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Kumar H, Kim P. Artificial intelligence in fusion protein three-dimensional structure prediction: Review and perspective. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1789. [PMID: 39090739 PMCID: PMC11294035 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1789] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have accelerated the prediction of unknown protein structures. However, accurately predicting the three-dimensional (3D) structures of fusion proteins remains a difficult task because the current AI-based protein structure predictions are focused on the WT proteins rather than on the newly fused proteins in nature. Following the central dogma of biology, fusion proteins are translated from fusion transcripts, which are made by transcribing the fusion genes between two different loci through the chromosomal rearrangements in cancer. Accurately predicting the 3D structures of fusion proteins is important for understanding the functional roles and mechanisms of action of new chimeric proteins. However, predicting their 3D structure using a template-based model is challenging because known template structures are often unavailable in databases. Deep learning (DL) models that utilize multi-level protein information have revolutionized the prediction of protein 3D structures. In this review paper, we highlighted the latest advancements and ongoing challenges in predicting the 3D structure of fusion proteins using DL models. We aim to explore both the advantages and challenges of employing AlphaFold2, RoseTTAFold, tr-Rosetta and D-I-TASSER for modelling the 3D structures. HIGHLIGHTS: This review provides the overall pipeline and landscape of the prediction of the 3D structure of fusion protein. This review provides the factors that should be considered in predicting the 3D structures of fusion proteins using AI approaches in each step. This review highlights the latest advancements and ongoing challenges in predicting the 3D structure of fusion proteins using deep learning models. This review explores the advantages and challenges of employing AlphaFold2, RoseTTAFold, tr-Rosetta, and D-I-TASSER to model 3D structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himansu Kumar
- Department of Bioinformatics and Systems MedicineMcWilliams School of Biomedical InformaticsThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Pora Kim
- Department of Bioinformatics and Systems MedicineMcWilliams School of Biomedical InformaticsThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
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2
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Pashley SL, Papageorgiou S, O'Regan L, Barone G, Robinson SW, Lucken K, Straatman KR, Roig J, Fry AM. The mesenchymal morphology of cells expressing the EML4-ALK V3 oncogene is dependent on phosphorylation of Eg5 by NEK7. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107144. [PMID: 38458397 PMCID: PMC11061729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) oncogenic fusion proteins are found in approximately 5% of non-small cell lung cancers. Different EML4-ALK fusion variants exist with variant 3 (V3) being associated with a significantly higher risk than other common variants, such as variant 1 (V1). Patients with V3 respond less well to targeted ALK inhibitors, have accelerated rates of metastasis, and have poorer overall survival. A pathway has been described downstream of EML4-ALK V3 that is independent of ALK catalytic activity but dependent on the NEK9 and NEK7 kinases. It has been proposed that assembly of an EML4-ALK V3-NEK9-NEK7 complex on microtubules leads to cells developing a mesenchymal-like morphology and exhibiting enhanced migration. However, downstream targets of this complex remain unknown. Here, we show that the microtubule-based kinesin, Eg5, is recruited to interphase microtubules in cells expressing EML4-ALK V3, whereas chemical inhibition of Eg5 reverses the mesenchymal morphology of cells. Furthermore, we show that depletion of NEK7 interferes with Eg5 recruitment to microtubules in cells expressing EML4-ALK V3 and cell length is reduced, but this is reversed by coexpression of a phosphomimetic mutant of Eg5, in a site, S1033, phosphorylated by NEK7. Intriguingly, we also found that expression of Eg5-S1033D led to cells expressing EML4-ALK V1 adopting a more mesenchymal-like morphology. Together, we propose that Eg5 acts as a substrate of NEK7 in cells expressing EML4-ALK V3 and Eg5 phosphorylation promotes the mesenchymal morphology typical of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Pashley
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Savvas Papageorgiou
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Laura O'Regan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Giancarlo Barone
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Susan W Robinson
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Kellie Lucken
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Kees R Straatman
- Advanced Imaging Facility, Core Biotechnology Services, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Joan Roig
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrew M Fry
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
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Diaz-Jimenez A, Ramos M, Helm B, Chocarro S, Frey DL, Agrawal S, Somogyi K, Klingmüller U, Lu J, Sotillo R. Concurrent inhibition of ALK and SRC kinases disrupts the ALK lung tumor cell proteome. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 74:101081. [PMID: 38521003 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Precision oncology has revolutionized the treatment of ALK-positive lung cancer with targeted therapies. However, an unmet clinical need still to address is the treatment of refractory tumors that contain drug-induced resistant mutations in the driver oncogene or exhibit resistance through the activation of diverse mechanisms. In this study, we established mouse tumor-derived cell models representing the two most prevalent EML4-ALK variants in human lung adenocarcinomas and characterized their proteomic profiles to gain insights into the underlying resistance mechanisms. We showed that Eml4-Alk variant 3 confers a worse response to ALK inhibitors, suggesting its role in promoting resistance to targeted therapy. In addition, proteomic analysis of brigatinib-treated cells revealed the upregulation of SRC kinase, a protein frequently activated in cancer. Co-targeting of ALK and SRC showed remarkable inhibitory effects in both ALK-driven murine and ALK-patient-derived lung tumor cells. This combination induced cell death through a multifaceted mechanism characterized by profound perturbation of the (phospho)proteomic landscape and a synergistic suppressive effect on the mTOR pathway. Our study demonstrates that the simultaneous inhibition of ALK and SRC can potentially overcome resistance mechanisms and enhance clinical outcomes in ALK-positive lung cancer patients. ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY: Co-targeting ALK and SRC enhances ALK inhibitor response in lung cancer by affecting the proteomic profile, offering hope for overcoming resistance and improving clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Diaz-Jimenez
- Division of Molecular Thoracic Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Maria Ramos
- Division of Molecular Thoracic Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Barbara Helm
- Division of Systems Biology of Signal Transduction, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany; German Center for Lung Research (DZL) and Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), Germany
| | - Sara Chocarro
- Division of Molecular Thoracic Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Dario Lucas Frey
- Division of Systems Biology of Signal Transduction, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Shubham Agrawal
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Kalman Somogyi
- Division of Molecular Thoracic Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Ursula Klingmüller
- Division of Systems Biology of Signal Transduction, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany; German Center for Lung Research (DZL) and Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), Germany
| | - Junyan Lu
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Rocio Sotillo
- Division of Molecular Thoracic Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany; German Center for Lung Research (DZL) and Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), Germany.
