1
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Shaw T, Barr FG, Üren A. The PAX Genes: Roles in Development, Cancer, and Other Diseases. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1022. [PMID: 38473380 PMCID: PMC10931086 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16051022] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Since their 1986 discovery in Drosophila, Paired box (PAX) genes have been shown to play major roles in the early development of the eye, muscle, skeleton, kidney, and other organs. Consistent with their roles as master regulators of tissue formation, the PAX family members are evolutionarily conserved, regulate large transcriptional networks, and in turn can be regulated by a variety of mechanisms. Losses or mutations in these genes can result in developmental disorders or cancers. The precise mechanisms by which PAX genes control disease pathogenesis are well understood in some cases, but much remains to be explored. A deeper understanding of the biology of these genes, therefore, has the potential to aid in the improvement of disease diagnosis and the development of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taryn Shaw
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Frederic G Barr
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Aykut Üren
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20001, USA
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2
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Nakazawa K, Shaw T, Song YK, Kouassi-Brou M, Molotkova A, Tiwari PB, Chou HC, Wen X, Wei JS, Deniz E, Toretsky JA, Keller C, Barr FG, Khan J, Üren A. Piperacetazine Directly Binds to the PAX3::FOXO1 Fusion Protein and Inhibits Its Transcriptional Activity. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2030-2043. [PMID: 37732905 PMCID: PMC10557868 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
The tumor-specific chromosomal translocation product, PAX3::FOXO1, is an aberrant fusion protein that plays a key role for oncogenesis in the alveolar subtype of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). PAX3::FOXO1 represents a validated molecular target for alveolar RMS and successful inhibition of its oncogenic activity is likely to have significant clinical applications. Even though several PAX3::FOXO1 function-based screening studies have been successfully completed, a directly binding small-molecule inhibitor of PAX3::FOXO1 has not been reported. Therefore, we screened small-molecule libraries to identify compounds that were capable of directly binding to PAX3::FOXO1 protein using surface plasmon resonance technology. Compounds that directly bound to PAX3::FOXO1 were further evaluated in secondary transcriptional activation assays. We discovered that piperacetazine can directly bind to PAX3::FOXO1 protein and inhibit fusion protein-derived transcription in multiple alveolar RMS cell lines. Piperacetazine inhibited anchorage-independent growth of fusion-positive alveolar RMS cells but not embryonal RMS cells. On the basis of our findings, piperacetazine is a molecular scaffold upon which derivatives could be developed as specific inhibitors of PAX3::FOXO1. These novel inhibitors could potentially be evaluated in future clinical trials for recurrent or metastatic alveolar RMS as novel targeted therapy options. SIGNIFICANCE RMS is a malignant soft-tissue tumor mainly affecting the pediatric population. A subgroup of RMS with worse prognosis harbors a unique chromosomal translocation creating an oncogenic fusion protein, PAX3::FOXO1. We identified piperacetazine as a direct inhibitor of PAX3::FOXO1, which may provide a scaffold for designing RMS-specific targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Nakazawa
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Taryn Shaw
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Young K. Song
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Marilyn Kouassi-Brou
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Anna Molotkova
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Purushottam B. Tiwari
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Hsien-Chao Chou
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Xinyu Wen
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jun S. Wei
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Emre Deniz
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jeffrey A. Toretsky
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Charles Keller
- Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, Hillsboro, Oregon
| | - Frederic G. Barr
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Javed Khan
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Aykut Üren
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
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3
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Chen HH, Hao PH, Zhang FY, Zhang TN. Non-coding RNAs in metabolic reprogramming of bone and soft tissue sarcoma: Fundamental mechanism and clinical implication. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 160:114346. [PMID: 36738505 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas, comprising approximately 1% of human malignancies, show a poor response to treatment and easy recurrence. Metabolic reprogramming play an important role in tumor development in sarcomas. Accumulating evidence shows that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) participate in regulating the cellular metabolism of sarcomas, which improves the understanding of the development of therapy-resistant tumors. This review addresses the regulatory roles of metabolism-related ncRNAs and their implications for sarcoma initiation and progression. Dysregulation of metabolism-related ncRNAs is common in sarcomas and is associated with poor survival. Emerging studies show that abnormal expression of metabolism-related ncRNAs affects cellular metabolism, including glucose, lipid, and mitochondrial metabolism, and leads to the development of aggressive sarcomas. This review summarizes recent advances in the roles of dysregulated metabolism-related ncRNAs in sarcoma development and stemness and describes their potential to serve as biological biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis prediction, as well as therapeutic targets for treating refractory sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Huan Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China.
| | - Peng-Hui Hao
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China.
| | - Fang-Yuan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China.
| | - Tie-Ning Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China.
