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Takahashi R, Osumi H, Wakatsuki T, Yamamoto N, Taguchi S, Nakayama I, Ooki A, Ogura M, Takahari D, Chin K, Yamaguchi K, Shinozaki E. Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of concurrent chemoradiotherapy for anal squamous cell carcinoma in Japan. Int J Clin Oncol 2024; 29:1161-1172. [PMID: 38819609 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-024-02540-0] [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: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the standard treatment for locoregional anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) in western countries. However, there have been few reports on the clinical outcomes of CCRT in Japan. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of CCRT, prognostic factors, and the clinical impact of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression of ASCC in Japan. METHODS Patients with locoregional ASCC were enrolled between 2007 and 2017. All patients received CCRT consisting of ≥ 45 Gy of radiation, 5-fluorouracil, and mitomycin C. Disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs) were estimated. Expression of p16 and PD-L1 were assessed by immunohistochemical staining (IHC). RESULTS This study included 36 patients, of whom 30 (83.3%) were female. Among the participants, 32 (88.9%) achieved complete clinical remission, while six (16.7%) experienced recurrence. The five-year DFS and five-year OS were 72.2% and 84.7%, respectively. Grades ≥ 3 serious AEs included neutropenia in 10 (27.7%) and perianal dermatitis in eight (22.2%). In a univariate analysis, male sex, lymph node metastasis, and large tumor size were significantly associated with worse outcome. In a multivariate analysis, tumor size was an independent factor associated with short DFS. Of the 30 patients whose biopsy specimens were available for IHC, 29 (96.7%) were positive for p16, and 13 (43.3%) were positive for PD-L1. However, PD-L1 expression did not show any clinical impact. CONCLUSIONS The comparative etiology, clinical outcomes, and prognostic factors of CCRT observed in Japanese patients with locoregional ASCC were consistent with western data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
- Department of General Surgery, Heiman Municipal Hospital, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroki Osumi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Takeru Wakatsuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan.
| | - Noriko Yamamoto
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Senzo Taguchi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Izuma Nakayama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Akira Ooki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Mariko Ogura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Daisuke Takahari
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Keisho Chin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Kensei Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Eiji Shinozaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
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Gong S, Song J. Prognostic value of PD-L1 expression in patients with anal cancer: a meta-analysis. Biomark Med 2024; 18:333-344. [PMID: 38700275 PMCID: PMC11218801 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2023-0727] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The present meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of PD-L1 in anal cancer (AC). Methods: Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs regarding overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated based on PD-L1 levels. Results: According to the combined data, PD-L1 showed no significant relationship with OS (HR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.35-1.67; p = 0.502) or PFS (HR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.35-2.33; p = 0.789) in patients with AC. Based on subgroup analysis, PD-L1 overexpression significantly predicted prolonged OS (HR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.17-0.84; p = 0.017) in tumor node metastasis stages I-III and inferior PFS (HR = 2.73; 95% CI = 1.32-5.65; p = 0.007) in patients with stage I-IV AC. Conclusion: PD-L1 level assessed by immunohistochemistry did not significantly predict survival outcomes in AC cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Gong
- Department of Pathology, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Huzhou University, The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, 313000, China
| | - Jiafeng Song
- Department of Pathology, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Huzhou University, The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, 313000, China
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Wang S, Li X, Liu G, Qiu Z, Wang J, Yang D, Qiao Z, Ma Z, Liu Z, Yang X. Advances in the understanding of circRNAs that influence viral replication in host cells. Med Microbiol Immunol 2024; 213:1. [PMID: 38329596 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-023-00784-7] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNAs discovered in recent years, which are produced by back-splicing involving the 3' and 5' ends of RNA molecules. There is increasing evidence that circRNAs have important roles in cancer, neurological diseases, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and other diseases. In addition, host circRNAs and virus-encoded circRNAs participate in the body's immune response, with antiviral roles. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which host and viral circRNAs interact during the host immune response. Comprehensive investigations have revealed that host circRNAs function as miRNA sponges in a particular manner, primarily by inhibiting viral replication. Viral circRNAs have more diverse functions, which generally involve promoting viral replication. In addition, in contrast to circRNAs from RNA viruses, circRNAs from DNA viruses can influence host cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis, along with their effects on viral replication. In summary, circRNAs have potential as diagnostic and therapeutic targets, offering a foundation for the diagnosis and treatment of viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siya Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technology and Industrialization of Cell-Based Vaccine, Ministry of Education, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Animal Cell, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technology and Industrialization of Cell-Based Vaccine, Ministry of Education, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Animal Cell, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Geng Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technology and Industrialization of Cell-Based Vaccine, Ministry of Education, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Animal Cell, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Zhenyu Qiu
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technology and Industrialization of Cell-Based Vaccine, Ministry of Education, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Animal Cell, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Jiamin Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technology and Industrialization of Cell-Based Vaccine, Ministry of Education, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Animal Cell, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology & Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Di Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technology and Industrialization of Cell-Based Vaccine, Ministry of Education, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Animal Cell, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology & Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Zilin Qiao
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technology and Industrialization of Cell-Based Vaccine, Ministry of Education, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Animal Cell, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology & Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Zhongren Ma
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technology and Industrialization of Cell-Based Vaccine, Ministry of Education, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Animal Cell, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology & Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Zhenbin Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Key Technology and Industrialization of Cell-Based Vaccine, Ministry of Education, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China.
- Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Animal Cell, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology & Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, China.
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan, 430207, China.
- China National Biotech Group Company Limited, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Zheng W, Wang L, Geng S, Yang L, Lv X, Xin S, Xu T. CircMIB2 therapy can effectively treat pathogenic infection by encoding a novel protein. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:578. [PMID: 37652905 PMCID: PMC10471593 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06105-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The mRNA therapy is widely used in the treatment of diseases due to its efficient characteristics, and the COVID-19 vaccine is the application of mRNA therapy. However, due to the instability of mRNA, mRNA vaccines often need lots of modifications to ensure its stability. Recent research shows that circRNA with stable RNA structure can encode protein, which provides a new direction for mRNA therapy. Here, we discovered a novel circRNA (circMIB2) derived from E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase MIB2 (MIB2) gene in lower vertebrate fish, which can translate into a 134 amino acid protein (MIB2-134aa) through m6A modification, and is involved in innate immunity. MIB2-134aa is completely consistent with the amino acid sequence of the two domains of host gene MIB2 protein; host gene MIB2 can target TRAF6 through the two domains and inhibit the innate immune response by promoting the ubiquitination degradation of the K11-link of TRAF6, MIB2-134aa also targets TRAF6 through these same domains. Interestingly, MIB2-134aa greatly reduced the degradation of TRAF6 by its host gene MIB2. More importantly, we found that circRNA therapy of circMIB2 can significantly inhibit the colonization of Vibrio anguillarum in zebrafish, and it provides a new direction for the treatment of pathogenic diseases of fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zheng
- Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linchao Wang
- Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shang Geng
- Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liyuan Yang
- Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Lv
- Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiying Xin
- Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianjun Xu
- Laboratory of Fish Molecular Immunology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
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Serge Chasseur A, Muylkens B, Coupeau D. [The circular life of viruses]. Med Sci (Paris) 2023; 39:344-350. [PMID: 37094267 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2023051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNA), as ancient as the first viruses, take an important part in the host-pathogen relationship. After the first description of dysregulated cellular circRNAs upon viral infection, numerous circRNAs of viral origin were identified and characterized. They are impacting both viral and cellular cycles and are associated with virus-induced oncogenesis, immune system regulation and cell differentiation. While the naïve reader might get swamped by discovering this new field of RNA biology, it seems that these RNA rings are actually full of surprises and wonders at both a functional and a biogenesis level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Serge Chasseur
- Virologie moléculaire, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (Narilis), Unité de recherche vétérinaire intégrée, université de Namur (UNamur), Namur, Belgique
| | - Benoît Muylkens
- Virologie moléculaire, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (Narilis), Unité de recherche vétérinaire intégrée, université de Namur (UNamur), Namur, Belgique
| | - Damien Coupeau
- Virologie moléculaire, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (Narilis), Unité de recherche vétérinaire intégrée, université de Namur (UNamur), Namur, Belgique
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6
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Wang W, Sun L, Huang MT, Quan Y, Jiang T, Miao Z, Zhang Q. Regulatory circular RNAs in viral diseases: applications in diagnosis and therapy. RNA Biol 2023; 20:847-858. [PMID: 37882652 PMCID: PMC10730172 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2023.2272118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) forms closed loops via back-splicing in precursor mRNA, resisting exonuclease degradation. In higher eukaryotes, protein-coding genes create circRNAs through exon back-splicing. Unlike mRNAs, circRNAs possess unique production and structural traits, bestowing distinct cellular functions and biomedical potential. In this review, we explore the pivotal roles of viral circRNAs and associated RNA in various biological processes. Analysing the interactions between viral circRNA and host cellular machinery yields fresh insights into antiviral immunity, catalysing the development of potential therapeutics. Furthermore, circRNAs serve as enduring biomarkers in viral diseases due to their stable translation within specific tissues. Additionally, a deeper understanding of translational circRNA could expedite the establishment of circRNA-based expression platforms, meeting the rising demand for broad-spectrum viral vaccines. We also highlight the applications of circular RNA in biomarker studies as well as circRNA-based therapeutics. Prospectively, we expect a technological revolution in combating viral infections using circRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Meng-Ting Huang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun Quan
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichao Miao