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Sánchez-Marín D, Silva-Cázares MB, Porras-Reyes FI, García-Román R, Campos-Parra AD. Breaking paradigms: Long non-coding RNAs forming gene fusions with potential implications in cancer. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101136. [PMID: 38292185 PMCID: PMC10825296 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.101136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides with dynamic regulatory functions. They interact with a wide range of molecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins to modulate diverse cellular functions through several mechanisms and, if deregulated, they can lead to cancer development and progression. Recently, it has been described that lncRNAs are susceptible to form gene fusions with mRNAs or other lncRNAs, breaking the paradigm of gene fusions consisting mainly of protein-coding genes. However, their biological significance in the tumor phenotype is still uncertain. Therefore, their recent identification opens a new line of research to study their biological role in tumorigenesis, and their potential as biomarkers with clinical relevance or as therapeutic targets. The present study aimed to review the lncRNA fusions identified so far and to know which of them have been associated with a potential function. We address the current challenges to deepen their study as well as the reasons why they represent a future therapeutic window in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sánchez-Marín
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, C.P. 04360, México
| | - Macrina Beatriz Silva-Cázares
- Unidad Académica Multidisciplinaria Región Altiplano, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (UASLP), Carretera a Cedral Km 5+600, Ejido San José de la Trojes, Matehuala, San Luis Potosí, C.P. 78760, México
| | - Fany Iris Porras-Reyes
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Niño Jesús, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, C.P. 14080, México
| | - Rebeca García-Román
- Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad Veracruzana (UV), Av. Dr Luis, Dr. Castelazo Ayala s/n, Col. Industrial Ánimas, Xalapa, Veracruz, C.P. 91190, México
| | - Alma D. Campos-Parra
- Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad Veracruzana (UV), Av. Dr Luis, Dr. Castelazo Ayala s/n, Col. Industrial Ánimas, Xalapa, Veracruz, C.P. 91190, México
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Fu Y, Liu Q, Wang X, Sun L, Han X, Meng X. Clinical difference on the variants and co-mutation in a Chinese cohort with ALK-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03481-w. [PMID: 38637357 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03481-w] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the generally favourable prognoses observed in patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), there remains significant variability in clinical outcomes. The objective of this study is to enhance patient stratification by examining both the specific sites of gene fusion and the presence of co-occurring mutations. METHODS We collected retrospective clinical and pathological data on ALK-positive patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease. ALK fusion variants and concomitant mutations were identified through next-generation sequencing technology. We then assessed treatment efficacy via tumor response and survival metrics. RESULTS This study included a total of 59 patients, with 49 harboring echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-ALK fusions and 10 presenting with rare fusions. The median follow-up period was 33 months. Clinical outcomes between non-EML4-ALK and EML4-ALK patients were comparable. Among the EML4-ALK cohort, patients with longer variants (v1, v2, v8) demonstrated superior progression-free survival (PFS) (median PFS: 34 months vs. 11 months; hazard ratio [HR]: 2.28; P = 0.05) compared to those with shorter variants (v3, v5). Furthermore, patients treated with second-generation ALK inhibitors (ALKi) displayed a progression-free survival advantage (median PFS: not reached [NR] vs. 9 months; HR: 5.37; P = 0.013). Baseline TP53 co-mutation were linked with a substantially shorter OS (median OS,37 months vs. NR; HR 2.74; P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS In ALK+ NSCLC, longer EML4-ALK variants correlate with improved prognosis and enhanced response to second-generation ALKi, while TP53 co-mutations indicate a negative prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Fu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Oncology, Changqing District People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaohan Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Liangchao Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao Han
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Xue Meng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Xu SM, Cheng Y, Fisher H, Janitz M. Recent advances in the investigation of fusion RNAs and their role in molecular pathology of cancer. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 168:106529. [PMID: 38246262 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Gene fusions have had a significant role in the development of various types of cancer, oftentimes involved in oncogenic activities through dysregulation of gene expression or signalling pathways. Some cancer-associated chromosomal translocations can undergo backsplicing, resulting in fusion-circular RNAs, a more stable isoform immune to RNase degradation. This stability makes fusion circular RNAs a promising diagnostic biomarker for cancer. While the detection of linear fusion RNAs and their function in certain cancers have been described in literature, fusion circular RNAs lag behind due to their low abundance in cancer cells. This review highlights current literature on the role of linear and circular fusion transcripts in cancer, tools currently available for detecting of these chimeric RNAs and their function and how they play a role in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Mei Xu
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuning Cheng
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Harry Fisher
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Janitz
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Rosell R, Pedraz-Valdunciel C, Jain A, Shivamallu C, Aguilar A. Deterministic reprogramming and signaling activation following targeted therapy in non-small cell lung cancer driven by mutations or oncogenic fusions. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:171-182. [PMID: 38372666 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2320710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Targeted therapy is used to treat lung adenocarcinoma caused by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain and rare subtypes (<5%) of non-small cell lung cancer. These subtypes include fusion oncoproteins like anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), ROS1, rearranged during transfection (RET), and other receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). The use of diverse selective oral inhibitors, including those targeting rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations, has significantly improved clinical responses, extending progression-free and overall survival. AREAS COVERED Resistance remains a critical issue in lung adenocarcinoma, notably in EGFR mutant, echinoderm microtubule associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-ALK fusion, and KRAS mutant tumors, often associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EXPERT OPINION Despite advancements in next generation EGFR inhibitors and EML4-ALK therapies with enhanced brain penetrance and identifying resistance mutations, overcoming resistance has not been abated. Various strategies are being explored to overcome this issue to achieve prolonged cancer remission and delay resistance. Targeting yes-associated protein (YAP) and the mechanisms associated with YAP activation through Hippo-dependent or independent pathways, is desirable. Additionally, the exploration of liquid-liquid phase separation in fusion oncoproteins forming condensates in the cytoplasm for oncogenic signaling is a promising field for the development of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Rosell
- Cancer Biology & Precision Medicine Program, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Service, IOR, Dexeus University Hospital Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Anisha Jain
- Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Chandan Shivamallu
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Dandikere, Karnataka, India
| | - Andrés Aguilar
