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Chang YH, Yu CH, Lu MY, Jou ST, Lin CY, Lin KH, Chang HH, Ni YL, Chou SW, Ko KY, Lin DT, Hsu WM, Chen HY, Yang YL. Higher tumor mutational burden is associated with inferior outcomes among pediatric patients with neuroblastoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e31176. [PMID: 38967585 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroblastoma is a pediatric malignancy with heterogeneous clinical outcomes. Our aim was to identify prognostic genetic markers for patients with neuroblastoma, who were treated with the Taiwan Pediatric Oncology Group (TPOG) neuroblastoma N2002 protocol, to improve risk stratification and inform treatment. METHODS Our analysis was based on 53 primary neuroblastoma specimens, diagnosed pre-chemotherapy, and 11 paired tumor relapse specimens. Deep sequencing of 113 target genes was performed using a custom panel. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification was performed to identify clinical outcomes related to copy-number variations. RESULTS We identified 128 variations associated with survival, with the number of variations being higher in the relapse than that in the diagnostic specimen (p = .03). The risk of event and mortality was higher among patients with a tumor mutational burden ≥10 than that in patients with a lower burden (p < .0001). Multivariate analysis identified tumor mutational burden, MYCN amplification, and chromosome 3p deletion as significant prognostic factors, independent of age at diagnosis, sex, and tumor stage. The 5-year event-free survival and overall survival rate was lower among patients with high tumor burden than in patients with low tumor burden. Furthermore, there was no survival of patients with an ALK F1147L variation at 5 years after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Genome sequencing to determine the tumor mutational burden and ALK variations can improve the risk classification of neuroblastoma and inform treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hsuan Chang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institute, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsiang Yu
- Institute of Statistical Science Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Departments of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Yao Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shiann-Tarng Jou
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Lin
- Institute of Statistical Science Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Hsin Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Hao Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ling Ni
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Wei Chou
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yin Ko
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Dong-Tsamn Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ming Hsu
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Yu Chen
- Institute of Statistical Science Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Li Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Service, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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Zhao JD, Lu XY, Chen TP, Duan XL, Zuo W, Sai K, Zhu LR, Gao Q. Development and validation of a novel nomogram for predicting overall survival patients with neuroblastoma. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2024; 50:108321. [PMID: 38598875 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2024.108321] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram specially for predicting overall survival (OS) for Chinese patients with neuroblastoma (NB). METHODS Patients with pathologically confirmed NB who were newly diagnosed and received treatments at our hospital from October 2013 to October 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The nomogram for OS were built based on Cox regression analysis. The validation of the prognostic model was evaluated by concordance index (C-index), calibration curves, and decision curve analyses (DCAs). RESULTS A total of 254 patients with NB were included in this study. They were randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 178) and a validation cohort (n = 76) at a ratio of 7:3. Multivariate analyses revealed that prognostic variables significantly related to the OS were age at diagnosis, bone metastasis, hepatic metastasis, INSS stage, MYCN status and DNA ploidy. The nomogram was constructed based on above 6 factors. The C-index values of the nomogram for predicting 3-year and 5-year OS were 0.926 and 0.964, respectively. The calibration curves of the nomogram showed good consistency between nomogram prediction and actual survival. The DCAs showed great clinical usefulness of the nomograms. Furthermore, patients with low-risk identified by our nomogram had much higher OS than those with high-risk (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The nomogram we constructed exhibited good predictive performance and could be used to assist clinicians in their decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-du Zhao
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Anhui Medical University Children's Medical Center, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, 230051, Anhui, China
| | - Xian-Ying Lu
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Anhui Medical University Children's Medical Center, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, 230051, Anhui, China
| | - Tian-Ping Chen
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Anhui Medical University Children's Medical Center, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, 230051, Anhui, China
| | - Xian-Lun Duan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Anhui Medical University Children's Medical Center, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, 230051, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Zuo
- Department of Neonatal Surgery, Anhui Medical University Children's Medical Center, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, 230051, Anhui, China
| | - Kai Sai
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Anhui Medical University Children's Medical Center, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, 230051, Anhui, China
| | - Li-Ran Zhu
- Anhui Institute of Pediatric Research, Anhui Medical University Children's Medical Center, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, 230051, Anhui, China
| | - Qun Gao
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Anhui Medical University Children's Medical Center, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, 230051, Anhui, China.
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Mohanty SK, Diwaker P, Mishra SK, Jha S, Lobo A, Panda SP, Sharma S, Kumar M, Arora S, Mallik V, Jain D, Jain E, Chakrabarti I, Varshney J, Beg A, Dixit M, Baisakh MR, Naik S, Sahoo SK, Akgul M, Balzer BL, Amin MB, Parwani AV. Diagnostic Utility of GATA3 and ISL1 in Differentiating Neuroblastoma From Other Pediatric Malignant Small Round Blue Cell Tumors. Int J Surg Pathol 2024; 32:294-303. [PMID: 37312579 DOI: 10.1177/10668969231177700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Accurate diagnosis of neuroblastoma may be challenging, especially with limited or inadequate specimen and at the metastatic sites due to overlapping imaging, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical (immunohistochemistry [IHC]; infidelity among various lineage-associated transcription factors eg FLI1, transducin-like enhancer 1, etc) features. GATA3 and ISL1 have recently been described as markers of neuroblastic differentiation. This study aims at determining the diagnostic utility of GATA3 and ISL1 in differentiating neuroblastoma from other pediatric malignant small round blue cell tumors. We evaluated GATA3 and ISL1 expression in 74 pediatric small round blue cell tumors that included 23 NMYC-amplified neuroblastomas, 11 EWSR1-rearranged round cell sarcomas, 7 SYT::SSX1-rearranged synovial sarcomas, 5 embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas, 10 Wilms tumors (nephroblastomas), 7 lymphoblastic lymphoma, 7 medulloblastoma, and 4 desmoplastic small round cell tumor. All 23 neuroblastomas (moderate to strong staining in >50% of the tumor cells), 5 T-lymphoblastic lymphomas (moderate to strong staining in 40%-90% of the tumor cells), and 2 desmoplastic small round cell tumors (weak to moderate staining in 20%-30% of the tumor cells) expressed GATA3, while other tumors were negative. ISL1 immunoreactivity was observed in 22 (96%) neuroblastomas (strong staining in in >50% of the tumor cells, n = 17; moderate to strong staining in 26%-50% of the tumor cells, n = 5), 3 embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (moderate to strong staining in 30%-85% of the tumor cells), 1 synovial sarcoma (weak staining in 20% of the tumor cells), and 7 medulloblastoma (strong staining in 60%-90% of the tumor cells). Other tumors were negative. Overall, GATA3 showed 86% specificity, 100% sensitivity, and 90% accuracy for neuroblastoma, with a positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 77% and 100%, respectively. ISLI showed 72% specificity, 96% sensitivity, and 81% accuracy for neuroblastoma, with a PPV and NPV of 67% and 97%, respectively. After the exclusion of T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and desmoplastic small round cell tumors, GATA3 had 100% specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, and PPV and NPV for neuroblastoma. Similarly, in pediatric small round blue cell tumors, ISL1 had 100% specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV for neuroblastoma, after embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and medulloblastoma were excluded. CONCLUSIONS GATA3 and ISL1 may be valuable in the diagnostic work-up of neuroblastoma and may reliably be used to support the neuroblastic lineage of pediatric small round blue cell tumors. Furthermore, dual positivity helps in challenging scenarios, when there is equivocal imaging, overlapping IHC features, limited specimen, and the lack of facility for a molecular work up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sambit K Mohanty
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, CORE Diagnostics, Gurgaon, Delhi, India
| | - Preeti Diwaker
- Department of Pathology, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Sourav K Mishra
- Department of Medical Oncology, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Shilpy Jha
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Anandi Lobo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Saroj P Panda
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Shivani Sharma
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, CORE Diagnostics, Gurgaon, Delhi, India
| | - Mohit Kumar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, CORE Diagnostics, Gurgaon, Delhi, India
| | - Samriti Arora
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, CORE Diagnostics, Gurgaon, Delhi, India
| | - Vipra Mallik
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, CORE Diagnostics, Gurgaon, Delhi, India
| | - Deepika Jain
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, CORE Diagnostics, Gurgaon, Delhi, India
| | - Ekta Jain
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, CORE Diagnostics, Gurgaon, Delhi, India
| | | | - Juhi Varshney
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, CORE Diagnostics, Gurgaon, Delhi, India
| | - Arshi Beg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, CORE Diagnostics, Gurgaon, Delhi, India
| | - Mallika Dixit
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, CORE Diagnostics, Gurgaon, Delhi, India
| | - Manas R Baisakh
- Department of Pathology, Prolife Diagnostics, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Subhasini Naik
- Department of Pathology, Prolife Diagnostics, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Subrat K Sahoo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Mahmut Akgul
- Department of Pathology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Bonnie L Balzer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mahul B Amin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory, University of Southern California Keck School, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anil V Parwani
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory, Wexner Medical Center, Pathology, Columbus, OH, USA
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4
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Capasso M, Brignole C, Lasorsa VA, Bensa V, Cantalupo S, Sebastiani E, Quattrone A, Ciampi E, Avitabile M, Sementa AR, Mazzocco K, Cafferata B, Gaggero G, Vellone VG, Cilli M, Calarco E, Giusto E, Perri P, Aveic S, Fruci D, Tondo A, Luksch R, Mura R, Rabusin M, De Leonardis F, Cellini M, Coccia P, Iolascon A, Corrias MV, Conte M, Garaventa A, Amoroso L, Ponzoni M, Pastorino F. From the identification of actionable molecular targets to the generation of faithful neuroblastoma patient-derived preclinical models. J Transl Med 2024; 22:151. [PMID: 38351008 PMCID: PMC10863144 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04954-w] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NB) represents the most frequent and aggressive form of extracranial solid tumor of infants. Although the overall survival of patients with NB has improved in the last years, more than 50% of high-risk patients still undergo a relapse. Thus, in the era of precision/personalized medicine, the need for high-risk NB patient-specific therapies is urgent. METHODS Within the PeRsonalizEd Medicine (PREME) program, patient-derived NB tumors and bone marrow (BM)-infiltrating NB cells, derived from either iliac crests or tumor bone lesions, underwent to histological and to flow cytometry immunophenotyping, respectively. BM samples containing a NB cells infiltration from 1 to 50 percent, underwent to a subsequent NB cells enrichment using immune-magnetic manipulation. Then, NB samples were used for the identification of actionable targets and for the generation of 3D/tumor-spheres and Patient-Derived Xenografts (PDX) and Cell PDX (CPDX) preclinical models. RESULTS Eighty-four percent of NB-patients showed potentially therapeutically targetable somatic alterations (including point mutations, copy number variations and mRNA over-expression). Sixty-six percent of samples showed alterations, graded as "very high priority", that are validated to be directly targetable by an approved drug or an investigational agent. A molecular targeted therapy was applied for four patients, while a genetic counseling was suggested to two patients having one pathogenic germline variant in known cancer predisposition genes. Out of eleven samples implanted in mice, five gave rise to (C)PDX, all preserved in a local PDX Bio-bank. Interestingly, comparing all molecular alterations and histological and immunophenotypic features among the original patient's tumors and PDX/CPDX up to second generation, a high grade of similarity was observed. Notably, also 3D models conserved immunophenotypic features and molecular alterations of the original tumors. CONCLUSIONS PREME confirms the possibility of identifying targetable genomic alterations in NB, indeed, a molecular targeted therapy was applied to four NB patients. PREME paves the way to the creation of clinically relevant repositories of faithful patient-derived (C)PDX and 3D models, on which testing precision, NB standard-of-care and experimental medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Capasso
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80138, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotecnology, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Brignole
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Veronica Bensa
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sueva Cantalupo
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80138, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotecnology, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Eleonora Ciampi
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marianna Avitabile
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80138, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotecnology, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela R Sementa
- Pathological Anatomy, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Katia Mazzocco
- Pathological Anatomy, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Barbara Cafferata
- Pathological Anatomy, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Gaggero
