting a tumor-promoting effect in luminal B breast cancer subtype models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Andreani
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, 62032, Italy
| | - Caterina Bartolacci
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, 62032, Italy
| | - Kathleen Wijnant
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, 62032, Italy
| | - Rita Crinelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Urbino, 61029, Italy
| | - Marzia Bianchi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Urbino, 61029, Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Urbino, 61029, Italy
| | - Albana Hysi
- Aging Research Centre, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, 66100, Italy
| | - Manuela Iezzi
- Aging Research Centre, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, 66100, Italy
| | - Augusto Amici
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, 62032, Italy
| | - Cristina Marchini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, 62032, Italy
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Couto JP, Bentires-Alj M. Mouse Models of Breast Cancer: Deceptions that Reveal the Truth. Breast Cancer 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-48848-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Wada R, Yagihashi S, Naito Z. mRNA expression of delta-HER2 and its clinicopathological correlation in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:5104-5110. [PMID: 27840986 PMCID: PMC5355676 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Delta-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a splice variant of HER2, which lacks 16 amino acids in the extracellular domain. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the expression of delta-HER2 and its clinicopathological correlation in Japanese patients with HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. A total of 40 cases of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer were investigated. The mRNA expression levels of wild type (wt)-HER2 and delta-HER2 were quantitated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction using RNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens. In addition, the activated form of phosphorylated-SRC (pSRC) and Ki-67 were detected by immunostaining. The mRNA expression levels of wt-HER2 varied largely, and the mRNA levels of delta-HER2 were correlated with those of wt-HER2. Furthermore, the enhanced immunostaining of pSRC was detected in 15 cases. Unsupervised hierarchal clustering of wt-HER2, delta-HER2 and pSRC was used to separate the cases into three clusters. In the first cluster, the levels of wt-HER2 and delta-HER2 were low, and pSRC immunostaining was low. Two other clusters were characterized by moderately and highly increased levels of wt-HER2 and delta-HER2 mRNA expression and enhanced pSRC. The delta/wt ratio was higher in the first cluster. Positive lymph node status and recurrence were more frequent in the first cluster compared with those in the two other clusters. Furthermore, the delta/wt ratio was significantly increased in lymph node-positive and recurrent cases, compared with in lymph node-negative and non-recurrent cases. The present study demonstrated that delta-HER2 was expressed in Japanese patients with HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. High mRNA expression levels of delta-HER2 were associated with pSRC and increased proliferation of tumor cells. A poor prognosis may be predicted by the increase in delta/wt ratio in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuichi Wada
- Department of Integrated Diagnostic Pathology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113‑8602, Japan
| | - Soroku Yagihashi
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036‑8562, Japan
| | - Zenya Naito
- Department of Integrated Diagnostic Pathology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113‑8602, Japan
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Tilio M, Gambini V, Wang J, Garulli C, Kalogris C, Andreani C, Bartolacci C, Elexpuru Zabaleta M, Pietrella L, Hysi A, Iezzi M, Belletti B, Orlando F, Provinciali M, Galeazzi R, Marchini C, Amici A. Irreversible inhibition of Δ16HER2 is necessary to suppress Δ16HER2-positive breast carcinomas resistant to Lapatinib. Cancer Lett 2016; 381:76-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Castagnoli L, Ghedini GC, Koschorke A, Triulzi T, Dugo M, Gasparini P, Casalini P, Palladini A, Iezzi M, Lamolinara A, Lollini PL, Nanni P, Chiodoni C, Tagliabue E, Pupa SM. Pathobiological implications of the d16HER2 splice variant for stemness and aggressiveness of HER2-positive breast cancer. Oncogene 2016; 36:1721-1732. [PMID: 27641338 PMCID: PMC5447867 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that the d16HER2 splice variant is linked to HER2-positive
breast cancer (BC) tumorigenesis, progression and response to Trastuzumab. However,
the mechanisms by which d16HER2 contributes to HER2-driven aggressiveness and
targeted therapy susceptibility remain uncertain. Here, we report that the
d16HER2-positive mammary tumor cell lines MI6 and MI7, derived from spontaneous
lesions of d16HER2 transgenic (tg) mice and resembling the aggressive features of
primary lesions, are enriched in the expression of Wnt, Notch and
epithelial–mesenchymal transition pathways related genes compared with
full-length wild-type (WT) HER2-positive cells (WTHER2_1 and WTHER2_2) derived from
spontaneous tumors arising in WTHER2 tg mice. MI6 cells exhibited increased
resistance to anoikis and significantly higher mammosphere-forming efficiency (MFE)
and self-renewal capability than the WTHER2-positive counterpart. Furthermore,
d16HER2-positive tumor cells expressed a higher fraction of
CD29High/CD24+/SCA1Low cells and
displayed greater in vivo tumor engraftment in serial dilution conditions
than WTHER2_1 cells. Accordingly, NOTCH inhibitors impaired mammosphere formation
only in MI6 cells. A comparative analysis of stemness-related features driven by
d16HER2 and WTHER2 in ad hoc engineered human BC cells (MCF7 and T47D)
revealed a higher MFE and aldehyde dehydrogenase-positive staining in d16HER2- vs
WTHER2-infected cells, sustaining consistent BC-initiating cell enrichment in the
human setting. Moreover, marked CD44 expression was found in MCF7_d16 and T47D_d16
cells vs their WTHER2 and Mock counterparts. Clinically, BC cases from two distinct
HER2-positive cohorts characterized by high levels of expression of the
activated-d16HER2 metagene were significantly enriched in the Notch family and signal
transducer genes vs those with low levels of the metagene.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Castagnoli
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - G C Ghedini
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - A Koschorke
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - T Triulzi
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - M Dugo
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - P Gasparini
- Tumor Genomics Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - P Casalini
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - A Palladini
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastases, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Iezzi
- CESI Aging Research Center, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G D'Annunzio University, Via Colle dell'Ara, Chieti Scalo, Chieti, Italy
| | - A Lamolinara
- CESI Aging Research Center, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G D'Annunzio University, Via Colle dell'Ara, Chieti Scalo, Chieti, Italy
| | - P L Lollini
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastases, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - P Nanni
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastases, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Chiodoni
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - E Tagliabue
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - S M Pupa
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Gu S, Hu Z, Ngamcherdtrakul W, Castro DJ, Morry J, Reda MM, Gray JW, Yantasee W. Therapeutic siRNA for drug-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 7:14727-41. [PMID: 26894975 PMCID: PMC4924747 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
HER2 is overexpressed in about 20% of breast cancers and contributes to poor prognosis. Unfortunately, a large fraction of patients have primary or acquired resistance to the HER2-targeted therapy trastuzumab, thus a multi-drug combination is utilized in the clinic, putting significant burden on patients. We systematically identified an optimal HER2 siRNA from 76 potential sequences and demonstrated its utility in overcoming intrinsic and acquired resistance to trastuzumab and lapatinib in 18 HER2-positive cancer cell lines. We provided evidence that the drug-resistant cancer maintains dependence on HER2 for survival. Importantly, cell lines did not readily develop resistance following extended treatment with HER2 siRNA. Using our recently developed nanoparticle platform, systemic delivery of HER2 siRNA to trastuzumab-resistant tumors resulted in significant growth inhibition. Moreover, the optimal HER2 siRNA could also silence an exon 16 skipped HER2 splice variant reported to be highly oncogenic and linked to trastuzumab resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenda Gu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Zhi Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Worapol Ngamcherdtrakul
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
- PDX Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - David J. Castro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
- PDX Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Jingga Morry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Moataz M. Reda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Joe W. Gray
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Wassana Yantasee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
- PDX Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
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