1
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Kitazawa M. Evolution of the nervous system by acquisition of retrovirus-derived genes in mammals. Genes Genet Syst 2024; 98:321-336. [PMID: 38220159 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.23-00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In the course of evolution, the most highly developed organ is likely the brain, which has become more complex over time and acquired diverse forms and functions in different species. In particular, mammals have developed complex and high-functioning brains, and it has been reported that several genes derived from retroviruses were involved in mammalian brain evolution, that is, generating the complexity of the nervous system. Especially, the sushi-ichi-related retrotransposon homolog (SIRH)/retrotransposon gag-like (RTL) genes have been suggested to play a role in the evolutionary processes shaping brain morphology and function in mammals. Genetic mutation and altered expression of genes are linked to neurological disorders, highlighting how the acquisition of virus-derived genes in mammals has both driven brain evolution and imposed a susceptibility to diseases. This review provides an overview of the functions, diversity, evolution and diseases associated with SIRH/RTL genes in the nervous system. The contribution of retroviruses to brain evolution is an important research topic in evolutionary biology and neuroscience, and further insights are expected to be gained through future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moe Kitazawa
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne
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2
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Huang J, Liu D, Li J, Xu J, Dong S, Zhang H. A 12-gene panel in estimating hormone-treatment responses of castration-resistant prostate cancer patients generated using a combined analysis of bulk and single-cell sequencing data. Ann Med 2023; 55:2260387. [PMID: 37729607 PMCID: PMC10512812 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2260387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) represents one type of advanced prostate cancer (PCa) with a median survival time of 1-2 years. Currently, there is a lack of reliable gene panels in predicting hormone treatment (HT) responses due to limited knowledge of CRPC-specific tumor-microenvironment (TME) characteristics. METHODS In this study, we first screened for up-regulated genes in CRPC samples using bulk-sequencing data retrieved from TCGA online database, and further investigated the expression status of these genes in four sets of downloaded single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) data: GSE117403 containing 16 normal human prostate samples; GSE141445 containing 13 PCa samples; GSE176031 containing 11 PCa samples and GSE137829 containing 6 CRPC samples. RESULTS We identified a series of CRPC-specific TME characteristics including an enriched number of PEG10+ neuroendocrine cells, elevated expression of PPIB/CCDC74A/GAPDH/AR genes in tumor cells, increased expression of FAP/TGFB1 in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), suppressed immune environment featured by enhanced M2 macrophage polarization, T cell exhaustion and increased number of regulatory B cells. We further established a 12-gene panel using these characteristics and showed that this panel could separate CRPC samples from PCa samples (AUC of 0.78), and CRPC patients with higher panel scores tended to have treatment failure or progression (R = -0.47, p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS Based on these unique TME characteristics of CRPC, we established a prediction tool for estimating the duration of HT responses in PCa treatment. Our results suggest mechanisms by which prostate cancer becomes castrate resistant. Further study of PEG10 (and/or others) to evaluate therapeutic efficacy should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanlan Huang
- Department of Health Management, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Dale Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital of China Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaowei Dong
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital of China Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Hernia Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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3
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Zamora I, Freeman MR, Encío IJ, Rotinen M. Targeting Key Players of Neuroendocrine Differentiation in Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13673. [PMID: 37761978 PMCID: PMC10531052 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a highly aggressive subtype of prostate cancer (PC) that commonly emerges through a transdifferentiation process from prostate adenocarcinoma and evades conventional therapies. Extensive molecular research has revealed factors that drive lineage plasticity, uncovering novel therapeutic targets to be explored. A diverse array of targeting agents is currently under evaluation in pre-clinical and clinical studies with promising results in suppressing or reversing the neuroendocrine phenotype and inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. This new knowledge has the potential to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches that may enhance the clinical management and prognosis of this lethal disease. In the present review, we discuss molecular players involved in the neuroendocrine phenotype, and we explore therapeutic strategies that are currently under investigation for NEPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Zamora