- Medical Oncology Service, IOR, Dexeus University Hospital Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Kim M, Ju HM, Song JY, Sampson J, Bayliss R, Choi J. HER3 overexpression: a predictive marker for poor prognosis in advanced ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer treated with ALK inhibitors. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2024; 13:321-333. [PMID: 38496685 PMCID: PMC10938092 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-23-804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Background Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) improve patient survival; however, some patients develop ALK-TKI resistance with unidentified mechanisms. We investigated ErbB family and c-MET expression in patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to understand their roles in the ALK-TKI response. Methods We studied 72 patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC with EML4-ALK fusion variant subtyping and immunostaining for c-MET, EGFR, HER2, and HER3 on tissue specimens both pre- (primary) and post-treatment (secondary) with ALK-TKI. We investigated the association of their expression with survival outcomes and assessed the effectiveness of combining ALK and EGFR inhibitors in ALK-positive NSCLC cell lines stimulated with the HER3-specific ligand HRG1. Results High expression of c-MET, EGFR, HER2, and HER3 was observed in 4.9%, 18.0%, 1.6%, and 25.8% of primary tumors, respectively, and 18.5%, 37.0%, 10.7%, and 35.7% of secondary tumors, respectively. HER3 overexpression in primary tumors showed inferior survival (P=0.132). In the subgroup with EML4-ALK variant 1/2 (V1/V2), HER3 overexpression was significantly associated with inferior survival in both primary and secondary tumors (P=0.022 and P=0.004, respectively). Combination treatment with lorlatinib and erlotinib significantly reduced HRG1-induced activation of RTK signaling in ALK-positive NSCLC cells. Conclusions HER3 overexpression has potential as a prognostic marker in ALK-positive NSCLCs, including ALK-TKI naïve and treated cases, especially those with EML4-ALK V1/V2. Assessing HER3 expression may be crucial for treatment planning and outcome prediction in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meejeong Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun-min Ju
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-young Song
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Josephina Sampson
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Richard Bayliss
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Jene Choi
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Li J, Huang K, Ji H, Qian J, Lu H, Zhang Y, Russo A, Romero A, Urbanska EM, Tabbò F, Zhao X, Chu T. Efficacy of alectinib in lung adenocarcinoma patients with different anaplastic lymphoma kinase ( ALK) rearrangements and co-existing alterations-a retrospective cohort study. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2023; 12:2505-2519. [PMID: 38205204 PMCID: PMC10775000 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-23-658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Alectinib significantly improves survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearrangement. In this study, we analyzed the effects of different ALK rearrangements and co-mutations on the efficacy of alectinib. Methods Using the electronic medical record system, we reviewed in terms of clinical and pathological features patients with advanced (IIIB/IV stage) ALK-rearranged NSCLC at Shanghai Chest Hospital between January 2018 and December 2021 who were treated with alectinib in first or second line and were assessed for objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and progression-free survival (PFS). Results A total of 66 patients were enrolled in the study, and 17 types of ALK rearrangements were detected, of which five types of ALK rearrangements responded well to alectinib. We classified ALK-rearrangements into four main types, namely echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-ALK (E6:A20), EML4-ALK (E13:A20), EML4-ALK (E20:A20), and others. There was no significant difference in ORR and DCR of these types (ORR: 31.3% vs. 13.0% vs. 18.2% vs. 17.6%, P=0.575; DCR: 93.8% vs. 95.6% vs. 100.0% vs. 88.2%, P=0.627). The 3-year PFS rates were 25.0% (4/16) vs. 13.0% (3/23) vs. 27.3% (3/11) vs. 18.8% (3/16) for EML4-ALK (E6:A20), EML4-ALK (E13:A20), EML4-ALK (E20:A20), and others, respectively (P=0.725). The results of co-mutation analysis showed that the median PFS (mPFS) for patients with tumors harboring TP53 mutations was 30.4 months, significantly shorter than that of patients with tumors without co-mutations and whose mPFS was not mature (P=0.026). TSC1 co-mutation was also identified as a detrimental factor in outcome, with a DCR of 60% vs. 100% (P=0.031), mPFS of 30.4 months vs. not applicable (P=0.160) in patients with vs. those without this co-mutation, respectively. The efficacy of alectinib in patients with brain metastases is comparable to that in patients without distant organ metastases. There were two cases with specific fusion types that also responded to alectinib; namely, double ALK-rearrangements: EML4-ALK (E13:A20) and MSH2-ALK (M7:A20), and with a rare fusion partner, SPECC1L-ALK (S8:A20). Their PFS were 8.7 and 38.0 months, respectively. Conclusions In this study, the efficacy of alectinib in different types of ALK-rearrangements varied slightly. TP53 and TSC1 co-mutations were identified as detrimental factors affecting efficacy. This study provides references for the response to alectinib in patients with different types of ALK rearrangements and co-mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kuofang Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Ji
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Healthcare-Associated Infection Management, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialin Qian
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haijiao Lu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Department of Exosome, 3D Medicines Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Alessandro Russo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Onco-Hematology, Papardo Hospital, Messina, Italy
| | - Atocha Romero
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro de Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Edyta Maria Urbanska
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fabrizio Tabbò
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medicine, Michele and Pietro Ferrero Hospital, Verduno, Italy
| | - Xiaoyu Zhao
- Department of Exosome, 3D Medicines Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Tianqing Chu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Fujii T, Nakano Y, Hagita D, Onishi N, Endo A, Nakagawa M, Yoshiura T, Otsuka Y, Takeuchi S, Suzuki M, Shimizu Y, Toyooka T, Matsushita Y, Hibiya Y, Tomura S, Kondo A, Wada K, Ichimura K, Tomiyama A. KLC1-ROS1 Fusion Exerts Oncogenic Properties of Glioma Cells via Specific Activation of JAK-STAT Pathway. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:9. [PMID: 38201436 PMCID: PMC10778328 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we investigated the detailed molecular oncogenic mechanisms of a novel receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) fusion, KLC1-ROS1, with an adapter molecule, KLC1, and an RTK, ROS1, discovered in pediatric glioma, and we explored a novel therapeutic target for glioma that possesses oncogenic RTK fusion. When wild-type ROS1 and KLC1-ROS1 fusions were stably expressed in the human glioma cell lines A172 and U343MG, immunoblotting revealed that KLC1-ROS1 fusion specifically activated the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, a major RTK downstream signaling pathway, when compared with wild-type ROS1. Immunoprecipitation of the fractionated cell lysates revealed a more abundant association of the KLC1-ROS1 fusion with JAK2 than that observed for wild-type ROS1 in the cytosolic fraction. A mutagenesis study of the KLC1-ROS1 fusion protein demonstrated the fundamental roles of both the KLC1 and ROS1 domains in the constitutive activation of KLC1-ROS1 fusion. Additionally, in vitro assays demonstrated that KLC1-ROS1 fusion upregulated cell proliferation, invasion, and chemoresistance when compared to wild-type ROS1. Combination treatment with the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide and an inhibitor of ROS1, JAK2, or a downstream target of STAT3, demonstrated antitumor effects against KLC1-ROS1 fusion-expressing glioma cells. Our results demonstrate that KLC1-ROS1 fusion exerts oncogenic activity through serum-independent constitutive activation, resulting in specific activation of the JAK-STAT pathway. Our data suggested that molecules other than RTKs may serve as novel therapeutic targets for RTK fusion in gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Fujii
- Department of Brain Disease Translational Research, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (T.F.); (D.H.); (Y.M.); (Y.H.); (K.I.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Saitama, Japan; (A.E.); (M.N.); (T.Y.); (Y.O.); (S.T.); (T.T.); (K.W.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (M.S.); (Y.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Yoshiko Nakano
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan;
| | - Daichi Hagita
- Department of Brain Disease Translational Research, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (T.F.); (D.H.); (Y.M.); (Y.H.); (K.I.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Saitama, Japan; (A.E.); (M.N.); (T.Y.); (Y.O.); (S.T.); (T.T.); (K.W.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (M.S.); (Y.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Nobuyuki Onishi
- Department of Clinical Diagnostic Oncology, Clinical Research Institute for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Showa University, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan;
| | - Arumu Endo
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Saitama, Japan; (A.E.); (M.N.); (T.Y.); (Y.O.); (S.T.); (T.T.); (K.W.)
| | - Masaya Nakagawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Saitama, Japan; (A.E.); (M.N.); (T.Y.); (Y.O.); (S.T.); (T.T.); (K.W.)
