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Meyers PA, Federman N, Daw N, Anderson PM, Davis LE, Kim A, Macy ME, Pietrofeso A, Ratan R, Riedel RF, Trucco M, Breitmeyer JB, Toretsky JA, Ludwig JA. Open-Label, Multicenter, Phase I/II, First-in-Human Trial of TK216: A First-Generation EWS::FLI1 Fusion Protein Antagonist in Ewing Sarcoma. J Clin Oncol 2024:JCO2400020. [PMID: 38954782 DOI: 10.1200/jco.24.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ewing Sarcoma (ES), a rare cancer with a pathognomonic translocation resulting in the Ewing sarcoma gene (EWS)::FLI1 oncoprotein, has a poor prognosis in the relapsed/refractory (R/R) setting. Tokalas (TK)216 was designed to bind EWS::FLI1 proteins directly, disrupt protein-protein interactions, and inhibit transcription factor function. TK216 plus vincristine showed synergistic activity in preclinical tumor models. To our knowledge, we report the results of a first-in-class, first-in-human phase I/II trial of TK216 in R/R ES. PATIENTS AND METHODS TK216 was administered intravenously as a continuous infusion to patients with R/R ES in 11 cohorts. The dosing duration of 7 days was later extended to 10, 14, and 28 days. Vincristine could be added on day 1 after cycle 2, per investigators' choice. The trial used a 3 + 3 design with an expansion cohort at the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). RESULTS A total of 85 patients with a median age of 27 years (range, 11-77) were enrolled. The maximum tolerated dose for the 14-day infusion of TK216, 200 mg/m2 once daily, was determined in cohort 9 and selected as the RP2D. The median previous number of systemic therapies regimens was three (range, 1-10). The most frequent-related adverse events in patients treated at the RP2D included neutropenia (44.7%), anemia (29.4%), leukopenia (29.4%), febrile neutropenia (15.3%), thrombocytopenia (11.8%), and infections (17.6%). In cohorts 9 and 10, two patients had a complete response, one had a partial response, and 14 had stable disease; the 6-month progression-free survival was 11.9%. There were no responses among the eight patients in cohort 11. CONCLUSION TK216 administered as 14-day continuous infusion with or without vincristine was well tolerated and showed limited activity at the RP2D in R/R ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Meyers
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Noah Federman
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Najat Daw
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Lara E Davis
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - AeRang Kim
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Margaret E Macy
- University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Denver, CO
| | | | - Ravin Ratan
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | | | | | | | - Joseph A Ludwig
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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2
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Yu L, Deng Y, Wang X, Santos C, Davis IJ, Earp HS, Liu P. Co-targeting JAK1/STAT6/GAS6/TAM signaling improves chemotherapy efficacy in Ewing sarcoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5292. [PMID: 38906855 PMCID: PMC11192891 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49667-2] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a pediatric bone and soft tissue tumor treated with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Despite intensive multimodality therapy, ~50% patients eventually relapse and die of the disease due to chemoresistance. Here, using phospho-profiling, we find Ewing sarcoma cells treated with chemotherapeutic agents activate TAM (TYRO3, AXL, MERTK) kinases to augment Akt and ERK signaling facilitating chemoresistance. Mechanistically, chemotherapy-induced JAK1-SQ phosphorylation releases JAK1 pseudokinase domain inhibition allowing for JAK1 activation. This alternative JAK1 activation mechanism leads to STAT6 nuclear translocation triggering transcription and secretion of the TAM kinase ligand GAS6 with autocrine/paracrine consequences. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of either JAK1 by filgotinib or TAM kinases by UNC2025 sensitizes Ewing sarcoma to chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. Excitingly, the TAM kinase inhibitor MRX-2843 currently in human clinical trials to treat AML and advanced solid tumors, enhances chemotherapy efficacy to further suppress Ewing sarcoma tumor growth in vivo. Our findings reveal an Ewing sarcoma chemoresistance mechanism with an immediate translational value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Yu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Yu Deng
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Charlene Santos
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Ian J Davis
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Genetics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - H Shelton Earp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Pengda Liu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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3
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Turaga SM, Sardiu ME, Vishwakarma V, Mitra A, Bantis LE, Madan R, Merchant ML, Klein JB, Samuel G, Godwin AK. Identification of small extracellular vesicle protein biomarkers for pediatric Ewing Sarcoma. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1138594. [PMID: 37122563 PMCID: PMC10140755 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1138594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing Sarcoma (EWS) is the second most common osseous malignancy in children and young adults after osteosarcoma, while it is the fifth common osseous malignancy within adult age population. The clinical presentation of EWS is quite often non-specific, with the most common symptoms at presentation consisting of pain, swelling or general discomfort. The dearth of clinically relevant diagnostic or predictive biomarkers continues to remain a pressing clinical challenge. Identification of tumor specific biomarkers can lend towards an early diagnosis, expedited initiation of therapy, monitoring of therapeutic response, and early detection of recurrence of disease. We carried-out a complex analysis of cell lines and cell line derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) using label-free-based Quantitative Proteomic Profiling with an intent to determine shared and distinct features of these tumor cells and their respective sEVs. We analyzed EWS cells with different EWS-ETS fusions (EWS-FLI1 type I, II, and III and EWS-ERG) and their corresponding sEVs. Non-EWS controls included osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and benign cells, i.e., osteoid osteoma and mesenchymal stem cells. Proteomic profiling identified new shared markers between cells and their corresponding cell-derived sEVs and markers which were exclusively enriched in EWS-derived sEVs. These exo-biomarkers identified were validated by in silico approaches of publicly available protein databases and by capillary electrophoresis based western analysis (Wes). Here, we identified a protein biomarker named UGT3A2 and found its expression highly specific to EWS cells and their sEVs compared to control samples. Clinical validation of UGT3A2 expression in patient tumor tissues and plasma derived sEV samples demonstrated its specificity to EWS, indicating its potential as a EWS biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya M. Turaga
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Mihaela E. Sardiu
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Kansas Institute for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Vikalp Vishwakarma
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Amrita Mitra
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Leonidas E. Bantis
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Rashna Madan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Michael L. Merchant
- Clinical Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Jon B. Klein
- Robley Rex Veterans Administration Medical Center, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Glenson Samuel
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Mercy-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Andrew K. Godwin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Kansas Institute for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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4
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Saurabh S, Nadendla K, Purohit SS, Sivakumar PM, Cetinel S. Fuzzy Drug Targets: Disordered Proteins in the Drug-Discovery Realm. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:9729-9747. [PMID: 36969402 PMCID: PMC10034788 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and regions (IDRs) form a large part of the eukaryotic proteome. Contrary to the structure-function paradigm, the disordered proteins perform a myriad of functions in vivo. Consequently, they are involved in various disease pathways and are plausible drug targets. Unlike folded proteins, that have a defined structure and well carved out drug-binding pockets that can guide lead molecule selection, the disordered proteins require alternative drug-development methodologies that are based on an acceptable picture of their conformational ensemble. In this review, we discuss various experimental and computational techniques that contribute toward understanding IDP "structure" and describe representative pursuances toward IDP-targeting drug development. We also discuss ideas on developing rational drug design protocols targeting IDPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Saurabh
- Molecular
Sciences Research Hub, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, U.K.
| | - Karthik Nadendla
- Center
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, Lensfield
Road, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Shubh Sanket Purohit
- Department
of Clinical Haematology, Sahyadri Superspeciality
Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra 411038, India
| | - Ponnurengam Malliappan Sivakumar
- Institute
of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
- School
of Medicine and Pharmacy, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
- Nanotechnology
Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - Sibel Cetinel
- Nanotechnology
Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Faculty of
Engineering and Natural Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics and
Bioengineering Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
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5
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Mikhailova EV, Romanova IV, Bagrov AY, Agalakova NI. Fli1 and Tissue Fibrosis in Various Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031881. [PMID: 36768203 PMCID: PMC9915382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Being initially described as a factor of virally-induced leukemias, Fli1 (Friend leukemia integration 1) has attracted considerable interest lately due to its role in both healthy physiology and a variety of pathological conditions. Over the past few years, Fli1 has been found to be one of the crucial regulators of normal hematopoiesis, vasculogenesis, and immune response. However, abnormal expression of Fli1 due to genetic predisposition, epigenetic reprogramming (modifications), or environmental factors is associated with a few diseases of different etiology. Fli1 hyperexpression leads to malignant transformation of cells and progression of cancers such as Ewing's sarcoma. Deficiency in Fli1 is implicated in the development of systemic sclerosis and hypertensive disorders, which are often accompanied by pronounced fibrosis in different organs. This review summarizes the initial findings and the most recent advances in defining the role of Fli1 in diseases of different origin with emphasis on its pro-fibrotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V. Mikhailova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez Avenue, 194223 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina V. Romanova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez Avenue, 194223 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Natalia I. Agalakova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez Avenue, 194223 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
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6
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Suvarna K, Jayabal P, Ma X, Shiio Y. Slit2 signaling stimulates Ewing sarcoma growth. Genes Cancer 2022; 13:88-99. [PMID: 36533189 PMCID: PMC9753566 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a cancer of bone and soft tissue in children driven by EWS::ETS fusion, most commonly EWS::FLI1. Because current cytotoxic chemotherapies are not improving the survival of those with metastatic or recurrent Ewing sarcoma cases, there is a need for novel and more effective targeted therapies. While EWS::FLI1 is the major driver of Ewing sarcoma, EWS::FLI1 has been difficult to target. A promising alternative approach is to identify and target the molecular vulnerabilities created by EWS::FLI1. Here we report that EWS::FLI1 induces the expression of Slit2, the ligand of Roundabout (Robo) receptors implicated in axon guidance and multiple other developmental processes. EWS::FLI1 binds to the Slit2 gene promoter and stimulates the expression of Slit2. Slit2 inactivates cdc42 and stabilizes the BAF chromatin remodeling complexes, enhancing EWS::FLI1 transcriptional output. Silencing of Slit2 strongly inhibited anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent growth of Ewing sarcoma cells. Silencing of Slit2 receptors, Robo1 and Robo2, inhibited Ewing sarcoma growth as well. These results uncover a new role for Slit2 signaling in stimulating Ewing sarcoma growth and suggest that this pathway can be targeted therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kruthi Suvarna
- 1Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
| | - Panneerselvam Jayabal
- 1Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
| | - Xiuye Ma
- 1Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
| | - Yuzuru Shiio
- 1Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA,2Cancer Therapy and Research Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA,3Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA,Correspondence to:Yuzuru Shiio, email:
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7
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Shen Q, Zhou H, Zhang M, Wu R, Wang L, Wang Y, Chen J. Super enhancer-LncRNA SENCR promoted cisplatin resistance and growth of NSCLC through upregulating FLI1. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24460. [PMID: 35500152 PMCID: PMC9169188 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Super enhancer‐lncRNA smooth muscle and endothelial cell‐enriched migration/differentiation‐associated lncRNA (SENCR) were highly overexpressed in cisplatin‐resistant A549/DDP cells, while the mechanism was unclear. Methods SE‐lncRNA SENCR and FLI1 mRNA expression in A549/DDP cell, LAD tissues were detected. SENCR knockdown of A549/DDP cell and SENCR overexpression of cisplatin‐sensitive A549 cell were constructed. Experiments of cell‐confirmed function of SENCR and the correlation between SENCR and FLI1 were validated. Results The expression of SENCR and FLI1 mRNA in A549/DDP cell were both upregulated and mainly localized in the nucleus. Compared with DDP‐sensitive tissues with disease relief, SENCR expression was higher in DDP‐resistant tissues with disease progression from LAD. Knockdown of SENCR in A549/DDP reduced proliferation ability and cisplatin resistance, consistent with the decreased levels of proteins PCNA, MDMX, and P‐gp. Besides, whatever without cisplatin or with 2 μg/ml cisplatin, knockdown of SENCR reduced the migration, invasion, and colony formation abilities of A549/DDP cell and promoted apoptosis. However, when SENCR was overexpressed in A549 cell, all above results were reversed. Mechanistically, FLI1 expression was reduced after knocking down SENCR, while overexpressing SENCR increased FLI1 expression. Conclusion SE‐LncRNA SENCR was upregulated in A549/DDP, which could promote cisplatin resistance and growth of NSCLC cell through upregulating FLI1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Shen
- First People's Hospital of Linping District, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huixin Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meijuan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruihao Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liangxing Wang
- First People's Hospital of Linping District, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yumin Wang
- Department of Respiratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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8
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Yoshimatsu Y, Noguchi R, Sin Y, Tsuchiya R, Ono T, Akiyama T, Nakagawa R, Kamio S, Hirabayashi K, Ozawa I, Kikuta K, Kondo T. Establishment and characterization of a novel patient-derived Ewing sarcoma cell line, NCC-ES2-C1. Hum Cell 2022; 35:1262-1269. [PMID: 35441357 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00701-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a small round cell sarcoma that is characterized by the unique gene translocation EWSR1-FLI1. It is the second most common primary bone and soft tissue malignancy in children and adolescents. It constitutes 10-15% of all bone sarcomas and is highly aggressive and rapidly recurring. Although intensive treatments have improved the clinical outcome of ES patients, 20-25% of them exhibit metastases during diagnosis. Thus, the prognoses of these patients remain poor. Cell lines are pivotal resources to investigate the molecular background of disease progression and to develop novel therapeutic modalities. In this study, we established and characterized a novel ES cell line, NCC-ES2-C1. The presence of the EWSR1-FLI1 fusion gene in these cells was confirmed in the NCC-ES2-C1 cells. Furthermore, these cells exhibited constant proliferation, and invasion, but did not form tumors in mice. We screened the anti-tumor effects of 214 anti-cancer drugs in NCC-ES2-C1 cells and found that the drugs which effectively reduced the proliferation of NCC-ES2-C1 cells. We concluded that NCC-ES2-C1 cells are a useful resource to study functions of the EWSR1-FLI1 fusion gene, investigate phenotypic changes caused by genes and proteins, and evaluate the anti-tumor effects of novel drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Yoshimatsu
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Rei Noguchi
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Yooksil Sin
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Ryuto Tsuchiya
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Takuya Ono
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Taro Akiyama
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Rumi Nakagawa
- Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology and Orthopaedics Surgery, Tochigi Cancer Center, 4-9-13 Yohnan, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, 320-0834, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kamio
- Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology and Orthopaedics Surgery, Tochigi Cancer Center, 4-9-13 Yohnan, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, 320-0834, Japan
| | - Kaoru Hirabayashi
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Tochigi Cancer Center, 4-9-13 Yohnan, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, 320-0834, Japan
| | - Iwao Ozawa
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tochigi Cancer Center, 4-9-13 Yohnan, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, 320-0834, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Kikuta
- Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology and Orthopaedics Surgery, Tochigi Cancer Center, 4-9-13 Yohnan, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, 320-0834, Japan
| | - Tadashi Kondo
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.