- Department of Health Science, Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Michael R. Freeman
- Departments of Urology and Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ignacio J. Encío
- Department of Health Science, Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Navarre Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mirja Rotinen
- Department of Health Science, Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Navarre Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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4
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Black HH, Hanson JL, Roberts JE, Leslie SN, Campodonico W, Ebmeier CC, Holling GA, Tay JW, Matthews AM, Ung E, Lau CI, Whiteley AM. UBQLN2 restrains the domesticated retrotransposon PEG10 to maintain neuronal health in ALS. eLife 2023; 12:e79452. [PMID: 36951542 PMCID: PMC10076021 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron dysfunction and loss. A portion of ALS cases are caused by mutation of the proteasome shuttle factor Ubiquilin 2 (UBQLN2), but the molecular pathway leading from UBQLN2 dysfunction to disease remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that UBQLN2 regulates the domesticated gag-pol retrotransposon 'paternally expressed gene 10 (PEG10)' in human cells and tissues. In cells, the PEG10 gag-pol protein cleaves itself in a mechanism reminiscent of retrotransposon self-processing to generate a liberated 'nucleocapsid' fragment, which uniquely localizes to the nucleus and changes the expression of genes involved in axon remodeling. In spinal cord tissue from ALS patients, PEG10 gag-pol is elevated compared to healthy controls. These findings implicate the retrotransposon-like activity of PEG10 as a contributing mechanism in ALS through the regulation of gene expression, and restraint of PEG10 as a primary function of UBQLN2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly H Black
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado BoulderBoulderUnited States
| | - Jessica L Hanson
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado BoulderBoulderUnited States
| | - Julia E Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado BoulderBoulderUnited States
| | - Shannon N Leslie
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado BoulderBoulderUnited States
| | - Will Campodonico
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado BoulderBoulderUnited States
| | | | - G Aaron Holling
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado BoulderBoulderUnited States
| | - Jian Wei Tay
- Biofrontiers Institute, University of Colorado BoulderBoulderUnited States
| | - Autumn M Matthews
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado BoulderBoulderUnited States
| | - Elizabeth Ung
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado BoulderBoulderUnited States
| | - Cristina I Lau
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado BoulderBoulderUnited States
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5
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Severson TM, Zhu Y, Prekovic S, Schuurman K, Nguyen HM, Brown LG, Hakkola S, Kim Y, Kneppers J, Linder S, Stelloo S, Lieftink C, van der Heijden M, Nykter M, van der Noort V, Sanders J, Morris B, Jenster G, van Leenders GJLH, Pomerantz M, Freedman ML, Beijersbergen RL, Urbanucci A, Wessels L, Corey E, Zwart W, Bergman AM. Enhancer profiling identifies epigenetic markers of endocrine resistance and reveals therapeutic options for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.02.24.23286403. [PMID: 36865297 PMCID: PMC9980263 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.24.23286403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Androgen Receptor (AR) signaling inhibitors, including enzalutamide, are treatment options for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), but resistance inevitably develops. Using metastatic samples from a prospective phase II clinical trial, we epigenetically profiled enhancer/promoter activities with H3K27ac chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing, before and after AR-targeted therapy. We identified a distinct subset of H3K27ac-differentially marked regions that associated with treatment responsiveness. These data were successfully validated in mCRPC patient-derived xenograft models (PDX). In silico analyses revealed HDAC3 as a critical factor that can drive resistance to hormonal interventions, which we validated in vitro . Using cell lines and mCRPC PDX tumors in vitro , we identified drug-drug synergy between enzalutamide and the pan-HDAC inhibitor vorinostat, providing therapeutic proof-of-concept. These findings demonstrate rationale for new therapeutic strategies using a combination of AR and HDAC inhibitors to improve patient outcome in advanced stages of mCRPC.
