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Rossini E, Tamburello M, Abate A, Zini S, Ribaudo G, Gianoncelli A, Calza S, Valcamonico F, Suardi NR, Mirabella G, Berruti A, Sigala S. The CDK Inhibitor Dinaciclib Improves Cisplatin Response in Nonseminomatous Testicular Cancer: A Preclinical Study. Cells 2024; 13:368. [PMID: 38474332 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050368] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most patients with testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) are treated with cisplatin (CP)-based chemotherapy. However, some of them may develop CP resistance and therefore represent a clinical challenge. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) is involved in chemotherapy resistance in different types of cancer. Here, we investigated the possible role of CDK5 and other CDKs targeted by dinaciclib in nonseminoma cell models (both CP-sensitive and CP-resistant), evaluating the potential of the CDK inhibitor dinaciclib as a single/combined agent for the treatment of advanced/metastatic testicular cancer (TC). METHODS The effects of dinaciclib and CP on sensitive and resistant NT2/D1 and NCCIT cell viability and proliferation were evaluated using MTT assays and direct count methods. Flow cytometry cell-cycle analysis was performed. The protein expression was assessed via Western blotting. The in vivo experiments were conducted in zebrafish embryos xenografted with TC cells. RESULTS Among all the CDKs analyzed, CDK5 protein expression was significantly higher in CP-resistant models. Dinaciclib reduced the cell viability and proliferation in each cell model, inducing changes in cell-cycle distribution. In drug combination experiments, dinaciclib enhances the CP effect both in vitro and in the zebrafish model. CONCLUSIONS Dinaciclib, when combined with CP, could be useful for improving nonseminoma TC response to CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rossini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Tamburello
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Abate
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Zini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ribaudo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Calza
- Unit of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Valcamonico
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Nazareno R Suardi
- Urology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mirabella
- Urology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Ismailov ZB, Belykh ES, Chernykh AA, Udoratina AM, Kazakov DV, Rybak AV, Kerimova SN, Velegzhaninov IO. Systematic review of comparative transcriptomic studies of cellular resistance to genotoxic stress. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2023; 792:108467. [PMID: 37657754 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2023.108467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The development of resistance by tumor cells to various types of therapy is a significant problem that decreases the effectiveness of oncology treatments. For more than two decades, comparative transcriptomic studies of tumor cells with different sensitivities to ionizing radiation and chemotherapeutic agents have been conducted in order to identify the causes and mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. However, the results of such studies have little in common and often contradict each other. We have assumed that a systematic analysis of a large number of such studies will provide new knowledge about the mechanisms of development of therapeutic resistance in tumor cells. Our comparison of 123 differentially expressed gene (DEG) lists published in 98 papers suggests a very low degree of consistency between the study results. Grouping the data by type of genotoxic agent and tumor type did not increase the similarity. The most frequently overexpressed genes were found to be those encoding the transport protein ABCB1 and the antiviral defense protein IFITM1. We put forward a hypothesis that the role played by the overexpression of the latter in the development of resistance may be associated not only with the stimulation of proliferation, but also with the limitation of exosomal communication and, as a result, with a decrease in the bystander effect. Among down regulated DEGs, BNIP3 was observed most frequently. The expression of BNIP3, together with BNIP3L, is often suppressed in cells resistant to non-platinum genotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, whereas it is increased in cells resistant to ionizing radiation. These observations are likely to be mediated by the binary effects of these gene products on survival, and regulation of apoptosis and autophagy. The combined data also show that even such obvious mechanisms as inhibition of apoptosis and increase of proliferation are not universal but show multidirectional changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z B Ismailov
- Institute of Biology of Komi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 28b Kommunisticheskaya St., Syktyvkar 167982, Russia
| | - E S Belykh
- Institute of Biology of Komi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 28b Kommunisticheskaya St., Syktyvkar 167982, Russia
| | - A A Chernykh
- Institute of Physiology of Komi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 50 Pervomaiskaya St., Syktyvkar 167982, Russia
| | - A M Udoratina
- Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Avenue, Nizhny Novgorod 603022, Russia
| | - D V Kazakov
- Institute of Physics and Mathematics of Komi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Oplesnina St., Syktyvkar 167982, Russia
| | - A V Rybak
- Institute of Biology of Komi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 28b Kommunisticheskaya St., Syktyvkar 167982, Russia
| | - S N Kerimova
- State Medical Institution Komi Republican Oncology Center, 46 Nyuvchimskoe highway, Syktyvkar 167904, Russia
| | - I O Velegzhaninov
- Institute of Biology of Komi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 28b Kommunisticheskaya St., Syktyvkar 167982, Russia.
