1
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Flores G, Grohar PJ. One oncogene, several vulnerabilities: EWS/FLI targeted therapies for Ewing sarcoma. J Bone Oncol 2021; 31:100404. [PMID: 34976713 PMCID: PMC8686064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2021.100404] [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: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
EWS/FLI is the defining mutation of Ewing sarcoma. This oncogene drives malignant transformation and progression and occurs in a genetic background characterized by few other recurrent cooperating mutations. In addition, the tumor is absolutely dependent on the continued expression of EWS/FLI to maintain the malignant phenotype. However, EWS/FLI is a transcription factor and therefore a challenging drug target. The difficulty of directly targeting EWS/FLI stems from unique features of this fusion protein as well as the network of interacting proteins required to execute the transcriptional program. This network includes interacting proteins as well as upstream and downstream effectors that together reprogram the epigenome and transcriptome. While the vast number of proteins involved in this process challenge the development of a highly specific inhibitors, they also yield numerous therapeutic opportunities. In this report, we will review how this vast EWS-FLI transcriptional network has been exploited over the last two decades to identify compounds that directly target EWS/FLI and/or associated vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Flores
- Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, USA
| | - Patrick J Grohar
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, 3501 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, USA
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2
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Ma Y, Xu B, Yu J, Huang L, Zeng X, Shen X, Ren C, Ben-David Y, Luo H. Fli-1 Activation through Targeted Promoter Activity Regulation Using a Novel 3', 5'-diprenylated Chalcone Inhibits Growth and Metastasis of Prostate Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062216. [PMID: 32210104 PMCID: PMC7139342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The friend leukemia integration 1 (Fli-1) gene is involved in the expression control of key genes in multiple pathogenic/physiological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis; this implies that Fli-1 is a strong candidate for drug development. In our previous study, a 3′,5′-diprenylated chalcone, (E)-1-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-3,5-diprenyl) phenyl-3-(3-pyridinyl)-propene-1-one (C10), was identified as a novel anti-prostate cancer (PCa) agent. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer effects of C10 on the growth, metastasis, and invasion of PC3 cells in vitro. Our results show that C10 exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on proliferation and metastasis of PC3 cells via several cellular and flow cytometric analyses. Further mechanism studies revealed that C10 likely serves as an Fli-1 agonist for regulating the expression of Fli-1 target genes including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (P110), murine double minute2 (MDM2), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Src homology-2 domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatase 1 (SHIP-1), and globin transcription factor-1 (Gata-1) as well as the phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated protein kinases 1 (ERK1). Further, we confirmed that C10 can regulate the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor 1 (VEGF-1), transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), p53, and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) genes associated with tumor apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Thus, C10 exhibits stronger anticancer activity with novel molecular targets and regulatory molecular mechanisms, indicating its great potency for development as a novel targeted anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youfen Ma
- State key laboratory of functions and applications of medicinal plants, Guizhou medical university, Guiyang 550014, China; (Y.M.); (B.X.); (J.Y.); (X.Z.); (X.S.)
- College of pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550029, China
| | - Bixue Xu
- State key laboratory of functions and applications of medicinal plants, Guizhou medical university, Guiyang 550014, China; (Y.M.); (B.X.); (J.Y.); (X.Z.); (X.S.)
- The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Science, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Jia Yu
- State key laboratory of functions and applications of medicinal plants, Guizhou medical university, Guiyang 550014, China; (Y.M.); (B.X.); (J.Y.); (X.Z.); (X.S.)
- The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Science, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Lirong Huang
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang 550003, China;
| | - Xiaoping Zeng
- State key laboratory of functions and applications of medicinal plants, Guizhou medical university, Guiyang 550014, China; (Y.M.); (B.X.); (J.Y.); (X.Z.); (X.S.)
- The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Science, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Xiangchun Shen
- State key laboratory of functions and applications of medicinal plants, Guizhou medical university, Guiyang 550014, China; (Y.M.); (B.X.); (J.Y.); (X.Z.); (X.S.)
- College of pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550029, China
| | - Chunyan Ren
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Yaacov Ben-David
- State key laboratory of functions and applications of medicinal plants, Guizhou medical university, Guiyang 550014, China; (Y.M.); (B.X.); (J.Y.); (X.Z.); (X.S.)