| | - Toru Yoshiura
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Saitama, Japan; (A.E.); (M.N.); (T.Y.); (Y.O.); (S.T.); (T.T.); (K.W.)
| | - Yohei Otsuka
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Saitama, Japan; (A.E.); (M.N.); (T.Y.); (Y.O.); (S.T.); (T.T.); (K.W.)
| | - Satoru Takeuchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Saitama, Japan; (A.E.); (M.N.); (T.Y.); (Y.O.); (S.T.); (T.T.); (K.W.)
| | - Mario Suzuki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (M.S.); (Y.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Yuzaburo Shimizu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (M.S.); (Y.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Terushige Toyooka
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Saitama, Japan; (A.E.); (M.N.); (T.Y.); (Y.O.); (S.T.); (T.T.); (K.W.)
| | - Yuko Matsushita
- Department of Brain Disease Translational Research, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (T.F.); (D.H.); (Y.M.); (Y.H.); (K.I.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (M.S.); (Y.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Yuko Hibiya
- Department of Brain Disease Translational Research, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (T.F.); (D.H.); (Y.M.); (Y.H.); (K.I.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (M.S.); (Y.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Satoshi Tomura
- Division of Traumatology, Research Institute, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Saitama, Japan;
| | - Akihide Kondo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (M.S.); (Y.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Kojiro Wada
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Saitama, Japan; (A.E.); (M.N.); (T.Y.); (Y.O.); (S.T.); (T.T.); (K.W.)
| | - Koichi Ichimura
- Department of Brain Disease Translational Research, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (T.F.); (D.H.); (Y.M.); (Y.H.); (K.I.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (M.S.); (Y.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Arata Tomiyama
- Department of Brain Disease Translational Research, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (T.F.); (D.H.); (Y.M.); (Y.H.); (K.I.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Saitama, Japan; (A.E.); (M.N.); (T.Y.); (Y.O.); (S.T.); (T.T.); (K.W.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (M.S.); (Y.S.); (A.K.)
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11
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Gridelli C, Tiseo M, Cortinovis DL, Migliorino MR, Barbieri V, Bironzo P, Bearz A, Attili I, de Marinis F. Sharing Experience with Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Lung Cancer: An Italian Expert Panel Discussion. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:10033-10042. [PMID: 37999149 PMCID: PMC10670405 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30110729] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have revolutionized the treatment and largely improved the survival outcomes of patients with NSCLC harboring ALK rearrangements. Different ALK TKI compounds have demonstrated antitumor activity in these patients and are available in clinical practice. However, clinical expertise across countries varies according to local regulatory approval of different drugs, identifying multiple treatment scenarios to comply with international guidelines and clinical practice. METHODS A virtual webinar was held on July 2023 to discuss the state of the art and future perspectives in the treatment of ALK rearrangement in advanced NSCLC in Italy. The faculty hosting the webinar was composed of eight medical oncologists from different regions of Italy with clinical expertise in treating patients with lung cancer. Live-shared notes were used to produce a report to serve as the basis of a review manuscript on the topic. RESULTS Alectinib and brigatinib are the preferred front-line treatment options in Italy, pending approval of the front-line medicine lorlatinib, which would be considered among the choices. Due to a local regulatory limitation of second-line lorlatinib, which is not allowed after front-line brigatinib, alectinib is commonly the preferred front-line choice to follow a sequence of alectinib, followed by lorlatinib, followed by platinum plus pemetrexed chemotherapy. Age and performance status were not considered per se as clinical features influencing treatment choice. However, treatment compliance is deemed a relevant factor in decision making with regard to the number of pills to be administered. In general, given the availability of alternative choices, the spectrum of patients' comorbidities and polypharmacotherapy interactions should be taken into account in treatment selection according to the toxicity profile of each compound. In addition, several issues were debated with regard to improving treatment outcomes, including testing, brain metastases, and management of an oligoprogressive disease. CONCLUSIONS The treatment scenario of ALK-positive disease is dynamically evolving. Furthermore, not all FDA- and EMA-approved compounds are approved in Italy with the same indications. This influences therapeutic opportunities and increases the need for greater clinical expertise to help and guide treatment selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Gridelli
- Division of Medical Oncology, “S.G. Moscati” Hospital, 83100 Avellino, Italy;
| | - Marcello Tiseo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Vito Barbieri
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Paolo Bironzo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bearz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Attili
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo de Marinis
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
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12
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Kiełbowski K, Żychowska J, Becht R. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors-a review of anticancer properties, clinical efficacy, and resistance mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1285374. [PMID: 37954850 PMCID: PMC10634320 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1285374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fusions and mutations of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), a tyrosine kinase receptor, have been identified in several neoplastic diseases. Rearranged ALK is a driver of tumorigenesis, which activates various signaling pathway associated with proliferation and survival. To date, several agents that target and inhibit ALK have been developed. The most studied ALK-positive disease is non-small cell lung cancer, and three generations of ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been approved for the treatment of metastatic disease. Nevertheless, the use of ALK-TKIs is associated with acquired resistance (resistance mutations, bypass signaling), which leads to disease progression and may require a substitution or introduction of other treatment agents. Understanding of the complex nature and network of resistance mutations may allow to introduce sequential and targeted therapies. In this review, we aim to summarize the efficacy and safety profile of ALK inhibitors, describe off-target anticancer effects, and discuss resistance mechanisms in the context of personalized oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rafał Becht
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Chemotherapy and Cancer Immunotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
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13
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Wei Q, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Desai A, Tan S, Huang Q, Pu X, Tian P, Li Y. Superior clinical outcomes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer harboring multiple ALK fusions treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2023; 12:1935-1948. [PMID: 37854161 PMCID: PMC10579835 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-23-484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusions may benefit from ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK-TKIs). However, few studies have analyzed the clinical outcome in patients harboring multiple ALK fusions, including double or triple ALK fusions. Here, our study aimed to analyze the impact of harboring multiple ALK fusions on the efficacy of receiving ALK-TKIs in NSCLC patients. Methods A total of 125 patients with ALK-rearranged NSCLC detected by targeted capture DNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) at West China Hospital were enrolled. The literature on patients harboring multiple ALK fusions was systematically reviewed. The clinical response to ALK-TKIs was evaluated according to ALK fusion patterns in 62 patients: 56 from our center and 6 from the literature. Results Among the 125 patients, a single canonical echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-ALK fusion was detected in 65.6% (82/125), a single non-EML4-ALK fusion was detected in 13.6% (17/125), and multiple ALK fusions were detected in 20.8% (26/125). Among the 62 patients with ALK fusion treated with ALK-TKIs, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in patients with multiple ALK fusions than in those with a single ALK fusion (26.9 vs. 11.2 months, P=0.009), irrespective of brain metastasis, type of TKI drug, and treatment lines. The multiple ALK fusion group also tended to have a longer overall survival (OS) (P=0.26). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that harboring multiple ALK fusions had the potential to be an independent predictor of better PFS for ALK-positive NSCLC [hazard ratio (HR) =0.490; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.229-1.049]. Conclusions Harboring multiple ALK fusions could serve as an independent predictive marker of better clinical outcome for patients with NSCLC and ALK rearrangement who have received ALK-TKIs treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wei