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9
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FLI1 regulates inflammation-associated genes to accelerate leukemogenesis. Cell Signal 2022; 92:110269. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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10
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Sartori G, Napoli S, Cascione L, Chung EYL, Priebe V, Arribas AJ, Mensah AA, Dall'Angelo M, Falzarano C, Barnabei L, Forcato M, Rinaldi A, Bicciato S, Thome M, Bertoni F. ASB2 is a direct target of FLI1 that sustains NF-κB pathway activation in germinal center-derived diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:357. [PMID: 34763718 PMCID: PMC8582153 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02159-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) comprises at least two main biologically distinct entities: germinal center B-cell (GCB) and activated B-cell (ABC) subtype. Albeit sharing common lesions, GCB and ABC DLBCL present subtype-specific oncogenic pathway perturbations. ABC DLBCL is typically characterized by a constitutively active NF-kB. However, the latter is seen in also 30% of GCB DLBCL. Another recurrent lesion in DLBCL is an 11q24.3 gain, associated with the overexpression of two ETS transcription factors, ETS1 and FLI1. Here, we showed that FLI1 is more expressed in GCB than ABC DLBCL and we characterized its transcriptional network. Methods Gene expression data were obtained from public datasets GSE98588, phs001444.v2.p1, GSE95013 and GSE10846. ChIP-Seq for FLI1 paired with transcriptome analysis (RNA-Seq) after FLI1 silencing (siRNAs) was performed. Sequencing was carried out using the NextSeq 500 (Illumina). Detection of peaks was done using HOMER (v2.6); differential expressed genes were identified using moderated t-test (limma R-package) and functionally annotated with g:Profiler. ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq data from GCB DLBCL cell lines after FLI1 downregulation were integrated to identify putative direct targets of FLI1. Results Analysis of clinical DLBCL specimens showed that FLI1 gene was more frequently expressed at higher levels in GCB than in ABC DLBCL and its protein levels were higher in GCB than in ABC DLBCL cell lines. Genes negatively regulated by FLI1 included tumor suppressor genes involved in negative regulation of cell cycle and hypoxia. Among positively regulated targets of FLI1, we found genes annotated for immune response, MYC targets, NF-κB and BCR signaling and NOTCH pathway genes. Of note, direct targets of FLI1 overlapped with genes regulated by ETS1, the other transcription factor gained at the 11q24.3 locus in DLBCL, suggesting a functional convergence within the ETS family. Positive targets of FLI1 included the NF-κB-associated ASB2, a putative essential gene for DLBCL cell survival. ASB2 gene downregulation was toxic in GCB DLBCL cell lines and induced NF-κB inhibition via downregulation of RelB and increased IκBα. Additionally, downregulation of FLI1, but not ASB2, caused reduction of NF-κB1 and RelA protein levels. Conclusions We conclude that FLI1 directly regulates a network of biologically crucial genes and processes in GCB DLBCL. FLI1 regulates both the classical NF-κB pathway at the transcriptional level, and the alternative NF-κB pathway, via ASB2. FLI1 and ASB2 inhibition represents a potential novel therapeutic approach for GCB DLBCL. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02159-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Sartori
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, via Francesco Chiesa 5, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Sara Napoli
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, via Francesco Chiesa 5, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luciano Cascione
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, via Francesco Chiesa 5, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Elaine Yee Lin Chung
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, via Francesco Chiesa 5, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Valdemar Priebe
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, via Francesco Chiesa 5, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Jesus Arribas
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, via Francesco Chiesa 5, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Afua Adjeiwaa Mensah
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, via Francesco Chiesa 5, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Michela Dall'Angelo
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, via Francesco Chiesa 5, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Falzarano
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, via Francesco Chiesa 5, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Laura Barnabei
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, via Francesco Chiesa 5, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Mattia Forcato
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Rinaldi
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, via Francesco Chiesa 5, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Silvio Bicciato
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Margot Thome
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Bertoni
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, via Francesco Chiesa 5, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland. .,Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI), Bellinzona, Switzerland.
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11
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Esfandiari Nazzaro E, Sabei FY, Vogel WK, Nazari M, Nicholson KS, Gafken PR, Taratula O, Taratula O, Davare MA, Leid M. Discovery and Validation of a Compound to Target Ewing's Sarcoma. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13101553. [PMID: 34683845 PMCID: PMC8538197 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing’s sarcoma, characterized by pathognomonic t (11; 22) (q24; q12) and related chromosomal ETS family translocations, is a rare aggressive cancer of bone and soft tissue. Current protocols that include cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents effectively treat localized disease; however, these aggressive therapies may result in treatment-related morbidities including second-site cancers in survivors. Moreover, the five-year survival rate in patients with relapsed, recurrent, or metastatic disease is less than 30%, despite intensive therapy with these cytotoxic agents. By using high-throughput phenotypic screening of small molecule libraries, we identified a previously uncharacterized compound (ML111) that inhibited in vitro proliferation of six established Ewing’s sarcoma cell lines with nanomolar potency. Proteomic studies show that ML111 treatment induced prometaphase arrest followed by rapid caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death in Ewing’s sarcoma cell lines. ML111, delivered via methoxypoly(ethylene glycol)-polycaprolactone copolymer nanoparticles, induced dose-dependent inhibition of Ewing’s sarcoma tumor growth in a murine xenograft model and invoked prometaphase arrest in vivo, consistent with in vitro data. These results suggest that ML111 represents a promising new drug lead for further preclinical studies and is a potential clinical development for the treatment of Ewing’s sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie Esfandiari Nazzaro
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; (E.E.N.); (F.Y.S.); (W.K.V.); (M.N.); (O.T.); (M.L.)
| | - Fahad Y. Sabei
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; (E.E.N.); (F.Y.S.); (W.K.V.); (M.N.); (O.T.); (M.L.)
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 88723, Saudi Arabia
| | - Walter K. Vogel
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; (E.E.N.); (F.Y.S.); (W.K.V.); (M.N.); (O.T.); (M.L.)
| | - Mohamad Nazari
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; (E.E.N.); (F.Y.S.); (W.K.V.); (M.N.); (O.T.); (M.L.)
| | - Katelyn S. Nicholson
- Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Philip R. Gafken
- Proteomics & Metabolomics Shared Resource, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA;
| | - Olena Taratula
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; (E.E.N.); (F.Y.S.); (W.K.V.); (M.N.); (O.T.); (M.L.)
| | - Oleh Taratula
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; (E.E.N.); (F.Y.S.); (W.K.V.); (M.N.); (O.T.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence: (O.T.); (M.A.D.)
| | - Monika A. Davare
- Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Papé Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Correspondence: (O.T.); (M.A.D.)
| | - Mark Leid
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; (E.E.N.); (F.Y.S.); (W.K.V.); (M.N.); (O.T.); (M.L.)
