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Liu W, Li G, Huang D, Qin T. AKR1C3 promotes progression and mediates therapeutic resistance by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis in small cell lung cancer. Transl Oncol 2024; 47:102027. [PMID: 38954974 PMCID: PMC11263718 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102027] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a high-grade neuroendocrine tumor characterized by initial sensitivity to chemotherapy, followed by the development of drug resistance. The underlying mechanisms of resistance in SCLC have not been fully elucidated. Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3), is known to be associated with chemoradiotherapy resistance in diverse tumors. We aim to evaluate the prognostic significance and immune characteristics of AKR1C3 and investigate its potential role in promoting drug resistance in SCLC. METHODS 81 postoperative SCLC tissues were used to analyze AKR1C3 prognostic value and immune features. The tissue microarrays were employed to validate the clinical significance of AKR1C3 in SCLC. The effects of AKR1C3 on SCLC cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and tumor angiogenesis were detected by CCK-8, wound healing assay, transwell assay, flow cytometry and tube formation assay. RESULTS AKR1C3 demonstrated the highest expression level compared to other AKR1C family genes, and multivariate cox regression analysis identified it as an independent prognostic factor for SCLC. High AKR1C3 expression patients who underwent chemoradiotherapy experienced significantly shorter overall survival (OS). Furthermore, AKR1C3 was involved in the regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment in SCLC. Silencing of AKR1C3 led to the inhibition of cell proliferation and migration, while simultaneously promoting apoptosis and reducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in SCLC. CONCLUSION AKR1C3 promotes cell growth and metastasis, leading to drug resistance through inducing EMT and angiogenesis in SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Liu
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Guoli Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Dingzhi Huang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China.
| | - Tingting Qin
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China.
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Onji H, Tate S, Sakaue T, Fujiwara K, Nakano S, Kawaida M, Onishi N, Matsumoto T, Yamagami W, Sugiyama T, Higashiyama S, Pommier Y, Kobayashi Y, Murai J. Schlafen 11 further sensitizes BRCA-deficient cells to PARP inhibitors through single-strand DNA gap accumulation behind replication forks. Oncogene 2024; 43:2475-2489. [PMID: 38961202 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03094-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The preferential response to PARP inhibitors (PARPis) in BRCA-deficient and Schlafen 11 (SLFN11)-expressing ovarian cancers has been documented, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. As the accumulation of single-strand DNA (ssDNA) gaps behind replication forks is key for the lethality effect of PARPis, we investigated the combined effects of SLFN11 expression and BRCA deficiency on PARPi sensitivity and ssDNA gap formation in human cancer cells. PARPis increased chromatin-bound RPA2 and ssDNA gaps in SLFN11-expressing cells and even more in cells with BRCA1 or BRCA2 deficiency. SLFN11 was co-localized with chromatin-bound RPA2 under PARPis treatment, with enhanced recruitment in BRCA2-deficient cells. Notably, the chromatin-bound SLFN11 under PARPis did not block replication, contrary to its function under replication stress. SLFN11 recruitment was attenuated by the inactivation of MRE11. Hence, under PARPi treatment, MRE11 expression and BRCA deficiency lead to ssDNA gaps behind replication forks, where SLFN11 binds and increases their accumulation. As ovarian cancer patients who responded (progression-free survival >2 years) to olaparib maintenance therapy had a significantly higher SLFN11-positivity than short-responders (<6 months), our findings provide a mechanistic understanding of the favorable responses to PARPis in SLFN11-expressing and BRCA-deficient tumors. It highlight the clinical implications of SLFN11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Onji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Sota Tate
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Sakaue
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Kohei Fujiwara
- Division of Physiological Chemistry and Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory for Metabolomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shiho Nakano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Miho Kawaida
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Keio University Hospital, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Onishi
- Department of Clinical Diagnostic Oncology, Clinical Research Institute for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Showa University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsumoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Wataru Yamagami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Sugiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Shigeki Higashiyama
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Oncogenesis and Tumor Regulation, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Yusuke Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Junko Murai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan.
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Toon, Ehime, Japan.
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan.
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Shrestha P, Kao S, Cheung VK, Cooper WA, van Zandwijk N, Rasko JEJ, Yeo D. Circulating tumor cells: advancing personalized therapy in small cell lung cancer patients. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38956984 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive cancer with a dismal 5-year survival of < 7%, despite the addition of immunotherapy to first-line chemotherapy. Specific tumor biomarkers, such as delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) and schlafen11 (SLFN11), may enable the selection of more efficacious, novel immunomodulating targeted treatments like bispecific T-cell engaging monoclonal antibodies (tarlatamab) and chemotherapy with PARP inhibitors. However, obtaining a tissue biopsy sample can be challenging in SCLC. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have the potential to provide molecular insights into a patient's cancer through a "simple" blood test. CTCs have been studied for their prognostic ability in SCLC; however, their value in guiding treatment decisions is yet to be elucidated. This review explores novel and promising targeted therapies in SCLC, summarizes current knowledge of CTCs in SCLC, and discusses how CTCs can be utilized for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajwol Shrestha
- Li Ka Shing Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Precision Oncology Program, Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Waratah, Australia
| | - Steven Kao
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
- Medical Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Veronica K Cheung
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, NSW Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Wendy A Cooper
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, NSW Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, Australia
| | - Nico van Zandwijk
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, Australia
- Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Concord, Australia
| | - John E J Rasko
- Li Ka Shing Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Precision Oncology Program, Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Dannel Yeo
- Li Ka Shing Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Precision Oncology Program, Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, Australia
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Scattolin D, Maso AD, Ferro A, Frega S, Bonanno L, Guarneri V, Pasello G. The emerging role of Schlafen-11 (SLFN11) in predicting response to anticancer treatments: Focus on small cell lung cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 128:102768. [PMID: 38797062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by a dismal prognosis. Many efforts have been made so far for identifying novel biomarkers for a personalized treatment for SCLC patients. Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) is a protein differently expressed in many cancers and recently emerged as a new potential biomarker. Lower expression of SLFN11 correlates with a worse prognosis in SCLC and other tumors. SLFN11 has a role in tumorigenesis, inducing replication arrest in the presence of DNA damage through the block of the replication fork. SLFN11 interacts also with chromatin accessibility, proteotoxic stress and mammalian target of rapamycin signalling pathway. The expression of SLFN11 is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, including promoter methylation, histone deacetylation, and the histone methylation. The downregulation of SLFN11 correlates with a worse response to topoisomerase I and II inhibitors, alkylating agents, and poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors in different cancer types. Some studies exploring strategies for overcoming drug resistance in tumors with low levels of SLFN11 showed promising results. One of these strategies includes the interaction with the Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3-related pathway, constitutively activated and leading to cell survival and tumor growth in the presence of low levels of SLFN11. Furthermore, the expression of SLFN11 is dynamic through time and different anticancer therapy and liquid biopsy seems to be an attractive tool for catching SLFN11 different expressions. Despite this, further investigations exploring SLFN11 as a predictive biomarker, its longitudinal changes, and new strategies to overcome drug resistances are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Scattolin
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Ferro
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Frega
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Bonanno
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Guarneri
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Pasello
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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Zhou Y, Song L, Lyu L, Li S, Wang Q. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor with small cell carcinoma infiltration: a case report. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1389975. [PMID: 38952545 PMCID: PMC11215004 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1389975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the digestive system. They usually occur in the gastrointestinal tract. However, we discovered a rare phenomenon in which small cell carcinoma infiltrated the GIST of a patient. The patient came to the hospital and presented with chest tightness and shortness of breath for 2 months and a dry cough for half a month. As the ancillary tests were refined, it was discovered that he also had a lesion in the pelvic cavity. After pathological examination of the core needle biopsy (CNB) samples from the pelvic cavity lesion, the patient was diagnosed with GIST with small cell carcinoma infiltration. The patient is currently receiving a chemotherapy regimen of etoposide combined with cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Li Lyu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Shengjie Li
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Qimin Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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Trillo Aliaga P, Del Signore E, Fuorivia V, Spitaleri G, Asnaghi R, Attili I, Corvaja C, Carnevale Schianca A, Passaro A, de Marinis F. The Evolving Scenario of ES-SCLC Management: From Biology to New Cancer Therapeutics. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:701. [PMID: 38927637 PMCID: PMC11203015 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma accounting for 15% of lung cancers with dismal survival outcomes. Minimal changes in therapy and prognosis have occurred in SCLC for the past four decades. Recent progress in the treatment of extensive-stage disease (ES-SCLC) has been marked by incorporating immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) into platinum-based chemotherapy, leading to modest improvements. Moreover, few second-line-and-beyond treatment options are currently available. The main limitation for the molecular study of SCLC has been the scarcity of samples, because only very early diseases are treated with surgery and biopsies are not performed when the disease progresses. Despite all these difficulties, in recent years we have come to understand that SCLC is not a homogeneous disease. At the molecular level, in addition to the universal loss of retinoblastoma (RB) and TP53 genes, a recent large molecular study has identified other mutations that could serve as targets for therapy development or patient selection. In recent years, there has also been the identification of new genetic subtypes which have shown us how intertumor heterogeneity exists. Moreover, SCLC can also develop intratumoral heterogeneity linked mainly to the concept of cellular plasticity, mostly due to the development of resistance to therapies. The aim of this review is to quickly present the current standard of care of ES-SCLC, to focus on the molecular landscapes and subtypes of SCLC, subsequently present the most promising therapeutic strategies under investigation, and finally recap the future directions of ongoing clinical trials for this aggressive disease which still remains a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Trillo Aliaga
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Ester Del Signore
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Fuorivia
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Spitaleri
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Asnaghi
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Attili
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Corvaja
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Ambra Carnevale Schianca
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Passaro
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo de Marinis
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
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Khan R, Coleman N. Challenges and opportunities in the immunotherapy era: balancing expectations with hope in small-cell lung cancer. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359241249627. [PMID: 38765713 PMCID: PMC11102705 DOI: 10.1177/17588359241249627] [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: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a biologically aggressive subtype of lung cancer, a lethal disease characterized by rapid tumor growth, early relapse, a strong tendency for early widespread metastasis, and high genomic instability, making it a formidable foe in modern oncology practice. While the management of non-SCLC has been revolutionized in the era of immunotherapy, progress in SCLC has been more muted. Recent randomized phase III clinical trials have combined programmed death ligand-1 inhibitors to a chemotherapy backbone and demonstrated improved survival; however, the absolute benefit observed is short months. There is an undeniable urgent need for better responses, better agents, novel therapeutic approaches, and more rational, biomarker-driven clinical trials in SCLC. In this review, we discuss the rationale and current understanding of the biology of SCLC in the modern era of immunotherapy, discuss recent advances in front-line immunotherapeutic approaches that have changed clinical practice globally, provide an overview of some of the challenges and limitations that have staggered immune checkpoint blockade in SCLC, and explore some of the novel immunotherapeutic approaches currently being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raza Khan