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Piña-Sánchez P. Human Papillomavirus: Challenges and Opportunities for the Control of Cervical Cancer. Arch Med Res 2022; 53:753-769. [PMID: 36462952 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are the most abundant and genetically diverse entities on the planet, infect all life forms and have evolved with their hosts. To date, 263 viral species have been identified that infect humans, of which only seven are considered type I oncogenic. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main virus associated with cancer and is responsible for practically all cases of cervical carcinoma. Screening tests for early detection have been available since the 1960s. Undoubtedly, the entailment between knowledge of HPV biology and the natural history of cervical cancer has contributed to the significant advances that have been made for its prevention since the 21st century, with the development of prophylactic vaccines and improved screening strategies. Therefore, it is possible to eradicate invasive cervical cancer as a worldwide public health problem, as proposed by the WHO with the 90-70-90 initiative based on vaccination coverage, screening, and treatment, respectively. In addition, the emerging knowledge of viral biology generates opportunities that will contribute to strengthening prevention and treatment strategies in HPV-associated neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Piña-Sánchez
- Laboratorio Molecular de Oncología, Unidad de Investigación Oncológica, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México.
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Chan AMY, Roldan Urgoiti G, Jiang W, Lee S, Kornaga E, Mathen P, Yeung R, Enwere EK, Box A, Konno M, Koebel M, Joseph K, Doll CM. The prognostic impact of PD-L1 and CD8 expression in anal cancer patients treated with chemoradiotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1000263. [PMID: 36276142 PMCID: PMC9585228 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1000263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression has been shown to be prognostic in many cancer types and used in consideration of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. However, there are very limited and conflicting data on the prognostic impact of PD-L1 in patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC). The objectives of this study were to measure the expression of PD-L1 and CD8 in patients with ASCC treated with radical chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and to correlate tumor expression with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Methods Ninety-nine patients with ASCC treated with primary CRT at two tertiary care cancer centers between 2000 and 2013, with available pre-treatment tumors, were included. Tissue microarrays (TMAs) from pre-treatment tumor specimens were stained for PD-L1 and CD8. PD-L1 expression in the tumor and stroma was quantified using HALO image analysis software, and results were interpreted using quantitative methods. The density of CD8 cells within the tumor was interpreted by a trained pathologist semi-quantitatively, using a 0-4 scoring system. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank was used to determine the significance in the association of tumor markers with PFS and OS. Cox multivariate analysis was used to explore independent predictors of PFS and OS. Results Of the 99 patients, 63 (64%) had sufficient tumor samples available for full analysis. CD8 high status was documented in 32 of 63 (50.8%) % of cases. PD-L1 expression was positive in 88.9% of cases. Approximately half the patients had tumor PD-L1 ≥ 5%. Patients with tumor PD-L1 ≥ 5% had better OS vs those with lower expression, HR=0.32 (95% CI 0.11-0.87), p=0.027; 10 years OS: 84% for tumor PD-L1 ≥ 5% vs 49% for PD-L1 < 5%. PD-L1 expression was not associated with PFS. On multivariate analysis, tumor PD-L1 ≥ 5% showed a trend to statistical significance for better OS, HR=0.55 (95% CI 0.12- 1.00), p=0.052. Conclusions Tumor PD-L1≥5% is associated with OS in patients with ASCC treated with CRT. PD-L1 expression status using this unique cut-point warrants further validation for prognostication in patients with this disease. Future studies are required to determine the benefit of alternative treatment strategies based on PD-L1 status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela MY. Chan
- Precision Oncology Hub, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Will Jiang
- Division of Radiation Oncology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sandra Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Kornaga
- Precision Oncology Hub, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Peter Mathen
- Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Rosanna Yeung
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Evergreen Health, Kirkland, WA, United States
| | - Emeka K. Enwere
- Precision Oncology Hub, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alan Box
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Mie Konno
- Precision Oncology Hub, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Martin Koebel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kurian Joseph
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Corinne M. Doll
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Corinne M. Doll,
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10