- Department of Integrative Biosciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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12
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Ma Y, Cao X, Shi G, Shi T. MiRNA-145 and Its Direct Downstream Targets in Digestive System Cancers: A Promising Therapeutic Target. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:2264-2273. [PMID: 33121400 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666201029095702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in the onset and development of many diseases, including cancers. Emerging evidence shows that numerous miRNAs have the potential to be used as diagnostic biomarkers for cancers, and miRNA-based therapy may be a promising therapy for the treatment of malignant neoplasm. MicroRNA-145 (miR-145) has been considered to play certain roles in various cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, via modulating the expression of direct target genes. Recent reports show that miR-145 participates in the progression of digestive system cancers, and plays crucial and novel roles in cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the recent knowledge concerning the function of miR-145 and its direct targets in digestive system cancers. We discuss the potential role of miR-145 as a valuable biomarker for digestive system cancers and how miR-145 regulates these digestive system cancers via different targets to explore the potential strategy of targeting miR-145.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yini Ma
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Xiu Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Guojuan Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Tianlu Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
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13
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Hemida AS, Holah NS. Expression of Friend Leukemia Integration-1 (Fli-1) and the Apoptosis Regulator B Cell Lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) in Gastric Carcinoma; an Immunohistochemical Study. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2021; 43:1954948. [PMID: 34314292 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2021.1954948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Fli-1 regulates multiple biological functions in different cancers particularly Ewing sarcoma and leukemias. There are controversial reports regarding function and prognostic significance of Fli-1 in epithelial cancer including gastric carcinoma (GC). No previous reports examined relationship between Fli-1 and BCL-2 in GC. This study aimed to investigate the expression of Fli-1 and BCL-2 in GC and expected the prognostic significance of their expression. Study was carried out on 88 gastric specimens (58 GC and 30 chronic gastritis cases). Immunohistochemical staining for Fli-1 and BCL-2 was done. There was significant lower Fli-1 and BCL-2 expression in GC than chronic gastritis. Advanced tumor stage showed significant relation with both low Fli-1 expression and negative BCL-2 expression. There was significant direct correlation between BCL-2 positivity and Fli-1 expression in GC. Cox-regression analysis showed that distant metastasis was the first independent factor affecting patients' OS. Fli-1 could act as tumor-suppressor protein involved in GC carcinogenesis. In addition, both Fli-1 and BCL-2 may be used as good prognostic markers in GC. The direct correlation between BCL-2 and Fli-1 expression could potentiate Fli-1 and BCL-2 as therapeutic targets in GC, acting together to inhibit cellular proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiat Shaban Hemida
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Egypt
| | - Nanis Shawky Holah
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Egypt
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14
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Cervera ST, Rodríguez-Martín C, Fernández-Tabanera E, Melero-Fernández de Mera RM, Morin M, Fernández-Peñalver S, Iranzo-Martínez M, Amhih-Cardenas J, García-García L, González-González L, Moreno-Pelayo MA, Alonso J. Therapeutic Potential of EWSR1-FLI1 Inactivation by CRISPR/Cas9 in Ewing Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153783. [PMID: 34359682 PMCID: PMC8345183 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive tumor with still unacceptable survival rates, particularly in patients with metastatic disease and for which it is necessary to develop new and innovative therapies. These tumors are characterized by the presence of chromosomal translocations that give rise to chimeric transcription factors (i.e., EWSR1–FLI1) that govern the oncogenic process. In this article, we describe an efficient strategy to permanently inactivate the EWSR1–FLI1 oncogene characteristic of Ewing sarcoma using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. Although the application of gene therapy in cancer still has many limitations, for example, the strategy for delivery, studies like ours show that gene therapy can be a promising alternative, particularly for those tumors that are highly dependent on a particular oncogene as is the case in Ewing sarcoma. Abstract Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer affecting children and young adults. The main molecular hallmark of Ewing sarcoma are chromosomal translocations that produce chimeric oncogenic transcription factors, the most frequent of which is the aberrant transcription factor EWSR1–FLI1. Because this is the principal oncogenic driver of Ewing sarcoma, its inactivation should be the best therapeutic strategy to block tumor growth. In this study, we genetically inactivated EWSR1–FLI1 using CRISPR-Cas9 technology in order to cause permanent gene inactivation. We found that gene editing at the exon 9 of FLI1 was able to block cell proliferation drastically and induce senescence massively in the well-studied Ewing sarcoma cell line A673. In comparison with an extensively used cellular model of EWSR1–FLI1 knockdown (A673/TR/shEF), genetic inactivation was more effective, particularly in its capability to block cell proliferation. In summary, genetic inactivation of EWSR1–FLI1 in A673 Ewing sarcoma cells blocks cell proliferation and induces a senescence phenotype that could be exploited therapeutically. Although efficient and specific in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 editing still presents many challenges today, our data suggest that complete inactivation of EWSR1–FLI1 at the cell level should be considered a therapeutic approach to develop in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saint T. Cervera
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Madrid, Spain; (S.T.C.); (C.R.-M.); (E.F.-T.); (R.M.M.-F.d.M.); (M.I.-M.); (J.A.-C.); (L.G.-G.); (L.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CB06/07/1009; CIBERER-ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Rodríguez-Martín
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Madrid, Spain; (S.T.C.); (C.R.-M.); (E.F.-T.); (R.M.M.-F.d.M.); (M.I.-M.); (J.A.-C.); (L.G.-G.); (L.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CB06/07/1009; CIBERER-ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Fernández-Tabanera
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Madrid, Spain; (S.T.C.); (C.R.-M.); (E.F.-T.); (R.M.M.-F.d.M.); (M.I.-M.); (J.A.-C.); (L.G.-G.); (L.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CB06/07/1009; CIBERER-ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel M. Melero-Fernández de Mera
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Madrid, Spain; (S.T.C.); (C.R.-M.); (E.F.-T.); (R.M.M.-F.d.M.); (M.I.-M.); (J.A.-C.); (L.G.-G.); (L.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CB06/07/1009; CIBERER-ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Matias Morin
- Servicio de Genética, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Carretera de Colmenar km 9.100, 28034 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (S.F.-P.); (M.A.M.-P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CB06/07/0048; CIBERER-ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Fernández-Peñalver
- Servicio de Genética, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Carretera de Colmenar km 9.100, 28034 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (S.F.-P.); (M.A.M.-P.)
| | - Maria Iranzo-Martínez
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Madrid, Spain; (S.T.C.); (C.R.-M.); (E.F.-T.); (R.M.M.-F.d.M.); (M.I.-M.); (J.A.-C.); (L.G.-G.); (L.G.-G.)
| | - Jorge Amhih-Cardenas
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Madrid, Spain; (S.T.C.); (C.R.-M.); (E.F.-T.); (R.M.M.-F.d.M.); (M.I.-M.); (J.A.-C.); (L.G.-G.); (L.G.-G.)
| | - Laura García-García
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Madrid, Spain; (S.T.C.); (C.R.-M.); (E.F.-T.); (R.M.M.-F.d.M.); (M.I.-M.); (J.A.-C.); (L.G.-G.); (L.G.-G.)
| | - Laura González-González
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Madrid, Spain; (S.T.C.); (C.R.-M.); (E.F.-T.); (R.M.M.-F.d.M.); (M.I.-M.); (J.A.-C.); (L.G.-G.); (L.G.-G.)
| | - Miguel Angel Moreno-Pelayo
- Servicio de Genética, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Carretera de Colmenar km 9.100, 28034 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (S.F.-P.); (M.A.M.-P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CB06/07/0048; CIBERER-ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Alonso
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Madrid, Spain; (S.T.C.); (C.R.-M.); (E.F.-T.); (R.M.M.-F.d.M.); (M.I.-M.); (J.A.-C.); (L.G.-G.); (L.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CB06/07/1009; CIBERER-ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
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15
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Heisey DAR, Jacob S, Lochmann TL, Kurupi R, Ghotra MS, Calbert ML, Shende M, Maves YK, Koblinski JE, Dozmorov MG, Boikos SA, Benes CH, Faber AC. Pharmaceutical Interference of the EWS-FLI1-driven Transcriptome By Cotargeting H3K27ac and RNA Polymerase Activity in Ewing Sarcoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1868-1879. [PMID: 34315769 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The EWSR1-FLI1 t(11;22)(q24;q12) translocation is the hallmark genomic alteration of Ewing sarcoma, a malignancy of the bone and surrounding tissue, predominantly affecting children and adolescents. Although significant progress has been made for the treatment of localized disease, patients with metastasis or who relapse after chemotherapy have less than a 30% five-year survival rate. EWS-FLI1 is currently not clinically druggable, driving the need for more effective targeted therapies. Treatment with the H3K27 demethylase inhibitor, GSK-J4, leads to an increase in H3K27me and a decrease in H3K27ac, a significant event in Ewing sarcoma because H3K27ac associates strongly with EWS-FLI1 binding at enhancers and promoters and subsequent activity of EWS-FLI1 target genes. We were able to identify targets of EWS-FLI1 tumorigenesis directly inhibited by GSK-J4. GSK-J4 disruption of EWS-FLI1-driven transcription was toxic to Ewing sarcoma cells and slowed tumor growth in patient-derived xenografts (PDX) of Ewing sarcoma. Responses were markedly exacerbated by cotreatment with a disruptor of RNA polymerase II activity, the CDK7 inhibitor THZ1. This combination together suppressed EWS-FLI1 target genes and viability of ex vivo PDX Ewing sarcoma cells in a synergistic manner. In PDX models of Ewing Sarcoma, the combination shrank tumors. We present a new therapeutic strategy to treat Ewing sarcoma by decreasing H3K27ac at EWS-FLI1-driven transcripts, exacerbated by blocking phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II to further hinder the EWS-FLI1-driven transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A R Heisey
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia
| | - Sheeba Jacob
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia
| | - Timothy L Lochmann
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia
| | - Richard Kurupi
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia
| | - Maninderjit S Ghotra
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia
| | - Marissa L Calbert
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia
| | - Mayuri Shende
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | | | | | - Mikhail G Dozmorov
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Sosipatros A Boikos
- Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, School of Medicine and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
| | - Cyril H Benes
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anthony C Faber
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia.
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16
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Su S, Chen J, Jiang Y, Wang Y, Vital T, Zhang J, Laggner C, Nguyen KT, Zhu Z, Prevatte AW, Barker NK, Herring LE, Davis IJ, Liu P. SPOP and OTUD7A Control EWS-FLI1 Protein Stability to Govern Ewing Sarcoma Growth. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2004846. [PMID: 34060252 PMCID: PMC8292909 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Chromosomal translocation results in development of an Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1-Friend leukemia integration 1 (EWS-FLI1) fusion oncogene in the majority of Ewing sarcoma. The persistent dependence of the tumor for this oncoprotein points to EWS-FLI1 as an ideal drug target. Although EWS-FLI1 transcriptional targets and binding partners are evaluated, the mechanisms regulating EWS-FLI1 protein stability remain elusive. Speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP) and OTU domain-containing protein 7A (OTUD7A) are identified as the bona fide E3 ligase and deubiquitinase, respectively, that control EWS-FLI1 protein turnover in Ewing sarcoma. Casein kinase 1-mediated phosphorylation of the VTSSS degron in the FLI1 domain enhances SPOP activity to degrade EWS-FLI1. Opposing this process, OTUD7A deubiquitinates and stabilizes EWS-FLI1. Depletion of OTUD7A in Ewing sarcoma cell lines reduces EWS-FLI1 protein abundance and impedes Ewing sarcoma growth in vitro and in mice. Performing an artificial-intelligence-based virtual drug screen of a 4-million small molecule library, 7Ai is identified as a potential OTUD7A catalytic inhibitor. 7Ai reduces EWS-FLI1 protein levels and decreases Ewing sarcoma growth in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model. This study supports the therapeutic targeting of OTUD7A as a novel strategy for Ewing sarcoma bearing EWS-FLI1 and related fusions, and may also be applicable to other cancers dependent on aberrant FLI1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Su
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsSchool of MedicineThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Jianfeng Chen
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsSchool of MedicineThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Yao Jiang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Present address:
Cancer CenterUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Ying Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsSchool of MedicineThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Tamara Vital
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of GeneticsThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of PediatricsThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC 27599USA
| | - Jiaming Zhang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Present address:
Department of Oral Medicine, Infection, and ImmunityHarvard School of Dental MedicineBostonMA02215USA
| | | | | | - Zhichuan Zhu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsSchool of MedicineThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Alex W. Prevatte
- UNC Proteomics Core FacilityDepartment of PharmacologyThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Natalie K. Barker
- UNC Proteomics Core FacilityDepartment of PharmacologyThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Laura E. Herring
- UNC Proteomics Core FacilityDepartment of PharmacologyThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Ian J. Davis
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of GeneticsThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of PediatricsThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC 27599USA
| | - Pengda Liu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsSchool of MedicineThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
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17
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Markey FB, Romero B, Parashar V, Batish M. Identification of a New Transcriptional Co-Regulator of STEAP1 in Ewing's Sarcoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061300. [PMID: 34073779 PMCID: PMC8225120 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) is caused by a chromosomal translocation leading to the formation of the fused EWSFLI1 gene, which codes for an aberrant transcription factor EWSFLI1. The transcriptional targets of EWSFLI1 have been viewed as promising and novel drug targets in the treatment of ES. One such target is six transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 1 (STEAP1), a transmembrane protein that is upregulated by EWSFLI1 in ES. STEAP1 is a hallmark of tumor invasiveness and an indicator of tumor responsiveness to therapy. EWSFLI1 binds to the STEAP1 promoter region, but the mechanism of action by which it upregulates STEAP1 expression in ES is not entirely understood. Upon analysis of the STEAP1 promoter, we predicted two binding sites for NKX2.2, another crucial transcription factor involved in ES pathogenesis. We confirmed the interaction of NKX2.2 with the STEAP1 promoter using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis. We used single-molecule RNA imaging, biochemical, and genetic studies to identify the novel role of NKX2.2 in regulating STEAP1 expression in ES. Our results show that NKX2.2 is a co-regulator of STEAP1 expression and functions by interacting with the STEAP1 promoter at sites proximal to the reported EWSFLI1 sites. The co-operative interaction of NKX2.2 with EWSFLI1 in regulating STEAP1 holds potential as a new target for therapeutic interventions for ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatu Badiane Markey
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA;
| | - Brigette Romero
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA; (B.R.); (V.P.)