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Cabral ERM, Pacanhella MF, Lengert AVH, dos Reis MB, Leal LF, de Lima MA, da Silva ALV, Pinto IA, Reis RM, Pinto MT, Cárcano FM. Somatic mutation detection and KRAS amplification in testicular germ cell tumors. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1133363. [PMID: 37007070 PMCID: PMC10060882 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1133363] [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: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular Germ Cell Tumors (TGCT) are the most common cancer among young adult men. The TGCT histopathology is diverse, and the frequency of genomic alterations, along with their prognostic role, remains largely unexplored. Herein, we evaluate the mutation profile of a 15-driver gene panel and copy number variation of KRAS in a large series of TGCT from a single reference cancer center. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cohort of 97 patients with TGCT, diagnosed at the Barretos Cancer Hospital, was evaluated. Real-time PCR was used to assess copy number variation (CNV) of the KRAS gene in 51 cases, and the mutation analysis was performed using the TruSight Tumor 15 (Illumina) panel (TST15) in 65 patients. Univariate analysis was used to compare sample categories in relation to mutational frequencies. Survival analysis was conducted by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. RESULTS KRAS copy number gain was a very frequent event (80.4%) in TGCT and presented a worse prognosis compared with the group with no KRAS copy gain (10y-OS, 90% vs. 81.5%, p = 0.048). Among the 65 TGCT cases, different variants were identified in 11 of 15 genes of the panel, and the TP53 gene was the most recurrently mutated driver gene (27.7%). Variants were also detected in genes such as KIT, KRAS, PDGFRA, EGFR, BRAF, RET, NRAS, PIK3CA, MET, and ERBB2, with some of them potentially targetable. CONCLUSION Although larger studies incorporating collaborative networks may shed the light on the molecular landscape of TGCT, our findings unveal the potential of actionable variants in clinical management for applying targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andre V. H. Lengert
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Mariana B. dos Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Leticia F. Leal
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Barretos School of Health Sciences Dr. Paulo Prata – FACISB, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Marcos A. de Lima
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | - Icaro A. Pinto
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Rui M. Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Medical School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- 3ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Mariana T. Pinto
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Flavio M. Cárcano
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Division of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Oncoclínicas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Tauchmann S, Schwaller J. NSD1: A Lysine Methyltransferase between Developmental Disorders and Cancer. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11090877. [PMID: 34575025 PMCID: PMC8465848 DOI: 10.3390/life11090877] [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: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent epigenomic alterations associated with multiple human pathologies have increased the interest in the nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 1 (NSD1) lysine methyltransferase. Here, we review the current knowledge about the biochemistry, cellular function and role of NSD1 in human diseases. Several studies have shown that NSD1 controls gene expression by methylation of lysine 36 of histone 3 (H3K36me1/2) in a complex crosstalk with de novo DNA methylation. Inactivation in flies and mice revealed that NSD1 is essential for normal development and that it regulates multiple cell type-specific functions by interfering with transcriptional master regulators. In humans, putative loss of function NSD1 mutations characterize developmental syndromes, such as SOTOS, as well as cancer from different organs. In pediatric hematological malignancies, a recurrent chromosomal translocation forms a NUP98-NSD1 fusion with SET-dependent leukemogenic activity, which seems targetable by small molecule inhibitors. To treat or prevent diseases driven by aberrant NSD1 activity, future research will need to pinpoint the mechanistic correlation between the NSD1 gene dosage and/or mutational status with development, homeostasis, and malignant transformation.