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Cells to Surgery Quiz: May 2022. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 142:e59-e63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Kolitz E, Lucas E, Hosler GA, Kim J, Hammer S, Lewis C, Xu L, Day AT, Mauskar M, Lea JS, Wang RC. Human Papillomavirus‒Positive and ‒Negative Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Are Biologically but Not Clinically Distinct. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 142:1280-1290.e7. [PMID: 34756880 PMCID: PMC9038635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma pathogenesis is traditionally defined by the presence or absence of human papillomavirus (HPV), but the definition of these groups and their molecular characteristics remain ambiguous across studies. In this study, we present a retrospective cohort analysis of 36 patients with invasive vulvar squamous cell carcinoma where HPV status was determined using RNA in situ hybridization and PCR. Clinical annotation, p16 immunohistochemistry, PD-L1 immunohistochemistry, HPV16 circular E7 RNA detection, and RNA sequencing of the cases were performed. A combination of in situ hybridization and PCR identified 20 cases (55.6%) as HPV positive. HPV status did not impact overall survival (hazard ratio: 1.36, 95% confidence interval = 0.307-6.037, P = 0.6857) or progression-free survival (hazard ratio: 1.12, 95% confidence interval = 0.388-3.22, P = 0.8367), and no significant clinical differences were found between the groups. PD-L1 expression did not correlate with HPV status, but increased expression of PD-L1 correlated with worse overall survival. Transcriptomic analyses (n = 23) revealed distinct groups, defined by HPV status, with multiple differentially expressed genes previously implicated in HPV-induced cancers. HPV-positive tumors showed higher global expression of endogenous circular RNAs, including several circular RNAs that have previously been implicated in the pathogenesis of other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elysha Kolitz
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Elena Lucas
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Gregory A Hosler
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA; Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA; ProPath Dermatopathology, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jiwoong Kim
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Suntrea Hammer
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Cheryl Lewis
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Lin Xu
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew T Day
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Melissa Mauskar
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jayanthi S Lea
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Richard C Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
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Li Y, Wu L, Liu Y, Ma S, Huang B, Feng X, Wang H. A novel multifunctional anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15 induces potent cancer cell killing in PD-L1-positive tumour cells. Transl Oncol 2022; 21:101424. [PMID: 35477065 PMCID: PMC9136603 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-PD-L1 single-domain antibodies were identified from hPD-L1-immunized camels. Three novel multifunctional antibodies, anti-PD-L1-CD16a, anti-PD-L1-IL15, and anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15, target PD-L1-positive cancer cells. Anti-PD-L1-IL15 and anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15, but not anti-PD-L1-CD16a, stimulate immune cell proliferation in vitro. The anti-PD-L1 antibodies can bind PD-L1-positive cells. Anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15 has the strongest antitumour activity, both in vitro and in vivo.
Cancer is the most acute disease and the leading cause of patient death worldwide. Both chemotherapy and molecular-based therapies play an important role in curing cancer. However, the median and overall survival of patients is poor. To date, immune therapies have changed the treatment methods for cancer patients. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1, also known as B-H1, CD274) is a well-studied tumor antigen. PD-L1 is overexpressed in colon cancer, lung cancer, and so on and plays a vital role in cancer development. In this study, anti-PD-L1 single-domain antibodies were identified from recombinant human PD-L1 (rhPD-L1)-immunized llamas. Then, we generated a novel multifunctional anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15 antibody targeting PD-L1-positive tumor cells. Anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15 was constructed by linking the Interleukin-2 (IL-2) signal peptide, anti-PD-L1 single domain antibody (anti-PD-L1-VHH) and anti-cluster of differentiation 16a single domain antibody (anti-CD16a-VHH), and Interleukin-15/Interleukin-15 receptor alpha (IL15/IL-15Rα). This anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15 fusion protein can be expressed and purified from HEK-293F cells. In vitro, our data showed that the anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15 fusion protein can recruit T cells and drive natural killer cells (NK) with specific killing of PD-L1-overexpressing tumor cells. Furthermore, in the xenograft model, the anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15 fusion protein inhibited tumor growth with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). These data suggested that the anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15 fusion protein has a latent function in antitumour activity, with better guidance for future cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Li
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Lingjun Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yueying Liu
- Department of Hypertension, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Siwen Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Biyi Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xianjing Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
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13
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Monsrud AL, Avadhani V, Mosunjac MB, Flowers L, Krishnamurti U. Programmed Death Ligand-1 Expression Is Associated With Poorer Survival in Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 146:1094-1101. [DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2021-0169-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Context.—
Upregulation of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), an immunoregulatory protein, is associated with an adverse outcome in several malignancies. Very few studies have evaluated PD-L1 expression in invasive anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC).