- School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh Coleman
- Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, James Street, D08 NHY1 Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Zhou J, Zhang MY, Gao AA, Zhu C, He T, Herman JG, Guo MZ. Epigenetic silencing schlafen-11 sensitizes esophageal cancer to ATM inhibitor. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2060-2073. [PMID: 38764821 PMCID: PMC11099458 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i5.2060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeting DNA damage response (DDR) pathway is a cutting-edge strategy. It has been reported that Schlafen-11 (SLFN11) contributes to increase chemosensitivity by participating in DDR. However, the detailed mechanism is unclear. AIM To investigate the role of SLFN11 in DDR and the application of synthetic lethal in esophageal cancer with SLFN11 defects. METHODS To reach the purpose, eight esophageal squamous carcinoma cell lines, 142 esophageal dysplasia (ED) and 1007 primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) samples and various techniques were utilized, including methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction, CRISPR/Cas9 technique, Western blot, colony formation assay, and xenograft mouse model. RESULTS Methylation of SLFN11 was exhibited in 9.15% of (13/142) ED and 25.62% of primary (258/1007) ESCC cases, and its expression was regulated by promoter region methylation. SLFN11 methylation was significantly associated with tumor differentiation and tumor size (both P < 0.05). However, no significant associations were observed between promoter region methylation and age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, TNM stage, or lymph node metastasis. Utilizing DNA damaged model induced by low dose cisplatin, SLFN11 was found to activate non-homologous end-joining and ATR/CHK1 signaling pathways, while inhibiting the ATM/CHK2 signaling pathway. Epigenetic silencing of SLFN11 was found to sensitize the ESCC cells to ATM inhibitor (AZD0156), both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION SLFN11 is frequently methylated in human ESCC. Methylation of SLFN11 is sensitive marker of ATM inhibitor in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhou
- School of Medicine, NanKai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Mei-Ying Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Ai-Ai Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Cheng Zhu
- School of Medicine, NanKai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Tao He
- Departments of Pathology, Characteristic Medical Center of The Chinese People’s Armed Police Force, Tianjin 300162, China
| | - James G Herman
- The Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Ming-Zhou Guo
- School of Medicine, NanKai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
- National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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Zannikou M, Fish EN, Platanias LC. Signaling by Type I Interferons in Immune Cells: Disease Consequences. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1600. [PMID: 38672681 PMCID: PMC11049350 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081600] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review addresses interferon (IFN) signaling in immune cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) and examines how this affects cancer progression. The data reveal that IFNs exert dual roles in cancers, dependent on the TME, exhibiting both anti-tumor activity and promoting cancer progression. We discuss the abnormal IFN signaling induced by cancerous cells that alters immune responses to permit their survival and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markella Zannikou
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Eleanor N. Fish
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, 67 College Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2M1, Canada;
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Leonidas C. Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 820 S. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Guo H, Li W, Guo Y, Chen N, Cui J. Molecular classification of small cell lung cancer subtypes: Characteristics, prognostic factors, and clinical translation. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:130-139. [PMID: 37660289 PMCID: PMC10798698 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly malignant tumor with a very poor prognosis; therefore, more effective treatments are urgently needed for patients afflicted with the disease. In recent years, emerging molecular classifications based on key transcription factors of SCLC have provided more information on the tumor pathophysiology, metastasis, immune microenvironment, and acquired therapeutic resistance and reflected the intertumoral heterogeneity of the various SCLC phenotypes. Additionally, advances in genomics and single-cell sequencing analysis have further revealed the high intratumoral heterogeneity and plasticity of the disease. Herein, we review and summarize these recent lines of evidence and discuss the possible pathogenesis of SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
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Kim C, Wang XD, Liu Z, Hao J, Wang S, Li P, Zi Z, Ding Q, Jang S, Kim J, Luo Y, Huffman KE, Pal Choudhuri S, del Rio S, Cai L, Liang H, Drapkin BJ, Minna JD, Yu Y. Induced degradation of lineage-specific oncoproteins drives the therapeutic vulnerability of small cell lung cancer to PARP inhibitors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadh2579. [PMID: 38241363 PMCID: PMC10798557 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh2579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Although BRCA1/2 mutations are not commonly found in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a substantial fraction of SCLC shows clinically relevant response to PARP inhibitors (PARPis). However, the underlying mechanism(s) of PARPi sensitivity in SCLC is poorly understood. We performed quantitative proteomic analyses and identified proteomic changes that signify PARPi responses in SCLC cells. We found that the vulnerability of SCLC to PARPi could be explained by the degradation of lineage-specific oncoproteins (e.g., ASCL1). PARPi-induced activation of the E3 ligase HUWE1 mediated the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS)-dependent ASCL1 degradation. Although PARPi induced a general DNA damage response in SCLC cells, this signal generated a cell-specific response in ASCL1 degradation, leading to the identification of HUWE1 expression as a predictive biomarker for PARPi. Combining PARPi with agents targeting these pathways markedly improved therapeutic response in SCLC. The degradation of lineage-specific oncoproteins therefore represents a previously unidentified mechanism for PARPi efficacy in SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiho Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Xu-Dong Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Zhengshuai Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jianwei Hao
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Zhenzhen Zi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Qing Ding
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Seoyeon Jang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jiwoong Kim
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yikai Luo
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kenneth E. Huffman
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Shreoshi Pal Choudhuri
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sofia del Rio
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ling Cai
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Han Liang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Drapkin
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - John D. Minna
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yonghao Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
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12
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Ko JH, Lambert KE, Bhattacharya D, Lee MC, Colón CI, Hauser H, Sage J. Small Cell Lung Cancer Plasticity Enables NFIB-Independent Metastasis. Cancer Res 2024; 84:226-240. [PMID: 37963187 PMCID: PMC10842891 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer, highlighting the need to identify improved treatment and prevention strategies. Previous observations in preclinical models and tumors from patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a fatal form of lung cancer with high metastatic potential, identified the transcription factor NFIB as a driver of tumor growth and metastasis. However, investigation into the requirement for NFIB activity for tumor growth and metastasis in relevant in vivo models is needed to establish NFIB as a therapeutic target. Here, using conditional gene knockout strategies in genetically engineered mouse models of SCLC, we found that upregulation of NFIB contributes to tumor progression, but NFIB is not required for metastasis. Molecular studies in NFIB wild-type and knockout tumors identified the pioneer transcription factors FOXA1/2 as candidate drivers of metastatic progression. Thus, while NFIB upregulation is a frequent event in SCLC during tumor progression, SCLC tumors can employ NFIB-independent mechanisms for metastasis, further highlighting the plasticity of these tumors. SIGNIFICANCE Small cell lung cancer cells overcome deficiency of the prometastatic oncogene NFIB to gain metastatic potential through various molecular mechanisms, which may represent targets to block progression of this fatal cancer type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie H. Ko
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kyle E. Lambert
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Debadrita Bhattacharya
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Myung Chang Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Caterina I. Colón
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Haley Hauser
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Julien Sage
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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13
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Sacdalan DB, Ul Haq S, Lok BH. Plasma Cell-Free Tumor Methylome as a Biomarker in Solid Tumors: Biology and Applications. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:482-500. [PMID: 38248118 PMCID: PMC10814449 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31010033] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a fundamental mechanism of epigenetic control in cells and its dysregulation is strongly implicated in cancer development. Cancers possess an extensively hypomethylated genome with focal regions of hypermethylation at CPG islands. Due to the highly conserved nature of cancer-specific methylation, its detection in cell-free DNA in plasma using liquid biopsies constitutes an area of interest in biomarker research. The advent of next-generation sequencing and newer computational technologies have allowed for the development of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that utilize methylation profiling to diagnose disease and stratify risk. Methylome-based predictive biomarkers can determine the response to anti-cancer therapy. An additional emerging application of these biomarkers is in minimal residual disease monitoring. Several key challenges need to be addressed before cfDNA-based methylation biomarkers become fully integrated into practice. The first relates to the biology and stability of cfDNA. The second concerns the clinical validity and generalizability of methylation-based assays, many of which are cancer type-specific. The third involves their practicability, which is a stumbling block for translating technologies from bench to clinic. Future work on developing pan-cancer assays with their respective validities confirmed using well-designed, prospective clinical trials is crucial in pushing for the greater use of these tools in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Benedict Sacdalan
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Room 2374, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Sami Ul Haq
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Benjamin H. Lok
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Room 2374, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, Room 15-701, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
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14
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Liu Q, Zhang J, Guo C, Wang M, Wang C, Yan Y, Sun L, Wang D, Zhang L, Yu H, Hou L, Wu C, Zhu Y, Jiang G, Zhu H, Zhou Y, Fang S, Zhang T, Hu L, Li J, Liu Y, Zhang H, Zhang B, Ding L, Robles AI, Rodriguez H, Gao D, Ji H, Zhou H, Zhang P. Proteogenomic characterization of small cell lung cancer identifies biological insights and subtype-specific therapeutic strategies. Cell 2024; 187:184-203.e28. [PMID: 38181741 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.12.004] [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] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
We performed comprehensive proteogenomic characterization of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) using paired tumors and adjacent lung tissues from 112 treatment-naive patients who underwent surgical resection. Integrated multi-omics analysis illustrated cancer biology downstream of genetic aberrations and highlighted oncogenic roles of FAT1 mutation, RB1 deletion, and chromosome 5q loss. Two prognostic biomarkers, HMGB3 and CASP10, were identified. Overexpression of HMGB3 promoted SCLC cell migration via transcriptional regulation of cell junction-related genes. Immune landscape characterization revealed an association between ZFHX3 mutation and high immune infiltration and underscored a potential immunosuppressive role of elevated DNA damage response activity via inhibition of the cGAS-STING pathway. Multi-omics clustering identified four subtypes with subtype-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. Cell line and patient-derived xenograft-based drug tests validated the specific therapeutic responses predicted by multi-omics subtyping. This study provides a valuable resource as well as insights to better understand SCLC biology and improve clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chenchen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Mengcheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chenfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yilv Yan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Liangdong Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lele Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Huansha Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Likun Hou
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yuming Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Gening Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hongwen Zhu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yanting Zhou
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shanhua Fang
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tengfei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Junqiang Li
- D1 Medical Technology, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Yansheng Liu
- Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Bing Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Medicine, McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Ana I Robles
- Office of Cancer Clinical Proteomics Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Henry Rodriguez
- Office of Cancer Clinical Proteomics Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Daming Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
| | - Hongbin Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 200120, China.
