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Patil K, Sher G, Kuttikrishnan S, Moton S, Alam M, Buddenkotte J, Ahmad A, Steinhoff M, Uddin S. The cross-talk between miRNAs and JAK/STAT pathway in cutaneous T cell lymphoma: Emphasis on therapeutic opportunities. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:239-249. [PMID: 36216715 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.09.015] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sézary Syndrome (SS) belong to a wide spectrum of T cell lymphoproliferative disorders collectively termed cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCL). CTCLs represent an archetype of heterogeneous and dynamically variable lymphoproliferative neoplasms typified by distinct clinical, histological, immunophenotypic, and genetic features. Owing to its complex dynamics, the pathogenesis of CTCL remains elusive. However, in recent years, progress in CTCL classification combined with next-generation sequencing analyses has broadened the genetic and epigenetic spectrum of clearly defined CTCL entities such as MF and SS. Several large-scale genome studies have identified the polygenic nature of CTCL and unveiled an idiosyncratic mutational landscape involving genetic aberrations, epigenetic alterations, cell cycle dysregulation, apoptosis, and the constitutive activation of T cell/NF-κB/JAK-STAT signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize the evolving insights on how the intrinsic epigenetic events driven by dysregulated miRNAs, including the oncogenic and tumor-suppressive miRNAs, influence the pathogenesis of MF and SS. We also focus on the interplay between the JAK/STAT pathway and miRNAs in CTCL as well as the significance of the miRNA/STAT axis as a relevant pathogenetic mechanism underlying CTCL initiation and progression. Based on these biologic insights, the current status and recent progress on novel therapies with a strong biological rationale, including miRNA-targeted molecules and JAK/STAT-targeted therapy for CTCL management, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani Patil
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Gulab Sher
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Shilpa Kuttikrishnan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Safwan Moton
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33200, USA
| | - Majid Alam
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Joerg Buddenkotte
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Medical School, Doha 24144, Qatar; Dept. of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York 10065, New York, USA.
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
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2
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Gantchev J, Messina-Pacheco J, Martínez Villarreal A, Ramchatesingh B, Lefrançois P, Xie P, Amar L, Xu HH, Raveendra K, Sikorski D, Guerra Ordaz DJ, Gill RPK, Lambert M, Litvinov IV. Ectopically Expressed Meiosis-Specific Cancer Testis Antigen HORMAD1 Promotes Genomic Instability in Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Cells 2023; 12:1627. [PMID: 37371097 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121627] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability is a prominent hallmark of cancer, however the mechanisms that drive and sustain this process remain elusive. Research demonstrates that numerous cancers with increased levels of genomic instability ectopically express meiosis-specific genes and undergo meiomitosis, the clash of mitotic and meiotic processes. These meiotic genes may represent novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer. We studied the relationship between the expression of the meiosis protein HORMAD1 and genomic instability in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). First, we assessed markers of DNA damage and genomic instability following knockdown and overexpression of HORMAD1 in different cell lines representing SCCs and epithelial cancers. shRNA-mediated depletion of HORMAD1 expression resulted in increased genomic instability, DNA damage, increased sensitivity to etoposide, and decreased expression of DNA damage response/repair genes. Conversely, overexpression of HORMAD1 exhibited protective effects leading to decreased DNA damage, enhanced survival and decreased sensitivity to etoposide. Furthermore, we identified a meiotic molecular pathway that regulates HORMAD1 expression by targeting the upstream meiosis transcription factor STRA8. Our results highlight a specific relationship between HORMAD1 and genomic instability in SCCs, suggesting that selectively inhibiting HORMAD1, possibly, through STRA8 signaling, may provide a new paradigm of treatment options for HORMAD1-expressing SCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Gantchev
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Julia Messina-Pacheco
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | | | | | - Philippe Lefrançois
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Pingxing Xie
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Laetitia Amar
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada
| | - Hong Hao Xu
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | | | - Daniel Sikorski
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada
| | | | | | - Marine Lambert
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Ivan V Litvinov
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
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3
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Touyz SJ, Ghazawi FM, Netchiporouk E, Popradi G, Michel RP, Skamene S, Lambert C, Hijal T, Litvinov IV. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma developing in surgical scars post cardiac
surgery: A case study. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2023; 11:2050313X231161444. [PMID: 36968985 PMCID: PMC10034272 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x231161444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas are a class of non-Hodgkin lymphomas characterized by
the infiltration of malignant T cells into the skin. Their precise pathogenesis
remains incompletely understood, but persistent and specific antigen stimulation
of skin-homing CD4+ memory T cells by external or internal factors, combined
with an inflammatory cytokine-rich tissue microenvironment, may be critical in
the development of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. We present herein a case of
primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma arising in two surgical scars that developed