Objective.—
To assess PD-L1 expression in patients with ASCC and correlate it with clinicopathologic factors and clinical outcomes.
Design.—
Fifty-one cases of ASCC were immunostained for PD-L1. PD-L1 expression by combined positive score and tumor proportion score was correlated with age, gender, HIV status, HIV viral load, CD4 count, stage, and outcomes. Kaplan-Meier curves for overall survival were plotted and compared using the log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify significant prognostic factors (2-tailed P < .05 was considered statistically significant).
Results.—
PD-L1 was positive in 24 of 51 cases (47%) by combined positive score and in 18 of 51 (35%) by tumor proportion score. The median cancer-specific survival and 5-year overall survival were significantly lower in PD-L1+ patients. Age, gender, HIV status, HIV viral load, stage, and cancer progression were not significantly different between the two groups. CD4 count of more than 200/μL was significantly higher in PD-L1+ patients. PD-L1+ status remained statistically significant for worse overall survival on multivariate analysis.
Conclusions.—
PD-L1+ status is an independent adverse prognostic factor for overall survival in ASCC. This study highlights the potential of PD-L1 targeted therapy in better management of ASCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L. Monsrud
- From the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine (Monsrud, Avadhani, Mosunjac, Krishnamurti), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Vaidehi Avadhani
- From the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine (Monsrud, Avadhani, Mosunjac, Krishnamurti), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Marina B. Mosunjac
- From the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine (Monsrud, Avadhani, Mosunjac, Krishnamurti), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lisa Flowers
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics (Flowers), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Uma Krishnamurti
- From the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine (Monsrud, Avadhani, Mosunjac, Krishnamurti), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Krishnamurti is now with the Department of Pathology at Yale School of Medicine
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14
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Bushara O, Krogh K, Weinberg SE, Finkelman BS, Sun L, Liao J, Yang GY. Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Promotes Human Papillomavirus-Mediated Anal Squamous Carcinogenesis: An Immunologic and Pathobiologic Review. Pathobiology 2021; 89:1-12. [PMID: 34535611 DOI: 10.1159/000518758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare gastrointestinal malignancy with rising incidence, both in the United States and internationally. The primary risk factor for anal SCC is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, there is a growing burden of disease in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HPV coinfection, with the incidence of anal SCC significantly increasing in this population. This is particularly true in HIV-infected men. The epidemiologic correlation between HIV-HPV coinfection and anal SCC is established; however, the immunologic mechanisms underlying this relationship are not well understood. SUMMARY HIV-related immunosuppression due to low circulating CD4+ T cells is one component of increased risk, but other mechanisms, such as the effect of HIV on CD8+ T lymphocyte tumor infiltration and the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in antitumor and antiviral response, is emerging as significant contributors. The goal of this article is to review existing research on HIV-HPV coinfected anal SCC and precancerous lesions, propose explanations for the detrimental synergy of HIV and HPV on the pathogenesis and immunologic response to HPV-associated cancers, and discuss implications for future treatments and immunotherapies in HIV-positive patients with HPV-mediated anal SCC. Key Messages: The incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma is increased in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, even in patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy. Locoregional HIV infection may enhance human papillomavirus oncogenicity. Chronic inflammation due to HIV infection may contribute to CD8+ T lymphocyte exhaustion by upregulating PD-1 expression, thereby blunting cytotoxic antitumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Bushara
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Katrina Krogh
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Samuel Edward Weinberg
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Brian Steven Finkelman
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Leyu Sun
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jie Liao
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Guang-Yu Yang
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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15
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Pietropaolo V, Prezioso C, Moens U. Role of Virus-Induced Host Cell Epigenetic Changes in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158346. [PMID: 34361112 PMCID: PMC8346956 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor viruses human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) account for approximately 15% of all human cancers. Although the oncoproteins of these tumor viruses display no sequence similarity to one another, they use the same mechanisms to convey cancer hallmarks on the infected cell. Perturbed gene expression is one of the underlying mechanisms to induce cancer hallmarks. Epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation, histone modification and chromatin remodeling, microRNA, long noncoding RNA, and circular RNA affect gene expression without introducing changes in the DNA sequence. Increasing evidence demonstrates that oncoviruses cause epigenetic modifications, which play a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. In this review, recent advances in the role of host cell epigenetic changes in virus-induced cancers are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Pietropaolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (U.M.)
| | - Carla Prezioso
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- IRCSS San Raffaele Roma, Microbiology of Chronic Neuro-Degenerative Pathologies, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Moens
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø—The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (U.M.)
