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Ozawa H, Haratake N, Nakashoji A, Daimon T, Bhattacharya A, Wang K, Shigeta K, Fushimi A, Fukuda K, Masugi Y, Yamaguchi R, Kitago M, Kawakubo H, Kitagawa Y, Kufe D. MUC1-C Dependence for the Progression of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Identifies a Druggable Target for the Treatment of This Rare Cancer. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1509. [PMID: 39062082 PMCID: PMC11274714 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071509] [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: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) have limited access to effective targeted agents and invariably succumb to progressive disease. MUC1-C is a druggable oncogenic protein linked to driving pan-cancers. There is no known involvement of MUC1-C in pNET progression. The present work was performed to determine if MUC1-C represents a potential target for advancing pNET treatment. We demonstrate that the MUC1 gene is upregulated in primary pNETs that progress with metastatic disease. In pNET cells, MUC1-C drives E2F- and MYC-signaling pathways necessary for survival. Targeting MUC1-C genetically and pharmacologically also inhibits self-renewal capacity and tumorigenicity. Studies of primary pNET tissues further demonstrate that MUC1-C expression is associated with (i) an advanced NET grade and pathological stage, (ii) metastatic disease, and (iii) decreased disease-free survival. These findings demonstrate that MUC1-C is necessary for pNET progression and is a novel target for treating these rare cancers with anti-MUC1-C agents under clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Ozawa
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, D830, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (H.O.); (N.H.); (A.N.); (T.D.); (A.B.); (K.W.); (K.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Naoki Haratake
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, D830, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (H.O.); (N.H.); (A.N.); (T.D.); (A.B.); (K.W.); (K.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Ayako Nakashoji
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, D830, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (H.O.); (N.H.); (A.N.); (T.D.); (A.B.); (K.W.); (K.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Tatsuaki Daimon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, D830, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (H.O.); (N.H.); (A.N.); (T.D.); (A.B.); (K.W.); (K.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Atrayee Bhattacharya
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, D830, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (H.O.); (N.H.); (A.N.); (T.D.); (A.B.); (K.W.); (K.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Keyi Wang
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, D830, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (H.O.); (N.H.); (A.N.); (T.D.); (A.B.); (K.W.); (K.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Keisuke Shigeta
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, D830, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (H.O.); (N.H.); (A.N.); (T.D.); (A.B.); (K.W.); (K.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Atsushi Fushimi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, D830, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (H.O.); (N.H.); (A.N.); (T.D.); (A.B.); (K.W.); (K.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Kazumasa Fukuda
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (K.F.); (R.Y.); (M.K.); (H.K.); (Y.K.)
| | - Yohei Masugi
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan;
| | - Ryo Yamaguchi
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (K.F.); (R.Y.); (M.K.); (H.K.); (Y.K.)
| | - Minoru Kitago
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (K.F.); (R.Y.); (M.K.); (H.K.); (Y.K.)
| | - Hirofumi Kawakubo
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (K.F.); (R.Y.); (M.K.); (H.K.); (Y.K.)
| | - Yuko Kitagawa
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (K.F.); (R.Y.); (M.K.); (H.K.); (Y.K.)
| | - Donald Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, D830, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (H.O.); (N.H.); (A.N.); (T.D.); (A.B.); (K.W.); (K.S.); (A.F.)
