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Nicu AT, Ionel IP, Stoica I, Burlibasa L, Jinga V. Recent Advancements in Research on DNA Methylation and Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: Unveiling the Intricate Relationship. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1041. [PMID: 38791003 PMCID: PMC11117643 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common type of testicular cancer, with a particularly high incidence in the 15-45-year age category. Although highly treatable, resistance to therapy sometimes occurs, with devastating consequences for the patients. Additionally, the young age at diagnosis and the treatment itself pose a great threat to patients' fertility. Despite extensive research concerning genetic and environmental risk factors, little is known about TGCT etiology. However, epigenetics has recently come into the spotlight as a major factor in TGCT initiation, progression, and even resistance to treatment. As such, recent studies have been focusing on epigenetic mechanisms, which have revealed their potential in the development of novel, non-invasive biomarkers. As the most studied epigenetic mechanism, DNA methylation was the first revelation in this particular field, and it continues to be a main target of investigations as research into its association with TGCT has contributed to a better understanding of this type of cancer and constantly reveals novel aspects that can be exploited through clinical applications. In addition to biomarker development, DNA methylation holds potential for developing novel treatments based on DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTis) and may even be of interest for fertility management in cancer survivors. This manuscript is structured as a literature review, which comprehensively explores the pivotal role of DNA methylation in the pathogenesis, progression, and treatment resistance of TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina-Teodora Nicu
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-T.N.); (I.S.)
| | - Ileana Paula Ionel
- Department of Specific Disciplines, Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ileana Stoica
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-T.N.); (I.S.)
| | - Liliana Burlibasa
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-T.N.); (I.S.)
| | - Viorel Jinga
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- The Academy of Romanian Scientists, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
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2
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Estevão-Pereira H, Guimarães-Teixeira C, Flores BCT, Moreira-Silva F, Tavares NT, Guimarães R, Braga I, Maurício J, Henrique R, Jerónimo C, Lobo J. EHMT2/G9a and EZH2: Epimarkers in testicular germ cell tumors. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38380739 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular germ cell tumors remain the most frequent solid malignancies in young males. Despite excellent prognosis, the fact that only 60% of patients at diagnosis have elevated serum tumor markers (dependent on stage and histology) and the poor quality of life of patients who develop resistance to chemotherapy cannot be neglected. Consequently, it is mandatory to bring out novel biomarkers. OBJECTIVES The main goal was to evaluate EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a immunoexpression in a well-characterized patients' cohort of primary and metastatic testicular germ cell tumors, seeking associations with clinicopathological features and discovering differential immunoexpression patterns among specific subtypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, an in silico analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas database was performed regarding EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a. Then, immunohistochemistry for EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a was carried out in a cohort of testicular germ cell tumor patients, comprising 155 chemo-naïve primary tumors and 11 chemo-treated metastases. Immunoexpression was evaluated using a digital pathology analysis software. RESULTS Higher EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a expression levels were found in non-seminoma in the in silico analysis, particularly in embryonal carcinoma. Through digital pathology analysis, non-seminomas showed significantly higher EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a immunoexpression, with embryonal carcinoma showing higher expression. Moreover, mixed tumors with 50% or more of embryonal carcinoma component revealed the highest nuclei positivity for both biomarkers. Cisplatin-exposed metastases demonstrated a higher EZH2-positive nuclei and H-score, as well as higher EHMT2/G9a-positive nuclei. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Overall, our data suggest that EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a might be associated with greater aggressiveness and, eventually, involved in the metastatic setting, paving the way for testing targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Estevão-Pereira
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Guimarães-Teixeira
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Bianca C T Flores
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipa Moreira-Silva
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Tiago Tavares
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Guimarães
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Isaac Braga
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Urology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Joaquina Maurício
- Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
- Clinical Oncology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS - School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS - School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC Raquel Seruca), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS - School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Bhattacharya D, Mukhopadhyay M, Shivam K, Tripathy S, Patra R, Pramanik A. Recent developments in photodynamic therapy and its application against multidrug resistant cancers. Biomed Mater 2023; 18:062005. [PMID: 37827172 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad02d4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Recently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has received a lot of attention for its potential use in cancer treatment. It enables the therapy of a multifocal disease with the least amount of tissue damage. The most widely used prodrug is 5-aminolevulinic acid, which undergoes heme pathway conversion to protoporphyrin IX, which acts as a photosensitizer (PS). Additionally, hematoporphyrin, bacteriochlorin, and phthalocyanine are also studied for their therapeutic potential in cancer. Unfortunately, not every patient who receives PDT experiences a full recovery. Resistance to different anticancer treatments is commonly observed. A few of the resistance mechanisms by which cancer cells escape therapeutics are genetic factors, drug-drug interactions, impaired DNA repair pathways, mutations related to inhibition of apoptosis, epigenetic pathways, etc. Recently, much research has been conducted to develop a new generation of PS based on nanomaterials that could be used to overcome cancer cells' multidrug resistance (MDR). Various metal-based, polymeric, lipidic nanoparticles (NPs), dendrimers, etc, have been utilized in the PDT application against cancer. This article discusses the detailed mechanism by which cancer cells evolve towards MDR as well as recent advances in PDT-based NPs for use against multidrug-resistant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debalina Bhattacharya
- Department of Microbiology, Maulana Azad College, Kolkata, West Bengal 700013, India
| | - Mainak Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, JIS University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700109, India
| | - Kumar Shivam
- Amity Institute of Click Chemistry Research & Studies, Amity University, Noida 201301, India
| | - Satyajit Tripathy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Free State, Bloemfontein, Free State, 9301, South Africa
- Amity Institute of Allied Health Science, Amity University, Noida 201301, India
| | - Ranjan Patra
- Amity Institute of Click Chemistry Research & Studies, Amity University, Noida 201301, India
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Arindam Pramanik
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201301, India
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Lobo J, Acosta AM, Netto GJ. Molecular Biomarkers With Potential Clinical Application in Testicular Cancer. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100307. [PMID: 37611872 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100307] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) and sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs) are the most common testicular neoplasms. The morphologic spectrum of such tumors is wide, with several histologic subtypes within each group. Testicular tumors often represent a diagnostic challenge, requiring proper identification of their biologic potential for accurate risk stratification and selection of therapy. In the era of precision medicine, molecular biomarkers are increasingly assuming a critical role in the management of patients with cancer. Given the overall rarity of certain types of testicular neoplasms, progress in biomarker research has been relatively slow. However, in recent years, we have witnessed a multitude of important contributions, including both tissue-based and liquid biopsy biomarkers, stemming from important discoveries of tumor pathobiology, accurate histopathological analysis, multi-institutional studies, and genome-wide molecular analyses of specific tumor subtypes. In this review, we provide an overview of the progress in molecular biomarkers of TGCTs and SCSTs, focusing on those with greatest potential for clinical application. In TGCTs, developmental biology has been the key to understanding these tumors and identifying clinically useful biomarkers (from classical serum tumor markers to pluripotency factors and circulating microRNAs of the 371-373 cluster). For SCSTs, studies have focused on tissue biomarkers only, and genome-wide investigations have recently contributed to a better understanding of rare phenotypes and the aggressive biological behavior of some tumors within this nosologic category. Several new biomarkers are moving toward clinical implementation in this field. Therefore, the practicing pathologist should be aware of their strengths and limitations in order to utilize them properly and maximize their clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (P.CCC), Porto, Portugal; Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca & RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Porto, Portugal; Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andres M Acosta
- Department of Pathology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - George J Netto
- Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