- Pathological Anatomy, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valerio G Vellone
- Pathological Anatomy, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Cilli
- Animal Facility, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, 16100, Genoa, Italy
| | - Enzo Calarco
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elena Giusto
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Patrizia Perri
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sanja Aveic
- Pediatric Research Institute Città Della Speranza, 35127, Padua, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Department of Emato-Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00146, -Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tondo
- Department of Emato-Oncology, Anna Meyer Children's Hospital, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberto Luksch
- Emato-Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Rossella Mura
- Emato-Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Brotzu, 09047, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Rabusin
- Pediatric Department, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Monica Cellini
- Emato-Oncology Unit, University-Hospital Polyclinic of Modena, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Paola Coccia
- University-Hospital of Marche, Presidio Ospedaliero "G. Salesi", 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Achille Iolascon
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80138, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotecnology, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria V Corrias
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Conte
- Clinical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147, -Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Garaventa
- Clinical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147, -Genoa, Italy
| | - Loredana Amoroso
- Clinical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147, -Genoa, Italy
| | - Mirco Ponzoni
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Fabio Pastorino
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M, Khorramian-Ghahfarokhi M, Shafieizadeh M, Mahmoudi E, Eskandari F, Rashidi M, Arshi A, Mokhtari-Farsani A. Comprehensive review of CRISPR-based gene editing: mechanisms, challenges, and applications in cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:9. [PMID: 38195537 PMCID: PMC10775503 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01925-5] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR system is a revolutionary genome editing tool that has the potential to revolutionize the field of cancer research and therapy. The ability to precisely target and edit specific genetic mutations that drive the growth and spread of tumors has opened up new possibilities for the development of more effective and personalized cancer treatments. In this review, we will discuss the different CRISPR-based strategies that have been proposed for cancer therapy, including inactivating genes that drive tumor growth, enhancing the immune response to cancer cells, repairing genetic mutations that cause cancer, and delivering cancer-killing molecules directly to tumor cells. We will also summarize the current state of preclinical studies and clinical trials of CRISPR-based cancer therapy, highlighting the most promising results and the challenges that still need to be overcome. Safety and delivery are also important challenges for CRISPR-based cancer therapy to become a viable clinical option. We will discuss the challenges and limitations that need to be overcome, such as off-target effects, safety, and delivery to the tumor site. Finally, we will provide an overview of the current challenges and opportunities in the field of CRISPR-based cancer therapy and discuss future directions for research and development. The CRISPR system has the potential to change the landscape of cancer research, and this review aims to provide an overview of the current state of the field and the challenges that need to be overcome to realize this potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Milad Khorramian-Ghahfarokhi
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Esmaeil Mahmoudi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Eskandari
- Faculty of Molecular and Cellular Biology -Genetics, Islamic Azad University of Falavarjan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Asghar Arshi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
| | - Abbas Mokhtari-Farsani
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Biology, Nourdanesh Institute of Higher Education, Meymeh, Isfahan, Iran
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6
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Xiang Z, Xie Q, Yu Z. Exosomal DNA: Role in Reflecting Tumor Genetic Heterogeneity, Diagnosis, and Disease Monitoring. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:57. [PMID: 38201485 PMCID: PMC10778000 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010057] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), with exosomes at the forefront, are key in transferring cellular information and assorted biological materials, including nucleic acids. While exosomal RNA has been thoroughly examined, exploration into exosomal DNA (exoDNA)-which is stable and promising for cancer diagnostics-lags behind. This hybrid genetic material, combining contributions from both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), is rooted in the cytoplasm. The enigmatic process concerning its cytoplasmic encapsulation continues to captivate researchers. Covering the entire genetic landscape, exoDNA encases significant oncogenic alterations in genes like TP53, ALK, and IDH1, which is vital for clinical assessment. This review delves into exosomal origins, the ins and outs of DNA encapsulation, and exoDNA's link to tumor biology, underscoring its superiority to circulating tumor DNA in the biomarker arena for both detection and therapy. Amidst scientific progress, there are complexities in the comprehension and practical application of the exoDNA surface. Reflecting on these nuances, we chart the prospective research terrain and potential pitfalls, forging a path for future inquiry. By illuminating both the known and unknown facets of exoDNA, the objective of this review is to provide guidance to the field of liquid biopsy (LB) while minimizing the occurrence of avoidable blind spots and detours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China;
| | - Qihui Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China;
| | - Zili Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China;
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
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7
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Lee HM, Wright WC, Pan M, Low J, Currier D, Fang J, Singh S, Nance S, Delahunty I, Kim Y, Chapple RH, Zhang Y, Liu X, Steele JA, Qi J, Pruett-Miller SM, Easton J, Chen T, Yang J, Durbin AD, Geeleher P. A CRISPR-drug perturbational map for identifying compounds to combine with commonly used chemotherapeutics. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7332. [PMID: 37957169 PMCID: PMC10643606 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43134-0] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Combination chemotherapy is crucial for successfully treating cancer. However, the enormous number of possible drug combinations means discovering safe and effective combinations remains a significant challenge. To improve this process, we conduct large-scale targeted CRISPR knockout screens in drug-treated cells, creating a genetic map of druggable genes that sensitize cells to commonly used chemotherapeutics. We prioritize neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial pediatric solid tumor, where ~50% of high-risk patients do not survive. Our screen examines all druggable gene knockouts in 18 cell lines (10 neuroblastoma, 8 others) treated with 8 widely used drugs, resulting in 94,320 unique combination-cell line perturbations, which is comparable to the largest existing drug combination screens. Using dense drug-drug rescreening, we find that the top CRISPR-nominated drug combinations are more synergistic than standard-of-care combinations, suggesting existing combinations could be improved. As proof of principle, we discover that inhibition of PRKDC, a component of the non-homologous end-joining pathway, sensitizes high-risk neuroblastoma cells to the standard-of-care drug doxorubicin in vitro and in vivo using patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Our findings provide a valuable resource and demonstrate the feasibility of using targeted CRISPR knockout to discover combinations with common chemotherapeutics, a methodology with application across all cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeong-Min Lee
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - William C Wright
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Min Pan
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jonathan Low
- Department of Chemical Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Duane Currier
- Department of Chemical Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jie Fang
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Shivendra Singh
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Stephanie Nance
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Ian Delahunty
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Yuna Kim
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Richard H Chapple
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Yinwen Zhang
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Xueying Liu
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jacob A Steele
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shondra M Pruett-Miller
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - John Easton
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Taosheng Chen
- Department of Chemical Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
| | - Adam D Durbin
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
| | - Paul Geeleher
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
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8
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Zappa E, Vitali A, Anders K, Molenaar JJ, Wienke J, Künkele A. Adoptive cell therapy in paediatric extracranial solid tumours: current approaches and future challenges. Eur J Cancer 2023; 194:113347. [PMID: 37832507 PMCID: PMC10695178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113347] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has ignited hope to cure paediatric solid tumours that resist traditional therapies. Among the most promising methods is adoptive cell therapy (ACT). Particularly, ACT using T cells equipped with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has moved into the spotlight in clinical studies. However, the efficacy of ACT is challenged by ACT-intrinsic factors, like lack of activation or T cell exhaustion, as well as immune evasion strategies of paediatric solid tumours, such as their highly immunosuppressive microenvironment. Novel strategies, including ACT using innate-like lymphocytes, innovative cell engineering techniques, and ACT combination therapies, are being developed and will be crucial to overcome these challenges. Here, we discuss the main classes of ACT for the treatment of paediatric extracranial solid tumours, reflect on the available preclinical and clinical evidence supporting promising strategies, and address the challenges that ACT is still facing. Ultimately, we highlight state-of-the-art developments and opportunities for new therapeutic options, which hold great potential for improving outcomes in this challenging patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Zappa
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Alice Vitali
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Kathleen Anders
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan J Molenaar
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Judith Wienke
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Annette Künkele
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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9
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Gao H, Zhang JY, Zhao LJ, Guo YY. Synthesis and clinical application of small-molecule inhibitors and PROTACs of anaplastic lymphoma kinase. Bioorg Chem 2023; 140:106807. [PMID: 37651895 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106807] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacological interventions that specifically target protein products of oncogenes in tumors have surfaced as a propitious therapeutic approach. Among infrequent genetic alterations, rearrangements of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene, typically involving a chromosome 2 inversion that culminates in a fusion with the echinoderm microtubule-associated protein like 4 (EML4), lead to anomalous expression and activation of ALK. The inhibition of autophosphorylation and subsequent blockade of signal transduction by ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has been observed to elicit anti-tumor effects. Currently, four generations of ALK-positive targeted drugs have been investigated, providing a promising outlook for patients. The aim of this review is to furnish a comprehensive survey of the synthesis and clinical application of prototypical small-molecule ALK inhibitors in both preclinical and clinical phases, offering guidance for further development of ALK inhibitors for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Gao
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jing-Yi Zhang
- The Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou Normal University 450044, China.
| | - Li-Jie Zhao
- The Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
| | - Yuan-Yuan Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
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10
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Steen EA, Basilaia M, Kim W, Getz T, Gustafson JL, Zage PE. Targeting the RET tyrosine kinase in neuroblastoma: A review and application of a novel selective drug design strategy. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115751. [PMID: 37595672 PMCID: PMC10911250 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115751] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The RET (REarranged during Transfection) gene, which encodes for a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase, is an established oncogene associated with the etiology and progression of multiple types of cancer. Oncogenic RET mutations and rearrangements resulting in gene fusions have been identified in many adult cancers, including medullary and papillary thyroid cancers, lung adenocarcinomas, colon and breast cancers, and many others. While genetic RET aberrations are much less common in pediatric solid tumors, increased RET expression has been shown to be associated with poor prognosis in children with solid tumors such as neuroblastoma, prompting an interest in RET inhibition as a form of therapy for these children. A number of kinase inhibitors currently in use for patients with cancer have RET inhibitory activity, but these inhibitors also display activity against other kinases, resulting in unwanted side effects and limiting their safety and efficacy. Recent efforts have been focused on developing more specific RET inhibitors, but due to high levels of conservation between kinase binding pockets, specificity remains a drug design challenge. Here, we review the background of RET as a potential therapeutic target in neuroblastoma tumors and the results of recent preclinical studies and clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of RET inhibition in adults and children. We also present a novel approach to drug discovery leveraging the chemical phenomenon of atropisomerism to develop specific RET inhibitors and present preliminary data demonstrating the efficacy of a novel RET inhibitor against neuroblastoma tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica A Steen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Mariam Basilaia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - William Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Taelor Getz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Jeffrey L Gustafson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
| | - Peter E Zage
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA.