| | - Hu Zhou
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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15
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Popper H, Brcic L, Eidenhammer S. Does subtyping of high-grade pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas have an impact on therapy selection? Transl Lung Cancer Res 2023; 12:2412-2426. [PMID: 38205203 PMCID: PMC10775006 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-23-505] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNEC) are characterized by a rapid progressive course. Therapy for SCLC has not much changed for decades, and in LCNEC controversies exist, favoring either SCLC-like or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-like therapy. Three subtypes of SCLC identified in cell cultures, namely ASCL1, NeuroD1, and POU2F3 have been confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The fourth type based on the expression of YAP1 was questioned, and another type, inflamed SCLC, was proposed. Methods SCLC and LCNEC samples were investigated by immunohistochemistry for different subtypes. Additionally, immunohistochemical markers as potential tools to identify patients who might respond to targeted treatment were investigated. For validation a biopsy set was added. Results ASCL1, NeuroD1, and POU2F3 were expressed in different percentages in SCLC and LCNEC. Similar percentages of expression were found in biopsies. ATOH was expressed in combination with one of the subtypes. YAP1 and TAZ were expressed in some SCLC and LCNEC cases. HES1 expression was seen in few cases. Predominantly stroma cells expressed programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). The dominant MYC protein was N-MYC. Aurora kinase A (AURKA) was expressed in the majority of both carcinomas, whereas fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) in few. Conclusions SCLC and LCNEC can be subtyped into ASCL1-, NeuroD1-, and POU2F3-positive types. AURKA expression and positivity for N-MYC protein was not associated with subtypes. AURKA and FGFR2 are both possible targets for inhibition in SCLC and LCNEC, but patients' selection should be based on expression of the enzyme. Combined chemo- and immunotherapy might be decided by PD-L1 staining of stroma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luka Brcic
- D&F Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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16
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Zullo L, Dall’Olio FG, Rossi G, Dellepiane C, Barletta G, Bennicelli E, Ingaliso M, Tagliamento M, Genova C. Molecular and Genetic Advances in Small Cell Lung Cancer Landscape: From Homogeneity to Diversity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:224. [PMID: 38203395 PMCID: PMC10779291 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has been historically considered a homogeneous disease and thus approached as a single entity when it comes to clinical studies design and new treatments developments. However, increasing knowledge in the genetic and molecular landscape of this disease challenges this concept, opening the possibility that different subtypes might show differential vulnerability to treatments. In this narrative review, we gather the most relevant advances in genetic and molecular characterization of SCLC, focusing on how these discoveries may be used to design the path for a personalized treatment approach. Indeed, we discuss the new classification based on differential protein expression, the prevalence and significance of oncogenic drivers (e.g., EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements) in SCLC, the genetic characteristics of SCLC in patients with no smoking history, and the existing evidence supporting the use of liquid biopsy for capturing the heterogeneity of the disease. We use the keywords "small cell lung cancer", "SCLC", "EGFR", "ALK", "histological transformation", and "transcriptional factors" to identify original research manuscripts, clinical trials, case reports, and case series from PubMed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lodovica Zullo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), Università Degli Studi di Genova, Via Leon Battista Alberti 2, 16132 Genova, Italy;
- Departement de Medicine Oncologique, Institut Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Edouard Vaillant, 94800 Villejuif, France;
| | - Filippo Gustavo Dall’Olio
- Departement de Medicine Oncologique, Institut Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Edouard Vaillant, 94800 Villejuif, France;
| | - Giovanni Rossi
- Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (G.R.); (C.D.); (G.B.); (E.B.)
| | - Chiara Dellepiane
- Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (G.R.); (C.D.); (G.B.); (E.B.)
| | - Giulia Barletta
- Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (G.R.); (C.D.); (G.B.); (E.B.)
| | - Elisa Bennicelli
- Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (G.R.); (C.D.); (G.B.); (E.B.)
| | - Marta Ingaliso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Diagnostiche Integrate (DISC), Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Università degli Studi di Genova, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Marco Tagliamento
- Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Università Degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Carlo Genova
- Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Università Degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genova, Italy
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17
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Raynaud CM, Ahmed EI, Jabeen A, Sanchez A, Sherif S, Carneiro-Lobo TC, Awad A, Awartani D, Naik A, Thomas R, Decock J, Zoppoli G, Bedongnetti D, Hendrickx WRL. Modulation of SLFN11 induces changes in DNA Damage response in breast cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:291. [PMID: 38001424 PMCID: PMC10668346 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03144-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lack of Schlafen family member 11 (SLFN11) expression has been recently identified as a dominant genomic determinant of response to DNA damaging agents in numerous cancer types. Thus, several strategies aimed at increasing SLFN11 are explored to restore chemosensitivity of refractory cancers. In this study, we examined various approaches to elevate SLFN11 expression in breast cancer cellular models and confirmed a corresponding increase in chemosensitivity with using the most successful efficient one. As oncogenic transcriptomic downregulation is often driven by methylation of the promotor region, we explore the demethylation effect of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (decitabine), on the SLFN11 gene. Since SLFN11 has been reported as an interferon inducible gene, and interferon is secreted during an active anti-tumor immune response, we investigated the in vitro effect of IFN-γ on SLFN11 expression in breast cancer cell lines. As a secondary approach to pick up cross talk between immune cells and SLFN11 expression we used indirect co-culture of breast cancer cells with activated PBMCs and evaluated if this can drive SLFN11 upregulation. Finally, as a definitive and specific way to modulate SLFN11 expression we implemented SLFN11 dCas9 (dead CRISPR associated protein 9) systems to specifically increase or decrease SLFN11 expression. RESULTS After confirming the previously reported correlation between methylation of SLFN11 promoter and its expression across multiple cell lines, we showed in-vitro that decitabine and IFN-γ could increase moderately the expression of SLFN11 in both BT-549 and T47D cell lines. The use of a CRISPR-dCas9 UNISAM and KRAB system could increase or decrease SLFN11 expression significantly (up to fivefold), stably and specifically in BT-549 and T47D cancer cell lines. We then used the modified cell lines to quantify the alteration in chemo sensitivity of those cells to treatment with DNA Damaging Agents (DDAs) such as Cisplatin and Epirubicin or DNA Damage Response (DDRs) drugs like Olaparib. RNAseq was used to elucidate the mechanisms of action affected by the alteration in SLFN11 expression. In cell lines with robust SLFN11 promoter methylation such as MDA-MB-231, no SLFN11 expression could be induced by any approach. CONCLUSION To our knowledge this is the first report of the stable non-lethal increase of SLFN11 expression in a cancer cell line. Our results show that induction of SLFN11 expression can enhance DDA and DDR sensitivity in breast cancer cells and dCas9 systems may represent a novel approach to increase SLFN11 and achieve higher sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents, improving outcome or decreasing required drug concentrations. SLFN11-targeting therapies might be explored pre-clinically to develop personalized approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eiman I Ahmed
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ayesha Jabeen
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Apryl Sanchez
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shimaa Sherif
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Amany Awad
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dina Awartani
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Adviti Naik
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Remy Thomas
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Julie Decock
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Center, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
| | - Gabriele Zoppoli
- Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Davide Bedongnetti
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Oncology and Hematology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Wouter R L Hendrickx
- Tumor Biology and Immunology Lab, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar.