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6
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Liu S, Alabi BR, Yin Q, Stoyanova T. Molecular mechanisms underlying the development of neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:57-68. [PMID: 35597438 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-associated deaths among men in the United States. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the standard of care for advanced prostate cancer. While patients with advanced prostate cancer initially respond to ADT, the disease frequently progresses to a lethal metastatic form, defined as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). After multiple rounds of anti-androgen therapies, 20-25% of metastatic CRPCs develop a neuroendocrine (NE) phenotype. These tumors are classified as neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). De novo NEPC is rare and accounts for less than 2% of all prostate cancers at diagnosis. NEPC is commonly characterized by the expression of NE markers and the absence of androgen receptor (AR) expression. NEPC is usually associated with tumor aggressiveness, hormone therapy resistance, and poor clinical outcome. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms underlying the emergence of NEPC and provide insights into the future perspectives on potential therapeutic strategies for NEPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqin Liu
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Busola Ruth Alabi
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Qingqing Yin
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Tanya Stoyanova
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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7
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Park H, Imoto S, Miyano S. PredictiveNetwork: predictive gene network estimation with application to gastric cancer drug response-predictive network analysis. BMC Bioinformatics 2022; 23:342. [PMID: 35974335 PMCID: PMC9380306 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-022-04871-z] [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: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gene regulatory networks have garnered a large amount of attention to understand disease mechanisms caused by complex molecular network interactions. These networks have been applied to predict specific clinical characteristics, e.g., cancer, pathogenicity, and anti-cancer drug sensitivity. However, in most previous studies using network-based prediction, the gene networks were estimated first, and predicted clinical characteristics based on pre-estimated networks. Thus, the estimated networks cannot describe clinical characteristic-specific gene regulatory systems. Furthermore, existing computational methods were developed from algorithmic and mathematics viewpoints, without considering network biology. Results To effectively predict clinical characteristics and estimate gene networks that provide critical insights into understanding the biological mechanisms involved in a clinical characteristic, we propose a novel strategy for predictive gene network estimation. The proposed strategy simultaneously performs gene network estimation and prediction of the clinical characteristic. In this strategy, the gene network is estimated with minimal network estimation and prediction errors. We incorporate network biology by assuming that neighboring genes in a network have similar biological functions, while hub genes play key roles in biological processes. Thus, the proposed method provides interpretable prediction results and enables us to uncover biologically reliable marker identification. Monte Carlo simulations shows the effectiveness of our method for feature selection in gene estimation and prediction with excellent prediction accuracy. We applied the proposed strategy to construct gastric cancer drug-responsive networks. Conclusion We identified gastric drug response predictive markers and drug sensitivity/resistance-specific markers, AKR1B10, AKR1C3, ANXA10, and ZNF165, based on GDSC data analysis. Our results for identifying drug sensitive and resistant specific molecular interplay are strongly supported by previous studies. We expect that the proposed strategy will be a useful tool for uncovering crucial molecular interactions involved a specific biological mechanism, such as cancer progression or acquired drug resistance. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-022-04871-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heewon Park
- M&D Data Science Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Seiya Imoto
- Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokane-dai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Miyano
- M&D Data Science Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokane-dai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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8
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Linder S, Hoogstraat M, Stelloo S, Eickhoff N, Schuurman K, de Barros H, Alkemade M, Bekers EM, Severson TM, Sanders J, Huang CCF, Morova T, Altintas UB, Hoekman L, Kim Y, Baca SC, Sjostrom M, Zaalberg A, Hintzen DC, de Jong J, Kluin RJC, de Rink I, Giambartolomei C, Seo JH, Pasaniuc B, Altelaar M, Medema RH, Feng FY, Zoubeidi A, Freedman ML, Wessels LFA, Butler LM, Lack NA, van der Poel H, Bergman AM, Zwart W. Drug-induced epigenomic plasticity reprograms circadian rhythm regulation to drive prostate cancer towards androgen-independence. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:2074-2097. [PMID: 35754340 PMCID: PMC7613567 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-0576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In prostate cancer, androgen receptor (AR)-targeting agents are very effective in various disease stages. However, therapy resistance inevitably occurs and little is known about how tumor cells adapt to bypass AR suppression. Here, we performed integrative multi-omics analyses on tissues isolated before and after 3 months of AR-targeting enzalutamide monotherapy from high-risk prostate cancer patients enrolled in a neoadjuvant clinical trial. Transcriptomic analyses demonstrated that AR inhibition drove tumors towards a neuroendocrine-like disease state. Additionally, epigenomic profiling revealed massive enzalutamide-induced reprogramming of pioneer factor FOXA1 - from inactive chromatin sites towards active cis-regulatory elements that dictate pro-survival signals. Notably, treatment-induced FOXA1 sites were enriched for circadian clock component ARNTL. Post-treatment ARNTL levels associated with poor outcome, and ARNTL knockout strongly decreased prostate cancer cell growth. Our data highlight a remarkable cistromic plasticity of FOXA1 following AR-targeted therapy, and revealed an acquired dependency on circadian regulator ARNTL, a novel candidate therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Linder
- The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
| | | | - Suzan Stelloo
- Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nils Eickhoff
- Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Elise M Bekers
- The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Joyce Sanders
- The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Tunc Morova
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Sylvan C Baca
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Boston, United States
| | - Martin Sjostrom
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | | | | | | | - Roelof J C Kluin
- The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Ji-Heui Seo
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, BOSTON, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Bogdan Pasaniuc
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Rene H Medema
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Felix Y Feng
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Amina Zoubeidi
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada
| | | | | | - Lisa M Butler
- University of Adelaide, School of Medicine and Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Nathan A Lack
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | - Wilbert Zwart
- Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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9
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Advances in neuroendocrine prostate cancer research: From model construction to molecular network analyses. J Transl Med 2022; 102:332-340. [PMID: 34937865 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-021-00716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men and has a high incidence and associated mortality worldwide. It is an androgen-driven disease in which tumor growth is triggered via ligand-mediated signaling through the androgen receptor (AR). Recent evidence suggests that the widespread use of effective AR pathway inhibitors may increase the occurrence of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), an aggressive and treatment-resistant AR-negative variant; however, mechanisms controlling NEPC development remain to be elucidated. Various preclinical models have recently been developed to investigate the mechanisms driving the NEPC differentiation. In the present study, we summarized strategies for the development of NEPC models and proposed a novel method for model evaluation, which will help in the timely and accurate identification of NEPC by virtue of its ability to recapitulate the heterogeneity of prostate cancer. Moreover, we discuss the origin and the mechanism of NEPC. The understanding of the regulatory network mediating neuroendocrine differentiation presented in this review could provide valuable insights into the identification of novel drug targets for NEPC as well as into the causes of antiandrogenic drug resistance.
