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Shen X, Wu J, Li J, Shao X, Wang X. Case report: Emerging BRCA mutation confers benefit from olaparib after chemotherapy intolerance in advanced triple-negative breast cancer. Clin Case Rep 2024; 12:e8680. [PMID: 38571902 PMCID: PMC10988688 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8680] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Key Clinical Message In a patient with metastatic breast cancer, an acquired BRCA mutation in the BRCA gene was detected, resulting in benefits from olaparib treatment. This underscores the importance of ongoing genetic phenotype testing after paclitaxel chemotherapy. Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with a poor prognosis and elevated mortality risk. BRCA mutations are commonly regarded as prevalent mutations in TNBC patients, strongly associated with congenital familial heredity. Dynamic changes in mutation sites, however, are rarely reported. In this case report, we report a 59-year-old TNBC patient who developed pulmonary metastases post-chemoradiotherapy. No BRCA mutations were detected through NGS. After 7.6 months of nab-paclitaxel treatment, the patient experienced progression of lung metastases, and BRCA mutations were detected through NGS testing. Subsequent administration of olaparib resulted in a reduction in lung metastasis, demonstrating significant therapeutic efficacy. This case underscores the infrequent occurrence of treatment-induced BRCA mutations and emphasizes the significance of dynamic NGS genetic testing for real-time assessment of a patient's mutational status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia‐Bo Shen
- Department of Breast Medical OncologyCancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital)HangzhouChina
| | - Jia‐Yi Wu
- Department of Breast Medical OncologyCancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital)HangzhouChina
| | | | - Xi‐Ying Shao
- Department of Breast Medical OncologyCancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital)HangzhouChina
| | - Xiao‐Jia Wang
- Department of Breast Medical OncologyCancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital)HangzhouChina
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2
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Yavuz BR, Arici MK, Demirel HC, Tsai CJ, Jang H, Nussinov R, Tuncbag N. Neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer networks share pathways, but differ in mechanisms, signaling strength, and outcome. NPJ Genom Med 2023; 8:37. [PMID: 37925498 PMCID: PMC10625621 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-023-00377-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies suggest that individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are more prone to develop certain types of cancer. Notably, however, the case statistics can be impacted by late discovery of cancer in individuals afflicted with NDDs, such as intellectual disorders, autism, and schizophrenia, which may bias the numbers. As to NDD-associated mutations, in most cases, they are germline while cancer mutations are sporadic, emerging during life. However, somatic mosaicism can spur NDDs, and cancer-related mutations can be germline. NDDs and cancer share proteins, pathways, and mutations. Here we ask (i) exactly which features they share, and (ii) how, despite their commonalities, they differ in clinical outcomes. To tackle these questions, we employed a statistical framework followed by network analysis. Our thorough exploration of the mutations, reconstructed disease-specific networks, pathways, and transcriptome levels and profiles of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cancers, point to signaling strength as the key factor: strong signaling promotes cell proliferation in cancer, and weaker (moderate) signaling impacts differentiation in ASD. Thus, we suggest that signaling strength, not activating mutations, can decide clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bengi Ruken Yavuz
- Graduate School of Informatics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - M Kaan Arici
- Graduate School of Informatics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
| | - Habibe Cansu Demirel
- Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, 34450, Turkey
| | - Chung-Jung Tsai
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
| | - Nurcan Tuncbag
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey.
- School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, 34450, Turkey.
- Koc University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Turkey.
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3
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Castillo P, Aisagbonhi O, Saenz CC, ElShamy WM. Novel insights linking BRCA1-IRIS role in mammary gland development to formation of aggressive PABCs: the case for longer breastfeeding. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:396-426. [PMID: 35141026 PMCID: PMC8822284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is diagnosed during or shortly after pregnancy. Although rare, PABC is a serious occurrence often of the triple negative (TNBC) subtype. Here we show progesterone, prolactin, and RANKL upregulate BRCA1-IRIS (IRIS) in separate and overlapping subpopulations of human mammary epithelial cell lines, which exacerbates the proliferation, survival, and the TNBC-like phenotype in them. Conversely, vitamin D3 reduces IRIS expression in TNBC cell lines, which attenuates growth, survival, and the TNBC-like phenotype in them. In the mouse, Brca1-Iris (Iris, mouse IRIS homolog) is expressed at low-level in nulliparous mice, increases ~10-fold in pregnant/lactating mice, to completely disappear in involuting mice, and reappears at low-level in regressed glands. Mice underwent 3 constitutive pregnancies followed by a forced involution (after 5 days of lactation) contained ~10-fold higher Iris in their mammary glands compared to those underwent physiological involution (after 21 days of lactation). While protein extracts from lactating glands promote proliferation in IRISlow and IRIS overexpressing (IRISOE) cells, extracts from involuting glands promote apoptosis in IRISlow, and aneuploidy in IRISOE cells. In a cohort of breast cancer patients, lack of breastfeeding was associated with formation of chemotherapy resistant, metastatic IRISOE breast cancers. We propose that terminal differentiation triggered by long-term breastfeeding reduces IRIS expression in mammary cells allowing their elimination by the inflammatory microenvironment during physiological involution. No/short-term breastfeeding retains in the mammary gland IRISOE cells that thrive in the inflammatory microenvironment during forced involution to become precursors for aggressive breast cancers shortly after pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Castillo
- Breast Cancer Program, San Diego Biomedical Research Institute, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego Health SystemSan Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Omonigho Aisagbonhi
- Department of Pathology, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego Health SystemSan Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Cheryl C Saenz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego Health SystemSan Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Wael M ElShamy
- Breast Cancer Program, San Diego Biomedical Research Institute, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego Health SystemSan Diego, CA 92121, USA
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4