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16
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Yang R, Lee EE, Kim J, Choi JH, Kolitz E, Chen Y, Crewe C, Salisbury NJH, Scherer PE, Cockerell C, Smith TR, Rosen L, Verlinden L, Galloway DA, Buck CB, Feltkamp MC, Sullivan CS, Wang RC. Characterization of ALTO-encoding circular RNAs expressed by Merkel cell polyomavirus and trichodysplasia spinulosa polyomavirus. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009582. [PMID: 33999949 PMCID: PMC8158866 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a conserved class of RNAs with diverse functions, including serving as messenger RNAs that are translated into peptides. Here we describe circular RNAs generated by human polyomaviruses (HPyVs), some of which encode variants of the previously described alternative large T antigen open reading frame (ALTO) protein. Circular ALTO RNAs (circALTOs) can be detected in virus positive Merkel cell carcinoma (VP-MCC) cell lines and tumor samples. CircALTOs are stable, predominantly located in the cytoplasm, and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modified. The translation of MCPyV circALTOs into ALTO protein is negatively regulated by MCPyV-generated miRNAs in cultured cells. MCPyV ALTO expression increases transcription from some recombinant promoters in vitro and upregulates the expression of multiple genes previously implicated in MCPyV pathogenesis. MCPyV circALTOs are enriched in exosomes derived from VP-MCC lines and circALTO-transfected 293T cells, and purified exosomes can mediate ALTO expression and transcriptional activation in MCPyV-negative cells. The related trichodysplasia spinulosa polyomavirus (TSPyV) also expresses a circALTO that can be detected in infected tissues and produces ALTO protein in cultured cells. Thus, human polyomavirus circRNAs are expressed in human tumors and infected tissues and express proteins that have the potential to modulate the infectious and tumorigenic properties of these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Yang
- Department of Dermatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Eunice E. Lee
- Department of Dermatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jiwoong Kim
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Joon H. Choi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Elysha Kolitz
- Department of Dermatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yating Chen
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Clair Crewe
- Touchstone Diabetes Center, Department of Internal Medicine, the UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nicholas J. H. Salisbury
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Philipp E. Scherer
- Touchstone Diabetes Center, Department of Internal Medicine, the UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Clay Cockerell
- Department of Dermatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Taylor R. Smith
- Department of Dermatology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Leslie Rosen
- Department of Dermatology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Louisa Verlinden
- Department of Dermatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Denise A. Galloway
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Christopher B. Buck
- Lab of Cellular Oncology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mariet C. Feltkamp
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Christopher S. Sullivan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Richard C. Wang
- Department of Dermatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
- Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
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17
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Avilala J, Becnel D, Abdelghani R, Nanbo A, Kahn J, Li L, Lin Z. Role of Virally Encoded Circular RNAs in the Pathogenicity of Human Oncogenic Viruses. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:657036. [PMID: 33959113 PMCID: PMC8093803 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.657036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human oncogenic viruses are a group of important pathogens that etiologically contribute to at least 12% of total cancer cases in the world. As an emerging class of non-linear regulatory RNA molecules, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have gained increasing attention as a crucial player in the regulation of signaling pathways involved in viral infection and oncogenesis. With the assistance of current circRNA enrichment and detection technologies, numerous novel virally-encoded circRNAs (vcircRNAs) have been identified in the human oncogenic viruses, initiating an exciting new era of vcircRNA research. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the roles of vcircRNAs in the respective viral infection cycles and in virus-associated pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janardhan Avilala
- Tulane University Health Sciences Center and Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - David Becnel
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Ramsy Abdelghani
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Asuka Nanbo
- National Research Center for the Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Jacob Kahn
- Tulane University Health Sciences Center and Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Li Li
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Zhen Lin
- Tulane University Health Sciences Center and Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
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18
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Bonelli P, Borrelli A, Tuccillo FM, Buonaguro FM, Tornesello ML. The Role of circRNAs in Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-Associated Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1173. [PMID: 33803232 PMCID: PMC7963196 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of "non-coding RNAs" that originate from non-sequential back-splicing of exons and/or introns of precursor messenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs). These molecules are generally produced at low levels in a cell-type-specific manner in mammalian tissues, but due to their circular conformation they are unaffected by the cell mRNA decay machinery. circRNAs can sponge multiple microRNAs or RNA-binding proteins and play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression and protein translation. Many circRNAs have been shown to be aberrantly expressed in several cancer types, and to sustain specific oncogenic processes. Particularly, in virus-associated malignancies such as human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated anogenital carcinoma and oropharyngeal and oral cancers, circRNAs have been shown to be involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, as well as in drug resistance, and some are useful diagnostic and prognostic markers. HPV-derived circRNAs, encompassing the HPV E7 oncogene, have been shown to be expressed and to serve as transcript for synthesis of the E7 oncoprotein, thus reinforcing the virus oncogenic activity in HPV-associated cancers. In this review, we summarize research advances in the biogenesis of cell and viral circRNAs, their features and functions in the pathophysiology of HPV-associated tumors, and their importance as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets in anogenital and oropharyngeal and oral cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Bonelli
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS—Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.T.); (F.M.B.); (M.L.T.)