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18
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Song K, Ma C, Gu B, Wang B, Ma H, Deng X, Chen H. Molecular mechanism underlying epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and cisplatin resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Thorac Cancer 2023; 14:3069-3079. [PMID: 37718469 PMCID: PMC10626249 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) occupies the seventh spot of the most prevalent malignancy cancer ailments worldwide and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is also the most predominant histological subtype of EC, and cisplatin (DDP) is commonly used as a first-line chemotherapeutic drug for the late advanced stages of the disease. However, the emergence of drug resistance during clinical treatment possesses a significant challenge to the therapeutic success and patient outcomes. Collectively, the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is a process in which transcription factors are induced to regulate the expression of epithelial and stromal markers to promote the differentiation of epithelial cells into stromal cells. Recent studies have demonstrated a close association between EMT and chemotherapy resistance in tumor cells, with concrete evidence of reciprocal reinforcement. Therefore, in this review, we elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying ESCC, shed light on the mechanisms driving DDP resistance, and provide insights into the intricate interplay between EMT and ESCC. We have aimed to provide some new hypotheses and perspectives that may address-inform future therapeutic strategies for ESCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewei Song
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
- Department of Public HealthJining No.1 People's HospitalJiningChina
| | - Chenhui Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Baohong Gu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Bofang Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Huanhuan Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Xiaobo Deng
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Tumor SurgeryLanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu ProvinceLanzhouChina
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19
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Miladinov M, Rosic J, Eric K, Guzonjic A, Jelenkovic J, Bogavac-Stanojevic N, Dimitrijevic I, Kotur-Stevuljevic J, Barisic G. Analysis of the Prognostic Potential of Schlafen 11, Programmed Death Ligand 1, and Redox Status in Colorectal Cancer Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15083. [PMID: 37894765 PMCID: PMC10606719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015083] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) protein has recently emerged as pivotal in DNA damage conditions, with predictive potential for tumor response to cytotoxic chemotherapies. Recent discoveries also showed that the programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein can be found on malignant cells, providing an immune evasion mechanism exploited by different tumors. Additionally, excessive generation of free radicals, redox imbalance, and consequential DNA damage can affect intestinal cell homeostasis and lead to neoplastic transformation. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the significance of SLFN11 and PD-L1 proteins and redox status parameters as prognostic biomarkers in CRC patients. This study included a total of 155 CRC patients. SLFN11 and PD-L1 serum levels were measured with ELISA and evaluated based on redox status parameters, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and survival. The following redox status parameters were investigated: spectrophotometrically measured superoxide dismutase (SOD), sulfhydryl (SH) groups, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), malondialdehyde (MDA), pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), and superoxide anion (O2•-). The prooxidative score, antioxidative score, and OXY-SCORE were also calculated. The results showed significantly shorter survival in patients with higher OXY-SCOREs and higher levels of serum SLFN11, while only histopathology-analysis-related factors showed significant prognostic value. OXY-SCORE and SLFN11 levels may harbor prognostic potential in CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Miladinov
- Clinic for Digestive Surgery-First Surgical Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovana Rosic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Eric
- Department of Pathology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Azra Guzonjic
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelenko Jelenkovic
- Clinic for Digestive Surgery-First Surgical Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Ivan Dimitrijevic
- Clinic for Digestive Surgery-First Surgical Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Goran Barisic
- Clinic for Digestive Surgery-First Surgical Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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20
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Phan Z, Ford CE, Caldon CE. DNA repair biomarkers to guide usage of combined PARP inhibitors and chemotherapy: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Pharmacol Res 2023; 196:106927. [PMID: 37717683 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The addition of PARP inhibitors to chemotherapy has been assessed in > 80 clinical trials across multiple malignancies, on the premise that PARP inhibitors will increase chemotherapy effectiveness regardless of whether cancers have underlying disruption of DNA repair pathways. Consequently, the majority of combination therapy trials have been performed on patients without biomarker selection, despite the use of homologous recombination deficiency to dictate use of PARP inhibitors in the maintenance setting. An unresolved question is whether biomarkers are needed to identify patients who respond to combination PARP inhibitors and chemotherapy. METHODS A systematic literature review identified studies using PARP inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone, where the study included a biomarker of DNA repair function (BRCA1, BRCA2, homologous recombination deficiency test, ATM, ERCC1, SLFN11). Hazard ratios (HR) were pooled in a meta-analysis using generic inverse-variance, and fixed or random effects modelling. Subgroup analyses were conducted on biomarker selection and type of malignancy. RESULTS Nine studies comprising 2547 patients met the inclusion criteria. Progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly better in patients with a DNA repair biomarker (HR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.48-0.68, p < 0.00001), but there was no benefit in patients who lacked a biomarker (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.82-1.08, p = 0.38). Subgroup analysis showed that BRCA status and SLFN11 biomarkers could predict benefit, and biomarker-driven benefit occurred in ovarian, breast and small cell lung cancers. The addition of PARP inhibitors to chemotherapy was associated with increased grade 3/4 side effects, and particularly neutropenia. CONCLUSIONS Combination therapy only improves PFS in patients with identifiable DNA repair biomarkers. This indicates that PARP inhibitors do not sensitise patients to chemotherapy treatment, except where their cancer has a homologous recombination defect, or an alternative biomarker of altered DNA repair. While effective in patients with DNA repair biomarkers, there is a risk of high-grade haematological side-effects with the use of combination therapy. Thus, the benefit in PFS from combination therapy must be weighed against potential adverse effects, as individual arms of treatment can also confer benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Phan
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Caroline E Ford
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - C Elizabeth Caldon
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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21
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Thorlacius‐Ussing J, Kristensen SR, Karsdal MA, Willumsen N, Pedersen S. Preliminary investigation of elevated collagen and blood-clotting markers as potential noninvasive biomarkers for small cell lung cancer. Thorac Cancer 2023; 14:2830-2838. [PMID: 37596821 PMCID: PMC10542464 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is highly aggressive with limited therapeutic options and a poor prognosis. Moreover, noninvasive biomarker tools for detecting disease and monitoring treatment response are lacking. To address this, we evaluated serum biomarkers of extracellular matrix proteins not previously explored in SCLC. METHODS We measured biomarkers in the serum of 16 patients with SCLC before and after chemotherapy as well as in the serum of 11 healthy individuals. RESULTS Our findings demonstrated that SCLC serum had higher levels of collagen type I degradation, collagen type III formation, and collagen type XI formation than healthy controls. In addition, we observed higher levels of type XIX and XXII collagens, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor A formation in SCLC serum. The formation of type I collagen did not exhibit any discernible variation. However, we observed a decrease in the degradation of type I collagen following chemotherapy. CONCLUSION Overall, our findings revealed elevated levels of collagen and blood-clotting markers in the serum of SCLC patients, indicating the potential of ECM proteins as noninvasive biomarkers for SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Søren Risom Kristensen
- Department of Clinical MedicineAalborg UniversityAalborgDenmark
- Department of Clinical BiochemistryAalborg University HospitalAalborgDenmark
| | | | | | - Shona Pedersen
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU HealthQatar UniversityDohaQatar
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22
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Wollenzien H, Tecleab YA, Szczepaniak-Sloane R, Restaino A, Kareta MS. Single-Cell Evolutionary Analysis Reveals Drivers of Plasticity and Mediators of Chemoresistance in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:892-907. [PMID: 37256926 PMCID: PMC10527088 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is often a heterogeneous tumor, where dynamic regulation of key transcription factors can drive multiple populations of phenotypically different cells which contribute differentially to tumor dynamics. This tumor is characterized by a very low 2-year survival rate, high rates of metastasis, and rapid acquisition of chemoresistance. The heterogeneous nature of this tumor makes it difficult to study and to treat, as it is not clear how or when this heterogeneity arises. Here we describe temporal, single-cell analysis of SCLC to investigate tumor initiation and chemoresistance in both SCLC xenografts and an autochthonous SCLC model. We identify an early population of tumor cells with high expression of AP-1 network genes that are critical for tumor growth. Furthermore, we have identified and validated the cancer testis antigens (CTA) PAGE5 and GAGE2A as mediators of chemoresistance in human SCLC. CTAs have been successfully targeted in other tumor types and may be a promising avenue for targeted therapy in SCLC. IMPLICATIONS Understanding the evolutionary dynamics of SCLC can shed light on key mechanisms such as cellular plasticity, heterogeneity, and chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Wollenzien
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- Genetics & Genomics Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | | | - Robert Szczepaniak-Sloane
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- Genetics & Genomics Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
| | - Anthony Restaino
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
| | - Michael S. Kareta
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- Genetics & Genomics Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
- Functional Genomics & Bioinformatics Core, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, USA
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23
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Philip KT, Dutta K, Chakraborty S, Patro BS. Functional inhibition of RECQL5 helicase elicits non-homologous end joining response and sensitivity of breast cancers to PARP inhibitor. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 161:106443. [PMID: 37392863 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2023.106443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Poly (ADPRibose) Polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) are clinically approved for the treatment of BRCA-mutated hereditary breast and ovarian cancers with homologous recombination (HR) deficiency, based on synthetic lethality concept. However, ∼90% of breast cancers are BRCA-wild type; they repair PARPi mediated damage through HR, leading to intrinsic de novo resistance. Hence, there is an unmet need of exploring novel targets in HR-proficient aggressive breast cancers for PARPi treatment. RECQL5 physically interacts and disrupts RAD51 from pre-synaptic filaments, aiding HR resolution, replication fork protection and preventing illegitimate recombination. In the current investigation, we show that targeted inhibition of HR by stabilization of RAD51-RECQL5 complex by a pharmacological inhibitor of RECQL5 (4a; 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivative) in the presence of PARPi [talazoparib (BMN673)] leads to abolition of functional HR with uncontrolled activation of NHEJ repair. This was assessed by GFP based NHEJ reporter assay, KU80 recruitment and in vitro NHEJ based plasmid ligation assay. Concomitant treatment with talazoparib and 4a generates copious amounts of replication stress, prolonged cell cycle arrest, extensive double strand breaks (DSBs) and mitotic catastrophe, leading to sensitization of HR-proficient breast cancers. Suppression of NHEJ activity abolishes 4a-mediated sensitization of breast cancers to PARPi treatment. Imperatively, 4a was ineffective against normal mammary epithelial cells, which expresses low RECQL5 vis-à-vis breast cancer cells. Moreover, functional inhibition of RECQL5 suppresses metastatic potential of breast cancer cells in response to PARPi. Together, we identified RECQL5 as a novel pharmacological target for expanding PARPi based treatment horizon for HR-proficient cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krupa Thankam Philip
- Bio-Organic Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Kartik Dutta
- Bio-Organic Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Saikat Chakraborty
- Bio-Organic Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India.
| | - Birija Sankar Patro
- Bio-Organic Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India.
