1
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Kuznetsov AV. Simulating the Growth of TATA-Box Binding Protein-Associated Factor 15 Inclusions in Neuron Soma. J Biomech Eng 2024; 146:121010. [PMID: 39222014 DOI: 10.1115/1.4066386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
To the best of the author's knowledge, this paper presents the first attempt to develop a mathematical model of the formation and growth of inclusions containing misfolded TATA-box binding protein associated factor 15 (TAF15). It has recently been shown that TAF15 inclusions are involved in approximately 10% of cases of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). FTLD is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is characterized by a progressive loss of personality, behavioral changes, and a decline in language skills due to the degeneration of the frontal and anterior temporal lobes. The model simulates TAF15 monomer production, nucleation and autocatalytic growth of free TAF15 aggregates, and their deposition into TAF15 inclusions. The accuracy of the numerical solution of the model equations is validated by comparing it with analytical solutions available for limiting cases. Physiologically relevant parameter values were used to predict TAF15 inclusion growth. It is shown that the growth of TAF15 inclusions is influenced by two opposing mechanisms: the rate at which free TAF15 aggregates are deposited into inclusions and the rate of autocatalytic production of free TAF15 aggregates from monomers. A low deposition rate slows inclusion growth, while a high deposition rate hinders the autocatalytic production of new aggregates, thus also slowing inclusion growth. Consequently, the rate of inclusion growth is maximized at an intermediate deposition rate of free TAF15 aggregates into TAF15 inclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey V Kuznetsov
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7910
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2
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Carouge E, Burnichon C, Figeac M, Sebda S, Vanpouille N, Vinchent A, Truong MJ, Duterque-Coquillaud M, Tulasne D, Chotteau-Lelièvre A. Functional interaction between receptor tyrosine kinase MET and ETS transcription factors promotes prostate cancer progression. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 39374163 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer, the most common malignancy in men, has a relatively favourable prognosis. However, when it spreads to the bone, the survival rate drops dramatically. The development of bone metastases leaves patients with aggressive prostate cancer, the leading cause of death in men. Moreover, bone metastases are incurable and very painful. Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (MET) and fusion of genes encoding E26 transformation-specific (ETS) transcription factors are both involved in the progression of the disease. ETS gene fusions, in particular, have the ability to induce the migratory and invasive properties of prostate cancer cells, whereas MET receptor, through its signalling cascades, is able to activate transcription factor expression. MET signalling and ETS gene fusions are intimately linked to high-grade prostate cancer. However, the collaboration of these factors in prostate cancer progression has not yet been investigated. Here, we show, using cell models of advanced prostate cancer, that ETS translocation variant 1 (ETV1) and transcriptional regulator ERG (ERG) transcription factors (members of the ETS family) promote tumour properties, and that activation of MET signalling enhances these effects. By using a specific MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor in a humanised hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mouse model, we also establish that MET activity is required for ETV1/ERG-mediated tumour growth. Finally, by performing a comparative transcriptomic analysis, we identify target genes that could play a relevant role in these cellular processes. Thus, our results demonstrate for the first time in prostate cancer models a functional interaction between ETS transcription factors (ETV1 and ERG) and MET signalling that confers more aggressive properties and highlight a molecular signature characteristic of this combined action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Carouge
- UMR9020 - UMR1277 - Canther - Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, France
| | - Clémence Burnichon
- UMR9020 - UMR1277 - Canther - Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, France
| | - Martin Figeac
- US 41 - UAR 2014 - PLBS, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, France
| | - Shéhérazade Sebda
- US 41 - UAR 2014 - PLBS, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, France
| | - Nathalie Vanpouille
- UMR9020 - UMR1277 - Canther - Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, France
| | - Audrey Vinchent
- UMR9020 - UMR1277 - Canther - Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, France
| | - Marie-José Truong
- UMR9020 - UMR1277 - Canther - Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, France
| | - Martine Duterque-Coquillaud
- UMR9020 - UMR1277 - Canther - Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, France