| | - Vijay Parashar
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA; (B.R.); (V.P.)
| | - Mona Batish
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA;
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA; (B.R.); (V.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-302-831-8591
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18
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Zhou F, Elzi DJ, Jayabal P, Ma X, Chiu YC, Chen Y, Blackman B, Weintraub ST, Houghton PJ, Shiio Y. GDF6-CD99 Signaling Regulates Src and Ewing Sarcoma Growth. Cell Rep 2021; 33:108332. [PMID: 33147457 PMCID: PMC7688343 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report here that the autocrine signaling mediated by growth and differentiation factor 6 (GDF6), a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family of cytokines, maintains Ewing sarcoma growth by preventing Src hyperactivation. Surprisingly, Ewing sarcoma depends on the prodomain, not the BMP domain, of GDF6. We demonstrate that the GDF6 prodomain is a ligand for CD99, a transmembrane protein that has been widely used as a marker of Ewing sarcoma. The binding of the GDF6 prodomain to the CD99 extracellular domain results in recruitment of CSK (C-terminal Src kinase) to the YQKKK motif in the intracellular domain of CD99, inhibiting Src activity. GDF6 silencing causes hyperactivation of Src and p21-dependent growth arrest. We demonstrate that two GDF6 prodomain mutants linked to Klippel-Feil syndrome are hyperactive in CD99-Src signaling. These results reveal a cytokine signaling pathway that regulates the CSK-Src axis and cancer cell proliferation and suggest the gain-of-function activity for disease-causing GDF6 mutants. Ewing sarcoma is driven by the EWS-ETS fusion oncoprotein, but little is known about the extracellular signaling regulating this cancer. Zhou et al. report that the prodomain of GDF6 is a ligand for CD99, inhibiting Src through CSK and maintaining Ewing sarcoma growth in an autocrine fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuchun Zhou
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - David J Elzi
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; BioAffinity Technologies, Inc., 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Panneerselvam Jayabal
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Xiuye Ma
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yu-Chiao Chiu
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yidong Chen
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Mays Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Barron Blackman
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Susan T Weintraub
- Mays Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Peter J Houghton
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Mays Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yuzuru Shiio
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Mays Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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19
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Zöllner SK, Amatruda JF, Bauer S, Collaud S, de Álava E, DuBois SG, Hardes J, Hartmann W, Kovar H, Metzler M, Shulman DS, Streitbürger A, Timmermann B, Toretsky JA, Uhlenbruch Y, Vieth V, Grünewald TGP, Dirksen U. Ewing Sarcoma-Diagnosis, Treatment, Clinical Challenges and Future Perspectives. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1685. [PMID: 33919988 PMCID: PMC8071040 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10081685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma, a highly aggressive bone and soft-tissue cancer, is considered a prime example of the paradigms of a translocation-positive sarcoma: a genetically rather simple disease with a specific and neomorphic-potential therapeutic target, whose oncogenic role was irrefutably defined decades ago. This is a disease that by definition has micrometastatic disease at diagnosis and a dismal prognosis for patients with macrometastatic or recurrent disease. International collaborations have defined the current standard of care in prospective studies, delivering multiple cycles of systemic therapy combined with local treatment; both are associated with significant morbidity that may result in strong psychological and physical burden for survivors. Nevertheless, the combination of non-directed chemotherapeutics and ever-evolving local modalities nowadays achieve a realistic chance of cure for the majority of patients with Ewing sarcoma. In this review, we focus on the current standard of diagnosis and treatment while attempting to answer some of the most pressing questions in clinical practice. In addition, this review provides scientific answers to clinical phenomena and occasionally defines the resulting translational studies needed to overcome the hurdle of treatment-associated morbidities and, most importantly, non-survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan K. Zöllner
- Pediatrics III, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - James F. Amatruda
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA;
| | - Sebastian Bauer
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sarcoma Center, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Stéphane Collaud
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, University of Essen-Duisburg, 45239 Essen, Germany
| | - Enrique de Álava
- Institute of Biomedicine of Sevilla (IbiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, CSIC, University of Sevilla, CIBERONC, 41013 Seville, Spain;
- Department of Normal and Pathological Cytology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Steven G. DuBois
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (S.G.D.); (D.S.S.)
| | - Jendrik Hardes
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Sarcoma Center, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hartmann
- Division of Translational Pathology, Gerhard-Domagk Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), Network Partner Site, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Heinrich Kovar
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute and Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Markus Metzler
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - David S. Shulman
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (S.G.D.); (D.S.S.)
| | - Arne Streitbürger
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Sarcoma Center, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Beate Timmermann
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Particle Therapy, University Hospital Essen, West German Proton Therapy Centre, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Jeffrey A. Toretsky
- Departments of Oncology and Pediatrics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - Yasmin Uhlenbruch
- St. Josefs Hospital Bochum, University Hospital, 44791 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Volker Vieth
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Ibbenbüren, 49477 Ibbenbühren, Germany;
| | - Thomas G. P. Grünewald
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, Hopp-Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Core Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uta Dirksen
- Pediatrics III, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
- West German Cancer Center (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.B.); (S.C.); (J.H.); (A.S.); (B.T.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen/Düsseldorf, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
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20
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Martin JC, Hoegel TJ, Lynch ML, Woloszynska A, Melendy T, Ohm JE. Exploiting Replication Stress as a Novel Therapeutic Intervention. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 19:192-206. [PMID: 33020173 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive pediatric tumor of the bone and soft tissue. The current standard of care is radiation and chemotherapy, and patients generally lack targeted therapies. One of the defining molecular features of this tumor type is the presence of significantly elevated levels of replication stress as compared with both normal cells and many other types of cancers, but the source of this stress is poorly understood. Tumors that harbor elevated levels of replication stress rely on the replication stress and DNA damage response pathways to retain viability. Understanding the source of the replication stress in Ewing sarcoma may reveal novel therapeutic targets. Ewing sarcomagenesis is complex, and in this review, we discuss the current state of our knowledge regarding elevated replication stress and the DNA damage response in Ewing sarcoma, one contributor to the disease process. We will also describe how these pathways are being successfully targeted therapeutically in other tumor types, and discuss possible novel, evidence-based therapeutic interventions in Ewing sarcoma. We hope that this consolidation will spark investigations that uncover new therapeutic targets and lead to the development of better treatment options for patients with Ewing sarcoma. IMPLICATIONS: This review uncovers new therapeutic targets in Ewing sarcoma and highlights replication stress as an exploitable vulnerability across multiple cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Martin
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Tamara J Hoegel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Miranda L Lynch
- Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
| | - Anna Woloszynska
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Thomas Melendy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Joyce E Ohm
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York.
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21
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Current Status and Perspectives of Patient-Derived Models for Ewing's Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092520. [PMID: 32899796 PMCID: PMC7563399 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A paucity of patient-derived cancer models hinders the development of novel therapeutic strategies in Ewing’s sarcoma. This review aimed to demonstrate the utility and possibility of popular patient-derived cancer models by overviewing the reported studies and to encourage the researchers to develop more models for Ewing’s sarcoma. Abstract Patient-derived cancer models, including cell lines, organoids, and xenografts, are indispensable tools in cancer research. These models, which recapitulate molecular features of original tumors, allow studies on the biological significance of cancer-associated genes, antitumor effects of novel agents, and molecular mechanisms underlying clinical behaviors of tumors. Moreover, the predictive utility of patient-derived cancer models is expected to facilitate drug development and precision medicine. Ewing’s sarcoma is a highly aggressive mesenchymal tumor with a high metastasis rate. Previous studies demonstrated the utility of cell lines and xenografts in Ewing’s sarcoma research and clinical studies. However, the number of Ewing’s sarcoma models available from public biobanks is limited; this creates an obstacle for research on Ewing’s sarcoma. Novel Ewing’s sarcoma models are needed to establish their utility, further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms, and help develop effective therapeutic strategies. In this review, the current status of patient-derived cancer models is overviewed, and future prospects of model development are discussed from the perspective of Ewing’s sarcoma research. It should be of interest to researchers and clinicians who work on patient-derived cancer models.
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22
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A Nonpediatric Extraosseous Ewing Sarcoma of the Pancreas: Differential Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies. Case Rep Oncol Med 2020; 2020:2792750. [PMID: 32082662 PMCID: PMC7013316 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2792750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Extraosseous Ewing's sarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. The pancreas is an extremely uncommon primary site, with only 27 cases that have been published worldwide. We report a 26-year-old female who presented with 5 days of left upper quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting. On examination, she was anicteric and had epigastric and left upper quadrant tenderness without guarding, rebound tenderness, or a palpable mass. She had slightly elevated serum aminotransferase and lipase levels. Abdominal computerized tomography revealed a multilobulated tumor arising from the body and tail of the pancreas. A biopsy confirmed a small round cell tumor, and immunohistochemistry was positive for CD99 in approximately 70% of the tumor cells. A fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay showed a 22q12 rearrangement. She was diagnosed with extraosseous Ewing sarcoma of the pancreas and underwent multiagent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical resection, but subsequent imaging revealed evidence of systemic disease progression. She chose to go on hospice care and died a few weeks later.
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23
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Oyama R, Kito F, Qiao Z, Sakumoto M, Noguchi R, Takahashi M, Toki S, Tanzawa Y, Yoshida A, Kawai A, Kondo T. Establishment of a novel patient-derived Ewing's sarcoma cell line, NCC-ES1-C1. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2018; 54:770-778. [PMID: 30324244 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-018-0302-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Ewing's sarcoma is an aggressive mesenchymal tumor characterized by the presence of a unique EWSR1-FLI1 translocation. Ewing's sarcoma primarily occurs in the bone and soft tissues. Cell lines enable researchers to investigate the molecular backgrounds of disease and the significance of genetic alterations in relevant cellular contexts. Here, we report the establishment and characterization of a novel Ewing's sarcoma cell line following primary Ewing's sarcoma tumor tissue culture. The established cell line was authenticated by DNA microsatellite short tandem repeat analysis, characterized by in vitro assays, and named NCC-ES1-C1. The NCC-ES1-C1 cell line grew well for 15 mo and was subcultured more than 50 times during this period. Characterization of the cells revealed that they were not adherent and showed floating features. In conclusion, we successfully established a novel Ewing's sarcoma cell line, NCC-ES1-C1, from primary tumor tissue. The cell line has the characteristic EWSR1-FLI1 gene fusion and exhibits aggressive growth in vitro. Thus, the NCC-ES1-C1 cell line will be a useful tool for investigating the mechanisms of disease and the biological role of the EWSR1-FLI1 fusion gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rieko Oyama
- Department of Innovative Seeds Evaluation, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Fusako Kito
- Department of Innovative Seeds Evaluation, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Zhiwei Qiao
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Marimu Sakumoto
- Department of Innovative Seeds Evaluation, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Rei Noguchi
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Mami Takahashi
- Central Animal Division, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Shunichi Toki
- Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Tanzawa
- Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Akihiko Yoshida
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratories, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Akira Kawai
- Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Tadashi Kondo
- Department of Innovative Seeds Evaluation, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan. .,Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.
