Overexpression of ecotropic viral integration site-1 is a prognostic factor of lung squamous cell cancer

CRISPR-mediated MECOM depletion retards tumor growth by reducing cancer stem cell properties in lung squamous cell carcinoma

Targeted therapy for lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) remains a challenge due to the lack of robust targets. Here, we identified MECOM as a candidate of therapeutic target for LUSC by screening 38 genes that were commonly amplified in three pairs of primary tumors and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) using a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-mediated approach. High MECOM expression levels were associated with poor prognosis. Forced expression of MECOM in LUSC cell lines promoted cancer stem cell (CSC) properties, and its knockout inhibited CSC phenotypes. Furthermore, systemic delivery of CRISPR-mediated MECOM depletion cassette using adenovirus with an adaptor, which is composed of a single-chain fragment variable (scFv) against epithelial cell adhesion molecules (EpCAM) fused to the ectodomain of coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor, and a protector, which consists of the scFv connected to the hexon symmetry of the adenovirus, could specifically target subcutaneous and orthotopic LUSC and retard tumor growth. This study could provide a novel therapeutic strategy for LUSC with high efficacy and specificity.

Integrative weighted molecular network construction from transcriptomics and genome wide association data to identify shared genetic biomarkers for COPD and lung cancer

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a multifactorial progressive airflow obstruction in the lungs, accounting for high morbidity and mortality across the world. This study aims to identify potential COPD blood-based biomarkers by analyzing the dysregulated gene expression patterns in blood and lung tissues with the help of robust computational approaches. The microarray gene expression datasets from blood (136 COPD and 6 controls) and lung tissues (16 COPD and 19 controls) were analyzed to detect shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Then these DEGs were used to construct COPD protein network-clusters and functionally enrich them against gene ontology annotation terms. The hub genes in the COPD network clusters were then queried in GWAS catalog and in several cancer expression databases to explore their pathogenic roles in lung cancers. The comparison of blood and lung tissue datasets revealed 63 shared DEGs. Of these DEGs, 12 COPD hub gene-network clusters (SREK1, TMEM67, IRAK2, MECOM, ASB4, C1QTNF2, CDC42BPA, DPF3, DET1, CCDC74B, KHK, and DDX3Y) connected to dysregulations of protein degradation, inflammatory cytokine production, airway remodeling, and immune cell activity were prioritized with the help of protein interactome and functional enrichment analysis. Interestingly, IRAK2 and MECOM hub genes from these COPD network clusters are known for their involvement in different pulmonary diseases. Additional COPD hub genes like SREK1, TMEM67, CDC42BPA, DPF3, and ASB4 were identified as prognostic markers in lung cancer, which is reported in 1% of COPD patients. This study identified 12 gene network- clusters as potential blood based genetic biomarkers for COPD diagnosis and prognosis.

EVI1 Promotes the Proliferation and Invasive Properties of Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a frequent malignancy with a poor prognosis. So far, the EGFR inhibitor cetuximab is the only approved targeted therapy. A deeper understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of HNSCC is needed to identify additional targets for rationally designed, personalized therapeutics. The transcription factor EVI1, the major product of the MECOM locus, is an oncoprotein with roles in both hematological and solid tumors. In HNSCC, high EVI1 expression was associated with an increased propensity to form lymph node metastases, but its effects in this tumor entity have not yet been determined experimentally. We therefore overexpressed or knocked down EVI1 in several HNSCC cell lines and determined the impact of these manipulations on parameters relevant to tumor growth and invasiveness, and on gene expression patterns. Our results revealed that EVI1 promoted the proliferation and migration of HNSCC cells. Furthermore, it augmented tumor spheroid formation and the ability of tumor spheroids to displace an endothelial cell layer. Finally, EVI1 altered the expression of numerous genes in HNSCC cells, which were enriched for Gene Ontology terms related to its cellular functions. In summary, EVI1 represents a novel oncogene in HNSCC that contributes to cellular proliferation and invasiveness.