| | - David Tulasne
- UMR9020 - UMR1277 - Canther - Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, France
| | - Anne Chotteau-Lelièvre
- UMR9020 - UMR1277 - Canther - Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, France
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3
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Mancarella C, Scotlandi K. Targeting EWS::FLI1 to Advance Ewing Sarcoma Therapy. J Clin Oncol 2024:JCO2401323. [PMID: 39259926 DOI: 10.1200/jco-24-01323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Mancarella
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Katia Scotlandi
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
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4
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Croushore EE, Stipp CS, Gordon DJ. EWS-FLI1 and Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) Reciprocally Regulate Extracellular-Matrix Proteins in Ewing sarcoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8595. [PMID: 39201282 PMCID: PMC11354993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides and the target of multiple chemotherapy drugs, including gemcitabine. We previously identified that inhibition of RNR in Ewing sarcoma tumors upregulates the expression levels of multiple members of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor family, including c-Jun and c-Fos, and downregulates the expression of c-Myc. However, the broader functions and downstream targets of AP-1, which are highly context- and cell-dependent, are unknown in Ewing sarcoma tumors. Consequently, in this work, we used genetically defined models, transcriptome profiling, and gene-set -enrichment analysis to identify that AP-1 and EWS-FLI1, the driver oncogene in most Ewing sarcoma tumors, reciprocally regulate the expression of multiple extracellular-matrix proteins, including fibronectins, integrins, and collagens. AP-1 expression in Ewing sarcoma cells also drives, concurrent with these perturbations in gene and protein expression, changes in cell morphology and phenotype. We also identified that EWS-FLI1 dysregulates the expression of multiple AP-1 proteins, aligning with previous reports demonstrating genetic and physical interactions between EWS-FLI1 and AP-1. Overall, these results provide novel insights into the distinct, EWS-FLI1-dependent features of Ewing sarcoma tumors and identify a novel, reciprocal regulation of extracellular-matrix components by EWS-FLI1 and AP-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E. Croushore
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Christopher S. Stipp
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - David J. Gordon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
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5
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Ebegboni VJ, Jones TL, Brownmiller T, Zhao PX, Pehrsson EC, Rajan SS, Caplen NJ. ETS1, a Target Gene of the EWSR1::FLI1 Fusion Oncoprotein, Regulates the Expression of the Focal Adhesion Protein TENSIN3. Mol Cancer Res 2024; 22:625-641. [PMID: 38588446 PMCID: PMC11219265 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-23-1090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The mechanistic basis for the metastasis of Ewing sarcomas remains poorly understood, as these tumors harbor few mutations beyond the chromosomal translocation that initiates the disease. Instead, the epigenome of Ewing sarcoma cells reflects the regulatory state of genes associated with the DNA-binding activity of the fusion oncoproteins EWSR1::FLI1 or EWSR1::ERG. In this study, we examined the EWSR1::FLI1/ERG's repression of transcription factor genes, concentrating on those that exhibit a broader range of expression in tumors than in Ewing sarcoma cell lines. Focusing on one of these target genes, ETS1, we detected EWSR1::FLI1 binding and an H3K27me3-repressive mark at this locus. Depletion of EWSR1::FLI1 results in ETS1's binding of promoter regions, substantially altering the transcriptome of Ewing sarcoma cells, including the upregulation of the gene encoding TENSIN3 (TNS3), a focal adhesion protein. Ewing sarcoma cell lines expressing ETS1 (CRISPRa) exhibited increased TNS3 expression and enhanced movement compared with control cells. Visualization of control Ewing sarcoma cells showed a distributed vinculin signal and a network-like organization of F-actin; in contrast, ETS1-activated Ewing sarcoma cells showed an accumulation of vinculin and F-actin toward the plasma membrane. Interestingly, the phenotype of ETS1-activated Ewing sarcoma cell lines depleted of TNS3 resembled the phenotype of the control cells. Critically, these findings have clinical relevance as TNS3 expression in Ewing sarcoma tumors positively correlates with that of ETS1. Implications: ETS1's transcriptional regulation of the gene encoding the focal adhesion protein TENSIN3 in Ewing sarcoma cells promotes cell movement, a critical step in the evolution of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vernon Justice Ebegboni
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tamara L. Jones
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tayvia Brownmiller
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Patrick X. Zhao