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Krasic J, Skara Abramovic L, Himelreich Peric M, Vanjorek V, Gangur M, Zovko D, Malnar M, Masic S, Demirovic A, Juric B, Ulamec M, Coric M, Jezek D, Kulis T, Sincic N. Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Tissue Biomarker Analysis: A Comparison of Human Protein Atlas and Individual Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Component Immunohistochemistry. Cells 2023; 12:1841. [PMID: 37508506 PMCID: PMC10378501 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The accurate management of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) depends on identifying the individual histological tumor components. Currently available data on protein expression in TGCTs are limited. The human protein atlas (HPA) is a comprehensive resource presenting the expression and localization of proteins across tissue types and diseases. In this study, we have compared the data from the HPA with our in-house immunohistochemistry on core TGCT diagnostic genes to test reliability and potential biomarker genes. We have compared the protein expression of 15 genes in TGCT patients and non-neoplastic testicles with the data from the HPA. Protein expression was converted into diagnostic positivity. Our study discovered discrepancies in three of the six core TGCT diagnostic genes, POU5F1, KIT and SOX17 in HPA. DPPA3, CALCA and TDGF1 were presented as potential novel TGCT biomarkers. MGMT was confirmed while RASSF1 and PRSS21 were identified as biomarkers of healthy testicular tissue. Finally, SALL4, SOX17, RASSF1 and PRSS21 dysregulation in the surrounding testicular tissue with complete preserved spermatogenesis of TGCT patients was detected, a potential early sign of neoplastic transformation. We highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary collaborative approach to fully understand the protein landscape of human testis and its pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jure Krasic
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Skara Abramovic
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marta Himelreich Peric
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Health Centre Zagreb-West, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vedran Vanjorek
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Gangur
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dragana Zovko
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Malnar
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Silvija Masic
- Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Clinical Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alma Demirovic
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Clinical Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Bernardica Juric
- Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Clinical Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Ulamec
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Clinical Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marijana Coric
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Davor Jezek
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Kulis
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nino Sincic
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Melotti S, Ambrosi F, Franceschini T, Giunchi F, Filippo GD, Franchini E, Massari F, Mollica V, Tateo V, Bianchi FM, Colecchia M, Acosta AM, Lobo J, Fiorentino M, Ricci C. TAMs PD-L1(+) in the reprogramming of germ cell tumors of the testis. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 247:154540. [PMID: 37209574 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, several studies focused on the process of reprogramming of seminoma (S) cells, which regulates the transition from pure S (P-S) to S component (S-C) of mixed germ cell tumors of the testis (GCTT) and finally to embryonal carcinoma (EC) and other nonseminomatous GCTT (NS-GCTT). The accepted pathogenetic model is driven and regulated by cells (macrophages, B- and T-lymphocytes) and molecules of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we tested a series of GCTT with double staining (DS) for CD68-PD-L1 to evaluate tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) expressing programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) [TAMs PD-L1(+)] and clarify if these cells may be involved in establishing the fate of GCTT. METHODS We collected 45 GCTT (comprising a total of 62 different components of GCTT). TAMs PD-L1(+) were evaluated with three different scoring systems [TAMs PD-L1(+)/mm2, TAMs PD-L1(+)/mm2H-score, TAMs PD-L1(+) %], and compared using pertinent statistic tests (Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test). RESULTS We found that TAMs PD-L1(+) values were higher in S rather than EC (p = 0.001, p = 0.015, p = 0.022) and NS-GCTT (p < 0.001). P-S showed statistically significant differences in TAMs PD-L1(+) values compared to S-C (p < 0.001, p = 0.006, p = 0.015), but there were no differences between S-C and EC (p = 0.107, p = 0.408, p = 0.800). Finally, we found statistically significant differences also in TAMs PD-L1(+) values between EC and other NS-GCTT (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS TAMs PD-L1(+) levels gradually decrease during the reprogramming of S cells {P-S [(high values of TAMs PD-L1(+)] → S-C and EC [(intermediate values of TAMs PD-L1(+)] → other NS-GCTT [(low values of TAMs PD-L1(+)], supporting a complex pathogenetic model where the interactions between tumor cells and TME components [and specifically TAMs PD-L1(+)] play a key role in determining the fate of GCTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Melotti
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Ambrosi
- Pathology Unit, Maggiore Hospital-AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Giunchi
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco Massari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Mollica
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Tateo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Colecchia
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Andres Martin Acosta
- Department of Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
| | - João Lobo
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal; Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), Porto, Portugal; Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Michelangelo Fiorentino
- Pathology Unit, Maggiore Hospital-AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Costantino Ricci
- Pathology Unit, Maggiore Hospital-AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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A novel DNA methylation signature to improve survival prediction of progression-free survival for testicular germ cell tumors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3759. [PMID: 36882567 PMCID: PMC9992461 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30957-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to develop a nomogram for predicting the progression-free survival (PFS) of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) patients based on DNA methylation signature and clinicopathological characteristics. The DNA methylation profiles, transcriptome data, and clinical information of TGCT patients were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Univariate Cox, lasso Cox, and stepwise multivariate Cox regression were applied to identify a prognostic CpG sites-derived risk signature. Differential expression analysis, functional enrichment analysis, immunoinfiltration analysis, chemotherapy sensitivity analysis, and clinical feature correlation analysis were performed to elucidate the differences among risk groups. A prognostic nomogram integrating CpG sites-derived risk signature and clinicopathological features was further established and evaluated likewise. A risk score model based on 7 CpG sites was developed and found to exhibit significant differences among different survival, staging, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy subgroups. There were 1452 differentially expressed genes between the high- and low-risk groups, with 666 being higher expressed and 786 being lower expressed. Genes highly expressed were significantly enriched in immune-related biological processes and related to T-cell differentiation pathways; meanwhile, down-regulated genes were significantly enriched in extracellular matrix tissue organization-related biological processes and involved in multiple signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT. As compared with the low-risk group, patients in the high-risk group had decreased lymphocyte infiltration (including T-cell and B-cell) and increased macrophage infiltration (M2 macrophages). They also showed decreased sensitivity to etoposide and bleomycin chemotherapy. Three clusters were obtained by consensus clustering analysis based on the 7 CpG sites and showed distinct prognostic features, and the risk scores in each cluster were significantly different. Multivariate Cox regression analysis found that the risk scores, age, chemotherapy, and staging were independent prognostic factors of PFS of TGCT, and the results were used to formulate a nomogram model that was validated to have a C-index of 0.812. Decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram model was superior to other strategies in the prediction of PFS of TGCT. In this study, we successfully established CpG sites-derived risk signature, which might serve as a useful tool in the prediction of PFS, immunoinfiltration, and chemotherapy sensitivity for TGCT patients.
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Sehgal P, Chaturvedi P. Chromatin and Cancer: Implications of Disrupted Chromatin Organization in Tumorigenesis and Its Diversification. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020466. [PMID: 36672415 PMCID: PMC9856863 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of cancers is uncontrolled cell proliferation, frequently associated with an underlying imbalance in gene expression. This transcriptional dysregulation observed in cancers is multifaceted and involves chromosomal rearrangements, chimeric transcription factors, or altered epigenetic marks. Traditionally, chromatin dysregulation in cancers has been considered a downstream effect of driver mutations. However, here we present a broader perspective on the alteration of chromatin organization in the establishment, diversification, and therapeutic resistance of cancers. We hypothesize that the chromatin organization controls the accessibility of the transcriptional machinery to regulate gene expression in cancerous cells and preserves the structural integrity of the nucleus by regulating nuclear volume. Disruption of this large-scale chromatin in proliferating cancerous cells in conventional chemotherapies induces DNA damage and provides a positive feedback loop for chromatin rearrangements and tumor diversification. Consequently, the surviving cells from these chemotherapies become tolerant to higher doses of the therapeutic reagents, which are significantly toxic to normal cells. Furthermore, the disorganization of chromatin induced by these therapies accentuates nuclear fragility, thereby increasing the invasive potential of these tumors. Therefore, we believe that understanding the changes in chromatin organization in cancerous cells is expected to deliver more effective pharmacological interventions with minimal effects on non-cancerous cells.
