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Wang Q, Li H, Wu T, Yu B, Cong H, Shen Y. Nanodrugs based on co-delivery strategies to combat cisplatin resistance. J Control Release 2024; 370:14-42. [PMID: 38615892 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.020] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Cisplatin (CDDP), as a broad-spectrum anticancer drug, is able to bind to DNA and inhibit cell division. Despite the widespread use of cisplatin since its discovery, cisplatin resistance developed during prolonged chemotherapy, similar to other small molecule chemotherapeutic agents, severely limits its clinical application. Cisplatin resistance in cancer cells is mainly caused by three reasons: DNA repair, decreased cisplatin uptake/increased efflux, and cisplatin inactivation. In earlier combination therapies, the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells prevented the achievement of the desired therapeutic effect even with the accurate combination of two chemotherapeutic drugs. Therefore, combination therapy using nanocarriers for co-delivery of drugs is considered to be ideal for alleviating cisplatin resistance and reducing cisplatin-related toxicity in cancer cells. This article provides an overview of the design of cisplatin nano-drugs used to combat cancer cell resistance, elucidates the mechanisms of action of cisplatin and the pathways through which cancer cells develop resistance, and finally discusses the design of drugs and related carriers that can synergistically reduce cancer resistance when combined with cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiubo Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Hui Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Taixia Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Bing Yu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Hailin Cong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255000, China.
| | - Youqing Shen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Center for Bio-nanoengineering, and Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, China
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Spinos T, Zografos E, Koutsoukos K, Zagouri F, Kosmas C, Driva TS, Goutas D, Gakiopoulou C, Agrogiannis G, Theochari E, Tzavara C, Lazaris AC. Predictive tissue markers in testicular germ cell tumors: Immunohistochemical expression of MLH1 and REV-7 proteins. Int Urol Nephrol 2024; 56:1887-1898. [PMID: 38285100 PMCID: PMC11090952 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-023-03933-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Testicular Germ Cell Tumors (TGCTs) are the most frequent solid malignancies in young adult men. Regardless of differences in their cell of origin, all TGCTs are considered highly curable malignancies. However, approximately 3-5% of all TGCTs do not respond to platinum-based chemotherapies. The purpose of our paper is to investigate whether immunohistochemical expression of MLH1 and REV-7 can be used as predictive tissue markers for TGCTs. MATERIAL AND METHODS The main demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of 64 male patients with TGCTs who underwent orchiectomy from 2007 to 2022 were retrospectively obtained from two large Oncology Clinics in Greece. Both patients with chemosensitive and chemoresistant disease were included. Immunohistochemical staining for MLH1 and REV-7 proteins was applied in specimens of these patients. RESULTS 31 seminomas and 33 non-seminomas were included. 48 patients had chemosensitive disease, while 16 had chemoresistant disease. 53 specimens showed preserved MLH1 expression, while 11 specimens had lost MLH1 expression. Expression of MLH1 was only significantly associated with patients' age. 16 specimens showed positive REV-7 expression, while 48 specimens were REV-7 negative. Interestingly, 50% of patients with chemoresistant disease and 16,7% of patients with chemosensitive disease were REV-7 positive. This difference was statistically significant. Moreover, REV-7 positivity was significantly associated with chemoresistance, various clinicopathological parameters and patients' prognosis and survival. CONCLUSION Loss of MLH1 expression was only found to be significantly associated with lower patients' age. Positive immunohistochemical REV-7 expression was significantly associated with various clinicopathological parameters, while it was also associated with significantly lower survival and greater hazard. REV-7 positive percentages were significantly higher in patients with chemoresistant disease. Our findings imply that immunohistochemical staining for REV-7 could potentially be used as a predictive tissue marker for TGCT tumors. Moreover, targeting of REV-7 protein, could represent a potential therapeutic strategy for chemoresistant TGCT cases. The implementation of well-designed studies on a larger scale is of utmost importance, in order to draw safer conclusions. Additional studies are needed so as to draw safer conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Spinos
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27, Goudi, Athens, Greece.
