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SUMI A, CHAMBERS JK, ITO S, KOJIMA K, OMACHI T, DOI M, UCHIDA K. Different expression patterns of p63 and p73 in Felis catus papillomavirus type 2-associated feline Merkel cell carcinomas and other epidermal carcinomas. J Vet Med Sci 2024; 86:39-48. [PMID: 38030281 PMCID: PMC10849848 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor, and more than 90% of feline MCC cases test positive for Felis catus papillomavirus type 2 (FcaPV2). In the present study, basal cell markers p40, p63, and p73 and the stem cell marker SOX2 and cytokeratin 14 (CK14) were immunohistochemically examined in normal fetal, infant, and adult feline skin tissues. The expression of these proteins was examined in tumors positive for FcaPV2, including MCC, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), Bowenoid in situ carcinoma (BISC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Infant and adult feline skin tissues had mature Merkel cells, which were CK14-, CK18+, CK20+, SOX2+, synaptophysin+ and CD56+, while fetal skin tissue had no mature Merkel cells. MCC was immunopositive for p73, CK18, and SOX2 in 32/32 cases, and immunonegative for CK14 in 31/32 cases and for p40 and p63 in 32/32 cases. These results indicate that MCC exhibits different immunophenotypes from Merkel cells (p73-) and basal cells (p40+, p63+, and SOX2-). In contrast, all 3 BCCs, 1 BISC, and 2 SCCs were immunopositive for the basal cell markers p40, p63, and p73. The life cycle of papillomavirus is closely associated with the differentiation of infected basal cells, which requires the transcription factor p63. Changes in p63 expression in FcaPV2-positive MCC may be associated with unique cytokeratin expression patterns (CK14-, CK18+, and CK20+). Furthermore, SOX2 appears to be involved in Merkel cell differentiation in cats, similar to humans and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi SUMI
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - James K CHAMBERS
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Soma ITO
- Nippon Institute for Biological Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro KOJIMA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Masaki DOI
- Diagnostic Laboratory, Patho-Labo, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki UCHIDA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Piccini I, Chéret J, Tsutsumi M, Sakaguchi S, Ponce L, Almeida L, Funk W, Kückelhaus M, Kajiya K, Paus R, Bertolini M. Preliminary evidence that Merkel cells exert chemosensory functions in human epidermis. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:1848-1855. [PMID: 37587642 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The mechanotransduction of light-touch sensory stimuli is considered to be the main physiological function of epidermal Merkel cells (MCs). Recently, however, MCs have been demonstrated to be also thermo-sensitive, suggesting that their role in skin physiologically extends well beyond mechanosensation. Here, we demonstrate that in healthy human skin epidermal MCs express functional olfactory receptors, namely OR2AT4, just like neighbouring keratinocytes. Selective stimulation of OR2AT4 by topical application of the synthetic odorant, Sandalore®, significantly increased Piccolo protein expression in MCs, as assessed by quantitative immunohistomorphometry, indicating increased vesicle trafficking and recycling, and significantly reduced nerve growth factor (NGF) immunoreactivity within MCs, possibly indicating increased neurotrophin release upon OR2AT4 activation. Live-cell imaging showed that Sandalore® rapidly induces a loss of FFN206-dependent fluorescence in MCs, suggesting OR2AT4-dependent MC depolarization and subsequent vesicle secretion. Yet, in contrast to keratinocytes, OR2AT4 stimulation by Sandalore® altered neither the number nor the proliferation status of MCs. These preliminary ex vivo findings demonstrate that epidermal MCs also exert OR-dependent chemosensory functions in human skin, and invite one to explore whether these newly identified properties are dysregulated in selected skin disorders, for example, in pruritic dermatoses, and if these novel MC functions can be therapeutically targeted to maintain/promote skin health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Piccini
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
| | - Jeremy Chéret
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Moe Tsutsumi
- MIRAI Technology Institute, Shiseido Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan
| | - Saito Sakaguchi
- MIRAI Technology Institute, Shiseido Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan
| | - Leslie Ponce
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
| | - Luis Almeida
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Funk
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Kentaro Kajiya
- MIRAI Technology Institute, Shiseido Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan
| | - Ralf Paus
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- CUTANEON - Skin & Hair Innovations, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marta Bertolini
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
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Valiga A, Tababa EJ, Chung HJ, Cha J. Merkel Cell Hyperplasia Versus Intraepidermal Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Comparative Study of 2 Cases. Am J Dermatopathol 2023; 45:505-508. [PMID: 37249368 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000002457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Intraepidermal Merkel cell hyperplasia and Merkel cell carcinoma represent 2 histologically similar-appearing diagnoses with significant differences regarding prognosis and management. We present 1 case of each diagnosis to highlight characteristic histopathologic and immunohistochemical features. Our case of Merkel cell hyperplasia was identified by its small intraepidermal nest of monomorphic cells without atypia or mitoses, which demonstrated cytoplasmic, rather than perinuclear dot, patterning on CK20 staining. This can be contrasted with our case of intraepidermal Merkel cell carcinoma, which, despite a lack of dermal extension, demonstrated large nests of pleomorphic cells with frequent mitoses and apoptoses. The diagnosis was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry because CK20 staining showed classic perinuclear dot patterning. By presenting both diagnoses in parallel, this comparison aims to underscore crucial histopathologic and immunohistochemical similarities and differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Valiga
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Erin Jane Tababa
- Department of Dermatology, Helathserv Los Manos Medical Center, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Hye Jin Chung
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and
| | - Jisun Cha
- Dermatopathology Service, Schweiger Dermatology Group, New York, NY
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Investigation of the RB1-SOX2 axis constitutes a tool for viral status determination and diagnosis in Merkel cell carcinoma. Virchows Arch 2022; 480:1239-1254. [PMID: 35412101 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03315-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
MCC (Merkel cell carcinoma) is an aggressive neuroendocrine cutaneous neoplasm. Integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is observed in about 80% of the cases, while the remaining 20% are related to UV exposure. Both MCPyV-positive and -negative MCCs-albeit by different mechanisms-are associated with RB1 inactivation leading to overexpression of SOX2, a major contributor to MCC biology. Moreover, although controversial, loss of RB1 expression seems to be restricted to MCPyV-negative cases.The aim of the present study was to assess the performances of RB1 loss and SOX2 expression detected by immunohistochemistry to determine MCPyV status and to diagnose MCC, respectively.Overall, 196 MCC tumors, 233 non-neuroendocrine skin neoplasms and 70 extra-cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) were included. SOX2 and RB1 expressions were assessed by immunohistochemistry in a tissue micro-array. Diagnostic performances were determined using the likelihood ratio (LHR).RB1 expression loss was evidenced in 27% of the MCC cases, 12% of non-neuroendocrine skin tumors and 63% of extra-cutaneous NEC. Importantly, among MCC cases, RB1 loss was detected in all MCPyV(-) MCCs, while MCPyV( +) cases were consistently RB1-positive (p < 0.001). SOX2 diffuse expression was observed in 92% of the MCC cases and almost never observed in non-neuroendocrine skin epithelial neoplasms (2%, p < 0.0001, LHR + = 59). Furthermore, SOX2 diffuse staining was more frequently observed in MCCs than in extra-cutaneous NECs (30%, p < 0.001, LHR + = 3.1).These results confirm RB1 as a robust predictor of MCC viral status and further suggest SOX2 to be a relevant diagnostic marker of MCC.
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Genomic evidence suggests that cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinomas can arise from squamous dysplastic precursors. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:506-514. [PMID: 34593967 PMCID: PMC8964828 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-021-00928-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma without a known dysplastic precursor. In some cases, MCC is associated with SCCIS in the overlying epidermis; however, the MCC and SCCIS populations display strikingly different morphologies, and thus far a relationship between these components has not been demonstrated. To better understand the relationship between these distinct tumor cell populations, we evaluated 7 pairs of MCC-SCCIS for overlapping genomic alterations by cancer profiling panel. A subset was further characterized by transcriptional profiling and immunohistochemistry. In 6 of 7 MCC-SCCIS pairs there was highly significant mutational overlap including shared TP53 and/or RB1 mutations. In some cases, oncogenic events previously implicated in MCC (MYCL gain, MDM4 gain, HRAS mutation) were detected in both components. Although FBXW7 mutations were enriched in MCC, no gene mutation was unique to the MCC component across all cases. Transcriptome analysis identified 2736 differentially expressed genes between MCC and SCCIS. Genes upregulated in the MCC component included Polycomb repressive complex targets; downregulated transcripts included epidermal markers, and immune genes such as HLA-A. Immunohistochemical studies revealed increased expression of SOX2 in the MCC component, with diminished H3K27Me3, Rb, and HLA-A expression. In summary, MCC-SCCIS pairs demonstrate clonal relatedness. The shift to neuroendocrine phenotype is associated with loss of Rb protein expression, decrease in global H3K27Me3, and increased expression of Merkel cell genes such as SOX2. Our findings suggest an epidermal origin of MCC in this setting, and to our knowledge provide the first molecular evidence that intraepithelial squamous dysplasia may represent a direct precursor for small cell carcinoma.