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24
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Tsafou K, Katschnig AM, Radic-Sarikas B, Mutz CN, Iljin K, Schwentner R, Kauer MO, Mühlbacher K, Aryee DN, Westergaard D, Haapa-Paananen S, Fey V, Superti-Furga G, Toretsky J, Brunak S, Kovar H. Identifying the druggable interactome of EWS-FLI1 reveals MCL-1 dependent differential sensitivities of Ewing sarcoma cells to apoptosis inducers. Oncotarget 2018; 9:31018-31031. [PMID: 30123424 PMCID: PMC6089552 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (EwS) is an aggressive pediatric bone cancer in need of more effective therapies than currently available. Most research into novel targeted therapeutic approaches is focused on the fusion oncogene EWSR1-FLI1, which is the genetic hallmark of this disease. In this study, a broad range of 3,325 experimental compounds, among them FDA approved drugs and natural products, were screened for their effect on EwS cell viability depending on EWS-FLI1 expression. In a network-based approach we integrated the results from drug perturbation screens and RNA sequencing, comparing EWS-FLI1-high (normal expression) with EWS-FLI1-low (knockdown) conditions, revealing novel interactions between compounds and EWS-FLI1 associated biological processes. The top candidate list of druggable EWS-FLI1 targets included genes involved in translation, histone modification, microtubule structure, topoisomerase activity as well as apoptosis regulation. We confirmed our in silico results using viability and apoptosis assays, underlining the applicability of our integrative and systemic approach. We identified differential sensitivities of Ewing sarcoma cells to BCL-2 family inhibitors dependent on the EWS-FLI1 regulome including altered MCL-1 expression and subcellular localization. This study facilitates the selection of effective targeted approaches for future combinatorial therapies of patients suffering from Ewing sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Tsafou
- Disease Systems Biology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Current address: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anna Maria Katschnig
- Children’s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Branka Radic-Sarikas
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Children’s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cornelia Noëlle Mutz
- Children’s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristiina Iljin
- Medical Biotechnology, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo, Finland
| | - Raphaela Schwentner
- Children’s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian O. Kauer
- Children’s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Mühlbacher
- Children’s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dave N.T. Aryee
- Children’s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Westergaard
- Disease Systems Biology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Vidal Fey
- Medical Biotechnology, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo, Finland
| | - Giulio Superti-Furga
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jeffrey Toretsky
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Søren Brunak
- Disease Systems Biology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Heinrich Kovar
- Children’s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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25
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Kondo T. Current Status of Proteomics in Ewing's Sarcoma. Proteomics Clin Appl 2018; 13:e1700130. [PMID: 29992772 DOI: 10.1002/prca.201700130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Ewing's sarcoma is an extremely rare mesenchymal malignancy of the bone, which predominantly occurs in children and young adolescents. Ewing's sarcoma is characterized by chromosomal translocations resulting in the formation of chimeric fusions between the EWS gene and transcription factors of the ETS family, such as EWS-FLI-1. The clinical outcome of Ewing's sarcoma remains poor, and novel therapeutic approaches are required. Proteomic analyses have been applied to identify the functions of the fusion gene product, and a novel mechanism of EWS-FLI-1 turnover has been proposed. Furthermore, proteomics has revealed the regulation of IL-6 secretion by EWS-FLI-1, which may promote malignant behavior in tumor cells. In addition, proteomic approaches have been used to assess the effects of unique genes and drugs on Ewing's sarcoma and to determine specific biomarker candidates for the prediction of drug resistance and recurrence. By identifying the proteins relevant to the molecular backgrounds of clinical characters of Ewing's sarcoma, we can understand the biology of Ewing's sarcoma and develop clinical applications. Fundamental research systems such as tumor cell and tissue biobanks and databases are required to make effective use of the limited clinical materials and promote research into Ewing's sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Kondo
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 104-0045 Tokyo, Japan
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26
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Tsafou K, Tiwari PB, Forman-Kay JD, Metallo SJ, Toretsky JA. Targeting Intrinsically Disordered Transcription Factors: Changing the Paradigm. J Mol Biol 2018; 430:2321-2341. [PMID: 29655986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Increased understanding of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and protein regions has revolutionized our view of the relationship between protein structure and function. Data now support that IDPs can be functional in the absence of a single, fixed, three-dimensional structure. Due to their dynamic morphology, IDPs have the ability to display a range of kinetics and affinity depending on what the system requires, as well as the potential for large-scale association. Although several studies have shed light on the functional properties of IDPs, the class of intrinsically disordered transcription factors (TFs) is still poorly characterized biophysically due to their combination of ordered and disordered sequences. In addition, TF modulation by small molecules has long been considered a difficult or even impossible task, limiting functional probe development. However, with evolving technology, it is becoming possible to characterize TF structure-function relationships in unprecedented detail and explore avenues not available or not considered in the past. Here we provide an introduction to the biophysical properties of intrinsically disordered TFs and we discuss recent computational and experimental efforts toward understanding the role of intrinsically disordered TFs in biology and disease. We describe a series of successful TF targeting strategies that have overcome the perception of the "undruggability" of TFs, providing new leads on drug development methodologies. Lastly, we discuss future challenges and opportunities to enhance our understanding of the structure-function relationship of intrinsically disordered TFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Tsafou
- Department of Oncology and Pediatrics, Georgetown University, 3970 Reservoir Road Northwest, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - P B Tiwari
- Department of Oncology and Pediatrics, Georgetown University, 3970 Reservoir Road Northwest, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - J D Forman-Kay
- Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - S J Metallo
- Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - J A Toretsky
- Department of Oncology and Pediatrics, Georgetown University, 3970 Reservoir Road Northwest, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
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27
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Grünewald TGP. [Functional genomics of Ewing sarcoma]. DER PATHOLOGE 2017; 38:198-201. [PMID: 28849372 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-017-0332-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a highly aggressive bone or soft-tissue tumor mostly occurring in children and adolescents. Conventional multi-modal therapies are associated with considerable acute and chronic toxicity. Thus, more effective and in particular less toxic therapeutic strategies are urgently required. Despite the fact that Ewing sarcoma is characterized by specific EWSR1-ETS gene fusions, the resulting fusion oncoproteins are not suitable for targeted therapy due to their low immunogenicity and the ubiquitous expression of their constituents. However, functional genomics revealed several EWSR1-ETS target genes, which are only minimally expressed in normal tissues, and which could serve as surrogate-targets for (immuno-)therapeutic approaches. Moreover, functional genomic analyses yielded first mechanistic explanations for the relatively high incidence of Ewing sarcoma in Europeans, and first studies are exploring the value of circulating free DNA and/or exosomal mRNA of EWSR1-ETS fusion oncogenes as minimal-residual-disease markers in Ewing sarcoma. This review summarizes key contributions to these aspects and gives a perspective on their medical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- T G P Grünewald
- Max-Eder Nachwuchsgruppe für Pädiatrische Sarkombiologie, Pathologisches Institut, Medizinische Fakultät, LMU München, Thalkirchner Str. 36, 80337, München, Deutschland.
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Pierini T, Di Giacomo D, Pierini V, Gorello P, Barba G, Lema Fernandez AG, Pellanera F, Iannotti T, Falzetti F, La Starza R, Mecucci C. MYB deregulation from a EWSR1-MYB fusion at leukemic evolution of a JAK2 (V617F) positive primary myelofibrosis. Mol Cytogenet 2016; 9:68. [PMID: 27594918 PMCID: PMC5009546 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-016-0277-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (Ph-MPN) are usually not aggressive, the type and the number of molecular lesions impact greatly on leukemic transformation. Indeed, the molecular background underlying progression is still largely unexplored even though ASXL1, IDH1/2, SRSF2, and TP53 mutations, together with adverse karyotypic changes, place the patient at high risk of leukemic transformation. Case presentation Our patient, a 64-year old man with a diagnosis of JAK2V617F primary myelofibrosis (PMF) had an unusually rapid leukemic transformation. Genomic profiling showed that TET2 and SRSF2 mutations were also present. At leukemic transformation, the patient developed a complex chromosome rearrangement producing a EWSR1-MYB fusion. Remarkably, the expression of MYB and of its target BCL2 was, respectively, ≥4.7 and ≥2.8 fold higher at leukemic transformation than after chemotherapy, when the patient obtained the hematological remission. At this time point, the EWSR1-MYB fusion disappeared while JAK2V617F, TET2, and SRSF2 mutations, as well as PMF morphological features persisted. Conclusions Rapid leukemic transformation of JAK2V617F PMF was closely linked to a previously undescribed putative EWSR1-MYB transcription factor which was detected only at disease evolution. We hypothesize that the EWSR1-MYB contributed to leukemia transformation through at least two mechanisms: 1) it sustained MYB expression, and consequently deregulated its target BCL2, a putative onco-suppressor gene; and 2) ectopic EWSR1-MYB expression probably fulfilled its own oncogenic potential as demonstrated for other MYB-fusions. As our study confirmed that MYB is recurrently involved in chronic as well as leukemic transformation of PMF, it appears to be a valid molecular marker for tailored treatments. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13039-016-0277-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Pierini
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, University of Perugia, C.R.E.O., Piazzale Menghini n.9, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Danika Di Giacomo
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, University of Perugia, C.R.E.O., Piazzale Menghini n.9, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Valentina Pierini
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, University of Perugia, C.R.E.O., Piazzale Menghini n.9, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Gorello
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, University of Perugia, C.R.E.O., Piazzale Menghini n.9, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Gianluca Barba
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, University of Perugia, C.R.E.O., Piazzale Menghini n.9, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Anair Graciela Lema Fernandez
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, University of Perugia, C.R.E.O., Piazzale Menghini n.9, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Pellanera
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, University of Perugia, C.R.E.O., Piazzale Menghini n.9, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Tamara Iannotti
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, University of Perugia, C.R.E.O., Piazzale Menghini n.9, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Franca Falzetti
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, University of Perugia, C.R.E.O., Piazzale Menghini n.9, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberta La Starza
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, University of Perugia, C.R.E.O., Piazzale Menghini n.9, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Cristina Mecucci
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, University of Perugia, C.R.E.O., Piazzale Menghini n.9, 06132 Perugia, Italy
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Varnaitė R, MacNeill SA. Meet the neighbors: Mapping local protein interactomes by proximity-dependent labeling with BioID. Proteomics 2016; 16:2503-2518. [PMID: 27329485 PMCID: PMC5053326 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201600123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) is a recently developed method that allows the identification of proteins in the close vicinity of a protein of interest in living cells. BioID relies on fusion of the protein of interest with a mutant form of the biotin ligase enzyme BirA (BirA*) that is capable of promiscuously biotinylating proximal proteins irrespective of whether these interact directly or indirectly with the fusion protein or are merely located in the same subcellular neighborhood. The covalent addition of biotin allows the labeled proteins to be purified from cell extracts on the basis of their affinity for streptavidin and identified by mass spectrometry. To date, BioID has been successfully applied to study a variety of proteins and processes in mammalian cells and unicellular eukaryotes and has been shown to be particularly suited to the study of insoluble or inaccessible cellular structures and for detecting weak or transient protein associations. Here, we provide an introduction to BioID, together with a detailed summary of where and how the method has been applied to date, and briefly discuss technical aspects involved in the planning and execution of a BioID study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Varnaitė
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland, UK
| | - Stuart A MacNeill
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland, UK.