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongsheng Wang
- Thoracic Oncology Ward, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aakash Desai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sihan Tan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qin Huang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Pu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Panwen Tian
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yalun Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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14
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Mukherjee S, Mukherjee SB, Frenkel-Morgenstern M. Functional and regulatory impact of chimeric RNAs in human normal and cancer cells. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1777. [PMID: 36633099 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1777] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Fusions of two genes can lead to the generation of chimeric RNAs, which may have a distinct functional role from their original molecules. Chimeric RNAs could encode novel functional proteins or serve as novel long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). The appearance of chimeric RNAs in a cell could help to generate new functionality and phenotypic diversity that might facilitate this cell to survive against new environmental stress. Several recent studies have demonstrated the functional roles of various chimeric RNAs in cancer progression and are considered as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and sometimes even drug targets. Further, the growing evidence demonstrated the potential functional association of chimeric RNAs with cancer heterogeneity and drug resistance cancer evolution. Recent studies highlighted that chimeric RNAs also have functional potentiality in normal physiological processes. Several functionally potential chimeric RNAs were discovered in human cancer and normal cells in the last two decades. This could indicate that chimeric RNAs are the hidden layer of the human transcriptome that should be explored from the functional insights to better understand the functional evolution of the genome and disease development that could facilitate clinical practice improvements. This review summarizes the current knowledge of chimeric RNAs and highlights their functional, regulatory, and evolutionary impact on different cancers and normal physiological processes. Further, we will discuss the potential functional roles of a recently discovered novel class of chimeric RNAs named sense-antisense/cross-strand chimeric RNAs generated by the fusion of the bi-directional transcripts of the same gene. This article is categorized under: Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Mukherjee
- Cancer Genomics and BioComputing of Complex Diseases Lab, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
- Department of Computer Science, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory (CDSL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sunanda Biswas Mukherjee
- Cancer Genomics and BioComputing of Complex Diseases Lab, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Milana Frenkel-Morgenstern
- Cancer Genomics and BioComputing of Complex Diseases Lab, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
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15
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Yoshida T, Kumagai T, Toyozawa R, Katayama R, Nishio M, Seto T, Goto K, Yamamoto N, Ohe Y, Kudou K, Asato T, Zhang P, Nakagawa K. Brigatinib in Japanese patients with ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer: Final results of the phase 2 J-ALTA trial. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:3698-3707. [PMID: 37434391 PMCID: PMC10475780 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15888] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The phase 2, single-arm, multicenter, open-label J-ALTA study evaluated the efficacy and safety of brigatinib in Japanese patients with advanced ALK+ non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). One expansion cohort of J-ALTA enrolled patients previously treated with ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs); the main cohort included patients with prior alectinib ± crizotinib. The second expansion cohort enrolled patients with TKI-naive ALK+ NSCLC. All patients received brigatinib 180 mg once daily (7-day lead-in at 90 mg daily). Among 47 patients in the main cohort, 5 (11%) remained on brigatinib at the study end (median follow-up: 23 months). In this cohort, the independent review committee (IRC)-assessed objective response rate (ORR) was 34% (95% CI, 21%-49%); median duration of response was 14.8 months (95% CI, 5.5-19.4); median IRC-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.3 months (95% CI, 3.7-12.9). Among 32 patients in the TKI-naive cohort, 25 (78%) remained on brigatinib (median follow-up: 22 months); 2-year IRC-assessed PFS was 73% (90% CI, 55%-85%); IRC-assessed ORR was 97% (95% CI, 84%-100%); the median duration of response was not reached (95% CI, 19.4-not reached); 2-year duration of response was 70%. Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 68% and 91% of TKI-pretreated and TKI-naive patients, respectively. Exploratory analyses of baseline circulating tumor DNA in ALK TKI-pretreated NSCLC showed associations between poor PFS and EML4-ALK fusion variant 3 and TP53. Brigatinib is an important treatment option for Japanese patients with ALK+ NSCLC, including patients previously treated with alectinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Yoshida
- Department of Thoracic OncologyNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Toru Kumagai
- Department of Thoracic OncologyOsaka International Cancer InstituteOsakaJapan
| | - Ryo Toyozawa
- Department of Thoracic OncologyNational Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer CenterFukuokaJapan
| | - Ryohei Katayama
- Division of Experimental Chemotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy CenterJapanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Makoto Nishio
- Department of Thoracic Medical OncologyThe Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Takashi Seto
- Department of Thoracic OncologyNational Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer CenterFukuokaJapan
| | - Koichi Goto
- Department of Thoracic OncologyNational Cancer Center Hospital EastKashiwaJapan
| | | | - Yuichiro Ohe
- Department of Thoracic OncologyNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Kentarou Kudou
- Biostatistics, Japan Development CenterTakeda Pharmaceutical Company LimitedOsakaJapan
| | - Takayuki Asato
- Oncology Clinical Research Department, Oncology Therapeutic Area Unit for Japan and AsiaTakeda Pharmaceutical Company LimitedOsakaJapan
| | - Pingkuan Zhang
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc.LexingtonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Kazuhiko Nakagawa
- Department of Medical OncologyKindai University Faculty of MedicineOsaka‐SayamaJapan
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16
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Rai S, Singh MP, Srivastava S. Integrated Analysis Identifies Novel Fusion Transcripts in Laterally Spreading Tumors Suggestive of Distinct Etiology Than Colorectal Cancers. J Gastrointest Cancer 2023; 54:913-926. [PMID: 36480069 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-022-00881-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) of the colon and rectum are a class of abnormality which spreads laterally and appears ulcerated. They are a subclass of colorectal cancer (CRCs) with higher invasive potential than CRCs. Moreover, the etiology of LST still remains obscure. METHODS This study aimed to identify unique fusion transcript(s) in LSTs and evaluate their role in LST development and progression. RNA-Seq data for LST samples from the EMBL-EBI database were used to identify fusion transcripts. An integrated approach using Gene Ontology, pathway analysis, hub gene, and co-expression network analysis functionally characterized fusion transcripts to shed light upon the etiology of LSTs. RESULT We identified 48 unique fusion genes in LSTs. GO terms were enriched in mRNA metabolic (p ≤ 2.06E-06), mRNA stabilization (p ≤ 1.60E-05), in cytosol (1.20E-05), RBP (p ≤ 2.30E-04), and RNA binding activity (p ≤ 3.51E-08) processes. Pathway analysis revealed an inflammatory phenotype of LSTs suggesting a distinct etiology than CRCs as pathways were enriched in salmonella infection (p ≤ 4.41 e-03), proteoglycans in cancer (p ≤ 1.18 e-02), and insulin signaling (p ≤ 2.13 e-02). Our exclusion and inclusion criteria and hub gene analysis finally identified 9 hub genes. Co-expression analysis of hub genes identified the most significant transcription factors (NELFE, MYC, TAF1, MAX) and kinases (MAPK14, CSNK2A1, CDK1, MAPK1) which were implicated in various cancer pathways. Furthermore, an overall survival analysis of hub genes was performed. Our predefined criterion resulted in the enrichment of NPM1-PTMA (NPM1: p ≤ 0.005) and HIST1H2BO-YBX1 (YBX1: p ≤ 0.02) fusion transcripts, significantly associated with the patient's overall survival. CONCLUSION Our systematic analysis resulted in novel fusion genes in LSTs suggesting a different etiology than CRCs. Fusion transcripts were observed more frequently in non-granular LSTs suggestive of genetically more unstable than granular LST. We hypothesize that NPM1-PTMA and HIST1H2BO-YBX1 could be implicated in LST development and progression and may also serve as a prognostic or diagnostic biomarker in future for better management of LSTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya Rai
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, 211004, Prayagraj, India
| | - Manish Pratap Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, 211004, Prayagraj, India
- CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, Lucknow, India
| | - Sameer Srivastava
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, 211004, Prayagraj, India.