- The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Science, Guiyang 550014, China
- Correspondence: (Y.B.-D.); (H.L.); Tel.: +86-0851-83876210 (H.L.)
| | - Heng Luo
- State key laboratory of functions and applications of medicinal plants, Guizhou medical university, Guiyang 550014, China; (Y.M.); (B.X.); (J.Y.); (X.Z.); (X.S.)
- The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Science, Guiyang 550014, China
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Correspondence: (Y.B.-D.); (H.L.); Tel.: +86-0851-83876210 (H.L.)
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3
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Goss KL, Gordon DJ. Gene expression signature based screening identifies ribonucleotide reductase as a candidate therapeutic target in Ewing sarcoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:63003-63019. [PMID: 27557498 PMCID: PMC5325343 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a critical need in cancer therapeutics to identify targeted therapies that will improve outcomes and decrease toxicities compared to conventional, cytotoxic chemotherapy. Ewing sarcoma is a highly aggressive bone and soft tissue cancer that is caused by the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein. Although EWS-FLI1 is specific for cancer cells, and required for tumorigenesis, directly targeting this transcription factor has proven challenging. Consequently, targeting unique dependencies or key downstream mediators of EWS-FLI1 represent important alternative strategies. We used gene expression data derived from a genetically defined model of Ewing sarcoma to interrogate the Connectivity Map and identify a class of drugs, iron chelators, that downregulate a significant number of EWS-FLI1 target genes. We then identified ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2), the iron-dependent subunit of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), as one mediator of iron chelator toxicity in Ewing sarcoma cells. Inhibition of RNR in Ewing sarcoma cells caused apoptosis in vitro and attenuated tumor growth in an in vivo, xenograft model. Additionally, we discovered that the sensitivity of Ewing sarcoma cells to inhibition or suppression of RNR is mediated, in part, by high levels of SLFN11, a protein that sensitizes cells to DNA damage. This work demonstrates a unique dependency of Ewing sarcoma cells on RNR and supports further investigation of RNR inhibitors, which are currently used in clinical practice, as a novel approach for treating Ewing sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli L Goss
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - David J Gordon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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4
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Goss KL, Koppenhafer SL, Harmoney KM, Terry WW, Gordon DJ. Inhibition of CHK1 sensitizes Ewing sarcoma cells to the ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor gemcitabine. Oncotarget 2017; 8:87016-87032. [PMID: 29152060 PMCID: PMC5675612 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a bone and soft tissue sarcoma that occurs in children and young adults. The EWS-FLI1 gene fusion is the driver mutation in most Ewing sarcoma tumors and functions, in part, as an aberrant transcription factor. We recently identified that Ewing sarcoma cells are sensitive to inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), which catalyzes the formation of deoxyribonucleotides from ribonucleotides. In this report, we show that Ewing sarcoma cells are sensitive to treatment with clofarabine, which is a nucleoside analogue and allosteric inhibitor of RNR. However, clofarabine is a reversible inhibitor of RNR and we found that the effect of clofarabine is limited when using a short (6-hour) drug treatment. Gemcitabine, on the other hand, is an irreversible inhibitor of the RRM1 subunit of RNR and this drug induces apoptosis in Ewing sarcoma cells when used in both 6-hour and longer drug treatments. Treatment of Ewing sarcoma cells with gemcitabine also results in activation of checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1), which is a critical mediator of cell survival in the setting of impaired DNA replication. Notably, inhibition of CHK1 function in Ewing sarcoma cells using a small-molecule CHK1 inhibitor, or siRNA knockdown, in combination with gemcitabine results in increased toxicity both in vitro and in vivo in a mouse xenograft experiment. Overall, our results provide insight into Ewing sarcoma biology and identify a candidate therapeutic target, and drug combination, in Ewing sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli L Goss
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - Stacia L Koppenhafer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - Kathryn M Harmoney
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - William W Terry
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - David J Gordon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
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5
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Ratti C, Botti L, Cancila V, Galvan S, Torselli I, Garofalo C, Manara MC, Bongiovanni L, Valenti CF, Burocchi A, Parenza M, Cappetti B, Sangaletti S, Tripodo C, Scotlandi K, Colombo MP, Chiodoni C. Trabectedin Overrides Osteosarcoma Differentiative Block and Reprograms the Tumor Immune Environment Enabling Effective Combination with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:5149-5161. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-3186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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6