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Minas TZ, Han J, Javaheri T, Hong SH, Schlederer M, Saygideğer-Kont Y, Çelik H, Mueller KM, Temel I, Özdemirli M, Kovar H, Erkizan HV, Toretsky J, Kenner L, Moriggl R, Üren A. YK-4-279 effectively antagonizes EWS-FLI1 induced leukemia in a transgenic mouse model. Oncotarget 2015; 6:37678-94. [PMID: 26462019 PMCID: PMC4741957 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive tumor of bone and soft tissue affecting predominantly children and young adults. Tumor-specific chromosomal translocations create EWS-FLI1 and similar aberrant ETS fusion proteins that drive sarcoma development in patients. ETS family fusion proteins and over-expressed ETS proteins are also found in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. Transgenic expression of EWS-FLI1 in mice promotes high penetrance erythroid leukemia with dense hepatic and splenic infiltrations. We identified a small molecule, YK-4-279, that directly binds to EWS-FLI1 and inhibits its oncogenic activity in Ewing sarcoma cell lines and xenograft mouse models. Herein, we tested in vivo therapeutic efficacy and potential side effects of YK-4-279 in the transgenic mouse model with EWS-FLI1 induced leukemia. A two-week course of treatment with YK-4-279 significantly reduced white blood cell count, nucleated erythroblasts in the peripheral blood, splenomegaly, and hepatomegaly of erythroleukemic mice. YK-4-279 inhibited EWS-FLI1 target gene expression in neoplastic cells. Treated animals showed significantly better overall survival compared to control mice that rapidly succumbed to leukemia. YK-4-279 treated mice did not show overt toxicity in liver, spleen, or bone marrow. In conclusion, this in vivo study highlights the efficacy of YK-4-279 to treat EWS-FLI1 expressing neoplasms and support its therapeutic potential for patients with Ewing sarcoma and other ETS-driven malignancies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
- Disease Models, Animal
- Flow Cytometry
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Humans
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Indoles/pharmacology
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/etiology
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/administration & dosage
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/antagonists & inhibitors
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/toxicity
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/administration & dosage
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/toxicity
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/administration & dosage
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/antagonists & inhibitors
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/toxicity
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Surface Plasmon Resonance
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsion Zewdu Minas
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jenny Han
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Sung-Hyeok Hong
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michaela Schlederer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Haydar Çelik
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kristina M. Mueller
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Idil Temel
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Metin Özdemirli
- Department of Pathology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Heinrich Kovar
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jeffrey Toretsky
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Unit of Pathology of Laboratory Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Moriggl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria
- Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aykut Üren
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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Deel MD, Li JJ, Crose LES, Linardic CM. A Review: Molecular Aberrations within Hippo Signaling in Bone and Soft-Tissue Sarcomas. Front Oncol 2015; 5:190. [PMID: 26389076 PMCID: PMC4557106 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved developmental network vital for the regulation of organ size, tissue homeostasis, repair and regeneration, and cell fate. The Hippo pathway has also been shown to have tumor suppressor properties. Hippo transduction involves a series of kinases and scaffolding proteins that are intricately connected to proteins in developmental cascades and in the tissue microenvironment. This network governs the downstream Hippo transcriptional co-activators, YAP and TAZ, which bind to and activate the output of TEADs, as well as other transcription factors responsible for cellular proliferation, self-renewal, differentiation, and survival. Surprisingly, there are few oncogenic mutations within the core components of the Hippo pathway. Instead, dysregulated Hippo signaling is a versatile accomplice to commonly mutated cancer pathways. For example, YAP and TAZ can be activated by oncogenic signaling from other pathways, or serve as co-activators for classical oncogenes. Emerging evidence suggests that Hippo signaling couples cell density and cytoskeletal structural changes to morphogenic signals and conveys a mesenchymal phenotype. While much of Hippo biology has been described in epithelial cell systems, it is clear that dysregulated Hippo signaling also contributes to malignancies of mesenchymal origin. This review will summarize the known molecular alterations within the Hippo pathway in sarcomas and highlight how several pharmacologic compounds have shown activity in modulating Hippo components, providing proof-of-principle that Hippo signaling may be harnessed for therapeutic application in sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Deel
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine , Durham, NC , USA
| | - Jenny J Li
- Duke University School of Medicine , Durham, NC , USA
| | - Lisa E S Crose
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine , Durham, NC , USA
| | - Corinne M Linardic
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine , Durham, NC , USA ; Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine , Durham, NC , USA
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Cidre-Aranaz F, Alonso J. EWS/FLI1 Target Genes and Therapeutic Opportunities in Ewing Sarcoma. Front Oncol 2015; 5:162. [PMID: 26258070 PMCID: PMC4507460 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive bone malignancy that affect children and young adults. Ewing sarcoma is the second most common primary bone malignancy in pediatric patients. Although significant progress has been made in the treatment of Ewing sarcoma since it was first described in the 1920s, in the last decade survival rates have remained unacceptably invariable, thus pointing to the need for new approaches centered in the molecular basis of the disease. Ewing sarcoma driving mutation, EWS–FLI1, which results from a chromosomal translocation, encodes an aberrant transcription factor. Since its first characterization in 1990s, many molecular targets have been described to be regulated by this chimeric transcription factor. Their contribution to orchestrate Ewing sarcoma phenotype has been reported over the last decades. In this work, we will focus on the description of a selection of EWS/FLI1 targets, their functional role, and their potential clinical relevance. We will also discuss their role in other types of cancer as well as the need for further studies to be performed in order to achieve a broader understanding of their particular contribution to Ewing sarcoma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Cidre-Aranaz
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Área de Genética Humana, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III , Madrid , Spain
| | - Javier Alonso
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Área de Genética Humana, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III , Madrid , Spain
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Oncogenic fusion protein EWS-FLI1 is a network hub that regulates alternative splicing. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E1307-16. [PMID: 25737553 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1500536112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The synthesis and processing of mRNA, from transcription to translation initiation, often requires splicing of intragenic material. The final mRNA composition varies based on proteins that modulate splice site selection. EWS-FLI1 is an Ewing sarcoma (ES) oncoprotein with an interactome that we demonstrate to have multiple partners in spliceosomal complexes. We evaluate the effect of EWS-FLI1 on posttranscriptional gene regulation using both exon array and RNA-seq. Genes that potentially regulate oncogenesis, including CLK1, CASP3, PPFIBP1, and TERT, validate as alternatively spliced by EWS-FLI1. In a CLIP-seq experiment, we find that EWS-FLI1 RNA-binding motifs most frequently occur adjacent to intron-exon boundaries. EWS-FLI1 also alters splicing by directly binding to known splicing factors including DDX5, hnRNP K, and PRPF6. Reduction of EWS-FLI1 produces an isoform of γ-TERT that has increased telomerase activity compared with wild-type (WT) TERT. The small molecule YK-4-279 is an inhibitor of EWS-FLI1 oncogenic function that disrupts specific protein interactions, including helicases DDX5 and RNA helicase A (RHA) that alters RNA-splicing ratios. As such, YK-4-279 validates the splicing mechanism of EWS-FLI1, showing alternatively spliced gene patterns that significantly overlap with EWS-FLI1 reduction and WT human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). Exon array analysis of 75 ES patient samples shows similar isoform expression patterns to cell line models expressing EWS-FLI1, supporting the clinical relevance of our findings. These experiments establish systemic alternative splicing as an oncogenic process modulated by EWS-FLI1. EWS-FLI1 modulation of mRNA splicing may provide insight into the contribution of splicing toward oncogenesis, and, reciprocally, EWS-FLI1 interactions with splicing proteins may inform the splicing code.
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Tosso PN, Kong Y, Scher L, Cummins R, Schneider J, Rahim S, Holman KT, Toretsky J, Wang K, Üren A, Brown ML. Synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies of small molecule disruptors of EWS-FLI1 interactions in Ewing's sarcoma. J Med Chem 2014; 57:10290-303. [PMID: 25432018 PMCID: PMC4281097 DOI: 10.1021/jm501372p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
EWS-FLI1 is an oncogenic fusion protein implicated in the development of Ewing's sarcoma family tumors (ESFT). Using our previously reported lead compound 2 (YK-4-279), we designed and synthesized a focused library of analogues. The functional inhibition of the analogues was measured by an EWS-FLI1/NR0B1 reporter luciferase assay and a paired cell screening approach measuring effects on growth inhibition for human cells containing EWS-FLI1 (TC32 and TC71) and control PANC1 cell lines devoid of the oncoprotein. Our data revealed that substitution of electron donating groups at the para-position on the phenyl ring was the most favorable for inhibition of EWS-FLI1 by analogs of 2. Compound 9u (with a dimethylamino substitution) was the most active inhibitor with GI50 = 0.26 ± 0.1 μM. Further, a correlation of growth inhibition (EWS-FLI1 expressing TC32 cells) and the luciferase reporter activity was established (R(2) = 0.84). Finally, we designed and synthesized a biotinylated analogue and determined the binding affinity for recombinant EWS-FLI1 (Kd = 4.8 ± 2.6 μM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Perrer N Tosso
- Center for Drug Discovery, Georgetown University Medical Center , New Research Building EP07, 3970 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, D.C. 20057, United States
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Hossain MM, Ray SK. EWS Knockdown and Taxifolin Treatment Induced Differentiation and Removed DNA Methylation from p53 Promoter to Promote Expression of Puma and Noxa for Apoptosis in Ewing's Sarcoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 5:1092-1113. [PMID: 27547487 PMCID: PMC4989871 DOI: 10.4236/jct.2014.512114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Ewing’s sarcoma is a pediatric tumor that mainly occurs in soft tissues and bones. Malignant characteristics of Ewing’s sarcoma are correlated with expression of EWS oncogene. We achieved knockdown of EWS expression using a plasmid vector encoding EWS short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to increase anti-tumor mechanisms of taxifolin (TFL), a new flavonoid, in human Ewing’s sarcoma cells in culture and animal models. Immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometric analysis showed high expression of EWS in human Ewing’s sarcoma SK-N-MC and RD-ES cell lines. EWS shRNA plus TFL inhibited 80% cell viability and caused the highest decreases in EWS expression at mRNA and protein levels in both cell lines. Knockdown of EWS expression induced morphological features of differentiation. EWS shRNA plus TFL caused more alterations in molecular markers of differentiation than either agent alone. EWS shRNA plus TFL caused the highest decreases in cell migration with inhibition of survival, angiogenic and invasive factors. Knockdown of EWS expression was associated with removal of DNA methylation from p53 promoter, promoting expression of p53, Puma, and Noxa. EWS shRNA plus TFL induced the highest amounts of apoptosis with activation of extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in both cell lines in culture. EWS shRNA plus TFL also inhibited growth of Ewing’s sarcoma tumors in animal models due to inhibition of differentiation inhibitors and angiogenic and invasive factors and also induction of activation of caspase-3 for apoptosis. Collectively, knockdown of EWS expression increased various anti-tumor mechanisms of TFL in human Ewing’s sarcoma in cell culture and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Motarab Hossain
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Swapan Kumar Ray
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
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Abstract
The partitioning of intracellular space beyond membrane-bound organelles can be achieved with collections of proteins that are multivalent or contain low-complexity, intrinsically disordered regions. These proteins can undergo a physical phase change to form functional granules or other entities within the cytoplasm or nucleoplasm that collectively we term “assemblage.” Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) play an important role in forming a subset of cellular assemblages by promoting phase separation. Recent work points to an involvement of assemblages in disease states, indicating that intrinsic disorder and phase transitions should be considered in the development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter E Wright
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
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37
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He RJ, Yu ZH, Zhang RY, Zhang ZY. Protein tyrosine phosphatases as potential therapeutic targets. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2014; 35:1227-46. [PMID: 25220640 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2014.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is a key regulatory process in virtually all aspects of cellular functions. Dysregulation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation is a major cause of human diseases, such as cancers, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and neurological diseases. Indeed, protein tyrosine phosphorylation-mediated signaling events offer ample therapeutic targets, and drug discovery efforts to date have brought over two dozen kinase inhibitors to the clinic. Accordingly, protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are considered next-generation drug targets. For instance, PTP1B is a well-known targets of type 2 diabetes and obesity, and recent studies indicate that it is also a promising target for breast cancer. SHP2 is a bona-fide oncoprotein, mutations of which cause juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and solid tumors. In addition, LYP is strongly associated with type 1 diabetes and many other autoimmune diseases. This review summarizes recent findings on several highly recognized PTP family drug targets, including PTP1B, Src homology phosphotyrosyl phosphatase 2(SHP2), lymphoid-specific tyrosine phosphatase (LYP), CD45, Fas associated phosphatase-1 (FAP-1), striatal enriched tyrosine phosphatases (STEP), mitogen-activated protein kinase/dual-specificity phosphatase 1 (MKP-1), phosphatases of regenerating liver-1 (PRL), low molecular weight PTPs (LMWPTP), and CDC25. Given that there are over 100 family members, we hope this review will serve as a road map for innovative drug discovery targeting PTPs.