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17
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Giménez‐Capitán A, Sánchez‐Herrero E, Robado de Lope L, Aguilar‐Hernández A, Sullivan I, Calvo V, Moya‐Horno I, Viteri S, Cabrera C, Aguado C, Armiger N, Valarezo J, Mayo‐de‐las‐Casas C, Reguart N, Rosell R, Provencio M, Romero A, Molina‐Vila MA. Detecting ALK, ROS1, and RET fusions and the METΔex14 splicing variant in liquid biopsies of non-small-cell lung cancer patients using RNA-based techniques. Mol Oncol 2023; 17:1884-1897. [PMID: 37243883 PMCID: PMC10483610 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
ALK, ROS1, and RET fusions and MET∆ex14 variant associate with response to targeted therapies in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Technologies for fusion testing in tissue must be adapted to liquid biopsies, which are often the only material available. In this study, circulating-free RNA (cfRNA) and extracellular vesicle RNA (EV-RNA) were purified from liquid biopsies. Fusion and MET∆ex14 transcripts were analyzed by nCounter (Nanostring) and digital PCR (dPCR) using the QuantStudio® System (Applied Biosystems). We found that nCounter detected ALK, ROS1, RET, or MET∆ex14 aberrant transcripts in 28/40 cfRNA samples from positive patients and 0/16 of control individuals (70% sensitivity). Regarding dPCR, aberrant transcripts were detected in the cfRNA of 25/40 positive patients. Concordance between the two techniques was 58%. Inferior results were obtained when analyzing EV-RNA, where nCounter often failed due to a low amount of input RNA. Finally, results of dPCR testing in serial liquid biopsies of five patients correlated with response to targeted therapy. We conclude that nCounter can be used for multiplex detection of fusion and MET∆ex14 transcripts in liquid biopsies, showing a performance comparable with next-generation sequencing platforms. dPCR could be employed for disease follow-up in patients with a known alteration. cfRNA should be preferred over EV-RNA for these analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Giménez‐Capitán
- Pangaea Oncology, Laboratory of OncologyDexeus University HospitalBarcelonaSpain
| | - Estela Sánchez‐Herrero
- Atrys HealthBarcelonaSpain
- Liquid Biopsy LaboratoryBiomedical Sciences Research Institute Puerta de Hierro‐MajadahondaMadridSpain
| | - Lucía Robado de Lope
- Liquid Biopsy LaboratoryBiomedical Sciences Research Institute Puerta de Hierro‐MajadahondaMadridSpain
| | | | - Ivana Sullivan
- Dr Rosell Oncology InstituteQuirón Dexeus University HospitalBarcelonaSpain
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant PauBarcelonaSpain
| | - Virginia Calvo
- Medical Oncology DepartmentHospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro‐MajadahondaSpain
| | - Irene Moya‐Horno
- Hospital Universitario General de Cataluña Grupo QuirónSant Cugat del VallésSpain
| | | | | | - Cristina Aguado
- Pangaea Oncology, Laboratory of OncologyDexeus University HospitalBarcelonaSpain
| | - Noelia Armiger
- Pangaea Oncology, Laboratory of OncologyDexeus University HospitalBarcelonaSpain
| | - Joselyn Valarezo
- Pangaea Oncology, Laboratory of OncologyDexeus University HospitalBarcelonaSpain
| | | | | | - Rafael Rosell
- Dr Rosell Oncology InstituteQuirón Dexeus University HospitalBarcelonaSpain
- Hospital Germans Trias i PujolHealth Sciences Institute and Hospital (IGTP)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Mariano Provencio
- Medical Oncology DepartmentHospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro‐MajadahondaSpain
| | - Atocha Romero
- Liquid Biopsy LaboratoryBiomedical Sciences Research Institute Puerta de Hierro‐MajadahondaMadridSpain
- Medical Oncology DepartmentHospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro‐MajadahondaSpain
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18
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Mayoh C, Mao J, Xie J, Tax G, Chow SO, Cadiz R, Pazaky K, Barahona P, Ajuyah P, Trebilcock P, Malquori A, Gunther K, Avila A, Yun DY, Alfred S, Gopalakrishnan A, Kamili A, Wong M, Cowley MJ, Jessop S, Lau LM, Trahair TN, Ziegler DS, Fletcher JI, Gifford AJ, Tsoli M, Marshall GM, Haber M, Tyrrell V, Failes TW, Arndt GM, Lock RB, Ekert PG, Dolman MEM. High-Throughput Drug Screening of Primary Tumor Cells Identifies Therapeutic Strategies for Treating Children with High-Risk Cancer. Cancer Res 2023; 83:2716-2732. [PMID: 37523146 PMCID: PMC10425737 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-3702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
For one-third of patients with pediatric cancer enrolled in precision medicine programs, molecular profiling does not result in a therapeutic recommendation. To identify potential strategies for treating these high-risk pediatric patients, we performed in vitro screening of 125 patient-derived samples against a library of 126 anticancer drugs. Tumor cell expansion did not influence drug responses, and 82% of the screens on expanded tumor cells were completed while the patients were still under clinical care. High-throughput drug screening (HTS) confirmed known associations between activating genomic alterations in NTRK, BRAF, and ALK and responses to matching targeted drugs. The in vitro results were further validated in patient-derived xenograft models in vivo and were consistent with clinical responses in treated patients. In addition, effective combinations could be predicted by correlating sensitivity profiles between drugs. Furthermore, molecular integration with HTS identified biomarkers of sensitivity to WEE1 and MEK inhibition. Incorporating HTS into precision medicine programs is a powerful tool to accelerate the improved identification of effective biomarker-driven therapeutic strategies for treating high-risk pediatric cancers. SIGNIFICANCE Integrating HTS with molecular profiling is a powerful tool for expanding precision medicine to support drug treatment recommendations and broaden the therapeutic options available to high-risk pediatric cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Mayoh
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jie Mao
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jinhan Xie
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gabor Tax
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shu-Oi Chow
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- ACRF Drug Discovery Centre for Childhood Cancer, Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roxanne Cadiz
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karina Pazaky
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paulette Barahona
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pamela Ajuyah
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Trebilcock
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angela Malquori
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate Gunther
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anica Avila
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Doo Young Yun
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephanie Alfred
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anjana Gopalakrishnan
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alvin Kamili
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marie Wong
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark J. Cowley
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sophie Jessop
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Loretta M.S. Lau
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Toby N. Trahair
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David S. Ziegler
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jamie I. Fletcher
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Gifford
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria Tsoli
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Glenn M. Marshall
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vanessa Tyrrell
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Timothy W. Failes
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- ACRF Drug Discovery Centre for Childhood Cancer, Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Greg M. Arndt
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- ACRF Drug Discovery Centre for Childhood Cancer, Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard B. Lock
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul G. Ekert
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - M. Emmy M. Dolman
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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19
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Liu Z, Qin Z, Liu Y, Xia X, He L, Chen N, Hu X, Peng X. Liquid‒liquid phase separation: roles and implications in future cancer treatment. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:4139-4156. [PMID: 37705755 PMCID: PMC10496506 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.81521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid‒liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a phenomenon driven by weak interactions between biomolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, that leads to the formation of distinct liquid-like condensates. Through LLPS, membraneless condensates are formed, selectively concentrating specific proteins while excluding other molecules to maintain normal cellular functions. Emerging evidence shows that cancer-related mutations cause aberrant condensate assembly, resulting in disrupted signal transduction, impaired DNA repair, and abnormal chromatin organization and eventually contributing to tumorigenesis. The objective of this review is to summarize recent advancements in understanding the potential implications of LLPS in the contexts of cancer progression and therapeutic interventions. By interfering with LLPS, it may be possible to restore normal cellular processes and inhibit tumor progression. The underlying mechanisms and potential drug targets associated with LLPS in cancer are discussed, shedding light on promising opportunities for novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheran Liu