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Grohar PJ, Janeway KA, Mase LD, Schiffman JD. Advances in the Treatment of Pediatric Bone Sarcomas. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2017; 37:725-735. [PMID: 28561686 PMCID: PMC6066791 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_175378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Bone tumors make up a significant portion of noncentral nervous system solid tumor diagnoses in pediatric oncology patients. Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma, both with distinct clinical and pathologic features, are the two most commonly encountered bone cancers in pediatrics. Although mutations in the germline have classically been more associated with osteosarcoma, there is recent evidence germline alterations in patients with Ewing sarcoma also play a significant role in pathogenesis. Treatment advances in this patient population have lagged behind that of other pediatric malignancies, particularly targeted interventions directed at the biologic underpinnings of disease. Recent advances in biologic and genomic understanding of these two cancers has expanded the potential for therapeutic advancement and prevention. In Ewing sarcoma, directed focus on inhibition of EWSR1-FLI1 and its effectors has produced promising results. In osteosarcoma, instead of a concentrated focus on one particular change, largely due to tumor heterogeneity, a more diversified approach has been adopted including investigations of growth factors inhibitors, signaling pathway inhibitors, and immune modulation. Continuing recently made treatment advances relies on clinical trial design and enrollment. Clinical trials should include incorporation of biological findings; specifically, for Ewing sarcoma, assessment of alternative fusions and, for osteosarcoma, stratification utilizing biomarkers. Expanded cancer genomics knowledge, particularly with solid tumors, as it relates to heritability and incorporation of family history has led to early identification of patients with cancer predisposition. In these patients through application of cost-effective evidence-based screening techniques the ultimate goal of cancer prevention is becoming a realization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Grohar
- From the Van Andel Research Institute/Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Katherine A Janeway
- From the Van Andel Research Institute/Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Luke D Mase
- From the Van Andel Research Institute/Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Joshua D Schiffman
- From the Van Andel Research Institute/Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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7
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Grohar PJ, Janeway KA, Mase LD, Schiffman JD. Advances in the Treatment of Pediatric Bone Sarcomas. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2017; 37. [PMID: 28561686 PMCID: PMC6066791 DOI: 10.14694/edbk_175378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Bone tumors make up a significant portion of noncentral nervous system solid tumor diagnoses in pediatric oncology patients. Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma, both with distinct clinical and pathologic features, are the two most commonly encountered bone cancers in pediatrics. Although mutations in the germline have classically been more associated with osteosarcoma, there is recent evidence germline alterations in patients with Ewing sarcoma also play a significant role in pathogenesis. Treatment advances in this patient population have lagged behind that of other pediatric malignancies, particularly targeted interventions directed at the biologic underpinnings of disease. Recent advances in biologic and genomic understanding of these two cancers has expanded the potential for therapeutic advancement and prevention. In Ewing sarcoma, directed focus on inhibition of EWSR1-FLI1 and its effectors has produced promising results. In osteosarcoma, instead of a concentrated focus on one particular change, largely due to tumor heterogeneity, a more diversified approach has been adopted including investigations of growth factors inhibitors, signaling pathway inhibitors, and immune modulation. Continuing recently made treatment advances relies on clinical trial design and enrollment. Clinical trials should include incorporation of biological findings; specifically, for Ewing sarcoma, assessment of alternative fusions and, for osteosarcoma, stratification utilizing biomarkers. Expanded cancer genomics knowledge, particularly with solid tumors, as it relates to heritability and incorporation of family history has led to early identification of patients with cancer predisposition. In these patients through application of cost-effective evidence-based screening techniques the ultimate goal of cancer prevention is becoming a realization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Grohar
- From the Van Andel Research Institute/Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Katherine A Janeway
- From the Van Andel Research Institute/Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Luke D Mase
- From the Van Andel Research Institute/Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Joshua D Schiffman
- From the Van Andel Research Institute/Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA; Department of Pediatrics and Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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8