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Kovar H. Blocking the road, stopping the engine or killing the driver? Advances in targeting EWS/FLI-1 fusion in Ewing sarcoma as novel therapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:1315-28. [PMID: 25162919 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.947963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ewing sarcoma (ES) represents the paradigm of an aberrant E-twenty-six (ETS) oncogene-driven cancer. It is characterized by specific rearrangements of one of five alternative ETS family member genes with EWSR1. There is experimental evidence that the resulting fusion proteins act as aberrant transcription factors driving ES pathogenesis. The transcriptional gene regulatory network driven by EWS-ETS proteins provides the oncogenic engine to the tumor. Therefore, EWS-ETS and their downstream machinery are considered ideal tumor-specific therapeutic targets. AREAS COVERED This review critically discusses the literature on the development of EWS-ETS-directed ES targeting strategies considering current knowledge of EWS-ETS biology and cellular context. It focuses on determinants of EWS-FLI1 function with an emphasis on interactions with chromatin structure. We speculate about the relevance of poorly investigated aspects in ES research such as chromatin remodeling and DNA damage repair for the development of targeted therapies. EXPERT OPINION This review questions the specificity of signature-based screening approaches to the identification of EWS-FLI1-targeted compounds. It challenges the view that targeting the downstream gene regulatory network carries potential for therapeutic breakthroughs because of resistance-inducing network rewiring. Instead, we propose to combine targeting of the fusion protein with epigenetic therapy as a future treatment strategy in ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heinrich Kovar
- Children´s Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, and Medical University Vienna, Department of Pediatrics , Zimmermannplatz 10, A1090 Vienna , Austria +43 1 40470 4092 ; +43 1 40470 64092 ;
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Niedan S, Kauer M, Aryee DNT, Kofler R, Schwentner R, Meier A, Pötschger U, Kontny U, Kovar H. Suppression of FOXO1 is responsible for a growth regulatory repressive transcriptional sub-signature of EWS-FLI1 in Ewing sarcoma. Oncogene 2014; 33:3927-38. [PMID: 23995784 PMCID: PMC4114138 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The Ewing sarcoma (ES) EWS-FLI1 chimeric oncoprotein is a prototypic aberrant ETS transcription factor with activating and repressive regulatory functions. We report that EWS-FLI1-repressed promoters are enriched in forkhead box (FOX) recognition motifs, and identify FOXO1 as a EWS-FLI1-suppressed regulator orchestrating a major subset of EWS-FLI1-repressed genes. In addition to FOXO1 regulation by direct promoter binding of EWS-FLI1, its subcellular localization and activity is regulated by cyclin-dependent kinase 2- and AKT-mediated phosphorylation downstream of EWS-FLI1. Restoration of nuclear FOXO1 expression in ES cells impaired proliferation and significantly reduced clonogenicity. Gene-expression profiling revealed a significant overlap between EWS-FLI1-repressed and FOXO1-activated genes. As a proof of principle for a potential therapeutic application of our findings, the treatment of ES cell lines with methylseleninic acid (MSA) reactivated endogenous FOXO1 in the presence of EWS-FLI1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner and induced massive cell death dependent on FOXO1. In an orthotopic xenograft mouse model, MSA increased FOXO1 expression in the tumor paralleled by a significant decrease in ES tumor growth. FOXO1 reactivation by small molecules may therefore serve as a promising strategy for a future ES-specific therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Base Sequence
- Binding Sites
- Bone Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Bone Neoplasms/genetics
- Bone Neoplasms/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation
- Consensus Sequence
- Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2/metabolism
- Forkhead Box Protein O1
- Forkhead Box Protein O3
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Gene Silencing
- Humans
- Mice
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Organoselenium Compounds/pharmacology
- Phosphorylation
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational
- Protein Transport
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/genetics
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Ewing/drug therapy
- Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics
- Sarcoma, Ewing/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic
- Tumor Burden/drug effects
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- S Niedan
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Kauer
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - D N T Aryee
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University, Vienna, Austria
| | - R Kofler
- Division of Molecular Pathophysiology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - R Schwentner
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Meier
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - U Pötschger
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - U Kontny
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - H Kovar
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University, Vienna, Austria
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40
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Elzi DJ, Song M, Hakala K, Weintraub ST, Shiio Y. Proteomic Analysis of the EWS-Fli-1 Interactome Reveals the Role of the Lysosome in EWS-Fli-1 Turnover. J Proteome Res 2014; 13:3783-91. [PMID: 24999758 PMCID: PMC4123944 DOI: 10.1021/pr500387m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Ewing
sarcoma is a cancer of bone and soft tissue in children that
is characterized by a chromosomal translocation involving EWS and
an Ets family transcription factor, most commonly Fli-1. EWS-Fli-1
fusion accounts for 85% of cases. The growth and survival of Ewing
sarcoma cells are critically dependent on EWS-Fli-1. A large body
of evidence has established that EWS-Fli-1 functions as a DNA-binding
transcription factor that regulates the expression of a number of
genes important for cell proliferation and transformation. However,
little is known about the biochemical properties of the EWS-Fli-1
protein. We undertook a series of proteomic analyses to dissect the
EWS-Fli-1 interactome. Employing a proximity-dependent biotinylation
technique, BioID, we identified cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate
receptor (CIMPR) as a protein located in the vicinity of EWS-Fli-1
within a cell. CIMPR is a cargo that mediates the delivery of lysosomal
hydrolases from the trans-Golgi network to the endosome, which are
subsequently transferred to the lysosomes. Further molecular cell
biological analyses uncovered a role for lysosomes in the turnover
of the EWS-Fli-1 protein. We demonstrate that an mTORC1 active-site
inhibitor, torin 1, which stimulates the TFEB-lysosome pathway, can
induce the degradation of EWS-Fli-1, suggesting a potential therapeutic
approach to target EWS-Fli-1 for degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Elzi
- †Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute and ‡Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, United States
| | - Meihua Song
- †Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute and ‡Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, United States
| | - Kevin Hakala
- †Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute and ‡Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, United States
| | - Susan T Weintraub
- †Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute and ‡Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, United States
| | - Yuzuru Shiio
- †Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute and ‡Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, United States
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41
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Pediatric solid tumors: embryonal cell oncogenesis. Mol Oncol 2013. [DOI: 10.1017/cbo9781139046947.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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42
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Abstract
Ewing's sarcoma (ES) is a highly malignant tumor of children and young adults. Modern therapy for Ewing's sarcoma combines high-dose chemotherapy for systemic control of disease, with advanced surgical and/or radiation therapeutic approaches for local control. Despite optimal management, the cure rate for localized disease is only approximately 70%, whereas the cure rate for metastatic disease at presentation is less than 30%. Patients who experience long-term disease-free survival are at risk for significant side-effects of therapy, including infertility, limb dysfunction and an increased risk for second malignancies. The identification of new targets for innovative therapeutic approaches is, therefore, strongly needed for its treatment. Many new pharmaceutical agents have been tested in early phases of clinical trials in ES patients who have recurrent disease. While some agents led to partial response or stable disease, the percentages of drugs eliciting responses or causing an overall effect have been minimal. Furthermore, of the new pharmaceuticals being introduced to clinical practice, the most effective agents also have dose-limiting toxicities. Novel approaches are needed to minimize non-specific toxicity, both for patients with recurrence and at diagnosis. This report presents an overview of the potential molecular targets in ES and highlights the possibility that they may serve as therapeutic targets for the disease. Although additional investigations are required before most of these approaches can be assessed in the clinic, they provide a great deal of hope for patients with Ewing's sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babu Jully
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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43
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Molecular subtyping of primary prostate cancer reveals specific and shared target genes of different ETS rearrangements. Neoplasia 2013; 14:600-11. [PMID: 22904677 DOI: 10.1593/neo.12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Revised: 06/05/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This work aimed to evaluate whether ETS transcription factors frequently involved in rearrangements in prostate carcinomas (PCa), namely ERG and ETV1, regulate specific or shared target genes. We performed differential expression analysis on nine normal prostate tissues and 50 PCa enriched for different ETS rearrangements using exon-level expression microarrays, followed by in vitro validation using cell line models. We found specific deregulation of 57 genes in ERG-positive PCa and 15 genes in ETV1-positive PCa, whereas deregulation of 27 genes was shared in both tumor subtypes. We further showed that the expression of seven tumor-associated ERG target genes (PLA1A, CACNA1D, ATP8A2, HLA-DMB, PDE3B, TDRD1, and TMBIM1) and two tumor-associated ETV1 target genes (FKBP10 and GLYATL2) was significantly affected by specific ETS silencing in VCaP and LNCaP cell line models, respectively, whereas the expression of three candidate ERG and ETV1 shared targets (GRPR, KCNH8, and TMEM45B) was significantly affected by silencing of either ETS. Interestingly, we demonstrate that the expression of TDRD1, the topmost overexpressed gene of our list of ERG-specific candidate targets, is inversely correlated with the methylation levels of a CpG island found at -66 bp of the transcription start site in PCa and that TDRD1 expression is regulated by direct binding of ERG to the CpG island in VCaP cells. We conclude that ETS transcription factors regulate specific and shared target genes and that TDRD1, FKBP10, and GRPR are promising therapeutic targets and can serve as diagnostic markers for molecular subtypes of PCa harboring specific fusion gene rearrangements.