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Raos D, Oršolić D, Mašić S, Tomić M, Krasić J, Tomašković I, Gabaj NN, Gelo N, Kaštelan Ž, Kuliš T, Bojanac AK, Barešić A, Ulamec M, Ježek D, Sincic N. cfDNA methylation in liquid biopsies as potential testicular seminoma biomarker. Epigenomics 2022; 14:1493-1507. [PMID: 36722130 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0331] [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] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Seminoma is a testicular tumor type, routinely diagnosed after orchidectomy. As cfDNA represents a source of minimally invasive seminoma patient management, this study aimed to investigate whether cfDNA methylation of six genes from liquid biopsies, have potential as novel seminoma biomarkers. Materials & methods: cfDNA methylation from liquid biopsies was assessed by pyrosequencing and compared with healthy volunteers' samples. Results: Detailed analysis revealed specific CpGs as possible seminoma biomarkers, but receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed modest diagnostic performance. In an analysis of panels of statistically significant CpGs, two DNA methylation panels emerged as potential seminoma screening panels, one in blood CpG8/CpG9/CpG10 (KITLG) and the other in seminal plasma CpG1(MAGEC2)/CpG1(OCT3/4). Conclusion: The presented data promote the development of liquid biopsy epigenetic biomarkers in the screening of seminoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Raos
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive & Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Davor Oršolić
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division of Electronics, Laboratory for Machine Learning & Knowledge Representation, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Silvija Mašić
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive & Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University Clinical Hospital Centre "Sestre Milosrdnice," Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology & Cytology, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miroslav Tomić
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive & Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University Clinical Hospital Centre "Sestre Milosrdnice," Department of Urology, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jure Krasić
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive & Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Igor Tomašković
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive & Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University Clinical Hospital Centre "Sestre Milosrdnice," Department of Urology, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nora Nikolac Gabaj
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive & Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University Clinical Hospital Centre "Sestre Milosrdnice," Department of Clinical Chemistry, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biochemistry, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nina Gelo
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive & Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Department of Clinical Embryology, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Željko Kaštelan
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive & Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Department of Urology, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Kuliš
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive & Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Department of Urology, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Katušić Bojanac
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive & Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anja Barešić
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division of Electronics, Laboratory for Machine Learning & Knowledge Representation, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Ulamec
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive & Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University Clinical Hospital Centre "Sestre Milosrdnice," Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology & Cytology, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Davor Ježek
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive & Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Department of Histology & Embryology, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nino Sincic
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive & Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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10
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Lesko P, Chovanec M, Mego M. Biomarkers of disease recurrence in stage I testicular germ cell tumours. Nat Rev Urol 2022; 19:637-658. [PMID: 36028719 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00624-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Stage I testicular cancer is a disease restricted to the testicle. After orchiectomy, patients are considered to be without disease; however, the tumour is prone to relapse in ~4-50% of patients. Current predictive markers of relapse, which are tumour size and invasion to rete testis (in seminoma) or lymphovascular invasion (in non-seminoma), have limited clinical utility and are unable to correctly predict relapse in a substantial proportion of patients. Adjuvant therapeutic strategies based on available biomarkers can lead to overtreatment of 50-85% of patients. Discovery and implementation of novel biomarkers into treatment decision making will help to reduce the burden of adjuvant treatments and improve patient selection for adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lesko
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Chovanec
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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11
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Országhová Z, Kalavska K, Mego M, Chovanec M. Overcoming Chemotherapy Resistance in Germ Cell Tumors. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10050972. [PMID: 35625709 PMCID: PMC9139090 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10050972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) are highly curable malignancies. Excellent survival rates in patients with metastatic disease can be attributed to the exceptional sensitivity of GCTs to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. This hypersensitivity is probably related to alterations in the DNA repair of cisplatin-induced DNA damage, and an excessive apoptotic response. However, chemotherapy fails due to the development of cisplatin resistance in a proportion of patients. The molecular basis of this resistance appears to be multifactorial. Tracking the mechanisms of cisplatin resistance in GCTs, multiple molecules have been identified as potential therapeutic targets. A variety of therapeutic agents have been evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies. These include different chemotherapeutics, targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, CDK inhibitors, and anti-CD30 therapy, as well as immune-checkpoint inhibitors, epigenetic therapy, and others. These therapeutics have been used as single agents or in combination with cisplatin. Some of them have shown promising in vitro activity in overcoming cisplatin resistance, but have not been effective in clinical trials in refractory GCT patients. This review provides a summary of current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of cisplatin sensitivity and resistance in GCTs and outlines possible therapeutic approaches that seek to overcome this chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Országhová
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; (Z.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Katarina Kalavska
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia;
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; (Z.O.); (M.M.)
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Michal Chovanec
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; (Z.O.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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Nicu AT, Medar C, Chifiriuc MC, Gradisteanu Pircalabioru G, Burlibasa L. Epigenetics and Testicular Cancer: Bridging the Gap Between Fundamental Biology and Patient Care. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:861995. [PMID: 35465311 PMCID: PMC9023878 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.861995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor affecting young males. Most testicular cancers are testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), which are divided into seminomas (SGCTs) and non-seminomatous testicular germ cell tumors (NSGCTs). During their development, primordial germ cells (PGCs) undergo epigenetic modifications and any disturbances in their pattern might lead to cancer development. The present study provides a comprehensive review of the epigenetic mechanisms–DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, bivalent marks, non-coding RNA–associated with TGCT susceptibility, initiation, progression and response to chemotherapy. Another important purpose of this review is to highlight the recent investigations regarding the identification and development of epigenetic biomarkers as powerful tools for the diagnostic, prognostic and especially for epigenetic-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina-Teodora Nicu
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Genetics, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cosmin Medar
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Clinical Hospital “Prof. dr Theodor Burghele”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of University of Bucharest (ICUB), Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
- Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Liliana Burlibasa
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Genetics, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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13
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Raos D, Abramović I, Tomić M, Vrtarić A, Kuliš T, Ćorić M, Ulamec M, Katušić Bojanac A, Ježek D, Sinčić N. CNV Hotspots in Testicular Seminoma Tissue and Seminal Plasma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:189. [PMID: 35008352 PMCID: PMC8750740 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminoma (SE) is the most frequent type of testicular tumour, affecting predominantly young men. Early detection and diagnosis of SE could significantly improve life quality and reproductive health after diagnosis and treatment. Copy number variation (CNV) has already been associated with various cancers as well as SE. In this study, we selected four genes (MAGEC2, NANOG, RASSF1A, and KITLG) for CNV analysis in genomic DNA (gDNA), which are located on chromosomes susceptible to gains, and whose aberrant expression was already detected in SE. Furthermore, CNV was analysed in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from seminal plasma. Analysis was performed by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) on gDNA from SE and nonmalignant testicular tissue. Seminal plasma cfDNA from SE patients before and after surgery was analysed, as well as from healthy volunteers. The CNV hotspot in gDNA from SE tissue was detected for the first time in all analysed genes, and for two genes, NANOG and KITLG it was reflected in cfDNA from seminal plasma. Although clinical value is yet to be determined, presented data emphasize a potential use of CNV as a potential SE biomarker from a liquid biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Raos
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.R.); (I.A.); (M.Ć.); (A.K.B.)
- Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (T.K.); (M.U.)
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Irena Abramović
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.R.); (I.A.); (M.Ć.); (A.K.B.)
- Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (T.K.); (M.U.)
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Miroslav Tomić
- Department of Urology, University Clinical Hospital Centre “Sestre Milosrdnice”, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Alen Vrtarić
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Clinical Hospital Centre “Sestre Milosrdnice”, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Tomislav Kuliš
- Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (T.K.); (M.U.)
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marijana Ćorić
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.R.); (I.A.); (M.Ć.); (A.K.B.)
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Ulamec
- Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (T.K.); (M.U.)
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Clinical Hospital Centre “Sestre Milosrdnice”, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Pathology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Katušić Bojanac
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.R.); (I.A.); (M.Ć.); (A.K.B.)
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Davor Ježek
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nino Sinčić
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.R.); (I.A.); (M.Ć.); (A.K.B.)
- Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (T.K.); (M.U.)