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4
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Brack E, Bender S, Wachtel M, Pruschy M, Schäfer BW. Fenretinide Acts as Potent Radiosensitizer for Treatment of Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:664462. [PMID: 34211841 PMCID: PMC8239363 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.664462] [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: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion-positive rhabdomyosarcoma (FP-RMS) is a highly aggressive childhood malignancy which is mainly treated by conventional chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Since radiotherapy is associated with a high burden of late side effects in pediatric patients, addition of radiosensitizers would be beneficial. Here, we thought to assess the role of fenretinide, a potential agent for FP-RMS treatment, as radiosensitizer. Survival of human FP-RMS cells was assessed after combination therapy with fenretinide and ionizing radiation (IR) by cell viability and clonogenicity assays. Indeed, this was found to significantly reduce cell viability compared to single treatments. Mechanistically, this was accompanied by enhanced production of reactive oxygen species, initiation of cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis. Interestingly, the combination treatment also triggered a new form of dynamin-dependent macropinocytosis, which was previously described in fenretinide-only treated cells. Our data suggest that fenretinide acts in combination with IR to induce cell death in FP-RMS cells and therefore might represent a novel radiosensitizer for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Brack
- Department of Oncology, Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Bender
- Department of Radiology Biology, University Hospital Zurich, Radio-Oncology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Wachtel
- Department of Oncology, Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Pruschy
- Department of Radiology Biology, University Hospital Zurich, Radio-Oncology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat W Schäfer
- Department of Oncology, Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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5
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Fahs A, Ramadan F, Ghamloush F, Ayoub AJ, Ahmad FA, Kobeissy F, Mechref Y, Zhao J, Zhu R, Hussein N, Saab R, Ghayad SE. Effects of the Oncoprotein PAX3-FOXO1 on Modulation of Exosomes Function and Protein Content: Implications on Oxidative Stress Protection and Enhanced Plasticity. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1784. [PMID: 33117671 PMCID: PMC7560303 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a highly malignant soft tissue sarcoma classified into two major histologic subtypes: embryonal (ERMS) and alveolar (ARMS). ARMS subtype is clinically more aggressive, and characterized by an oncogenic fusion protein PAX3-FOXO1 (P3F) that drives oncogenic cellular properties. To understand the role of the fusion oncoprotein in paracrine signaling, we focused on secreted exosomes, which have been demonstrated to contribute to metastasis in multiple tumor types. Advanced Proteomics-bioinformatics analysis of the protein cargo of exosomes isolated from C2C12 myoblasts transduced with P3F fusion gene revealed 52 deregulated proteins compared to control cells, with 26 enriched and 26 depleted proteins. Using both PANTHER gene classification and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software, we found that the main biological processes in which the 52 deregulated proteins are involved, include “catalytic activity,” “binding,” “metabolic process,” and “cellular process.” The pathways engaging the 26 enriched proteins include the “14-3-3 mediated signaling,” “cell cycle,” and “ERK5, VEGF, IGF1,and p70S6K signaling.” Furthermore, the main nodes in which deregulated exosome proteins and miRNAs intersected revealed pathways conferring protection from stress and promoting plasticity. Based on the bioinformatics analysis and the altered exosome proteome profile, we performed biochemical functional analysis to study the diverse properties of these exosomes where angiogenesis, stemness, and anti-oxidative stress properties were validated using different platforms. P3F-modulated exosomes activated ERK, 4-EBP1, and MMP-2 in recipient cells, and enhanced angiogenesis and stemness. In addition, P3F led to lower cellular reactive oxygen species levels and enhanced resistance against oxidative stress; and treatment of stromal cells with P3F-modulated exosomes also conferred protection against exogenous oxidative stress. Our findings highlight the role of P3F fusion protein in modulating exosome cargo to confer a protective effect on recipient cells against oxidative stress and to promote plasticity and survival, potentially contributing to the known aggressive phenotype of the fusion gene-positive subtype of RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assil Fahs
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science II, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Farah Ramadan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science II, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | - Farah Ghamloush
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Children's Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abeer J Ayoub
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science II, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fatima Ali Ahmad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science II, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Yehia Mechref
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Jingfu Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Rui Zhu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Nader Hussein