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11
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Shreenivas A, Janku F, Gouda MA, Chen HZ, George B, Kato S, Kurzrock R. ALK fusions in the pan-cancer setting: another tumor-agnostic target? NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:101. [PMID: 37773318 PMCID: PMC10542332 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00449-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) alterations (activating mutations, amplifications, and fusions/rearrangements) occur in ~3.3% of cancers. ALK fusions/rearrangements are discerned in >50% of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) and anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCLs), but only in ~0.2% of other cancers outside of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a rate that may be below the viability threshold of even large-scale treatment trials. Five ALK inhibitors -alectinib, brigatinib, ceritinb, crizotinib, and lorlatinib-are FDA approved for ALK-aberrant NSCLCs, and crizotinib is also approved for ALK-aberrant IMTs and ALCL, including in children. Herein, we review the pharmacologic tractability of ALK alterations, focusing beyond NSCLC. Importantly, the hallmark of approved indications is the presence of ALK fusions/rearrangements, and response rates of ~50-85%. Moreover, there are numerous reports of ALK inhibitor activity in multiple solid and hematologic tumors (e.g., histiocytosis, leiomyosarcoma, lymphoma, myeloma, and colorectal, neuroendocrine, ovarian, pancreatic, renal, and thyroid cancer) bearing ALK fusions/rearrangements. Many reports used crizotinib or alectinib, but each of the approved ALK inhibitors have shown activity. ALK inhibitor activity is also seen in neuroblastoma, which bear ALK mutations (rather than fusions/rearrangements), but response rates are lower (~10-20%). Current data suggests that ALK inhibitors have tissue-agnostic activity in neoplasms bearing ALK fusions/rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Shreenivas
- Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | | | - Mohamed A Gouda
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hui-Zi Chen
- Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ben George
- Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Shumei Kato
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Worldwide Innovative Network (WIN) for Personalized Cancer Therapy, Chevilly-Larue, France.
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12
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Tsang YP, López Quiñones AJ, Vieira LS, Wang J. Interaction of ALK Inhibitors with Polyspecific Organic Cation Transporters and the Impact of Substrate-Dependent Inhibition on the Prediction of Drug-Drug Interactions. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2312. [PMID: 37765282 PMCID: PMC10534724 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092312] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Small molecules targeting aberrant anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are active against ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancers and neuroblastoma. Several targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been shown to interact with polyspecific organic cation transporters (pOCTs), raising concerns about potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs). The purpose of this study was to assess the interaction of ALK inhibitors with pOCTs and the impact of substrate-dependent inhibition on the prediction of DDIs. Inhibition assays were conducted in transporter-overexpressing cells using meta-iodobenzylguanidine (mIBG), metformin, or 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) as the substrate. The half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of brigatinib and crizotinib for the substrates tested were used to predict their potential for in vivo transporter mediated DDIs. Here, we show that the inhibition potencies of brigatinib and crizotinib on pOCTs are isoform- and substrate-dependent. Human OCT3 (hOCT3) and multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1 (hMATE1) were highly sensitive to inhibition by brigatinib and crizotinib for all three tested substrates. Apart from hMATE1, substrate-dependent inhibition was observed for all other transporters with varying degrees of dependency; hOCT1 inhibition showed the greatest substrate dependency, with differences in IC50 values of up to 22-fold across the tested substrates, followed by hOCT2 and hMATE2-K, with differences in IC50 values of up to 16- and 12-fold, respectively. Conversely, hOCT3 inhibition only showed a moderate substrate dependency (IC50 variance < 4.8). Among the substrates used, metformin was consistently shown to be the most sensitive substrate, followed by mIBG and MPP+. Pre-incubation of ALK inhibitors had little impact on their potencies toward hOCT2 and hMATE1. Our results underscore the complexity of the interactions between substrates and the inhibitors of pOCTs and have important implications for the clinical use of ALK inhibitors and their DDI predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joanne Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; (Y.P.T.); (A.J.L.Q.); (L.S.V.)
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13
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Pischedda F, Ghirelli A, Tripathi V, Piccoli G. Negr1-Derived Peptides Trigger ALK Degradation and Halt Neuroblastoma Progression In Vitro and In Vivo. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2307. [PMID: 37765276 PMCID: PMC10536585 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092307] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is among the most common childhood cancers. Neuroblastoma in advanced stages is one of the most intractable pediatric cancers, notwithstanding the recent therapeutic advances. ALK mutations are among the leading cause of hereditary neuroblastoma and account for more than 14% of the somatically acquired alterations. ALK kinase activity is currently one of the main targets for pharmacological strategies. However, evidence from ALK fusion-positive lung cancer studies has shown that resistance to ALK inhibition arises during the therapy, causing a relapse within several years. IgLONs are membrane-bound proteins involved in cell-to-cell adhesion. The expression of the IgLON family results altered in different cancers. We found that the IgLON member Negr1 is downregulated in neuroblastoma. The ectopic overexpression of Negr1 impairs neuroblastoma growth in vitro and in vivo. Negr1 exists as a GPI-anchored membrane-bound protein and as a soluble protein released upon metalloprotease cleavage. We generated and characterized a panel of Negr1-derived peptides. The treatment with Negr1 protein and derived peptides induce ALK downregulation and halt neuroblastoma progression in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Giovanni Piccoli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
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14
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Suk Y, Singh SK. Safety and efficacy of lorlatinib against ALK-driven refractory or relapsed neuroblastoma. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101071. [PMID: 37343514 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
We spotlight the promising preliminary findings reported by Goldsmith et al. of a phase 1 first-in-child study showcasing the safety and efficacy of lorlatinib against treatment-refractory or relapsed ALK-driven neuroblastoma.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Suk
- Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research (CDCR), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sheila K Singh
- Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research (CDCR), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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15
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Julson JR, Quinn CH, Bownes LV, Hutchins SC, Stewart JE, Aye J, Yoon KJ, Beierle EA. Inhibition of PIM Kinases Promotes Neuroblastoma Cell Differentiation to a Neuronal Phenotype. J Pediatr Surg 2023; 58:1155-1163. [PMID: 36907773 PMCID: PMC10198809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2023.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma arises from aberrancies in neural stem cell differentiation. PIM kinases contribute to cancer formation, but their precise role in neuroblastoma tumorigenesis is poorly understood. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of PIM kinase inhibition on neuroblastoma differentiation. METHODS Versteeg database query assessed the correlation between PIM gene expression and the expression of neuronal stemness markers and relapse free survival. PIM kinases were inhibited with AZD1208. Viability, proliferation, motility were measured in established neuroblastoma cells lines and high-risk neuroblastoma patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). qPCR and flow cytometry detected changes in neuronal stemness marker expression after AZD1208 treatment. RESULTS Database query showed increased levels of PIM1, PIM2, or PIM3 gene expression were associated with higher risk of recurrent or progressive neuroblastoma. Increased levels of PIM1 were associated with lower relapse free survival rates. Higher levels of PIM1 correlated with lower levels of neuronal stemness markers OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2. Treatment with AZD1208 resulted in increased expression of neuronal stemness markers. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of PIM kinases differentiated neuroblastoma cancer cells toward a neuronal phenotype. Differentiation is a key component of preventing neuroblastoma relapse or recurrence and PIM kinase inhibition provides a potential new therapeutic strategy for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet R Julson
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Colin H Quinn
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Laura V Bownes
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Sara C Hutchins
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Jerry E Stewart
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Jamie Aye
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Karina J Yoon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Beierle
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
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16
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Altun Z, Yuan H, Baran B, Aktaş S, Sönmez EE, Küçük C, Olgun N. Whole-exome sequencing reveals genetic variants in low-risk and high-risk neuroblastoma. Gene 2023; 860:147233. [PMID: 36736507 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147233] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the genetic aberrations in neuroblastoma (NB) by comparing high and low-risk NB patients by whole-exome sequencing (WES) and to reveal the heterogeneity and association between somatic variants and clinical features. Seven NB patients with available clinical data were included in the study (4 in the low-risk group and 3 in the high-risk group). WES was performed and somatic variants associated with NB genes in the COSMIC database were selected through bioinformatics pipeline analysis. Variants were determined using the Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV). Some gene variations were found in both groups, including variations in oncogene and tumor suppressor genes. In general, candidate gene variations were associated with chromatin remodeling complexes, the RAS pathway, cell proliferation, and DNA repair mechanism. Some variations in CSF1R, MSH6, PTPN11, SOX9, RET, TSC1, and DNMT1 genes were detected only in high-risk patients, while EP300, TET2, MYCN, PRDM1, and ARID2 gene variations were detected only in low-risk patients. When high-risk gene variants were compared with the cBioportal cancer genomic database, two common gene variants (ARID1A and NCOR2) were identified. However, when low-risk gene variants were compared with the cBioportal cancer genomic database, no common genes were found. GO/KEGG enrichment analysis was performed to find relevant biological processes and molecular pathways related to gene variants, which will help to decipher the molecular mechanisms of NB tumorigenesis and the phenotypic differences between high-risk and low-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekiye Altun
- Department of Basic Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey.