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
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14
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Lobo J, van Zogchel LMJ, Nuru MG, Gillis AJM, van der Schoot CE, Tytgat GAM, Looijenga LHJ. Combining Hypermethylated RASSF1A Detection Using ddPCR with miR-371a-3p Testing: An Improved Panel of Liquid Biopsy Biomarkers for Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5228. [PMID: 34680375 PMCID: PMC8534014 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205228] [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: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The classical serum tumor markers used routinely in the management of testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) patients-alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)-show important limitations. miR-371a-3p is the most recent promising biomarker for TGCTs, but it is not sufficiently informative for detection of teratoma, which is therapeutically relevant. We aimed to test the feasibility of hypermethylated RASSF1A (RASSF1AM) detected in circulating cell-free DNA as a non-invasive diagnostic marker of testicular germ cell tumors, combined with miR-371a-3p. A total of 109 serum samples of patients and 29 sera of healthy young adult males were included, along with representative cell lines and tumor tissue samples. We describe a novel droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) method for quantitatively assessing RASSF1AM in liquid biopsies. Both miR-371a-3p (sensitivity = 85.7%) and RASSF1AM (sensitivity = 86.7%) outperformed the combination of AFP and HCG (sensitivity = 65.5%) for TGCT diagnosis. RASSF1AM detected 88% of teratomas. In this representative cohort, 14 cases were negative for miR-371a-3p, all of which were detected by RASSF1AM, resulting in a combined sensitivity of 100%. We have described a highly sensitive and specific panel of biomarkers for TGCT patients, to be validated in the context of patient follow-up and detection of minimal residual disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.L.); (L.M.J.v.Z.); (A.J.M.G.)
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lieke M. J. van Zogchel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.L.); (L.M.J.v.Z.); (A.J.M.G.)
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research Amsterdam, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.G.N.); (C.E.v.d.S.)
| | - Mohammed G. Nuru
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research Amsterdam, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.G.N.); (C.E.v.d.S.)
| | - Ad J. M. Gillis
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.L.); (L.M.J.v.Z.); (A.J.M.G.)
| | - C. Ellen van der Schoot
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research Amsterdam, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.G.N.); (C.E.v.d.S.)
| | - Godelieve A. M. Tytgat
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.L.); (L.M.J.v.Z.); (A.J.M.G.)
| | - Leendert H. J. Looijenga
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.L.); (L.M.J.v.Z.); (A.J.M.G.)
- Lab. for Exp. Patho-Oncology (LEPO), Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Yu X, Han Y, Liu S, Jiang W, Song Y, Tong J, Qiao T, Lv Z, Li D. Analysis of Genetic Alterations Related to DNA Methylation in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors Based on Data Mining. Cytogenet Genome Res 2021; 161:382-394. [PMID: 34433169 DOI: 10.1159/000516385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonal carcinoma (EC) and seminoma (SE) are both derived from germ cell neoplasia in situ but show big differences in growth patterns and clinical prognosis. Epigenetic regulation may play an important role in the development of EC and SE. This study investigated the DNA methylation-based genetic alterations between EC and SE by analyzing the datasets of mRNA expression and DNA methylation profiling. The datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between EC and SE by limma package in R environment. Gene function enrichment analysis of the DEGs was performed on the DAVID tool, the results of which suggested differences in capability of pluripotency and genomic stability between EC and SE. The minfi package and wANNOVAR tool were used to identify differentially methylated genes. A total of 37 genes were discovered with both mRNA expression and the accordant DNA methylation changes. The findings were verified by the sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. Finally, 5 genes (PRDM1, LMO2, FAM53B, HCN4, and FAM124B) were found that showed both low expression and high methylation in EC, and were significantly associated with relapse-free survival. The findings of methylation-based genetic features between EC and SE might be helpful in studying the role of DNA methylation in cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaqing Yu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yali Han
- Shanghai Center of Thyroid Diseases, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Simin Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingchun Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyu Tong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Qiao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongwei Lv
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Imaging Clinical Medical Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Clinical Nuclear Medicine Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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16
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Morphological and molecular heterogeneity in testicular germ cell tumors: implications for dedicated investigations. Virchows Arch 2021; 479:865-866. [PMID: 34417634 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-021-03194-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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17
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Raos D, Ulamec M, Katusic Bojanac A, Bulic-Jakus F, Jezek D, Sincic N. Epigenetically inactivated RASSF1A as a tumor biomarker. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2021; 21:386-397. [PMID: 33175673 PMCID: PMC8292865 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2020.5219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RASSF1A, one of the eight isoforms of the RASSF1 gene, is a tumor suppressor gene that influences tumor initiation and development. In cancer, RASSF1A is frequently inactivated by mutations, loss of heterozygosity, and, most commonly, by promoter hypermethylation. Epigenetic inactivation of RASSF1A was detected in various cancer types and led to significant interest; current research on RASSF1A promoter methylation focuses on its roles as an epigenetic tumor biomarker. Typically, researchers analyzed genomic DNA (gDNA) to measure the amount of RASSF1A promoter methylation. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from liquid biopsies is a recent development showing promise as an early cancer diagnostic tool using biomarkers, such as RASSF1A. This review discusses the evidence on aberrantly methylated RASSF1A in gDNA and cfDNA from different cancer types and its utility for early cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and surveillance. We compared methylation frequencies of RASSF1A in gDNA and cfDNA in various cancer types. The weaknesses and strengths of these analyses are discussed. In conclusion, although the importance of RASSSF1A methylation to cancer has been established and is included in several diagnostic panels, its diagnostic utility is still experimental.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Raos
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Ulamec
- Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Pathology, University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine and School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Katusic Bojanac
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Floriana Bulic-Jakus
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Davor Jezek
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nino Sincic
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
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18
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Luo Y, Sun Y, Li L, Mao Y. METTL3 May Regulate Testicular Germ Cell Tumors Through EMT and Immune Pathways. Cell Transplant 2021; 29:963689720946653. [PMID: 32749150 PMCID: PMC7563025 DOI: 10.1177/0963689720946653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are highly prevalent in young men aged 20–40
years and are one of the most common lethal solid tumors in men of this age. Due
to the current unclear mechanism of tumor development, there is a lack of
effective treatment, and therefore in-depth research of the molecular mechanism
of the occurrence and development of TGCT and the search for suitable and
effective therapeutic targets and molecular markers are of great significance
for achieving effective treatment. METTL3 is a very important methylase, which
has been implicated in the progression of many cancers, but the role of METTL3
in TGCT has not been fully elucidated. In this article, we found that METTL3
expression was significantly downregulated in TGCT tissues, and patients with
low expression levels had lower overall survival and relapse-free survival
rates. After overexpressing METTL3, cell proliferation, invasion, and migration
ability significantly increased, while influencing the expression of
epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins. In addition, we
observed that the expression level of METTL3 positively correlated with
molecular markers and infiltration level of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and natural
killer cells. In sum, our findings identified that METTL3 can be used as an
independent prognostic marker in patients with TGCT. METTL3 participates in the
proliferation, migration, and invasion of TGCT cells by regulating the
expression of EMT-related genes and may also play a role in activating the tumor
immune response in TGCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuling Mao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
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19
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Lobo J, Leão R, Jerónimo C, Henrique R. Liquid Biopsies in the Clinical Management of Germ Cell Tumor Patients: State-of-the-Art and Future Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052654. [PMID: 33800799 PMCID: PMC7961393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsies constitute a minimally invasive means of managing cancer patients, entailing early diagnosis, follow-up and prediction of response to therapy. Their use in the germ cell tumor field is invaluable since diagnostic tissue biopsies (which are invasive) are often not performed, and therefore only a presumptive diagnosis can be made, confirmed upon examination of the surgical specimen. Herein, we provide an overall review of the current liquid biopsy-based biomarkers of this disease, including the classical, routinely used serum tumor markers—the promising microRNAs rapidly approaching the introduction into clinical practice—but also cell-free DNA markers (including DNA methylation) and circulating tumor cells. Finally, and importantly, we also explore novel strategies and challenges for liquid biopsy markers and methodologies, providing a critical view of the future directions for liquid biopsy tests in this field, highlighting gaps and unanswered questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Leão
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (C.J.); (R.H.); Tel.: +351-22-225084000 (C.J. & R.H.); Fax: +351-22-5084199 (C.J. & R.H.)