- Cancer Biology Stem Cells and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Raya Saab
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Children's Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sandra E Ghayad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science II, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
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6
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Brack E, Wachtel M, Wolf A, Kaech A, Ziegler U, Schäfer BW. Fenretinide induces a new form of dynamin-dependent cell death in pediatric sarcoma. Cell Death Differ 2020; 27:2500-2516. [PMID: 32144381 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-0518-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (aRMS) is a highly malicious childhood malignancy characterized by specific chromosomal translocations mostly encoding the oncogenic transcription factor PAX3-FOXO1 and therefore also referred to as fusion-positive RMS (FP-RMS). Previously, we have identified fenretinide (retinoic acid p-hydroxyanilide) to affect PAX3-FOXO1 expression levels as well as FP-RMS cell viability. Here, we characterize the mode of action of fenretinide in more detail. First, we demonstrate that fenretinide-induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) depends on complex II of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, since ROS scavenging as well as complexing of iron completely abolished cell death. Second, we co-treated cells with a range of pharmacological inhibitors of specific cell death pathways including z-vad (apoptosis), necrostatin-1 (necroptosis), 3-methyladenine (3-MA) (autophagy), and ferrostatin-1 (ferroptosis) together with fenretinide. Surprisingly, none of these inhibitors was able to prevent cell death. Also genetic depletion of key players in the apoptotic and necroptotic pathway (BAK, BAX, and RIPK1) confirmed the pharmacological data. Interestingly however, electron microscopy of fenretinide-treated cells revealed an excessive accumulation of cytoplasmic vacuoles, which were distinct from autophagosomes. Further flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy experiments suggested a hyperstimulation of macropinocytosis, leading to an accumulation of enlarged early and late endosomes. Surprisingly, pharmacological inhibition as well as genetic depletion of large dynamin GTPases completely abolished fenretinide-induced vesicle formation and subsequent cell death, suggesting a new form of dynamin-dependent programmed cell death. Taken together, our data identify a new form of cell death mediated through the production of ROS by fenretinide treatment, highlighting the value of this compound for treatment of sarcoma patients including FP-RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Brack
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Wachtel
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anja Wolf
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andres Kaech
- Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urs Ziegler
- Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat W Schäfer
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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7
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Fenretinide reduces angiogenesis by downregulating CDH5, FOXM1 and eNOS genes and suppressing microRNA-10b. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:1649-1658. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05252-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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8
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Hedrick E, Mohankumar K, Lacey A, Safe S. Inhibition of NR4A1 Promotes ROS Accumulation and IL24-Dependent Growth Arrest in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:2221-2232. [PMID: 31462501 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-0408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1, Nur77) is overexpressed in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), and inactivation of NR4A1 (siNR4A1) or treatment with the NR4A1 antagonist 1,1-bis(3'-indoly)-1-(p-hydroxy-phenyl)methane (DIM-C-pPhOH) has antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on RMS cells. However, the mechanism by which NR4A1 inhibition exerts these effects is poorly defined. Here, we report that NR4A1 silencing or inhibition resulted in accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ROS-dependent induction of the tumor suppressor-like cytokine IL24 in RMS cells. Mechanistically, NR4A1 was found to regulate the expression of the proreductant genes thioredoxin domain-containing 5 (TXNDC5) and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), which are downregulated in RMS cells following NR4A1 knockdown or inhibition. Silencing TXNDC5 and IDH1 also induced ROS accumulation and IL24 expression in RMS cells, suggesting that NR4A1 antagonists mediate their antiproliferative and apoptotic effects through modulation of proreductant gene expression. Finally, cotreatment with the antioxidant glutathione or IL24-blocking antibody reversed the effects of NR4A1 inhibition, demonstrating the importance of both ROS and IL24 in mediating the cellular responses. IMPLICATIONS: Overall, these data elucidate the mechanism by which NR4A1 inhibition functions to inhibit the proliferation, survival, and migration of RMS cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Hedrick
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Kumaravel Mohankumar
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Alexandra Lacey
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
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9