- Omics Bioinformatics Facility, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Erica C. Pehrsson
- Omics Bioinformatics Facility, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Soumya Sundara Rajan
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Natasha J. Caplen
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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6
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Mahnoor S, Molnar C, Velázquez D, Reina J, Llamazares S, Heinen JP, Mora J, Gonzalez C. Human EWS-FLI protein levels and neomorphic functions show a complex, function-specific dose-response relationship in Drosophila. Open Biol 2024; 14:240043. [PMID: 39013417 PMCID: PMC11251760 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.240043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (EwS) is a cancer that arises in the bones and soft tissues, typically driven by the Ewing's sarcoma breakpoint region 1-Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (EWS-FLI) oncogene. Implementation of genetically modified animal models of EwS has proved difficult largely owing to EWS-FLI's high toxicity. The EWS-FLI1FS frameshift variant that circumvents toxicity but is still able to perform key oncogenic functions provided the first study model in Drosophila. However, the quest for Drosophila lines expressing full-length, unmodified EWS-FLI remained open. Here, we show that EWS-FLI1FS's lower toxicity is owed to reduced protein levels caused by its frameshifted C-terminal peptide, and report new strategies through which we have generated Drosophila lines that express full-length, unmodified EWS-FLI. Using these lines, we have found that the upregulation of transcription from GGAA-microsatellites (GGAAμSats) presents a positive linear correlation within a wide range of EWS-FLI protein concentrations. In contrast, rather counterintuitively, GGAAμSats-independent transcriptomic dysregulation presents relatively minor differences across the same range, suggesting that GGAAμSat-dependent and -independent transcriptional upregulation present different kinetics of response with regards to changing EWS-FLI protein concentration. Our results underpin the functional relevance of varying EWS-FLI expression levels and provide experimental tools to investigate, in Drosophila, the effect of the EWS-FLI 'high' and 'low' states that have been reported and are suspected to be important for EwS in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Mahnoor
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Molnar
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diego Velázquez
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Reina
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salud Llamazares
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jan Peter Heinen
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Mora
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona (PCCB), Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cayetano Gonzalez
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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7
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Daley JD, Mukherjee E, Tufino AC, Bailey N, Bhaskar S, Periyapatna N, MacFawn I, Kunning S, Hinck C, Bruno T, Olson AC, McAllister-Lucas LM, Hinck AP, Cooper K, Bao R, Cillo AR, Bailey KM. Immunocompetent murine model of Ewing sarcoma reveals role for TGFβ inhibition to enhance immune infiltrates in Ewing tumors during radiation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.07.592974. [PMID: 38766091 PMCID: PMC11100684 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.07.592974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive cancer diagnosed in adolescents and young adults. The fusion oncoprotein (EWSR1::FLI1) that drives Ewing sarcoma is known to downregulate TGFBR2 expression (part of the TGFβ receptor). Because TGFBR2 is downregulated, it was thought that TGFβ likely plays an inconsequential role in Ewing biology. However, the expression of TGFβ in the Ewing tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and functional impact of TGFβ in the TIME remains largely unknown given the historical lack of immunocompetent preclinical models. Here, we use single-cell RNAseq analysis of human Ewing tumors to show that immune cells, such as NK cells, are the largest source of TGFβ production in human Ewing tumors. We develop a humanized (immunocompetent) mouse model of ES and demonstrate distinct TME signatures and metastatic potential in these models as compared to tumors developed in immunodeficient mice. Using this humanized model, we study the effect of TGFβ inhibition on the Ewing TME during radiation therapy, a treatment that both enhances TGFβ activation and is used to treat aggressive ES. Utilizing a trivalent ligand TGFβ TRAP to inhibit TGFβ, we demonstrate that in combination with radiation, TGFβ inhibition both increases ES immune cell infiltration and decreases lung metastatic burden in vivo . The culmination of these data demonstrates the value of humanized models to address immunobiologic preclinical questions in Ewing sarcoma and suggests TGFβ inhibition as a promising intervention during radiation therapy to promote metastatic tumor control.