| | - Hongling Yuan
- Department of Basic Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Burçin Baran
- Department of Basic Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Safiye Aktaş
- Department of Basic Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Esra Esmeray Sönmez
- İzmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, İzmir, Turkey; İzmir Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Can Küçük
- İzmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, İzmir, Turkey; İzmir Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Nur Olgun
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey
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17
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Tomolonis JA, Xu X, Dholakia KH, Zhang C, Guo L, Courtney AN, Wang S, Balzeau J, Barragán GA, Tian G, Di Pierro EJ, Metelitsa LS. Interaction between tumor cell TNFR2 and monocyte membrane-bound TNF-α triggers tumorigenic inflammation in neuroblastoma. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005478. [PMID: 36882225 PMCID: PMC10008329 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor progression and resistance to therapy in children with neuroblastoma (NB), a common childhood cancer, are often associated with infiltration of monocytes and macrophages that produce inflammatory cytokines. However, the mechanism by which tumor-supportive inflammation is initiated and propagated remains unknown. Here, we describe a novel protumorigenic circuit between NB cells and monocytes that is triggered and sustained by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). METHODS We used NB knockouts (KOs) of TNF-α and TNFRSF1A mRNA (TNFR1)/TNFRSF1B mRNA (TNFR2) and TNF-α protease inbitor (TAPI), a drug that modulates TNF-α isoform expression, to assess the role of each component in monocyte-associated protumorigenic inflammation. Additionally, we employed NB-monocyte cocultures and treated these with clinical-grade etanercept, an Fc-TNFR2 fusion protein, to neutralize signaling by both membrane-bound (m) and soluble (s)TNF-α isoforms. Further, we treated NOD/SCID/IL2Rγ(null) mice carrying subcutaneous NB/human monocyte xenografts with etanercept and evaluated the impact on tumor growth and angiogenesis. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to determine whether TNF-α signaling correlates with clinical outcomes in patients with NB. RESULTS We found that NB expression of TNFR2 and monocyte membrane-bound tumor necrosis factor alpha is required for monocyte activation and interleukin (IL)-6 production, while NB TNFR1 and monocyte soluble TNF-α are required for NB nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1 (NF-κB) activation. Treatment of NB-monocyte cocultures with clinical-grade etanercept completely abrogated release of IL-6, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), IL-1α, and IL-1β and eliminated monocyte-induced enhancement of NB cell proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, etanercept treatment inhibited tumor growth, ablated tumor angiogenesis, and suppressed oncogenic signaling in mice with subcutaneous NB/human monocyte xenografts. Finally, GSEA revealed significant enrichment for TNF-α signaling in patients with NB that relapsed. CONCLUSIONS We have described a novel mechanism of tumor-promoting inflammation in NB that is strongly associated with patient outcome and could be targeted with therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Tomolonis
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xin Xu
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kshiti H Dholakia
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chunchao Zhang
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Linjie Guo
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Amy N Courtney
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Siyue Wang
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Julien Balzeau
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gabriel A Barragán
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gengwen Tian
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Erica J Di Pierro
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Leonid S Metelitsa
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA .,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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18
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Rosswog C, Fassunke J, Ernst A, Schömig-Markiefka B, Merkelbach-Bruse S, Bartenhagen C, Cartolano M, Ackermann S, Theissen J, Blattner-Johnson M, Jones B, Schramm K, Altmüller J, Nürnberg P, Ortmann M, Berthold F, Peifer M, Büttner R, Westermann F, Schulte JH, Simon T, Hero B, Fischer M. Genomic ALK alterations in primary and relapsed neuroblastoma. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:1559-1571. [PMID: 36807339 PMCID: PMC10070426 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02208-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic alterations of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene (ALK) occur recurrently in neuroblastoma, a pediatric malignancy of the sympathetic nervous system. However, information on their development over time has remained sparse. METHODS ALK alterations were assessed in neuroblastomas at diagnosis and/or relapse from a total of 943 patients, covering all stages of disease. Longitudinal information on diagnostic and relapsed samples from individual patients was available in 101 and 102 cases for mutation and amplification status, respectively. RESULTS At diagnosis, ALK point mutations occurred in 10.5% of all cases, with highest frequencies in stage 4 patients <18 months. At relapse, ALK alteration frequency increased by 70%, both in high-risk and non-high-risk cases. The increase was most likely due to de novo mutations, frequently leading to R1275Q substitutions, which are sensitive to pharmacological ALK inhibition. By contrast, the frequency of ALK amplifications did not change over the course of the disease. ALK amplifications, but not mutations, were associated with poor patient outcome. CONCLUSIONS The considerably increased frequency of ALK mutations at relapse and their high prevalence in young stage 4 patients suggest surveying the genomic ALK status regularly in these patient cohorts, and to evaluate ALK-targeted treatment also in intermediate-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Rosswog
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Else Kröner Forschungskolleg Clonal Evolution in Cancer, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jana Fassunke
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Angela Ernst
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Christoph Bartenhagen
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maria Cartolano
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sandra Ackermann
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jessica Theissen
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mirjam Blattner-Johnson
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Pediatric Glioma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Barbara Jones
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Pediatric Glioma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Schramm
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Pediatric Glioma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Janine Altmüller
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Core Facility Genomics, Berlin, Germany.,Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Nürnberg
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Monika Ortmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Frank Berthold
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Peifer
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Translational Genomics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Reinhard Büttner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Frank Westermann
- Division Neuroblastoma Genomics, B087, German Cancer Research Center and Hopp Children´s Cancer Center at the NCT (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes H Schulte
- Department of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, Charité University Medical Centre Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thorsten Simon
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Barbara Hero
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. .,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. .,Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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19
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Ahmad MH, Ghosh B, Rizvi MA, Ali M, Kaur L, Mondal AC. Neural crest cells development and neuroblastoma progression: Role of Wnt signaling. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:306-328. [PMID: 36502519 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30931] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common heterogeneous extracranial cancers in infancy that arises from neural crest (NC) cells of the sympathetic nervous system. The Wnt signaling pathway, both canonical and noncanonical pathway, is a highly conserved signaling pathway that regulates the development and differentiation of the NC cells during embryogenesis. Reports suggest that aberrant activation of Wnt ligands/receptors in Wnt signaling pathways promote progression and relapse of NB. Wnt signaling pathways regulate NC induction and migration in a similar manner; it regulates proliferation and metastasis of NB. Inhibiting the Wnt signaling pathway or its ligands/receptors induces apoptosis and abrogates proliferation and tumorigenicity in all major types of NB cells. Here, we comprehensively discuss the Wnt signaling pathway and its mechanisms in regulating the development of NC and NB pathogenesis. This review highlights the implications of aberrant Wnt signaling in the context of etiology, progression, and relapse of NB. We have also described emerging strategies for Wnt-based therapies against the progression of NB that will provide new insights into the development of Wnt-based therapeutic strategies for NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir Hilal Ahmad
- School of Life Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.,Genome Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Balaram Ghosh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Midnapore Medical College & Hospital, West Bengal, Medinipur, India
| | - Moshahid Alam Rizvi
- Genome Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Mansoor Ali
- School of Life Sciences, Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Loveleena Kaur
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Srinagar, India
| | - Amal Chandra Mondal
- School of Life Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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20
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Sun L, Li X, Tu L, Stucky A, Huang C, Chen X, Cai J, Li SC. RNA-Sequencing Combined With Genome-Wide Allele-Specific Expression Patterning Identifies ZNF44 Variants as a Potential New Driver Gene for Pediatric Neuroblastoma. Cancer Control 2023; 30:10732748231175017. [PMID: 37161925 DOI: 10.1177/10732748231175017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the children's most common solid tumors, accounting for approximately 8% of pediatric malignancies and 15% of childhood cancer deaths. Somatic mutations in several genes, such as ALK, have been associated with NB progression and can facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies. However, the differential expression of mutated and wild-type alleles on the transcriptome level is poorly studied. METHODS This study analyzed 219 whole-exome sequencing datasets with somatic mutations detected by MuTect from paired normal and tumor samples. RESULTS We prioritized mutations in 8 candidate genes (RIMS4, RUSC2, ALK, MYCN, PTPN11, ALOX12B, ZNF44, and CNGB1) as potential driver mutations. We further confirmed the presence of allele-specific expression of the somatic mutations in NB with integrated analysis of 127 RNA-seq samples (of which 85 also had DNA-seq data available), including MYCN, ALK, and PTPN11. The allele-specific expression of mutations suggests that the same somatic mutation may have different effects on the clinical outcomes of tumors. CONCLUSION Our study suggests 2 novel variants of ZNF44 as a novel candidate driver gene for NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Sun
- Department of Oncology,Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, The People's Hospital of Bishan District, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoqing Li
- Department of Oncology,Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, The People's Hospital of Bishan District, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingli Tu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andres Stucky
- Department of Otolaryngology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chuan Huang
- Department of Oncology,Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, The People's Hospital of Bishan District, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuelian Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jin Cai
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Shengwen Calvin Li
- Neuro-Oncology and Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience Research, CHOC Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), Orange, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA, USA
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21
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Aktaş TÇ, Kızmazoğlu D, Aktaş S, Gökbayrak ÖE, Serinan E, Erol A, Altun Z, Yuan H, Olgun HN. Identification of ALK Mutation in Neuroblastoma on the Point of Molecular Heterogeneity. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2023; 22:15330338231211138. [PMID: 37964559 PMCID: PMC10652808 DOI: 10.1177/15330338231211138] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM In neuroblastoma, anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations have recently received attention as molecular targets for the treatment of neuroblastoma, as 6% to 10% of patients with neuroblastoma have anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations. There are little data from the cases in Turkey. We aimed to detect anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations and molecular heterogeneity in neuroblastoma using next-generation sequencing. This study is the first one with this many cases in Turkey. METHODS Next-generation sequencing analysis was performed using an Illumina MiniSeq custom gene panel. Clinically important mutations were selected for the analysis. We also gathered clinical data of the patients from Turkish Pediatric Oncology Group cohorts to associate them with anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations. This study is a retrospective cross-sectional study. We followed STROBE guideline (https://www.equator-network.org/reporting-guidelines/strobe/) on this study. RESULTS We analyzed anaplastic lymphoma kinase in 108 patients with neuroblastoma, with a mean age of 43.76 months. Pathogenic anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations were detected in 13 patients (12.04%). We noted that anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations were primarily observed in intermediate- and high-risk patients (P = .028). R1275Q and F1174-related mutations were predominant; I1171T, L1226F, S1189F, V1135A, and G1125S mutations were rare. Duplicate samples did not exhibit any heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS We found that F1174 and R1275Q-related anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations are the most common pathogenic mutations in neuroblastoma. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutation status did not show any heterogeneity, and the mutations were correlated with intermediate- or high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tekincan Çağrı Aktaş
- Institute of Oncology, Department of Basic Oncology, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Deniz Kızmazoğlu
- Institute of Oncology, Department of Clinical Oncology, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Safiye Aktaş
- Institute of Oncology, Department of Basic Oncology, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Özde Elif Gökbayrak
- Institute of Oncology, Department of Basic Oncology, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Efe Serinan
- Institute of Oncology, Department of Basic Oncology, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Aylin Erol
- Institute of Oncology, Department of Basic Oncology, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Zekiye Altun
- Institute of Oncology, Department of Basic Oncology, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hongling Yuan
- Institute of Oncology, Department of Basic Oncology, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hatice Nur Olgun
- Institute of Oncology, Department of Clinical Oncology, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
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22
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Adrenal Gland Primary Neuroblastoma in an Adult Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 59:medicina59010033. [PMID: 36676657 PMCID: PMC9860607 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an undifferentiated malignant tumor of the sympathetic ganglia, occurring in children under 5 years of age. However, it is a rare histology in adult patients, occurring once per every 10 million patients per year. We present the case of a 68-year-old male patient presented to our department for right lumbar pain, asthenia, loss of weight and altered general status. The contrast-enhanced abdominal computer tomography revealed bilateral adrenal tumoral masses of 149 mm and 82 mm on the right and left sides, respectively, with invasion of the surrounding organs. The patient underwent right 3D laparoscopic adrenalectomy and right radical nephrectomy. The pathological result concluded that the excised tumor was a neuroblastoma of the adrenal gland. The patient followed adjuvant oncological treatment; however, due to disease progression, he passed away 22 months after the surgery. To our knowledge, less than 100 cases of adrenal NB in adult patients have been published, the eldest case being diagnosed at 75 years of age; meanwhile, the largest reported tumor measured 200 mm, and was excised through open surgery. Minimally invasive techniques have been limited so far to smaller, organ-confined diseases, thus making the present case the largest adrenal NB removed entirely laparoscopically. Neuroblastoma in the adult population is a rare finding, with worse prognosis compared to pediatric patients. The available literature does not provide enough data for standardized, multimodal management, as the patients are treated following adapted pediatric protocols, thus reinforcing the need for international, multidisciplinary boards for rare tumors.
