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Antonescu CR, Agaram NP, Sung YS, Zhang L, Dickson BC. Undifferentiated round cell sarcomas with novel SS18-POU5F1 fusions. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2020; 59:620-626. [PMID: 32557980 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant recent advances in characterizing the molecular pathogenesis of undifferentiated round cell neoplasms, rare cases remain unclassified. Here, we report two distinctive undifferentiated round cell tumors occurring in young adults. One tumor presented intrabdominally and the other arose within the abdominal wall. One patient died of disease following local and distance recurrence, despite aggressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Morphologically, both tumors were similarly composed of primitive round to epithelioid cells arranged in nests, sheets, and trabecular patterns. The cytoplasm was scant and amphophilic, while the nuclei were round and uniform with brisk mitotic activity. Focal necrosis was present. Immunohistochemically, both tumors were variably positive for S100 and EMA, and one case focally expressed cytokeratin and TLE1. Targeted RNA sequencing revealed in both an identical SS18-POU5F1 fusion gene. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed which confirmed SS18 and POU5F1 gene rearrangements. Expression data, relative to over 200 other mesenchymal neoplasms that had undergone targeted RNA sequencing on the same platform, suggested the SS18-POU5F1 tumors cluster with EWSR1/FUS-POU5F1-positive myoepithelial tumors. In view of our limited sample size, additional studies are needed to characterize the breadth of clinical and pathologic findings in these neoplasms. In addition, further investigation is necessary to determine whether this entity represents a clinically aggressive and phenotypically undifferentiated variant of myoepithelial tumors, or perhaps an altogether novel category of undifferentiated round cell sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina R Antonescu
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Narasimhan P Agaram
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yun-Shao Sung
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brendan C Dickson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Current Approaches for Personalized Therapy of Soft Tissue Sarcomas. Sarcoma 2020; 2020:6716742. [PMID: 32317857 PMCID: PMC7152984 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6716742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a highly heterogeneous group of cancers of mesenchymal origin with diverse morphologies and clinical behaviors. While surgical resection is the standard treatment for primary STS, advanced and metastatic STS patients are not eligible for surgery. Systemic treatments, including standard chemotherapy and newer chemical agents, still play the most relevant role in the management of the disease. Discovery of specific genetic alterations in distinct STS subtypes allowed better understanding of mechanisms driving their pathogenesis and treatment optimization. This review focuses on the available targeted drugs or drug combinations based on genetic aberration involved in STS development including chromosomal translocations, oncogenic mutations, gene amplifications, and their perspectives in STS treatment. Furthermore, in this review, we discuss the possible use of chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance assays (CSRA) for the adjustment of treatment for individual patients. In summary, current trends in personalized management of advanced and metastatic STS are based on combination of both genetic testing and CSRA.
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Kim J, Kim HS, Shim JJ, Lee J, Kim AY, Kim J. Critical role of the fibroblast growth factor signalling pathway in Ewing's sarcoma octamer-binding transcription factor 4-mediated cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. FEBS J 2019; 286:4443-4472. [PMID: 31155838 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Certain bone and soft tissue (BST) tumours harbour a chromosomal translocation [t(6;22)(p21;q12)], which fuses the Ewing's sarcoma (EWS) gene at 22q12 with the octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct-4) gene at 6p21, resulting in the chimeric EWS-Oct-4 protein that possesses high transactivation ability. Although abnormal activation of signalling pathways can lead to human cancer development, the pathways underlying these processes in human BST tumours remain poorly explored. Here, we investigated the functional significance of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling in human BST tumours. To identify the gene(s) involved in the FGF signalling pathway and potentially regulated by EWS-Oct-4 (also called EWS-POU5F1), we performed RNA-Seq analysis, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, and xenograft assays. Treating GBS6 or ZHBTc4 cells-expressing EWS-Oct-4 with the small molecule FGF receptor (FGFR) inhibitors PD173074, NVPBGJ398, ponatinib, and dovitinib suppressed cellular proliferation. Gene expression analysis revealed that, among 22 Fgf and four Fgfr family members, Fgf-4 showed the highest upregulation (by 145-fold) in ZHBTc4 cells-expressing EWS-Oct-4. Computer-assisted analysis identified a putative EWS-Oct-4-binding site at +3017/+3024, suggesting that EWS-Oct-4 regulates Fgf-4 expression in human BST tumours. Fgf-4 enhancer constructs showed that EWS-Oct-4 transactivated the Fgf-4 gene reporter in vitro, and that overexpression of EWS-Oct-4 stimulated endogenous Fgf-4 gene expression in vivo. Finally, PD173074 significantly decreased tumour volume in mice. Taken together, these data suggest that FGF-4 signalling is involved in EWS-Oct-4-mediated tumorigenesis, and that its inhibition impairs tumour growth in vivo significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junghoon Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyo Sun Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung-Jae Shim