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10
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Merkens L, Sailer V, Lessel D, Janzen E, Greimeier S, Kirfel J, Perner S, Pantel K, Werner S, von Amsberg G. Aggressive variants of prostate cancer: underlying mechanisms of neuroendocrine transdifferentiation. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:46. [PMID: 35109899 PMCID: PMC8808994 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02255-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a hormone-driven disease and its tumor cell growth highly relies on increased androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Therefore, targeted therapy directed against androgen synthesis or AR activation is broadly used and continually improved. However, a subset of patients eventually progresses to castration-resistant disease. To date, various mechanisms of resistance have been identified including the development of AR-independent aggressive variant prostate cancer based on neuroendocrine transdifferentiation (NED). Here, we review the highly complex processes contributing to NED. Genetic, epigenetic, transcriptional aberrations and posttranscriptional modifications are highlighted and the potential interplay of the different factors is discussed. Background Aggressive variant prostate cancer (AVPC) with traits of neuroendocrine differentiation emerges in a rising number of patients in recent years. Among others, advanced therapies targeting the androgen receptor axis have been considered causative for this development. Cell growth of AVPC often occurs completely independent of the androgen receptor signal transduction pathway and cells have mostly lost the typical cellular features of prostate adenocarcinoma. This complicates both diagnosis and treatment of this very aggressive disease. We believe that a deeper understanding of the complex molecular pathological mechanisms contributing to transdifferentiation will help to improve diagnostic procedures and develop effective treatment strategies. Indeed, in recent years, many scientists have made important contributions to unravel possible causes and mechanisms in the context of neuroendocrine transdifferentiation. However, the complexity of the diverse molecular pathways has not been captured completely, yet. This narrative review comprehensively highlights the individual steps of neuroendocrine transdifferentiation and makes an important contribution in bringing together the results found so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Merkens
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Verena Sailer
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Davor Lessel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ella Janzen
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Greimeier
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jutta Kirfel
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Sven Perner
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Luebeck, Germany.,Pathology, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.,European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Werner
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.,Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center Hamburg HaTRiCs4, University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gunhild von Amsberg
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.,Martini-Klinik, Prostate Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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11
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Slabáková E, Kahounová Z, Procházková J, Souček K. Regulation of Neuroendocrine-like Differentiation in Prostate Cancer by Non-Coding RNAs. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:ncrna7040075. [PMID: 34940756 PMCID: PMC8704250 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7040075] [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: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) represents a variant of prostate cancer that occurs in response to treatment resistance or, to a much lesser extent, de novo. Unravelling the molecular mechanisms behind transdifferentiation of cancer cells to neuroendocrine-like cancer cells is essential for development of new treatment opportunities. This review focuses on summarizing the role of small molecules, predominantly microRNAs, in this phenomenon. A published literature search was performed to identify microRNAs, which are reported and experimentally validated to modulate neuroendocrine markers and/or regulators and to affect the complex neuroendocrine phenotype. Next, available patients’ expression datasets were surveyed to identify deregulated microRNAs, and their effect on NEPC and prostate cancer progression is summarized. Finally, possibilities of miRNA detection and quantification in body fluids of prostate cancer patients and their possible use as liquid biopsy in prostate cancer monitoring are discussed. All the addressed clinical and experimental contexts point to an association of NEPC with upregulation of miR-375 and downregulation of miR-34a and miR-19b-3p. Together, this review provides an overview of different roles of non-coding RNAs in the emergence of neuroendocrine prostate cancer.