6 months post-operatively and were successfully treated with external beam
radiotherapy. This case highlights the notion that primary cutaneous T-cell
lymphoma can develop locally at the site of injury/foreign body within a
relatively short time post trauma/surgery. This work contributes to the
literature of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas arising after a trauma, surgery, or a
foreign body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Touyz
- Department of Acute Internal Medicine,
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Feras M Ghazawi
- Division of Dermatology, University of
Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Elena Netchiporouk
- Division of Dermatology, McGill
University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gizelle Popradi
- Division of Hematology, McGill
University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - René P Michel
- Department of Pathology, McGill
University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sonia Skamene
- Department of Radiation Oncology,
McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christine Lambert
- Department of Radiation Oncology,
McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tarek Hijal
- Department of Radiation Oncology,
McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ivan V Litvinov
- Division of Dermatology, McGill
University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ivan V Litvinov, Division of Dermatology,
McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boul Decarie, Rm. E02.0236, Montreal, QC
H4A3J1, Canada.
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4
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Ramchatesingh B, Martínez Villarreal A, Arcuri D, Lagacé F, Setah SA, Touma F, Al-Badarin F, Litvinov IV. The Use of Retinoids for the Prevention and Treatment of Skin Cancers: An Updated Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012622. [PMID: 36293471 PMCID: PMC9603842 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoids are natural and synthetic vitamin A derivatives that are effective for the prevention and the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC). NMSCs constitute a heterogenous group of non-melanocyte-derived skin cancers that impose substantial burdens on patients and healthcare systems. They include entities such as basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (collectively called keratinocyte carcinomas), cutaneous lymphomas and Kaposi’s sarcoma among others. The retinoid signaling pathway plays influential roles in skin physiology and pathology. These compounds regulate diverse biological processes within the skin, including proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis and immune regulation. Collectively, retinoids can suppress skin carcinogenesis. Both topical and systemic retinoids have been investigated in clinical trials as NMSC prophylactics and treatments. Desirable efficacy and tolerability in clinical trials have prompted health regulatory bodies to approve the use of retinoids for NMSC management. Acceptable off-label uses of these compounds as drugs for skin cancers are also described. This review is a comprehensive outline on the biochemistry of retinoids, their activities in the skin, their effects on cancer cells and their adoption in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Domenico Arcuri
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - François Lagacé
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Samy Abu Setah
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Fadi Touma
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Faris Al-Badarin
- Faculté de Médicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0V6, Canada
| | - Ivan V. Litvinov
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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The Contributions of Cancer-Testis and Developmental Genes to the Pathogenesis of Keratinocyte Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153630. [PMID: 35892887 PMCID: PMC9367444 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153630] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In addition to mutations, ectopically-expressed genes are emerging as important contributors to cancer development. Efforts to characterize the expression patterns in cancers of gamete-restricted cancer-testis antigens and developmentally-restricted genes are underway, revealing these genes to be putative biomarkers and therapeutic targets for various malignancies. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are two highly-prevalent non-melanoma skin cancers that result in considerable burden on patients and our health system. To optimize disease prognostication and treatment, it is necessary to further classify the molecular complexity of these malignancies. This review describes the expression patterns and functions of cancer-testis antigens and developmentally-restricted genes in BCC and cSCC tumors. A large number of cancer-testis antigens and developmental genes exhibit substantial expression levels in BCC and cSCC. These genes have been shown to contribute to several aspects of cancer biology, including tumorigenesis, differentiation, invasion and responses to anti-cancer therapy. Abstract Keratinocyte carcinomas are among the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are the two cancers recognized as keratinocyte carcinomas. The standard of care for treating these cancers includes surgery and ablative therapies. However, in recent years, targeted therapies (e.g., cetuximab for cSCC and vismodegib/sonidegib for BCC) have been used to treat advanced disease as well as immunotherapy (e.g., cemiplimab). These treatments are expensive and have significant toxicities with objective response rates approaching ~50–65%. Hence, there is a need to dissect the molecular pathogenesis of these cancers to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve disease management. Several cancer-testis antigens (CTA) and developmental genes (including embryonic stem cell factors and fetal genes) are ectopically expressed in BCC and cSCC. When ectopically expressed in malignant tissues, functions of these genes may be recaptured to promote tumorigenesis. CTAs and developmental genes are emerging as important players in the pathogenesis of BCC and cSCC, positioning themselves as attractive candidate biomarkers and therapeutic targets requiring rigorous testing. Herein, we review the current research and offer perspectives on the contributions of CTAs and developmental genes to the pathogenesis of keratinocyte carcinomas.