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Bhattacharya A, Wang K, Penailillo J, Chan CN, Fushimi A, Yamashita N, Daimon T, Haratake N, Ozawa H, Nakashoji A, Shigeta K, Morimoto Y, Miyo M, Kufe DW. MUC1-C regulates NEAT1 lncRNA expression and paraspeckle formation in cancer progression. Oncogene 2024; 43:2199-2214. [PMID: 38802648 PMCID: PMC11226401 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03068-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The MUC1 gene evolved in mammals for adaptation of barrier tissues in response to infections and damage. Paraspeckles are nuclear bodies formed on the NEAT1 lncRNA in response to loss of homeostasis. There is no known intersection of MUC1 with NEAT1 or paraspeckles. Here, we demonstrate that the MUC1-C subunit plays an essential role in regulating NEAT1 expression. MUC1-C activates the NEAT1 gene with induction of the NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2 isoforms by NF-κB- and MYC-mediated mechanisms. MUC1-C/MYC signaling also induces expression of the SFPQ, NONO and FUS RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that associate with NEAT1_2 and are necessary for paraspeckle formation. MUC1-C integrates activation of NEAT1 and RBP-encoding genes by recruiting the PBAF chromatin remodeling complex and increasing chromatin accessibility of their respective regulatory regions. We further demonstrate that MUC1-C and NEAT1 form an auto-inductive pathway that drives common sets of genes conferring responses to inflammation and loss of homeostasis. Of functional significance, we find that the MUC1-C/NEAT1 pathway is of importance for the cancer stem cell (CSC) state and anti-cancer drug resistance. These findings identify a previously unrecognized role for MUC1-C in the regulation of NEAT1, RBPs, and paraspeckles that has been co-opted in promoting cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keyi Wang
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Johany Penailillo
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chi Ngai Chan
- Tissue Technologies Unit, Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Atsushi Fushimi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nami Yamashita
- Breast Surgical Oncology, Breast Oncology Center, The Cancer Institute Hospital of the JFCR, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuaki Daimon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Naoki Haratake
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hiroki Ozawa
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ayako Nakashoji
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Keisuke Shigeta
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yoshihiro Morimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masaaki Miyo
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Donald W Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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3
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Nakashoji A, Haratake N, Bhattacharya A, Mao W, Xu K, Wang K, Daimon T, Ozawa H, Shigeta K, Fushimi A, Yamashita N, Morimoto Y, Shimokawa M, Saito S, Egloff AM, Uppaluri R, Long MD, Kufe D. Identification of MUC1-C as a Target for Suppressing Progression of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:1268-1281. [PMID: 38619287 PMCID: PMC11092937 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-24-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The MUC1-C protein is aberrantly expressed in adenocarcinomas of epithelial barrier tissues and contributes to their progression. Less is known about involvement of MUC1-C in the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Here, we report that the MUC1 gene is upregulated in advanced head and neck SCCs (HNSCC). Studies of HNSCC cell lines demonstrate that the MUC1-C subunit regulates expression of (i) RIG-I and MDA5 pattern recognition receptors, (ii) STAT1 and IFN regulatory factors, and (iii) downstream IFN-stimulated genes. MUC1-C integrates chronic activation of the STAT1 inflammatory pathway with induction of the ∆Np63 and SOX2 genes that are aberrantly expressed in HNSCCs. In extending those dependencies, we demonstrate that MUC1-C is necessary for NOTCH3 expression, self-renewal capacity, and tumorigenicity. The findings that MUC1 associates with ∆Np63, SOX2 and NOTCH3 expression by single-cell RNA sequencing analysis further indicate that MUC1-C drives the HNSCC stem cell state and is a target for suppressing HNSCC progression. SIGNIFICANCE This work reports a previously unrecognized role for MUC1-C in driving STAT1-mediated chronic inflammation with the progression of HNSCC and identifies MUC1-C as a druggable target for advanced HNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Nakashoji
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Naoki Haratake
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Weipu Mao
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kangjie Xu
- Central Laboratory Department, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, P.R. China
| | - Keyi Wang
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tatsuaki Daimon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hiroki Ozawa
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Keisuke Shigeta
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Atsushi Fushimi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nami Yamashita
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yoshihiro Morimoto
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mototsugu Shimokawa
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Shin Saito
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ann Marie Egloff
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ravindra Uppaluri
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark D. Long
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Donald Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Wang K, Bhattacharya A, Haratake N, Daimon T, Nakashoji A, Ozawa H, Peng B, Li W, Kufe D. XIST and MUC1-C form an auto-regulatory pathway in driving cancer progression. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:330. [PMID: 38740827 PMCID: PMC11091074 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06684-9] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The long non-coding RNA X-inactive specific transcript (lncRNA XIST) and MUC1 gene are dysregulated in chronic inflammation and cancer; however, there is no known interaction of their functions. The present studies demonstrate that MUC1-C regulates XIST lncRNA levels by suppressing the RBM15/B, WTAP and METTL3/14 components of the m6A methylation complex that associate with XIST A repeats. MUC1-C also suppresses the YTHDF2-CNOT1 deadenylase complex that recognizes m6A sites and contributes to XIST decay with increases in XIST stability and expression. In support of an auto-regulatory pathway, we show that XIST regulates MUC1-C expression by promoting NF-κB-mediated activation of the MUC1 gene. Of significance, MUC1-C and XIST regulate common genes associated with inflammation and stemness, including (i) miR-21 which is upregulated across pan-cancers, and (ii) TDP-43 which associates with the XIST E repeats. Our results further demonstrate that the MUC1-C/XIST pathway (i) is regulated by TDP-43, (ii) drives stemness-associated genes, and (iii) is necessary for self-renewal capacity. These findings indicate that the MUC1-C/XIST auto-regulatory axis is of importance in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyi Wang