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (C.J.); (R.H.); Tel.: +351-22-225084000 (C.J. & R.H.); Fax: +351-22-5084199 (C.J. & R.H.)
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20
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Lobo J, Constâncio V, Guimarães-Teixeira C, Leite-Silva P, Miranda-Gonçalves V, Sequeira JP, Pistoni L, Guimarães R, Cantante M, Braga I, Maurício J, Looijenga LHJ, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. Promoter methylation of DNA homologous recombination genes is predictive of the responsiveness to PARP inhibitor treatment in testicular germ cell tumors. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:846-865. [PMID: 33513287 PMCID: PMC8024740 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common cancers in men aged 15-39 years and are divided into two major groups, seminomas and nonseminomas. Novel treatment options are required for these patients, to limit side effects of chemotherapy. We hypothesized that promoter methylation of relevant homologous recombination (HR) genes might be predictive of response to poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) in TGCTs. We report a study pipeline combining in silico, in vitro, and clinical steps. By using several databases and in silico tools, we identified BRCA1, RAD51C, PALB2, RAD54B, and SYCP3 as the most relevant genes for further investigation and pinpointed specific CpG sites with pronounced negative correlation to gene expression. Nonseminomas displayed significantly higher methylation levels for all target genes, where increased methylation was observed in patients with more differentiated subtypes and higher disease burden. We independently performed second-line targeted validation in tissue series from TGCT patients. A moderate and/or strong anti-correlation between gene expression (assessed by RNA-sequencing) and promoter methylation (assessed by 450k array) was found, for all of the targets. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated the sensitivity of TGCT cell lines to Olaparib, which associated with differential methylation levels of a subset of targets, namely BRCA1 and RAD51C. Our findings support the use of HR genes promoter methylation as a predictor of the therapeutic response to PARPis in patients with TGCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P, CCC), Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Portugal.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vera Constâncio
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P, CCC), Portugal
| | - Catarina Guimarães-Teixeira
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P, CCC), Portugal
| | - Pedro Leite-Silva
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P, CCC), Portugal
| | - Vera Miranda-Gonçalves
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P, CCC), Portugal
| | - José Pedro Sequeira
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P, CCC), Portugal
| | - Laura Pistoni
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P, CCC), Portugal.,Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Rita Guimarães
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P, CCC), Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Portugal
| | - Mariana Cantante
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P, CCC), Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Portugal
| | - Isaac Braga
- Department of Urology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Portugal
| | - Joaquina Maurício
- Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Portugal
| | | | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P, CCC), Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P, CCC), Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Portugal
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Targeting Germ Cell Tumors with the Newly Synthesized Flavanone-Derived Compound MLo1302 Efficiently Reduces Tumor Cell Viability and Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13010073. [PMID: 33430420 PMCID: PMC7826804 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Less toxic treatment strategies for testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) patients are needed, as overtreatment is a concern due to the long-term side effects of platin-based chemotherapy. Although clinical benefit from classical hypomethylating agents has to date been limited, TGCTs show an abnormal DNA methylome indicating the potential of treating TGCTs with hypomethylating drugs. We tested, for the first time in TGCT cell lines, a new synthetic flavonoid compound (MLo1302) from the 3-nitroflavanone family of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors. We show that MLo1302 reduces cell viability (including of cisplatin resistant cell line NCCIT-R), with IC50s (inhibitory concentration 50) within the nanomolar range for NCCIT and NTERA-2 cells, and proved its cytotoxic effect. Exposure to MLo1302 reduced DNMT protein expression, similar to decitabine, and showed a partial effect in cell differentiation, reducing protein expression of pluripotency markers. RT2 profiler expression array indicated several dysregulated targets, related to activation of apoptosis, differentiation, and cell cycle arrest. We validated these data by showing increased apoptosis, increased protein expression of cleaved caspase 8 and activated caspase 2, and reduced proliferation (BrdU assay), with increase in CDKN1A and decrease in MIB-1 expression. Therefore, synthetic drugs designed to target DNA methylation in cells may uncover effective treatments for TGCT patients.
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22
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In Search of TGCT Biomarkers: A Comprehensive In Silico and Histopathological Analysis. DISEASE MARKERS 2020; 2020:8841880. [PMID: 33224314 PMCID: PMC7666710 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8841880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are ever more affecting the young male population. Germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) is the origin of TGCTs, namely, seminomas (SE) and a heterogeneous group of nonseminomas (NS) comprising embryonal carcinoma, teratoma, yolk sac tumor, and choriocarcinoma. Response to the treatment and prognosis, especially of NS, depend on precise diagnosis with a necessity for discovery of new biomarkers. We aimed to perform comprehensive in silico analysis at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels of six prospective (HOXA9, MGMT, CFC1, PRSS21, RASSF1A, and MAGEC2) and six known TGCT biomarkers (OCT4, SOX17, SOX2, SALL4, NANOG, and KIT) and assess its congruence with histopathological analysis in all forms of TGCTs. Cancer Hallmarks Analytics Tool, the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins database, and UALCAN, an interactive web resource for analyzing cancer OMICS data, were used. In 108 TGCT and 48 tumor-free testicular samples, the immunoreactivity score (IRS) was calculated. SE showed higher frequency in DNA alteration, while DNA methylation was significantly higher for all prospective biomarkers in NS. In GCNIS, we assessed the clinical positivity of RASSF1 and PRSS21 in 52% and 62% of samples, respectively, in contrast to low or nil positivity in healthy seminiferous tubules, TGTCs as a group, SE, NS, or all NS components. Although present in approximately 80% of healthy seminiferous tubules (HT) and GCNIS, HOXA9 was diagnostically positive in 64% of TGCTs, while it was positive in 82% of NS versus 29% of SE. Results at the DNA, mRNA, and protein levels on putative and already known biomarkers were included in the suggested panels that may prove to be important for better diagnostics of various forms of TGCTs.
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23
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Efficacy of HDAC Inhibitors Belinostat and Panobinostat against Cisplatin-Sensitive and Cisplatin-Resistant Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102903. [PMID: 33050470 PMCID: PMC7601457 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary There is a need for novel treatment options for patients with testicular germ cell tumors, especially for those that are resistant to standard chemotherapy, who show poor prognosis. In this work, we test two compounds that inhibit epigenetic enzymes called histone deacetylases—belinostat and panobinostat. We show that these enzymes are expressed at different levels in different germ cell tumor subtypes (seminomas and non-seminomas) and that both drugs are effective in reducing tumor cell viability, by decreasing cell proliferation and increasing cell death. These results are promising and should prompt further works with these compounds, envisioning the improvement of care of germ cell tumor patients. Abstract Novel treatment options are needed for testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) patients, particularly important for those showing or developing cisplatin resistance, the major cause of cancer-related deaths. As TGCTs pathobiology is highly related to epigenetic (de)regulation, epidrugs are potentially effective therapies. Hence, we sought to explore, for the first time, the effect of the two most recently FDA-approved HDAC inhibitors (HDACis), belinostat and panobinostat, in (T)GCT cell lines including those resistant to cisplatin. In silico results were validated in 261 patient samples and differential expression of HDACs was also observed across cell lines. Belinostat and panobinostat reduced cell viability in both cisplatin-sensitive cells (NCCIT-P, 2102Ep-P, and NT2-P) and, importantly, also in matched cisplatin-resistant subclones (NCCIT-R, 2102Ep-R, and NT2-R), with IC50s in the low nanomolar range for all cell lines. Treatment of NCCIT-R with both drugs increased acetylation, induced cell cycle arrest, reduced proliferation, decreased Ki67 index, and increased p21, while increasing cell death by apoptosis, with upregulation of cleaved caspase 3. These findings support the effectiveness of HDACis for treating TGCT patients in general, including those developing cisplatin resistance. Future studies should explore them as single or combination agents.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) exhibit, in contrast to other cancer types, a relatively low mutational burden. However, numerous epigenetic alterations have been shown to impact TGCT. In this review, we summarize the most relevant findings of the past 2 years. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies focused on the functions of microRNAs and the impact of aberrant DNA methylation. Moreover, several epigenetic drugs with antineoplastic effects in TGCTs were identified. SUMMARY Aberrant DNA methylation and differentially expressed microRNAs have an important effect on TGCT pathogenesis. Moreover, differential DNA methylation patterns were found to be specific for different TGCT subtypes. Various microRNAs, such as miR-371a-3p, were found to be highly sensitive and specific biomarkers for TGCT. The epigenetic drugs guadecitabine, animacroxam, and JQ1 showed promising effects on TGCT in preclinical in-vivo and in-vitro studies.