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6
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Lingg L, Rottenberg S, Francica P. Meiotic Genes and DNA Double Strand Break Repair in Cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:831620. [PMID: 35251135 PMCID: PMC8895043 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.831620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells show widespread genetic alterations that change the expression of genes driving tumor progression, including genes that maintain genomic integrity. In recent years, it has become clear that tumors frequently reactivate genes whose expression is typically restricted to germ cells. As germ cells have specialized pathways to facilitate the exchange of genetic information between homologous chromosomes, their aberrant regulation influences how cancer cells repair DNA double strand breaks (DSB). This drives genomic instability and affects the response of tumor cells to anticancer therapies. Since meiotic genes are usually transcriptionally repressed in somatic cells of healthy tissues, targeting aberrantly expressed meiotic genes may provide a unique opportunity to specifically kill cancer cells whilst sparing the non-transformed somatic cells. In this review, we highlight meiotic genes that have been reported to affect DSB repair in cancers derived from somatic cells. A better understanding of their mechanistic role in the context of homology-directed DNA repair in somatic cancers may provide useful insights to find novel vulnerabilities that can be targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Lingg
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Cancer Therapy Resistance Cluster, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sven Rottenberg
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Cancer Therapy Resistance Cluster, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Bern Center for Precision Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Sven Rottenberg, ; Paola Francica,
| | - Paola Francica
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Cancer Therapy Resistance Cluster, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Sven Rottenberg, ; Paola Francica,
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7
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Increased Chlormethine-Induced DNA Double-Stranded Breaks in Malignant T Cells from Mycosis Fungoides Skin Lesions. JID INNOVATIONS 2022; 2:100069. [PMID: 34977846 PMCID: PMC8683611 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjidi.2021.100069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Chlormethine (CL) is recommended as first-line therapy for MF, with a major purpose to kill tumor cells through DNA alkylation. To study the extent of treatment susceptibility and tumor specificity, we investigated the gene expression of different DNA repair pathways, DNA double-stranded breaks, and tumor cell proliferation of clonal TCR Vβ+ tumor cell populations in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma skin cells on direct exposure to CL. Healthy human T cells were less susceptible to CL exposure than two T-lymphoma cell lines, resulting in higher proportions of viable cells. Interestingly, in T cells from MF lesions, we observed a downregulation of several important DNA repair pathways, even complete silencing of RAD51AP1, FANC1, and BRCA2 involved in homologous recombination repair. In the presence of CL, the double-stranded DNA breaks in malignant MF skin T cells increased significantly as well as the expression of the apoptotic gene CASP3. These data point toward an important effect of targeting CL on MF skin tumor T cells, which support CL use as an early cutaneous lymphoma treatment and can be of synergistic use, especially beneficial in the setting of combination skin-directed therapies for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
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8
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Tools used to assay genomic instability in cancers and cancer meiomitosis. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 16:159-177. [PMID: 34841477 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00661-z] [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: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability is a defining characteristic of cancer and the analysis of DNA damage at the chromosome level is a crucial part of the study of carcinogenesis and genotoxicity. Chromosomal instability (CIN), the most common level of genomic instability in cancers, is defined as the rate of loss or gain of chromosomes through successive divisions. As such, DNA in cancer cells is highly unstable. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. There is a debate as to whether instability succeeds transformation, or if it is a by-product of cancer, and therefore, studying potential molecular and cellular contributors of genomic instability is of high importance. Recent work has suggested an important role for ectopic expression of meiosis genes in driving genomic instability via a process called meiomitosis. Improving understanding of these mechanisms can contribute to the development of targeted therapies that exploit DNA damage and repair mechanisms. Here, we discuss a workflow of novel and established techniques used to assess chromosomal instability as well as the nature of genomic instability such as double strand breaks, micronuclei, and chromatin bridges. For each technique, we discuss their advantages and limitations in a lab setting. Lastly, we provide detailed protocols for the discussed techniques.