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Naoki Haratake
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tatsuaki Daimon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ayako Nakashoji
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hiroki Ozawa
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bo Peng
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Donald Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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5
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Haratake N, Ozawa H, Morimoto Y, Yamashita N, Daimon T, Bhattacharya A, Wang K, Nakashoji A, Isozaki H, Shimokawa M, Kikutake C, Suyama M, Hashinokuchi A, Takada K, Takenaka T, Yoshizumi T, Mitsudomi T, Hata AN, Kufe D. MUC1-C Is a Common Driver of Acquired Osimertinib Resistance in NSCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2024; 19:434-450. [PMID: 37924972 PMCID: PMC10939926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2023.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Osimertinib is an irreversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC harboring EGFR exon 19 deletions or L858R mutations. Patients treated with osimertinib invariably develop acquired resistance by mechanisms involving additional EGFR mutations, MET amplification, and other pathways. There is no known involvement of the oncogenic MUC1-C protein in acquired osimertinib resistance. METHODS H1975/EGFR (L858R/T790M) and patient-derived NSCLC cells with acquired osimertinib resistance were investigated for MUC1-C dependence in studies of EGFR pathway activation, clonogenicity, and self-renewal capacity. RESULTS We reveal that MUC1-C is up-regulated in H1975 osimertinib drug-tolerant persister cells and is necessary for activation of the EGFR pathway. H1975 cells selected for stable osimertinib resistance (H1975-OR) and MGH700-2D cells isolated from a patient with acquired osimertinib resistance are found to be dependent on MUC1-C for induction of (1) phospho (p)-EGFR, p-ERK, and p-AKT, (2) EMT, and (3) the resistant phenotype. We report that MUC1-C is also required for p-EGFR, p-ERK, and p-AKT activation and self-renewal capacity in acquired osimertinib-resistant (1) MET-amplified MGH170-1D #2 cells and (2) MGH121 Res#2/EGFR (T790M/C797S) cells. Importantly, targeting MUC1-C in these diverse models reverses osimertinib resistance. In support of these results, high MUC1 mRNA and MUC1-C protein expression is associated with a poor prognosis for patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLCs. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal that MUC1-C is a common effector of osimertinib resistance and is a potential target for the treatment of osimertinib-resistant NSCLCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Haratake
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hiroki Ozawa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yoshihiro Morimoto
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nami Yamashita
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tatsuaki Daimon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Atrayee Bhattacharya
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Keyi Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ayako Nakashoji
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hideko Isozaki
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mototsugu Shimokawa
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Chie Kikutake
- Division of Bioinformatics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mikita Suyama
- Division of Bioinformatics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Asato Hashinokuchi
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Tomoyoshi Takenaka
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomoharu Yoshizumi
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mitsudomi
- Department of Surgery, Kindai University Hospital, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Aaron N Hata
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Donald Kufe
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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6
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Medina-Dols A, Cañellas G, Capó T, Solé M, Mola-Caminal M, Cullell N, Jaume M, Nadal-Salas L, Llinàs J, Gómez L, Tur S, Jiménez C, Díaz RM, Carrera C, Muiño E, Gallego-Fabrega C, Soriano-Tárraga C, Ruiz-Guerra L, Pol-Fuster J, Asensio V, Muncunill J, Fleischer A, Iglesias A, Giralt-Steinhauer E, Lazcano U, Fernández-Pérez I, Jiménez-Balado J, Gabriel-Salazar M, Garcia-Gabilondo M, Lei T, Torres-Aguila NP, Cárcel-Márquez J, Lladó J, Olmos G, Rosell A, Montaner J, Planas AM, Rabionet R, Hernández-Guillamon M, Jiménez-Conde J, Fernández-Cadenas I, Vives-Bauzá C. Role of PATJ in stroke prognosis by modulating endothelial to mesenchymal transition through the Hippo/Notch/PI3K axis. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:85. [PMID: 38368420 PMCID: PMC10874379 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01857-z] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Through GWAS studies we identified PATJ associated with functional outcome after ischemic stroke (IS). The aim of this study was to determine PATJ role in brain endothelial cells (ECs) in the context of stroke outcome. PATJ expression analyses in patient's blood revealed that: (i) the risk allele of rs76221407 induces higher expression of PATJ, (ii) PATJ is downregulated 24 h after IS, and (iii) its expression is significantly lower in those patients with functional independence, measured at 3 months with the modified Rankin scale ((mRS) ≤2), compared to those patients with marked disability (mRS = 4-5). In mice brains, PATJ was also downregulated in the injured hemisphere at 48 h after ischemia. Oxygen-glucose deprivation and hypoxia-dependent of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α also caused PATJ depletion in ECs. To study the effects of PATJ downregulation, we generated PATJ-knockdown human microvascular ECs. Their transcriptomic profile evidenced a complex cell reprogramming involving Notch, TGF-ß, PI3K/Akt, and Hippo signaling that translates in morphological and functional changes compatible with endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). PATJ depletion caused loss of cell-cell adhesion, upregulation of metalloproteases, actin cytoskeleton remodeling, cytoplasmic accumulation of the signal transducer C-terminal transmembrane Mucin 1 (MUC1-C) and downregulation of Notch and Hippo signaling. The EndMT phenotype of PATJ-depleted cells was associated with the nuclear recruitment of MUC1-C, YAP/TAZ, β-catenin, and ZEB1. Our results suggest that PATJ downregulation 24 h after IS promotes EndMT, an initial step prior to secondary activation of a pro-angiogenic program. This effect is associated with functional independence suggesting that activation of EndMT shortly after stroke onset is beneficial for stroke recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aina Medina-Dols
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Research Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Guillem Cañellas
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Research Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- Department of Biology, University of Balearic Islands (UIB), Institut Universitari d'Investigacions en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Palma, Spain
| | - Toni Capó
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Research Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- Department of Biology, University of Balearic Islands (UIB), Institut Universitari d'Investigacions en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Palma, Spain
| | - Montse Solé
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Mola-Caminal
- Neurology, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Unit of Medical Epidemiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Natalia Cullell
- Neurology, Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa/Fundacio Docència i Recerca Mútua Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Jaume
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Research Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- Department of Biology, University of Balearic Islands (UIB), Institut Universitari d'Investigacions en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Palma, Spain
| | - Laura Nadal-Salas
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Research Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- Department of Biology, University of Balearic Islands (UIB), Institut Universitari d'Investigacions en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Palma, Spain
| | - Jaume Llinàs
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Research Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- Department of Biology, University of Balearic Islands (UIB), Institut Universitari d'Investigacions en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Palma, Spain
| | - Lluis Gómez
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Research Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- Department of Biology, University of Balearic Islands (UIB), Institut Universitari d'Investigacions en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Palma, Spain
| | - Silvia Tur
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Research Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari Son Espases (HUSE), Palma, Spain
| | - Carmen Jiménez
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Research Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari Son Espases (HUSE), Palma, Spain
| | - Rosa M Díaz
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Research Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari Son Espases (HUSE), Palma, Spain
| | - Caty Carrera
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Muiño
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Gallego-Fabrega
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Laura Ruiz-Guerra
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Research Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Josep Pol-Fuster
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Research Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- Department of Biology, University of Balearic Islands (UIB), Institut Universitari d'Investigacions en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Palma, Spain
| | - Víctor Asensio
- Department of Genetics (GEN-IB), HUSE, IdISBa, Palma, Spain
| | | | | | - Amanda Iglesias
- Department of Respiratory Medicine,, Hospital Universitari Son Espases-IdISBa Palma, Spain; CIBERES, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Uxue Lazcano
- Neurology, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Marina Gabriel-Salazar
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Garcia-Gabilondo
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ting Lei
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria-Paz Torres-Aguila
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jara Cárcel-Márquez
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jerònia Lladó
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Research Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- Department of Biology, University of Balearic Islands (UIB), Institut Universitari d'Investigacions en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Palma, Spain
| | - Gabriel Olmos
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Research Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- Department of Biology, University of Balearic Islands (UIB), Institut Universitari d'Investigacions en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Palma, Spain
| | - Anna Rosell
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Montaner
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville & Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Seville, Spain
| | - Anna M Planas
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB)-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- Area of Neuroscience, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Rabionet
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology & Statistics, IBUB, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Hernández-Guillamon
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Israel Fernández-Cadenas
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristòfol Vives-Bauzá
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Research Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain.