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Dan VM, Raveendran RS, Baby S. Resistance to Intervention: Paclitaxel in Breast Cancer. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 21:1237-1268. [PMID: 33319669 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520999201214234421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer stands as the most prevalent cancer in women globally, and contributes to the highest percentage of mortality due to cancer-related deaths in women. Paclitaxel (PTX) is heavily relied on as a frontline chemotherapy drug in breast cancer treatment, especially in advanced metastatic cancer. Generation of resistance to PTX often derails clinical management and adversely affects patient outcomes. Understanding the molecular mechanism of PTX resistance is necessary to device methods to aid in overcoming the resistance. Recent studies exploring the mechanism of development of PTX resistance have led to unveiling of a range novel therapeutic targets. PTX resistance pathways that involve major regulatory proteins/RNAs like RNF8/Twist/ROR1, TLR, ErbB3/ErbB2, BRCA1- IRIS, MENA, LIN9, MiRNA, FoxM1 and IRAK1 have expanded the complexity of resistance mechanisms, and brought newer insights into the development of drug targets. These resistance-related targets can be dealt with synthetic/natural therapeutics in combination with PTX. The present review encompasses the recent understanding of PTX resistance mechanisms in breast cancer and possible therapeutic combinations to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipin Mohan Dan
- Microbiology Division, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Pacha-Palode 695562, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Reji Saradha Raveendran
- Microbiology Division, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Pacha-Palode 695562, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Sabulal Baby
- Phytochemistry and Phytopharmacology Division, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Pacha-Palode 695562, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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5
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Raimundo L, Calheiros J, Saraiva L. Exploiting DNA Damage Repair in Precision Cancer Therapy: BRCA1 as a Prime Therapeutic Target. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143438. [PMID: 34298653 PMCID: PMC8303227 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chemical inhibition of central DNA damage repair (DDR) proteins has become a promising approach in precision cancer therapy. In particular, BRCA1 and its DDR-associated proteins constitute important targets for developing DNA repair inhibiting drugs. This review provides relevant insights on DDR biology and pharmacology, aiming to boost the development of more effective DDR targeted therapies. Abstract Precision medicine aims to identify specific molecular alterations, such as driver mutations, allowing tailored and effective anticancer therapies. Poly(ADP)-ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) are the prototypical example of targeted therapy, exploiting the inability of cancer cells to repair DNA damage. Following the concept of synthetic lethality, PARPi have gained great relevance, particularly in BRCA1 dysfunctional cancer cells. In fact, BRCA1 mutations culminate in DNA repair defects that can render cancer cells more vulnerable to therapy. However, the efficacy of these drugs has been greatly affected by the occurrence of resistance due to multi-connected DNA repair pathways that may compensate for each other. Hence, the search for additional effective agents targeting DNA damage repair (DDR) is of crucial importance. In this context, BRCA1 has assumed a central role in developing drugs aimed at inhibiting DNA repair activity. Collectively, this review provides an in-depth understanding of the biology and regulatory mechanisms of DDR pathways, highlighting the potential of DDR-associated molecules, particularly BRCA1 and its interconnected partners, in precision cancer medicine. It also affords an overview about what we have achieved and a reflection on how much remains to be done in this field, further addressing encouraging clues for the advance of DDR targeted therapy.
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6
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Blokh D, Gitarts J, Stambler I. An information-theoretical analysis of gene nucleotide sequence structuredness for a selection of aging and cancer-related genes. Genomics Inform 2020; 18:e41. [PMID: 33412757 PMCID: PMC7808870 DOI: 10.5808/gi.2020.18.4.e41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
We provide an algorithm for the construction and analysis of autocorrelation (information) functions of gene nucleotide sequences. As a measure of correlation between discrete random variables, we use normalized mutual information. The information functions are indicative of the degree of structuredness of gene sequences. We construct the information functions for selected gene sequences. We find a significant difference between information functions of genes of different types. We hypothesize that the features of information functions of gene nucleotide sequences are related to phenotypes of these genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Blokh
- C.D. Technologies Ltd., Beer Sheba 8445914, Israel
| | - Joseph Gitarts
- Efi Arazi School of Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya 4673304, Israel
| | - Ilia Stambler
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
- Corresponding author: E-mail:
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7
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Sami E, Paul BT, Koziol JA, ElShamy WM. The Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in BRCA1-IRIS-Overexpressing TNBC Tumors Is Induced by Bidirectional Interaction with Tumor-Associated Macrophages. Cancer Res 2020; 80:1102-1117. [PMID: 31911557 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-2374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) promote triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression. Here, we report BRCA1-IRIS-overexpressing (IRISOE) TNBC cells secrete high levels of GM-CSF in a hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α)- and a NF-κB-dependent manner to recruit macrophages to IRISOE cells and polarize them to protumor M2 TAMs. GM-CSF triggered TGFβ1 expression by M2 TAMs by activating STAT5, NF-κB, and/or ERK signaling. Despite expressing high levels of TGFβ1 receptors on their surface, IRISOE TNBC cells channeled TGFβ1/TβRI/II signaling toward AKT, not SMAD, which activated stemness/EMT phenotypes. In orthotopic and syngeneic mouse models, silencing or inactivating IRIS in TNBC cells lowered the levels of circulating GM-CSF, suppressed TAM recruitment, and decreased the levels of circulating TGFβ1. Coinjecting macrophages with IRISOE TNBC cells induced earlier metastasis in athymic mice accompanied by high levels of circulating GM-CSF and TGFβ1. IRISOE TNBC cells expressed low levels of calreticulin (the "eat me" signal for macrophages) and high levels of CD47 (the "do not eat me" signal for macrophages) and PD-L1 (a T-cell inactivator) on their surface. Accordingly, IRISOE TNBC tumors had significantly few CD8+/PD-1+ cytotoxic T cells and more CD25+/FOXP3+ regulatory T cells. These data show that the bidirectional interaction between IRISOE cells and macrophages triggers an immunosuppressive microenvironment within TNBC tumors that is favorable for the generation of immune-evading/stem-like/IRISOE TNBC metastatic precursors. Inhibiting this interaction may inhibit disease progression and enhance patients' overall survival. SIGNIFICANCE: The BRCA1-IRIS oncogene promotes breast cancer aggressiveness by recruiting macrophages and promoting their M2 polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Sami
- Breast Cancer Program, San Diego Biomedical Research Institute, San Diego, California
| | - Bibbin T Paul
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - James A Koziol
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Wael M ElShamy
- Breast Cancer Program, San Diego Biomedical Research Institute, San Diego, California.