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9
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Xiao MZX, Hennessey D, Iyer A, O'Keefe S, Zhang F, Sivanand A, Gniadecki R. Transcriptomic Changes During Stage Progression of Mycosis Fungoides. Br J Dermatol 2021; 186:520-531. [PMID: 34528236 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.20760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common cutaneous T cell lymphoma, which in the early patch/plaque stages runs an indolent course. However, ~25% of MF patients develop skin tumors, a hallmark of progression to the advanced stage and is associated with high mortality. The mechanisms involved in stage progression are poorly elucidated. METHODS We performed whole-transcriptome and whole-exome sequencing of malignant MF cells from skin biopsies obtained by laser-capture microdissection. We compared three types of MF lesions: early-stage plaques (ESP, n=12) as well as plaques and tumors from patients in late-stage disease (late-stage plaques [LSP], n=10, and tumors [TMR], n=15). Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG analysis were used to determine pathway changes specific for different lesions which were linked to the recurrent somatic mutations overrepresented in MF tumors. RESULTS The key upregulated pathways during stage progression were those related to cell proliferation and survival (MEK/ERK, Akt-mTOR), Th2/Th9 signaling (IL4, STAT3, STAT5, STAT6), meiomitosis (CT45A1, CT45A3, STAG3, GTSF1, REC8) and DNA repair (PARP1, MYCN, OGG1). Principal coordinate clustering of the transcriptome revealed extensive gene expression differences between early (ESP) and advanced-stage lesions (LSP and TMR). LSP and TMR showed remarkable similarities at the level of the transcriptome, which we interpreted as evidence of cell percolation between lesions via hematogenous self-seeding. CONCLUSION Stage progression in MF is associated with Th2/Th9 polarization of malignant cells, activation of proliferation, survival, as well as increased genomic instability. Global transcriptomic changes in multiple lesions may be caused by hematogenous cell percolation between discrete skin lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Z X Xiao
- Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - D Hennessey
- Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - A Iyer
- Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - S O'Keefe
- Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - F Zhang
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - A Sivanand
- Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - R Gniadecki
- Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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10
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Haas OA. Somatic Sex: On the Origin of Neoplasms With Chromosome Counts in Uneven Ploidy Ranges. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:631946. [PMID: 34422788 PMCID: PMC8373647 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.631946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Stable aneuploid genomes with nonrandom numerical changes in uneven ploidy ranges define distinct subsets of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. The idea put forward herein suggests that they emerge from interactions between diploid mitotic and G0/G1 cells, which can in a single step produce all combinations of mono-, di-, tri-, tetra- and pentasomic paternal/maternal homologue configurations that define such genomes. A nanotube-mediated influx of interphase cell cytoplasm into mitotic cells would thus be responsible for the critical nondisjunction and segregation errors by physically impeding the proper formation of the cell division machinery, whereas only a complete cell fusion can simultaneously generate pentasomies, uniparental trisomies as well as biclonal hypo- and hyperdiploid cell populations. The term "somatic sex" was devised to accentuate the similarities between germ cell and somatic cell fusions. A somatic cell fusion, in particular, recapitulates many processes that are also instrumental in the formation of an abnormal zygote that involves a diploid oocyte and a haploid sperm, which then may further develop into a digynic triploid embryo. Despite their somehow deceptive differences and consequences, the resemblance of these two routes may go far beyond of what has hitherto been appreciated. Based on the arguments put forward herein, I propose that embryonic malignancies of mesenchymal origin with these particular types of aneuploidies can thus be viewed as the kind of flawed somatic equivalent of a digynic triploid embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar A Haas
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
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11