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jungwoon Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ah-Young Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jungho Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
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Yokoyama T, Nakatake M, Kuwata T, Couzinet A, Goitsuka R, Tsutsumi S, Aburatani H, Valk PJM, Delwel R, Nakamura T. MEIS1-mediated transactivation of synaptotagmin-like 1 promotes CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling and leukemogenesis. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:1664-78. [PMID: 27018596 DOI: 10.1172/jci81516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The TALE-class homeoprotein MEIS1 specifically collaborates with HOXA9 to drive myeloid leukemogenesis. Although MEIS1 alone has only a moderate effect on cell proliferation in vitro, it is essential for the development of HOXA9-induced leukemia in vivo. Here, using murine models of leukemogenesis, we have shown that MEIS1 promotes leukemic cell homing and engraftment in bone marrow and enhances cell-cell interactions and cytokine-mediated cell migration. We analyzed global DNA binding of MEIS1 in leukemic cells as well as gene expression alterations in MEIS1-deficent cells and identified synaptotagmin-like 1 (Sytl1, also known as Slp1) as the MEIS1 target gene that cooperates with Hoxa9 in leukemogenesis. Replacement of SYTL1 in MEIS1-deficent cells restored both cell migration and engraftment. Further analysis revealed that SYTL1 promotes cell migration via activation of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis, as SYTL1 determines intracellular trafficking of CXCR4. Together, our results reveal that MEIS1, through induction of SYTL1, promotes leukemogenesis and supports leukemic cell homing and engraftment, facilitating interactions between leukemic cells and bone marrow stroma.
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Tanaka M, Aisaki KI, Kitajima S, Igarashi K, Kanno J, Nakamura T. Gene expression response to EWS-FLI1 in mouse embryonic cartilage. GENOMICS DATA 2014; 2:296-8. [PMID: 26484113 PMCID: PMC4535656 DOI: 10.1016/j.gdata.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Ewing's sarcoma is a rare bone tumor that affects children and adolescents. We have recently succeeded to induce Ewing's sarcoma-like small round cell tumor in mice by expression of EWS-ETS fusion genes in murine embryonic osteochondrogenic progenitors. The Ewing's sarcoma precursors are enriched in embryonic superficial zone (eSZ) cells of long bone. To get insights into the mechanisms of Ewing's sarcoma development, gene expression profiles between EWS-FLI1-sensitive eSZ cells and EWS-FLI1-resistant embryonic growth plate (eGP) cells were compared using DNA microarrays. Gene expression of eSZ and eGP cells (total, 30 samples) was evaluated with or without EWS-FLI1 expression 0, 8 or 48 h after gene transduction. Our data provide useful information for gene expression responses to fusion oncogenes in human sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miwa Tanaka
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Aisaki
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Biosafety Research Center, National Institute of Health Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kitajima
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Biosafety Research Center, National Institute of Health Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuhide Igarashi
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Biosafety Research Center, National Institute of Health Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Kanno
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Biosafety Research Center, National Institute of Health Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuro Nakamura
- Division of Carcinogenesis, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
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Tanaka M, Yamazaki Y, Kanno Y, Igarashi K, Aisaki KI, Kanno J, Nakamura T. Ewing's sarcoma precursors are highly enriched in embryonic osteochondrogenic progenitors. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:3061-74. [PMID: 24911143 DOI: 10.1172/jci72399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing's sarcoma is a highly malignant bone tumor found in children and adolescents, and the origin of this malignancy is not well understood. Here, we introduced a Ewing's sarcoma-associated genetic fusion of the genes encoding the RNA-binding protein EWS and the transcription factor ETS (EWS-ETS) into a fraction of cells enriched for osteochondrogenic progenitors derived from the embryonic superficial zone (eSZ) of long bones collected from late gestational murine embryos. EWS-ETS fusions efficiently induced Ewing's sarcoma-like small round cell sarcoma formation by these cells. Analysis of the eSZ revealed a fraction of a precursor cells that express growth/differentiation factor 5 (Gdf5), the transcription factor Erg, and parathyroid hormone-like hormone (Pthlh), and selection of the Pthlh-positive fraction alone further enhanced EWS-ETS-dependent tumor induction. Genes downstream of the EWS-ETS fusion protein were quite transcriptionally active in eSZ cells, especially in regions in which the chromatin structure of the ETS-responsive locus was open. Inhibition of β-catenin, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), or enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) suppressed cell growth in a murine model of Ewing's sarcoma, suggesting the utility of the current system as a preclinical model. These results indicate that eSZ cells are highly enriched in precursors to Ewing's sarcoma and provide clues to the histogenesis of Ewing's sarcoma in bone.