- Department of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zijian Qin
- Department of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yingtong Liu
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xi Xia
- Shanghai ETERN Biopharma Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Ling He
- Department of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Na Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Xindu Avenue No 783, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiaolin Hu
- West China School of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xingchen Peng
- Department of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
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20
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López-Palacios TP, Andersen JL. Kinase regulation by liquid-liquid phase separation. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:649-666. [PMID: 36528418 PMCID: PMC10267292 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is emerging as a mechanism of spatiotemporal regulation that could answer long-standing questions about how order is achieved in biochemical signaling. In this review we discuss how LLPS orchestrates kinase signaling, either by creating condensate structures that are sensed by kinases or by direct LLPS of kinases, cofactors, and substrates - thereby acting as a mechanism to compartmentalize kinase-substrate relationships, and in some cases also sequestering the kinase away from inhibitory factors. We also examine the possibility that selective pressure promotes genomic rearrangements that fuse pro-growth kinases to LLPS-prone protein sequences, which in turn drives aberrant kinase activation through LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania P López-Palacios
- Fritz B. Burns Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Joshua L Andersen
- Fritz B. Burns Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.
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21
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Zheng B, Jiang H, Yang W, Li Y, Liang B, Zhu J, Chen N, Chen M, Zhang M. A Bayesian network meta-analysis of ALK inhibitor treatments in patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Med 2023; 12:15983-15997. [PMID: 37334877 PMCID: PMC10469807 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6241] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To date, no direct comparisons have compared the effectiveness of all ALK inhibitors (ALKis) against ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of ALKis in ALK-positive NSCLC. METHODS The effectiveness of ALKis was evaluated by assessing progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), and PFS with baseline brain metastasis (BM). The serious adverse events (SAEs: Grade ≥ 3) and adverse events (AEs) leading to discontinuation were pooled to evaluate safety. We conducted an indirect treatment comparison between all ALKis by using a Bayesian model. RESULTS Twelve eligible trials including seven treatments were identified. All of the ALKis improved PFS and ORR relative to chemotherapy. Consistent with alectinib, brigatinib, lorlatinib, and ensartinib showed significant differences versus crizotinib and ceritinib. Lorlatinib seemed to prolong PFS compared with alectinib (0.64, 0.37 to 1.07), brigatinib (0.56, 0.3 to 1.05), and ensartinib (0.53, 0.28 to 1.02). No significant difference was found among them in OS except for alectinib versus crizotinib. Moreover, alectinib was significantly more effective than crizotinib (1.54, 1.02 to 2.5) in achieving the best ORR. Subgroup analyses based on BM indicated that PFS was dramatically lengthened by lorlatinib. Compared with other ALKis, alectinib notably reduced the rate of SAEs. There was no striking difference between discontinuation for AEs, except for ceritinib versus crizotinib. The ranking of validity showed that lorlatinib had the longest PFS (98.32%) and PFS with BM (85.84%) and the highest ORR (77.01%). The rank of probabilities showed that alectinib had the potentially best safety in terms of SAEs (97.85%), and ceritinib had less discontinuation (95.45%). CONCLUSION Alectinib was the first choice for patients with ALK-positive NSCLC and even for those with BM, whereas lorlatinib was the second choice. Long-term follow-up and prospective studies are warranted to compare ALKis and to verify our conclusions directly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Zheng
- Department of PharmacyTongde Hospital Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
- Department of PharmacyZhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of PharmacyTongde Hospital Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
- Department of PharmacyZhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Wenjuan Yang
- Department of PharmacyTongde Hospital Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
- Department of PharmacyZhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Ying Li
- Department of PharmacyTongde Hospital Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
- Department of PharmacyZhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Bingqing Liang
- Department of PharmacyTongde Hospital Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
- Department of PharmacyZhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of PharmacyTongde Hospital Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
- Department of PharmacyZhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Nanmei Chen
- Department of PharmacyTongde Hospital Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
- Department of PharmacyZhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Miao Chen
- Department of PharmacyTongde Hospital Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
- Department of PharmacyZhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Meiling Zhang
- Department of PharmacyTongde Hospital Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
- Department of PharmacyZhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineHangzhouChina
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22
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Berry MA, Bland AR, Ashton JC. Mechanisms of synergistic suppression of ALK-positive lung cancer cell growth by the combination of ALK and SHP2 inhibitors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10041. [PMID: 37339995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37006-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer-related deaths. Alectinib is the first line of treatment for patients with ALK-positive lung cancer, but the survival rate beyond 2-3 years is low. Co-targeting secondary oncogenic drivers such as SHP2 is a potential strategy for improving drug efficacy. This is because SHP2 is expressed ubiquitously, but ALK expression is largely restricted to cancer cells. Thus, the combination of ALK and SHP2 inhibitors may provide a way to restrict synergistic cytotoxicity to cancer cells only, by reducing the dose of SHP2 inhibitors required for anticancer action and minimising SHP2-dependent systemic toxicity. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the combination of a SHP2 inhibitor (SHP099) with alectinib would synergistically suppress the growth of ALK-positive lung cancer cells. Our results demonstrated that the drug combination significantly and synergistically decreased cell viability at relatively low concentrations in ALK-positive H3122 and H2228 cells, due to G1 cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis because of suppressed downstream RAS/MAPK signalling. The drug combination also induced the expression of mediators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, Bim and cleaved caspase-3, and modulated the expression of cell cycle mediators cyclin D1, cyclin B1, and phosphorylated CDK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Berry
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - A R Bland
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - J C Ashton
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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23