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25
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Lobo J, Guimarães R, Miranda-Gonçalves V, Monteiro-Reis S, Cantante M, Antunes L, Braga I, Maurício J, Looijenga LH, Jerónimo C, Henrique R. Differential expression of DNA methyltransferases and demethylases among the various testicular germ cell tumor subtypes. Epigenomics 2020; 12:1579-1592. [PMID: 32957806 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Characterize DNA methyltransferases/demethylases expression in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). Methods:In silico analysis of TCGA database, assessment of transcript levels of most relevant enzymes in four TGCT cell lines and validation in patient cohort (real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction; immunohistochemistry). Results:DNMT3A, DNMT3B and TET2 were the most differentially expressed between seminomas (SEs) and nonseminomas (NSs). DNMT3B was significantly overexpressed in NS-related cell lines, and the opposite was found for TET2. Significantly higher DNMT3A/B mRNA expression was observed in NS, indicating a role for de novo methylation in reprogramming. Significantly higher TET2 protein expression was observed in SEs, suggesting active demethylation contributes for SE hypomethylated state. More differentiated histologies disclosed distinct expression patterns. Conclusion: DNA-modifying enzymes are differentially expressed between TGCT subtypes, influencing reprogramming and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rita Guimarães
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vera Miranda-Gonçalves
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Monteiro-Reis
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Cantante
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Antunes
- Department of Epidemiology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Epidemiology Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CEG CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isaac Braga
- Department of Urology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joaquina Maurício
- Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Leendert Hj Looijenga
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
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26
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Cardoso AR, Lobo J, Miranda-Gonçalves V, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. Epigenetic alterations as therapeutic targets in Testicular Germ Cell Tumours : current and future application of 'epidrugs'. Epigenetics 2020; 16:353-372. [PMID: 32749176 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1805682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are heterogeneous neoplasms mostly affecting young-adult men. Despite high survival rates, some patients with disseminated disease acquire cisplatin resistance, entailing the need for less toxic therapies. Epigenetic alterations constitute an important feature of TGCTs, which are also implicated in resistance mechanism(s). These alterations might be used as potential targets to design epigenetic drugs. To date, several compounds have been explored and evaluated regarding therapeutic efficacy, making use of pre-clinical studies with in vitro and in vivo models, and some have already been explored in clinical trials. This review summarizes the several epigenetic mechanisms at play in these neoplasms, the current challenges in the field of TGCTs and critically reviews available data on 'epidrugs' in those tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Cardoso
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Master in Oncology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vera Miranda-Gonçalves
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
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27
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Paço A, de Bessa Garcia SA, Freitas R. Methylation in HOX Clusters and Its Applications in Cancer Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071613. [PMID: 32635388 PMCID: PMC7408435 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
HOX genes are commonly known for their role in embryonic development, defining the positional identity of most structures along the anterior–posterior axis. In postembryonic life, HOX gene aberrant expression can affect several processes involved in tumorigenesis such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion. Epigenetic modifications are implicated in gene expression deregulation, and it is accepted that methylation events affecting HOX gene expression play crucial roles in tumorigenesis. In fact, specific methylation profiles in the HOX gene sequence or in HOX-associated histones are recognized as potential biomarkers in several cancers, helping in the prediction of disease outcomes and adding information for decisions regarding the patient’s treatment. The methylation of some HOX genes can be associated with chemotherapy resistance, and its identification may suggest the use of other treatment options. The use of epigenetic drugs affecting generalized or specific DNA methylation profiles, an approach that now deserves much attention, seems likely to be a promising weapon in cancer therapy in the near future. In this review, we summarize these topics, focusing particularly on how the regulation of epigenetic processes may be used in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paço
- Centre Bio: Bioindustries, Biorefineries and Bioproducts, BLC3 Association—Technology and Innovation Campus, 3405-169 Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal;
| | | | - Renata Freitas
- I3S—Institute for Innovation & Health Research, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- ICBAS—Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Rodrigues Sousa E, Zoni E, Karkampouna S, La Manna F, Gray PC, De Menna M, Kruithof-de Julio M. A Multidisciplinary Review of the Roles of Cripto in the Scientific Literature Through a Bibliometric Analysis of its Biological Roles. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061480. [PMID: 32517087 PMCID: PMC7352664 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cripto is a small glycosylphosphatidylinisitol (GPI)-anchored and secreted oncofetal protein that plays important roles in regulating normal physiological processes, including stem cell differentiation, embryonal development, and tissue growth and remodeling, as well as pathological processes such as tumor initiation and progression. Cripto functions as a co-receptor for TGF-β ligands such as Nodal, GDF1, and GDF3. Soluble and secreted forms of Cripto also exhibit growth factor-like activity and activate SRC/MAPK/PI3K/AKT pathways. Glucose-Regulated Protein 78 kDa (GRP78) binds Cripto at the cell surface and has been shown to be required for Cripto signaling via both TGF-β and SRC/MAPK/PI3K/AKT pathways. To provide a comprehensive overview of the scientific literature related to Cripto, we performed, for the first time, a bibliometric analysis of the biological roles of Cripto as reported in the scientific literature covering the last 10 years. We present different fields of knowledge in comprehensive areas of research on Cripto, ranging from basic to translational research, using a keyword-driven approach. Our ultimate aim is to aid the scientific community in conducting targeted research by identifying areas where research has been conducted so far and, perhaps more importantly, where critical knowledge is still missing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rodrigues Sousa
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Eugenio Zoni
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
- Department of Urology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sofia Karkampouna
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Federico La Manna
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
- Department of Urology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marta De Menna
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Marianna Kruithof-de Julio
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
- Department of Urology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
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Müller MR, Skowron MA, Albers P, Nettersheim D. Molecular and epigenetic pathogenesis of germ cell tumors. Asian J Urol 2020; 8:144-154. [PMID: 33996469 PMCID: PMC8099689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajur.2020.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of germ cell tumors (GCTs) is a unique pathogenesis occurring at an early developmental stage during specification, migration or colonization of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in the genital ridge. Since driver mutations could not be identified so far, the involvement of the epigenetic machinery during the pathogenesis seems to play a crucial role. Currently, it is investigated whether epigenetic modifications occurring between the omnipotent two-cell stage and the pluripotent implanting PGCs might result in disturbances eventually leading to GCTs. Although progress in understanding epigenetic mechanisms during PGC development is ongoing, little is known about the complete picture of its involvement during GCT development and eventual classification into clinical subtypes. This review will shed light into the current knowledge of the complex epigenetic and molecular contribution during pathogenesis of GCTs by emphasizing on early developmental stages until arrival of late PGCs in the gonads. We questioned how misguided migrating and/or colonizing PGCs develop to either type I or type II GCTs. Additionally, we asked how pluripotency can be regulated during PGC development and which epigenetic changes contribute to GCT pathogenesis. We propose that SOX2 and SOX17 determine either embryonic stem cell-like (embryonal carcinoma) or PGC-like cell fate (seminoma). Finally, we suggest that factors secreted by the microenvironment, i.e. BMPs and BMP inhibiting molecules, dictate the fate decision of germ cell neoplasia in situ (into seminoma and embryonal carcinoma) and seminomas (into embryonal carcinoma or extraembryonic lineage), indicating an important role of the microenvironment on GCT plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie R Müller
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Margaretha A Skowron
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Albers
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Lab, Translational UroOncology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Lobo J, Alzamora MA, Guimarães R, Cantante M, Lopes P, Braga I, Maurício J, Jerónimo C, Henrique R. p53 and MDM2 expression in primary and metastatic testicular germ cell tumors: Association with clinical outcome. Andrology 2020; 8:1233-1242. [PMID: 32384200 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are highly sensitive to platinum-based chemotherapy, and wild-type p53 seems to play a pivotal role in this susceptibility. On the other hand, overexpression of MDM2 seems to entail treatment resistance and unfavorable prognosis. OBJECTIVES We aimed to describe p53 and MDM2 immunoexpression in a well-characterized cohort of primary and metastatic TGCTs and evaluate associations with clinicopathological and prognostic variables, including survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS 237 primary tumor samples and 12 metastases were evaluated for p53 and MDM2 immunoexpression using digital image analysis. Clinical records of all patients were reviewed for baseline clinical/pathologic characteristics and follow-up. RESULTS A significant positive correlation between p53 and MDM2 H-scores was found (rs = 0.590, P < .0001). Non-seminomas showed significantly higher expression levels of both p53 and MDM2 (P = .0002, P < .0001), which peaked in embryonal carcinomas and choriocarcinomas. Percentage of immunoexpressing cells and H-score were significantly higher in chemo-treated metastases compared with chemo-naïve primary tumors for MDM2 (P ≤ .0001 for both), but not for p53 (P = .919 and P = .703, respectively). Cases with higher MDM2 immunoexpression showed a statistically significant trend for association with poorer prognosis (P = .043). Relapse/progression-free survival at 12 months post-diagnosis was lower in the "MDM2-high" (≥P50) vs. the "MDM2-low" (<P50) expression groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION In TGCTs, MDM2 overexpression may indicate a more aggressive tumor phenotype, with propensity for therapy resistance and recurrence. If validated in larger multi-institutional studies with precise quantification, it may be envisioned as a useful predictive biomarker of poor response to cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Ana Alzamora
