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da Silva KR, Veronez LC, Correa CAP, Lira RCP, Baroni M, de Paula Silva Queiroz R, Antonini SRR, Yunes JA, Brandalise SR, Tone LG, Scrideli CA. MicroRNA-149-3p expression correlates with outcomes of adrenocortical tumor patients and affects proliferation and cell cycle progression of H295A adrenocortical cancer cell line. Hum Cell 2022; 35:1952-1960. [PMID: 36053456 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00778-2] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric adrenocortical tumor (ACT) is a rare and aggressive neoplasm, with incidence in southern and southeastern Brazil 10-15 times higher than worldwide. Although microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to act as tumor suppressors or oncogenes in several cancers, the role of miR-149-3p in ACT remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated the expression of miR-149-3p in 67 pediatric ACT samples and 19 non-neoplastic adrenal tissues. The overexpression of miR-149-3p was induced in H295A cell line, and cell viability, proliferation, colony formation, and cell cycle were assessed by in miR-149-3p mimic or mimic control. In silico analysis were used to predict miR-149-3p putative target genes. CDKN1A expression at the mRNA and protein levels was evaluated by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Higher miR-149-3p expression was associated with unfavorable ACT outcomes. Compared to the mimic control, miR-149-3p overexpression increased cell viability and colony formation, and affected cell cycle progression. Also, we identified CDKN1A as a potential miR-149-3p target gene, with decreased expression at both the gene and protein levels in miR-149-3p mimic cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that miR-149-3p promotes H295A cell viability by downregulating CDKN1A and provide evidence that miR-149-3p may be useful as a novel therapeutic target for pediatric ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keteryne Rodrigues da Silva
- Departments of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Luciana Chain Veronez
- Departments of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Carolina Alves Pereira Correa
- Departments of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Régia Caroline Peixoto Lira
- Departments of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.,Division of General Pathology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Campus I, Uberaba, MG, 38025-200, Brazil
| | - Mirella Baroni
- Departments of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Rosane de Paula Silva Queiroz
- Departments of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Sonir Roberto Rauber Antonini
- Departments of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luiz Gonzaga Tone
- Departments of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.,Departments of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto Scrideli
- Departments of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil. .,Departments of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.
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2
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Xu C, Qin C, Jian J, Peng Y, Wang X, Chen X, Wu D, Song Y. Identification of an immune-related gene signature as a prognostic target and the immune microenvironment for adrenocortical carcinoma. Immun Inflamm Dis 2022; 10:e680. [PMID: 36039643 PMCID: PMC9382862 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy. Even with complete tumor resection and adjuvant therapies, the prognosis of patients with ACC remains unsatisfactory. In the microtumor environment, the impact of a disordered immune system and abnormal immune responses is enormous. To improve treatment, novel prognostic predictors and treatment targets for ACC need to be identified. Hence, credible prognostic biomarkers of immune-associated genes (IRGs) should be explored and developed. MATERIAL AND METHODS We downloaded RNA-sequencing data and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data set, Genotype-Tissue Expression data set, and Gene Expression Omnibus data set. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was applied to reveal the potential functions of differentially expressed genes. RESULTS GSEA indicated an association between ACC and immune-related functions. We obtained 332 IRGs and constructed a prognostic signature on the strength of 3 IRGs (INHBA, HELLS, and HDAC4) in the training cohort. The high-risk group had significantly poorer overall survival than the low-risk group (p < .001). Multivariate Cox regression was performed with the signature as an independent prognostic indicator for ACC. The testing cohort and the entire TCGA ACC cohort were utilized to validate these findings. Moreover, external validation was conducted in the GSE10927 and GSE19750 cohorts. The tumor-infiltrating immune cells analysis indicated that the quantity of T cells, natural killer cells, macrophage cells, myeloid dendritic cells, and mast cells in the immune microenvironment differed between the low-risk and high-risk groups. CONCLUSION Our three-IRG prognostic signature and the three IRGs can be used as prognostic indicators and potential immunotherapeutic targets for ACC. Inhibitors of the three novel IRGs might activate immune cells and play a synergistic role in combination therapy with immunotherapy for ACC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengdang Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Caipeng Qin
- Department of UrologyPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Jingang Jian
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow UniversitySuzhou Medical College of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yun Peng
- Department of UrologyPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Xinan Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Denglong Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yuxuan Song
- Department of UrologyPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of UrologyTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
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Oliveira RC, Martins MJ, Moreno C, Almeida R, Carvalho J, Teixeira P, Teixeira M, Silva ET, Paiva I, Figueiredo A, Cipriano MA. Histological scores and tumor size on stage II in adrenocortical carcinomas. Rare Tumors 2021; 13:20363613211026494. [PMID: 34262677 PMCID: PMC8243092 DOI: 10.1177/20363613211026494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC) are aggressive tumors with a poor prognosis.