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Osgood CL, Tantawy MN, Maloney N, Madaj ZB, Peck A, Boguslawski E, Jess J, Buck J, Winn ME, Manning HC, Grohar PJ. 18F-FLT Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a Pharmacodynamic Marker for EWS-FLI1 Activity and Ewing Sarcoma. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33926. [PMID: 27671553 PMCID: PMC5037393 DOI: 10.1038/srep33926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a bone and soft-tissue tumor that depends on the activity of the EWS-FLI1 transcription factor for cell survival. Although a number of compounds have been shown to inhibit EWS-FLI1 in vitro, a clinical EWS-FLI1-directed therapy has not been achieved. One problem plaguing drug development efforts is the lack of a suitable, non-invasive, pharmacodynamic marker of EWS-FLI1 activity. Here we show that 18F-FLT PET (18F- 3′-deoxy-3′-fluorothymidine positron emission tomography) reflects EWS-FLI1 activity in Ewing sarcoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. 18F-FLT is transported into the cell by ENT1 and ENT2, where it is phosphorylated by TK1 and trapped intracellularly. In this report, we show that silencing of EWS-FLI1 with either siRNA or small-molecule EWS-FLI1 inhibitors suppressed the expression of ENT1, ENT2, and TK1 and thus decreased 18F-FLT PET activity. This effect was not through a generalized loss in viability or metabolic suppression, as there was no suppression of 18F-FDG PET activity and no suppression with chemotherapy. These results provide the basis for the clinical translation of 18F-FLT as a companion biomarker of EWS-FLI1 activity and a novel diagnostic imaging approach for Ewing sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy L Osgood
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Nichole Maloney
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jason Buck
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, USA
| | - Mary E Winn
- Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | | | - Patrick J Grohar
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.,Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.,Helen De Vos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.,Michigan State University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, MI, USA
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9
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Osgood CL, Maloney N, Kidd CG, Kitchen-Goosen S, Segars L, Gebregiorgis M, Woldemichael GM, He M, Sankar S, Lessnick SL, Kang M, Smith M, Turner L, Madaj ZB, Winn ME, Núñez LE, González-Sabín J, Helman LJ, Morís F, Grohar PJ. Identification of Mithramycin Analogues with Improved Targeting of the EWS-FLI1 Transcription Factor. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 22:4105-18. [PMID: 26979396 PMCID: PMC4987166 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-2624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The goal of this study was to identify second-generation mithramycin analogues that better target the EWS-FLI1 transcription factor for Ewing sarcoma. We previously established mithramycin as an EWS-FLI1 inhibitor, but the compound's toxicity prevented its use at effective concentrations in patients. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We screened a panel of mithralogs to establish their ability to inhibit EWS-FLI1 in Ewing sarcoma. We compared the IC50 with the MTD established in mice to determine the relationship between efficacy and toxicity. We confirmed the suppression of EWS-FLI1 at the promoter, mRNA, gene signature, and protein levels. We established an improved therapeutic window by using time-lapse microscopy to model the effects on cellular proliferation in Ewing sarcoma cells relative to HepG2 control cells. Finally, we established an improved therapeutic window using a xenograft model of Ewing sarcoma. RESULTS EC-8105 was found to be the most potent analogue and was able to suppress EWS-FLI1 activity at concentrations nontoxic to other cell types. EC-8042 was substantially less toxic than mithramycin in multiple species but maintained suppression of EWS-FLI1 at similar concentrations. Both compounds markedly suppressed Ewing sarcoma xenograft growth and inhibited EWS-FLI1 in vivo CONCLUSIONS These results provide a basis for the continued development of EC-8042 and EC-8105 as EWS-FLI1 inhibitors for the clinic. Clin Cancer Res; 22(16); 4105-18. ©2016 AACR.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Disease Models, Animal
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Humans
- Mice
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/antagonists & inhibitors
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Plicamycin/pharmacology
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/metabolism
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/antagonists & inhibitors
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Ewing/drug therapy
- Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics
- Sarcoma, Ewing/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Ewing/mortality
- Transcription Factors
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy L Osgood
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Nichole Maloney
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Christopher G Kidd
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Laura Segars
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee. Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Meti Gebregiorgis
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Girma M Woldemichael
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research Laboratory, Inc., Molecular Targets Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Min He
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Savita Sankar
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Stephen L Lessnick
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Min Kang
- Texas Tech University Health Science Center, School of Medicine, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Malcolm Smith
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland. Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lisa Turner
- Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | | | - Mary E Winn
- Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | | | | | - Lee J Helman
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Patrick J Grohar
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee. Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Helen De Vos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Department of Pediatrics, Michigan State University School of Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan.