- Department of Biology, University of Balearic Islands (UIB), Institut Universitari d'Investigacions en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Palma, Spain.
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7
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Daimon T, Bhattacharya A, Wang K, Haratake N, Nakashoji A, Ozawa H, Morimoto Y, Yamashita N, Kosaka T, Oya M, Kufe DW. MUC1-C is a target of salinomycin in inducing ferroptosis of cancer stem cells. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:9. [PMID: 38182558 PMCID: PMC10770371 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01772-9] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic MUC1-C transmembrane protein is a critical effector of the cancer stem cell (CSC) state. Addiction to MUC1-C for self-renewal in the progression of human cancers has emphasized the need for development of anti-MUC1-C agents. However, there are presently no approved small molecules for targeting MUC1-C-dependent CSCs. In screening for small molecules, we identified salinomycin (SAL), an inducer of ferroptosis, as a potent inhibitor of MUC1-C signaling. We demonstrate that SAL suppresses MUC1-C expression by disrupting a NF-κB/MUC1-C auto-inductive circuit that is necessary for ferroptosis resistance. Our results show that SAL-induced MUC1-C suppression downregulates a MUC1-C→MYC pathway that activates genes encoding (i) glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR), and (ii) the LDL receptor related protein 8 (LRP8), which inhibit ferroptosis by generating GSH and regulating selenium levels, respectively. GSR and LRP8 contribute to the function of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), an essential negative regulator of ferroptotic cell death. We demonstrate that targeting MUC1-C genetically or with the GO-203 peptide inhibitor suppresses GPX4 expression and GPX activity in association with the induction of ferroptosis. Studies of CSCs enriched by serial passage as tumorspheres further demonstrate that the effects of SAL are mediated by downregulation of MUC1-C and thereby overcoming resistance to ferroptosis. As confirmation of these results, rescue of MUC1-C downregulation with the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain (i) reversed the suppression of GSR, LRP8 and GPX4 expression, and (ii) attenuated the induction of ferroptosis. These findings identify SAL as a unique small molecule inhibitor of MUC1-C signaling and demonstrate that MUC1-C is an important effector of resistance to ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuaki Daimon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Keyi Wang
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Naoki Haratake
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ayako Nakashoji
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hiroki Ozawa
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yoshihiro Morimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Kinan Hospital, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Nami Yamashita
- Breast Surgical Oncology, Breast Oncology Center, The Cancer Institute Hospital of the JFCR, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeo Kosaka
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mototsugu Oya
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Donald W Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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8
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Yamashita N, Withers H, Morimoto Y, Bhattacharya A, Haratake N, Daimon T, Fushimi A, Nakashoji A, Thorner AR, Isenhart E, Rosario S, Long MD, Kufe D. MUC1-C integrates aerobic glycolysis with suppression of oxidative phosphorylation in triple-negative breast cancer stem cells. iScience 2023; 26:108168. [PMID: 37915591 PMCID: PMC10616323 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the MUC1-C protein promotes lineage plasticity, epigenetic reprogramming, and the cancer stem cell (CSC) state. The present studies performed on enriched populations of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) CSCs demonstrate that MUC1-C is essential for integrating activation of glycolytic pathway genes with self-renewal and tumorigenicity. MUC1-C further integrates the glycolytic pathway with suppression of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes encoding components of mitochondrial Complexes I-V. The repression of mtDNA genes is explained by MUC1-C-mediated (i) downregulation of the mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) required for mtDNA transcription and (ii) induction of the mitochondrial transcription termination factor 3 (mTERF3). In support of pathogenesis that suppresses mitochondrial ROS production, targeting MUC1-C increases (i) mtDNA gene transcription, (ii) superoxide levels, and (iii) loss of self-renewal capacity. These findings and scRNA-seq analysis of CSC subpopulations indicate that MUC1-C regulates self-renewal and redox balance by integrating activation of glycolysis with suppression of oxidative phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nami Yamashita
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Henry Withers
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Naoki Haratake