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Gravemeyer J, Spassova I, Verhaegen ME, Dlugosz AA, Hoffmann D, Lange A, Becker JC. DNA-methylation patterns imply a common cellular origin of virus- and UV-associated Merkel cell carcinoma. Oncogene 2022; 41:37-45. [PMID: 34667274 PMCID: PMC8724008 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02064-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a neuroendocrine tumor either induced by integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus into the cell genome or by accumulation of UV-light-associated mutations (VP-MCC and UV-MCC). Whether VP- and UV-MCC have the same or different cellular origins is unclear; with mesenchymal or epidermal origins discussed. DNA-methylation patterns have a proven utility in determining cellular origins of cancers. Therefore, we used this approach to uncover evidence regarding the cell of origin of classical VP- and UV-MCC cell lines, i.e., cell lines with a neuroendocrine growth pattern (n = 9 and n = 4, respectively). Surprisingly, we observed high global similarities in the DNA-methylation of UV- and VP-MCC cell lines. CpGs of lower methylation in VP-MCC cell lines were associated with neuroendocrine marker genes such as SOX2 and INSM1, or linked to binding sites of EZH2 and SUZ12 of the polycomb repressive complex 2, i.e., genes with an impact on carcinogenesis and differentiation of neuroendocrine cancers. Thus, the observed differences appear to be rooted in viral compared to mutation-driven carcinogenesis rather than distinct cells of origin. To test this hypothesis, we used principal component analysis, to compare DNA-methylation data from different epithelial and non-epithelial neuroendocrine cancers and established a scoring model for epithelial and neuroendocrine characteristics. Subsequently, we applied this scoring model to the DNA-methylation data of the VP- and UV-MCC cell lines, revealing that both clearly scored as epithelial cancers. In summary, our comprehensive analysis of DNA-methylation suggests a common epithelial origin of UV- and VP-MCC cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Gravemeyer
- Translational Skin Cancer Research (TSCR), University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ivelina Spassova
- Translational Skin Cancer Research (TSCR), University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Andrzej A Dlugosz
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel Hoffmann
- Bioinformatics & Computational Biophysics, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anja Lange
- Bioinformatics & Computational Biophysics, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jürgen C Becker
- Translational Skin Cancer Research (TSCR), University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
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SOX2 expression in the pathogenesis of premalignant lesions of the uterine cervix: its histo-topographical distribution distinguishes between low- and high-grade CIN. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 158:545-559. [PMID: 35945296 PMCID: PMC9726813 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02145-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
SOX2 expression in high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN3) and cervical squamous cell carcinoma is increased compared to that in the normal cervical epithelium. However, data on the expression and histological distribution of SOX2 in squamous epithelium during progression of CIN are largely lacking. We studied SOX2 expression throughout the epithelium in 53 cases of CIN1, 2, and 3. In general, SOX2 expression increased and expanded from basal/parabasal to the intermediate/superficial compartment during early stages of progression of CIN. An unexpected, specific expression pattern was found in areas classified as CIN2 and CIN3. This pattern was characterized by the absence or low expression of SOX2 in the basal/parabasal compartment and variable levels in the intermediate and superficial compartments. It was significantly associated with CIN3 (p = 0.009), not found in CIN1 and only seen in part of the CIN2 lesions. When the different patterns were correlated with the genetic make-up and presence of HPV, the CIN3-related pattern contained HPV-positive cells in the basal/parabasal cell compartment that were disomic. This is in contrast to the areas exhibiting the CIN1 and CIN2 related patterns, which frequently exhibited aneusomic cells. Based on their SOX2 localisation pattern, CIN1 and CIN2 could be delineated from CIN3. These data shed new light on the pathogenesis and dynamics of progression in premalignant cervical lesions, as well as on the target cells in the epithelium for HPV infection.
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Ahmed MM, Cushman CH, DeCaprio JA. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus: Oncogenesis in a Stable Genome. Viruses 2021; 14:v14010058. [PMID: 35062263 PMCID: PMC8781562 DOI: 10.3390/v14010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) is the causative agent for the majority of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) cases. Polyomavirus-associated MCC (MCCP) is characterized by the integration of MCV DNA into the tumor genome and a low tumor mutational burden. In contrast, nonviral MCC (MCCN) is characterized by a high tumor mutational burden induced by UV damage. Since the discovery of MCV, much work in the field has focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis driven by the MCV tumor (T) antigens. Here, we review our current understanding of how the activities of large T (LT) and small T (ST) promote MCC oncogenesis in the absence of genomic instability. We highlight how both LT and ST inhibit tumor suppressors to evade growth suppression, an important cancer hallmark. We discuss ST interactions with cellular proteins, with an emphasis on those that contribute to sustaining proliferative signaling. Finally, we examine active areas of research into open questions in the field, including the origin of MCC and mechanisms of viral integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona M. Ahmed
- Program in Virology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; (M.M.A.); (C.H.C.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Camille H. Cushman
- Program in Virology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; (M.M.A.); (C.H.C.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - James A. DeCaprio
- Program in Virology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; (M.M.A.); (C.H.C.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Correspondence:
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Huang C, Radi RH, Arbiser JL. Mitochondrial Metabolism in Melanoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113197. [PMID: 34831420 PMCID: PMC8618235 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma and its associated alterations in cellular pathways have been growing areas of interest in research, especially as specific biological pathways are being elucidated. Some of these alterations include changes in the mitochondrial metabolism in melanoma. Many mitochondrial metabolic changes lead to differences in the survivability of cancer cells and confer resistance to targeted therapies. While extensive work has gone into characterizing mechanisms of resistance, the role of mitochondrial adaptation as a mode of resistance is not completely understood. In this review, we wish to explore mitochondrial metabolism in melanoma and how it impacts modes of resistance. There are several genes that play a major role in melanoma mitochondrial metabolism which require a full understanding to optimally target melanoma. These include BRAF, CRAF, SOX2, MCL1, TRAP1, RHOA, SRF, SIRT3, PTEN, and AKT1. We will be discussing the role of these genes in melanoma in greater detail. An enhanced understanding of mitochondrial metabolism and these modes of resistance may result in novel combinatorial and sequential therapies that may lead to greater therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Huang
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (C.H.); (R.H.R.)
| | - Rakan H. Radi
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (C.H.); (R.H.R.)
| | - Jack L. Arbiser
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (C.H.); (R.H.R.)
- Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(404)-727-5063; Fax: +1-(404)-727-0923
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POU4F3 pioneer activity enables ATOH1 to drive diverse mechanoreceptor differentiation through a feed-forward epigenetic mechanism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2105137118. [PMID: 34266958 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2105137118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During embryonic development, hierarchical cascades of transcription factors interact with lineage-specific chromatin structures to control the sequential steps in the differentiation of specialized cell types. While examples of transcription factor cascades have been well documented, the mechanisms underlying developmental changes in accessibility of cell type-specific enhancers remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the transcriptional "master regulator" ATOH1-which is necessary for the differentiation of two distinct mechanoreceptor cell types, hair cells in the inner ear and Merkel cells of the epidermis-is unable to access much of its target enhancer network in the progenitor populations of either cell type when it first appears, imposing a block to further differentiation. This block is overcome by a feed-forward mechanism in which ATOH1 first stimulates expression of POU4F3, which subsequently acts as a pioneer factor to provide access to closed ATOH1 enhancers, allowing hair cell and Merkel cell differentiation to proceed. Our analysis also indicates the presence of both shared and divergent ATOH1/POU4F3-dependent enhancer networks in hair cells and Merkel cells. These cells share a deep developmental lineage relationship, deriving from their common epidermal origin, and suggesting that this feed-forward mechanism preceded the evolutionary divergence of these very different mechanoreceptive cell types.
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Oss-Ronen L, Cohen I. Epigenetic regulation and signalling pathways in Merkel cell development. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:1051-1064. [PMID: 34152646 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cells are specialized epithelial cells connected to afferent nerve endings responsible for light-touch sensations, formed at specific locations in touch-sensitive regions of the mammalian skin. Although Merkel cells are descendants of the epidermal lineage, little is known about the mechanisms responsible for the development of these unique mechanosensory cells. Recent studies have highlighted that the Polycomb group (PcG) of proteins play a significant role in spatiotemporal regulation of Merkel cell formation. In addition, several of the major signalling pathways involved in skin development have been shown to regulate Merkel cell development as well. Here, we summarize the current understandings of the role of developmental regulators in Merkel cell formation, including the interplay between the epigenetic machinery and key signalling pathways, and the lineage-specific transcription factors involved in the regulation of Merkel cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Oss-Ronen
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Idan Cohen
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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12
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Mamun MA, Mannoor K, Cao J, Qadri F, Song X. SOX2 in cancer stemness: tumor malignancy and therapeutic potentials. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 12:85-98. [PMID: 30517668 PMCID: PMC7109607 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjy080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a minor subpopulation of tumor bulks with self-renewal and seeding capacity to generate new tumors, posit a significant challenge to develop effective and long-lasting anti-cancer therapies. The emergence of drug resistance appears upon failure of chemo-/radiation therapy to eradicate the CSCs, thereby leading to CSC-mediated clinical relapse. Accumulating evidence suggests that transcription factor SOX2, a master regulator of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, drives cancer stemness, fuels tumor initiation, and contributes to tumor aggressiveness through major drug resistance mechanisms like epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, ATP-binding cassette drug transporters, anti-apoptotic and/or pro-survival signaling, lineage plasticity, and evasion of immune surveillance. Gaining a better insight and comprehensive interrogation into the mechanistic basis of SOX2-mediated generation of CSCs and treatment failure might therefore lead to new therapeutic targets involving CSC-specific anti-cancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahfuz Al Mamun
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Kaiissar Mannoor
- Oncology Laboratory, Institute for Developing Science & Health Initiatives (ideSHi), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jun Cao
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Firdausi Qadri
- Oncology Laboratory, Institute for Developing Science & Health Initiatives (ideSHi), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Xiaoyuan Song
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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13
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Potu H, Kandarpa M, Peterson LF, Durham A, Donato NJ, Talpaz M. Downregulation of SOX2 by inhibition of Usp9X induces apoptosis in melanoma. Oncotarget 2021; 12:160-172. [PMID: 33613844 PMCID: PMC7869572 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma tumors driven by BRAF mutations often do not respond to BRAF/MEK/ERK pathway inhibitors currently used in treatment. One documented mechanism of resistance is upregulation of SOX2, a transcription factor that is essential for tumor growth and expansion, particularly in melanoma tumors with BRAF mutations. Targeting transcription factors pharmacologically has been elusive for drug developers, limiting treatment options. Here we show that ubiquitin-specific peptidase 9, X-linked (Usp9x), a deubiquitinase (DUB) enzyme controls SOX2 levels in melanoma. Usp9x knockdown in melanoma increased SOX2 ubiquitination, leading to its depletion, and enhanced apoptotic effects of BRAF inhibitor and MEK inhibitors. Primary metastatic melanoma samples demonstrated moderately elevated Usp9x and SOX2 protein expression compared to tumors without metastatic potential. Usp9x knockdown, as well as inhibition with DUB inhibitor, G9, blocked SOX2 expression, suppressed in vitro colony growth, and induced apoptosis of BRAF-mutant melanoma cells. Combined treatment with Usp9x and mutant BRAF inhibitors fully suppressed melanoma growth in vivo. Our data demonstrate a novel mechanism for targeting the transcription factor SOX2, leveraging Usp9x inhibition. Thus, development of DUB inhibitors may add to the limited repertoire of current melanoma treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish Potu
- Department of Internal Medicine/Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Malathi Kandarpa
- Department of Internal Medicine/Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Luke F Peterson
- Department of Internal Medicine/Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alison Durham
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Nicholas J Donato
- Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,These authors jointly supervised this work
| | - Moshe Talpaz
- Department of Internal Medicine/Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,These authors jointly supervised this work
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14
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Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon, but aggressive neoplasm with neuroendocrine differentiation that occurs on sun-damaged skin of the elderly. Because its clinical presentation is usually nonspecific, the diagnosis is often made after histopathologic evaluation. Most cases are intradermal. Epidermal involvement is uncommon, whereas MCC limited to the epidermis is extremely rare. Here, we describe a case of MCC in an 88-year-old man with an extraordinary histopathologic presentation, namely nested intraepidermal proliferation of neoplastic cells highly resembling melanoma in situ.