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10
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Sand LGL, Szuhai K, Hogendoorn PCW. Sequencing Overview of Ewing Sarcoma: A Journey across Genomic, Epigenomic and Transcriptomic Landscapes. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:16176-215. [PMID: 26193259 PMCID: PMC4519945 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160716176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive neoplasm occurring predominantly in adolescent Caucasians. At the genome level, a pathognomonic EWSR1-ETS translocation is present. The resulting fusion protein acts as a molecular driver in the tumor development and interferes, amongst others, with endogenous transcription and splicing. The Ewing sarcoma cell shows a poorly differentiated, stem-cell like phenotype. Consequently, the cellular origin of Ewing sarcoma is still a hot discussed topic. To further characterize Ewing sarcoma and to further elucidate the role of EWSR1-ETS fusion protein multiple genome, epigenome and transcriptome level studies were performed. In this review, the data from these studies were combined into a comprehensive overview. Presently, classical morphological predictive markers are used in the clinic and the therapy is dominantly based on systemic chemotherapy in combination with surgical interventions. Using sequencing, novel predictive markers and candidates for immuno- and targeted therapy were identified which were summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurens G L Sand
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, The Netherlands.
| | - Karoly Szuhai
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, The Netherlands.
| | - Pancras C W Hogendoorn
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, The Netherlands.
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11
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Amaral AT, Garofalo C, Frapolli R, Manara MC, Mancarella C, Uboldi S, Giandomenico SD, Ordóñez JL, Sevillano V, Malaguarnera R, Picci P, Hassan AB, Alava ED, D'Incalci M, Scotlandi K. Trabectedin Efficacy in Ewing Sarcoma Is Greatly Increased by Combination with Anti-IGF Signaling Agents. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:1373-82. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-1688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Anderson JL, Titz B, Akiyama R, Komisopoulou E, Park A, Tap WD, Graeber TG, Denny CT. Phosphoproteomic profiling reveals IL6-mediated paracrine signaling within the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors. Mol Cancer Res 2014; 12:1740-54. [PMID: 25092916 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-14-0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Members of the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) contain tumor-associated translocations that give rise to oncogenic transcription factors, most commonly EWS/FLI1. EWS/FLI1 plays a dominant role in tumor progression by modulating the expression of hundreds of target genes. Here, the impact of EWS/FLI1 inhibition, by RNAi-mediated knockdown, on cellular signaling was investigated using mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics to quantify global changes in phosphorylation. This unbiased approach identified hundreds of unique phosphopeptides enriched in processes such as regulation of cell cycle and cytoskeleton organization. In particular, phosphotyrosine profiling revealed a large upregulation of STAT3 phosphorylation upon EWS/FLI1 knockdown. However, single-cell analysis demonstrated that this was not a cell-autonomous effect of EWS/FLI1 deficiency, but rather a signaling effect occurring in cells in which knockdown does not occur. Conditioned media from knockdown cells were sufficient to induce STAT3 phosphorylation in control cells, verifying the presence of a soluble factor that can activate STAT3. Cytokine analysis and ligand/receptor inhibition experiments determined that this activation occurred, in part, through an IL6-dependent mechanism. Taken together, the data support a model in which EWS/FLI1 deficiency results in the secretion of soluble factors, such as IL6, which activate STAT signaling in bystander cells that maintain EWS/FLI1 expression. Furthermore, these soluble factors were shown to protect against apoptosis. IMPLICATIONS EWS/FLI1 inhibition results in a novel adaptive response and suggests that targeting the IL6/STAT3 signaling pathway may increase the efficacy of ESFT therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Anderson
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Gwynne Hazen Cherry Memorial Laboratories, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Björn Titz
- Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California. Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California. Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ryan Akiyama
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Gwynne Hazen Cherry Memorial Laboratories, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Evangelia Komisopoulou
- Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California. Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California. Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ann Park
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Gwynne Hazen Cherry Memorial Laboratories, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - William D Tap
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology Service, Division of Solid Tumors, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Thomas G Graeber
- Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California. Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California. Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California. California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California. UCLA Metabolomics Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christopher T Denny
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Gwynne Hazen Cherry Memorial Laboratories, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California. Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California. California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
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