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24
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Dancik GM, Varisli L, Vlahopoulos SA. The Molecular Context of Oxidant Stress Response in Cancer Establishes ALDH1A1 as a Critical Target: What This Means for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119372. [PMID: 37298333 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The protein family of aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH) encompasses nineteen members. The ALDH1 subfamily consists of enzymes with similar activity, having the capacity to neutralize lipid peroxidation products and to generate retinoic acid; however, only ALDH1A1 emerges as a significant risk factor in acute myeloid leukemia. Not only is the gene ALDH1A1 on average significantly overexpressed in the poor prognosis group at the RNA level, but its protein product, ALDH1A1 protects acute myeloid leukemia cells from lipid peroxidation byproducts. This capacity to protect cells can be ascribed to the stability of the enzyme under conditions of oxidant stress. The capacity to protect cells is evident both in vitro, as well as in mouse xenografts of those cells, shielding cells effectively from a number of potent antineoplastic agents. However, the role of ALDH1A1 in acute myeloid leukemia has been unclear in the past due to evidence that normal cells often have higher aldehyde dehydrogenase activity than leukemic cells. This being true, ALDH1A1 RNA expression is significantly associated with poor prognosis. It is hence imperative that ALDH1A1 is methodically targeted, particularly for the acute myeloid leukemia patients of the poor prognosis risk group that overexpress ALDH1A1 RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett M Dancik
- Department of Computer Science, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT 06226, USA
| | - Lokman Varisli
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science Faculty, Dicle University, Diyarbakir 21280, Turkey
| | - Spiros A Vlahopoulos
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Thivon & Levadeias 8, 11527 Athens, Greece
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25
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Moliner L, Zhang B, Lamberti G, Ardizzoni A, Byers LA, Califano R. Novel therapeutic strategies for recurrent SCLC. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 186:104017. [PMID: 37150311 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic options for patients with relapsed SCLC are limited, and the prognosis in this setting remains poor. While clinical outcomes for frontline treatment have modestly improved with the introduction of immunotherapy, treatment in the second-line setting persists almost unchanged. In this review, current treatment options and recent advances in molecular biology are described. Emerging therapeutic options in this setting and potential strategies to improve clinical outcomes of these patients are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moliner
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - Bingnan Zhang
- Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Giuseppe Lamberti
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Andrea Ardizzoni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Lauren A Byers
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Raffaele Califano
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK; Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK.
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26
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McNamee N, da Silva IP, Nagrial A, Gao B. Small-Cell Lung Cancer-An Update on Targeted and Immunotherapies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8129. [PMID: 37175833 PMCID: PMC10179261 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive disease with distinct biological and clinical features. The clinical course of SCLC is generally characterised by initial sensitivity to DNA-damaging therapies, followed by early relapse and broad cross resistance to second line agents. Whilst there has been an enormous expansion of effective targeted and immune-based therapeutic options for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the last decade, little improvement has been achieved in SCLC treatment and survival due, at least in part, to underappreciated inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity. Here we review the current treatment paradigm of SCLC including recent advances made in utilizing immunotherapy and the challenges of identifying a predictive biomarker for immunotherapy response. We examine emerging new targeted therapies, combination immunotherapy and future directions of SCLC treatment research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ines Pires da Silva
- Blacktown and Westmead Hospitals, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Adnan Nagrial
- Blacktown and Westmead Hospitals, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Bo Gao
- Blacktown and Westmead Hospitals, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
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27
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O'Connor MJ, Forment JV. Mechanisms of PARP Inhibitor Resistance. Cancer Treat Res 2023; 186:25-42. [PMID: 37978129 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-30065-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPi) represent the first medicines based on the targeting of the DNA damage response (DDR). PARPi have become standard of care for first-line maintenance treatment in ovarian cancer and have also been approved in other cancer indications including breast, pancreatic and prostate. Despite their efficacy, resistance to PARPi has been reported clinically and represents a growing patient population with unmet clinical need. Here, we describe the various mechanisms of PARPi resistance that have been identified in pre-clinical models and in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J O'Connor
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Discovery Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0AA, UK.
| | - Josep V Forment
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Discovery Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0AA, UK
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28
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Kirk NA, Kim KB, Park KS. Effect of chromatin modifiers on the plasticity and immunogenicity of small-cell lung cancer. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:2118-2127. [PMID: 36509828 PMCID: PMC9794818 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00905-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) are often involved in maintaining homeostasis. Loss of tumor suppressor functions causes cellular plasticity that drives numerous types of cancer, including small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), an aggressive type of lung cancer. SCLC is largely driven by numerous loss-of-function mutations in TSGs, often in those encoding chromatin modifiers. These mutations present a therapeutic challenge because they are not directly actionable. Alternatively, understanding the resulting molecular changes may provide insight into tumor intervention strategies. We hypothesize that despite the heterogeneous genomic landscape in SCLC, the impacts of mutations in patient tumors are related to a few important pathways causing malignancy. Specifically, alterations in chromatin modifiers result in transcriptional dysregulation, driving mutant cells toward a highly plastic state that renders them immune evasive and highly metastatic. This review will highlight studies in which imbalance of chromatin modifiers with opposing functions led to loss of immune recognition markers, effectively masking tumor cells from the immune system. This review also discusses the role of chromatin modifiers in maintaining neuroendocrine characteristics and the role of aberrant transcriptional control in promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition during tumor development and progression. While these pathways are thought to be disparate, we highlight that the pathways often share molecular drivers and mediators. Understanding the relationships among frequently altered chromatin modifiers will provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of SCLC development and progression and therefore may reveal preventive and therapeutic vulnerabilities of SCLC and other cancers with similar mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A. Kirk
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Kee-Beom Kim
- grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566 Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon-Sik Park
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
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29
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Transcriptional Profiling Reveals Mesenchymal Subtypes of Small Cell Lung Cancer with Activation of the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Worse Clinical Outcomes. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225600. [PMID: 36428693 PMCID: PMC9688413 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
While molecular subtypes of small cell lung cancers (SCLC) based on neuroendocrine (NE) and non-NE transcriptional regulators have been established, the association between these molecular subtypes and recently recognized SCLC-inflamed (SCLC-I) tumors is less understood. In this study, we used gene expression profiles of SCLC primary tumors and cell lines to discover and characterize SCLC-M (mesenchymal) tumors distinct from SCLC-I tumors for molecular features, clinical outcomes, and cross-species developmental trajectories. SCLC-M tumors show elevated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and YAP1 activity but a low level of anticancer immune activity and worse clinical outcomes than SCLC-I tumors. The prevalence of SCLC-M tumors was 3.2-7.4% in primary SCLC cohorts, which was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry in an independent cohort. Deconvoluted gene expression of tumor epithelial cells showed that EMT and increased immune function are tumor-intrinsic characteristics of SCLC-M and SCLC-I subtypes, respectively. Cross-species analysis revealed that human primary SCLC tumors recapitulate the NE-to-non-NE progression murine model providing insight into the developmental relationships among SCLC subtypes, e.g., early NE (SCLC-A and -N)- vs. late non-NE tumors (SCLC-M and -P). Newly identified SCLC-M tumors are biologically and clinically distinct from SCLC-I tumors which should be taken into account for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
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30
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Huang TT, Burkett SS, Tandon M, Yamamoto TM, Gupta N, Bitler BG, Lee JM, Nair JR. Distinct roles of treatment schemes and BRCA2 on the restoration of homologous recombination DNA repair and PARP inhibitor resistance in ovarian cancer. Oncogene 2022; 41:5020-5031. [PMID: 36224341 PMCID: PMC9669252 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02491-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) represent a major advance in ovarian cancer, now as a treatment and as a maintenance therapy in the upfront and recurrent settings. However, patients often develop resistance to PARPis, underlining the importance of dissecting resistance mechanisms. Here, we report different dosing/timing schemes of PARPi treatment in BRCA2-mutant PEO1 cells, resulting in the simultaneous development of distinct resistance mechanisms. PARPi-resistant variants PEO1/OlaJR, established by higher initial doses and short-term PARPi treatment, develops PARPi resistance by rapidly restoring functional BRCA2 and promoting drug efflux activity. In contrast, PEO1/OlaR, developed by lower initial doses with long-term PARPi exposure, shows no regained BRCA2 function but a mesenchymal-like phenotype with greater invasion ability, and exhibits activated ATR/CHK1 and suppressed EZH2/MUS81 signaling cascades to regain HR repair and fork stabilization, respectively. Our study suggests that PARPi resistance mechanisms can be governed by treatment strategies and have a molecular basis on BRCA2 functionality. Further, we define different mechanisms that may serve as useful biomarkers to assess subsequent treatment strategies in PARPi-resistant ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Ting Huang
- Women's Malignancies Branch (WMB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Mayank Tandon
- Center for Cancer Research Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tomomi M Yamamoto
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Reproductive Sciences, The University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nitasha Gupta
- Women's Malignancies Branch (WMB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin G Bitler
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Reproductive Sciences, The University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jung-Min Lee
- Women's Malignancies Branch (WMB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Jayakumar R Nair
- Women's Malignancies Branch (WMB), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
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31
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Zhang X, Huo X, Guo H, Xue L. Combined inhibition of PARP and EZH2 for cancer treatment: Current status, opportunities, and challenges. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:965244. [PMID: 36263120 PMCID: PMC9574044 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.965244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors with BRCA1/2 mutations or homologous recombination repair defects are sensitive to PARP inhibitors through the mechanism of synthetic lethality. Several PARP inhibitors are currently approved for ovarian, breast and pancreatic cancer in clinical practice. However, more than 40% of patients with BRCA1/2 mutations are insensitive to PARP inhibitors, which has aroused attention to the mechanism of PARP resistance and sensitization schemes. PARP inhibitor resistance is related to homologous recombination repair, stability of DNA replication forks, PARylation and epigenetic modification. Studies on epigenetics have become the hotspots of research on PARP inhibitor resistance. As an important epigenetic regulator of transcription mediated by histone methylation, EZH2 interacts with PARP through DNA homologous recombination, DNA replication, posttranslational modification, tumor immunity and other aspects. EZH2 inhibitors have been just shifting from the bench to the bedside, but the combination scheme in cancer therapy has not been fully explored yet. Recently, a revolutionary drug design combining PARP inhibitors and EZH2 inhibitors based on PROTAC techniques has shed light on the resolution of PARP inhibitor resistance. This review summarizes the interactions between EZH2 and PARP, suggests the potential PARP inhibitor sensitization effect of EZH2 inhibitors, and further discusses the potential populations that benefit from the combination of EZH2 inhibitors and PARP inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian, China
| | - Xiao Huo
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian, China
- Biobank, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian, China
| | - Hongyan Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian, China
- *Correspondence: Lixiang Xue, ; Hongyan Guo,
| | - Lixiang Xue
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian, China
- Biobank, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian, China
- *Correspondence: Lixiang Xue, ; Hongyan Guo,
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32
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Metzner FJ, Wenzl SJ, Kugler M, Krebs S, Hopfner KP, Lammens K. Mechanistic understanding of human SLFN11. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5464. [PMID: 36115853 PMCID: PMC9482658 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33123-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) is an interferon-inducible antiviral restriction factor with tRNA endoribonuclease and DNA binding functions. It is recruited to stalled replication forks in response to replication stress and inhibits replication of certain viruses such as the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) by modulating the tRNA pool. SLFN11 has been identified as a predictive biomarker in cancer, as its expression correlates with a beneficial response to DNA damage inducing anticancer drugs. However, the mechanism and interdependence of these two functions are largely unknown. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of human SLFN11 in its dimeric apoenzyme state, bound to tRNA and in complex with single-strand DNA. Full-length SLFN11 neither hydrolyses nor binds ATP and the helicase domain appears in an autoinhibited state. Together with biochemical and structure guided mutagenesis studies, our data give detailed insights into the mechanism of endoribonuclease activity as well as suggestions on how SLFN11 may block stressed replication forks. Schlafen 11 serves as an antiviral restriction factor and a predictive biomarker in cancer. Here, the authors use cryoelectron microscopy and biochemical assays to understand tRNA endoribonuclease and DNA binding functions of human Schlafen 11.