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15
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Kervarrec T, Samimi M, Hesbacher S, Berthon P, Wobser M, Sallot A, Sarma B, Schweinitzer S, Gandon T, Destrieux C, Pasqualin C, Guyétant S, Touzé A, Houben R, Schrama D. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus T Antigens Induce Merkel Cell-Like Differentiation in GLI1-Expressing Epithelial Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071989. [PMID: 32708246 PMCID: PMC7409360 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071989] [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: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer frequently caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). It is still under discussion, in which cells viral integration and MCC development occurs. Recently, we demonstrated that a virus-positive MCC derived from a trichoblastoma, an epithelial neoplasia bearing Merkel cell (MC) differentiation potential. Accordingly, we hypothesized that MC progenitors may represent an origin of MCPyV-positive MCC. To sustain this hypothesis, phenotypic comparison of trichoblastomas and physiologic human MC progenitors was conducted revealing GLI family zinc finger 1 (GLI1), Keratin 17 (KRT 17), and SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) expressions in both subsets. Furthermore, GLI1 expression in keratinocytes induced transcription of the MC marker SOX2 supporting a role of GLI1 in human MC differentiation. To assess a possible contribution of the MCPyV T antigens (TA) to the development of an MC-like phenotype, human keratinocytes were transduced with TA. While this led only to induction of KRT8, an early MC marker, combined GLI1 and TA expression gave rise to a more advanced MC phenotype with SOX2, KRT8, and KRT20 expression. Finally, we demonstrated MCPyV-large T antigens’ capacity to inhibit the degradation of the MC master regulator Atonal bHLH transcription factor 1 (ATOH1). In conclusion, our report suggests that MCPyV TA contribute to the acquisition of an MC-like phenotype in epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Kervarrec
- Department of Pathology, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Avenue de la République, 37170 Chambray-les-Tours, France;
- “Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, Université de Tours, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France; (M.S.); (P.B.); (T.G.); (A.T.)
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (S.H.); (M.W.); (B.S.); (S.S.); (R.H.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mahtab Samimi
- “Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, Université de Tours, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France; (M.S.); (P.B.); (T.G.); (A.T.)
- Dermatology Department, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Avenue de la République, 37170 Chambray-les-Tours, France
| | - Sonja Hesbacher
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (S.H.); (M.W.); (B.S.); (S.S.); (R.H.); (D.S.)
| | - Patricia Berthon
- “Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, Université de Tours, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France; (M.S.); (P.B.); (T.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Marion Wobser
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (S.H.); (M.W.); (B.S.); (S.S.); (R.H.); (D.S.)
| | - Aurélie Sallot
- Plastic Surgery Department, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Avenue de la République, 37170 Chambray-les-Tours, France;
| | - Bhavishya Sarma
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (S.H.); (M.W.); (B.S.); (S.S.); (R.H.); (D.S.)
| | - Sophie Schweinitzer
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (S.H.); (M.W.); (B.S.); (S.S.); (R.H.); (D.S.)
| | - Théo Gandon
- “Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, Université de Tours, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France; (M.S.); (P.B.); (T.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Christophe Destrieux
- Neurosurgery Department, UMR 1253, i Brain, Université De Tours, CHU de Tours, Boulevard Tonnelé, 37044 Tours, France;
| | - Côme Pasqualin
- CNRS ERL 7368, Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires, Equipe Transferts Ioniques et Rythmicité Cardiaque, Groupe Physiologie des Cellules Cardiaques et Vasculaires, Université de Tours, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France;
| | - Serge Guyétant
- Department of Pathology, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Avenue de la République, 37170 Chambray-les-Tours, France;
- “Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, Université de Tours, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France; (M.S.); (P.B.); (T.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Antoine Touzé
- “Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, Université de Tours, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France; (M.S.); (P.B.); (T.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (S.H.); (M.W.); (B.S.); (S.S.); (R.H.); (D.S.)
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (S.H.); (M.W.); (B.S.); (S.S.); (R.H.); (D.S.)
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16
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Pietropaolo V, Prezioso C, Moens U. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus and Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1774. [PMID: 32635198 PMCID: PMC7407210 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses are the cause of approximately 15% of all human cancers. Both RNA and DNA human tumor viruses have been identified, with Merkel cell polyomavirus being the most recent one to be linked to cancer. This virus is associated with about 80% of Merkel cell carcinomas, a rare, but aggressive cutaneous malignancy. Despite its name, the cells of origin of this tumor may not be Merkel cells. This review provides an update on the structure and life cycle, cell tropism and epidemiology of the virus and its oncogenic properties. Putative strategies to prevent viral infection or treat virus-positive Merkel cell carcinoma patients are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Pietropaolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Carla Prezioso
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.P.); (C.P.)
- IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Microbiology of Chronic Neuro-Degenerative Pathologies, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Moens
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø—The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
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17
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Ahmadi-Beni R, Vand-Rajabpour F, Ahmadifard M, Daneshpazhooh M, Noormohammadpour P, Rahmati J, Hesari KK, Yaseri M, Tabrizi M. Decreased Sox2 Messenger RNA Expression in Basal Cell Carcinoma. Indian J Dermatol 2020; 65:178-182. [PMID: 32565556 PMCID: PMC7292465 DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_387_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sox2, zeb1, and p21 have been implicated in aggressive behavior of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. However, their expression level in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has not been elucidated. We hypothesized BCC, contrary to SCC, and melanoma, could be a suitable model to study mechanisms which attenuate tumor metastasis. The aim of this study was to examine the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of sox2, zeb1, and p21 in BCC. Materials and Methods Twenty-seven nonmetastatic BCC and twelve normal skin samples were evaluated using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results The stemness marker sox2 demonstrated marked down-regulation, but zeb1 and p21 showed no significant change. Conclusions Here, we report a negative association between sox2 mRNA expression level and nonmetastatic BCC, thus, providing a likely explanation for the fact that normal skin is more reliant on sox2 than BCC. BCC may be using decreased sox2 mRNA to remain incognito from metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Ahmadi-Beni
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Vand-Rajabpour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohamadreza Ahmadifard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Daneshpazhooh
- Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Javad Rahmati
- Department of General Surgery and Plastic Surgery, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Yaseri
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Tabrizi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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18
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Kyriakou G, Melachrinou M. Cancer stem cells, epigenetics, tumor microenvironment and future therapeutics in cutaneous malignant melanoma: a review. Future Oncol 2020; 16:1549-1567. [PMID: 32484008 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0151] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the ontogeny and biology of melanoma stem cells in cutaneous malignant melanoma. This article also summarizes and evaluates the current knowledge of the underlying epigenetic mechanisms, the regulation of melanoma progress by the tumor microenvironment as well as the therapeutic implications and applications of these novel insights, in the setting of personalized medicine. Unraveling the complex ecosystem of cutaneous malignant melanoma and the interplay between its components, aims to provide novel insights into the establishment of efficient therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Kyriakou
- Department of Dermatology, University General Hospital of Patras, Rion 265 04, Greece
| | - Maria Melachrinou
- Department of Pathology, University General Hospital of Patras, Rion 265 04, Greece
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19
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Bristot IJ, Kehl Dias C, Chapola H, Parsons RB, Klamt F. Metabolic rewiring in melanoma drug-resistant cells. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 153:102995. [PMID: 32569852 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.102995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several evidences indicate that melanoma, one of the deadliest types of cancer, presents the ability to transiently shift its phenotype under treatment or microenvironmental pressure to an invasive and treatment-resistant phenotype, which is characterized by cells with slow division cycle (also called slow-cycling cells) and high-OXPHOS metabolism. Many cellular marks have been proposed to track this phenotype, such as the expression levels of the master regulator of melanocyte differentiation (MITF) and the epigenetic factor JARID1B. It seems that the slow-cycling phenotype does not necessarily present a single gene expression signature. However, many lines of evidence lead to a common metabolic rewiring process in resistant cells that activates mitochondrial metabolism and changes the mitochondrial network morphology. Here, we propose that mitochondria-targeted drugs could increase not only the efficiency of target therapy, bypassing the dynamics between fast-cycling and slow-cycling, but also the sensitivity to immunotherapy by modulation of the melanoma microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivi Juliana Bristot
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; National Institutes of Science & Technology - Translational Medicine (INCT- TM), 90035-903, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Camila Kehl Dias
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; National Institutes of Science & Technology - Translational Medicine (INCT- TM), 90035-903, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Henrique Chapola
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; National Institutes of Science & Technology - Translational Medicine (INCT- TM), 90035-903, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Richard B Parsons
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Fábio Klamt
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; National Institutes of Science & Technology - Translational Medicine (INCT- TM), 90035-903, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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20
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García-Caballero L, Caneiro J, Gándara M, González-Ortega N, Cepeda-Emiliani A, Gude F, Collado M, Beiras A, Gallego R. Merkel cells of human oral mucosa express the pluripotent stem cell transcription factor Sox2. Histol Histopathol 2020; 35:1007-1012. [PMID: 32495847 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cells are neuroendocrine cells associated to a neural sensitive ending and localized primarily in the epidermis, although they are also found in oral mucosa. Sox2 or SRY-box2 is a key transcription factor important in the maintenance of embryonic neural crest stem cell pluripotency. Sox2 has been described in Merkel cells of skin and in Merkel cell carcinomas, but not specifically in oral Merkel cells. The aims of the present study were to analyze the density of Merkel cells in human oral mucosa and to study the expression of Sox2 in these cells. For these purposes, immunohistochemical analyses for Sox2 and CK20 (the best marker for Merkel cells) were automatically performed on sections of normal human oral mucosa. Double immunofluorescence for Sox2 and CK20 was also performed. To analyze the density of Merkel cells, CK20 positive cells were counted in each sample and the length of the epithelial apical edge was measured (cells/mm). Merkel cells, demonstrated by CK20 immunoreactivity, were found in 95% of oral mucosa specimens studied (n=21). Mean density of Merkel cells in oral mucosa was 1.71±2.34 cells/mm. Sox2 immunoreactivity was found in the nuclei of scattered cells located at the basal layer. Serial sections immunostained for Sox2 and CK20 showed that Sox2-positive cells of oral mucosa coexpressed CK20, confirming that they were Merkel cells. Immunofluorescence for Sox2 and CK20 showed colocalization of both markers, demonstrating that virtually all oral Merkel cells expressed Sox2. This transcription factor could play a role in Merkel cell maturation and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía García-Caballero