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23
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Genome wide DNA methylation analysis identifies novel molecular subgroups and predicts survival in neuroblastoma. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:2006-2015. [PMID: 36175618 PMCID: PMC9681858 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01988-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma is the most common malignancy in infancy, accounting for 15% of childhood cancer deaths. Outcome for the high-risk disease remains poor. DNA-methylation patterns are significantly altered in all cancer types and can be utilised for disease stratification. METHODS Genome-wide DNA methylation (n = 223), gene expression (n = 130), genetic/clinical data (n = 213), whole-exome sequencing (n = 130) was derived from the TARGET study. Methylation data were derived from HumanMethylation450 BeadChip arrays. t-SNE was used for the segregation of molecular subgroups. A separate validation cohort of 105 cases was studied. RESULTS Five distinct neuroblastoma molecular subgroups were identified, based on genome-wide DNA-methylation patterns, with unique features in each, including three subgroups associated with known prognostic features and two novel subgroups. As expected, Cluster-4 (infant diagnosis) had significantly better 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) than the four other clusters. However, in addition, the molecular subgrouping identified multiple patient subsets with highly increased risk, most notably infant patients that do not map to Cluster-4 (PFS 50% vs 80% for Cluster-4 infants, P = 0.005), and allowed identification of subgroup-specific methylation differences that may reflect important biological differences within neuroblastoma. CONCLUSIONS Methylation-based clustering of neuroblastoma reveals novel molecular subgroups, with distinct molecular/clinical characteristics and identifies a subgroup of higher-risk infant patients.
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24
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Nutraceutical Preventative and Therapeutic Potential in Neuroblastoma: From Pregnancy to Early Childhood. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12111762. [DOI: 10.3390/life12111762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a highly malignant embryonic extracranial solid tumor that arises from sympathoadrenal neuroblasts of neural crest origin. In addition to genetic factors, NB has been linked to maternal exposure to a variety of substances during pregnancy. Recent interest in the potential of nutrients to prevent cancer and reduce malignancy has resulted in the identification of several nutraceuticals including resveratrol, curcumin, and molecular components of garlic, which together with certain vitamins may help to prevent NB development. As NBs arise during fetal development and progress during early childhood, specific NB inhibiting nutraceuticals and vitamins could enhance the preventative influence of maternal nutrition and breast feeding on the development and early progression of NB. In this article, we review NB inhibitory nutraceuticals and vitamins, their mechanisms of action and expound their potential as maternal nutritional supplements to reduce NB development and progression during fetal growth and early childhood, whilst at the same time enhancing maternal, fetal, and infant health.
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25
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Rank L, Puhl AC, Havener TM, Anderson E, Foil DH, Zorn KM, Monakhova N, Riabova O, Hickey AJ, Makarov V, Ekins S. Multiple approaches to repurposing drugs for neuroblastoma. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 73:117043. [PMID: 36208544 PMCID: PMC9870653 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the second leading extracranial solid tumor of early childhood with about two-thirds of cases presenting before the age of 5, and accounts for roughly 15 percent of all pediatric cancer fatalities in the United States. Treatments against NB are lacking, resulting in a low survival rate in high-risk patients. A repurposing approach using already approved or clinical stage compounds can be used for diseases for which the patient population is small, and the commercial market limited. We have used Bayesian machine learning, in vitro cell assays, and combination analysis to identify molecules with potential use for NB. We demonstrated that pyronaridine (SH-SY5Y IC50 1.70 µM, SK-N-AS IC50 3.45 µM), BAY 11-7082 (SH-SY5Y IC50 0.85 µM, SK-N-AS IC50 1.23 µM), niclosamide (SH-SY5Y IC50 0.87 µM, SK-N-AS IC50 2.33 µM) and fingolimod (SH-SY5Y IC50 4.71 µM, SK-N-AS IC50 6.11 µM) showed cytotoxicity against NB. As several of the molecules are approved drugs in the US or elsewhere, they may be repurposed more readily for NB treatment. Pyronaridine was also tested in combinations in SH-SY5Y cells and demonstrated an antagonistic effect with either etoposide or crizotinib. Whereas when crizotinib and etoposide were combined with each other they had a synergistic effect in these cells. We have also described several analogs of pyronaridine to explore the structure-activity relationship against cell lines. We describe multiple molecules demonstrating cytotoxicity against NB and the further evaluation of these molecules and combinations using other NB cells lines and in vivo models will be important in the future to assess translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rank
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ana C Puhl
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Tammy M Havener
- UNC Catalyst for Rare Diseases, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Edward Anderson
- UNC Catalyst for Rare Diseases, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel H Foil
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Kimberley M Zorn
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | - Olga Riabova
- Research Center of Biotechnology RAS, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anthony J Hickey
- Research Center of Biotechnology RAS, 119071 Moscow, Russia; RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Vadim Makarov
- Research Center of Biotechnology RAS, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sean Ekins
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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26
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Desai AV, Robinson GW, Gauvain K, Basu EM, Macy ME, Maese L, Whipple NS, Sabnis AJ, Foster JH, Shusterman S, Yoon J, Weiss BD, Abdelbaki MS, Armstrong AE, Cash T, Pratilas CA, Corradini N, Marshall LV, Farid-Kapadia M, Chohan S, Devlin C, Meneses-Lorente G, Cardenas A, Hutchinson KE, Bergthold G, Caron H, Chow Maneval E, Gajjar A, Fox E. Entrectinib in children and young adults with solid or primary CNS tumors harboring NTRK, ROS1, or ALK aberrations (STARTRK-NG). Neuro Oncol 2022; 24:1776-1789. [PMID: 35395680 PMCID: PMC9527518 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Entrectinib is a TRKA/B/C, ROS1, ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of adults and children aged ≥12 years with NTRK fusion-positive solid tumors and adults with ROS1 fusion-positive non-small-cell lung cancer. We report an analysis of the STARTRK-NG trial, investigating the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) and activity of entrectinib in pediatric patients with solid tumors including primary central nervous system tumors. METHODS STARTRK-NG (NCT02650401) is a phase 1/2 trial. Phase 1, dose-escalation of oral, once-daily entrectinib, enrolled patients aged <22 years with solid tumors with/without target NTRK1/2/3, ROS1, or ALK fusions. Phase 2, basket trial at the RP2D, enrolled patients with intracranial or extracranial solid tumors harboring target fusions or neuroblastoma. Primary endpoints: phase 1, RP2D based on toxicity; phase 2, objective response rate (ORR) in patients harboring target fusions. Safety-evaluable patients: ≥1 dose of entrectinib; response-evaluable patients: measurable/evaluable baseline disease and ≥1 dose at RP2D. RESULTS At data cutoff, 43 patients, median age of 7 years, were response-evaluable. In phase 1, 4 patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities. The most common treatment-related adverse event was weight gain (48.8%). Nine patients experienced bone fractures (20.9%). In patients with fusion-positive tumors, ORR was 57.7% (95% CI 36.9-76.7), median duration of response was not reached, and median (interquartile range) duration of treatment was 10.6 months (4.2-18.4). CONCLUSIONS Entrectinib resulted in rapid and durable responses in pediatric patients with solid tumors harboring NTRK1/2/3 or ROS1 fusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami V Desai
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Giles W Robinson
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Karen Gauvain
- Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ellen M Basu
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Margaret E Macy
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Luke Maese
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Utah/Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Nicholas S Whipple
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Amit J Sabnis
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jennifer H Foster
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Suzanne Shusterman
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Janet Yoon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Brian D Weiss
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Mohamed S Abdelbaki
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Amy E Armstrong
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Thomas Cash
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christine A Pratilas
- Department of Oncology, Division of Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nadège Corradini
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Institute of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (IHOPe), Léon Bérard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France
| | - Lynley V Marshall
- Children and Young People’s Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | - Saibah Chohan
- PDD Data & Statistical Sciences, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clare Devlin
- Pharma Development Oncology and Hematology, Roche Products Ltd., Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | | | - Alison Cardenas
- Clinical Safety, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | - Hubert Caron
- Product Development Oncology, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Amar Gajjar
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Elizabeth Fox
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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27
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Pfeifer K, Wolfstetter G, Anthonydhason V, Masudi T, Arefin B, Bemark M, Mendoza-Garcia P, Palmer RH. Patient-associated mutations in Drosophila Alk perturb neuronal differentiation and promote survival. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:dmm049591. [PMID: 35972154 PMCID: PMC9403751 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) mutations occur in pediatric neuroblastoma and are associated with poor prognosis. To study ALK-activating mutations in a genetically controllable system, we employed CRIPSR/Cas9, incorporating orthologs of the human oncogenic mutations ALKF1174L and ALKY1278S in the Drosophila Alk locus. AlkF1251L and AlkY1355S mutant Drosophila exhibited enhanced Alk signaling phenotypes, but unexpectedly depended on the Jelly belly (Jeb) ligand for activation. Both AlkF1251L and AlkY1355S mutant larval brains displayed hyperplasia, represented by increased numbers of Alk-positive neurons. Despite this hyperplasic phenotype, no brain tumors were observed in mutant animals. We showed that hyperplasia in Alk mutants was not caused by significantly increased rates of proliferation, but rather by decreased levels of apoptosis in the larval brain. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we identified perturbations during temporal fate specification in AlkY1355S mutant mushroom body lineages. These findings shed light on the role of Alk in neurodevelopmental processes and highlight the potential of Alk-activating mutations to perturb specification and promote survival in neuronal lineages. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Pfeifer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Georg Wolfstetter
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Vimala Anthonydhason
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tafheem Masudi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Badrul Arefin
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mats Bemark
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Mucosal Immunobiology and Vaccine Center, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Patricia Mendoza-Garcia
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ruth H. Palmer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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28
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Gonzalez Malagon SG, Liu KJ. Linking neural crest development to neuroblastoma pathology. Development 2022; 149:276149. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.200331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Although rare, childhood (paediatric) cancers are a major cause of death in young children. Unlike many adult cancers, paediatric cancers, such as neuroblastoma (NB), are developmental diseases that rarely show genetic predispositions. NB is the most common extracranial solid tumour in children, accounting for ∼15% of paediatric cancer deaths. This heterogeneous cancer arises from undifferentiated neural crest-derived progenitor cells. As neural crest cells are multipotent and migratory, they are often considered the embryonic paradigm of cancer stem cells. However, very little is known about the events that trigger tumour initiation and progression. Here, we discuss recent insights into sympathoadrenal lineage specification, as well as genetic factors associated with NB. With this in mind, we consider the molecular underpinnings of NB in the context of developmental trajectories of the neural crest lineage. This allows us to compare distinct subtypes of the disease and gene-function interactions during sensitive phases of neural crest development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Guadalupe Gonzalez Malagon
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology, University of Ioannina Campus 1 , 45115 Ioannina , Greece
- School of Health Sciences and Institute of Biosciences, University Research Centre, University of Ioannina 2 Department of Biological Applications and Technology , , 45110 Ioannina , Greece
| | - Karen J. Liu
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London 3 , London SE1 9RT , UK
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29
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Julson JR, Marayati R, Beierle EA, Stafman LL. The Role of PIM Kinases in Pediatric Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3565. [PMID: 35892829 PMCID: PMC9332273 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
PIM kinases have been identified as potential therapeutic targets in several malignancies. Here, we provide an in-depth review of PIM kinases, including their structure, expression, activity, regulation, and role in pediatric carcinogenesis. Also included is a brief summary of the currently available pharmaceutical agents targeting PIM kinases and existing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Rae Julson
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (J.R.J.); (R.M.)