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8
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De Feo A, Manfredi M, Mancarella C, Maqueda JJ, De Giorgis V, Pignochino Y, Sciandra M, Cristalli C, Donadelli M, Scotlandi K. CD99 Modulates the Proteomic Landscape of Ewing Sarcoma Cells and Related Extracellular Vesicles. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1588. [PMID: 38338867 PMCID: PMC10855178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is an aggressive pediatric bone tumor characterized by unmet clinical needs and an incompletely understood epigenetic heterogeneity. Here, we considered CD99, a major surface molecule hallmark of EWS malignancy. Fluctuations in CD99 expression strongly impair cell dissemination, differentiation, and death. CD99 is also loaded within extracellular vesicles (EVs), and the delivery of CD99-positive or CD99-negative EVs dynamically exerts oncogenic or oncosuppressive functions to recipient cells, respectively. We undertook mass spectrometry and functional annotation analysis to investigate the consequences of CD99 silencing on the proteomic landscape of EWS cells and related EVs. Our data demonstrate that (i) the decrease in CD99 leads to major changes in the proteomic profile of EWS cells and EVs; (ii) intracellular and extracellular compartments display two distinct signatures of differentially expressed proteins; (iii) proteomic changes converge to the modulation of cell migration and immune-modulation biological processes; and (iv) CD99-silenced cells and related EVs are characterized by a migration-suppressive, pro-immunostimulatory proteomic profile. Overall, our data provide a novel source of CD99-associated protein biomarkers to be considered for further validation as mediators of EWS malignancy and as EWS disease liquid biopsy markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra De Feo
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.F.); (C.M.); (J.J.M.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Marcello Manfredi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (M.M.); (V.D.G.)
| | - Caterina Mancarella
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.F.); (C.M.); (J.J.M.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Joaquín J. Maqueda
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.F.); (C.M.); (J.J.M.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Veronica De Giorgis
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (M.M.); (V.D.G.)
| | - Ymera Pignochino
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Turin, Italy;
- Sarcoma Unit, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Turin, Italy
| | - Marika Sciandra
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.F.); (C.M.); (J.J.M.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Camilla Cristalli
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.F.); (C.M.); (J.J.M.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Massimo Donadelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Katia Scotlandi
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.F.); (C.M.); (J.J.M.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
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9
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Ebegboni VJ, Jones TL, Brownmiller T, Zhao PX, Pehrsson EC, Rajan SS, Caplen NJ. ETS1, a target gene of the EWSR1::FLI1 fusion oncoprotein, regulates the expression of the focal adhesion protein TENSIN3. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.21.572864. [PMID: 38187702 PMCID: PMC10769395 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.21.572864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The mechanistic basis for the metastasis of Ewing sarcomas remains poorly understood, as these tumors harbor few mutations beyond the chromosomal translocation that initiates the disease. Instead, the epigenome of Ewing sarcoma (EWS) cells reflects the regulatory state of genes associated with the DNA binding activity of the fusion oncoproteins EWSR1::FLI1 or EWSR1::ERG. In this study, we examined the EWSR1::FLI1/ERG's repression of transcription factor genes, concentrating on those that exhibit a broader range of expression in tumors than in EWS cell lines. Focusing on one of these target genes, ETS1, we detected EWSR1::FLI1 binding and an H3K27me3 repressive mark at this locus. Depletion of EWSR1::FLI1 results in ETS1's binding of promoter regions, substantially altering the transcriptome of EWS cells, including the upregulation of the gene encoding TENSIN3 (TNS3), a focal adhesion protein. EWS cell lines expressing ETS1 (CRISPRa) exhibited increased TNS3 expression and enhanced movement compared to control cells. The cytoskeleton of control cells and ETS1-activated EWS cell lines also differed. Specifically, control cells exhibited a distributed vinculin signal and a network-like organization of F-actin. In contrast, ETS1-activated EWS cells showed an accumulation of vinculin and F-actin towards the plasma membrane. Interestingly, the phenotype of ETS1-activated EWS cell lines depleted of TNS3 resembled the phenotype of the control cells. Critically, these findings have clinical relevance as TNS3 expression in EWS tumors positively correlates with that of ETS1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vernon Justice Ebegboni
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tamara L Jones