| | - Eleni Zografos
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Apodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Koutsoukos
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Apodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Flora Zagouri
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Apodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Kosmas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Unit, Metaxa Memorial Cancer Hospital, Piraeus, Greece
| | - Tatiana S Driva
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Goutas
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Charikleia Gakiopoulou
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - George Agrogiannis
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Theochari
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Chara Tzavara
- Department of Biostatistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas C Lazaris
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27, Goudi, Athens, Greece
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Cardenas RP, Zyoud A, McIntyre A, Alberio R, Mongan NP, Allegrucci C. NANOG controls testicular germ cell tumour stemness through regulation of MIR9-2. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:128. [PMID: 38693576 PMCID: PMC11062916 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03724-1] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) represent a clinical challenge; they are most prevalent in young individuals and are triggered by molecular mechanisms that are not fully understood. The origin of TGCTs can be traced back to primordial germ cells that fail to mature during embryonic development. These cells express high levels of pluripotency factors, including the transcription factor NANOG which is highly expressed in TGCTs. Gain or amplification of the NANOG locus is common in advanced tumours, suggesting a key role for this master regulator of pluripotency in TGCT stemness and malignancy. METHODS In this study, we analysed the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) that are regulated by NANOG in TGCTs via integrated bioinformatic analyses of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and NANOG chromatin immunoprecipitation in human embryonic stem cells. Through gain-of-function experiments, MIR9-2 was further investigated as a novel tumour suppressor regulated by NANOG. After transfection with MIR9-2 mimics, TGCT cells were analysed for cell proliferation, invasion, sensitivity to cisplatin, and gene expression signatures by RNA sequencing. RESULTS For the first time, we identified 86 miRNAs regulated by NANOG in TGCTs. Among these, 37 miRNAs were differentially expressed in NANOG-high tumours, and they clustered TGCTs according to their subtypes. Binding of NANOG within 2 kb upstream of the MIR9-2 locus was associated with a negative regulation. Low expression of MIR9-2 was associated with tumour progression and MIR9-2-5p was found to play a role in the control of tumour stemness. A gain of function of MIR9-2-5p was associated with reduced proliferation, invasion, and sensitivity to cisplatin in both embryonal carcinoma and seminoma tumours. MIR9-2-5p expression in TGCT cells significantly reduced the expression of genes regulating pluripotency and cell division, consistent with its functional effect on reducing cancer stemness. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new molecular insights into the role of NANOG as a key determinant of pluripotency in TGCTs through the regulation of MIR9-2-5p, a novel epigenetic modulator of cancer stemness. Our data also highlight the potential negative feedback mediated by MIR9-2-5p on NANOG expression, which could be exploited as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Cardenas
- SVMS, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Ahmad Zyoud
- SVMS, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Alan McIntyre
- School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Centre for Cancer Sciences and Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Nigel P Mongan
- SVMS, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
- Centre for Cancer Sciences and Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Cinzia Allegrucci
- SVMS, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK.
- Centre for Cancer Sciences and Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
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Lei N, Lei LL, Wang CH, Mei CR. Pure testicular choriocarcinoma, a rare and highly malignant subtype with challenging treatment: A case report and review of the literature. Mol Clin Oncol 2024; 20:1. [PMID: 38223403 PMCID: PMC10784770 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2023.2699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Testicular choriocarcinoma (CC) is the rarest subtype of germ cell tumours (GCTs) of the testis, with a high malignant potential and early haematogenous metastasis. Radical surgical resection should be performed primarily for histological diagnosis, while chemotherapy remains the mainstay of therapy for advanced disease. In the present study, the case of a 65-year-old male patient diagnosed with metastatic testicular CC, who did not fully respond to chemotherapy is reported. This patient underwent surgical removal of the testicular tumour, chemotherapy with etoposide and cisplatin, and radiotherapy of the intracranial lesions. Although the serum human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels of the patient and most of the metastases continued decreasing during chemotherapy, complete response was not achieved after six cycles of chemotherapy. The patient refused high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation due to severe side effects, and eventually developed respiratory failure on maintenance therapy with oral etoposide. A literature review was then performed, aiming to summarize the characteristics and therapeutic principles of testicular CC. In addition, the emerging therapeutic agents that could be used in maintenance therapy for GCTs, particularly for testicular CC, were also discussed. The limited clinical trials of targeted treatments showed potential benefit for long survival of patients with selected GCTs with fewer side effects. In particular, immunotherapy showed unique potential for testicular CC in preclinical studies, offering new approaches of maintenance therapy for advanced disease. Further studies should shed light on the identification of prognostic factors that predict the response to immune-based therapy in GCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Lei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu Office of People's Government of Tibetan Autonomous Region (Hospital. C. T.), Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Li-Li Lei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu Office of People's Government of Tibetan Autonomous Region (Hospital. C. T.), Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Chao-Hong Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu Office of People's Government of Tibetan Autonomous Region (Hospital. C. T.), Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Chao-Rong Mei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu Office of People's Government of Tibetan Autonomous Region (Hospital. C. T.), Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