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Hypopigmented Mycosis Fungoides: Loss of Pigmentation Reflects Antitumor Immune Response in Young Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082007. [PMID: 32707930 PMCID: PMC7465783 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides (HMF) is a form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a heterogeneous group of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. HMF has a unique set of defining features that include light colored to achromic lesions, a predilection for darker skin phototypes, an early onset of disease, and predominance of CD8+ T-cells, among others. In the current review, we detail the known pathways of molecular pathogenesis for this lymphoma and posit that an active Th1/cytotoxic antitumor immune response in part explains why this variant is primarily seen in children/adolescents and young adults, who do not exhibit signs of immunosenescence. As a result of this potent cytotoxic response, HMF patients experience mostly favorable overall prognosis, while hypopigmentation may in fact represent a useful surrogate marker of cytotoxic immunity targeting the malignant cells. Understanding the molecular processes behind the specific features that define HMF may lead to improved diagnostic accuracy, personalized prognosis by risk stratification, and improved management of HMF. Moreover, improving our knowledge of HMF may aid our further understanding of other cutaneous lymphomas.
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12
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Bobrowicz M, Fassnacht C, Ignatova D, Chang YT, Dimitriou F, Guenova E. Pathogenesis and Therapy of Primary Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum (CIA) Update 2020. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2020; 181:733-745. [PMID: 32690848 DOI: 10.1159/000509281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a heterogeneous disease group of unknown etiology with a complex immunological background. As CTCL arises from T cells that have a vital role in the antitumor response, their therapy is largely aimed at reversing the immunological mechanisms leading to or manifesting during this malignancy. Early disease stages can be controlled with skin-directed therapy in most CTCL cases. Still, advanced CTCL has a dismal prognosis and warrants systemic therapy. Despite considerable progress in understanding the pathophysiology of the disease and the numerous systemic treatment options available, long-term remission rates with conventional treatments alone are still low. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is currently the only curative option for advanced CTCL, including mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. The aims of this review is to summarize the recent findings on the immunology of this heterogeneous disease and to present the advances in its clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christina Fassnacht
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Desislava Ignatova
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yun-Tsan Chang
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Dermatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florentia Dimitriou
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuella Guenova
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, .,Department of Dermatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland, .,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,
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13
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Gantchev J, Martínez Villarreal A, Gunn S, Zetka M, Ødum N, Litvinov IV. The ectopic expression of meiCT genes promotes meiomitosis and may facilitate carcinogenesis. Cell Cycle 2020; 19:837-854. [PMID: 32223693 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2020.1743902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer meiomitosis is defined as the concurrent activation of both mitotic and meiotic machineries in neoplastic cells that confer a selective advantage together with increased genomic instability. MeiCT (meiosis-specific cancer/testis) genes that perform specialized functions in the germline events required for the first meiotic division are ectopically expressed in several cancers. Here we describe the expression profiles of meiCT genes and proteins across a number of cancers and review the proposed mechanisms that increase aneuploidy and elicit reduction division in polyploid cells. These mechanisms are centered on the overexpression and function of meiCT proteins in cancers under various conditions that includes a response to genotoxic stress. Since meiCT genes are transcriptionally repressed in somatic cells, their target offers a promising therapeutic approach with limited toxicity to healthy tissues. Throughout the review, we provide a detailed description of the roles for each gene in the context of meiosis and we discuss proposed functions and outcomes resulting from their ectopic reactivation in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Gantchev
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Scott Gunn
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Monique Zetka
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Neils Ødum
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ivan V Litvinov
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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14