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Molecular detection and targeting of EWSR1 fusion transcripts in soft tissue tumors. Med Oncol 2013; 30:412. [PMID: 23329308 PMCID: PMC3586390 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-012-0412-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Soft tissue tumors are a heterogeneous group of tumors, traditionally classified according to morphology and histogenesis. Molecular classification divides sarcomas into two main categories: (a) sarcomas with specific genetic alterations and (b) sarcomas showing multiple complex karyotypic abnormalities without any specific pattern. Most chromosomal alterations are represented by translocations which are increasingly detected. The identification of fusion transcripts, in fact, not only support the diagnosis but also provides the basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies aimed at blocking aberrant activity of the chimeric proteins. One of the genes most susceptible to breakage/translocation in soft tissue tumors is represented by Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1). This gene has a large number of fusion partners, mainly associated with the pathogenesis of Ewing's sarcoma but with other soft tissue tumors too. In this review, we illustrate the characteristics of this gene/protein, both in normal cellular physiology and in carcinogenesis. We describe the different fusion partners of EWSR1, the molecular pathways in which is involved and the main molecular biology techniques for the identification of fusion transcripts and for their inhibition.
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Lessnick SL, Ladanyi M. Molecular pathogenesis of Ewing sarcoma: new therapeutic and transcriptional targets. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2011; 7:145-59. [PMID: 21942527 PMCID: PMC3555146 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-011110-130237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Approximately one-third of sarcomas contain specific translocations. Ewing sarcoma is the prototypical member of this group of sarcomas; it was the first to be recognized pathologically as a singular entity and to have its signature translocation defined cytogenetically, which led to the identification of its key driver alteration, the EWS-FLI1 gene fusion that encodes this aberrant, chimeric transcription factor. We review recent progress in selected areas of Ewing sarcoma research, including the application of genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses, to provide a comprehensive view of the EWS-FLI1 target gene repertoire, the identification of EWS-FLI1 target genes that may also point to therapeutically targetable pathways, and data from model systems as they relate to the elusive cell of origin of Ewing sarcoma and its possible similarities to mesenchymal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L. Lessnick
- Center for Children's Cancer Research at Huntsman Cancer Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, and Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112;
| | - Marc Ladanyi
- Molecular Diagnostics Service, Department of Pathology, and Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065;
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Taylor BS, Barretina J, Maki RG, Antonescu CR, Singer S, Ladanyi M. Advances in sarcoma genomics and new therapeutic targets. Nat Rev Cancer 2011; 11:541-57. [PMID: 21753790 PMCID: PMC3361898 DOI: 10.1038/nrc3087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Increasingly, human mesenchymal malignancies are being classified by the abnormalities that drive their pathogenesis. Although many of these aberrations are highly prevalent within particular sarcoma subtypes, few are currently targeted therapeutically. Indeed, most subtypes of sarcoma are still treated with traditional therapeutic modalities, and in many cases sarcomas are resistant to adjuvant therapies. In this Review, we discuss the core molecular determinants of sarcomagenesis and emphasize the emerging genomic and functional genetic approaches that, coupled with novel therapeutic strategies, have the potential to transform the care of patients with sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry S Taylor
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
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Abstract
Cytokine signaling is critical for proliferation, survival and differentiation of hematopoietic cell, and interleukin-3 (IL-3) is required for maintenance of many hematopoietic cell lines, such as BaF3. We have isolated apoptosis-resistant clones of BaF3 using retroviral insertional mutagenesis and the Xbp1 locus was identified as a retroviral integration site. Expression and splicing of the Xbp1 transcript was conserved in the resistant clone but was promptly disappeared on IL-3 withdrawal in parental BaF3. IL-3 stimulation of BaF3 cells enhanced Xbp1 promoter activity and induced phosphorylation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress sensor protein IRE1, resulting in the increase in Xbp1S that activates unfolded protein response. When downstream signaling from IL-3 was blocked by LY294002 and/or dn-Stat5, Xbp1 expression was downregulated and IRE1 phosphorylation was suppressed. Inhibition of IL-3 signaling as well as knockdown of Xbp1-induced apoptosis in BaF3 cells. In contrast, constitutive expression of Xbp1S protected BaF3 from apoptosis during IL-3 depletion. However, cell cycle arrest at the G1 stage was observed in BaF3 and myeloid differentiation was induced in IL-3-dependent 32Dcl3 cells. Expression of apoptosis-, cell cycle- and differentiation-related genes was modulated by Xbp1S expression. These results indicate that the proper transcriptional and splicing regulation of Xbp1 by IL-3 signaling is important in homeostasis of hematopoietic cells.
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