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8
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Arason A, Agnarsson BA, Johannesdottir G, Johannsson OT, Hilmarsdottir B, Reynisdottir I, Barkardottir RB. The BRCA1 c.4096+3A>G Variant Displays Classical Characteristics of Pathogenic BRCA1 Mutations in Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancers, But Still Allows Homozygous Viability. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E882. [PMID: 31683985 PMCID: PMC6896150 DOI: 10.3390/genes10110882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in BRCA1 result in predisposal to breast and ovarian cancers, but many variants exist with unknown clinical significance (VUS). One is BRCA1 c.4096+3A>G, which affects production of the full-length BRCA1 transcript, while augmenting transcripts lacking most or all of exon 11. Nonetheless, homozygosity of this variant has been reported in a healthy woman. We saw this variant cosegregate with breast and ovarian cancer in several family branches of four Icelandic pedigrees, with instances of phenocopies and a homozygous woman with lung cancer. We found eight heterozygous carriers (0.44%) in 1820 unselected breast cancer cases, and three (0.15%) in 1968 controls (p = 0.13). Seeking conclusive evidence, we studied tumors from carriers in the pedigrees for wild-type-loss of heterozygosity (wtLOH) and BRCA1-characteristic prevalence of estrogen receptor (ER) negativity. Of 15 breast and six ovarian tumors, wtLOH occurred in nine breast and all six ovarian tumours, and six of the nine breast tumors with wtLOH were ER-negative. These data accord with a pathogenic BRCA1-mutation. Our findings add to the current knowledge of BRCA1, and the role of its exon 11 in cancer pathogenicity, and will be of use in clinical genetic counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adalgeir Arason
- Department of Pathology, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.
- BMC (Biomedical Center), Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Bjarni A Agnarsson
- Department of Pathology, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Gudrun Johannesdottir
- Department of Pathology, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Oskar Th Johannsson
- BMC (Biomedical Center), Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.
- Department of Oncology, Landspitali, The National University Hospital of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Bylgja Hilmarsdottir
- Department of Pathology, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.
- BMC (Biomedical Center), Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Inga Reynisdottir
- Department of Pathology, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.
- BMC (Biomedical Center), Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Rosa B Barkardottir
- Department of Pathology, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.
- BMC (Biomedical Center), Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.
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Desterro J, Bak-Gordon P, Carmo-Fonseca M. Targeting mRNA processing as an anticancer strategy. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 19:112-129. [PMID: 31554928 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0042-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Discoveries in the past decade have highlighted the potential of mRNA as a therapeutic target for cancer. Specifically, RNA sequencing revealed that, in addition to gene mutations, alterations in mRNA can contribute to the initiation and progression of cancer. Indeed, precursor mRNA processing, which includes the removal of introns by splicing and the formation of 3' ends by cleavage and polyadenylation, is frequently altered in tumours. These alterations result in numerous cancer-specific mRNAs that generate altered levels of normal proteins or proteins with new functions, leading to the activation of oncogenes or the inactivation of tumour-suppressor genes. Abnormally spliced and polyadenylated mRNAs are also associated with resistance to cancer treatment and, unexpectedly, certain cancers are highly sensitive to the pharmacological inhibition of splicing. This Review summarizes recent progress in our understanding of how splicing and polyadenylation are altered in cancer and highlights how this knowledge has been translated for drug discovery, resulting in the production of small molecules and oligonucleotides that modulate the spliceosome and are in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Desterro
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa, Serviço de Hematologia, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Bak-Gordon
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Carmo-Fonseca
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
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10
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Li D, Harlan-Williams LM, Kumaraswamy E, Jensen RA. BRCA1-No Matter How You Splice It. Cancer Res 2019; 79:2091-2098. [PMID: 30992324 PMCID: PMC6497576 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-3190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BRCA1 (breast cancer 1, early onset), a well-known breast cancer susceptibility gene, is a highly alternatively spliced gene. BRCA1 alternative splicing may serve as an alternative regulatory mechanism for the inactivation of the BRCA1 gene in both hereditary and sporadic breast cancers, and other BRCA1-associated cancers. The alternative transcripts of BRCA1 can mimic known functions, possess unique functions compared with the full-length BRCA1 transcript, and in some cases, appear to function in opposition to full-length BRCA1 In this review, we will summarize the functional "naturally occurring" alternative splicing transcripts of BRCA1 and then discuss the latest next-generation sequencing-based detection methods and techniques to detect alternative BRCA1 splicing patterns and their potential use in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Lisa M Harlan-Williams
- The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Easwari Kumaraswamy
- The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Roy A Jensen
- The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
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11