| | - Antonella Borrelli
- Innovative Immunological Models, Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS—Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Franca Maria Tuccillo
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS—Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.T.); (F.M.B.); (M.L.T.)
| | - Franco Maria Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS—Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.T.); (F.M.B.); (M.L.T.)
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS—Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.T.); (F.M.B.); (M.L.T.)
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19
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Tan KE, Lim YY. Viruses join the circular RNA world. FEBS J 2020; 288:4488-4502. [PMID: 33236482 PMCID: PMC7753765 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a recently discovered class of noncoding RNAs found in many species across the eukaryotic kingdom. These intriguing RNA species are formed through a unique mechanism that is known as back splicing in which the 5′ and 3′ termini are covalently joined. Recent research has revealed that viruses also encode a repertoire of circRNAs. Some of these viral circRNAs are abundantly expressed and are reported to play a role in disease pathogenesis. A growing number of studies also indicate that host circRNAs are involved in immune responses against virus infections with either an antiviral or proviral role. In this review, we briefly introduce circRNA, its biogenesis, and mechanism of action. We go on to summarize the latest research on the expression, regulation, and functions of viral and host‐encoded circRNAs during the host–virus interaction, with the aim of highlighting the potential of viral and host circRNAs as a suitable target for diagnostic biomarker development and therapeutic treatment of viral‐associated diseases. We conclude by discussing the current limitations in knowledge and significance of elucidating the roles of circRNAs in host–virus interactions, as well as future directions for this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-En Tan
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yat-Yuen Lim
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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20
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Steiniche T, Ladekarl M, Georgsen JB, Andreasen S, Busch-Sørensen M, Zhou W, Marton MJ, Pruitt SK, Jin F, Liaw KL. Association of programmed death ligand 1 expression with prognosis among patients with ten uncommon advanced cancers. Future Sci OA 2020; 6:FSO616. [PMID: 32983568 PMCID: PMC7491035 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2020-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM PD-L1 expression and high levels of microsatellite instability (MSI-H) may predict response to checkpoint inhibitors, but their prevalence and prognostic value are unknown in many cancers. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) and MSI-H and their association with clinical outcomes among patients with ten advanced uncommon cancers. RESULTS 398 of 426 patients (93%) had a valid PD-L1 result; most (242; 61%) had CPS ≥1. Prevalence of MSI-H tumors was 8/360. Median overall survival was shorter among patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥1 tumors after first-line treatment (23.0 vs 39.7 months, p = 0.014). CONCLUSION PD-L1 was commonly expressed in solid tumors, and CPS ≥1 was associated with shorter overall survival. Prevalence of MSI-H was low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torben Steiniche
- Institute of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus DK-8200, Denmark
| | - Morten Ladekarl
- Department of Oncology, Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Simon Andreasen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Maxillofacial Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Køge, Denmark
| | | | - Wei Zhou
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Fan Jin
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
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21
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Protein-Related Circular RNAs in Human Pathologies. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081841. [PMID: 32781555 PMCID: PMC7463956 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a distinct family of RNAs derived from alternative splicing which play a crucial role in regulating gene expression by acting as microRNA (miRNA) and RNA binding protein (RBP) sponges. However, recent studies have also reported the multifunctional potential of these particles. Under different conditions, circRNAs not only regulate protein synthesis, destination, and degradation but can serve as protein scaffolds or recruiters and are also able to produce short peptides with active biological functions. circRNAs are under ongoing investigation because of their close association with the development of diseases. Some circRNAs are reportedly expressed in a tissue- and development stage-specific manner. Furthermore, due to other features of circRNAs, including their stability, conservation, and high abundance in bodily fluids, they are believed to be potential biomarkers for various diseases, including cancers. In this review, we focus on providing a summary of the current knowledge on circRNA-protein interactions. We present the properties and functions of circRNAs, the possible mechanisms of their translation abilities, and the emerging functions of circRNA-derived peptides in human pathologies.