EVI1 in Leukemia and Solid Tumors

Simple Summary

Ecotropic viral integration site 1 (EVI1) is transcriptionally activated in a subset of myeloid leukemias. Since its discovery, other isoforms of EVI1 have been identified. It has been shown that EVI1 and its isoforms mainly function as transcription factors and to play important roles not only in leukemia but also in a variety of solid tumors. To provide a comprehensive understanding of this family of proteins, we summarize the currently available knowledge of expression and function of EVI1 and its isoforms in leukemia and solid tumors and provide insights of future studies.

Abstract

The EVI1 gene encodes for a transcription factor with two zinc finger domains and is transcriptionally activated in a subset of myeloid leukemias. In leukemia, the transcriptional activation of EVI1 usually results from chromosomal rearrangements. Besides leukemia, EVI1 has also been linked to solid tumors including breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer and colon cancer. The MDS1/EVI1 gene is encoded by the same locus as EVI1. While EVI1 functions as a transcription repressor, MDS1/EVI1 acts as a transcription activator. The fusion protein encoded by the AML1/MDS1/EVI1 chimeric gene, resulting from chromosomal translocations in a subset of chronic myeloid leukemia, exhibits a similar function to EVI1. EVI1 has been shown to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, whereas the functions of MDS1/EVI1 and AML1/MDS1/EVI1 remain elusive. In this review, we summarize the genetic structures, biochemical properties and biological functions of these proteins in cancer.

EVI1 as a Marker for Lymph Node Metastasis in HNSCC

BACKGROUND

HNSCC is the sixth most common cancer in humans and has still a very poor prognosis. The treatment methods so far are very often associated with mutilation and impairment in the quality of life. Except for p16 expression, there are no reliable prognostic markers in HNSCC so far. Ecotropic Viral Integration Site 1 (EVI1) is a well-described prognostic marker in leukemia and different types of solid cancers. In these, a high EVI1 expression is associated with a poor prognosis. In HNSCC, it is not known so far if EVI1 has any prognostic relevance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used our representative tissue cohort of 389 primary HNSCCs, of which 57.2% had one or more lymph node metastases. Here EVI1 expression was analyzed via immunohistochemistry and correlated with the clinical characteristics of these patients.

RESULTS

Although in HNSCC EVI1 expression does not predict poor survival, a high EVI1 expression in the primary tumor correlates with a lymph node metastatic disease.

CONCLUSION

Consequently, EVI1 may serve as a biomarker to predict an occult lymph node metastasis in a clinical nodal negative (cN0) HNSCC.

Downregulation of EVI1 Expression Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma via the PTEN/AKT Signalling Pathway

Aims: Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) is a tumour with high malignancy, low surgical resection potential, and a poor prognosis. Ecotropic Viral Integration site 1 (EVI1) is a transcriptional regulator that has been proven to be associated with tumourigenesis and progression in many human solid tumours. However, the expression of EVI1 and its role in HCCA progression remain unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the association between EVI1 expression and clinical outcomes in patients with HCCA.

Methods: The expression of EVI1 in HCCA tissue samples and cell lines was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for survival analysis. A log-rank test was performed for univariate analysis of survival, and a Cox regression model was utilized for multivariate analysis of survival. Cell proliferation was measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays. The cell cycle was evaluated by flow cytometry. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assay. In vivo tumour growth was observed for xenografts in nude mice.

Results: EVI1 expression was upregulated in HCCA tissue samples and correlated with a poor prognosis. In clinical specimens, the expression of EVI1 correlated with tumour histological grade and tumour size. Knocking down EVI1 expression reduced HCCA cell proliferation, blocked cell cycle progression, and promoted apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that EVI1 could regulate the AKT signalling pathway by regulating PTEN levels in HCCA.

Conclusion: Our data revealed that EVI1 played important roles in HCCA tumourigenesis and development. Our findings suggest that EVI1 may be a potentially useful therapeutic target in HCCA.