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Ryan D, Paul BT, Koziol J, ElShamy WM. The pro- and anti-tumor roles of mesenchymal stem cells toward BRCA1-IRIS-overexpressing TNBC cells. Breast Cancer Res 2019; 21:53. [PMID: 31014367 PMCID: PMC6480921 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-019-1131-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To evaluate the cross-talk between BRCA1-IRIS (IRIS)-overexpressing (IRISOE) TNBC cells and tumor-resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that triggers the aggressiveness or elimination of IRISOE TNBC tumors. Methods We analyzed the effect of silencing or inactivating IRIS on the bi-directional interaction between IRISOE TNBC cells and MSCs on tumor formation and progression. We analyzed the downstream signaling in MSCs induced by IL-6 secreted from IRISOE TNBC cells. We compared the effect of MSCs on the formation and progression of IRIS-proficient and deficient-TNBC cells/tumors using in vitro and in vivo models. Finally, we analyzed the association between IL-6, PTGER2, and PTGER4 overexpression and breast cancer subtype; hormone receptor status; and distant metastasis-free or overall survival. Results We show high-level IL-6 secreted from IRISOE TNBC cells that enhances expression of its receptor (IL-6R) in MSCs, their proliferation, and migration toward IRISOE, in vitro, and recruitment into IRISOE TNBC tumors, in vivo. In serum-free medium, recombinant IL-6 and the IL-6-rich IRISOE TNBC cell condition media (CM) decreased STAT3Y705 phosphorylation (p-STAT3Y705) in MSCs. Inhibiting IRIS expression or activity prolonged STAT3Y705 phosphorylation in MSCs. The interaction with IRISOE TNBC cells skewed MSC differentiation toward prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-secreting pro-aggressiveness cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Accordingly, co-injecting human or mouse MSCs with IRISOE TNBC tumor cells promoted the formation of aggressive mammary tumors, high circulating IL-6 and PGE2 levels, and reduced overall survival. In contrast, IRIS-silenced or inactivated cells showed reduced tumor formation ability, limited MSC recruitment into tumors, reduced circulating IL-6 and PGE2 levels, and prolonged overall survival. A positive correlation between IL-6, PTGER2, and PTGER4 expression and basal phenotype; ER-negativity; distant metastasis-free and overall survival in basal; or BRCAmutant carriers was observed. Finally, the bi-directional interaction with MSCs triggered death rather than growth of IRIS-silenced TNBC cells, in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions The IL-6/PGE2-positive feedback loop between IRISOE TNBC tumor cells and MSCs enhances tumor aggressiveness. Inhibiting IRIS expression limits TNBC tumor growth and progression through an MSC-induced death of IRIS-silenced/inactivated TNBC cells. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13058-019-1131-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ryan
- Breast Cancer Program, San Diego Biomedical Research Institute, 10865 Road to Cure, Suite 100, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Bibbin T Paul
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Jim Koziol
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Wael M ElShamy
- Breast Cancer Program, San Diego Biomedical Research Institute, 10865 Road to Cure, Suite 100, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
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12
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Sondka Z, Bamford S, Cole CG, Ward SA, Dunham I, Forbes SA. The COSMIC Cancer Gene Census: describing genetic dysfunction across all human cancers. Nat Rev Cancer 2018; 18:696-705. [PMID: 30293088 PMCID: PMC6450507 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-018-0060-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 860] [Impact Index Per Article: 143.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) Cancer Gene Census (CGC) is an expert-curated description of the genes driving human cancer that is used as a standard in cancer genetics across basic research, medical reporting and pharmaceutical development. After a major expansion and complete re-evaluation, the 2018 CGC describes in detail the effect of 719 cancer-driving genes. The recent expansion includes functional and mechanistic descriptions of how each gene contributes to disease generation in terms of the key cancer hallmarks and the impact of mutations on gene and protein function. These functional characteristics depict the extraordinary complexity of cancer biology and suggest multiple cancer-related functions for many genes, which are often highly tissue-dependent or tumour stage-dependent. The 2018 CGC encompasses a second tier, describing an expanding list of genes (currently 145) from more recent cancer studies that show supportive but less detailed indications of a role in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zbyslaw Sondka
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.
- Open Targets, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Sally Bamford
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Charlotte G Cole
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sari A Ward
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ian Dunham
- Open Targets, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Simon A Forbes
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
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Premature polyadenylation of MAGI3 is associated with diminished N 6-methyladenosine in its large internal exon. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1415. [PMID: 29362392 PMCID: PMC5780518 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19916-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In cancer, tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) are frequently truncated, causing their encoded products to be non-functional or dominant-negative. We previously showed that premature polyadenylation (pPA) of MAGI3 truncates the gene, switching its functional role from a TSG to a dominant-negative oncogene. Here we report that MAGI3 undergoes pPA at the intron immediately downstream of its large internal exon, which is normally highly modified by N6-methyladenosine (m6A). In breast cancer cells that upregulate MAGI3pPA, m6A levels in the large internal exon of MAGI3 are significantly reduced compared to cells that do not express MAGI3pPA. We further find that MAGI3pPA transcripts are significantly depleted of m6A modifications, in contrast to highly m6A-modified full-length MAGI3 mRNA. Finally, we analyze public expression data and find that other TSGs, including LATS1 and BRCA1, also undergo intronic pPA following large internal exons, and that m6A levels in these exons are reduced in pPA-activated breast cancer cells relative to untransformed mammary cells. Our study suggests that m6A may play a role in regulating intronic pPA of MAGI3 and possibly other TSGs, warranting further investigation.