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Woll P, Gaunt P, Danson S, Steele N, Ahmed S, Mulatero C, Shah R, Bhosle J, Hodgkinson E, Watkins B, Billingham L. Olaparib as maintenance treatment in patients with chemosensitive small cell lung cancer (STOMP): A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial. Lung Cancer 2022; 171:26-33. [PMID: 35872530 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) responds well to chemoradiotherapy but frequently relapses. Here, we evaluate activity and safety of the poly (adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor olaparib as maintenance treatment for patients with chemoresponsive SCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eligible patients had complete or partial response to first line chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for SCLC. Patients were randomised 2:2:1:1 to olaparib 300 mg twice a day (BD), olaparib 200 mg three times a day (TDS), placebo BD or placebo TDS. The primary outcome was progression-free survival time (PFS). The trial design had 80% power to detect a 3-month difference in median PFS based on a one-sided 5% significance level. Secondary outcome measures included overall survival time (OS), adverse events and quality of life. ISRCTN 73164486, EudraCT 2010-021165-76. RESULTS 220 patients were randomised: 74 placebo, 73 olaparib BD, 73 olaparib TDS. Median PFS (90% confidence interval (CI)) was 2·5 (1·8, 3·7), 3·7 (3·1, 4·6) and 3·6 (2·8, 4·7) months in the placebo, olaparib BD and TDS arms, respectively. There was no significant difference in PFS between olaparib and placebo for either BD (Hazard Ratio (HR) (90%CI) 0·76 (0·57, 1·02), P = 0·125 or TDS 0·86, (0·64, 1·15), P = 0·402. Common adverse events on olaparib were fatigue, nausea, anaemia, vomiting and anorexia. Of 214 patients who discontinued treatment before 24 months, toxicity was the reason cited for 66 (18 placebo, 24 olaparib BD, 24 olaparib TDS). CONCLUSION This trial does not provide sufficient evidence that either the BD or TDS regimen for maintenance olaparib monotherapy improves PFS or OS in an unselected SCLC population to warrant further research. Toxicity for olaparib was similar to other studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penella Woll
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Piers Gaunt
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Danson
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
| | - Nicola Steele
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Samreen Ahmed
- University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Riyaz Shah
- Maidstone Hospital, Maidstone, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Ben Watkins
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Lucinda Billingham
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Keogh A, Finn S, Radonic T. Emerging Biomarkers and the Changing Landscape of Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153772. [PMID: 35954436 PMCID: PMC9367597 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive cancer representing 15% of all lung cancers. Unlike other types of lung cancer, treatments for SCLC have changed very little in the past 20 years and therefore, the survival rate remains low. This is due, in part, to the lack of understanding of the biological basis of this disease and the previous idea that all SCLCs are the same. Multiple recent studies have identified that SCLCs have varying biological activity and can be divided into four different groups. The advantage of this is that each of these four groups responds differently to new treatments, which hopefully will dramatically improve survival. Additionally, the aim of these new treatments is to specifically target these biological differences in SCLC so normal/non cancer cells are unaffected, leading to decreased side effects and a better quality of life. There is still a lot unknown about SCLC, but these new findings offer a glimmer of hope for patients in the future. Abstract Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a high-grade neuroendocrine malignancy with an aggressive behavior and dismal prognosis. 5-year overall survival remains a disappointing 7%. Genomically, SCLCs are homogeneous compared to non-small cell lung cancers and are characterized almost always by functional inactivation of RB1 and TP53 with no actionable mutations. Additionally, SCLCs histologically appear uniform. Thus, SCLCs are currently managed as a single disease with platinum-based chemotherapy remaining the cornerstone of treatment. Recent studies have identified expression of dominant transcriptional signatures which may permit classification of SCLCs into four biologically distinct subtypes, namely, SCLC-A, SCLC-N, SCLC-P, and SCLC-I. These groups are readily detectable by immunohistochemistry and also have potential predictive utility for emerging therapies, including PARPi, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and DLL3 targeted therapies. In contrast with their histology, studies have identified that SCLCs display both inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity. Identification of subpopulations of cells with high expression of PLCG2 has been linked with risk of metastasis. SCLCs also display subtype switching under therapy pressure which may contribute furthermore to metastatic ability and chemoresistance. In this review, we summarize the recent developments in the understanding of the biology of SCLCs, and discuss the potential diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment opportunities the four proposed subtypes may present for the future. We also discuss the emerging evidence of tumor heterogeneity and plasticity in SCLCs which have been implicated in metastasis and acquired therapeutic resistance seen in these aggressive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Keogh
- Department of Histopathology, St. James’s Hospital, D08 NHY1 Dublin, Ireland;
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D08 HD53 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence:
| | - Stephen Finn
- Department of Histopathology, St. James’s Hospital, D08 NHY1 Dublin, Ireland;
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D08 HD53 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Teodora Radonic
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VUMC, University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
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Xiong J, Barayan R, Louie AV, Lok BH. Novel therapeutic combinations with PARP inhibitors for small cell lung cancer: A bench-to-bedside review. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:521-542. [PMID: 35917883 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is treated as a monolithic disease despite the evident intra- and intertumoral heterogeneity. Non-specific DNA-damaging agents have remained the first-line treatment for decades. Recently, emerging transcriptomic and genomic profiling of SCLC tumors identified distinct SCLC subtypes and vulnerabilities towards targeted therapeutics, including inhibitors of the nuclear enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARPi). SCLC cell lines and tumors exhibited an elevated level of PARP1 protein and mRNA compared to healthy lung tissues and other subtypes of lung tumors. Notable responses to PARPi were also observed in preclinical SCLC models. Clinically, PARPi monotherapy exerted variable benefits for SCLC patients. To date, research is being vigorously conducted to examine predictive biomarkers of PARPi response and various PARPi combination strategies to maximize the clinical utility of PARPi. This narrative review summarizes existing preclinical evidence supporting PARPi monotherapy, combination therapy, and respective translation to the clinic. Specifically, we covered the combination of PARPi with DNA-damaging chemotherapy (cisplatin, etoposide, temozolomide), thoracic radiotherapy, immunotherapy (immune checkpoint inhibitors), and many other novel therapeutic agents that target DNA damage response, tumor microenvironment, epigenetic modulation, angiogenesis, the ubiquitin-proteasome system, or autophagy. Putative biomarkers, such as SLFN11 expression, MGMT methylation, E2F1 expression, and platinum sensitivity, which may be predictive of response to distinct therapeutic combinations, were also discussed. The future of SCLC treatment is undergoing rapid change with a focus on tailored and personalized treatment strategies. Further development of cancer therapy with PARPi will immensely benefit at least a subset of biomarker-defined SCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Xiong
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ranya Barayan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander V Louie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Odette Cancer Centre - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Benjamin H Lok
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Expression of DNA Helicase Genes Was Correlated with Homologous Recombination Deficiency in Breast Cancer. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5508301. [PMID: 35855837 PMCID: PMC9288330 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5508301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Homologous recombination deficiency which is currently measured by the homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) score including score of telomeric allelic imbalance (TAI), large-scale transition (LST), and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) is highly related with sensitivity to platinum-containing drug and PARP inhibitors. DNA helicases are essential components for the homologous recombination repair process in which DNA helicases unwind double-strand DNA utilizing ATP hydrolysis. In our study, the correlation between the expression of DNA helicase genes and HRD score in breast cancer was analyzed. The overexpression in half of the DNA helicase genes was found to be highly correlated with a high HRD score both in BRCA-mutated and BRCA wild-type breast cancer. Moreover, HRD score can be predicted by a linear function contributed by five DNA helicase genes. In conclusion, our study revealed a close relation between the overexpression of certain DNA helicase genes and the deficiency of homologous recombination repair in breast cancer.