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tayvia Brownmiller
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Patrick X Zhao
- Omics Bioinformatics Facility, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Erica C Pehrsson
- Omics Bioinformatics Facility, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Soumya Sundara Rajan
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Natasha J Caplen
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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10
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Wrenn ED, Apfelbaum AA, Rudzinski ER, Deng X, Jiang W, Sud S, Van Noord RA, Newman EA, Garcia NM, Miyaki A, Hoglund VJ, Bhise SS, Kanaan SB, Waltner OG, Furlan SN, Lawlor ER. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Like Tumor Cells Remodel the Ewing Sarcoma Tumor Microenvironment. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:5140-5154. [PMID: 37471463 PMCID: PMC10801911 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite limited genetic and histologic heterogeneity, Ewing sarcoma (EwS) tumor cells are transcriptionally heterogeneous and display varying degrees of mesenchymal lineage specification in vitro. In this study, we investigated if and how transcriptional heterogeneity of EwS cells contributes to heterogeneity of tumor phenotypes in vivo. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Single-cell proteogenomic-sequencing of EwS cell lines was performed and integrated with patient tumor transcriptomic data. Cell subpopulations were isolated by FACS for assessment of gene expression and phenotype. Digital spatial profiling and human whole transcriptome analysis interrogated transcriptomic heterogeneity in EwS xenografts. Tumor cell subpopulations and matrix protein deposition were evaluated in xenografts and patient tumors using multiplex immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS We identified CD73 as a biomarker of highly mesenchymal EwS cell subpopulations in tumor models and patient biopsies. CD73+ tumor cells displayed distinct transcriptional and phenotypic properties, including selective upregulation of genes that are repressed by EWS::FLI1, and increased migratory potential. CD73+ cells were distinguished in vitro and in vivo by increased expression of matrisomal genes and abundant deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. In epithelial-derived malignancies, ECM is largely deposited by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), and we thus labeled CD73+ EwS cells, CAF-like tumor cells. Marked heterogeneity of CD73+ EwS cell frequency and distribution was detected in tumors in situ, and CAF-like tumor cells and associated ECM were observed in peri-necrotic regions and invasive foci. CONCLUSIONS EwS tumor cells can adopt CAF-like properties, and these distinct cell subpopulations contribute to tumor heterogeneity by remodeling the tumor microenvironment. See related commentary by Kuo and Amatruda, p. 5002.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma D. Wrenn
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - April A. Apfelbaum
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
- Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Erin R. Rudzinski
- Pathology Department, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Xuemei Deng
- Pathology Department, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Wei Jiang
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sudha Sud
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Erika A. Newman
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Nicolas M. Garcia
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Aya Miyaki
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Virginia J. Hoglund
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Shruti S. Bhise
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Sami B. Kanaan
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Olivia G. Waltner
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Scott N. Furlan
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Elizabeth R. Lawlor
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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11
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Yasir M, Park J, Chun W. EWS/FLI1 Characterization, Activation, Repression, Target Genes and Therapeutic Opportunities in Ewing Sarcoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15173. [PMID: 37894854 PMCID: PMC10607184 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite their clonal origins, tumors eventually develop into complex communities made up of phenotypically different cell subpopulations, according to mounting evidence. Tumor cell-intrinsic programming and signals from geographically and temporally changing microenvironments both contribute to this variability. Furthermore, the mutational load is typically lacking in childhood malignancies of adult cancers, and they still exhibit high cellular heterogeneity levels largely mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Ewing sarcomas represent highly aggressive malignancies affecting both bone and soft tissue, primarily afflicting adolescents. Unfortunately, the outlook for patients facing relapsed or metastatic disease is grim. These tumors are primarily fueled by a distinctive fusion event involving an FET protein and an ETS family transcription factor, with the most prevalent fusion being EWS/FLI1. Despite originating from a common driver mutation, Ewing sarcoma cells display significant variations in transcriptional activity, both within and among tumors. Recent research has pinpointed distinct fusion protein activities as a principal source of this heterogeneity, resulting in markedly diverse cellular phenotypes. In this review, we aim to characterize the role of the EWS/FLI fusion protein in Ewing sarcoma by exploring its general mechanism of activation and elucidating its implications for tumor heterogeneity. Additionally, we delve into potential therapeutic opportunities to target this aberrant fusion protein in the context of Ewing sarcoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wanjoo Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.); (J.P.)