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Ryan D, Sinha A, Bogan D, Davies J, Koziol J, ElShamy WM. A niche that triggers aggressiveness within BRCA1-IRIS overexpressing triple negative tumors is supported by reciprocal interactions with the microenvironment. Oncotarget 2017; 8:103182-103206. [PMID: 29262555 PMCID: PMC5732721 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Production of metastasis capable precursors begins within the primary tumor. Here, we define the bidirectional interactions with stromal cells involved in promoting these precursors within BRCA1-IRIS (hereafter IRIS) overexpressing (IRISOE) TNBC tumors. We define an aggressiveness niche, functionally defined as the necrotic/hypoxic core of the tumor, in which metabolically stressed, hypoxic, and inflamed IRISOE TNBC cells secrete higher levels of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. One cytokine; IL-1β attracts mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the niche and activates them to secrete CXCL1 that entrains IRISOE cells to secrete higher levels of CCL2 and VEGF. CCL2 attracts macrophages (TAMs) to the niche and activates them to secrete S100A8, and VEGF attracts endothelial cells (ECs) and activates them to secrete IL-8. In concert, CXCL1, S100A8 and IL-8 entrain aggressiveness in IRISOE TNBC cells within the niche. Indeed, compared to IRISOE cells alone, tumors developed by co-injecting IRISOE cells admixed with MSCs (10:1) in athymic mice were bigger and more aggressive. They contained more TAMs and ECs, expressed higher-levels of basal, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and stemness biomarkers, quickly progressed to lymph-node or visceral metastases, and were highly sensitive to the IL-1β inhibitor “Anakinra”. Our findings supported by human data show that breast cancer patients with high-levels of IL-1β, CXCL1, CCL2, S100A8, VEGF, and IL-8 would show worse clinical outcomes. Our findings argue that this cytokine set is a diagnostic biomarker for patients who may benefit from an IRIS inhibitor-based therapy, and is a blue print for translation of approaches to combining that therapy with inhibitors of these bidirectional interactions to overcome TNBC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ryan
- Breast Cancer Program, San Diego Biomedical Research Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Danielle Bogan
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Joanna Davies
- Breast Cancer Program, San Diego Biomedical Research Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jim Koziol
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Wael M ElShamy
- Breast Cancer Program, San Diego Biomedical Research Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
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15
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The role of BRCA1-IRIS in the development and progression of triple negative breast cancers in Egypt: possible link to disease early lesion. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:329. [PMID: 28499366 PMCID: PMC5429567 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3283-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is the most globally diagnosed female cancer, with the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) being the most aggressive subtype of the disease. In this study we aimed at comparing the effect of BRCA1-IRIS overexpression on the clinico-pathological characteristics in breast cancer patients with TNBC or non-TNBC in the largest comprehensive cancer center in Egypt. Methods To reach this goal, we conducted an observational study at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cairo University (Cairo, Egypt). The data on all diagnosed breast cancer patients, between 2009 and 2012, were reviewed. BRCA1-IRIS expression measured using real time RT/PCR in these patients’ tumor samples was correlated to tumor characteristics, such as to clinico-pathological features, therapeutic responses, and survival outcomes. Results 96 patients were enrolled and of these 45% were TNBC, and 55% were of other subtypes (hereafter, non-TNBC). All patients presented with invasive ductal carcinomas. No significant difference was observed for risk factors, such as age and menopausal status between the TNBC and the non-TNBC groups except after BRCA1-IRIS expression was factored in. The majority of the tumors in both groups were ≤5 cm at surgery (p = 0.013). However, in the TNBC group, ≤5 cm tumors were BRCA1-IRIS-overexpressing, whereas in the non-TNBC group they were BRCA1-IRIS-negative (p = 0.00007). Most of the TNBC patients diagnosed with grade 1 or 2 were BRCA1-IRIS-overexpressing, whereas non-TNBCs were IRIS-negative (p = 0.00035). No statistical significance was measured in patients diagnosed with grade 3 tumors. Statistically significant difference between TNBCs and non-TNBCs and tumor stage with regard to BRCA1-IRIS-overexpression was observed. Presence of axillary lymph node metastases was positively associated with BRCA1-IRIS overexpression in TNBC group, and with BRCA1-IRIS-negative status in the non-TNBC group (p = 0.00009). Relapse after chemotherapy (p < 0.00001), and local recurrence/distant metastasis after surgery (p = 0.0028) were more pronounced in TNBC patients with BRCA1-IRIS-overexpressing tumors compared to non-TNBC patients. Finally, decreased disease-free survival in TNBC/BRCA1-IRIS-overexpressing patients compared to TNBC/BRCA1-IRIS-negative patients, and decreased overall survival in TNBC as well as non-TNBC patients was driven by BRCA1-IRIS overexpression. Conclusions TNBC/BRCA1-IRIS-overexpressing tumors are more aggressive than TNBC/BRCA1-IRIS-negative or non-TNBC/BRCA1-IRIS-overexpressing or both negative tumors. Further studies are warranted to define whether BRCA1-IRIS drives the early TNBC lesions growth and dissemination and whether it could be used as a diagnostic biomarker and/or therapeutic target for these lesions at an early stage setting.