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37
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Onji H, Murai J. Reconsidering the mechanisms of action of PARP inhibitors based on clinical outcomes. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:2943-2951. [PMID: 35766436 PMCID: PMC9459283 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PARP inhibitors (PARPis) were initially developed as DNA repair inhibitors that inhibit the catalytic activity of PARP1 and PARP2 and are expected to induce synthetic lethality in BRCA‐ or homologous recombination (HR)‐deficient tumors. However, the clinical indications for PARPis are not necessarily limited to BRCA mutations or HR deficiency; BRCA wild‐type and HR‐proficient cancers can also derive some benefit from PARPis. These facts are interpretable by an additional primary antitumor mechanism of PARPis named PARP trapping, resulting from the stabilization of PARP‐DNA complexes. Favorable response to platinum derivatives (cisplatin and carboplatin) in preceding treatment is used as a clinical biomarker for some PARPis, implying that sensitivity factors for platinum derivatives and PARPis are mainly common. Such common sensitivity factors include not only HR defects (HRD) but also additional factors. One of them is Schlafen 11 (SLFN11), a putative DNA/RNA helicase, that sensitizes cancer cells to a broad type of DNA‐damaging agents, including platinum and topoisomerase inhibitors. Mechanistically, SLFN11 induces a lethal replication block in response to replication stress (ie, DNA damage). As SLFN11 acts upon replication stress, trapping PARPis can activate SLFN11. Preclinical models show the importance of SLFN11 in PARPi sensitivity. However, the relevance of SLFN11 in PARPi response is less evident in clinical data compared with the significance of SLFN11 for platinum sensitivity. In this review, we consider the reasons for variable indications of PARPis resulting from clinical outcomes and review the mechanisms of action for PARPis as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Onji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Junko Murai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Japan
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Mekonnen N, Yang H, Shin YK. Homologous Recombination Deficiency in Ovarian, Breast, Colorectal, Pancreatic, Non-Small Cell Lung and Prostate Cancers, and the Mechanisms of Resistance to PARP Inhibitors. Front Oncol 2022; 12:880643. [PMID: 35785170 PMCID: PMC9247200 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.880643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Homologous recombination (HR) is a highly conserved DNA repair mechanism that protects cells from exogenous and endogenous DNA damage. Breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer 2 (BRCA2) play an important role in the HR repair pathway by interacting with other DNA repair proteins such as Fanconi anemia (FA) proteins, ATM, RAD51, PALB2, MRE11A, RAD50, and NBN. These pathways are frequently aberrant in cancer, leading to the accumulation of DNA damage and genomic instability known as homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). HRD can be caused by chromosomal and subchromosomal aberrations, as well as by epigenetic inactivation of tumor suppressor gene promoters. Deficiency in one or more HR genes increases the risk of many malignancies. Another conserved mechanism involved in the repair of DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) is base excision repair, in which poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes play an important role. PARP inhibitors (PARPIs) convert SSBs to more cytotoxic double-strand breaks, which are repaired in HR-proficient cells, but remain unrepaired in HRD. The blockade of both HR and base excision repair pathways is the basis of PARPI therapy. The use of PARPIs can be expanded to sporadic cancers displaying the “BRCAness” phenotype. Although PARPIs are effective in many cancers, their efficacy is limited by the development of resistance. In this review, we summarize the prevalence of HRD due to mutation, loss of heterozygosity, and promoter hypermethylation of 35 DNA repair genes in ovarian, breast, colorectal, pancreatic, non-small cell lung cancer, and prostate cancer. The underlying mechanisms and strategies to overcome PARPI resistance are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negesse Mekonnen
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Seoul National University College of Pharmacy, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Veterinary Science, School of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Hobin Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Seoul National University College of Pharmacy, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young Kee Shin
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Seoul National University College of Pharmacy, Seoul, South Korea
- Bio-MAX/N-Bio, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
- LOGONE Bio Convergence Research Foundation, Center for Companion Diagnostics, Seoul, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Young Kee Shin,
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Can Schlafen 11 Help to Stratify Ovarian Cancer Patients Treated with DNA-Damaging Agents? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102353. [PMID: 35625957 PMCID: PMC9139752 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102353] [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: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Platinum-based chemotherapy has been the cornerstone of systemic treatment in ovarian cancer. Since no validated molecular predictive markers have been identified yet, the response to platinum-based chemotherapy has been evaluated clinically, based on platinum-free interval. The new promising marker Schlafen 11 seems to correlate with sensitivity or resistance to DNA-damaging agents, including platinum compounds or PARP inhibitors in various types of cancer. We provide background information about the function of Schlafen 11, its evaluation in tumor tissue, and its prevalence in ovarian cancer. We discuss the current evidence of the correlation of Schlafen 11 expression in ovarian cancer with treatment outcomes and the potential use of Schlafen 11 as the key predictive and prognostic marker that could help to better stratify ovarian cancer patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy or PARP inhibitors. We also provide perspectives on future directions in the research on this promising marker.
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Liu X, Ge Z, Yang F, Contreras A, Lee S, White JB, Lu Y, Labrie M, Arun BK, Moulder SL, Mills GB, Piwnica-Worms H, Litton JK, Chang JT. Identification of biomarkers of response to preoperative talazoparib monotherapy in treatment naïve gBRCA+ breast cancers. NPJ Breast Cancer 2022; 8:64. [PMID: 35538088 PMCID: PMC9090765 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-022-00427-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 exist in ~2–7% of breast cancer patients, which has led to the approval of PARP inhibitors in the advanced setting. We have previously reported a phase II neoadjuvant trial of single agent talazoparib for patients with germline BRCA pathogenic variants with a pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of 53%. As nearly half of the patients treated did not have pCR, better strategies are needed to overcome treatment resistance. To this end, we conducted multi-omic analysis of 13 treatment naïve breast cancer tumors from patients that went on to receive single-agent neoadjuvant talazoparib. We looked for biomarkers that were predictive of response (assessed by residual cancer burden) after 6 months of therapy. We found that all resistant tumors exhibited either the loss of SHLD2, expression of a hypoxia signature, or expression of a stem cell signature. These results indicate that the deep analysis of pre-treatment tumors can identify biomarkers that are predictive of response to talazoparib and potentially other PARP inhibitors, and provides a framework that will allow for better selection of patients for treatment, as well as a roadmap for the development of novel combination therapies to prevent emergence of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Liu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhongqi Ge
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alejandro Contreras
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sanghoon Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jason B White
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yiling Lu
- Department of Genome Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marilyne Labrie
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Banu K Arun
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stacy L Moulder
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gordon B Mills
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Helen Piwnica-Worms
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer K Litton
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Chang
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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41
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Tayoun T, Faugeroux V, Oulhen M, Déas O, Michels J, Brulle-Soumare L, Cairo S, Scoazec JY, Marty V, Aberlenc A, Planchard D, Remon J, Ponce S, Besse B, Kannouche PL, Judde JG, Pawlikowska P, Farace F. Targeting genome integrity dysfunctions impedes metastatic potency in non-small-cell lung cancer circulating tumor cell-derived eXplants. JCI Insight 2022; 7:155804. [PMID: 35511434 PMCID: PMC9220846 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.155804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA damage and genomic instability contribute to non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) etiology and progression. However, their therapeutic exploitation is disappointing. CTC-derived explants (CDX) offer systems for mechanistic investigation of CTC metastatic potency and may provide rationale for biology-driven therapeutics. Four CDX models and 3 CDX-derived cell lines were established from NSCLC CTCs and recapitulated patient tumor histology and response to platinum-based chemotherapy. CDX (GR-CDXL1, GR-CDXL2, GR-CDXL3, GR-CDXL4) demonstrated considerable mutational landscape similarity with patient tumor biopsy and/or single CTCs. Truncal alterations in key DNA damage response (DDR) and genome integrity–related genes were prevalent across models and assessed as therapeutic targets in vitro, in ovo, and in vivo. GR-CDXL1 presented homologous recombination deficiency linked to biallelic BRCA2 mutation and FANCA deletion, unrepaired DNA lesions after mitosis, and olaparib sensitivity, despite resistance to chemotherapy. SLFN11 overexpression in GR-CDXL4 led to olaparib sensitivity and was in coherence with neuroendocrine marker expression in patient tumor biopsy, suggesting a predictive value of SLFN11 in NSCLC histological transformation into small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Centrosome clustering promoted targetable chromosomal instability in GR-CDXL3 cells. These CDX unravel DDR and genome integrity–related defects as a central mechanism underpinning metastatic potency of CTCs and provide rationale for their therapeutic targeting in metastatic NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tala Tayoun
- Université Paris Saclay, INSERM US23 AMMICA, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Vincent Faugeroux
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM US23 AMMICA, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Marianne Oulhen
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM US23 AMMICA, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Judith Michels
- Université Paris Saclay, Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | | | - Jean-Yves Scoazec
- Université Paris-Saclay, "Histo-Cytopathology" Translational Platform, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Virginie Marty
- Université Paris-Saclay, "Histo-Cytopathology" Translational Platform, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Agathe Aberlenc
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM US23 AMMICA, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - David Planchard
- Université Paris Saclay, Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Jordi Remon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro Integral Oncológico Clara Campal HM CIOCC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Santiago Ponce
- Université Paris Saclay, INSERM U981, Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Benjamin Besse
- Université Paris Saclay, Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Patricia L Kannouche
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR9019 "Genome Integrity and Cancers", Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | | | - Françoise Farace
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM US23 AMMICA, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
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Kashima J, Okuma Y. Advances in biology and novel treatments of SCLC: The four-color problem in uncharted territory. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:386-395. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Li H, Yu Z, Wang H, Wang N, Sun X, Yang S, Hua X, Liu Z. Role of ANO1 in tumors and tumor immunity. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 148:2045-2068. [PMID: 35471604 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04004-2] [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: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of gene amplification, cell-signaling-pathway transduction, epigenetic and transcriptional regulation, and protein interactions drives tumor-cell proliferation and invasion, while ion channels also play an important role in the generation and development of tumor cells. Overexpression of Ca2+-activated Cl- channel anoctamin 1 (ANO1) is shown in numerous cancer types and correlates with poor prognosis. However, the mechanisms involved in ANO1-mediated malignant cellular transformation and the role of ANO1 in tumor immunity remain unknown. In this review, we discuss recent studies to determine the role of ANO1 in tumorigenesis and provide novel insights into the role of ANO1 in the context of tumor immunity. Furthermore, we analyze the roles and potential mechanisms of ANO1 in different types of cancers, and provide novel notions for the role of ANO1 in the tumor microenvironment and for potential use of ANO1 in clinical applications. Our review shows that ANO1 is involved in tumor immunity and microenvironment, and may, therefore, be an effective biomarker and therapeutic drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haini Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qingdao Sixth People's Hospital, Qingdao, 266001, China
| | - Zongxue Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266001, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Xueguo Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qingdao University Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao, 266001, China
| | - Shengmei Yang
- Department of Gynecology, Qingdao University Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao, 266001, China
| | - Xu Hua
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Zongtao Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China.