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12
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Segel M, Lash B, Song J, Ladha A, Liu CC, Jin X, Mekhedov SL, Macrae RK, Koonin EV, Zhang F. Mammalian retrovirus-like protein PEG10 packages its own mRNA and can be pseudotyped for mRNA delivery. Science 2021; 373:882-889. [PMID: 34413232 DOI: 10.1126/science.abg6155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic genomes contain domesticated genes from integrating viruses and mobile genetic elements. Among these are homologs of the capsid protein (known as Gag) of long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons and retroviruses. We identified several mammalian Gag homologs that form virus-like particles and one LTR retrotransposon homolog, PEG10, that preferentially binds and facilitates vesicular secretion of its own messenger RNA (mRNA). We showed that the mRNA cargo of PEG10 can be reprogrammed by flanking genes of interest with Peg10's untranslated regions. Taking advantage of this reprogrammability, we developed selective endogenous encapsidation for cellular delivery (SEND) by engineering both mouse and human PEG10 to package, secrete, and deliver specific RNAs. Together, these results demonstrate that SEND is a modular platform suited for development as an efficient therapeutic delivery modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Segel
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Blake Lash
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jingwei Song
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alim Ladha
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Catherine C Liu
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Xin Jin
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Society of Fellows, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
| | - Sergei L Mekhedov
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Rhiannon K Macrae
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Eugene V Koonin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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13
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Schiewer MJ, Knudsen KE. Basic Science and Molecular Genetics of Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness. Urol Clin North Am 2021; 48:339-347. [PMID: 34210489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Androgen receptor function, tumor cell plasticity, loss of tumor suppressors, and defects in DNA repair genes affect aggressive features of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer development, progression, and aggressive behavior are often attributable to function of the androgen receptor. Tumor cell plasticity, neuroendocrine features, and loss of tumor suppressors lend aggressive behavior to prostate cancer cells. DNA repair defects have ramifications for prostate cancer cell behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Schiewer
- Department of Urology, Urology Research Laboratory, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, 233 South 10th Street BLSB 804, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Urology Research Laboratory, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, 233 South 10th Street BLSB 804, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
| | - Karen E Knudsen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 233 South 10th Street BLSB 1050, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; Department of Urology, Thomas Jefferson University, 233 South 10th Street BLSB 1050, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, 233 South 10th Street BLSB 1050, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, 233 South 10th Street BLSB 1050, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. https://twitter.com/SKCCDirector
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14
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Undesirable Status of Prostate Cancer Cells after Intensive Inhibition of AR Signaling: Post-AR Era of CRPC Treatment. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9040414. [PMID: 33921329 PMCID: PMC8069212 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in prostate cancer (PC) research unveiled real androgen receptor (AR) functions in castration-resistant PC (CRPC). Moreover, AR still accelerates PC cell proliferation via the activation of several mechanisms (e.g., mutation, variants, and amplifications in CRPC). New-generation AR signaling-targeted agents, inhibiting extremely the activity of AR, were developed based on these incontrovertible mechanisms of AR-induced CRPC progression. However, long-term administration of AR signaling-targeted agents subsequently induces the major problem that AR (complete)-independent CRPC cells present neither AR nor prostate-specific antigen, including neuroendocrine differentiation as a subtype of AR-independent CRPC. Moreover, there are few treatments effective for AR-independent CRPC with solid evidence. This study focuses on the transformation mechanisms of AR-independent from AR-dependent CRPC cells and potential treatment strategy for AR-independent CRPC and discusses them based on a review of basic and clinical literature.