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16
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Sinha A, Paul BT, Sullivan LM, Sims H, Bastawisy AE, Yousef HF, Zekri ARN, Bahnassy AA, ElShamy WM. BRCA1-IRIS overexpression promotes and maintains the tumor initiating phenotype: implications for triple negative breast cancer early lesions. Oncotarget 2017; 8:10114-10135. [PMID: 28052035 PMCID: PMC5354646 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-initiating cells (TICs) are cancer cells endowed with self-renewal, multi-lineage differentiation, increased chemo-resistance, and in breast cancers the CD44+/CD24-/ALDH1+ phenotype. Triple negative breast cancers show lack of BRCA1 expression in addition to enhanced basal, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and TIC phenotypes. BRCA1-IRIS (hereafter IRIS) is an oncogene produced by the alternative usage of the BRCA1 locus. IRIS is involved in induction of replication, transcription of selected oncogenes, and promoting breast cancer cells aggressiveness. Here, we demonstrate that IRIS overexpression (IRISOE) promotes TNBCs through suppressing BRCA1 expression, enhancing basal-biomarkers, EMT-inducers, and stemness-enforcers expression. IRISOE also activates the TIC phenotype in TNBC cells through elevating CD44 and ALDH1 expression/activity and preventing CD24 surface presentation by activating the internalization pathway EGFR→c-Src→cortactin. We show that the intrinsic sensitivity to an anti-CD24 cross-linking antibody-induced cell death in membranous CD24 expressing/luminal A cells could be acquired in cytoplasmic CD24 expressing IRISOE TNBC/TIC cells through IRIS silencing or inactivation. We show that fewer IRISOE TNBC/TICs cells form large tumors composed of TICs, resembling TNBCs early lesions in patients that contain metastatic precursors capable of disseminating and metastasizing at an early stage of the disease. IRIS-inhibitory peptide killed these IRISOE TNBC/TICs, in vivo and prevented their dissemination and metastasis. We propose IRIS inactivation could be pursued to prevent dissemination and metastasis from early TNBC tumor lesions in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilasha Sinha
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Bibbin T. Paul
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Lisa M. Sullivan
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Hillary Sims
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Ahmed El Bastawisy
- Medical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hend F. Yousef
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Abeer A. Bahnassy
- Molecular Pathology and Cytogenetics, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Wael M. ElShamy
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
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17
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Kotta-Loizou I, Vasilopoulos SN, Coutts RHA, Theocharis S. Current Evidence and Future Perspectives on HuR and Breast Cancer Development, Prognosis, and Treatment. Neoplasia 2016; 18:674-688. [PMID: 27764700 PMCID: PMC5071540 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hu-antigen R (HuR) is an RNA-binding posttranscriptional regulator that belongs to the Hu/ELAV family. HuR expression levels are modulated by a variety of proteins, microRNAs, chemical compounds, or the microenvironment, and in turn, HuR affects mRNA stability and translation of various genes implicated in breast cancer formation, progression, metastasis, and treatment. The aim of the present review is to critically summarize the role of HuR in breast cancer development and its potential as a prognosticator and a therapeutic target. In this aspect, all the existing English literature concerning HuR expression and function in breast cancer cell lines, in vivo animal models, and clinical studies is critically presented and summarized. HuR modulates many genes implicated in biological processes crucial for breast cancer formation, growth, and metastasis, whereas the link between HuR and these processes has been demonstrated directly in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, clinical studies reveal that HuR is associated with more aggressive forms of breast cancer and is a putative prognosticator for patients' survival. All the above indicate HuR as a promising drug target for cancer therapy; nevertheless, additional studies are required to fully understand its potential and determine against which types of breast cancer and at which stage of the disease a therapeutic agent targeting HuR would be more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioly Kotta-Loizou
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece.
| | - Spyridon N Vasilopoulos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Robert H A Coutts
- Geography, Environment and Agriculture Division, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, United Kingdom
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
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18
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ElShamy WM. The role of BRCA1-IRIS in ovarian cancer formation, drug resistance and progression. Oncoscience 2016; 3:145-6. [PMID: 27489859 PMCID: PMC4965255 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wael M ElShamy
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
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19
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Altekruse SF, Rosenfeld GE, Carrick DM, Pressman EJ, Schully SD, Mechanic LE, Cronin KA, Hernandez BY, Lynch CF, Cozen W, Khoury MJ, Penberthy LT. SEER cancer registry biospecimen research: yesterday and tomorrow. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015; 23:2681-7. [PMID: 25472677 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-14-0490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries have been a source of biospecimens for cancer research for decades. Recently, registry-based biospecimen studies have become more practical, with the expansion of electronic networks for pathology and medical record reporting. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens are now used for next-generation sequencing and other molecular techniques. These developments create new opportunities for SEER biospecimen research. We evaluated 31 research articles published during 2005 to 2013 based on authors' confirmation that these studies involved linkage of SEER data to biospecimens. Rather than providing an exhaustive review of all possible articles, our intent was to indicate the breadth of research made possible by such a resource. We also summarize responses to a 2012 questionnaire that was broadly distributed to the NCI intra- and extramural biospecimen research community. This included responses from 30 investigators who had used SEER biospecimens in their research. The survey was not intended to be a systematic sample, but instead to provide anecdotal insight on strengths, limitations, and the future of SEER biospecimen research. Identified strengths of this research resource include biospecimen availability, cost, and annotation of data, including demographic information, stage, and survival. Shortcomings include limited annotation of clinical attributes such as detailed chemotherapy history and recurrence, and timeliness of turnaround following biospecimen requests. A review of selected SEER biospecimen articles, investigator feedback, and technological advances reinforced our view that SEER biospecimen resources should be developed. This would advance cancer biology, etiology, and personalized therapy research. See all the articles in this CEBP Focus section, "Biomarkers, Biospecimens, and New Technologies in Molecular Epidemiology." Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(12); 2681-7. ©2014 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean F Altekruse
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Rockville, Maryland.
| | - Gabriel E Rosenfeld
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Danielle M Carrick
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Emilee J Pressman
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Sheri D Schully
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Leah E Mechanic
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Kathleen A Cronin
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | | | - Charles F Lynch
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Wendy Cozen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC), USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California. Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC), USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Muin J Khoury
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Rockville, Maryland. Office of Public Health Genomics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lynne T Penberthy
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
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20
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Abstract
The Hippo pathway regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis through the Yes-associated protein (YAP) transcriptional activator. YAP has a well-described role in promoting cell proliferation and survival, but the precise mechanisms and transcriptional targets that underlie these properties are still unclear and likely context-dependent. We found, using siRNA-mediated knockdown, that YAP is required for proliferation in endothelial cells but not HeLa cells. Specifically, YAP is required for S-phase entry and its absence causes cells to accumulate in G1. Microarray analysis suggests that YAP mediates this effect by regulating the transcription of genes involved in the assembly and/or firing of replication origins and homologous recombination of DNA. These findings thus provide insight into the molecular mechanisms by which YAP regulates cell cycle progression.