Histological scores are advised for the diagnosis, however, there are borderline
cases that may be misjudged as adrenocortical adenomas (ACA). The three main
scores used are: Weiss Modified System (WMS), Reticulin Algorithm (RA), and
Helsinki Score (HS). We intend to compare the accuracy of the three scores in
ACC diagnosis and to identify predictive factors of overall survival (OS).
Retrospective study (2004–2016) at Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra
of the adrenal tumors, classified as ACC or ACA, with a history of posterior
tumor relapse/metastases, without lesions in the contralateral adrenal gland:
13F and 6M, with a median age of 51 ± 12.41 years. Nodules’ median size was
9.20 ± 6.2 cm. Patients had a median OS of 52 ± 18.6 months, with 57.9% and
46.3%, at 3 and 5 years. Seven patients had local recurrence and nine had
metastases. Thirteen cases were in stage II. The WMS and the HS allowed a
diagnosis of ACC in 15 cases and the RA defined ACC in 17 cases. All cases had,
at least, focal disruption of the reticulin framework. More than
5 mitosis/50 HPF was associated with worse OS: 49.67 ± 21.43 versus
108.86 ± 14.02 months (p = 0.026). In patients with stage II,
tumor size ⩾10 cm was associated with worse OS: 19.25 ± 7.15 versus
96.11 ± 16.7 months (p = 0.007), confirmed by multivariate
analysis (p = 0.031). The correct diagnosis of ACC is a
pathologist responsibility. The RA seems the most accurate. Any loss of the
reticulin framework should raise awareness for malignancy. In patients on stage
II, a size ⩾10 cm is a predictor of worse prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Caetano Oliveira
- Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Biophysics Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria João Martins
- Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carolina Moreno
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Almeida
- Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Carvalho
- Urology and Renal Transplantation, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Teixeira
- Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Teixeira
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Edgar Tavares Silva
- Biophysics Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Urology and Renal Transplantation, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Paiva
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Arnaldo Figueiredo
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Urology and Renal Transplantation, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Maria AG, Silva Borges K, Lira RCP, Hassib Thomé C, Berthon A, Drougat L, Kiseljak-Vassiliades K, Wierman ME, Faucz FR, Faça VM, Tone LG, Stratakis CA. Inhibition of Aurora kinase A activity enhances the antitumor response of beta-catenin blockade in human adrenocortical cancer cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 528:111243. [PMID: 33716050 PMCID: PMC8297658 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare and aggressive type of endocrine tumor with high risk of recurrence and metastasis. The overall survival of patients diagnosed with ACC is low and treatment for metastatic stages remain limited to mitotane, which has low efficiency in advanced stages of the disease and is associated with high toxicity. Therefore, identification of new biological targets to improve ACC treatment is crucial. Blockade of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway decreased adrenal steroidogenesis and increased apoptosis of NCI-H295 human ACC cells, in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model. Aurora kinases play important roles in cell division during the G1-M phase and their aberrant expression is correlated with a poor prognosis in different types of tumors. Hence, we hypothesized that inhibition of aurora kinases activity combined with the beta-catenin pathway blockade would improve the impairment of ACC cell growth in vitro. We studied the combinatorial effects of AMG 900, an aurora kinase inhibitor and PNU-74654, a beta-catenin pathway blocker, on proliferation, survival and tumor progression in multiple ACC cell lines: NCI-H295, CU-ACC1 and CU-ACC2. Exposure of ACC cells to the combination of AMG 900 with PNU-74654 decreased cell proliferation and viability compared to either treatment alone. In addition, AMG 900 inhibited cell invasion and clonogenesis compared to PNU-74654, and the combination showed no greater effects. In contrast, PNU-74654 was more effective in decreasing cortisol secretion. These data suggest that inhibition of aurora kinases activity combined with blockade of the beta-catenin pathway may provide a combinatorial approach for targeting ACC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gutierrez Maria
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.