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Dynamic expression of Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) in circulating tumour cells as a liquid biomarker in small cell lung cancer. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:569-576. [PMID: 35440668 PMCID: PMC9346119 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01811-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive malignancy with no established biomarkers. Schlafen 11(SLFN11), a DNA/RNA helicase that sensitises cancer cells to DNA-damaging agents, has emerged as a promising predictive biomarker for several drug classes including platinum and PARP inhibitors. Detection of SLFN11 in circulating tumour cells (CTCs) may provide a valuable alternative to tissue sampling. METHODS SLFN11 expression was evaluated in tumour samples and characterised in circulating tumour cells (CTC) longitudinally to determine its potential role as a biomarker of response. RESULTS Among 196 SCLC tumours, 51% expressed SLFN11 by IHC. In addition, 20/29 extra-thoracic high-grade neuroendocrine tumours expressed SLFN11 expression. In 64 blood samples from 42 SCLC patients, 83% (53/64) of samples had detectable CTCs, and SLFN11-positive CTCs were detected in 55% (29/53). Patients actively receiving platinum treatment had the lowest number of CTCs and a lower percentage of SLFN11-positive CTCs (p = 0.014). Analysis from patients with longitudinal samples suggest a decrease in CTC number and in SLFN11 expression that correlates with clinical response. CONCLUSIONS SLFN11 levels can be monitored in CTCs from SCLC patients using non-invasive liquid biopsies. The ability to detect SLFN11 in CTCs from SCLC patients adds a valuable tool for the detection and longitudinal monitoring of this promising biomarker.
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Wang WZ, Shulman A, Amann JM, Carbone DP, Tsichlis PN. Small cell lung cancer: Subtypes and therapeutic implications. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:543-554. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Catalano F, Borea R, Puglisi S, Boutros A, Gandini A, Cremante M, Martelli V, Sciallero S, Puccini A. Targeting the DNA Damage Response Pathway as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061388. [PMID: 35326540 PMCID: PMC8946235 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Defective DNA damage response (DDR) is a hallmark of cancer leading to genomic instability. Up to 15–20% of colorectal cancers carry alterations in DDR. However, the role of DDR alterations as a prognostic factor and as a therapeutic target must be elucidated. To date, disappointing results have been obtained in different clinical trials mainly due to poor molecular selection of patients. Several challenges must be overcome before these compounds may have an impact on colorectal cancer. For instance, although some preclinical evidence showed the vulnerability of a subset of CRCs to PARP inhibitors, no specific clinical or molecular biomarkers have been validated to select patients. Moreover, different DDR alterations may not equally confer platinum sensitivity in CRC patients. Further efforts are needed in both preclinical and clinical settings to exploit DDR alterations as therapeutic targets and to eventually discover PARP or other DDR inhibitors (e.g., Wee1) with clinical benefit on colorectal cancer patients. Abstract Major advances have been made in CRC treatment in recent years, especially in molecularly driven therapies and immunotherapy. Despite this, a large number of advanced colorectal cancer patients do not benefit from these treatments and their prognosis remains poor. The landscape of DNA damage response (DDR) alterations is emerging as a novel target for treatment in different cancer types. PARP inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers carrying deleterious BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants or homologous recombination repair (HRR) deficiency (HRD). Recent research reported on the emerging role of HRD in CRC and showed that alterations in these genes, either germline or somatic, are carried by up to 15–20% of CRCs. However, the role of HRD is still widely unknown, and few data about their clinical impact are available, especially in CRC patients. In this review, we report preclinical and clinical data currently available on DDR inhibitors in CRC. We also emphasize the predictive role of DDR mutations in response to platinum-based chemotherapy and the potential clinical role of DDR inhibitors. More preclinical and clinical trials are required to better understand the impact of DDR alterations in CRC patients and the therapeutic opportunities with novel DDR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Catalano
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.C.); (R.B.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (M.C.); (V.M.); (S.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), School of Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberto Borea
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.C.); (R.B.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (M.C.); (V.M.); (S.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), School of Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Puglisi
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.C.); (R.B.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (M.C.); (V.M.); (S.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), School of Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Boutros
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.C.); (R.B.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (M.C.); (V.M.); (S.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), School of Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Annalice Gandini
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.C.); (R.B.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (M.C.); (V.M.); (S.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), School of Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Malvina Cremante
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.C.); (R.B.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (M.C.); (V.M.); (S.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), School of Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Valentino Martelli
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.C.); (R.B.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (M.C.); (V.M.); (S.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), School of Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefania Sciallero
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.C.); (R.B.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (M.C.); (V.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Alberto Puccini
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.C.); (R.B.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (M.C.); (V.M.); (S.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), School of Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0105553301 (ext.3302); Fax: +39-0105555141
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O’Sullivan Coyne G, Karlovich C, Wilsker D, Voth AR, Parchment RE, Chen AP, Doroshow JH. PARP Inhibitor Applicability: Detailed Assays for Homologous Recombination Repair Pathway Components. Onco Targets Ther 2022; 15:165-180. [PMID: 35237050 PMCID: PMC8885121 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s278092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) have been in clinical use since 2014 for certain patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutations, but as evidence and approvals for their use in a wider range of patients grow, the question of how best to identify patients who would benefit from PARPi becomes ever more complex. Here, we discuss the development and current state of approved selection testing for PARPi therapy and the ongoing efforts to define a broader range of homologous recombination repair deficiencies that are susceptible to PARP inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine O’Sullivan Coyne
- Early Clinical Trials Development Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Chris Karlovich
- Leidos Biomedical Research Inc, Molecular Characterization Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Deborah Wilsker
- Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Andrea Regier Voth
- Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Ralph E Parchment
- Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Alice P Chen
- Early Clinical Trials Development Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James H Doroshow
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Schlafens Can Put Viruses to Sleep. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020442. [PMID: 35216035 PMCID: PMC8875196 DOI: 10.3390/v14020442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Schlafen gene family encodes for proteins involved in various biological tasks, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and T cell development. Schlafens were initially discovered in mice, and have been studied in the context of cancer biology, as well as their role in protecting cells during viral infection. This protein family provides antiviral barriers via direct and indirect effects on virus infection. Schlafens can inhibit the replication of viruses with both RNA and DNA genomes. In this review, we summarize the cellular functions and the emerging relationship between Schlafens and innate immunity. We also discuss the functions and distinctions of this emerging family of proteins as host restriction factors against viral infection. Further research into Schlafen protein function will provide insight into their mechanisms that contribute to intrinsic and innate host immunity.
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Metzner FJ, Huber E, Hopfner KP, Lammens K. Structural and biochemical characterization of human Schlafen 5. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:1147-1161. [PMID: 35037067 PMCID: PMC8789055 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Schlafen family belongs to the interferon-stimulated genes and its members are involved in cell cycle regulation, T cell quiescence, inhibition of viral replication, DNA-repair and tRNA processing. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of full-length human Schlafen 5 (SLFN5) and the high-resolution crystal structure of the highly conserved N-terminal core domain. We show that the core domain does not resemble an ATPase-like fold and neither binds nor hydrolyzes ATP. SLFN5 binds tRNA as well as single- and double-stranded DNA, suggesting a potential role in transcriptional regulation. Unlike rat Slfn13 or human SLFN11, human SLFN5 did not cleave tRNA. Based on the structure, we identified two residues in proximity to the zinc finger motif that decreased DNA binding when mutated. These results indicate that Schlafen proteins have divergent enzymatic functions and provide a structural platform for future biochemical and genetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix J Metzner
- Department of Biochemistry, Gene Center, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 25, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Huber
- Department of Biochemistry, Gene Center, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 25, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Karl-Peter Hopfner
- Department of Biochemistry, Gene Center, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 25, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Katja Lammens
- Department of Biochemistry, Gene Center, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 25, 81377 München, Germany
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Kundu K, Cardnell RJ, Zhang B, Shen L, Stewart CA, Ramkumar K, Cargill KR, Wang J, Gay CM, Byers LA. SLFN11 biomarker status predicts response to lurbinectedin as a single agent and in combination with ATR inhibition in small cell lung cancer. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2022; 10:4095-4105. [PMID: 35004241 PMCID: PMC8674596 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-21-437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Lurbinectedin recently received FDA accelerated approval as a second line treatment option for metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, there are currently no established biomarkers to predict SCLC sensitivity or resistance to lurbinectedin or preclinical studies to guide rational combinations. Methods Drug sensitivity was assayed in proliferation assays and xenograft models. Baseline proteomic profiling was performed by reverse-phase protein array. Lurbinectedin-induced changes in intracellular signaling pathways were assayed by Western blot. Results Among 21 human SCLC cell lines, cytotoxicity was observed following lurbinectedin treatment at a low dose (median IC50 0.46 nM, range, 0.06–1.83 nM). Notably, cell lines with high expression of Schlafen-11 (SLFN11) protein, a promising biomarker of response to other DNA damaging agents (e.g., chemotherapy, PARP inhibitors), were more sensitive to single-agent lurbinectedin (FC =3.2, P=0.005). SLFN11 was validated as a biomarker of sensitivity to lurbinectedin using siRNA knockdown and in xenografts representing SLFN11 high and low SCLC. Replication stress and DNA damage markers (e.g., γH2AX, phosphorylated CHK1, phosphorylated RPA32) increased in SCLC cell lines following treatment with lurbinectedin. Lurbinectedin also induced PD-L1 expression via cGAS-STING pathway activation. Finally, the combination of lurbinectedin with the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) inhibitors ceralasertib and berzosertib showed a greater than additive effect in SLFN11-low models. Conclusions Together our data confirm the activity of lurbinectedin across a large cohort of SCLC models and identify SLFN11 as a top candidate biomarker for lurbinectedin sensitivity. In SLFN11-low SCLC cell lines which are relatively resistance to lurbinectedin, the addition of an ATR inhibitor to lurbinectedin re-sensitized otherwise resistant cells, confirming previous observations that SLFN11 is a master regulator of DNA damage response independent of ATR, and the absence of SLFN11 leads to synthetic lethality with ATR inhibition. This study provides a rationale for lurbinectedin in combination with ATR inhibitors to overcome resistance in SCLC with low SLFN11 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Kundu
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert J Cardnell
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bingnan Zhang
- Division of Cancer Medicine, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Li Shen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - C Allison Stewart
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kavya Ramkumar
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kasey R Cargill
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carl M Gay
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lauren A Byers
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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