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Nguyen TH, Barr FG. Therapeutic Approaches Targeting PAX3-FOXO1 and Its Regulatory and Transcriptional Pathways in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Molecules 2018; 23:E2798. [PMID: 30373318 PMCID: PMC6278278 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23112798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a family of soft tissue cancers that are related to the skeletal muscle lineage and predominantly occur in children and young adults. A specific chromosomal translocation t(2;13)(q35;q14) that gives rise to the chimeric oncogenic transcription factor PAX3-FOXO1 has been identified as a hallmark of the aggressive alveolar subtype of RMS. PAX3-FOXO1 cooperates with additional molecular changes to promote oncogenic transformation and tumorigenesis in various human and murine models. Its expression is generally restricted to RMS tumor cells, thus providing a very specific target for therapeutic approaches for these RMS tumors. In this article, we review the recent understanding of PAX3-FOXO1 as a transcription factor in the pathogenesis of this cancer and discuss recent developments to target this oncoprotein for treatment of RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frederic G. Barr
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
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10
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Advances in chromosomal translocations and fusion genes in sarcomas and potential therapeutic applications. Cancer Treat Rev 2017; 63:61-70. [PMID: 29247978 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal translocations and fusion genes are very common in human cancer especially in subtypes of sarcomas, such as rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, synovial sarcoma and liposarcoma. The discovery of novel chromosomal translocations and fusion genes in different tumors are due to the advancement of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies such as whole genome sequencing. Recently, many novel chromosomal translocations and gene fusions have been identified in different types of sarcoma through NGS approaches. In addition to previously known sarcoma fusion genes, these novel specific fusion genes and associated molecular events represent important targets for novel therapeutic approaches in the treatment of sarcomas. This review focuses on recent advances in chromosomal translocations and fusion genes in sarcomas and their potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of sarcomas.
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11
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Lacey A, Rodrigues-Hoffman A, Safe S. PAX3-FOXO1A Expression in Rhabdomyosarcoma Is Driven by the Targetable Nuclear Receptor NR4A1. Cancer Res 2016; 77:732-741. [PMID: 27864345 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-16-1546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) is a devastating pediatric disease driven by expression of the oncogenic fusion gene PAX3-FOXO1A. In this study, we report overexpression of the nuclear receptor NR4A1 in rhabdomyosarcomas that is sufficient to drive high expression of PAX3-FOXO1A there. RNAi-mediated silencing of NR4A1 decreased expression of PAX3-FOXO1A and its downstream effector genes. Similarly, cell treatment with the NR4A1 small-molecule antagonists 1,1-bis(3-indolyl)-1-(p-hydroxy or p-carbomethoxyphenyl)methane (C-DIM) decreased PAX3-FOXO1A. Mechanistic investigations revealed a requirement for the NR4A1/Sp4 complex to bind GC-rich promoter regions to elevate transcription of the PAX3-FOXO1A gene. In parallel, NR4A1 also regulated expression of β1-integrin, which with PAX3-FOXO1A, contributed to tumor cell migration that was blocked by C-DIM/NR4A1 antagonists. Taken together, our results provide a preclinical rationale for the use of NR4A1 small-molecule antagonists to treat ARMS and other rhabdomyosarcomas driven by PAX3-FOXO1A. Cancer Res; 77(3); 732-41. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Lacey
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | | | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
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12
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Biochemical and cell biological assays to identify and characterize DNA helicase inhibitors. Methods 2016; 108:130-41. [PMID: 27064001 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing number of DNA helicases implicated in hereditary disorders and cancer indicates that this particular class of enzymes plays key roles in genomic stability and cellular homeostasis. Indeed, a large body of work has provided molecular and cellular evidence that helicases act upon a variety of nucleic acid substrates and interact with numerous proteins to enact their functions in replication, DNA repair, recombination, and transcription. Understanding how helicases operate in unique and overlapping pathways is a great challenge to researchers. In this review, we describe a series of experimental approaches and methodologies to identify and characterize DNA helicase inhibitors which collectively provide an alternative and useful strategy to explore their biological significance in cell-based systems. These procedures were used in the discovery of biologically active compounds that inhibited the DNA unwinding function catalyzed by the human WRN helicase-nuclease defective in the premature aging disorder Werner syndrome. We describe in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches to characterize helicase inhibitors with WRN as the model, anticipating that these approaches may be extrapolated to other DNA helicases, particularly those implicated in DNA repair and/or the replication stress response.