| | - Kleiton Silva Borges
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - R C P Lira
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Carolina Hassib Thomé
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Annabel Berthon
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ludivine Drougat
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Katja Kiseljak-Vassiliades
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Research Service Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Margaret E Wierman
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Research Service Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Fabio R Faucz
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Vitor Marcel Faça
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Luiz Gonzaga Tone
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Constantine A Stratakis
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA; Pediatric Endocrinology Inter-institute Training Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD20892, USA
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5
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Yang Z, Cheng H, Zhang Y, Zhou Y. Identification of NDRG Family Member 4 (NDRG4) and CDC28 Protein Kinase Regulatory Subunit 2 (CKS2) as Key Prognostic Genes in Adrenocortical Carcinoma by Transcriptomic Analysis. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e928523. [PMID: 33667214 PMCID: PMC7941762 DOI: 10.12659/msm.928523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an aggressive cancer with heterogeneous outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate genomic and prognostic features of ACC. MATERIAL AND METHODS Clinical, pathologic, and transcriptomic data from 2 independent datasets derived from ACC samples (TCGA-ACC dataset, GEO-GSE76021 dataset) were collected. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and survival analyses were performed to identify prognostic genes. Pathway analysis was performed for mechanistic analysis. xCell deconvolution was performed for tumor microenvironment analysis. RESULTS In the TCGA-ACC cohort, WGCNA identified a prognostic module of 5408 genes. Differential expression analysis identified 1969 genes that differed in expression level between long-term and short-term survivors. Univariate Cox regression model analysis identified 8393 genes with prognostic value. The intersection of these gene sets included 820 prognostic genes. Similar protocols were performed for the GSE76021 dataset, and 5 candidate genes were identified. Further intersection of these genes finally identified NDRG4 and CKS2 as key prognostic genes. Multivariate Cox regression model analysis validated the prognostic value of NDRG4 (HR=0.61, 95% CI 0.46-0.80) and CKS2 (HR=2.52, 95% CI 1.38-4.60). Moreover, NDRG4 and CKS2 expression predicted survival in patients treated with mitotane (P<0.001). Further mechanism exploration found an association between CKS2 and DNA mismatch repair pathways. Moreover, NDRG4 positively correlated with CD8⁺ T cell infiltration, while CKS2 negatively correlated with it. CONCLUSIONS We identified NDRG4 and CKS2 expression as key prognostic genes in ACC, which may help in risk stratification of ACC. Moreover, a close relationship was found between CKS2 and mismatch repair pathways. Moreover, immune cell infiltration differed according to NDRG4 and CKS2 expression.