- Department of Morphological Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Javier Caneiro
- Department of Morphological Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Department of Pathology, University Clinical Hospital, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marina Gándara
- Department of Morphological Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Department of Pathology, University Clinical Hospital, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - Alfonso Cepeda-Emiliani
- Department of Morphological Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Francisco Gude
- Epidemiology Unit, University Clinical Hospital, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Manuel Collado
- Laboratory of Stem Cells in Cancer and Aging, Health Research Institute of Santiago (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Andrés Beiras
- Department of Morphological Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rosalía Gallego
- Department of Morphological Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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21
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Tsang M, Quesnel K, Vincent K, Hutchenreuther J, Postovit LM, Leask A. Insights into Fibroblast Plasticity: Cellular Communication Network 2 Is Required for Activation of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in a Murine Model of Melanoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 190:206-221. [PMID: 31610176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor stroma resembles a fibrotic microenvironment, being characterized by the presence of myofibroblast-like cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In wild-type mice injected with melanoma cells, we show that the stem cell transcription factor Sox2 is expressed by tumor cells and induced in CAFs derived from synthetic fibroblasts. These fibroblasts were labeled postnatally with green fluorescent protein using mice expressing a tamoxifen-dependent Cre recombinase under the control of a fibroblast-specific promoter/enhancer. Conversely, fibroblast activation was impaired in mice with a fibroblast-specific deletion of cellular communication network 2 (Ccn2), associated with reduced expression of α-smooth muscle actin and Sox2. Multipotent Sox2-expressing skin-derived precursor (SKP) spheroids were cultured from murine back skin. Using lineage tracing and flow cytometry, approximately 40% of SKPs were found to be derived from type I collagen-lineage cells and acquired multipotency in culture. Inhibition of mechanotransduction pathways prevented myofibroblast differentiation of SKPs and expression of Ccn2. In SKPs deleted for Ccn2, differentiation into a myofibroblast, but not an adipocyte or neuronal phenotype, was also impaired. In human melanoma, CCN2 expression was associated with a profibrotic integrin alpha (ITGA) 11-expressing subset of CAFs that negatively associated with survival. These results suggest that synthetic dermal fibroblasts are plastic, and that CCN2 is required for the differentiation of dermal progenitor cells into a myofibroblast/CAF phenotype and is, therefore, a therapeutic target in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Tsang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katherine Quesnel
- Department of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Krista Vincent
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Hutchenreuther
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Andrew Leask
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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22
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Chai Y, Li Q, Zhao H, Zhang Z, Yu X, Pang L, Liu Z, Zhao J, Wang L, Li F. SOX2 antagonizes WWC1 to drive YAP1 activation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Med 2019; 8:7055-7064. [PMID: 31560173 PMCID: PMC6853808 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether SOX2 and ACTL6A/TP63 interact with the Hippo-YAP1 pathway in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. Here, we reveal that SOX2, ACTL6A, and TP63 are co-amplified and upregulated in ESCC samples. Multiple SOX2 binding peaks in the locus of WWC1, a Hippo-YAP1 regulator, and an inverse correlation between the expression of SOX2 and WWC1 are identified, suggesting direct repression of WWC1 by SOX2. Expression scores of SOX2 are higher in tumors than normal tissues and positively correlated with nuclear YAP1 staining in primary ESCC. Moreover, SOX2 gain-of-function significantly promotes nuclear YAP1 expression in ESCC cells while silencing of SOX2 expression inhibits YAP1 activation. SOX2 overexpression leads to a significant enhancement of cell migration and invasion as well as chemoresistance to cisplatin, whereas knockdown of SOX2 or ectopic expression of WWC1 suppresses the SOX2-induced migration ability and invasive potential. Disruption of this SOX2-WWC1-YAP1 axis could be a therapeutic strategy for SOX2-dependent tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Chai
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases/the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China
| | - Qihang Li
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases/the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China
| | - Hongying Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyu Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases/the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China.,Department of Pathology and Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodan Yu
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases/the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China.,Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China
| | - Lijuan Pang
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases/the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Pathology and Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases/the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China
| | - Lianghai Wang
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases/the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases/the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China.,Department of Pathology and Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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23
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Conversion of Sox2-dependent Merkel cell carcinoma to a differentiated neuron-like phenotype by T antigen inhibition. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:20104-20114. [PMID: 31527246 PMCID: PMC6778204 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1907154116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal cells can be transformed into cancer cells by viral oncogenes. Reversion of a viral human cancer cell, however, into a differentiated cell by viral oncogene inhibition has not been described. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a neuroendocrine cancer caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) that encodes a T antigen oncogene. When MCV+ MCC cells with T antigen knockdown are cocultured with keratinocytes, the MCC phenotype converts to a differentiated neuronal phenotype and loses Merkel cell factor Sox2 and Atoh1 expression. MCV large T activates Sox2 and Atoh1 by its ability to inhibit retinoblastoma. Sox2 inhibition similarly induced this phenotypic conversion of MCC. These findings suggest that MCV induces cancer by dysregulating embryonic Merkel cell differentiation pathways. Viral cancers show oncogene addiction to viral oncoproteins, which are required for survival and proliferation of the dedifferentiated cancer cell. Human Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) that harbor a clonally integrated Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) genome have low mutation burden and require viral T antigen expression for tumor growth. Here, we showed that MCV+ MCC cells cocultured with keratinocytes undergo neuron-like differentiation with neurite outgrowth, secretory vesicle accumulation, and the generation of sodium-dependent action potentials, hallmarks of a neuronal cell lineage. Cocultured keratinocytes are essential for induction of the neuronal phenotype. Keratinocyte-conditioned medium was insufficient to induce this phenotype. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that T antigen knockdown inhibited cell cycle gene expression and reduced expression of key Merkel cell lineage/MCC marker genes, including HES6, SOX2, ATOH1, and KRT20. Of these, T antigen knockdown directly inhibited Sox2 and Atoh1 expression. MCV large T up-regulated Sox2 through its retinoblastoma protein-inhibition domain, which in turn activated Atoh1 expression. The knockdown of Sox2 in MCV+ MCCs mimicked T antigen knockdown by inducing MCC cell growth arrest and neuron-like differentiation. These results show Sox2-dependent conversion of an undifferentiated, aggressive cancer cell to a differentiated neuron-like phenotype and suggest that the ontology of MCC arises from a neuronal cell precursor.
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24
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Kei S, Adeyi OA. Practical Application of Lineage-Specific Immunohistochemistry Markers: Transcription Factors (Sometimes) Behaving Badly. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2019; 144:626-643. [PMID: 31385722 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2019-0226-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Transcription factors (TFs) are proteins that regulate gene expression and control RNA transcription from DNA. Lineage-specific TFs have increasingly been used by pathologists to determine tumor lineage, especially in the setting of metastatic tumors of unknown primary, among other uses. With experience gathered from its daily application and increasing pitfalls reported from immunohistochemical studies, these often-touted highly specific TFs are not as reliable as once thought. OBJECTIVES.— To summarize the established roles of many of the commonly used TFs in clinical practice and to discuss known and potential sources for error (eg, false-positivity from cross-reactivity, aberrant, and overlap "lineage-specific" expression) in their application and interpretation. DATA SOURCES.— Literature review and the authors' personal practice experience were used. Several examples selected from the University Health Network (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) are illustrated. CONCLUSIONS.— The application of TF diagnostic immunohistochemistry has enabled pathologists to better assess the lineage/origin of primary and metastatic tumors. However, the awareness of potential pitfalls is essential to avoid misdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Kei
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Dr Lou); and the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis (Dr Adeyi)
| | - Oyedele A Adeyi
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Dr Lou); and the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis (Dr Adeyi)
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25
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Metabolic flexibility in melanoma: A potential therapeutic target. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 59:187-207. [PMID: 31362075 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) represents one of the most metastasizing and drug resistant solid tumors. CM is characterized by a remarkable metabolic plasticity and an important connection between oncogenic activation and energetic metabolism. In fact, melanoma cells can use both cytosolic and mitochondrial compartments to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during cancer progression. However, the CM energetic demand mainly depends on glycolysis, whose upregulation is strictly linked to constitutive activation of BRAF/MAPK pathway affected by BRAFV600E kinase mutant. Furthermore, the impressive metabolic plasticity of melanoma allows the development of resistance mechanisms to BRAF/MEK inhibitors (BRAFi/MEKi) and the adaptation to microenvironmental changes. The metabolic interaction between melanoma cells and tumor microenvironment affects the immune response and CM growth. In this review article, we describe the regulation of melanoma metabolic alterations and the metabolic interactions between cancer cells and microenvironment that influence melanoma progression and immune response. Finally, we summarize the hallmarks of melanoma therapies and we report BRAF/MEK pathway targeted therapy and mechanisms of metabolic resistance.