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Guimarães
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Cantante
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Lopes
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Isaac Braga
- Department of Urology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Joaquina Maurício
- Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
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CRIPTO and miR-371a-3p Are Serum Biomarkers of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors and Are Detected in Seminal Plasma from Azoospermic Males. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030760. [PMID: 32210110 PMCID: PMC7140045 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
miR-371a-3p is currently the most informative reported biomarker for germ cell tumors (GCTs). Another developmental-related biomarker, CRIPTO, is involved in the regulation of pluripotency and germ cell fate commitment. We aimed to assess the value of CRIPTO as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of testicular GCTs (TGCTs) and also to assess its presence in seminal plasma samples, compared with miR-371a-3p. In total, 217 and 94 serum/seminal plasma samples were analyzed. CRIPTO was quantified using ELISA and miR-371a-3p using bead-based isolation followed by RT-qPCR. Methylation profiling (EPIC array) for the CRIPTO promoter region was undertaken in 35 TGCT tissues plus four (T)GCT cell lines. Significantly higher CRIPTO concentration was found in sera of non-seminomas compared to controls (p = 0.0297), and in stage II/III disease compared to stage I (p = 0.0052, p = 0.0097). CRIPTO concentration was significantly positively correlated with miR-371a-3p levels in serum (r = 0.16) and seminal plasma (r = 0.40). CRIPTO/miR-371a-3p levels were significantly higher in seminal plasma controls when compared to serum controls (p = 0.0001, p < 0.0001). CRIPTO/miR-371a-3p were detected both in normospermic and azoospermic males, and levels were higher in TGCTs compared to GCNIS-only. We have provided the largest dataset of evaluation of CRIPTO in serum and seminal plasma of GCTs, showing its potential value as a biomarker of the disease.
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Bin Y, Ding Y, Xiao W, Liao A. RASSF1A: A promising target for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Clin Chim Acta 2020; 504:98-108. [PMID: 31981586 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2020.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Ras association domain family 1 isoform A (RASSF1A), a tumor suppressor, regulates several tumor-related signaling pathways and interferes with diverse cellular processes. RASSF1A is frequently demonstrated to be inactivated by hypermethylation in numerous types of solid cancers. It is also associated with lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, and chemo-resistance. Therefore, reactivation of RASSF1A may be a viable strategy to block tumor progress and reverse drug resistance. In this review, we have summarized the clinical value of RASSF1A for screening, staging, and therapeutic management of human malignancies. We also highlighted the potential mechanism of RASSF1A in chemo-resistance, which may help identify novel drugs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Bin
- Digestive System Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yong Ding
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Institue of Vascular Surgery, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Weisheng Xiao
- Digestive System Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Aijun Liao
- Digestive System Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
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Bucher-Johannessen C, Page CM, Haugen TB, Wojewodzic MW, Fosså SD, Grotmol T, Haugnes HS, Rounge TB. Cisplatin treatment of testicular cancer patients introduces long-term changes in the epigenome. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:179. [PMID: 31796056 PMCID: PMC6892132 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0764-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CBCT) is part of standard treatment of several cancers. In testicular cancer (TC) survivors, an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) is observed. In this epigenome-wide association study, we investigated if CBCT relates to epigenetic changes (DNA methylation) and if epigenetic changes render individuals susceptible for developing MetS later in life. We analyzed methylation profiles, using the MethylationEPIC BeadChip, in samples collected ~ 16 years after treatment from 279 Norwegian TC survivors with known MetS status. Among the CBCT treated (n = 176) and non-treated (n = 103), 61 and 34 developed MetS, respectively. We used two linear regression models to identify if (i) CBCT results in epigenetic changes and (ii) epigenetic changes play a role in development of MetS. Then we investigated if these changes in (i) and (ii) links to genes, functional networks, and pathways related to MetS symptoms. RESULTS We identified 35 sites that were differentially methylated when comparing CBCT treated and untreated TC survivors. The PTK6-RAS-MAPk pathway was significantly enriched with these sites and infers a gene network of 13 genes with CACNA1D (involved in insulin release) as a network hub. We found nominal MetS-associations and a functional gene network with ABCG1 and NCF2 as network hubs. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that CBCT has long-term effects on the epigenome. We could not directly link the CBCT effects to the risk of developing MetS. Nevertheless, since we identified differential methylation occurring in genes associated with conditions pertaining to MetS, we hypothesize that epigenomic changes may also play a role in the development of MetS in TC survivors. Further studies are needed to validate this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian M Page
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Section for Research Support, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine B Haugen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Sophie D Fosså
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Oncology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital/Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tom Grotmol
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hege S Haugnes
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, UIT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Trine B Rounge
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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Fénichel P, Chevalier N. Is Testicular Germ Cell Cancer Estrogen Dependent? The Role of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals. Endocrinology 2019; 160:2981-2989. [PMID: 31617897 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) is the most frequent cancer of the young male, with an increasing incidence worldwide. The pathogenesis and reasons for this increase remain unknown. However, epidemiological and experimental data have suggested that, similar to genital malformations and sperm impairment, it could result from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors including fetal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with estrogenic effects. In this review, we analyze the expression of classic and nonclassic estrogen receptors by TGCC cells, the way they may influence germ cell proliferation induced by EDCs, and discuss how this estrogen dependency supports the developmental and environmental hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Fénichel
- Université Côte d'Azur, CHU de Nice, Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital de l'Archet, France
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, INSERM U1065/UNS, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Equipe, France
| | - Nicolas Chevalier
- Université Côte d'Azur, CHU de Nice, Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital de l'Archet, France
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, INSERM U1065/UNS, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Equipe, France
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Lobo J, Rodrigues Â, Guimarães R, Cantante M, Lopes P, Maurício J, Oliveira J, Jerónimo C, Henrique R. Detailed Characterization of Immune Cell Infiltrate and Expression of Immune Checkpoint Molecules PD-L1/CTLA-4 and MMR Proteins in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors Disclose Novel Disease Biomarkers. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101535. [PMID: 31614500 PMCID: PMC6826711 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The immune infiltrate plays an important part in testicular germ cell tumors, but it remains scarcely studied. We aimed at thoroughly characterizing the immune infiltrate and expression of immune checkpoints PD-L1/CTLA-4 and mismatch repair (MMR) proteins in these neoplasms, seeking for associations with patient outcome. Methods: A total of 162 consecutively diagnosed patients (2005–2018) were included. Immunostaining for PD-L1, CTLA-4 and MMR proteins was independently assessed both in immune cells (ICs) and tumor cells (TCs) of primary tumors and metastases, and characterization of IC populations was pursued. Results: PD-L1 and CTLA-4 positivity in ICs was frequent (85.5% and 96.3%). Patients with absent PD-L1 positive ICs exhibited significantly worse relapse-free survival (hazard ratio = 4.481, 95% CI 1.366–14.697, p = 0.013), both in univariable and multivariable analysis. Lower CD20 and CD3 IC infiltration in seminomas associated with higher disease stage (p = 0.0216, p = 0.0291). CTLA-4 TC intensity was significantly higher in yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma and teratoma, while PD-L1 TC positivity was significantly more frequent in choriocarcinoma. Both PD-L1 and CTLA-4 immunoexpression in ICs of metastatic samples was frequent (100% and 88.2%). MMR proteins were differentially expressed among the different tumor subtypes. Conclusions: Immune infiltrate/checkpoints associate with patients’ outcome, constituting novel (potentially targetable) disease biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Ângelo Rodrigues
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Rita Guimarães
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Mariana Cantante
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paula Lopes
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Joaquina Maurício
- Department of Medical Oncology & Urology Clinic, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Jorge Oliveira
- Department of Urology & Urology Clinic, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Rui Henrique
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal.