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15
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Distinct DNA methylation patterns associated with treatment resistance in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6630. [PMID: 33758253 PMCID: PMC7988053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85812-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgens are a major driver of prostate cancer (PCa) and continue to be a critical treatment target for advanced disease, which includes castration therapy and antiandrogens. However, resistance to these therapies leading to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), and the emergence of treatment-induced neuroendocrine disease (tNEPC) remains an ongoing challenge. Instability of the DNA methylome is well established as a major hallmark of PCa development and progression. Therefore, investigating the dynamics of the methylation changes going from the castration sensitive to the tNEPC state would provide insights into novel mechanisms of resistance. Using an established xenograft model of CRPC, genome-wide methylation analysis was performed on cell lines representing various stages of PCa progression. We confirmed extensive methylation changes with the development of CRPC and tNEPC using this model. This included key genes and pathways associated with cellular differentiation and neurodevelopment. Combined analysis of methylation and gene expression changes further highlighted genes that could potentially serve as therapeutic targets. Furthermore, tNEPC-related methylation signals from this model were detectable in circulating cell free DNA (cfDNA) from mCRPC patients undergoing androgen-targeting therapies and were associated with a faster time to clinical progression. These potential biomarkers could help with identifying patients with aggressive disease.
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16
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Cheng WC, Wang HJ. Current advances of targeting epigenetic modifications in neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Tzu Chi Med J 2021; 33:224-232. [PMID: 34386358 PMCID: PMC8323647 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_220_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is the most lethal malignancy of prostate cancer (PCa). Treatment with next-generation androgen receptor (AR) pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) has successfully extended patients' lifespan. However, with the emergence of drug resistance, PCa tumors increasingly adapt to potent ARPI therapies by transitioning to alternative cellular lineage. Such therapy-induced drug resistance is largely driven from the cellular plasticity of PCa cells to alter their phenotypes of AR independence for cell growth and survival. Some of the resistant PCa cells undergo cellular reprogramming to form neuroendocrine phenotypes. Recent evidences suggest that this cellular reprogramming or the lineage plasticity is driven by dysregulation of the epigenome and transcriptional networks. Aberrant DNA methylation and altered expression of epigenetic modifiers, such as enhancer of zeste-homolog 2, transcription factors, histone demethylases, are hallmarks of NEPC. In this review, we discuss the nature of the epigenetic and transcriptional landscapes of PCa cells which lose their AR independence and transition to the neuroendocrine lineage. We also discuss how oncogenic signaling and metabolic reprogramming fuel epigenetic and transcriptional alterations. In addition, the current state of epigenetic therapies for NEPC is addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chi Cheng
- SDGs Teaching and Research Headquarters, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Jung Wang
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.,Doctoral Degree Program in Translational Medicine, Tzu Chi University and Academia Sinica, Hualien, Taiwan
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17
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Kaarijärvi R, Kaljunen H, Ketola K. Molecular and Functional Links between Neurodevelopmental Processes and Treatment-Induced Neuroendocrine Plasticity in Prostate Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040692. [PMID: 33572108 PMCID: PMC7915380 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Treatment-induced neuroendocrine prostate cancer (t-NEPC) is a subtype of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) which develops under prolonged androgen deprivation therapy. The mechanisms and pathways underlying the t-NEPC are still poorly understood and there are no effective treatments available. Here, we summarize the literature on the molecules and pathways contributing to neuroendocrine phenotype in prostate cancer in the context of their known cellular neurodevelopmental processes. We also discuss the role of tumor microenvironment in neuroendocrine plasticity, future directions, and therapeutic options under clinical investigation for neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Abstract Neuroendocrine plasticity and treatment-induced neuroendocrine phenotypes have recently been proposed as important resistance mechanisms underlying prostate cancer progression. Treatment-induced neuroendocrine prostate cancer (t-NEPC) is highly aggressive subtype of castration-resistant prostate cancer which develops for one fifth of patients under prolonged androgen deprivation. In recent years, understanding of molecular features and phenotypic changes in neuroendocrine plasticity has been grown. However, there are still fundamental questions to be answered in this emerging research field, for example, why and how do the prostate cancer treatment-resistant cells acquire neuron-like phenotype. The advantages of the phenotypic change and the role of tumor microenvironment in controlling cellular plasticity and in the emergence of treatment-resistant aggressive forms of prostate cancer is mostly unknown. Here, we discuss the molecular and functional links between neurodevelopmental processes and treatment-induced neuroendocrine plasticity in prostate cancer progression and treatment resistance. We provide an overview of the emergence of neurite-like cells in neuroendocrine prostate cancer cells and whether the reported t-NEPC pathways and proteins relate to neurodevelopmental processes like neurogenesis and axonogenesis during the development of treatment resistance. We also discuss emerging novel therapeutic targets modulating neuroendocrine plasticity.