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22
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Nahand JS, Jamshidi S, Hamblin MR, Mahjoubin-Tehran M, Vosough M, Jamali M, Khatami A, Moghoofei M, Baghi HB, Mirzaei H. Circular RNAs: New Epigenetic Signatures in Viral Infections. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1853. [PMID: 32849445 PMCID: PMC7412987 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Covalent closed circular RNAs (circRNAs) can act as a bridge between non-coding RNAs and coding messenger RNAs. CircRNAs are generated by a back-splicing mechanism during post-transcriptional processing and are abundantly expressed in eukaryotic cells. CircRNAs can act via the modulation of RNA transcription and protein production, and by the sponging of microRNAs (miRNAs). CircRNAs are now thought to be involved in many different biological and pathological processes. Some studies have suggested that the expression of host circRNAs is dysregulated in several types of virus-infected cells, compared to control cells. It is highly likely that viruses can use these molecules for their own purposes. In addition, some viral genes are able to produce viral circRNAs (VcircRNA) by a back-splicing mechanism. However, the viral genes that encode VcircRNAs, and their functions, are poorly studied. In this review, we highlight some new findings about the interaction of host circRNAs and viral infection. Moreover, the potential of VcircRNAs derived from the virus itself, to act as biomarkers and therapeutic targets is summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javid Sadri Nahand
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sogol Jamshidi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, South Africa
| | - Maryam Mahjoubin-Tehran
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Jamali
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Mahdieh Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Khatami
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Moghoofei
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Hossein Bannazadeh Baghi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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23
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Casarotto M, Fanetti G, Guerrieri R, Palazzari E, Lupato V, Steffan A, Polesel J, Boscolo-Rizzo P, Fratta E. Beyond MicroRNAs: Emerging Role of Other Non-Coding RNAs in HPV-Driven Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051246. [PMID: 32429207 PMCID: PMC7281476 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent infection with high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) leads to the development of several tumors, including cervical, oropharyngeal, and anogenital squamous cell carcinoma. In the last years, the use of high-throughput sequencing technologies has revealed a number of non-coding RNA (ncRNAs), distinct from micro RNAs (miRNAs), that are deregulated in HPV-driven cancers, thus suggesting that HPV infection may affect their expression. However, since the knowledge of ncRNAs is still limited, a better understanding of ncRNAs biology, biogenesis, and function may be challenging for improving the diagnosis of HPV infection or progression, and for monitoring the response to therapy of patients affected by HPV-driven tumors. In addition, to establish a ncRNAs expression profile may be instrumental for developing more effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of HPV-associated lesions and cancers. Therefore, this review will address novel classes of ncRNAs that have recently started to draw increasing attention in HPV-driven tumors, with a particular focus on ncRNAs that have been identified as a direct target of HPV oncoproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariateresa Casarotto
- Division of Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano (PN), Italy; (M.C.); (R.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Fanetti
- Division of Radiotherapy, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano (PN), Italy; (G.F.); (E.P.)
| | - Roberto Guerrieri
- Division of Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano (PN), Italy; (M.C.); (R.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Elisa Palazzari
- Division of Radiotherapy, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano (PN), Italy; (G.F.); (E.P.)
| | - Valentina Lupato
- Division of Otolaryngology, General Hospital “Santa Maria degli Angeli”, 33170 Pordenone, Italy;
| | - Agostino Steffan
- Division of Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano (PN), Italy; (M.C.); (R.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Jerry Polesel
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano (PN), Italy;
| | - Paolo Boscolo-Rizzo
- Section of Otolaryngology, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, 31100 Treviso, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Fratta
- Division of Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano (PN), Italy; (M.C.); (R.G.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +390434659569
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