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XIST-Promoter Demethylation as Tissue Biomarker for Testicular Germ Cell Tumors and Spermatogenesis Quality. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091385. [PMID: 31533343 PMCID: PMC6769809 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The event of X chromosome inactivation induced by XIST, which is physiologically observed in females, is retained in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), as a result of a supernumerary X chromosome constitution. X chromosome inactivation also occurs in male germline, specifically during spermatogenesis. We aimed to analyze the promoter methylation status of XIST in a series of TGCT tissues, representative cell lines, and testicular parenchyma. Methods: Two independent cohorts were included, comprising a total of 413 TGCT samples, four (T)GCT cell lines, and 86 testicular parenchyma samples. The relative amount of methylated and demethylated XIST promoter fragments was assessed by quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP) and more sensitive high-resolution melting (HRM) methylation analyses. Results: Seminomas showed a lower amount of methylated XIST fragments as compared to non-seminomas or normal testis (p < 0.0001), allowing for a good discrimination among these groups (area under the curve 0.83 and 0.81, respectively). Seminomas showed a significantly higher content of demethylated XIST as compared to non-seminomas. The percentage of demethylated XIST fragment in cell lines reflected their chromosomal constitution (number of extra X chromosomes). A novel and strong positive correlation between the Johnsen’s score and XIST demethylation was identified (r = 0.75, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The X chromosome inactivation event and demethylated XIST promoter are promising biomarkers for TGCTs and for assessing spermatogenesis quality.
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Assaraf YG, Brozovic A, Gonçalves AC, Jurkovicova D, Linē A, Machuqueiro M, Saponara S, Sarmento-Ribeiro AB, Xavier CP, Vasconcelos MH. The multi-factorial nature of clinical multidrug resistance in cancer. Drug Resist Updat 2019; 46:100645. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2019.100645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Lobo J, Costa AL, Cantante M, Guimarães R, Lopes P, Antunes L, Braga I, Oliveira J, Pelizzola M, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. m 6A RNA modification and its writer/reader VIRMA/YTHDF3 in testicular germ cell tumors: a role in seminoma phenotype maintenance. J Transl Med 2019; 17:79. [PMID: 30866959 PMCID: PMC6416960 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-1837-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Covalent RNA modifications, such as N-6-methyladenosine (m6A), have been associated with various biological processes, but their role in cancer remains largely unexplored. m6A dynamics depends on specific enzymes whose deregulation may also impact in tumorigenesis. Herein, we assessed the differential abundance of m6A, its writer VIRMA and its reader YTHDF3, in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), looking for clinicopathological correlates. METHODS In silico analysis of TCGA data disclosed altered expression of VIRMA (52%) and YTHDF3 (48%), prompting subsequent validation. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from 122 TGCTs (2005-2016) were selected. RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and real-time qPCR (Taqman assays) for VIRMA and YTHDF3 were performed, as well as immunohistochemistry for VIRMA, YTHDF3 and m6A, for staining intensity assessment. Associations between categorical variables were assessed using Chi square and Fisher's exact test. Distribution of continuous variables between groups was compared using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Biomarker performance was assessed through receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve construction and a cut-off was established by Youden's index method. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS In our cohort, VIRMA and YTHDF3 mRNA expression levels differed among TGCT subtypes, with Seminomas (SEs) depicting higher levels than Non-Seminomatous tumors (NSTs) (p < 0.01 for both). A positive correlation was found between VIRMA and YTHDF3 expression levels. VIRMA discriminated SEs from NSTs with AUC = 0.85 (Sensitivity 77.3%, Specificity 81.1%, PPV 71.6%, NPV 85.3%, Accuracy 79.7%). Immunohistochemistry paralleled transcript findings, as patients with strong m6A immunostaining intensity depicted significantly higher VIRMA mRNA expression levels and stronger VIRMA immunoexpression intensity (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION Abundance of m6A and expression of VIRMA/YTHDF3 were different among TGCT subtypes, with higher levels in SEs, suggesting a contribution to SE phenotype maintenance. VIRMA and YTHDF3 might cooperate in m6A establishment in TGCTs, and their transcript levels accurately discriminate between SEs and NSTs, constituting novel candidate biomarkers for patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group (CBEG), IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Laura Costa
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group (CBEG), IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Cantante
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Guimarães
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Lopes
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Antunes
- Department of Epidemiology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isaac Braga
- Department of Urology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Oliveira
- Department of Urology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mattia Pelizzola
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group (CBEG), IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal. .,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal. .,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group (CBEG), IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal. .,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513, Porto, Portugal.
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Lobo J, Gillis AJM, Jerónimo C, Henrique R, Looijenga LHJ. Human Germ Cell Tumors are Developmental Cancers: Impact of Epigenetics on Pathobiology and Clinic. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E258. [PMID: 30634670 PMCID: PMC6359418 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Current (high throughput omics-based) data support the model that human (malignant) germ cell tumors are not initiated by somatic mutations, but, instead through a defined locked epigenetic status, representative of their cell of origin. This elegantly explains the role of both genetic susceptibility as well as environmental factors in the pathogenesis, referred to as 'genvironment'. Moreover, it could also explain various epidemiological findings, including the rising incidence of this type of cancer in Western societies. In addition, it allows for identification of clinically relevant and informative biomarkers both for diagnosis and follow-up of individual patients. The current status of these findings will be discussed, including the use of high throughput DNA methylation profiling for determination of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) as well as chromosomal copy number variation (CNV). Finally, the potential value of methylation-specific tumor DNA fragments (i.e., XIST promotor) as well as embryonic microRNAs as molecular biomarkers for cancer detection in liquid biopsies will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal;.
| | - Ad J M Gillis
- Laboratory of Experimental Patho-Oncology (LEPO), Josephine Nefkens Building, Erasmus MC, Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Be-432A, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal;.
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal;.
| | - Leendert H J Looijenga
- Laboratory of Experimental Patho-Oncology (LEPO), Josephine Nefkens Building, Erasmus MC, Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Cancer Institute, Be-432A, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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