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26
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Andreucci E, Pietrobono S, Peppicelli S, Ruzzolini J, Bianchini F, Biagioni A, Stecca B, Calorini L. SOX2 as a novel contributor of oxidative metabolism in melanoma cells. Cell Commun Signal 2018; 16:87. [PMID: 30466459 PMCID: PMC6249961 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-018-0297-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deregulated metabolism is a hallmark of cancer and recent evidence underlines that targeting tumor energetics may improve therapy response and patient outcome. Despite the general attitude of cancer cells to exploit the glycolytic pathway even in the presence of oxygen (aerobic glycolysis or "Warburg effect"), tumor metabolism is extremely plastic, and such ability to switch from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) allows cancer cells to survive under hostile microenvironments. Recently, OxPhos has been related with malignant progression, chemo-resistance and metastasis. OxPhos is induced under extracellular acidosis, a well-known characteristic of most solid tumors, included melanoma. METHODS To evaluate whether SOX2 modulation is correlated with metabolic changes under standard or acidic conditions, SOX2 was silenced and overexpressed in several melanoma cell lines. To demonstrate that SOX2 directly represses HIF1A expression we used chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase assay. RESULTS In A375-M6 melanoma cells, extracellular acidosis increases SOX2 expression, that sustains the oxidative cancer metabolism exploited under acidic conditions. By studying non-acidic SSM2c and 501-Mel melanoma cells (high- and very low-SOX2 expressing cells, respectively), we confirmed the metabolic role of SOX2, attributing SOX2-driven OxPhos reprogramming to HIF1α pathway disruption. CONCLUSIONS SOX2 contributes to the acquisition of an aggressive oxidative tumor phenotype, endowed with enhanced drug resistance and metastatic ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Andreucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Pietrobono
- Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Peppicelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Jessica Ruzzolini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Biagioni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Lido Calorini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134, Florence, Italy. .,Center of Excellence for Research, Transfer and High Education DenoTHE University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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27
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Humphries HN, Wickremesekera SK, Marsh RW, Brasch HD, Mehrotra S, Tan ST, Itinteang T. Characterization of Cancer Stem Cells in Colon Adenocarcinoma Metastasis to the Liver. Front Surg 2018; 4:76. [PMID: 29404335 PMCID: PMC5786574 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2017.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fifty percent of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients develop liver metastasis. This study identified and characterized cancer stem cells (CSCs) within colon adenocarcinoma metastasis to the liver (CAML). Methods 3,3-Diaminobenzidine immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed on nine CAML samples for embryonic stem cell (ESC) markers OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, c-Myc, and KLF4. Immunofluorescence (IF) IHC staining was performed to investigate coexpression of two markers. NanoString mRNA expression analysis and colorimetric in situ hybridization (CISH) were performed on four snap-frozen CAML tissue samples for transcript expression of these ESC markers. Cells stained positively and negatively for each marker by IHC and CISH staining were counted and analyzed. Results 3,3-Diaminobenzidine IHC staining, and NanoString and CISH mRNA analyses demonstrated the expression of OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, c-Myc, and KLF4 within in all nine CAML samples, except for SOX2 which was below detectable levels on NanoString mRNA analysis. IF IHC staining showed the presence of a SOX2+/NANOG+/KLF4+/c-Myc+/OCT− CSC subpopulation within the tumor nests, and a SOX2+/NANOG+/KLF4+/c-Myc+/OCT4− CSC subpopulation and a SOX2+/NANOG+/KLF4+/c-Myc+/OCT4+ CSC subpopulation within the peritumoral stroma. Conclusion The novel finding of three CSC subpopulations within CAML provides insights into the biology of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susrutha K Wickremesekera
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,Upper Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Section, Department of General Surgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Reginald W Marsh
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Helen D Brasch
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Swee T Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
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28
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Tao J, Rong W, Diao X, Zhou H. Toxic responses of Sox2 gene in the regeneration of the earthworm Eisenia foetida exposed to Retnoic acid. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 204:106-112. [PMID: 29229524 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Revised: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Exogenous retinoic acid delays and disturbs the regeneration of Eisenia foetida. The stem cell pluripotency factor, Sox2, can play a crucial role in cell reprogramming and dedifferentiation. In this study, we compared the regeneration of Eisenia foetida in different segments after amputation and the effects of retinoic acid on the regeneration of different segments. The results showed that the regeneration speed of the head and tail was slightly faster than the middle part, and retinoic acid disrupted and delayed the regeneration of the earthworm. The qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that the expression of the Sox2 gene and Sox2 protein was highest on the seventh day in different segments (p<0.05). After treatment with retinoic acid, the expression level of the Sox2 gene and Sox2 protein was significantly reduced (p<0.05). The results indicated that the regeneration of earthworms and the formation of blastema are related to the expression of the Sox2 gene and protein. Retinoic acid delays and interferes with the regeneration of the earthworm by affecting the expression levels of the Sox2 gene and protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Wei Rong
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Xiaoping Diao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; College of Life Science, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China.
| | - Hailong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
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29
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Kovacs D, Migliano E, Muscardin L, Silipo V, Catricalà C, Picardo M, Bellei B. The role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in melanoma epithelial-to-mesenchymal-like switching: evidences from patients-derived cell lines. Oncotarget 2017; 7:43295-43314. [PMID: 27175588 PMCID: PMC5190024 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulations or mutations of WNT/β-catenin signaling have been associated to both tumour formation and progression. However, contradictory results concerning the role of β-catenin in human melanoma address an open question on its oncogenic nature and prognostic value in this tumour. Changes in WNT signaling pathways have been linked to phenotype switching of melanoma cells between a highly proliferative/non-invasive and a slow proliferative/metastatic condition. We used a novel panel of cell lines isolated from melanoma specimens, at initial passages, to investigate phenotype differences related to the levels and activity of WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. This in vitro cell system revealed a marked heterogeneity that comprises, in some cases, two distinct tumour-derived subpopulations of cells presenting a different activation level and cellular distribution of β-catenin. In cells derived from the same tumor, we demonstrated that the prevalence of LEF1 (high β-catenin expressing cells) or TCF4 (low β-catenin expressing cells) as β-catenin partner for DNA binding, is associated to the expression of two distinct profiles of WNT-responsive genes. Interestingly, melanoma cells expressing relative low level of β-catenin and an invasive markers signature were associated to the TNF-α-induced pro-inflammatory pathway and to the chemotherapy resistance, suggesting that the co-existence of melanoma subpopulations with distinct biological properties could influence the impact of chemo- and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Kovacs
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilia Migliano
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Muscardin
- Dermatopathological Laboratory, San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vitaliano Silipo
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Catricalà
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Picardo
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Bellei
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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30
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Russo MV, Esposito S, Tupone MG, Manzoli L, Airoldi I, Pompa P, Cindolo L, Schips L, Sorrentino C, Di Carlo E. SOX2 boosts major tumor progression genes in prostate cancer and is a functional biomarker of lymph node metastasis. Oncotarget 2017; 7:12372-85. [PMID: 26540632 PMCID: PMC4914291 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Critical issues in prostate cancer (PC) are a. identification of molecular drivers of the highly aggressive neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) in adenocarcinoma, and b. early assessment of disease progression. The SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2 gene, SOX2, is an essential embryonic stem cell gene involved in prostate tumorigenesis. Here we assessed its implications in NED and progression of PC and its diagnostic and prognostic value. Laser microdissection, qRT-PCR, quantitative Methylation-Specific PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze SOX2 gene expression and regulation in 206 PC samples. Results were examined according to the patient's clinical pathological profile and follow-ups. Functional studies were performed using PC cells transfected to overexpress or silence SOX2. SOX2 was consistently downregulated in PC, except in cell clusters lying within lymph node (LN)-positive PC. Multivariate analysis revealed that SOX2 mRNA expression in the primary tumor was significantly associated with LN metastasis. When SOX2 mRNA levels were ≥1.00, relative to (XpressRef) Universal Total RNA, adjusted Odds Ratio was 24.4 (95% CI: 7.54–79.0), sensitivity 0.81 (95% CI: 0.61–0.93) and specificity 0.87 (95% CI: 0.81–0.91). Patients experiencing biochemical recurrence had high median levels of SOX2 mRNA. In both PC and LN metastasis, SOX2 and NED marker, Chromogranin-A, were primarily co-expressed. In PC cells, NED genes were upregulated by SOX2 overexpression and downregulated by its silencing, which also abolished SNAI2/Slug dependent NED. Moreover, SOX2 upregulated neural CAMs, neurotrophins/neurotrophin receptors, pluripotency and epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcription factors, growth, angiogenic and lymphangiogenic factors, and promoted PC cell invasiveness and motility. This study discloses novel SOX2 target genes driving NED and spread of PC and proposes SOX2 as a functional biomarker of LN metastasization for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Vincenzo Russo
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy.,Ce.S.I. Biotech, Aging Research Center, "G. d'Annunzio" University Foundation, Chieti, Italy
| | - Silvia Esposito
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy.,Ce.S.I. Biotech, Aging Research Center, "G. d'Annunzio" University Foundation, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Tupone
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy.,Ce.S.I. Biotech, Aging Research Center, "G. d'Annunzio" University Foundation, Chieti, Italy
| | - Lamberto Manzoli
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Irma Airoldi
- Laboratory of Oncology, Istituto "Giannina Gaslini", Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Pompa
- Operative Unit of Urology, "Santo Spirito" Hospital, Pescara, Italy
| | - Luca Cindolo
- Department of Urology, "San Pio da Pietrelcina" Hospital, Vasto, Italy