| | - Raoud Marayati
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (J.R.J.); (R.M.)
| | - Elizabeth Ann Beierle
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (J.R.J.); (R.M.)
| | - Laura Lee Stafman
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA;
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30
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Hou R, Yu Y, Sluter MN, Li L, Hao J, Fang J, Yang J, Jiang J. Targeting EP2 receptor with multifaceted mechanisms for high-risk neuroblastoma. Cell Rep 2022; 39:111000. [PMID: 35732130 PMCID: PMC9282716 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) promotes tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, fostering an inflammation-enriched microenvironment that facilitates angiogenesis and immune evasion. However, the PGE2 receptor subtype (EP1–EP4) involved in neuroblastoma (NB) growth remains elusive. Herein, we show that the EP2 receptor highly correlates with NB aggressiveness and acts as a predominant Gαs-coupled receptor mediating PGE2-initiated cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling in NB cells with high-risk factors, including 11q deletion and MYCN amplification. Knockout of EP2 in NB cells blocks the development of xenografts, and its conditional knockdown prevents established tumors from progressing. Pharmacological inhibition of EP2 by our recently developed antagonist TG6-129 suppresses the growth of NB xenografts in nude mice and syngeneic allografts in immunocompetent hosts, accompanied by anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, and apoptotic effects. This proof-of-concept study suggests that the PGE2/EP2 signaling pathway contributes to NB malignancy and that EP2 inhibition by our drug-like compounds provides a promising strategy to treat this deadly pediatric cancer. Hou et al. discover that prostaglandin receptor EP2 highly correlates with the aggressiveness of neuroblastoma, where it acts as the primary PGE2 receptor mediating cAMP signaling. EP2 deficiency or inhibition suppresses neuroblastoma with high-risk factors including 11q deletion and MYCN amplification, demonstrating EP2 as a promising therapeutic target for neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruida Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Discovery Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Discovery Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Madison N Sluter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Discovery Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Lexiao Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Discovery Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jiukuan Hao
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Jie Fang
- Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jianxiong Jiang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Discovery Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; Neuroscience Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
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31
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Pokorna P, Lakka Klement G, Vasikova A, Kanderova V, Jezova M, Noskova K, Mudry P, Kyr M, Merta T, Bajciova V, Krenova Z, Palova H, Valik D, Zdrazilova Dubska L, Slaby O, Sterba J. Minimal Residual Disease-Guided Intermittent Dosing in Patients With Cancer: Successful Treatment of Chemoresistant Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Using Intermittent Lorlatinib Dosing. JCO Precis Oncol 2022; 6:e2100525. [PMID: 35700412 PMCID: PMC9384955 DOI: 10.1200/po.21.00525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Pokorna
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Giannoula Lakka Klement
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Brno, and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,CSTS Health Care, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alzbeta Vasikova
- Department of Internal Medicine-Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Kanderova
- CLIP, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Jezova
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristyna Noskova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Clinical Pharmacy Section of Hospital Pharmacy, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Mudry
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Brno, and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kyr
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Brno, and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Merta
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Brno, and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Viera Bajciova
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Brno, and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenka Krenova
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Brno, and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Palova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Valik
- Department of Laboratory Methods, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Zdrazilova Dubska
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, University Hospital Brno, and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Slaby
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Sterba
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Brno, and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center, St Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
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32
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Defaye M, Iftinca MC, Gadotti VM, Basso L, Abdullah NS, Cumenal M, Agosti F, Hassan A, Flynn R, Martin J, Soubeyre V, Poulen G, Lonjon N, Vachiery-Lahaye F, Bauchet L, Mery PF, Bourinet E, Zamponi GW, Altier C. The neuronal tyrosine kinase receptor ligand ALKAL2 mediates persistent pain. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:154317. [PMID: 35608912 PMCID: PMC9197515 DOI: 10.1172/jci154317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase known for its oncogenic potential that is involved in the development of the peripheral and central nervous system. ALK receptor ligands ALKAL1 and ALKAL2 were recently found to promote neuronal differentiation and survival. Here, we show that inflammation or injury enhanced ALKAL2 expression in a subset of TRPV1+ sensory neurons. Notably, ALKAL2 was particularly enriched in both mouse and human peptidergic nociceptors, yet weakly expressed in nonpeptidergic, large-diameter myelinated neurons or in the brain. Using a coculture expression system, we found that nociceptors exposed to ALKAL2 exhibited heightened excitability and neurite outgrowth. Intraplantar CFA or intrathecal infusion of recombinant ALKAL2 led to ALK phosphorylation in the lumbar dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Finally, depletion of ALKAL2 in dorsal root ganglia or blocking ALK with clinically available compounds crizotinib or lorlatinib reversed thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia induced by inflammation or nerve injury, respectively. Overall, our work uncovers the ALKAL2/ALK signaling axis as a central regulator of nociceptor-induced sensitization. We propose that clinically approved ALK inhibitors used for non–small cell lung cancer and neuroblastomas could be repurposed to treat persistent pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Defaye
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Mircea C Iftinca
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Vinicius M Gadotti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Lilian Basso
- INSERM, University of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Nasser S Abdullah
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Melissa Cumenal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Francina Agosti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Ahmed Hassan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Robyn Flynn
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | | | | | - Gaëtan Poulen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Lonjon
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Luc Bauchet
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | - Christophe Altier
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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33
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Molecular Markers of Pediatric Solid Tumors—Diagnosis, Optimizing Treatments, and Determining Susceptibility: Current State and Future Directions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071238. [PMID: 35406801 PMCID: PMC8997439 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in molecular technologies, from genomics and transcriptomics to epigenetics, are providing unprecedented insight into the molecular landscape of pediatric tumors. Multi-omics approaches provide an opportunity to identify a wide spectrum of molecular alterations that account for the initiation of the neoplastic process in children, response to treatment and disease progression. The detection of molecular markers is crucial to assist clinicians in accurate tumor diagnosis, risk stratification, disease subtyping, prediction of treatment response, and surveillance, allowing also for personalized cancer management. This review summarizes the most recent developments in genomics research and their relevance to the field of pediatric oncology with the aim of generating an overview of the most important, from the clinical perspective, molecular markers for pediatric solid tumors. We present an overview of the molecular markers selected based on therapeutic protocols, guidelines from international committees and scientific societies, and published data.
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34
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Rozen EJ, Shohet JM. Systematic review of the receptor tyrosine kinase superfamily in neuroblastoma pathophysiology. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:33-52. [PMID: 34716856 PMCID: PMC8924100 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-10001-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma is a devastating disease accounting for 15% of all childhood cancer deaths. Yet, our understanding of key molecular drivers such as receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in this pathology remains poorly clarified. Here, we provide a systematic analysis of the RTK superfamily in the context of neuroblastoma pathogenesis. METHODS Statistical correlations for all RTK family members' expression to neuroblastoma patient survival across 10 independent patient cohorts were annotated, synthesized, and ranked using the R2: Genomics Analysis and Visualization Platform. Gene expression of selected members across different cancer cell lines was further analyzed in the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, part of the Cancer Dependency Map portal (depmap portal ( http://depmap.org )). Finally, we provide a detailed literature review for highly ranked candidates. RESULTS Our analysis defined two subsets of RTKs showing robust associations with either better or worse survival, constituting potential novel players in neuroblastoma pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapy. We review the available literature regarding the oncogenic functions of these RTKs, their roles in neuroblastoma pathophysiology, and potential utility as therapeutic targets. CONCLUSIONS Our systematic analysis and review of the RTK superfamily in neuroblastoma pathogenesis provides a new resource to guide the research community towards focused efforts investigating signaling pathways that contribute to neuroblastoma tumor establishment, growth, and/or aggressiveness and targeting these druggable molecules in novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Javier Rozen
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Lazare Research Building LRB603, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
| | - Jason Matthew Shohet
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Lazare Research Building LRB603, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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35
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Nunes-Xavier CE, Zaldumbide L, Mosteiro L, López-Almaraz R, García de Andoin N, Aguirre P, Emaldi M, Torices L, López JI, Pulido R. Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases in Neuroblastoma: Emerging Roles as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:811297. [PMID: 34957126 PMCID: PMC8692838 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.811297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer intimately related with early development and differentiation of neuroendocrine cells, and constitutes one of the pediatric cancers with higher incidence and mortality. Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are key regulators of cell growth and differentiation by their direct effect on tyrosine dephosphorylation of specific protein substrates, exerting major functions in the modulation of intracellular signaling during neuron development in response to external cues driving cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. We review here the current knowledge on the role of PTPs in neuroblastoma cell growth, survival, and differentiation. The potential of PTPs as biomarkers and molecular targets for inhibition in neuroblastoma therapies is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E. Nunes-Xavier
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Caroline E. Nunes-Xavier, ; Rafael Pulido,
| | - Laura Zaldumbide
- Department of Pathology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Lorena Mosteiro
- Department of Pathology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | | | - Pablo Aguirre
- Department of Pathology, Donostia University Hospital, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Maite Emaldi
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Leire Torices
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - José I. López
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Rafael Pulido
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- *Correspondence: Caroline E. Nunes-Xavier, ; Rafael Pulido,
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36
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Bahmad HF, Daher D, Aljamal AA, Elajami MK, Oh KS, Alvarez Moreno JC, Delgado R, Suarez R, Zaldivar A, Azimi R, Castellano A, Sackstein R, Poppiti RJ. Repurposing of Anticancer Stem Cell Drugs in Brain Tumors. J Histochem Cytochem 2021; 69:749-773. [PMID: 34165342 PMCID: PMC8647630 DOI: 10.1369/00221554211025482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors in adults may be infrequent when compared with other cancer etiologies, but they remain one of the deadliest with bleak survival rates. Current treatment modalities encompass surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, increasing resistance rates are being witnessed, and this has been attributed, in part, to cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a subpopulation of cancer cells that reside within the tumor bulk and have the capacity for self-renewal and can differentiate and proliferate into multiple cell lineages. Studying those CSCs enables an increasing understanding of carcinogenesis, and targeting CSCs may overcome existing treatment resistance. One approach to weaponize new drugs is to target these CSCs through drug repurposing which entails using drugs, which are Food and Drug Administration-approved and safe for one defined disease, for a new indication. This approach serves to save both time and money that would otherwise be spent in designing a totally new therapy. In this review, we will illustrate drug repurposing strategies that have been used in brain tumors and then further elaborate on how these approaches, specifically those that target the resident CSCs, can help take the field of drug repurposing to a new level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F. Bahmad
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Darine Daher
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of
Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abed A. Aljamal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai
Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida
| | - Mohamad K. Elajami
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai
Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida
| | - Kei Shing Oh
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Juan Carlos Alvarez Moreno
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Ruben Delgado
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Richard Suarez
- Department of Pathology, Herbert Wertheim
College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Ana Zaldivar
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Roshanak Azimi
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Amilcar Castellano
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
- Department of Pathology, Herbert Wertheim
College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Robert Sackstein
- Department of Translational Medicine,
Translational Glycobiology Institute, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine,
Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Robert J. Poppiti
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
- Department of Pathology, Herbert Wertheim
College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
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37
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Li T, Stayrook SE, Tsutsui Y, Zhang J, Wang Y, Li H, Proffitt A, Krimmer SG, Ahmed M, Belliveau O, Walker IX, Mudumbi KC, Suzuki Y, Lax I, Alvarado D, Lemmon MA, Schlessinger J, Klein DE. Structural basis for ligand reception by anaplastic lymphoma kinase. Nature 2021; 600:148-152. [PMID: 34819665 PMCID: PMC8639777 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04141-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The proto-oncogene ALK encodes anaplastic lymphoma kinase, a receptor tyrosine kinase that is expressed primarily in the developing nervous system. After development, ALK activity is associated with learning and memory1 and controls energy expenditure, and inhibition of ALK can prevent diet-induced obesity2. Aberrant ALK signalling causes numerous cancers3. In particular, full-length ALK is an important driver in paediatric neuroblastoma4,5, in which it is either mutated6 or activated by ligand7. Here we report crystal structures of the extracellular glycine-rich domain (GRD) of ALK, which regulates receptor activity by binding to activating peptides8,9. Fusing the ALK GRD to its ligand enabled us to capture a dimeric receptor complex that reveals how ALK responds to its regulatory ligands. We show that repetitive glycines in the GRD form rigid helices that separate the major ligand-binding site from a distal polyglycine extension loop (PXL) that mediates ALK dimerization. The PXL of one receptor acts as a sensor for the complex by interacting with a ligand-bound second receptor. ALK activation can be abolished through PXL mutation or with PXL-targeting antibodies. Together, these results explain how ALK uses its atypical architecture for its regulation, and suggest new therapeutic opportunities for ALK-expressing cancers such as paediatric neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongqing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Steven E Stayrook
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yuko Tsutsui
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jianan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yueyue Wang
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hengyi Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Stefan G Krimmer
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mansoor Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Olivia Belliveau
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ian X Walker
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Krishna C Mudumbi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yoshihisa Suzuki
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Irit Lax
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Mark A Lemmon
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joseph Schlessinger
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Daryl E Klein
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA.