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Lu L, Chen C, Cheng H, Ding H, Tian J, Wang H, Wang Z. Comparison of 3 and 4 cycles of neoadjuvant gemcitabine and cisplatin for muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1066. [PMID: 37932689 PMCID: PMC10626748 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11572-0] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) combined with radical cystectomy (RC) is critical in reducing disease recurrence, with GC (gemcitabine and cisplatin) being one of the most commonly used NACs. Different GC schedules have been used, but the best neoadjuvant regimen is still unknown. The clinical outcomes of 3 and 4 cycles of neoadjuvant GC are compared in this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine which is best for patients with MIBC. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, WAN FANG DATA, and meeting abstracts to identify relevant studies up to March 2023. Studies that compared 3 and 4 cycles of neoadjuvant GC for MIBC were included. The primary outcomes were pCR, pDS, OS, and CSS. The secondary outcome was recurrence and SAEs. RESULTS A total of 3 studies, with 1091 patients, were included in the final analysis. Patients that received 4 cycles of GC had a higher pCR (OR = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.50-0.87; p = 0.003) and pDS (OR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.48-0.84; p = 0.002) than those who received 3 cycles. Regarding recurrence rate (OR = 1.23; 95% CI, 0.91-1.65; p = 0.18), there were no appreciable differences between the 3 and 4 cycles of GC. Survival parameters such as OS (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.86-2.12; p = 0.19) and CSS (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.82-1.38; p = 0.20) were similar. Only one trial reported on the outcomes of SAEs. And there were no statistically significant differences in thrombocytopenia, infection rate, neutropenic fever, anemia, or decreased renal function between patients. The neutropenia of patients was statistically different (OR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.52-0.99; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION The 4-cycle GC regimen was superior to the 3-cycle regimen in only the pCR and pDS results. Survival and recurrence rates were similar between the two regimens. In both treatment regimes, the toxicity profile was manageable. However, due to the inherent drawbacks of retrospective research, this should be regarded with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanpeng Lu
- Institute of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Gansu Province for Urological Diseases, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chaohu Chen
- Institute of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Gansu Province for Urological Diseases, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hui Cheng
- Institute of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Gansu Province for Urological Diseases, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hui Ding
- Institute of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Gansu Province for Urological Diseases, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junqiang Tian
- Institute of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Gansu Province for Urological Diseases, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hanzhang Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UConn Health Farmington, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Zhiping Wang
- Institute of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Gansu Province for Urological Diseases, Lanzhou, China.
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Fotie J, Matherne CM, Wroblewski JE. Silicon switch: Carbon-silicon Bioisosteric replacement as a strategy to modulate the selectivity, physicochemical, and drug-like properties in anticancer pharmacophores. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 102:235-254. [PMID: 37029092 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14239] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Bioisosterism is one of the leading strategies in medicinal chemistry for the design and modification of drugs, consisting in replacing an atom or a substituent with a different atom or a group with similar chemical properties and an inherent biocompatibility. The objective of such an exercise is to produce a diversity of molecules with similar behavior while enhancing the desire biological and pharmacological properties, without inducing significant changes to the chemical framework. In drug discovery and development, the optimization of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity (ADMETox) profile is of paramount importance. Silicon appears to be the right choice as a carbon isostere because they possess very similar intrinsic properties. However, the replacement of a carbon by a silicon atom in pharmaceuticals has proven to result in improved efficacy and selectivity, while enhancing physicochemical properties and bioavailability. The current review discusses how silicon has been strategically introduced to modulate drug-like properties of anticancer agents, from a molecular design strategy, biological activity, computational modeling, and structure-activity relationships perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Fotie
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana, USA
| | - Caitlyn M Matherne
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jordan E Wroblewski
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana, USA
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Funke K, Einsfelder U, Hansen A, Arévalo L, Schneider S, Nettersheim D, Stein V, Schorle H. Genome-scale CRISPR screen reveals neddylation to contribute to cisplatin resistance of testicular germ cell tumours. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:2270-2282. [PMID: 37024667 PMCID: PMC10241889 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02247-5] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type II testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) are the most prevalent tumours in young men. Patients suffering from cisplatin-resistant TGCTs are facing very poor prognosis demanding novel therapeutic options. Neddylation is a known posttranslational modification mediating many important biological processes, including tumorigenesis. Overactivation of the neddylation pathway promotes carcinogenesis and tumour progression in various entities by inducing proteasomal degradation of tumour suppressors (e.g., p21, p27). METHODS We used a genome-scale CRISPR/Cas9 activation screen to identify cisplatin resistance factors. TGCT cell lines were treated with the neddylation inhibitor (MLN4924)/cisplatin/combination and investigated for changes in viability (XTT assay), apoptosis/cell cycle (flow cytometry) as well as in the transcriptome (3'mRNA sequencing). RESULTS NAE1 overexpression was detected in cisplatin-resistant colonies from the CRISPR screen. Inhibition of neddylation using MLN4924 increased cisplatin cytotoxicity in TGCT cell lines and sensitised cisplatin-resistant cells towards cisplatin. Apoptosis, G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest, γH2A.X/P27 accumulation and mesoderm/endoderm differentiation were observed in TGCT cells, while fibroblast cells were unaffected. CONCLUSIONS We identified overactivation of neddylation as a factor for cisplatin resistance in TGCTs and highlighted the additive effect of NAE1 inhibition by MLN4924 in combination with cisplatin as a novel treatment option for TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Funke