| | - Luigi Schips
- Department of Urology, "San Pio da Pietrelcina" Hospital, Vasto, Italy
| | - Carlo Sorrentino
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy.,Ce.S.I. Biotech, Aging Research Center, "G. d'Annunzio" University Foundation, Chieti, Italy
| | - Emma Di Carlo
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy.,Ce.S.I. Biotech, Aging Research Center, "G. d'Annunzio" University Foundation, Chieti, Italy
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31
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Weina K, Wu H, Knappe N, Orouji E, Novak D, Bernhardt M, Hüser L, Larribère L, Umansky V, Gebhardt C, Utikal J. TGF-β induces SOX2 expression in a time-dependent manner in human melanoma cells. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2017; 29:453-8. [PMID: 27105574 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The sry-related high-mobility box (SOX)-2 protein has recently been proven to play a significant role in progression, metastasis, and clinical prognosis spanning several cancer types. Research on the role of SOX2 in melanoma is limited and currently little is known about the mechanistic function of this gene in this context. Here, we observed high expression of SOX2 in both human melanoma cell lines and primary melanomas in contrast to melanocytic nevi. This overexpression in melanoma can, in part, be explained by extra gene copy numbers of SOX2 in primary samples. Interestingly, we were able to induce SOX2 expression, mediated by SOX4, via TGF-β1 stimulation in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, the knockdown of SOX2 impaired TGF-β-induced invasiveness. This phenotype switch can be explained by SOX2-mediated cross talk between TGF-β and non-canonical Wnt signaling. Thus, we propose that SOX2 is involved in the critical TGF-β signaling pathway, which has been shown to correlate with melanoma aggressiveness and metastasis. In conclusion, we have identified a novel downstream factor of TGF-β signaling in melanoma, which may have further implications in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasia Weina
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Huizi Wu
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nathalie Knappe
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Elias Orouji
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Daniel Novak
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mathias Bernhardt
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Laura Hüser
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lionel Larribère
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Viktor Umansky
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christoffer Gebhardt
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Cesarini V, Guida E, Todaro F, Di Agostino S, Tassinari V, Nicolis S, Favaro R, Caporali S, Lacal PM, Botti E, Costanzo A, Rossi P, Jannini EA, Dolci S. Sox2 is not required for melanomagenesis, melanoma growth and melanoma metastasis in vivo. Oncogene 2017; 36:4508-4515. [PMID: 28368402 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is a dangerous form of skin cancer derived from the malignant transformation of melanocytes. The transcription factor SOX2 is not expressed in melanocytes, however, it has been shown to be differentially expressed between benign nevi and malignant melanomas and to be essential for melanoma stem cell maintenance and expansion in vitro and in xenograft models. By using a mouse model in which BRafV600E mutation cooperates with Pten loss to induce the development of metastatic melanoma, we investigated if Sox2 is required during the process of melanomagenesis, melanoma growth and metastasis and in the acquisition of resistance to BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) treatments. We found that deletion of Sox2 specifically in Pten null and BRafV600E-expressing melanocytes did not prevent tumor formation and did not modify the temporal kinetics of melanoma occurrence compared to Sox2 wt mice. In addition, tumor growth was similar between Sox2 wt and Sox2 deleted (del) melanomas. By querying publicly available databases, we did not find statistically significant differences in SOX2 expression levels between benign nevi and melanomas, and analysis on two melanoma patient cohorts confirmed that Sox2 levels did not significantly change between primary and metastatic melanomas. Melanoma cell lines derived from both Sox2 genotypes showed a similar sensitivity to vemurafenib treatment and the same ability to develop vemurafenib resistance in long-term cultures. Development of vemurafenib resistance was not dependent on SOX2 expression also in human melanoma cell lines in vitro. Our findings exclude an oncogenic function for Sox2 during melanoma development and do not support a role for this transcription factor in the acquisition of resistance to BRAFi treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Cesarini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - E Guida
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - F Todaro
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - S Di Agostino
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute - IFO, Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, Rome, Italy
| | - V Tassinari
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - S Nicolis
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - R Favaro
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - S Caporali
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - P M Lacal
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - E Botti
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - A Costanzo
- Department of Biomedicine, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - P Rossi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - E A Jannini
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - S Dolci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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33
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Sox2 is dispensable for primary melanoma and metastasis formation. Oncogene 2017; 36:4516-4524. [PMID: 28368416 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Tumor initiation and metastasis formation in many cancers have been associated with emergence of a gene expression program normally active in embryonic or organ-specific stem cells. In particular, the stem cell transcription factor Sox2 is not only expressed in a variety of tumors, but is also required for their formation. Melanoma, the most aggressive skin tumor, derives from melanocytes that during development originate from neural crest stem cells. While neural crest stem cells do not express Sox2, expression of this transcription factor has been reported in melanoma. However, the role of Sox2 in melanoma is controversial. To study the requirement of Sox2 for melanoma formation, we therefore performed CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene inactivation in human melanoma cells. In addition, we conditionally inactivated Sox2 in a genetically engineered mouse model, in which melanoma spontaneously develops in the context of an intact stroma and immune system. Surprisingly, in both models, loss of Sox2 did neither affect melanoma initiation, nor growth, nor metastasis formation. The lack of a tumorigenic role of Sox2 in melanoma might reflect a distinct stem cell program active in neural crest stem cells and during melanoma formation.
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34
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Embryonic Stem Cell-like Population in Dupuytren's Disease. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2016; 4:e1064. [PMID: 27975007 PMCID: PMC5142473 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000001064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Recent research has identified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) within Dupuytren’s disease (DD) tissue and they have been proposed to give rise to the myofibroblasts, implicated in the progression of this condition. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the primitive population that might be upstream of the MSC population, within DD. Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded 4-µm-thick sections of DD cords and nodules obtained from 6 patients underwent 3,3-diaminobenzidine and immunofluorescent immunohistochemical staining for embryonic stem cell (ESC) markers OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, pSTAT3, and SALL4 and endothelial markers CD34 and ERG. NanoString gene expression analysis was performed to determine the transcriptional activation of these markers. Results: Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated the expression of ESC markers OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, pSTAT3, and SALL4 on the endothelium of the microvessels expressing CD34 and ERG, particularly those surrounding the DD nodules. NanoString analysis confirmed the transcriptional activation of OCT4, NANOG, STAT3, and SALL4, but not SOX2. Conclusion: This article demonstrates the novel finding of an ESC-like population expressing ESC markers OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, pSTAT3, and SALL4, localized to the endothelium of the microvessels within DD tissue, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for this condition.
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Shi YJ, Tsang JYS, Ni YB, Chan SK, Chan KF, Tse GM. FGFR1 is an adverse outcome indicator for luminal A breast cancers. Oncotarget 2016; 7:5063-73. [PMID: 26673008 PMCID: PMC4826266 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) has been suggested to be the candidate gene for 8p11-12 amplification in breast cancer and its therapeutic/ prognostic value is explored. Most previous studies focused on FGFR1 gene amplification, which may not necessarily lead to protein expression. Therefore, analysis of protein level may have more clinical relevance. We evaluated FGFR1 expression in a large cohort of breast cancer by immunohistochemistry, correlated with the tumor clinic-pathologic features, biomarkers expression, and patient's survival. FGFR1 expression was associated mainly with luminal cancers, particularly luminal B subtype (23.5%; p < 0.001), and it also showed adverse prognostic impact on luminal A cancers. FGFR1 expression was associated with higher pN (p = 0.023), pT (p = 0.003) stages, lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.010), p-cadherin (p = 0.028), synaptophysin (p = 0.009) and SOX2 expression (p = 0.034) in luminal A cancers. FGFR1 expressing luminal A cancers showed a similar outcome as luminal B cancers. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated FGFR1 positive luminal A cancers to be an independently poor prognosticator for disease free survival in luminal cancers (hazard ratio = 3.341, p = 0.008). Thus FGFR1 could be useful in identifying the aggressive cases amongst heterogeneous luminal A cancers. Given the relevance of FGFR pathway in treatment resistance in luminal cancers, FGFR1 could be an important tumor biomarker and adverse prognostic factor potentially exploitable in the clinical management of luminal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jie Shi
- Department of Pathology, Henan Province People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Julia Y S Tsang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
| | - Yun-Bi Ni
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
| | - Siu-Ki Chan
- Department of Pathology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Kui-Fat Chan
- Department of Pathology, Tuen Mun Hosiptal, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
| | - Gary M Tse
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
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The Master Neural Transcription Factor BRN2 Is an Androgen Receptor–Suppressed Driver of Neuroendocrine Differentiation in Prostate Cancer. Cancer Discov 2016; 7:54-71. [DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-15-1263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Mandalos NP, Remboutsika E. Sox2: To crest or not to crest? Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 63:43-49. [PMID: 27592260 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Precise control of neural progenitor transformation into neural crest stem cells ensures proper craniofacial and head development. In the neural progenitor pool, SoxB factors play an essential role as cell fate determinants of neural development, whereas during neural crest stem cell formation, Sox2 plays a predominant role as a guardian of the developmental clock that ensures precision of cell flow in the developing head.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Panagiotis Mandalos