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6
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Ho NTT, Rahane CS, Pramanik S, Kim PS, Kutzner A, Heese K. FAM72, Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) and Beyond. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051025. [PMID: 33804473 PMCID: PMC7957592 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a serious and aggressive cancer disease that has not allowed scientists to rest for decades. In this review, we consider the new gene pair |-SRGAP2–FAM72-| and discuss its role in the cell cycle and the possibility of defining new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of GBM and other cancers via this gene pair |-SRGAP2–FAM72-|. Abstract Neural stem cells (NSCs) offer great potential for regenerative medicine due to their excellent ability to differentiate into various specialized cell types of the brain. In the central nervous system (CNS), NSC renewal and differentiation are under strict control by the regulation of the pivotal SLIT-ROBO Rho GTPase activating protein 2 (SRGAP2)—Family with sequence similarity 72 (FAM72) master gene (i.e., |-SRGAP2–FAM72-|) via a divergent gene transcription activation mechanism. If the gene transcription control unit (i.e., the intergenic region of the two sub-gene units, SRGAP2 and FAM72) gets out of control, NSCs may transform into cancer stem cells and generate brain tumor cells responsible for brain cancer such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Here, we discuss the surveillance of this |-SRGAP2–FAM72-| master gene and its role in GBM, and also in light of FAM72 for diagnosing various types of cancers outside of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Thi Thanh Ho
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 133-791, Korea;
| | - Chinmay Satish Rahane
- Maharashtra Institute of Medical Education and Research, Talegaon Dabhade, Maharashtra 410507, India;
| | - Subrata Pramanik
- Institute of Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Pok-Son Kim
- Department of Mathematics, Kookmin University, 77 Jeongneung-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-702, Korea;
| | - Arne Kutzner
- Department of Information Systems, College of Computer Science, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 133-791, Korea;
| | - Klaus Heese
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 133-791, Korea;
- Correspondence:
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Mizdrak M, Tičinović Kurir T, Božić J. The Role of Biomarkers in Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Review of Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Biomedicines 2021; 9:174. [PMID: 33578890 PMCID: PMC7916711 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy arising from the adrenal cortex often with unexpected biological behavior. It can occur at any age, with two peaks of incidence: in the first and between fifth and seventh decades of life. Although ACC are mostly hormonally active, precursors and metabolites, rather than end products of steroidogenesis are produced by dedifferentiated and immature malignant cells. Distinguishing the etiology of adrenal mass, between benign adenomas, which are quite frequent in general population, and malignant carcinomas with dismal prognosis is often unfeasible. Even after pathohistological analysis, diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinomas is not always straightforward and represents a great challenge for experienced and multidisciplinary expert teams. No single imaging method, hormonal work-up or immunohistochemical labelling can definitively prove the diagnosis of ACC. Over several decades' great efforts have been made in finding novel reliable and available diagnostic and prognostic factors including steroid metabolome profiling or target gene identification. Despite these achievements, the 5-year mortality rate still accounts for approximately 75% to 90%, ACC is frequently diagnosed in advanced stages and therapeutic options are unfortunately limited. Therefore, imperative is to identify new biological markers that can predict patient prognosis and provide new therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Mizdrak
- Department of Nephrology and Hemodialysis, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Tina Tičinović Kurir
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia;
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Joško Božić
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia;
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Borges KS, Pignatti E, Leng S, Kariyawasam D, Ruiz-Babot G, Ramalho FS, Taketo MM, Carlone DL, Breault DT. Wnt/β-catenin activation cooperates with loss of p53 to cause adrenocortical carcinoma in mice. Oncogene 2020; 39:5282-5291. [PMID: 32561853 PMCID: PMC7378041 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1358-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with limited therapeutic options. The lack of mouse models that recapitulate the genetics of ACC has hampered progress in the field. We analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset for ACC and found that patients harboring alterations in both p53/Rb and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways show a worse prognosis compared with patients that harbored alterations in only one. To model this, we utilized the Cyp11b2(AS)Cre mouse line to generate mice with adrenocortical-specific Wnt/β-catenin activation, Trp53 deletion, or the combination of both. Mice with targeted Wnt/β-catenin activation or Trp53 deletion showed no changes associated with tumor formation. In contrast, alterations in both pathways led to ACC with pulmonary metastases. Similar to ACCs in humans, these tumors produced increased levels of corticosterone and aldosterone and showed a high proliferation index. Gene expression analysis revealed that mouse tumors exhibited downregulation of Star and Cyp11b1 and upregulation of Ezh2, similar to ACC patients with a poor prognosis. Altogether, these data show that altering both Wnt/β-catenin and p53/Rb signaling is sufficient to drive ACC in mouse. This autochthonous model of ACC represents a new tool to investigate the biology of ACC and to identify new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kleiton Silva Borges