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21
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Blanchard Z, Paul BT, Craft B, ElShamy WM. BRCA1-IRIS inactivation overcomes paclitaxel resistance in triple negative breast cancers. Breast Cancer Res 2015; 17:5. [PMID: 25583261 PMCID: PMC4322455 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-014-0512-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Intrinsic or acquired chemoresistance is a major problem in oncology. Although highly responsive to chemotherapies such as paclitaxel, most triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients develop chemoresistance. Here we investigate the role of BRCA1-IRIS as a novel treatment target for TNBCs and their paclitaxel-resistant recurrences. Methods We analyzed the response of BRCA1-IRIS overexpressing normal mammary cells or established TNBC cells silenced from BRCA1-IRIS to paclitaxel in vitro and in vivo. We analyzed BRCA1-IRIS downstream signaling pathways in relation to paclitaxel treatment. We also analyzed a large cohort of breast tumor samples for BRCA1-IRIS, Forkhead box class O3a (FOXO3a) and survivin expression. Finally, we analyzed the effect of BRCA1-IRIS silencing or inactivation on TNBCs formation, maintenance and response to paclitaxel in an orthotopic model. Results We show that low concentrations of paclitaxel triggers BRCA1-IRIS expression in vitro and in vivo, and that BRCA1-IRIS activates two autocrine signaling loops (epidermal growth factor (EGF)/EGF receptor 1 (EGFR)-EGF receptor 2 (ErbB2) and neurogulin 1 (NRG1)/ErbB2-EGF receptor 3 (ErbB3), which enhances protein kinase B (AKT) and thus survivin expression/activation through promoting FOXO3a degradation. This signaling pathway is intact in TNBCs endogenously overexpressing BRCA1-IRIS. These events trigger the intrinsic and acquired paclitaxel resistance phenotype known for BRCA1-IRIS-overexpressing TNBCs. Inactivating BRCA1-IRIS signaling using a novel inhibitory mimetic peptide inactivates these autocrine loops, AKT and survivin activity/expression, in part by restoring FOXO3a expression, and sensitizes TNBC cells to low paclitaxel concentrations in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we show BRCA1-IRIS and survivin overexpression is correlated with lack of FOXO3a expression in a large cohort of primary tumor samples, and that BRCA1-IRIS overexpression-induced signature is associated with decreased disease free survival in heavily treated estrogen receptor alpha-negative patients. Conclusions In addition to driving TNBC tumor formation, BRCA1-IRIS overexpression drives their intrinsic and acquired paclitaxel resistance, partly by activating autocrine signaling loops EGF/EGFR-ErbB2 and NRG1/ErbB2-ErbB3. These loops activate AKT, causing FOXO3a degradation and survivin overexpression. Taken together, this underscores the need for BRCA1-IRIS-specific therapy and strongly suggests that BRCA1-IRIS and/or signaling loops activated by it could be rational therapeutic targets for advanced TNBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zannel Blanchard
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
| | - Bibbin T Paul
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA. .,Present address: University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA.
| | - Barbara Craft
- Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
| | - Wael M ElShamy
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
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22
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BRCA1-IRIS inactivation sensitizes ovarian tumors to cisplatin. Oncogene 2014; 34:3036-52. [PMID: 25132263 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the first in mortalities among gynecologic cancers in the United States, often due to late diagnosis and/or acquired platinum-resistant recurrences. This study investigates whether BRCA1-IRIS is a novel treatment target for ovarian cancers and in platinum-resistant recurrences. Here we show that more than half of the ovarian cancer samples analyzed showed BRCA1-IRIS and survivin overexpression and lacked nuclear FOXO3a expression. Normal ovarian epithelial cells overexpressing BRCA1-IRIS formed metastasis in mice when injected in the peritoneal cavity, whereas aggressive ovarian cancer cell lines failed to form tumors or metastases in mice when BRCA1-IRIS was silenced in them. We show that BRCA1-IRIS activates two autocrine signaling loops, brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase B receptor (BDNF/TrkB) and neuregulin 1 (NRG1)/ErbB2. These loops are involved in anoikis resistance and metastasis promotion. These loops operate in several ovarian cancer cell lines, and BRCA1-IRIS silencing or inactivation using a novel inhibitory peptide renders both non-functional and promoted cell death. In a mouse xenograft model, BRCA1-IRIS inactivation using this novel inhibitory peptide resulted in significant reduction in ovarian tumor growth. More importantly, this treatment sensitized ovarian tumors to low cisplatin concentrations. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that BRCA1-IRIS and/or BDNF/TrkB and NRG1/ErbB2 could serve as rational therapeutic targets for advanced ovarian cancers.