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12
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Wen J, Yi L, Wan L, Dong X. Prognostic value of GLCE and infiltrating immune cells in Ewing sarcoma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19357. [PMID: 37662777 PMCID: PMC10474439 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The prognostic value of D-glucuronyl C5-epimerase (GLCE) and mast cell infiltration in Ewing sarcoma (ES) has not been well specified and highlighted, which may facilitate survival prediction and treatment. Methods Several qualified datasets were downloaded from the GEO website. Common differentially expressed genes between normal subjects and ES patients in GSE17679, GSE45544, and GSE68776 were identified and screened by multiple algorithms to find hub genes with prognostic value. The prognostic value of 64 infiltrating cells was also explored. A prognostic model was established and then validated with GSE63155 and GSE63156. Finally, functional analysis was performed. Results GLCE and mast cell infiltration were screened as two indicators for a prognostic model. The Kaplan‒Meier analysis showed that patients in the low GLCE expression, mast cell infiltration and risk score groups had poorer outcomes than patients in the high GLCE expression, mast cell infiltration and risk score groups, both in the training and validation sets. Scatter plots and heatmaps also indicated the same results. The concordance indices and calibration analyses indicated a high prediction accuracy of the model in the training and validation sets. The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analyses suggested high sensitivity and specificity of the model, with area under the curve values between 0.76 and 0.98. The decision curve analyses suggested a significantly higher net benefit by the model than the treat-all and treat-none strategies. Functional analyses suggested that glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-heparan sulfate/heparin, the cell cycle and microRNAs in cancer were upregulated in ES patients. Conclusions GLCE and mast cell infiltration are potential prognostic indicators in ES. GLCE may affect the proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis of ES by affecting the biosynthesis of heparan sulfate and heparin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wen
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Department of Orthopedics, JXHC Key Laboratory of Digital Orthopedics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, 152 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Lijun Yi
- Central Laboratory, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Yangming Rd, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Lijia Wan
- Department of Child Healthcare, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Xieping Dong
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Department of Orthopedics, JXHC Key Laboratory of Digital Orthopedics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, 152 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
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13
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Legrand AJ, Choul-li S, Villeret V, Aumercier M. Poly(ADP-ribose) Polyremase-1 (PARP-1) Inhibition: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy for ETS-Expressing Tumours. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13454. [PMID: 37686260 PMCID: PMC10487777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
ETS transcription factors are a highly conserved family of proteins involved in the progression of many cancers, such as breast and prostate carcinomas, Ewing's sarcoma, and leukaemias. This significant involvement can be explained by their roles at all stages of carcinogenesis progression. Generally, their expression in tumours is associated with a poor prognosis and an aggressive phenotype. Until now, no efficient therapeutic strategy had emerged to specifically target ETS-expressing tumours. Nevertheless, there is evidence that pharmacological inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), a key DNA repair enzyme, specifically sensitises ETS-expressing cancer cells to DNA damage and limits tumour progression by leading some of the cancer cells to death. These effects result from a strong interplay between ETS transcription factors and the PARP-1 enzyme. This review summarises the existing knowledge of this molecular interaction and discusses the promising therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud J. Legrand
- CNRS, EMR9002 Integrative Structural Biology, F-59000 Lille, France; (A.J.L.); (V.V.)