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Liu S, Lao Y, Wang Y, Li R, Fang X, Wang Y, Gao X, Dong Z. Role of RNA N6-Methyladenosine Modification in Male Infertility and Genital System Tumors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:676364. [PMID: 34124065 PMCID: PMC8190709 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.676364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations, particularly RNA methylation, play a crucial role in many types of disease development and progression. Among them, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common epigenetic RNA modification, and its important roles are not only related to the occurrence, progression, and aggressiveness of tumors but also affect the progression of many non-tumor diseases. The biological effects of RNA m6A modification are dynamically and reversibly regulated by methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and m6A binding proteins (readers). This review summarized the current finding of the RNA m6A modification regulators in male infertility and genital system tumors and discussed the role and potential clinical application of the RNA m6A modification in spermatogenesis and male genital system tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Liu
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Nephro-Urological Clinical Center, Institute of Urology, Department of Urology, Key Laboratory of Urological Disease of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongfeng Lao
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Nephro-Urological Clinical Center, Institute of Urology, Department of Urology, Key Laboratory of Urological Disease of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Nephro-Urological Clinical Center, Institute of Urology, Department of Urology, Key Laboratory of Urological Disease of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rongxin Li
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Nephro-Urological Clinical Center, Institute of Urology, Department of Urology, Key Laboratory of Urological Disease of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuefeng Fang
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Jinchang, Jinchang, China
| | - Yunchang Wang
- Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaolong Gao
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Jinchang, Jinchang, China
| | - Zhilong Dong
- Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Nephro-Urological Clinical Center, Institute of Urology, Department of Urology, Key Laboratory of Urological Disease of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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6
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Pinto MT, Cárcano FM, Vieira AGS, Cabral ERM, Lopes LF. Molecular Biology of Pediatric and Adult Male Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102349. [PMID: 34068019 PMCID: PMC8152248 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are rare pediatric malignancies, they are the most common malignancies in young adult men. The similarities and differences between TGCTs in adults and children, taking into account the clinic presentation, biology, and molecular changes, are underexplored. In this paper, we aim to provide an overview of the molecular aspects of TGCTs, drawing a parallel between the findings in adult and pediatric groups. Abstract Cancer is a leading cause of death by disease in children and the second most prevalent of all causes in adults. Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) make up 0.5% of pediatric malignancies, 14% of adolescent malignancies, and are the most common of malignancies in young adult men. Although the biology and clinical presentation of adult TGCTs share a significant overlap with those of the pediatric group, molecular evidence suggests that TGCTs in young children likely represent a distinct group compared to older adolescents and adults. The rarity of this cancer among pediatric ages is consistent with our current understanding, and few studies have analyzed and compared the molecular basis in childhood and adult cancers. Here, we review the major similarities and differences in cancer genetics, cytogenetics, epigenetics, and chemotherapy resistance between pediatric and adult TGCTs. Understanding the biological and molecular processes underlying TGCTs may help improve patient outcomes, and fuel further investigation and clinical research in childhood and adult TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Tomazini Pinto
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784400, Brazil; (M.T.P.); (F.M.C.); (E.R.M.C.)
- Brazilian Childhood Germ Cell Tumor Study Group, The Brazilian Pediatric Oncology Society (SOBOPE), Barretos 14784400, Brazil;
| | - Flavio Mavignier Cárcano
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784400, Brazil; (M.T.P.); (F.M.C.); (E.R.M.C.)
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784400, Brazil
- Barretos School of Health Sciences Dr. Paulo Prata—FACISB, Barretos 14785002, Brazil
| | - Ana Glenda Santarosa Vieira
- Brazilian Childhood Germ Cell Tumor Study Group, The Brazilian Pediatric Oncology Society (SOBOPE), Barretos 14784400, Brazil;
- Barretos Children’s Cancer Hospital from Hospital de Amor, Barretos 14784400, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Ramos Martins Cabral
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784400, Brazil; (M.T.P.); (F.M.C.); (E.R.M.C.)