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44
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Ross KA, Smyth NA, Murawski CD, Kennedy JG. The biology of ewing sarcoma. ISRN ONCOLOGY 2013; 2013:759725. [PMID: 23346417 PMCID: PMC3549336 DOI: 10.1155/2013/759725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Objective. The goal of this study was to review the current literature on the biology of Ewing's sarcoma, including current treatments and the means by which an understanding of biological mechanisms could impact future treatments. Methods. A search of PubMed and The Cochrane Collaboration was performed. Both preclinical and clinical evidence was considered, but specific case reports were not. Primary research articles and reviews were analyzed with an emphasis on recent publications. Results. Ewing sarcoma is associated with specific chromosomal translocations and the resulting transcripts/proteins. Knowledge of the biology of Ewing sarcoma has been growing but has yet to significantly impact or produce new treatments. Localized cases have seen improvements in survival rates, but the same cannot be said of metastatic and recurrent cases. Standard surgical, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments are reaching their efficacy limits. Conclusion. Improving prognosis likely lies in advancing biomarkers and early diagnosis, determining a cell(s) of origin, and developing effective molecular therapeutics and antiangiogenic agents. Preclinical evidence suggests the utility of molecular therapies for Ewing sarcoma. Early clinical results also reveal potential for novel treatments but require further development and evaluation before widespread use can be advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keir A. Ross
- Hospital for Special Surgery, 523 East 72nd Street, Suite 507, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Niall A. Smyth
- Hospital for Special Surgery, 523 East 72nd Street, Suite 507, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | | | - John G. Kennedy
- Hospital for Special Surgery, 523 East 72nd Street, Suite 507, New York, NY 10021, USA
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45
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Abaan OD, Hendriks W, Üren A, Toretsky JA, Erkizan HV. Valosin containing protein (VCP/p97) is a novel substrate for the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPL1. Exp Cell Res 2013; 319:1-11. [PMID: 23018179 PMCID: PMC3638858 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2012.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Revised: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Identification of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase (PTP) substrates is critical in understanding cellular role in normal cells as well as cancer cells. We have previously shown that reduction of PTPL1 protein levels in Ewings sarcoma (ES) inhibit cell growth and tumorigenesis. Therefore, we sought to identify novel PTPL1 substrates that may be important for tumorigenesis. In this current work, we demonstrated that mouse embryonic fibroblasts without PTPL1 catalytic activity fail to form foci when transfected with oncogenes. We proved that catalytic activity of PTPL1 is important for ES cell growth. Using a substrate-trapping mutant of PTPL1 we identified putative PTPL1 substrates by mass-spectrometry. One of these putative substrates was characterized as Valosin Containing Protein (VCP/p97). Using multiple biochemical assays we validated VCP as a novel substrate of PTPL1. We also provide evidence that tyrosine phosphorylation of VCP might be important for its midbody localization during cytokinesis. In conclusion, our work identifies VCP as a new substrate for PTPL1, which may be important in cellular transformation. Our investigation link an oncogenic transcription factor EWS-FLI1, with a key transcriptional target protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPL1, and its substrate VCP. Given our observation that PTPL1 catalytic activity is important for cell transformation, our results may also suggest that VCP regulation by PTPL1 might be important for tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ogan D. Abaan
- Departments of Oncology and Pediatrics, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Wiljan Hendriks
- Department of Cell Biology, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Aykut Üren
- Departments of Oncology and Pediatrics, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Toretsky
- Departments of Oncology and Pediatrics, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Hayriye V. Erkizan
- Departments of Oncology and Pediatrics, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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46
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Jully B, Vijayalakshmi R, Gopal G, Sabitha K, Rajkumar T. Junction region of EWS-FLI1 fusion protein has a dominant negative effect in Ewing's sarcoma in vitro. BMC Cancer 2012; 12:513. [PMID: 23145994 PMCID: PMC3519708 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12-513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2011] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ewing’s sarcoma is a malignancy characterized by a specific 11:22 chromosomal translocation which generates a novel EWS-FLI1 fusion protein functioning as an aberrant transcription factor. In the present study, we have further characterized the junction region of the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein. Methods In-silico model of EWS-FLI1 fusion protein was analysed for ligand binding sites, and a putative region (amino acid (aa) 251–343 of the type 1 fusion protein) in the vicinity of the fusion junction was cloned and expressed using bacterial expression. The recombinant protein was characterized by Circular Dichroism (CD). We then expressed aa 251–280 ectopically in Ewing’s sarcoma cell-line and its effect on cell proliferation, tumorigenicity and expression of EWS-FLI1 target genes were analysed. Results Our modelling analysis indicated that Junction region (aa 251–343) encompasses potential ligand biding sites in the EWS-FLI1 protein and when expressed in bacteria was present as soluble form. Ectopically expressing this region in Ewing’s sarcoma cells inhibited tumorigenicity, and EWS-FLI1 target genes indicating a dominant negative biological effect. Conclusions Junction region can be exploited further as target for drug development in future to specifically target EWS-FLI1 in Ewing’s Sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babu Jully
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (WIA), 38, Sardar Patel Road, Chennai, 600036, India
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47
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Andrei M, Cramer SF, Kramer ZB, Zeidan A, Faltas B. Adult primary pulmonary primitive neuroectodermal tumor: molecular features and translational opportunities. Cancer Biol Ther 2012; 14:75-80. [PMID: 23114712 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.22635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) arising directly from the lung are very rare but particularly aggressive neoplasms. We report a case of a 31-y-old man with primary pulmonary neuroectodermal tumor. We review the clinical as well as pathological features. As typical for these tumors, the diagnosis was initially delayed in our patient and prognosis was poor despite aggressive surgical resection, postoperative chemotherapy and local irradiation. Recent biological insights have revealed unique chromosomal translocations crucial to the pathogenesis of these tumors, most notably the EWS-FLI-1 translocation. We provide an overview of the molecular features of the Ewing Sarcoma Family of Tumors (ESFT) including PNET and their potential implications for therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Andrei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY USA.
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48
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Evans CH, Liu F, Porter RM, O'Sullivan RP, Merghoub T, Lunsford EP, Robichaud K, Van Valen F, Lessnick SL, Gebhardt MC, Wells JW. EWS-FLI-1-targeted cytotoxic T-cell killing of multiple tumor types belonging to the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2012; 18:5341-51. [PMID: 22879388 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-12-1985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) comprises a group of aggressive, malignant bone, and soft tissue tumors that predominantly affect children and young adults. These tumors frequently share expression of the EWS-FLI-1 translocation, which is central to tumor survival but not present in healthy cells. In this study, we examined EWS-FLI-1 antigens for their capacity to induce immunity against a range of ESFT types. DESIGN Computer prediction analysis of peptide binding, HLA-A2.1 stabilization assays, and induction of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) in immunized HLA-A2.1 transgenic mice were used to assess the immunogenicity of native and modified peptides derived from the fusion region of EWS-FLI-1 type 1. CTL-killing of multiple ESFT family members in vitro, and control of established xenografts in vivo, was assessed. We also examined whether these peptides could induce human CTLs in vitro. RESULTS EWS-FLI-1 type 1 peptides were unable to stabilize cell surface HLA-A2.1 and induced weak CTL activity against Ewing sarcoma cells. In contrast, peptides with modified anchor residues induced potent CTL killing of Ewing sarcoma cells presenting endogenous (native) peptides. The adoptive transfer of CTL specific for the modified peptide YLNPSVDSV resulted in enhanced survival of mice with established Ewing sarcoma xenografts. YLNPSVDSV-specific CTL displayed potent killing of multiple ESFT types in vitro: Ewing sarcoma, pPNET, Askin's Tumor, and Biphenotypic sarcoma. Stimulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with YLNPSVDSV peptide resulted in potent CTL-killing. CONCLUSIONS These data show that YLNPSVDSV peptide is a promising antigen for ESFT immunotherapy and warrants further clinical development.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Animals
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- HLA-A2 Antigen/genetics
- HLA-A2 Antigen/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunotherapy
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/cytology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/immunology
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Peptides/genetics
- Peptides/immunology
- Sarcoma, Ewing/drug therapy
- Sarcoma, Ewing/immunology
- Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology
- Signal Transduction
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/physiology
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher H Evans
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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49
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García-Santos G, Martin V, Rodríguez-Blanco J, Herrera F, Casado-Zapico S, Sánchez-Sánchez AM, Antolín I, Rodríguez C. Fas/Fas ligand regulation mediates cell death in human Ewing's sarcoma cells treated with melatonin. Br J Cancer 2012; 106:1288-96. [PMID: 22382690 PMCID: PMC3314785 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2012.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite recent advances in cancer therapy, the 5-year survival rate for Ewing's sarcoma is still very low, and new therapeutic approaches are necessary. It was found previously that melatonin induces cell death in the Ewing's sarcoma cell line, SK-N-MC, by activating the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Methods: Melatonin actions were analysed by metabolic viability/survival cell assays, flow cytometry, quantitative PCR for mRNA expression, western blot for protein activation/expression and electrophoretic mobility shift assay for transcription factor activation. Results: Melatonin increases the expression of Fas and its ligand Fas L, this increase being responsible for cell death induced by the indolamine. Melatonin also produces a transient increase in intracellular oxidants and activation of the redox-regulated transcription factor Nuclear factor-kappaB. Inhibition of such activation prevents cell death and Fas/Fas L upregulation. Cytotoxic effect and Fas/Fas L regulation occur in all Ewing's cell lines studied, and do not occur in the other tumour cell lines studied where melatonin does not induce cell death. Conclusion: Our data offers new insights in the study of alternative therapeutic strategies in the treatment of Ewing's sarcoma. Further attention deserves to be given to the differences in the cellular biology of sensitive tumours that could explain the cytotoxic effect of melatonin and the increase in the level of free radicals caused by this molecule, in particular cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- G García-Santos
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, C/ Julian Claveria 6, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
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50
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Paulo P, Barros-Silva JD, Ribeiro FR, Ramalho-Carvalho J, Jerónimo C, Henrique R, Lind GE, Skotheim RI, Lothe RA, Teixeira MR. FLI1 is a novel ETS transcription factor involved in gene fusions in prostate cancer. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2011; 51:240-9. [PMID: 22081504 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.20948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
To characterize the pattern of ETS rearrangements and to uncover novel ETS fusion genes, we analyzed 200 prostate carcinomas (PCa) with TaqMan low-density arrays (TLDAs), followed by selective analyses with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), RT-PCR, and sequencing. Besides confirming the recurrent presence of ERG, ETV1, ETV4, and ETV5 rearrangements, we here report FLI1 as the fifth ETS transcription factor involved in fusion genes in prostate cancer. Outlier expression of the FLI1 gene was detected by TLDAs in one PCa that showed relative overexpression of FLI1 exons 4:5 as compared with FLI1 exons 2:3. A structural rearrangement was found using FISH probes flanking the FLI1 gene and RT-PCR and sequencing analyses showed fusion of SLC45A3 exon 1 with FLI1 exon 3. Interestingly, we found four cases with two different ETS rearrangements in the index tumor, thus revealing intratumor genetic heterogeneity. Correlation analysis with clinico-pathological data showed association of ERG rearrangements with locally advanced disease (pT3, P = 0.007) and MYC overexpression (P = 0.001), and association of ETV1 rearrangements with PTEN downregulation (P = 0.015). We report that FLI1 is a novel ETS transcription factor involved in gene fusions in prostate cancer and that intratumor genetic heterogeneity of ETS rearrangements can occasionally be found in index primary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Paulo
- Department of Genetics, Portuguese Oncology Institute, Porto, Portugal
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