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167-RID-AGE-Risk Factors and Molecular Deter-minants of Aging-Related Diseases, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Souhaila Choul-li
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université Chouaib Doukkali, BP-20, El Jadida 24000, Morocco;
| | - Vincent Villeret
- CNRS, EMR9002 Integrative Structural Biology, F-59000 Lille, France; (A.J.L.); (V.V.)
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167-RID-AGE-Risk Factors and Molecular Deter-minants of Aging-Related Diseases, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Marc Aumercier
- CNRS, EMR9002 Integrative Structural Biology, F-59000 Lille, France; (A.J.L.); (V.V.)
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167-RID-AGE-Risk Factors and Molecular Deter-minants of Aging-Related Diseases, F-59000 Lille, France
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14
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Salokas K, Dashi G, Varjosalo M. Decoding Oncofusions: Unveiling Mechanisms, Clinical Impact, and Prospects for Personalized Cancer Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3678. [PMID: 37509339 PMCID: PMC10377698 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated gene fusions, also known as oncofusions, have emerged as influential drivers of oncogenesis across a diverse range of cancer types. These genetic events occur via chromosomal translocations, deletions, and inversions, leading to the fusion of previously separate genes. Due to the drastic nature of these mutations, they often result in profound alterations of cellular behavior. The identification of oncofusions has revolutionized cancer research, with advancements in sequencing technologies facilitating the discovery of novel fusion events at an accelerated pace. Oncofusions exert their effects through the manipulation of critical cellular signaling pathways that regulate processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Extensive investigations have been conducted to understand the roles of oncofusions in solid tumors, leukemias, and lymphomas. Large-scale initiatives, including the Cancer Genome Atlas, have played a pivotal role in unraveling the landscape of oncofusions by characterizing a vast number of cancer samples across different tumor types. While validating the functional relevance of oncofusions remains a challenge, even non-driver mutations can hold significance in cancer treatment. Oncofusions have demonstrated potential value in the context of immunotherapy through the production of neoantigens. Their clinical importance has been observed in both treatment and diagnostic settings, with specific fusion events serving as therapeutic targets or diagnostic markers. However, despite the progress made, there is still considerable untapped potential within the field of oncofusions. Further research and validation efforts are necessary to understand their effects on a functional basis and to exploit the new targeted treatment avenues offered by oncofusions. Through further functional and clinical studies, oncofusions will enable the advancement of precision medicine and the drive towards more effective and specific treatments for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Salokas
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giovanna Dashi
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markku Varjosalo
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
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15
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Wrenn ED, Apfelbaum AA, Rudzinski ER, Deng X, Jiang W, Sud S, Van Noord RA, Newman EA, Garcia NM, Hoglund VJ, Bhise SS, Kanaan SB, Waltner OG, Furlan SN, Lawlor ER. Carcinoma-associated fibroblast-like tumor cells remodel the Ewing sarcoma tumor microenvironment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.12.536619. [PMID: 37090655 PMCID: PMC10120623 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.12.536619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity is a major driver of cancer progression. In epithelial-derived malignancies, carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to tumor heterogeneity by depositing extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that dynamically remodel the tumor microenvironment (TME). Ewing sarcomas (EwS) are histologically monomorphous, mesenchyme-derived tumors that are devoid of CAFs. Here we identify a previously uncharacterized subpopulation of transcriptionally distinct EwS tumor cells that deposit pro-tumorigenic ECM. Single cell analyses revealed that these CAF-like cells differ from bulk EwS cells by their upregulation of a matrisome-rich gene signature that is normally repressed by EWS::FLI1, the oncogenic fusion transcription factor that underlies EwS pathogenesis. Further, our studies showed that ECM-depositing tumor cells express the cell surface marker CD73, allowing for their isolation ex vivo and detection in situ. Spatial profiling of tumor xenografts and patient biopsies demonstrated that CD73 + EwS cells and tumor cell-derived ECM are prevalent along tumor borders and invasive fronts. Importantly, despite loss of EWS::FLI1-mediated gene repression, CD73 + EwS cells retain expression of EWS::FLI1 and the fusion-activated gene signature, as well as tumorigenic and proliferative capacities. Thus, EwS tumor cells can be reprogrammed to adopt CAF-like properties and these transcriptionally and phenotypically distinct cell subpopulations contribute to tumor heterogeneity by remodeling the TME.
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16
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Apfelbaum AA, Lawlor ER. Oncogenic role for an EWS-FLI1 suppressor. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:214-216. [PMID: 36658218 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-01067-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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17
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Roundhill EA, Pantziarka P, Liddle DE, Shaw LA, Albadrani G, Burchill SA. Exploiting the Stemness and Chemoresistance Transcriptome of Ewing Sarcoma to Identify Candidate Therapeutic Targets and Drug-Repurposing Candidates. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030769. [PMID: 36765727 PMCID: PMC9913297 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Outcomes for most patients with Ewing sarcoma (ES) have remained unchanged for the last 30 years, emphasising the need for more effective and tolerable treatments. We have hypothesised that using small-molecule inhibitors to kill the self-renewing chemotherapy-resistant cells (Ewing sarcoma cancer stem-like cells; ES-CSCs) responsible for progression and relapse could improve outcomes and minimise treatment-induced morbidities. For the first time, we demonstrate that ABCG1, a potential oncogene in some cancers, is highly expressed in ES-CSCs independently of CD133. Using functional models, transcriptomics and a bespoke in silico drug-repurposing pipeline, we have prioritised a group of tractable small-molecule inhibitors for further preclinical studies. Consistent with the cellular origin of ES, 21 candidate molecular targets of pluripotency, stemness and chemoresistance were identified. Small-molecule inhibitors to 13 of the 21 molecular targets (62%) were identified. POU5F1/OCT4 was the most promising new therapeutic target in Ewing sarcoma, interacting with 10 of the 21 prioritised molecular targets and meriting further study. The majority of small-molecule inhibitors (72%) target one of two drug efflux proteins, p-glycoprotein (n = 168) or MRP1 (n = 13). In summary, we have identified a novel cell surface marker of ES-CSCs and cancer/non-cancer drugs to targets expressed by these cells that are worthy of further preclinical evaluation. If effective in preclinical models, these drugs and drug combinations might be repurposed for clinical evaluation in patients with ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Ann Roundhill
- Children’s Cancer Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
- Correspondence: (E.A.R.); (S.A.B.)
| | - Pan Pantziarka
- Anticancer Fund, Brusselsesteenweg 11, 1860 Meise, Belgium
| | - Danielle E. Liddle
- Children’s Cancer Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Lucy A. Shaw
- Children’s Cancer Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Ghadeer Albadrani
- Children’s Cancer Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Susan Ann Burchill
- Children’s Cancer Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
- Correspondence: (E.A.R.); (S.A.B.)
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