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18
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Ye H, Yang Y, Chen R, Shi X, Fang Y, Yang J, Dong Y, Chen L, Xia J, Wang C, Yang C, Feng J, Wang Y, Feng X, Lü C. Recognition of Invasive Prostate Cancer Using a GHRL Polypeptide Probe Targeting GHSR in a Mouse Model In Vivo. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:1614-1621. [PMID: 31880242 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666191227160001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ghrelin (GHRL) is a polypeptide that can specifically bind to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). The expression of GHSR is significantly different in normal and prostate cancer (PC) tissues in humans. It is important to find an effective diagnostic method for the diagnosis and prognosis of invasive PC/neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). METHODS GHRL and GHSR mRNA levels were determined by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in PC tissues. The expression of GHRL and GHSR proteins was assessed by Western blot assay and immunohistochemistry. A GHRL polypeptide probe was synthesized by standard solid-phase polypeptide synthesis, and labeled with Alexa Fluor 660. Confocal microscopy was used to capture fluorescence images. Living imaging analysis showed tumor areas of different invasiveness in mice models. RESULTS The levels of GHRL and GHSR copy number amplification and mRNA expression were increased in invasive PC/NEPC, and the protein expression levels of GHRL and GHSR were similarly increased in NEPC. The GHRL polypeptide probe could effectively bind to GHSR. In PC3 cells, it was found that the GHRL probe specifically binds to GHSR on the cell membrane and accumulates in the cells through internalization after binding. Live imaging in mice models showed that there were different signal intensities in tumor areas with different invasiveness. CONCLUSION GHSR and GHRL might be used in molecular imaging diagnosis for invasive PC/NEPC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huamao Ye
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolei Shi
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanzhen Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Drugs and Pharmaceutical Technology, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Drugs and Pharmaceutical Technology, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianghua Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Drugs and Pharmaceutical Technology, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenghua Yang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Drugs and Pharmaceutical Technology, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Feng
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Lü
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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19
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Williams SG, Aw Yeang HX, Mitchell C, Caramia F, Byrne DJ, Fox SB, Haupt S, Schittenhelm RB, Neeson PJ, Haupt Y, Keam SP. Immune molecular profiling of a multiresistant primary prostate cancer with a neuroendocrine-like phenotype: a case report. BMC Urol 2020; 20:171. [PMID: 33115461 PMCID: PMC7592533 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-020-00738-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the drivers of recurrence in aggressive prostate cancer requires detailed molecular and genomic understanding in order to aid therapeutic interventions.
We provide here a case report of histological, transcriptional, proteomic, immunological, and genomic features in a longitudinal study of multiple biopsies from diagnosis, through treatment, and subsequent recurrence.
Case presentation Here we present a case study of a male in 70 s with high-grade clinically-localised acinar adenocarcinoma treated with definitive hormone therapy and radiotherapy. The patient progressed rapidly with rising PSA and succumbed without metastasis 52 months after diagnosis.
We identified the expression of canonical histological markers of neuroendocrine PC (NEPC) including synaptophysin, neuron-specific enolase and thyroid transcription factor 1, as well as intact AR expression, in the recurrent disease only.
The resistant disease was also marked by an extremely low immune infiltrate, extensive genomic chromosomal aberrations, and overactivity in molecular hallmarks of NEPC disease including Aurora kinase and E2F, as well as novel alterations in the cMYB pathway. We also observed that responses to both primary treatments (high dose-rate brachytherapy and androgen deprivation therapies) were consistent with known optimal responses—ruling out treatment inefficacy as a factor in relapse.