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Le M, Ghazawi FM, Alakel A, Netchiporouk E, Rahme E, Zubarev A, Powell M, Moreau L, Roshdy O, Glassman SJ, Sasseville D, Popradi G, Litvinov IV. Incidence and mortality trends and geographic patterns of follicular lymphoma in Canada. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:e473-e481. [PMID: 31548815 DOI: 10.3747/co.26.4625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Follicular lymphoma (fl) is the most common indolent lymphoma and the 2nd most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for 10%-20% of all lymphomas in the Western world. Epidemiologic and geographic trends of fl in Canada have not been investigated. Our study's objective was to analyze incidence and mortality rates and the geographic distribution of fl patients in Canada for 1992-2010. Methods Demographic and geographic patient data for fl cases were obtained using the Canadian Cancer Registry, the Registre québécois du cancer, and the Canadian Vital Statistics database. Incidence and mortality rates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated per year and per geographic area. Rates were plotted using linear regression models to assess trends over time. Overall data were mapped using Microsoft Excel mapping software (Redmond, WA, U.S.A.) to identify case clusters across Canada. Results Approximately 22,625 patients were diagnosed with fl during 1992-2010. The age-standardized incidence rate of this malignancy in Canada was 38.3 cases per million individuals per year. Geographic analysis demonstrated that a number of Maritime provinces and Manitoba had the highest incidence rates, and that the provinces of Nova Scotia and Quebec had the highest mortality rates in the nation. Regional data demonstrated clustering of fl within cities or regions with high herbicide use, primary mining, and a strong manufacturing presence. Conclusions Our study provides a comprehensive overview of the fl burden and its geographic distribution in Canada. Regional clustering of this disease in concentrated industrial zones strongly suggests that multiple environmental factors might play a crucial role in the development of this lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Le
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC
| | - F M Ghazawi
- Division of Dermatology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
| | - A Alakel
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON
| | - E Netchiporouk
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC
| | - E Rahme
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC
| | - A Zubarev
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC
| | - M Powell
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC
| | - L Moreau
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC
| | - O Roshdy
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC
| | - S J Glassman
- Division of Dermatology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
| | - D Sasseville
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC
| | - G Popradi
- Division of Hematology, McGill University, Montreal, QC
| | - I V Litvinov
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC.,Division of Dermatology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
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15
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Salmina K, Gerashchenko BI, Hausmann M, Vainshelbaum NM, Zayakin P, Erenpreiss J, Freivalds T, Cragg MS, Erenpreisa J. When Three Isn't a Crowd: A Digyny Concept for Treatment-Resistant, Near-Triploid Human Cancers. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E551. [PMID: 31331093 PMCID: PMC6678365 DOI: 10.3390/genes10070551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Near-triploid human tumors are frequently resistant to radio/chemotherapy through mechanisms that are unclear. We recently reported a tight association of male tumor triploidy with XXY karyotypes based on a meta-analysis of 15 tumor cohorts extracted from the Mitelman database. Here we provide a conceptual framework of the digyny-like origin of this karyotype based on the germline features of malignant tumors and adaptive capacity of digyny, which supports survival in adverse conditions. Studying how the recombinatorial reproduction via diploidy can be executed in primary cancer samples and HeLa cells after DNA damage, we report the first evidence that diploid and triploid cell sub-populations constitutively coexist and inter-change genomes via endoreduplicated polyploid cells generated through genotoxic challenge. We show that irradiated triploid HeLa cells can enter tripolar mitosis producing three diploid sub-subnuclei by segregation and pairwise fusions of whole genomes. Considering the upregulation of meiotic genes in tumors, we propose that the reconstructed diploid sub-cells can initiate pseudo-meiosis producing two "gametes" (diploid "maternal" and haploid "paternal") followed by digynic-like reconstitution of a triploid stemline that returns to mitotic cycling. This process ensures tumor survival and growth by (1) DNA repair and genetic variation, (2) protection against recessive lethal mutations using the third genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Salmina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Bogdan I Gerashchenko
- R.E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 03022 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Michael Hausmann
- Kirchhoff Institute for Physics, Heidelberg University, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ninel M Vainshelbaum
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Cardiology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Pawel Zayakin
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Juris Erenpreiss
- Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Clinic IVF-Riga, LV-1010 Riga, Latvia
| | - Talivaldis Freivalds