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Emanuele Pignatti
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Sining Leng
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Dulanjalee Kariyawasam
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Gerard Ruiz-Babot
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Fernando Silva Ramalho
- Department of Pathology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Makoto Mark Taketo
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8506, Japan
| | - Diana L Carlone
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - David T Breault
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
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9
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Ikeya A, Nakashima M, Yamashita M, Kakizawa K, Okawa Y, Saitsu H, Sasaki S, Sasano H, Suda T, Oki Y. CCNB2 and AURKA overexpression may cause atypical mitosis in Japanese cortisol-producing adrenocortical carcinoma with TP53 somatic variant. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231665. [PMID: 32287321 PMCID: PMC7156056 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Many genomic analyses of cortisol-producing adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) have been reported, but very few have come from East Asia. The first objective of this study is to verify the genetic difference with the previous reports by analyzing targeted deep sequencing of 7 Japanese ACC cases using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The second objective is to compare the somatic variant findings identified by NGS analysis with clinical and pathological findings, aiming to acquire new knowledge about the factors that contribute to the poor prognosis of ACC and to find new targets for the treatment of ACC. Method DNA was extracted from ACC tissue of seven patients and two reference blood samples. Targeted deep sequencing was performed using the MiSeq system for 12 genes, and the obtained results were analyzed using MuTect2. The hypothesis was obtained by integrating the somatic variant findings with clinical and pathological data, and it was further verified using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset for ACC. Results Six possible pathogenic and one uncertain significance somatic variants including a novel PRKAR1A (NM_002734.4):c.545C>A (p.T182K) variant were found in five of seven cases. By integrating these data with pathological findings, we hypothesized that cases with TP53 variants were more likely to show atypical mitotic figures. Using TCGA dataset, we found that atypical mitotic figures were associated with TP53 somatic variant, and mRNA expression of CCNB2 and AURKA was significantly high in TP53 mutated cases and atypical mitotic figure cases. Conclusion We believe this is the first report that discusses the relationship between atypical mitotic figures and TP53 somatic variant in ACC. We presumed that overexpression of CCNB2 and AURKA mRNA may cause atypical mitosis in TP53 somatic mutated cases. Because AURKA is highly expressed in atypical mitotic cases, it may be an appropriate indicator for AURKA inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Ikeya
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Mitsuko Nakashima
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Miho Yamashita
- Department Internationalization Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Keisuke Kakizawa
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yuta Okawa
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Saitsu
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department Internationalization Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Shigekazu Sasaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Takafumi Suda
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yutaka Oki
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
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10
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Rizk-Rabin M, Chaoui-Ibadioune S, Vaczlavik A, Ribes C, Polak M, Ragazzon B, Bertherat J. Link between steroidogenesis, the cell cycle, and PKA in adrenocortical tumor cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 500:110636. [PMID: 31678420 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Adrenocortical tumors (ACTs) frequently cause steroid excess and present cell-cycle dysregulation. cAMP/PKA signaling is involved in steroid synthesis and play a role in cell-cycle regulation. We investigated, by cell synchronization in the different phases of the cell-cycle, the control of steroidogenesis and the contribution of PKA in adrenocortical cells (H295R and culture of primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease cells). Cells showed increased steroidogenesis and a maximal PKA activity at G2 phase, and a reduction at G1 phase. PRKACA overexpression, or cAMP stimulation, enhanced PKA activity and induced steroidogenesis in all synchronized groups but is not sufficient to drive cell-cycle progression. PRKAR1A inactivation enhanced PKA activity and induced STAR gene expression, only in cells in G1, and triggered cell-cycle progression in all groups. These findings provide evidence for a tight association between steroidogenesis and cell-cycle in ACTs. Moreover, PRKAR1A is essential for mediating the function of PKA activity on both steroidogenesis and cell-cycle progression in adrenocortical cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthe Rizk-Rabin
- Institut Cochin, U1016, CNRS (UMR 8104), Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.