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tatsuaki Daimon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Atsushi Fushimi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ayako Nakashoji
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron R. Thorner
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily Isenhart
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Spencer Rosario
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Mark D. Long
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Donald Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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9
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Bhattacharya A, Fushimi A, Wang K, Yamashita N, Morimoto Y, Ishikawa S, Daimon T, Liu T, Liu S, Long MD, Kufe D. MUC1-C intersects chronic inflammation with epigenetic reprogramming by regulating the set1a compass complex in cancer progression. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1030. [PMID: 37821650 PMCID: PMC10567710 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05395-9] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation promotes epigenetic reprogramming in cancer progression by pathways that remain unclear. The oncogenic MUC1-C protein is activated by the inflammatory NF-κB pathway in cancer cells. There is no known involvement of MUC1-C in regulation of the COMPASS family of H3K4 methyltransferases. We find that MUC1-C regulates (i) bulk H3K4 methylation levels, and (ii) the COMPASS SET1A/SETD1A and WDR5 genes by an NF-κB-mediated mechanism. The importance of MUC1-C in regulating the SET1A COMPASS complex is supported by the demonstration that MUC1-C and WDR5 drive expression of FOS, ATF3 and other AP-1 family members. In a feedforward loop, MUC1-C, WDR5 and AP-1 contribute to activation of genes encoding TRAF1, RELB and other effectors in the chronic NF-κB inflammatory response. We also show that MUC1-C, NF-κB, WDR5 and AP-1 are necessary for expression of the (i) KLF4 master regulator of the pluripotency network and (ii) NOTCH1 effector of stemness. In this way, MUC1-C/NF-κB complexes recruit SET1A/WDR5 and AP-1 to enhancer-like signatures in the KLF4 and NOTCH1 genes with increases in H3K4me3 levels, chromatin accessibility and transcription. These findings indicate that MUC1-C regulates the SET1A COMPASS complex and the induction of genes that integrate NF-κB-mediated chronic inflammation with cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Atsushi Fushimi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Keyi Wang
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nami Yamashita
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Satoshi Ishikawa
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tatsuaki Daimon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Mark D Long
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Donald Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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10
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Pontecorvi P, Ceccarelli S, Cece F, Camero S, Lotti LV, Niccolai E, Nannini G, Gerini G, Anastasiadou E, Scialis ES, Romano E, Venneri MA, Amedei A, Angeloni A, Megiorni F, Marchese C. Assessing the Impact of Polyethylene Nano/Microplastic Exposure on Human Vaginal Keratinocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11379. [PMID: 37511139 PMCID: PMC10380279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The global rise of single-use throw-away plastic products has elicited a massive increase in the nano/microplastics (N/MPLs) exposure burden in humans. Recently, it has been demonstrated that disposable period products may release N/MPLs with usage, which represents a potential threat to women's health which has not been scientifically addressed yet. By using polyethyl ene (PE) particles (200 nm to 9 μm), we showed that acute exposure to a high concentration of N/MPLs induced cell toxicity in vaginal keratinocytes after effective cellular uptake, as viability and apoptosis data suggest, along with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. The internalised N/MPLs altered the expression of junctional and adherence proteins and the organisation of the actin cortex, influencing the level of genes involved in oxidative stress signalling pathways and that of miRNAs related to epithelial barrier function. When the exposure to PE N/MPLs was discontinued or became chronic, cells were able to recover from the negative effects on viability and differentiation/proliferation gene expression in a few days. However, in all cases, PE N/MPL exposure prompted a sustained alteration of DNA methyltransferase and DNA demethylase expression, which might impact epigenetic regulation processes, leading to accelerated cell ageing and inflammation, or the occurrence of malignant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Pontecorvi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Ceccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Cece
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Camero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Vittoria Lotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Niccolai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Nannini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Gerini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleni Anastasiadou