| | - Luiz Fernando Lopes
- Brazilian Childhood Germ Cell Tumor Study Group, The Brazilian Pediatric Oncology Society (SOBOPE), Barretos 14784400, Brazil;
- Barretos Children’s Cancer Hospital from Hospital de Amor, Barretos 14784400, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-17-3321-6600
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Lobo J, Constâncio V, Leite-Silva P, Guimarães R, Cantante M, Braga I, Maurício J, Looijenga LHJ, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. Differential methylation EPIC analysis discloses cisplatin-resistance related hypermethylation and tumor-specific heterogeneity within matched primary and metastatic testicular germ cell tumor patient tissue samples. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:70. [PMID: 33823933 PMCID: PMC8025580 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01048-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are among the most common solid malignancies in young-adult men, and currently most mortality is due to metastatic disease and emergence of resistance to cisplatin. There is some evidence that increased methylation is one mechanism behind this resistance, stemming from individual studies, but approaches based on matched primary and metastatic patient samples are lacking. Herein, we provide an EPIC array-based study of matched primary and metastatic TGCT samples. Histology was the major determinant of overall methylation pattern, but some clustering of samples related to response to cisplatin was observed. Further differential analysis of patients with the same histological subtype (embryonal carcinoma) disclosed a remarkable increase in net methylation levels (at both promoter and CpG site level) in the patient with cisplatin-resistant disease and poor outcome compared to the patient with complete response to chemotherapy. This further confirms the recent results of another study performed on isogenic clones of sensitive and resistant TGCT cell lines. Differentially methylated promoters among groups of samples were mostly not shared, disclosing heterogeneity in patient tissue samples. Finally, gene ontology analysis of cisplatin-resistant samples indicated enrichment of differentially hypermethylated promoters on pathways related to regulation of immune microenvironment, and enrichment of differentially hypomethylated promoters on pathways related to DNA/chromatin binding and regulation. This data supports not only the use of hypomethylating agents for targeting cisplatin-resistant disease, but also their use in combination with immunotherapies and chromatin remodelers.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513, Porto, Portugal.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vera Constâncio
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Leite-Silva
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Guimarães
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Cantante
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isaac Braga
- Department of Urology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joaquina Maurício
- Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Leendert H J Looijenga
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal. .,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal. .,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (GEBC CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) & Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal. .,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513, Porto, Portugal.
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Krasic J, Skara L, Ulamec M, Katusic Bojanac A, Dabelic S, Bulic-Jakus F, Jezek D, Sincic N. Teratoma Growth Retardation by HDACi Treatment of the Tumor Embryonal Source. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113416. [PMID: 33217978 PMCID: PMC7698704 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Testicular germ cell tumors are the most common neoplasms in young male populations, with a rising incidence. Among them, teratomas may often be very aggressive and resistant to therapy. Our aim was to investigate the impact of two potential anti-tumor epigenetic drugs (Valproate and Trichostatin A) in a mammalian model of teratoma development from an early trilaminar mouse embryo. Both drugs applied to the embryonic tissue had a significant negative impact on the teratoma growth in a three-dimensional in vitro culture. However, Trichostatin A did not diminish some potentially dangerous features of teratomas in contrast to Valproate. This research is an original contribution to the basic knowledge of the origin and development of teratomas. Such knowledge is necessary for envisioning therapeutic strategies against human testicular tumors. Abstract Among testicular germ cell tumors, teratomas may often be very aggressive and therapy-resistant. Our aim was to investigate the impact of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) on the in vitro growth of experimental mouse teratoma by treating their embryonic source, the embryo-proper, composed only of the three germ layers. The growth of teratomas was measured for seven days, and histopathological analysis, IHC/morphometry quantification, gene enrichment analysis, and qPCR analysis on a selected panel of pluripotency and early differentiation genes followed. For the first time, within teratomas, we histopathologically assessed the undifferentiated component containing cancer stem cell-like cells (CSCLCs) and differentiated components containing numerous lymphocytes. Mitotic indices were higher than apoptotic indices in both components. Both HDACi treatments of the embryos-proper significantly reduced teratoma growth, although this could be related neither to apoptosis nor proliferation. Trichostatin A increased the amount of CSCLCs, and upregulated the mRNA expression of pluripotency/stemness genes as well as differentiation genes, e.g., T and Eomes. Valproate decreased the amount of CSCLCs, and downregulated the expressions of pluripotency/stemness and differentiation genes. In conclusion, both HDACi treatments diminished the inherent tumorigenic growth potential of the tumor embryonal source, although Trichostatin A did not diminish the potentially dangerous expression of cancer-related genes and the amount of CSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jure Krasic
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.K.); (L.S.); (A.K.B.); (F.B.-J.)
- Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Lucija Skara
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.K.); (L.S.); (A.K.B.); (F.B.-J.)
- Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Monika Ulamec
- Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Katusic Bojanac
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.K.); (L.S.); (A.K.B.); (F.B.-J.)
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Sanja Dabelic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Floriana Bulic-Jakus
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.K.); (L.S.); (A.K.B.); (F.B.-J.)