- National University of Athens Medical School, Department of Pediatrics, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27, Athens, Greece; Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming", 34 Fleming Str., 16672 Vari-Attica, Greece; Adjunct Faculty, The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Basic Sciences Division, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, 855 North Wolfe Str., Suite 300, 3rd Floor, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Eumorphia Remboutsika
- National University of Athens Medical School, Department of Pediatrics, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27, Athens, Greece; Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming", 34 Fleming Str., 16672 Vari-Attica, Greece; Adjunct Faculty, The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Basic Sciences Division, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, 855 North Wolfe Str., Suite 300, 3rd Floor, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Yu HH, Featherston T, Tan ST, Chibnall AM, Brasch HD, Davis PF, Itinteang T. Characterization of Cancer Stem Cells in Moderately Differentiated Buccal Mucosal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Surg 2016; 3:46. [PMID: 27532037 PMCID: PMC4970507 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2016.00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To identify and characterize cancer stem cells (CSC) in moderately differentiated buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma (MDBMSCC). Methods Four micrometer-thick, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded MDBMSCC samples from six patients underwent 3,3-diaminobenzidine (DAB) immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for the embryonic stem cell (ESC) markers, NANOG, OCT4, SALL4, SOX2, and pSTAT3; cancer stem cell marker, CD44; squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) marker, EMA; and endothelial marker, CD34. The transcriptional activities of the genes encoding NANOG, OCT4, SOX2, SALL4, STAT3, and CD44 were studied using NanoString gene expression analysis and colorimetric in situ hybridization (CISH) for NANOG, OCT4, SOX2, SALL4, and STAT3. Results Diaminobenzidine and immunofluorescent (IF) IHC staining demonstrated the presence of (1) an EMA+/CD44+/SOX2+/SALL4+/OCT4+/pSTAT3+/NANOG+ CSC subpopulation within the tumor nests; (2) an EMA−/CD44−/CD34−/SOX2+/OCT4+/pSTAT3+/NANOG+ subpopulation within the stroma between the tumor nests; and (3) an EMA−/CD44−/CD34+/SOX2+/SALL4+/OCT4+/pSTAT3+/NANOG+ subpopulation on the endothelium of the microvessels within the stroma. The expression of CD44, SOX2, SALL4, OCT4, pSTAT3, and NANOG was confirmed by the presence of mRNA transcripts, using NanoString analysis and NANOG, OCT4, SOX2, SALL4, and STAT3 by CISH staining. Conclusion This study demonstrated a novel finding of three separate CSC subpopulations within MDBMSCC: (1) within the tumor nests expressing EMA, CD44, SOX2, SALL4, OCT4, pSTAT3, and NANOG; (2) within the stroma expressing SOX2, SALL4, OCT4, pSTAT3, and NANOG; and (3) on the endothelium of the microvessels within the stroma expressing CD34, SOX2, SALL4, OCT4, pSTAT3, and NANOG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen H Yu
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute , Wellington , New Zealand
| | | | - Swee T Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand; Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Helen D Brasch
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute , Wellington , New Zealand
| | - Paul F Davis
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute , Wellington , New Zealand
| | - Tinte Itinteang
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute , Wellington , New Zealand
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Dima M, Pecce V, Biffoni M, Di Gioia CRT, Tallini G, Biffoni M, Rosignolo F, Verrienti A, Sponziello M, Damante G, Russo D, Durante C. Molecular profiles of cancer stem-like cell populations in aggressive thyroid cancers. Endocrine 2016; 53:145-56. [PMID: 26370117 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-015-0739-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A substantial proportion of patients with advanced thyroid carcinoma fail to respond to or at some point become refractory to conventional therapies. This resistance and the phenomena of thyroid cancer progression and metastasis themselves are thought to be related to tumor-cell sub-populations with stem-like properties. We isolated thyrospheres from four advanced thyroid carcinomas that were resistant to radioiodine therapy and analyzed their molecular profiles. ALDH activity and proteomic profile of main stem cell markers were used to assess stem cell properties. The TaqMan Low Density Array approach was used to evaluate the expression of several genes involved in the EMT process. The phosphorylation status of tyrosine kinase receptors (RTKs) was analyzed to identify potential markers for targeted therapies. We then investigated the effects of the EMT-inhibitor crizotinib on both cell proliferation and phosphorylation status of RTK targets. The cancer stem-like properties of a subset of cells from primary cultures of each tumor were demonstrated. A wide variability among thyrospheres arising from the four thyroid cancers in terms of ALDH activity, stem cell marker expression, and phosphoproteome profiling was present. Dysregulated expression of genes involved in the EMT was observed in all four thyrosphere lines. Treatment with crizotinib was ineffective in cancer stem-like cells, suggesting the presence of a mechanism of resistance in thyrospheres. Collectively, our data indicate that thyroid cancer stem-like populations vary markedly from tumor to tumor and require detailed molecular and biological characterization if they are to be used as the basis of "personalized" treatment of aggressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariavittoria Dima
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Università di Roma "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Pecce
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Università di Roma "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Biffoni
- Dipartimento di Ematologia, Oncologia e Medicina Molecolare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Tallini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica e Sperimentale, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Biffoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Università di Roma "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Rosignolo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Università di Roma "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Verrienti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Università di Roma "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Sponziello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Università di Roma "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Biologiche, Università di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Diego Russo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Cosimo Durante
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Università di Roma "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
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Azmahani A, Nakamura Y, Ishida H, McNamara KM, Fujimura T, Haga T, Hashimoto A, Aiba S, Sasano H. Estrogen receptor β in Merkel cell carcinoma: its possible roles in pathogenesis. Hum Pathol 2016; 56:128-33. [PMID: 27343835 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroids have been postulated to influence skin development and functions as well as its pathogenesis. MCC occurs in both sexes; however, the specific differences in pathogenesis among sexes have yet to be conclusively defined. The detailed status of sex steroid receptors (AR, PRA and PRB, and ERα, ERβ) are also unknown in MCC patients. We first immunolocalized sex steroid receptors and compared the results with immunolocalization of relevant transcription factors including SOX2, FOXA1, and Bcl-2 and Ki-67 in 18 cases of MCCs. AR, PRA, PRB, ERα, ERβ, Bcl-2, SOX2, and FOXA1 immunoreactivity was evaluated by using the modified H score method, and Ki-67 was quantified using labeling index. ERβ immunoreactivity was markedly present in all the cases of MCC examined, with relatively weak immunoreactivity of ERα, AR, PRA, and PRB. The status of ERβ immunoreactivity was also significantly correlated with Ki-67 labeling index and Bcl-2 score. These results demonstrated that ERβ could be associated with regulation of both cell proliferation and apoptosis in MCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Azmahani
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; Faculty of Health Sciences, University Sultan Zainal Abidin, 21300 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Yasuhiro Nakamura
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; Division of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai 981-8558, Japan.
| | - Hirotaka Ishida
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan; Division of Advanced Surgical Science and Technology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Keely M McNamara
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Taku Fujimura
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Takahiro Haga
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Akira Hashimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Setsuya Aiba
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
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Vachtenheim J, Ondrušová L. Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor expression levels in melanoma cells contribute to cell invasion and proliferation. Exp Dermatol 2016; 24:481-4. [PMID: 25866058 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is a nodal point in melanoma transcriptional network that regulates dozens of genes with critical functions in cell differentiation, proliferation and survival. Highly variable MITF expression levels exist in tumor cell subpopulations conferring marked heterogeneity and plasticity in the tumor tissue. A model has been postulated whereby lower MITF levels favour cell invasion and suppress proliferation, whereas high levels stimulate differentiation and proliferation. Additionally, MITF is considered to be a prosurvival gene and a lineage addiction oncogene in melanoma. Herein, we review how MITF expression may affect the melanoma phenotype with consequences on the survival, invasion and metastasis of melanoma cells, and we discuss the research challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Vachtenheim
- Laboratory of Transcription and Cell Signaling, Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lubica Ondrušová
- Laboratory of Transcription and Cell Signaling, Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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Expression of Sex Determining Region Y-Box 2 and Pancreatic and Duodenal Homeobox 1 in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors. Pancreas 2016; 45:522-7. [PMID: 26491904 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000000504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The World Health Organization 2010 classification divides pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (p-NETs) entity to well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NET) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) by Ki-67 index. The aim of this study is elucidate the pathophysiology and tumor biology of p-NETs. METHODS We assessed the expression of transcription factors sex determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1)) essential for the normal fetal development of pancreatic neuroendocrine cells in 46 surgically resected p-NETs by immunohistochemistry. The relationship of expression levels of these factors and clinicopathological factors were analyzed. RESULTS SOX2 was positive in 6 p-NETs (13.0%). Five of 7 NEC patients showed positive for SOX2. SOX2 was highly (sensitivity 71%) and specifically (specificity 97%) expressed in NEC. Patients with SOX2 positive p-NET showed the significantly shorter disease-free and overall survival than patients with SOX2 negative p-NET. High Pdx1 expression was seen in 25 p-NET patients (54.3%). None of the NEC patients showed high Pdx1 expression. There was a significant reverse correlation between SOX2 and Pdx1 expression. CONCLUSIONS The expression patterns of SOX2 and Pdx1 highly correlated with prognosis of p-NETs. These expression patterns may represent the biological and pathophysiological difference of p-NETs and indicate the origin of tumor.