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ulf Einsfelder
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Aylin Hansen
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Laboratory, Translational UroOncology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Valentin Stein
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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Cuevas-Estrada B, Montalvo-Casimiro M, Munguia-Garza P, Ríos-Rodríguez JA, González-Barrios R, Herrera LA. Breaking the Mold: Epigenetics and Genomics Approaches Addressing Novel Treatments and Chemoresponse in TGCT Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097873. [PMID: 37175579 PMCID: PMC10178517 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ-cell tumors (TGCT) have been widely recognized for their outstanding survival rates, commonly attributed to their high sensitivity to cisplatin-based therapies. Despite this, a subset of patients develops cisplatin resistance, for whom additional therapeutic options are unsuccessful, and ~20% of them will die from disease progression at an early age. Several efforts have been made trying to find the molecular bases of cisplatin resistance. However, this phenomenon is still not fully understood, which has limited the development of efficient biomarkers and precision medicine approaches as an alternative that could improve the clinical outcomes of these patients. With the aim of providing an integrative landscape, we review the most recent genomic and epigenomic features attributed to chemoresponse in TGCT patients, highlighting how we can seek to combat cisplatin resistance through the same mechanisms by which TGCTs are particularly hypersensitive to therapy. In this regard, we explore ongoing treatment directions for resistant TGCT and novel targets to guide future clinical trials. Through our exploration of recent findings, we conclude that epidrugs are promising treatments that could help to restore cisplatin sensitivity in resistant tumors, shedding light on potential avenues for better prognosis for the benefit of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berenice Cuevas-Estrada
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Michel Montalvo-Casimiro
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Paulina Munguia-Garza
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Juan Alberto Ríos-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo González-Barrios
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Luis A Herrera
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64710, Mexico
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Testicular germ cell tumors: Genomic alternations and RAS-dependent signaling. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 183:103928. [PMID: 36717007 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.103928] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are a common malignancy occurring in young adult men. The various genetic risk factors have been suggested to contribute to TGCT pathogenesis, however, they have a distinct mutational profile with a low rate of somatic point mutations, more frequent chromosomal gains, and aneuploidy. The most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancers are RAS oncogenes, while their impact on testicular carcinogenesis and refractory disease is still poorly understood. In this mini-review, we summarize current knowledge on genetic alternations of RAS signaling-associated genes (the single nucleotide polymorphisms and point mutations) in this particular cancer type and highlight their link to chemotherapy resistance mechanisms. We also mention the impact of epigenetic changes on TGCT progression. Lastly, we propose a model for RAS-dependent signaling networks, regulation, cross-talks, and outcomes in TGCTs.
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Burnham EL, Tomita T. Histogenesis of intracranial germ cell tumors: primordial germ cell vs. embryonic stem cell. Childs Nerv Syst 2023; 39:359-368. [PMID: 36595083 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05808-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intracranial germ cell tumor (iGCT) is a rare disorder and often occurs during childhood and adolescence. iGCTs are frequently localized in pineal region and hypothalamic-neurohypophyseal axis (HNA). In spite of well-established clinical and pathological entity, histogenesis of iGCTs remains unsettled. Current theories of histogenesis of iGCTs include germ cell theory (from primordial germ cells (PGCs) of aberrant migration) and stem cell theory (transformed embryonic stem (ES) cells). In order to comprehend the histogenesis, we revisit the origin, migration, and fate of the human PGCs, and their transformation processes to iGCT. DISCUSSION In "germ cell theory," transformation of ectopic PGCs to iGCT is complex and involves multiple transcription factors. Germinoma is derived from ectopic PGCs and is considered a prototype of all GCTs. Non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs) develop from more differentiated counterparts of embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. However, there is a distinct genomic/epigenomic landscape between germinoma and NGGCT. ES cells transformed from ectopic PGCs through molecular dysregulation or de-differentiation may become the source of iGCT. "Stem cell theory" is transformation of endogenous ES cells or primitive neural stem cell to iGCTs. It supports histological diversity of NGGCTs because of ES cell's pluripotency. However, neural stem cells are abundantly present along the subependymal zone; therefore, it does not explain why iGCTs almost exclusively occur in pineal and HNA locations. Also, the vast difference of methylation status between germinoma and NGGCT makes it difficult to theorize all iGCTs derive from the common cellular linage. CONCLUSION Transformation of PGCs to ES cells is the most logical mechanism for histogenesis of iGCT. However, its detail remains an enigma and needs further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Burnham
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tadanori Tomita
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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