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Davor Jezek
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nino Sincic
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.K.); (L.S.); (A.K.B.); (F.B.-J.)
- Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-1-45-66-806; Fax: +385-45-960-199
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Efficacy of HDAC Inhibitors Belinostat and Panobinostat against Cisplatin-Sensitive and Cisplatin-Resistant Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102903. [PMID: 33050470 PMCID: PMC7601457 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary There is a need for novel treatment options for patients with testicular germ cell tumors, especially for those that are resistant to standard chemotherapy, who show poor prognosis. In this work, we test two compounds that inhibit epigenetic enzymes called histone deacetylases—belinostat and panobinostat. We show that these enzymes are expressed at different levels in different germ cell tumor subtypes (seminomas and non-seminomas) and that both drugs are effective in reducing tumor cell viability, by decreasing cell proliferation and increasing cell death. These results are promising and should prompt further works with these compounds, envisioning the improvement of care of germ cell tumor patients. Abstract Novel treatment options are needed for testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) patients, particularly important for those showing or developing cisplatin resistance, the major cause of cancer-related deaths. As TGCTs pathobiology is highly related to epigenetic (de)regulation, epidrugs are potentially effective therapies. Hence, we sought to explore, for the first time, the effect of the two most recently FDA-approved HDAC inhibitors (HDACis), belinostat and panobinostat, in (T)GCT cell lines including those resistant to cisplatin. In silico results were validated in 261 patient samples and differential expression of HDACs was also observed across cell lines. Belinostat and panobinostat reduced cell viability in both cisplatin-sensitive cells (NCCIT-P, 2102Ep-P, and NT2-P) and, importantly, also in matched cisplatin-resistant subclones (NCCIT-R, 2102Ep-R, and NT2-R), with IC50s in the low nanomolar range for all cell lines. Treatment of NCCIT-R with both drugs increased acetylation, induced cell cycle arrest, reduced proliferation, decreased Ki67 index, and increased p21, while increasing cell death by apoptosis, with upregulation of cleaved caspase 3. These findings support the effectiveness of HDACis for treating TGCT patients in general, including those developing cisplatin resistance. Future studies should explore them as single or combination agents.
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Cisplatin Resistance in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: Current Challenges from Various Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061601. [PMID: 32560427 PMCID: PMC7352163 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors share a marked sensitivity to cisplatin, contributing to their overall good prognosis. However, a subset of patients develop resistance to platinum-based treatments, by still-elusive mechanisms, experiencing poor quality of life due to multiple (often ineffective) interventions and, eventually, dying from disease. Currently, there is a lack of defined treatment opportunities for these patients that tackle the mechanism(s) underlying the emergence of resistance. Herein, we aim to provide a multifaceted overview of cisplatin resistance in testicular germ cell tumors, from the clinical perspective, to the pathobiology (including mechanisms contributing to induction of the resistant phenotype), to experimental models available for studying this occurrence. We provide a systematic summary of pre-target, on-target, post-target, and off-target mechanisms putatively involved in cisplatin resistance, providing data from preclinical studies and from those attempting validation in clinical samples, including those exploring specific alterations as therapeutic targets, some of them included in ongoing clinical trials. We briefly discuss the specificities of resistance related to teratoma (differentiated) phenotype, including the phenomena of growing teratoma syndrome and development of somatic-type malignancy. Cisplatin resistance is most likely multifactorial, and a combination of therapeutic strategies will most likely produce the best clinical benefit.
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Lobo J, Jerónimo C, Henrique R. Targeting the Immune system and Epigenetic Landscape of Urological Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E829. [PMID: 32012885 PMCID: PMC7037817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last years, we have witnessed remarkable advances in targeted therapies for cancer patients. There is a growing effort to either replace or reduce the dose of unspecific, systemic (chemo)therapies, given the associated short- and long-term side effects, by introducing more specific targeted therapies as single or combination agents. Due to the well-known implications of the immune system and epigenetic landscape in modulating cancer development, both have been explored as potential targets in several malignancies, including those affecting the genitourinary tract. As the immune system function is also epigenetically regulated, there is rationale for combining both strategies. However, this is still rather underexplored, namely in urological tumors. We aim to briefly review the use of immune therapies in prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancer, and further describe studies providing supporting evidence on their combination with epigenetic-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
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