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Trivedi T, Panchal K, Bhalala N, Trivedi P, Panchal H. Combined Detection of Copy Number Variations of MYCN and ALK using Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction to Identify High-Risk Patients with Neuroblastoma. World Neurosurg 2021; 159:e48-e57. [PMID: 34861448 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.11.108] [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: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current study sought to explore the significance of copy number variations (CNVs) of MYCN (v-myc myelocytomatosis viral related oncogene, neuroblastoma derived [avian]) and ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) genes individually as well as their combined impact on clinical outcome and overall survival of patients with neuroblastoma (NB). METHODS A total 71 individuals including healthy controls (n = 11), circulating DNA (n = 11), and primary tumors (n = 49) were evaluated to detect CNVs of MYCN and ALK genes using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction. Data were correlated with univariate and multivariate survival analysis. RESULTS CNVs of MYCN and ALK were detected in 27% and 18.2% from circulating DNA samples. A statistically significant difference in CNVs was noted between healthy controls and circulating DNA samples for MYCN (P = 0.001) and ALK (P = 0.004) genes. Further, we noted >70% concordance in CNVs of MYCN (P = 0.030) and ALK (P = 0.040) from primary tumors and concordant plasma samples of patients with NB. Multivariate survival analysis for disease-free survival (P = 0.031) and overall survival (P = 0.011) showed that CNVs of both genes emerged at step 1 and thus remained as significant markers for predicting early recurrence and shorter survival, respectively, for patients with NB. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that the analysis of circulating DNA by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction is a helpful technique to identify high-risk patients for aggressive therapy at an early stage of disease. We also concluded that codetection of MYCN and ALK is a more powerful tool for identifying high-risk patients with NB. Thus, this study showed a novel coordinately significant prognostic role of MYCN and ALK CNVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trupti Trivedi
- Clinical Carcinogenesis Laboratory, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
| | - Kinjal Panchal
- Clinical Carcinogenesis Laboratory, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Neha Bhalala
- Clinical Carcinogenesis Laboratory, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Priti Trivedi
- Department of Oncopathology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Harsha Panchal
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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Resistance to Targeted Agents Used to Treat Paediatric ALK-Positive ALCL. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236003. [PMID: 34885113 PMCID: PMC8656581 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In general, the non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) diagnosed in childhood has a good survival outcome when treated with multi-agent chemotherapy. However, side effects of treatment are common, and outcomes are poorer after relapse, which occurs in up to 30% of cases. New drugs are required that are more effective and have fewer side effects. Targeted therapies are potential solutions to these problems, however, the development of resistance may limit their impact. This review summarises the potential resistance mechanisms to these targeted therapies. Abstract Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the third most common malignancy diagnosed in children. The vast majority of paediatric NHL are either Burkitt lymphoma (BL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), or lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL). Multi-agent chemotherapy is used to treat all of these types of NHL, and survival is over 90% but the chemotherapy regimens are intensive, and outcomes are generally poor if relapse occurs. Therefore, targeted therapies are of interest as potential solutions to these problems. However, the major problem with all targeted agents is the development of resistance. Mechanisms of resistance are not well understood, but increased knowledge will facilitate optimal management strategies through improving our understanding of when to select each targeted agent, and when a combinatorial approach may be helpful. This review summarises currently available knowledge regarding resistance to targeted therapies used in paediatric anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive ALCL. Specifically, we outline where gaps in knowledge exist, and further investigation is required in order to find a solution to the clinical problem of drug resistance in ALCL.
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Tan SY, Al-Ibraheemi A, Ahrens WA, Oesterheld JE, Fanburg-Smith JC, Liu YJ, Spunt SL, Rudzinski ER, Coffin C, Davis JL. ALK rearrangements in infantile fibrosarcoma-like spindle cell tumours of soft tissue and kidney. Histopathology 2021; 80:698-707. [PMID: 34843129 DOI: 10.1111/his.14603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Recurrent alterations in receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and downstream effectors are described in infantile fibrosarcoma (IFS)/cellular congenital mesoblastic nephroma (cCMN) and a subset of spindle cell sarcomas, provisionally designated 'NTRK-rearranged' spindle cell neoplasms. These two groups of tumours demonstrate overlapping morphologies and harbour alterations in NTRK1/2/3, RET, MET, ABL1, ROS1, RAF1 and BRAF, although their relationship is not fully elucidated. We describe herein a cohort of paediatric tumours with clinicopathological features not typical for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour, but rather with similarities to cCMN/IFS harbouring ALK fusions. METHODS AND RESULTS Clinicopathological features were assessed and partner agnostic targeted RNA sequencing on clinically validated platforms were performed. Tumours occurred in patients aged from 2 to 10 years (median age 2 years) with a 2:2 male to female ratio and an average size of 8.4 cm. Two tumours arose in soft tissues and two in the kidney. Morphological features included spindle to ovoid cells arranged in long fascicles or haphazardly within a myxoid to collagenised stroma; a subset of cases had either dilated, ectatic vessels or focal perivascular hyalinosis. By immunohistochemistry, all cases tested showed cytoplasmic expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and one case demonstrated co-expression of CD34 and S100. CONCLUSIONS This series of ALK-rearranged IFS-like tumours expands the spectrum of targetable kinases altered in these tumours and reinforces the potential overlap between IFS/cCMN-like tumours and the provisional entity of 'NTRK-rearranged' spindle cell neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Y Tan
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Alyaa Al-Ibraheemi
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Javier E Oesterheld
- Department of Pediatrics, Levine Children's Hospital, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Julie C Fanburg-Smith
- Department of Pathology, Pediatrics and Orthopedics, PennState Health, Penn State Children's Hospital, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Yajuan J Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sheri L Spunt
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Erin R Rudzinski
- Department of Laboratories, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cheryl Coffin
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jessica L Davis
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
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Ciaccio R, De Rosa P, Aloisi S, Viggiano M, Cimadom L, Zadran SK, Perini G, Milazzo G. Targeting Oncogenic Transcriptional Networks in Neuroblastoma: From N-Myc to Epigenetic Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12883. [PMID: 34884690 PMCID: PMC8657550 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most frequently occurring neurogenic extracranial solid cancers in childhood and infancy. Over the years, many pieces of evidence suggested that NB development is controlled by gene expression dysregulation. These unleashed programs that outline NB cancer cells make them highly dependent on specific tuning of gene expression, which can act co-operatively to define the differentiation state, cell identity, and specialized functions. The peculiar regulation is mainly caused by genetic and epigenetic alterations, resulting in the dependency on a small set of key master transcriptional regulators as the convergence point of multiple signalling pathways. In this review, we provide a comprehensive blueprint of transcriptional regulation bearing NB initiation and progression, unveiling the complexity of novel oncogenic and tumour suppressive regulatory networks of this pathology. Furthermore, we underline the significance of multi-target therapies against these hallmarks, showing how novel approaches, together with chemotherapy, surgery, or radiotherapy, can have substantial antineoplastic effects, disrupting a wide variety of tumorigenic pathways through combinations of different treatments.
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Chilamakuri R, Rouse DC, Yu Y, Kabir AS, Muth A, Yang J, Lipton JM, Agarwal S. BX-795 inhibits neuroblastoma growth and enhances sensitivity towards chemotherapy. Transl Oncol 2021; 15:101272. [PMID: 34823094 PMCID: PMC8626612 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AKT overexpression correlates with poor prognosis in neuroblastoma patients. BX-795 inhibits PDK1 and abrogates the AKT signaling pathway activation. BX-795 demonstrates strong efficacy in neuroblastoma spheroid tumor model. Combination with BX-795 synergistically enhances doxorubicin antitumor activity. BX-795 synergistically sensitized ALK mutated neuroblastoma cell lines to crizotinib.
High-risk neuroblastoma (NB) represents a major clinical challenge in pediatric oncology due to relapse of metastatic, drug-resistant disease, and treatment-related toxicities. An analysis of 1235 primary NB patient dataset revealed significant increase in AKT1 and AKT2 gene expression with cancer stage progression. Additionally, Both AKT1 and AKT2 expression inversely correlate with poor overall survival of NB patients. AKT1 and AKT2 genes code for AKT that drive a major oncogenic cell signaling pathway known in many cancers, including NB. To inhibit AKT pathway, we repurposed an antiviral inhibitor BX-795 that inhibits PDK1, an upstream activator of AKT. BX-795 potently inhibits NB cell proliferation and colony growth in a dose-dependent manner. BX-795 significantly enhances apoptosis and blocks cell cycle progression at mitosis phase in NB. Additionally, BX-795 potently inhibits tumor formation and growth in a NB spheroid tumor model. We further tested dual therapeutic approaches by combining BX-795 with either doxorubicin or crizotinib and found synergistic and significant inhibition of NB growth, in contrast to either drug alone. Overall, our data demonstrate that BX-795 inhibits AKT pathway to inhibit NB growth, and combining BX-795 with current therapies is an effective and clinically tractable therapeutic approach for NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rameswari Chilamakuri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Danielle C Rouse
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yang Yu
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Abbas S Kabir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aaron Muth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jianhua Yang
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffery M Lipton
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Saurabh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY, USA.