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13
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Goldar S, Khaniani MS, Derakhshan SM, Baradaran B. Molecular mechanisms of apoptosis and roles in cancer development and treatment. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2016; 16:2129-44. [PMID: 25824729 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.6.2129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 365] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death (PCD) or apoptosis is a mechanism which is crucial for all multicellular organisms to control cell proliferation and maintain tissue homeostasis as well as eliminate harmful or unnecessary cells from an organism. Defects in the physiological mechanisms of apoptosis may contribute to different human diseases like cancer. Identification of the mechanisms of apoptosis and its effector proteins as well as the genes responsible for apoptosis has provided a new opportunity to discover and develop novel agents that can increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to undergo apoptosis or reset their apoptotic threshold. These novel targeted therapies include those targeting anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, p53, the extrinsic pathway, FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP), inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins, and the caspases. In recent years a number of these novel agents have been assessed in preclinical and clinical trials. In this review, we introduce some of the key regulatory molecules that control the apoptotic pathways, extrinsic and intrinsic death receptors, discuss how defects in apoptotic pathways contribute to cancer, and list several agents being developed to target apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Goldar
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Labratorary, Division of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran E-mail :
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14
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Rello-Varona S, Herrero-Martín D, Lagares-Tena L, López-Alemany R, Mulet-Margalef N, Huertas-Martínez J, Garcia-Monclús S, García Del Muro X, Muñoz-Pinedo C, Tirado OM. The importance of being dead: cell death mechanisms assessment in anti-sarcoma therapy. Front Oncol 2015; 5:82. [PMID: 25905041 PMCID: PMC4387920 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell death can occur through different mechanisms, defined by their nature and physiological implications. Correct assessment of cell death is crucial for cancer therapy success. Sarcomas are a large and diverse group of neoplasias from mesenchymal origin. Among cell death types, apoptosis is by far the most studied in sarcomas. Albeit very promising in other fields, regulated necrosis and other cell death circumstances (as so-called "autophagic cell death" or "mitotic catastrophe") have not been yet properly addressed in sarcomas. Cell death is usually quantified in sarcomas by unspecific assays and in most cases the precise sequence of events remains poorly characterized. In this review, our main objective is to put into context the most recent sarcoma cell death findings in the more general landscape of different cell death modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Rello-Varona
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - David Herrero-Martín
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Laura Lagares-Tena
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Roser López-Alemany
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Núria Mulet-Margalef
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Juan Huertas-Martínez
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Silvia Garcia-Monclús
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Xavier García Del Muro
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Cristina Muñoz-Pinedo
- Cell Death Regulation Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Oscar Martínez Tirado
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
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Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma of childhood, and despite clinical advances, subsets of these patients continue to suffer high levels of morbidity and mortality associated with their disease. Recent genetic and molecular characterization of these tumors using sophisticated genomics techniques, including next-generation sequencing experiments, has revealed multiple areas that can be exploited for new molecularly targeted therapies for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack F. Shern
- Genetics Branch, Oncogenomics Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Marielle E. Yohe
- Genetics Branch, Oncogenomics Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Javed Khan
- Genetics Branch, Oncogenomics Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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16
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Saletta F, Wadham C, Ziegler DS, Marshall GM, Haber M, McCowage G, Norris MD, Byrne JA. Molecular profiling of childhood cancer: Biomarkers and novel therapies. BBA CLINICAL 2014; 1:59-77. [PMID: 26675306 PMCID: PMC4633945 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbacli.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Technological advances including high-throughput sequencing have identified numerous tumor-specific genetic changes in pediatric and adolescent cancers that can be exploited as targets for novel therapies. SCOPE OF REVIEW This review provides a detailed overview of recent advances in the application of target-specific therapies for childhood cancers, either as single agents or in combination with other therapies. The review summarizes preclinical evidence on which clinical trials are based, early phase clinical trial results, and the incorporation of predictive biomarkers into clinical practice, according to cancer type. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS There is growing evidence that molecularly targeted therapies can valuably add to the arsenal available for treating childhood cancers, particularly when used in combination with other therapies. Nonetheless the introduction of molecularly targeted agents into practice remains challenging, due to the use of unselected populations in some clinical trials, inadequate methods to evaluate efficacy, and the need for improved preclinical models to both evaluate dosing and safety of combination therapies. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The increasing recognition of the heterogeneity of molecular causes of cancer favors the continued development of molecularly targeted agents, and their transfer to pediatric and adolescent populations.