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Jankowski M, Kopinski P, Schwartz R, Czajkowski R. Merkel cell carcinoma: is this a true carcinoma? Exp Dermatol 2015; 23:792-4. [PMID: 25040178 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have brought an enhanced understanding of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) biology, especially with regard to the Merkel cell polyoma virus as a causative agent. Differences between Merkel cell polyomavirus-positive and Merkel cell polyomavirus-negative MCC in morphology; gene expression, miRNA profiles and prognosis have been reported. Origin of MCC is controversial. Presence of neurosecretory granules has suggested that these carcinomas originate from one of the neurocrest derivatives, most probably Merkel cells; the name Merkel cell carcinoma is now widely accepted. Expression of PGP 9.5, chromogranin A and several neuropeptides, initially regarded as specific markers for neural and neuroendocrine cells, has recently been shown in a subset of lymphomas. MCC commonly expresses terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase and PAX5. Their co-expression under physiologic circumstances is restricted to pro/pre-B cells and pre-B cells. These findings lead to the hypothesis by zur Hausen et al. that MCC originates from early B cells. This review was intended to critically appraise zur Hausen's hypothesis and discuss the possibility that MCC is a heterogenous entity with distinct subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Jankowski
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Immunodermatology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Guo R, Fierro-Fine A, Goddard L, Russell M, Chen J, Liu CZ, Fung KM, Hassell LA. Increased expression of melanoma stem cell marker CD271 in metastatic melanoma to the brain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2014; 7:8947-8951. [PMID: 25674270 PMCID: PMC4313973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Human melanoma contains multipotent stem cells that express the neural crest stem cell marker CD271. CD271-expressing melanoma cells in murine xenografts give rise to metastatic tumor. However, a comprehensive clinical investigation of its role in different stages of melanomagenesis has not been well studied. We studied CD271 expression with immunohistochemistry in 11 cases of banal melanocytic nevus, 9 cases of primary cutaneous melanoma, 10 cases of primary mucosal melanoma, 5 cases of metastatic melanoma in regional lymph nodes, and 11 cases of metastatic melanoma in the brain. In addition, 9 cases of metastatic, high-grade adenocarcinomas from breast and lung to the brain were studied as controls. The staining was scored based on the number of positive cells and analyzed by student t-test. All banal melanocytic nevi showed negative to equivocal staining. Primary cutaneous melanomas showed variable patterns, mucosal melanomas were mostly negative, and metastases to lymph nodes ranged from negative to moderate positivity. In contrast, all 11 cases of metastatic melanoma to the brain showed moderate (4 cases) to strong positivity (7 cases). Metastases from lung and breast origin were used as controls and showed negative to weakly positive staining in all but one case. Statistically, CD271 has significantly increased expression in metastatic melanoma to the brain when compared to the other groups studied (P < 0.05). The findings suggest that CD271 expression is specifically increased in metastatic melanoma to the brain. Further prospective study for the role of CD271 in prediction of melanoma brain metastasis as well as prognosis assessment will be of great clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifeng Guo
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Amelia Fierro-Fine
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Lindsey Goddard
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Madison Russell
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jie Chen
- University of Oklahoma Stephenson Cancer CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Cheng Z Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of WisconsonUSA
| | - Kar-Ming Fung
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Lewis A Hassell
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma City, OK, USA
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45
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Expression of putative markers of pluripotency in equine embryonic and adult tissues. Vet J 2014; 202:533-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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46
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Nestin depletion induces melanoma matrix metalloproteinases and invasion. J Transl Med 2014; 94:1382-95. [PMID: 25365206 PMCID: PMC4419570 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2014.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key biological mediators of processes as diverse as wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer progression. Although MMPs may be induced through multiple signaling pathways, the precise mechanisms for their regulation in cancer are incompletely understood. Because cytoskeletal changes are known to accompany MMP expression, we sought to examine the potential role of the poorly understood cytoskeletal protein, nestin, in modulating melanoma MMPs. Nestin knockdown (KD) upregulated the expression of specific MMPs and MMP-dependent invasion both through extracellular matrix barriers in vitro and in peritumoral connective tissue of xenografts in vivo. The development of three-dimensional melanospheres that in vitro partially recapitulate noninvasive tumorigenic melanoma growth was inhibited by nestin KD, although ECM invasion by aberrant melanospheres that did form was enhanced. Mechanistically, nestin KD-dependent melanoma invasion was associated with intracellular redistribution of phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase and increased melanoma cell responsiveness to transforming growth factor-beta, both implicated in pathways of melanoma invasion. The results suggest that the heretofore poorly understood intermediate filament, nestin, may serve as a novel mediator of MMPs critical to melanoma virulence.
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Lezcano C, Kleffel S, Lee N, Larson AR, Zhan Q, DoRosario A, Wang LC, Schatton T, Murphy GF. Merkel cell carcinoma expresses vasculogenic mimicry: demonstration in patients and experimental manipulation in xenografts. J Transl Med 2014; 94:1092-102. [PMID: 25111691 PMCID: PMC4236190 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2014.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly virulent cutaneous neoplasm that, like melanoma, is a frequent cause of patient morbidity and mortality. The cellular mechanisms responsible for the aggressive behavior of MCC remain unknown. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a phenomenon associated with cancer virulence, including in melanoma, whereby anastomosing laminin networks form in association with tumor cells that express certain endothelial genes. To determine whether VM is a factor in MCC, we employed a relevant xenograft model using two independent human MCC lines. Experimentally induced tumors were remarkably similar histologically to patient MCC, and both contained laminin networks associated with vascular endothelial-cadherin (CD144) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1, as well as Nodal expression typical of VM in melanoma. Moreover, two established chemotherapeutic agents utilized for human MCC, etoposide and carboplatin, induced necrosis in xenografts on systemic administration while enriching for laminin networks in apparently resistant viable tumor regions that persisted. These findings for the first time establish VM-like laminin networks as a biomarker in MCC, demonstrate the experimental utility of the MCC xenograft model, and suggest that VM-rich regions of MCC may be refractory to conventional chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Lezcano
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center,
Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Sonja Kleffel
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital,
Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nayoung Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital,
Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Allison R. Larson
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital,
Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Qian Zhan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital,
Boston, MA
| | - Andrew DoRosario
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,Center for Cutaneous Oncology, Dana-Farber/Brigham and
Women’s Cancer Center, Boston, MA
| | - Linda C. Wang
- Institute for Cancer Care, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore,
MD
| | - Tobias Schatton
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,Transplantation Research Center, Children’s Hospital
Boston, MA
| | - George F. Murphy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital,
Boston, MA
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Atlasi Y, Looijenga L, Fodde R. Cancer stem cells, pluripotency, and cellular heterogeneity: a WNTer perspective. Curr Top Dev Biol 2014; 107:373-404. [PMID: 24439813 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416022-4.00013-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to represent the "beating heart" of malignant growth as they continuously fuel tumors through their ability to self-renew and differentiate. Moreover, they are also believed to underlie malignant behavior, local invasion, and metastasis in distal organ sites upon reversible epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs). Nevertheless, the CSC concept has been the object of controversy, mainly due to the absence of robust operational definitions and to the lack of consistency in the use of the often incorrect nomenclature employed to refer to these cells. Notwithstanding the controversies, it is now generally accepted that primary cancers are organized in hierarchical fashion with neoplastic stem-like cells able to give rise to new CSCs and to more committed malignant cells. Notably, these hierarchical structures are not unidirectional, but are rather characterized by a more dynamic equilibrium where stem-like and more committed cancer cells transit from one meta-state to the other partly because of cues from the microenvironment (niche), but also because of intrinsic and yet incompletely understood characteristics in the activation/silencing of specific signal transduction pathways. Here, we will focus on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway as one of the major regulator of stemness in homeostasis and cancer, and on germ cell tumors as the type of malignancy that most closely mimics normal embryonic development and as such serve as a unique model to study the role of stem cells in neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaser Atlasi
- Department of Pathology, Josephine Nefkens Institute, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leendert Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Josephine Nefkens Institute, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Riccardo Fodde
- Department of Pathology, Josephine Nefkens Institute, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Mandalos N, Rhinn M, Granchi Z, Karampelas I, Mitsiadis T, Economides AN, Dollé P, Remboutsika E. Sox2 acts as a rheostat of epithelial to mesenchymal transition during neural crest development. Front Physiol 2014; 5:345. [PMID: 25309446 PMCID: PMC4162359 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise control of self-renewal and differentiation of progenitor cells into the cranial neural crest (CNC) pool ensures proper head development, guided by signaling pathways such as BMPs, FGFs, Shh and Notch. Here, we show that murine Sox2 plays an essential role in controlling progenitor cell behavior during craniofacial development. A “Conditional by Inversion” Sox2 allele (Sox2COIN) has been employed to generate an epiblast ablation of Sox2 function (Sox2EpINV). Sox2EpINV/+(H) haploinsufficient and conditional (Sox2EpINV/mosaic) mutant embryos proceed beyond gastrulation and die around E11. These mutant embryos exhibit severe anterior malformations, with hydrocephaly and frontonasal truncations, which could be attributed to the deregulation of CNC progenitor cells during their epithelial to mesenchymal transition. This irregularity results in an exacerbated and aberrant migration of Sox10+ NCC in the branchial arches and frontonasal process of the Sox2 mutant embryos. These results suggest a novel role for Sox2 as a regulator of the epithelial to mesenchymal transitions (EMT) that are important for the cell flow in the developing head.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Mandalos
- Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Division of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming" Vari-Attica, Greece
| | - Muriel Rhinn
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM, U964, CNRS, UMR7104, Université de Strasbourg Illkirch, France
| | - Zoraide Granchi
- Orofacial Development and Regeneration Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Oral Biology, University of Zurich, ZZM Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ioannis Karampelas
- Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Division of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming" Vari-Attica, Greece ; Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Thimios Mitsiadis
- Orofacial Development and Regeneration Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Oral Biology, University of Zurich, ZZM Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Pascal Dollé
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM, U964, CNRS, UMR7104, Université de Strasbourg Illkirch, France
| | - Eumorphia Remboutsika
- Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Division of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming" Vari-Attica, Greece
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SOX2 expression in the developing, adult, as well as, diseased prostate. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2014; 17:301-9. [PMID: 25091041 PMCID: PMC4227931 DOI: 10.1038/pcan.2014.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SOX2 is a member of SOX (SRY-related HMG box) family of transcription factors. METHODS in this study, we examined the expression of SOX2 in murine and human prostatic specimens by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS we found that SOX2 was expressed in murine prostates during budding morphogenesis and in neuroendocrine (NE) prostate cancer (PCa) murine models. Expression of SOX2 was also examined in human prostatic tissue. We found that SOX2 was expressed in 26 of 30 benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) specimens. In these BPH samples, expression of SOX2 was limited to basal epithelial cells. In contrast, 24 of 25 primary PCa specimens were negative for SOX2. The only positive primary PCa was the prostatic NE tumor, which also showed co-expression of synaptophysin. Additionally, the expression of SOX2 was detected in all prostatic NE tumor xenograft lines. Furthermore, we have examined the expression of SOX2 on a set of tissue microarrays consisting of metastatic PCa tissues. Expression of SOX2 was detected in at least one metastatic site in 15 of 24 patients with metastatic castration-resistant PCa; and the expression of SOX2 was correlated with synaptophysin. CONCLUSIONS SOX2 was expressed in developing prostates, basal cells of BPH, as well as prostatic NE tumors.
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