- Institute of Cardiology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Mark S Cragg
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
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16
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Gantchev J, Martínez Villarreal A, Xie P, Lefrançois P, Gunn S, Netchiporouk E, Sasseville D, Litvinov IV. The Ectopic Expression of Meiosis Regulatory Genes in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas (CTCL). Front Oncol 2019; 9:429. [PMID: 31214493 PMCID: PMC6554469 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer testis (CT) antigens, under normal circumstances are uniquely expressed in testicular germ cells. Recent research has shown that meiosis-specific CT (meiCT) antigens are ectopically expressed in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and may contribute to increased genomic instability. The aberrant activation of meiosis genes in a mitotic cell is now recognized as a distinctive process, “meiomitosis.” We have previously demonstrated the ectopic expression of several meiCT antigens in nine patient-derived CTCL cell lines and in expanded peripheral T lymphocytes isolated from Sézary Syndrome patients. In this study we analyzed the transcriptional expression of meiCT genes in Sézary Syndrome patients and healthy controls using publicly-available RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data. We corroborated our in silico analysis by examining the expression of 5 meiCT proteins in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) lesional samples from CTCL patients. Our results show significant differential gene expression of STAG3, SGO2, SYCP3, and DMC1 in a cohort of Sézary Syndrome patients when compared to healthy controls. Additionally, our study demonstrates a heterogenous expression of meiCT genes involved in initiation (STRA8), sister chromatin cohesion (STAG3, SGO2), homologous chromosome synapsis (SYCP3) and homologous recombination (DMC1) in atypical lymphocytes in FFPE samples. Our results further confirm the ectopic expression of meiCT genes in CTCL which indicates that CTCL malignant cells likely undergo the process of cancer meiomitosis, as opposed to a typical mitotic division. The ectopic expression of meiCT genes together with investigations into the functional mechanisms of cancer meiomitosis will help provide a foundation to develop novel diagnostic tests to distinguish CTCL from benign inflammatory dermatoses and may enable us to develop additional targeted therapies for patients with this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pingxing Xie
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Scott Gunn
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Denis Sasseville
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ivan V Litvinov
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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17
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Ghazawi FM, Alghazawi N, Le M, Netchiporouk E, Glassman SJ, Sasseville D, Litvinov IV. Environmental and Other Extrinsic Risk Factors Contributing to the Pathogenesis of Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma (CTCL). Front Oncol 2019; 9:300. [PMID: 31106143 PMCID: PMC6499168 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The applications of disease cluster investigations in medicine have developed rather rapidly in recent decades. Analyzing the epidemiology of non-random aggregation of patients with a particular disease fostered identification of environmental and external exposures as disease triggers and promoters. Observation of patient clusters and their association with nearby exposures, such as Dr. John Snow's astute mapping analysis in the mid-1800's, which revealed proximity of cholera patients in London to a contaminated water pump infected with Vibrio cholerae, have paved the way for the field of epidemiology. This approach enabled the identification of triggers for many human diseases including infections and cancers. Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) represent a group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas that primarily affect the skin. The detailed pathogenesis by which CTCL develops remains largely unknown. Notably, non-random clustering of CTCL patients was reported in several areas worldwide and this rare malignancy was also described to affect multiple members of the same family. These observations indicate that external factors are possibly implicated in promoting CTCL lymphomagenesis. Here, we review the epidemiology of CTCL worldwide and the clinical characteristics of CTCL patients, as revealed by global epidemiological data. Further, we review the known risk factors including sex, age, race as well as environmental, infectious, iatrogenic and other exposures, that are implicated in CTCL lymphomagenesis and discuss conceivable mechanisms by which these factors may trigger this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feras M Ghazawi
- Division of Dermatology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Nebras Alghazawi
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Michelle Le
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Denis Sasseville
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ivan V Litvinov
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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