| | | | - Anna Vaczlavik
- Institut Cochin, U1016, CNRS (UMR 8104), Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Christopher Ribes
- Institut Cochin, U1016, CNRS (UMR 8104), Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Michel Polak
- Institut Cochin, U1016, CNRS (UMR 8104), Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France; Hopital Necker Enfants Maladies, Department of Endocrinology, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Ragazzon
- Institut Cochin, U1016, CNRS (UMR 8104), Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Jerôme Bertherat
- Institut Cochin, U1016, CNRS (UMR 8104), Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France; Hôpital Cochin, Department of Endocrinology. Center for Rare Adrenal Diseases, Paris, France
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11
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Liang R, Weigand I, Lippert J, Kircher S, Altieri B, Steinhauer S, Hantel C, Rost S, Rosenwald A, Kroiss M, Fassnacht M, Sbiera S, Ronchi CL. Targeted Gene Expression Profile Reveals CDK4 as Therapeutic Target for Selected Patients With Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:219. [PMID: 32373071 PMCID: PMC7176906 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC) are aggressive tumors with a heterogeneous prognosis and limited therapeutic options for advanced stages. This study aims to identify novel drug targets for a personalized treatment in ACC. RNA was isolated from 40 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded ACC samples. We evaluated gene expression of 84 known cancer drug targets by reverse transcriptase quantitative real time-PCR and calculated fold change using 5 normal adrenal glands as reference (overexpression by fold change >2.0). The most promising candidate cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) was investigated at protein level in 104 ACC samples and tested by in vitro experiments in two ACC cell lines (NCI-H295R and MUC1). The most frequently overexpressed genes were TOP2A (100% of cases, median fold change = 16.5), IGF2 (95%, fold change = 52.9), CDK1 (80%, fold change = 6.7), CDK4 (62%, fold change = 2.6), PLK4 (60%, fold change = 2.8), and PLK1 (52%, fold change = 2.3). CDK4 was chosen for functional validation, as it is actionable by approved CDK4/6-inhibitors (e.g., palbociclib). Nuclear immunostaining of CDK4 significantly correlated with mRNA expression (R = 0.52, P < 0.005). We exposed both NCI-H295R and MUC1 cell lines to palbociclib and found a concentration- and time-dependent reduction of cell viability, which was more pronounced in the NCI-H295R cells in line with higher CDK4 expression. Furthermore, we tested palbociclib in combination with insulin-like growth factor 1/insulin receptor inhibitor linsitinib showing an additive effect. In conclusion, we demonstrate that RNA profiling is useful to discover potential drug targets and that CDK4/6 inhibitors are promising candidates for treatment of selected patients with ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimunde Liang
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Isabel Weigand
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Lippert
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kircher
- Institute of Pathology, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Altieri
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sonja Steinhauer
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Constanze Hantel
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Simone Rost
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Rosenwald
- Institute of Pathology, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Silviu Sbiera
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Cristina L. Ronchi
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Metabolism and System Research (IMSR), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Cristina L. Ronchi ;
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12
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Dos Santos Passaia B, Lima K, Kremer JL, da Conceição BB, de Paula Mariani BM, da Silva JCL, Zerbini MCN, Fragoso MCBV, Machado-Neto JA, Lotfi CFP. Stathmin 1 is highly expressed and associated with survival outcome in malignant adrenocortical tumours. Invest New Drugs 2019; 38:899-908. [PMID: 31441020 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-019-00846-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an aggressive endocrine cancer with few molecular predictors of malignancy and survival, especially in paediatric patients. Stathmin 1 (STMN1) regulates microtubule dynamics and has been involved in the malignant phenotype of cancer cells. Recently, it was reported that STMN1 is highly expressed in ACC patients, and STMN1 silencing reduces the clonogenicity and migration of ACC cell lines. However, the prognostic significance of STMN1 and its therapeutic potential remain undefined in ACC. In the present study, STMN1 mRNA levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in ACC patients, especially in an advanced stage, and correlated with BUB1B and PINK1 expression, the prognostic-related genes in ACC. In paediatric tumours, high STMN1 expression was observed in both adrenocortical carcinoma and adrenocortical adenoma patients. Among the adult malignant tumours, STMN1 level was an independent predictor of survival outcomes (overall survival: hazard ratio = 6.08, p = 0.002; disease-free survival: hazard ratio = 4.65, p < 0.0001). Paclitaxel, a microtubule-stabilizing drug, reduces the activation of STMN1 and significantly decreases cell migration and invasion in ACC cell lines and ACC cells from secondary cell culture (all p < 0.0001). In summary, STMN1 expression may be of great value to clinical and pathological findings in therapeutic trials and deserves future studies in ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Dos Santos Passaia
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2415, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Keli Lima
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jean Lucas Kremer
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2415, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Barbara Brito da Conceição
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2415, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Marinho de Paula Mariani
- Adrenal Unit, Hormone and Molecular Genetic Laboratory/LIM42, Hospital of Clinics, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Claudia Nogueira Zerbini
- Division of Anatomy Pathology, Laboratory of Liver Pathology/LIM14, Hospital of Clinics, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Claudimara Ferini Pacicco Lotfi
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2415, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil.