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Key Words
- ALK, anaplastic lymphoma kinase
- ALL, acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- AML, acute myeloid leukemia
- ARMS, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma
- AT/RT, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor
- AURKA, aurora kinase A
- AURKB, aurora kinase B
- BET, bromodomain and extra terminal
- Biomarkers
- CAR, chimeric antigen receptor
- CML, chronic myeloid leukemia
- Childhood cancer
- DFMO, difluoromethylornithine
- DIPG, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
- EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor
- ERMS, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma
- HDAC, histone deacetylases
- Hsp90, heat shock protein 90
- IGF-1R, insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor
- IGF/IGFR, insulin-like growth factor/receptor
- Molecular diagnostics
- NSCLC, non-small cell lung cancer
- ODC1, ornithine decarboxylase 1
- PARP, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase
- PDGFRA/B, platelet derived growth factor alpha/beta
- PI3K, phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase
- PLK1, polo-like kinase 1
- Ph +, Philadelphia chromosome-positive
- RMS, rhabdomyosarcoma
- SHH, sonic hedgehog
- SMO, smoothened
- SYK, spleen tyrosine kinase
- TOP1/TOP2, DNA topoisomerase 1/2
- TRAIL, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand
- Targeted therapy
- VEGF/VEGFR, vascular endothelial growth factor/receptor
- mAb, monoclonal antibody
- mAbs, monoclonal antibodies
- mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Saletta
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute, Westmead 2145, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carol Wadham
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Randwick 2031, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David S. Ziegler
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Randwick 2031, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick 2031, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Glenn M. Marshall
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Randwick 2031, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick 2031, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Randwick 2031, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Geoffrey McCowage
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead 2145, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Murray D. Norris
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Randwick 2031, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer A. Byrne
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute, Westmead 2145, New South Wales, Australia
- The University of Sydney Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead 2145, New South Wales, Australia
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Wada A, Hara S, Osada H. Ribosome display and photo-cross-linking techniques for in vitro identification of target proteins of bioactive small molecules. Anal Chem 2014; 86:6768-73. [PMID: 24380432 DOI: 10.1021/ac4030208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The identification of target proteins of bioactive small molecules as bioprobe candidates or drug seeds is indispensable for elucidating their actions and predicting their side effects. To meet the current need, we developed a scheme for detection and identification of target proteins by using ribosome display and photo-cross-linking techniques, and demonstrated the feasibility. The mRNAs encoding full-length human proteins (FHPs) were constructed and translated in vitro to prepare pools of FHP-ribosome-mRNA complexes used for ribosome display selection. Expression levels of the FHPs were confirmed by Western blot analysis, and photo-cross-linked small-molecule beads were assessed through cell-free synthesized FHP binding assay. After ribosome display selection against photo-cross-linked small-molecule beads, RT-PCR using mRNAs recovered from the selected ternary complexes and electrophoresis of the PCR products allowed specific detection of the target proteins binding to the beads. In addition, a repeat of ribosome display selection enabled us to identify the target proteins even if the molar quantity was one ten-thousandth of that of the other proteins in a cell-free synthesized FHP pool. Therefore, these results showed that ribosome display using photo-cross-linked small-molecule beads and further extended FHP pool could be one of the powerful techniques for identification of unknown target proteins of bioactive small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Wada
- Antibiotics Laboratory, RIKEN , 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
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