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Defining Pathological Activities of ALK in Neuroblastoma, a Neural Crest-Derived Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111718. [PMID: 34769149 PMCID: PMC8584162 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a common extracranial solid tumour of childhood, responsible for 15% of cancer-related deaths in children. Prognoses vary from spontaneous remission to aggressive disease with extensive metastases, where treatment is challenging. Tumours are thought to arise from sympathoadrenal progenitor cells, which derive from an embryonic cell population called neural crest cells that give rise to diverse cell types, such as facial bone and cartilage, pigmented cells, and neurons. Tumours are found associated with mature derivatives of neural crest, such as the adrenal medulla or paraspinal ganglia. Sympathoadrenal progenitor cells express anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), which encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor that is the most frequently mutated gene in neuroblastoma. Activating mutations in the kinase domain are common in both sporadic and familial cases. The oncogenic role of ALK has been extensively studied, but little is known about its physiological role. Recent studies have implicated ALK in neural crest migration and sympathetic neurogenesis. However, very few downstream targets of ALK have been identified. Here, we describe pathological activation of ALK in the neural crest, which promotes proliferation and migration, while preventing differentiation, thus inducing the onset of neuroblastoma. Understanding the effects of ALK activity on neural crest cells will help find new targets for neuroblastoma treatment.
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Devin CL, Teeple EA, Linden AF, Gresh RC, Berman L. The morbidity of open tumor biopsy for intraabdominal neoplasms in pediatric patients. Pediatr Surg Int 2021; 37:1349-1354. [PMID: 34148111 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-021-04942-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumor biopsy is often essential for diagnosis and management of intraabdominal neoplasms found in children. Open surgical biopsy is the traditional approach used to obtain an adequate tissue sample to guide further therapy, but image-guided percutaneous core-needle biopsy is being used more often due to concerns about the morbidity of open biopsy. We used a national database to evaluate the morbidity associated with open intraabdominal tumor biopsy. METHODS We identified all patients undergoing laparotomy with tumor biopsy in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project-Pediatric (NSQIP-P) database from 2012 to 2018 and measured the frequency of complications in the 30 days postoperatively. We tested associations between patient characteristics and outcomes to identify risk factors for complications. RESULTS We identified 454 patients undergoing laparotomy for biopsy of an intraabdominal neoplasm. Median postoperative hospital stay was 7 days (IQR 4-12) and operative time was 117 min (IQR 84-172). The overall complication rate was 12.1%, with post-operative infection (6%) and bleeding (4.2%) being the most common complications. Several patient characteristics were associated with bleeding, but the only significant association on multivariable analysis was underlying hematologic disorder. CONCLUSION Open abdominal surgery for pediatric intraabdominal tumor biopsy is accompanied by significant morbidity. Postoperative infection was the most common complication, which can delay initiation of further therapy, especially chemotherapy. These findings support the need to prospectively compare percutaneous image-guided core-needle biopsy to open biopsy as a way to minimize risk and optimize outcomes for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney L Devin
- Department of Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 1015 Walnut Street, Curtis Building, Suite 620, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
| | - Erin A Teeple
- Department of Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 1015 Walnut Street, Curtis Building, Suite 620, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
- Department of Surgery, Nemours AI duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Allison F Linden
- Department of Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 1015 Walnut Street, Curtis Building, Suite 620, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
- Department of Surgery, Nemours AI duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Renee C Gresh
- Department of Pediatrics, Nemours AI duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Loren Berman
- Department of Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 1015 Walnut Street, Curtis Building, Suite 620, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
- Department of Surgery, Nemours AI duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
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Targeting anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene alterations in neuroblastoma by using alkylating pyrrole-imidazole polyamides. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257718. [PMID: 34591871 PMCID: PMC8483358 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) aberration is related to high-risk neuroblastomas and is an important therapeutic target. As acquired resistance to ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors is inevitable, novel anti-ALK drug development is necessary in order to overcome potential drug resistance against ATP-competitive kinase inhibitors. In this study, to overcome ALK inhibitor resistance, we examined the growth inhibition effects of newly developed ALK-targeting pyrrole-imidazole polyamide CCC-003, which was designed to directly bind and alkylate DNA within the F1174L-mutated ALK gene. CCC-003 suppressed cell proliferation in ALK-mutated neuroblastoma cells. The expression of total and phosphorylated ALK was downregulated by CCC-003 treatment but not by treatment with a mismatch polyamide without any binding motif within the ALK gene region. CCC-003 preferentially bound to the DNA sequence with the F1174L mutation and significantly suppressed tumor progression in a human neuroblastoma xenograft mouse model. Our data suggest that the specific binding of CCC-003 to mutated DNA within the ALK gene exerts its anti-tumor activity through a mode of action that is distinct from those of other ALK inhibitors. In summary, our current study provides evidence for the potential of pyrrole-imidazole polyamide ALK inhibitor CCC-003 for the treatment of neuroblastoma thus offering a possible solution to the problem of tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance.
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Shim J, Goldsmith KC. A New Player in Neuroblastoma: YAP and Its Role in the Neuroblastoma Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184650. [PMID: 34572875 PMCID: PMC8472533 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial pediatric solid tumor that accounts for more than 15% of childhood cancer-related deaths. High risk neuroblastomas that recur during or after intense multimodal therapy have a <5% chance at a second sustained remission or cure. The solid tumor microenvironment (TME) has been increasingly recognized to play a critical role in cancer progression and resistance to therapy, including in neuroblastoma. The Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) in the Hippo pathway can regulate cancer proliferation, tumor initiation, and therapy response in many cancer types and as such, its role in the TME has gained interest. In this review, we focus on YAP and its role in neuroblastoma and further describe its demonstrated and potential effects on the neuroblastoma TME. We also discuss the therapeutic strategies for inhibiting YAP in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Shim
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kelly C. Goldsmith
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-404-727-2655
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Neuroblastoma GD2 Expression and Computational Analysis of Aptamer-Based Bioaffinity Targeting. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169101. [PMID: 34445807 PMCID: PMC8396649 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a neuroectodermal embryonic cancer that originates from primordial neural crest cells, and amongst pediatric cancers with high mortality rates. NB is categorized into high-, intermediate-, and low-risk cases. A significant proportion of high-risk patients who achieve remission have a minimal residual disease (MRD) that causes relapse. Whilst there exists a myriad of advanced treatment options for NB, it is still characterized by a high relapse rate, resulting in a reduced chance of survival. Disialoganglioside (GD2) is a lipo-ganglioside containing a fatty acid derivative of sphingosine that is coupled to a monosaccharide and a sialic acid. Amongst pediatric solid tumors, NB tumor cells are known to express GD2; hence, it represents a unique antigen for subclinical NB MRD detection and analysis with implications in determining a response for treatment. This article discusses NB MRD expression and analytical assays for GD2 detection and quantification as well as computational approaches for GD2 characterization based on high-throughput image processing and genomic data analysis.
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Pezeshki PS, Moeinafshar A, Ghaemdoust F, Razi S, Keshavarz-Fathi M, Rezaei N. Advances in pharmacotherapy for neuroblastoma. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:2383-2404. [PMID: 34254549 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1953470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroblastoma is the most prevalent cancer type diagnosed within the first year after birth and accounts for 15% of deaths from pediatric cancer. Despite the improvements in survival rates of patients with neuroblastoma, the incidence of the disease has increased over the last decade. Neuroblastoma tumor cells harbor a vast range of variable and heterogeneous histochemical and genetic alterations which calls for the need to administer individualized and targeted therapies to induce tumor regression in each patient. AREAS COVERED This paper provides reviews the recent clinical trials which used chemotherapeutic and/or targeted agents as either monotherapies or in combination to improve the response rate in patients with neuroblastoma, and especially high-risk neuroblastoma. It also reviews some of the prominent preclinical studies which can provide the rationale for future clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION Although some distinguished advances in pharmacotherapy have been made to improve the survival rate and reduce adverse events in patients with neuroblastoma, a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of tumorigenesis, resistance to therapies or relapse, identifying biomarkers of response to each specific drug, and developing predictive preclinical models of the tumor can lead to further breakthroughs in the treatment of neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parmida Sadat Pezeshki
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aysan Moeinafshar
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Ghaemdoust
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Razi
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Keshavarz-Fathi
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Stockholm, Sweden
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Farina AR, Cappabianca LA, Zelli V, Sebastiano M, Mackay AR. Mechanisms involved in selecting and maintaining neuroblastoma cancer stem cell populations, and perspectives for therapeutic targeting. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:685-736. [PMID: 34367474 PMCID: PMC8316860 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i7.685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric neuroblastomas (NBs) are heterogeneous, aggressive, therapy-resistant embryonal tumours that originate from cells of neural crest (NC) origin and in particular neuroblasts committed to the sympathoadrenal progenitor cell lineage. Therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and subsequent metastatic NB progression are driven primarily by cancer stem cell (CSC)-like subpopulations, which through their self-renewing capacity, intermittent and slow cell cycles, drug-resistant and reversibly adaptive plastic phenotypes, represent the most important obstacle to improving therapeutic outcomes in unfavourable NBs. In this review, dedicated to NB CSCs and the prospects for their therapeutic eradication, we initiate with brief descriptions of the unique transient vertebrate embryonic NC structure and salient molecular protagonists involved NC induction, specification, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and migratory behaviour, in order to familiarise the reader with the embryonic cellular and molecular origins and background to NB. We follow this by introducing NB and the potential NC-derived stem/progenitor cell origins of NBs, before providing a comprehensive review of the salient molecules, signalling pathways, mechanisms, tumour microenvironmental and therapeutic conditions involved in promoting, selecting and maintaining NB CSC subpopulations, and that underpin their therapy-resistant, self-renewing metastatic behaviour. Finally, we review potential therapeutic strategies and future prospects for targeting and eradication of these bastions of NB therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and metastatic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Rosella Farina
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Lucia Annamaria Cappabianca
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Veronica Zelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Michela Sebastiano
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Andrew Reay Mackay
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy.
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Bellantoni AJ, Wagner LM. Pursuing Precision: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Treatment of Pediatric Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3531. [PMID: 34298746 PMCID: PMC8303693 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases are critical for the growth and proliferation of many different cancers and therefore represent a potential vulnerability that can be therapeutically exploited with small molecule inhibitors. Over forty small molecule inhibitors are currently approved for the treatment of adult solid tumors. Their use has been more limited in pediatric solid tumors, although an increasing number of single-agent and combination studies are now being performed. These agents have been quite successful in certain clinical contexts, such as the treatment of pediatric tumors driven by kinase fusions or activating mutations. By contrast, only modest activity has been observed when inhibitors are used as single agents for solid tumors that do not have genetically defined alterations in the target genes. The absence of predictive biomarkers has limited the wider applicability of these drugs and much work remains to define the appropriate patient population and clinical situation in which receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors are most beneficial. In this manuscript, we discuss these issues by highlighting past trials and identifying future strategies that may help add precision to the use of these agents for pediatric extracranial solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars M. Wagner
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA;
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