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13
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Pereira SS, Monteiro MP, Antonini SR, Pignatelli D. Apoptosis regulation in adrenocortical carcinoma. Endocr Connect 2019; 8:R91-R104. [PMID: 30978697 PMCID: PMC6510712 DOI: 10.1530/ec-19-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis evading is a hallmark of cancer. Tumor cells are characterized by having an impaired apoptosis signaling, a fact that deregulates the balance between cell death and survival, leading to tumor development, invasion and resistance to treatment. In general, patients with adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC) have an extremely bad prognosis, which is related to disease progression and significant resistance to treatments. In this report, we performed an integrative review about the disruption of apoptosis in ACC that may underlie the characteristic poor prognosis in these patients. Although the apoptosis has been scarcely studied in ACC, the majority of the deregulation phenomena already described are anti-apoptotic. Most importantly, in a near future, targeting apoptosis modulation in ACC patients may become a promising therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia S Pereira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Endocrine, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Research, Department of Anatomy, Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS/UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana P Monteiro
- Endocrine, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Research, Department of Anatomy, Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS/UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Sonir R Antonini
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Duarte Pignatelli
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital S. João, Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence should be addressed to D Pignatelli:
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14
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Rahane CS, Kutzner A, Heese K. Establishing a human adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC)-specific gene mutation signature. Cancer Genet 2019; 230:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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15
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Liang W, Sun F. Competing Endogenous RNA Network Analysis Reveals Pivotal ceRNAs in Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:301. [PMID: 31156552 PMCID: PMC6529643 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To construct ceRNA network and identify pivotal competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) using ceRNA network analysis. Methods: The RNA sequencing expression data of 77 ACCs in TCGA were obtained from GEPIA. Cancer specific ceRNAs, cancer specific microRNAs (miRNAs), and cancer specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were identified. The interaction of cancer specific miRNAs with cancer specific ceRNAs and cancer specific mRNAs were predicted. CeRNA network was constructed and visualized by Cytoscape 3.7.0 software. The genes in ceRNA network regulated GO terms and regulated pathways were performed by function analysis. Survival analysis of pivotal ceRNAs was performed for the pivotal lncRNAs. Result: Twenty-eight cancer specific ceRNAs, 149 cancer specific miRNAs, and 104 mRNAs were identified. CeRNA network was constructed including 10 ceRNAs, 35 miRNAs, and 34 mRNAs. The genes in ceRNA network regulated GO terms and were classified into three groups: cellular component (CC), molecular function (MF), and biological process (BP). The genes in ceRNA network regulated the following pathways: leukocyte transendothelial migration, and proteoglycans in cancer. Survival analysis showed that CTB-63M22.1 and RP1-241P17.4 were significantly associated with ACC patient disease free survival and overall survival. Conclusion: This study has constructed ceRNA networks in ACC. The study provides a set of pivotal ceRNAs for future investigation into the molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Liang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Weiwei Liang
| | - Fangfang Sun
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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