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23
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Colombo M, Blok MJ, Whiley P, Santamariña M, Gutiérrez-Enríquez S, Romero A, Garre P, Becker A, Smith LD, De Vecchi G, Brandão RD, Tserpelis D, Brown M, Blanco A, Bonache S, Menéndez M, Houdayer C, Foglia C, Fackenthal JD, Baralle D, Wappenschmidt B, Díaz-Rubio E, Caldés T, Walker L, Díez O, Vega A, Spurdle AB, Radice P, De La Hoya M. Comprehensive annotation of splice junctions supports pervasive alternative splicing at the BRCA1 locus: a report from the ENIGMA consortium. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:3666-80. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mara Colombo
- Department of Preventive
and Predictive Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy,
| | - Marinus J. Blok
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands,
| | - Phillip Whiley
- Molecular Cancer Epidemiology Laboratory, Genetics and Computational Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia,
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia,
| | - Marta Santamariña
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica-USC, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, CIBERER, IDIS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain,
| | | | - Atocha Romero
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain,
| | - Pilar Garre
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain,
| | - Alexandra Becker
- Center of Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany,
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany,
| | - Lindsay Denise Smith
- Human Development and Health Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK,
| | - Giovanna De Vecchi
- Department of Preventive
and Predictive Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy,
| | - Rita D. Brandão
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands,
| | - Demis Tserpelis
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands,
| | - Melissa Brown
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia,
| | - Ana Blanco
- Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica-SERGAS, Grupo de Medicina Xenómica-USC, CIBERER, IDIS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain,
| | - Sandra Bonache
- Oncogenetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) and
- Oncogenetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,
| | - Mireia Menéndez
- Genetic Diagnosis Unit, Hereditary Cancer Program, Institut Català d'Oncologia, Barcelona, Spain,
| | - Claude Houdayer
- Service de Génétique and INSERM U830, Institut Curie and Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France,
| | - Claudia Foglia
- Department of Preventive
and Predictive Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy,
| | - James D. Fackenthal
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA,
| | - Diana Baralle
- Human Development and Health Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK,
| | - Barbara Wappenschmidt
- Center of Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany,
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany,
| | - Eduardo Díaz-Rubio
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain,
- Servicio de Oncología Médica, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain,
| | - Trinidad Caldés
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain,
| | - Logan Walker
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Orland Díez
- Oncogenetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) and
- Oncogenetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,
- Oncogenetics Group, University Hospital of Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Vega
- Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica-SERGAS, Grupo de Medicina Xenómica-USC, CIBERER, IDIS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain,
| | - Amanda B. Spurdle
- Molecular Cancer Epidemiology Laboratory, Genetics and Computational Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia,
| | - Paolo Radice
- Department of Preventive
and Predictive Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy,
| | - Miguel De La Hoya
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain,
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BRCA1 exon 11 alternative splicing, multiple functions and the association with cancer. Biochem Soc Trans 2012; 40:768-72. [PMID: 22817731 DOI: 10.1042/bst20120140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BRCA1 (breast cancer early-onset 1) alternative splicing levels are regulated in a cell-cycle- and cell-type-specific manner, with splice variants being present in different proportions in tumour cell lines as well as in normal mammary epithelial cells. The importance of this difference in the pathogenesis of breast cancer has yet to be determined. Developing an understanding of the impact of BRCA1 isoform ratio changes on cell phenotype will be of value in breast cancer and may offer therapeutic options. In the present paper, we describe the splicing isoforms of BRCA1 exon 11, their possible role in cancer biology and the importance of maintaining a balanced ratio.
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Shimizu Y, Mullins N, Blanchard Z, Elshamy WM. BRCA1/p220 loss triggers BRCA1-IRIS overexpression via mRNA stabilization in breast cancer cells. Oncotarget 2012; 3:299-313. [PMID: 22431556 PMCID: PMC3359886 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BRCA1/p220-assocaited and triple negative/basal-like (TN/BL) tumors are aggressive and incurable breast cancer diseases that share among other features the no/low BRCA1/p220 expression. Here we show that BRCA1/p220 silencing in normal human mammary epithelial (HME) cells reduces expression of two RNA-destabilizing proteins, namely AUF1 and pCBP2, both proteins bind and destabilize BRCA1-IRIS mRNA. BRCA1-IRIS overexpression in HME cells triggers expression of several TN/BL markers, e.g., cytokeratins 5 and 17, p-cadherin, EGFR and cyclin E as well as expression and activation of the pro-survival proteins; AKT and survivin. BRCA1-IRIS silencing in the TN/BL cell line, SUM149 or restoration of BRCA1/p220 expression in the mutant cell line, HCC1937 reduced expression of TN/BL markers, AKT and survivin and induced cell death. Collectively, we propose that BRCA1/p220 loss of expression or function triggers BRCA1-IRIS overexpression through a post-transcriptional mechanism, which in turn promotes formation of aggressive and invasive breast tumors by inducing expression of TN/BL and survival proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Shimizu
- Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
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Ong FS, Das K, Wang J, Vakil H, Kuo JZ, Blackwell WLB, Lim SW, Goodarzi MO, Bernstein KE, Rotter JI, Grody WW. Personalized medicine and pharmacogenetic biomarkers: progress in molecular oncology testing. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2012; 12:593-602. [PMID: 22845480 PMCID: PMC3495985 DOI: 10.1586/erm.12.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In the field of oncology, clinical molecular diagnostics and biomarker discoveries are constantly advancing as the intricate molecular mechanisms that transform a normal cell into an aberrant state in concert with the dysregulation of alternative complementary pathways are increasingly understood. Progress in biomarker technology, coupled with the companion clinical diagnostic laboratory tests, continue to advance this field, where individualized and customized treatment appropriate for each individual patient define the standard of care. Here, we discuss the current commonly used predictive pharmacogenetic biomarkers in clinical oncology molecular testing: BRAF V600E for vemurafenib in melanoma; EML4-ALK for crizotinib and EGFR for erlotinib and gefitinib in non-small-cell lung cancer; KRAS against the use of cetuximab and panitumumab in colorectal cancer; ERBB2 (HER2/neu) for trastuzumab in breast cancer; BCR-ABL for tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia; and PML/RARα for all-trans-retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank S Ong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
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