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Sofia Scialis
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Enrico Romano
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mary Anna Venneri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Megiorni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Marchese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
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11
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Hu C, Liu M, Li Y, Zhao Y, Sharma A, Liu H, Schmidt-Wolf IGH. Recent advances and future perspectives of CAR-T cell therapy in head and neck cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1213716. [PMID: 37457699 PMCID: PMC10346844 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1213716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) ranks as the sixth most prevalent type of cancer globally and accounts for about 4% of all types of cancer. Among all HNC, most are head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with clinical therapies that include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and multimodal treatments. In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell immunotherapy has significantly transformed the therapeutic approaches for leukemia and lymphoma and has garnered increased attention as a potential treatment for a wide range of cancers. However, CAR-T immunotherapy in solid tumors, especially HNSCCs, lags significantly behind due to the paucity of tumor-specific antigens, high levels of tumor heterogeneity, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, the risk of treatment-related toxicities and off-target adverse events in HNSCCs. The objective of this review is to explore the advancement of CAR-T cell therapy in the treatment of HNSCCs. We aim to outline the targeted antigens in HNSCCs, highlight the challenges and potential solutions, and discuss the relevant combination therapies. Our review presents a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in CAR-T cell therapy for HNSCCs, and provides valuable insights into future research avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yutao Li
- Department of Integrated Oncology, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Amit Sharma
- Department of Integrated Oncology, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Haotian Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ingo G. H. Schmidt-Wolf
- Department of Integrated Oncology, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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12
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Morimoto Y, Yamashita N, Hirose H, Fushimi A, Haratake N, Daimon T, Bhattacharya A, Ahmad R, Suzuki Y, Takahashi H, Kufe DW. MUC1-C is necessary for SHP2 activation and BRAF inhibitor resistance in BRAF(V600E) mutant colorectal cancer. Cancer Lett 2023; 559:216116. [PMID: 36878307 PMCID: PMC10408991 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancers (CRCs) harboring the BRAF(V600E) mutation are associated with aggressive disease and resistance to BRAF inhibitors by feedback activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)→RAS→MAPK pathway. The oncogenic MUC1-C protein promotes progression of colitis to CRC; whereas there is no known involvement of MUC1-C in BRAF(V600E) CRCs. The present work demonstrates that MUC1 expression is significantly upregulated in BRAF(V600E) vs wild-type CRCs. We show that BRAF(V600E) CRC cells are dependent on MUC1-C for proliferation and BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) resistance. Mechanistically, MUC1-C integrates induction of MYC in driving cell cycle progression with activation of the SHP2 phosphotyrosine phosphatase, which enhances RTK-mediated RAS→ERK signaling. We demonstrate that targeting MUC1-C genetically and pharmacologically suppresses (i) activation of MYC, (ii) induction of the NOTCH1 stemness factor, and (iii) the capacity for self-renewal. We also show that MUC1-C associates with SHP2 and is required for SHP2 activation in driving BRAFi-induced feedback of ERK signaling. In this way, targeting MUC1-C in BRAFi-resistant BRAF(V600E) CRC tumors inhibits growth and sensitizes to BRAF inhibition. These findings demonstrate that MUC1-C is a target for the treatment of BRAF(V600E) CRCs and for reversing their resistance to BRAF inhibitors by suppressing the feedback MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nami Yamashita
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Haruka Hirose
- Division of Systems Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Atsushi Fushimi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Naoki Haratake
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tatsuaki Daimon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Rehan Ahmad
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yozo Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Donald W Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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13