Conclusions These data provide novel insights into a case of locally recurrent aggressive prostate cancer harbouring NEPC pathology, in the absence of detected metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott G Williams
- Division of Radiation Oncology and Cancer Imaging, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Tumor Suppression Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Pathology Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Han Xian Aw Yeang
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Catherine Mitchell
- Pathology Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Franco Caramia
- Tumor Suppression Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David J Byrne
- Pathology Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen B Fox
- Pathology Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sue Haupt
- Tumor Suppression Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ralf B Schittenhelm
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Facility, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul J Neeson
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ygal Haupt
- Tumor Suppression Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simon P Keam
- Tumor Suppression Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia. .,Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia. .,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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20
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Tan HX, Yang SL, Li MQ, Wang HY. Autophagy suppression of trophoblast cells induces pregnancy loss by activating decidual NK cytotoxicity and inhibiting trophoblast invasion. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:73. [PMID: 32398034 PMCID: PMC7218578 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00579-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The crosstalk between trophoblast cells and decidual NK cells plays an important role in the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy. Recent studies reported that autophagy can induce immune tolerance at the maternal fetal interface, while the mechanism remains unclear. METHODS Autophagy levels in the villi of normal and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) patients were detected by transmission electron microscopy. After co-cultured with trophoblast cells pretreated with 3-MA or rapamycin, NK cells were collected and the expression of killer receptors was detected by flow cytometry (FCM). The invasiveness of trophoblasts was tested by Cell invasion assay. RESULTS Compared with elective pregnancy termination patients, the level of autophagy in the villi of RSA patients was significantly decreased. Inducing the autophagy level in trophoblast cells with rapamycin could significantly inhibit the cytotoxicity of NK cells in the co-culture system, and supplement of IGF-2 could rectify this effect. Meanwhile, autophagy suppression of trophoblasts reduced the level of Paternally Expressed Gene 10 (PEG10), leading to the impairment of trophoblast cell invasion. In addition, NK cells educated by autophagy-inhibited trophoblasts further decreased the proliferation and invasiveness of trophoblasts. In pregnant mice model, injection with 3-MA promoted the cytotoxicity of uterine NK cells, and increased the embryo absorption rate. CONCLUSION Autophagy suppression of trophoblasts increase the cytotoxicity of NK cells and damage the trophoblasts invasion possibly by targeting IGF-2 and PEG10, respectively, which ultimately leads to miscarriage. Video Abstarct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Xia Tan
- Department of Gynecology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shen Yang Road 128, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Shao-Liang Yang
- Department of Gynecology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shen Yang Road 128, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Pingliang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China.
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hai-Yan Wang
- Department of Gynecology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shen Yang Road 128, Shanghai, 200090, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Oncofetal Chondroitin Sulfate: A Putative Therapeutic Target in Adult and Pediatric Solid Tumors. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040818. [PMID: 32231047 PMCID: PMC7226838 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors remain a major challenge for targeted therapeutic intervention strategies such as antibody-drug conjugates and immunotherapy. At a minimum, clear and actionable solid tumor targets have to comply with the key biological requirement of being differentially over-expressed in solid tumors and metastasis, in contrast to healthy organs. Oncofetal chondroitin sulfate is a cancer-specific secondary glycosaminoglycan modification to proteoglycans expressed in a variety of solid tumors and metastasis. Normally, this modification is found to be exclusively expressed in the placenta, where it is thought to facilitate normal placental implantation during pregnancy. Informed by this biology, oncofetal chondroitin sulfate is currently under investigation as a broad and specific target in solid tumors. Here, we discuss oncofetal chondroitin sulfate as a potential therapeutic target in childhood solid tumors in the context of current knowhow obtained over the past five years in adult cancers.
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22
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Epigenetic modulations and lineage plasticity in advanced prostate cancer. Ann Oncol 2020; 31:470-479. [PMID: 32139297 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related death in American men. Antiandrogen therapies are part of the standard of therapeutic regimen for advanced or metastatic prostate cancers; however, patients who receive these treatments are more likely to develop castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) or neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). In the development of CRPC or NEPC, numerous genetic signaling pathways have been under preclinical investigations and in clinical trials. Accumulated evidence shows that DNA methylation, chromatin integrity, and accessibility for transcriptional regulation still play key roles in prostate cancer initiation and progression. Better understanding of how epigenetic change regulates the progression of prostate cancer and the interaction between epigenetic and genetic modulators driving NEPC may help develop a better risk stratification and more effective treatment regimens for prostate cancer patients.
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23
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Patel GK, Chugh N, Tripathi M. Neuroendocrine Differentiation of Prostate Cancer-An Intriguing Example of Tumor Evolution at Play. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1405. [PMID: 31547070 PMCID: PMC6826557 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) has assumed a new perspective in light of the recent advances in research. Although classical NEPC is rarely seen in the clinic, focal neuroendocrine trans-differentiation of prostate adenocarcinoma occurs in about 30% of advanced prostate cancer (PCa) cases, and represents a therapeutic challenge. Even though our knowledge of the mechanisms that mediate neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) is still evolving, the role of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as a key driver of this phenomenon is increasingly becoming evident. In this review, we discuss the molecular, cellular, and therapeutic mediators of NED, and emphasize the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in orchestrating the phenotype. Understanding the role of the TME in mediating NED could provide us with valuable insights into the plasticity associated with the phenotype, and reveal potential therapeutic targets against this aggressive form of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girijesh Kumar Patel
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
| | - Natasha Chugh
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
| | - Manisha Tripathi
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
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