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Kufe D. Dependence on MUC1-C in Progression of Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3719. [PMID: 36835130 PMCID: PMC9967814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is responsive to androgen receptor (AR) axis targeted agents; however, patients invariably relapse with resistant disease that often progresses to neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). Treatment-related NEPC (t-NEPC) is highly aggressive with limited therapeutic options and poor survival outcomes. The molecular basis for NEPC progression remains incompletely understood. The MUC1 gene evolved in mammals to protect barrier tissues from loss of homeostasis. MUC1 encodes the transmembrane MUC1-C subunit, which is activated by inflammation and contributes to wound repair. However, chronic activation of MUC1-C contributes to lineage plasticity and carcinogenesis. Studies in human NEPC cell models have demonstrated that MUC1-C suppresses the AR axis and induces the Yamanaka OSKM pluripotency factors. MUC1-C interacts directly with MYC and activates the expression of the BRN2 neural transcription factor (TF) and other effectors, such as ASCL1, of the NE phenotype. MUC1-C also induces the NOTCH1 stemness TF in promoting the NEPC cancer stem cell (CSC) state. These MUC1-C-driven pathways are coupled with activation of the SWI/SNF embryonic stem BAF (esBAF) and polybromo-BAF (PBAF) chromatin remodeling complexes and global changes in chromatin architecture. The effects of MUC1-C on chromatin accessibility integrate the CSC state with the control of redox balance and induction of self-renewal capacity. Importantly, targeting MUC1-C inhibits NEPC self-renewal, tumorigenicity and therapeutic resistance. This dependence on MUC1-C extends to other NE carcinomas, such as SCLC and MCC, and identify MUC1-C as a target for the treatment of these aggressive malignancies with the anti-MUC1 agents now under clinical and preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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14
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Morimoto Y, Yamashita N, Daimon T, Hirose H, Yamano S, Haratake N, Ishikawa S, Bhattacharya A, Fushimi A, Ahmad R, Takahashi H, Dashevsky O, Mitsiades C, Kufe D. MUC1-C is a master regulator of MICA/B NKG2D ligand and exosome secretion in human cancer cells. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006238. [PMID: 36754452 PMCID: PMC9923360 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The MUC1-C protein evolved in mammals to protect barrier tissues from loss of homeostasis; however, MUC1-C promotes oncogenesis in association with chronic inflammation. Aberrant expression of MUC1-C in cancers has been linked to depletion and dysfunction of T cells in the tumor microenvironment. In contrast, there is no known involvement of MUC1-C in the regulation of natural killer (NK) cell function. METHODS Targeting MUC1-C genetically and pharmacologically in cancer cells was performed to assess effects on intracellular and cell surface expression of the MHC class I chain-related polypeptide A (MICA) and MICB ligands. The MICA/B promoters were analyzed for H3K27 and DNA methylation. Shedding of MICA/B was determined by ELISA. MUC1-C interactions with ERp5 and RAB27A were assessed by coimmunoprecipitation and direct binding studies. Exosomes were isolated for analysis of secretion. Purified NK cells were assayed for killing of cancer cell targets. RESULTS Our studies demonstrate that MUC1-C represses expression of the MICA and MICB ligands that activate the NK group 2D receptor. We show that the inflammatory MUC1-C→NF-κB pathway drives enhancer of zeste homolog 2-mediated and DNMT-mediated methylation of the MICA and MICB promoter regions. Targeting MUC1-C genetically and pharmacologically with the GO-203 inhibitor induced intracellular and cell surface MICA/B expression but not MICA/B cleavage. Mechanistically, MUC1-C regulates the ERp5 thiol oxidoreductase that is necessary for MICA/B protease digestion and shedding. In addition, MUC1-C interacts with the RAB27A protein, which is required for exosome formation and secretion. As a result, targeting MUC1-C markedly inhibited secretion of exosomes expressing MICA/B. In concert with these results, we show that targeting MUC1-C promotes NK cell-mediated killing. CONCLUSIONS These findings uncover pleotropic mechanisms by which MUC1-C confers evasion of cancer cells to NK cell recognition and destruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Morimoto
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nami Yamashita
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tatsuaki Daimon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Haruka Hirose
- Division of Systems Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shizuka Yamano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Naoki Haratake
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Satoshi Ishikawa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Atrayee Bhattacharya
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Atsushi Fushimi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rehan Ahmad
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hidekazu Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Olga Dashevsky
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Constantine Mitsiades
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Donald Kufe
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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