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Haas BJ, Dobin A, Ghandi M, Van Arsdale A, Tickle T, Robinson JT, Gillani R, Kasif S, Regev A. Targeted in silico characterization of fusion transcripts in tumor and normal tissues via FusionInspector. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100467. [PMID: 37323575 PMCID: PMC10261907 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Here, we present FusionInspector for in silico characterization and interpretation of candidate fusion transcripts from RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and exploration of their sequence and expression characteristics. We applied FusionInspector to thousands of tumor and normal transcriptomes and identified statistical and experimental features enriched among biologically impactful fusions. Through clustering and machine learning, we identified large collections of fusions potentially relevant to tumor and normal biological processes. We show that biologically relevant fusions are enriched for relatively high expression of the fusion transcript, imbalanced fusion allelic ratios, and canonical splicing patterns, and are deficient in sequence microhomologies between partner genes. We demonstrate that FusionInspector accurately validates fusion transcripts in silico and helps characterize numerous understudied fusions in tumor and normal tissue samples. FusionInspector is freely available as open source for screening, characterization, and visualization of candidate fusions via RNA-seq, and facilitates transparent explanation and interpretation of machine-learning predictions and their experimental sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. Haas
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | | | - Anne Van Arsdale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health, Albert Einstein Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Timothy Tickle
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - James T. Robinson
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Riaz Gillani
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Simon Kasif
- Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Aviv Regev
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
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24
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Spitaleri G, Trillo Aliaga P, Attili I, Del Signore E, Corvaja C, Corti C, Crimini E, Passaro A, de Marinis F. Sustained Improvement in the Management of Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Harboring ALK Translocation: Where Are We Running? Curr Oncol 2023; 30:5072-5092. [PMID: 37232842 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30050384] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
ALK translocation amounts to around 3-7% of all NSCLCs. The clinical features of ALK+ NSCLC are an adenocarcinoma histology, younger age, limited smoking history, and brain metastases. The activity of chemotherapy and immunotherapy is modest in ALK+ disease. Several randomized trials have proven that ALK inhibitors (ALK-Is) have greater efficacy with respect to platinum-based chemotherapy and that second/third generation ALK-Is are better than crizotinib in terms of improvements in median progression-free survival and brain metastases management. Unfortunately, most patients develop acquired resistance to ALK-Is that is mediated by on- and off-target mechanisms. Translational and clinical research are continuing to develop new drugs and/or combinations in order to raise the bar and further improve the results attained up to now. This review summarizes first-line randomized clinical trials of several ALK-Is and the management of brain metastases with a focus on ALK-I resistance mechanisms. The last section addresses future developments and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Spitaleri
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Pamela Trillo Aliaga
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Attili
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Ester Del Signore
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Corvaja
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Corti
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Crimini
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Haematology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Passaro
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo de Marinis
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
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25
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Gao Y, Jiang B, Kim H, Berberich MJ, Che J, Donovan KA, Hatcher JM, Huerta F, Kwiatkowski NP, Liu Y, Liuni PP, Metivier RJ, Murali VK, Nowak RP, Zhang T, Fischer ES, Gray NS, Jones LH. Catalytic Degraders Effectively Address Kinase Site Mutations in EML4-ALK Oncogenic Fusions. J Med Chem 2023; 66:5524-5535. [PMID: 37036171 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Heterobifunctional degraders, known as proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), theoretically possess a catalytic mode-of-action, yet few studies have either confirmed or exploited this potential advantage of event-driven pharmacology. Degraders of oncogenic EML4-ALK fusions were developed by conjugating ALK inhibitors to cereblon ligands. Simultaneous optimization of pharmacology and compound properties using ternary complex modeling and physicochemical considerations yielded multiple catalytic degraders that were more resilient to clinically relevant ATP-binding site mutations than kinase inhibitor drugs. Our strategy culminated in the design of the orally bioavailable derivative CPD-1224 that avoided hemolysis (a feature of detergent-like PROTACs), degraded the otherwise recalcitrant mutant L1196M/G1202R in vivo, and commensurately slowed tumor growth, while the third generation ALK inhibitor drug lorlatinib had no effect. These results validate our original therapeutic hypothesis by exemplifying opportunities for catalytic degraders to proactively address binding site resistant mutations in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Baishan Jiang
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Hellen Kim
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Matthew J Berberich
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Jianwei Che
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Katherine A Donovan
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - John M Hatcher
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Fidel Huerta
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Nicholas P Kwiatkowski
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Yingpeng Liu
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Peter P Liuni
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Rebecca J Metivier
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Vineeth K Murali
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Radosław P Nowak
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Tinghu Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Eric S Fischer
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Lyn H Jones
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
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26
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Leone GM, Candido S, Lavoro A, Vivarelli S, Gattuso G, Calina D, Libra M, Falzone L. Clinical Relevance of Targeted Therapy and Immune-Checkpoint Inhibition in Lung Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041252. [PMID: 37111737 PMCID: PMC10142433 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) represents the second most diagnosed tumor and the malignancy with the highest mortality rate. In recent years, tremendous progress has been made in the treatment of this tumor thanks to the discovery, testing, and clinical approval of novel therapeutic approaches. Firstly, targeted therapies aimed at inhibiting specific mutated tyrosine kinases or downstream factors were approved in clinical practice. Secondly, immunotherapy inducing the reactivation of the immune system to efficiently eliminate LC cells has been approved. This review describes in depth both current and ongoing clinical studies, which allowed the approval of targeted therapies and immune-checkpoint inhibitors as standard of care for LC. Moreover, the present advantages and pitfalls of new therapeutic approaches will be discussed. Finally, the acquired importance of human microbiota as a novel source of LC biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets to improve the efficacy of available therapies, was analyzed. Therapy against LC is increasingly becoming holistic, taking into consideration not only the genetic landscape of the tumor, but also the immune background and other individual variables, such as patient-specific gut microbial composition. On these bases, in the future, the research milestones reached will allow clinicians to treat LC patients with tailored approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Marco Leone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Lavoro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Silvia Vivarelli
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Imaging, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131 Naples, Italy
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27
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Zhu L, Qin J. Coexistence of a novel SETD2-ALK, EML4-ALK double-fusion in an advanced lung adenocarcinoma patient after alectinib resistant and response to immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy: a case report. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:44. [PMID: 37055606 PMCID: PMC10102269 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00654-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The single echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4) gene and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene fusion is the most common variant of ALK rearrangements in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we firstly report that coexistence of a novel histone methyltransferase (SETD2)-ALK, EML4-ALK double-fusion is sensitive to alectinib as first-line therapy, and response to immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy after resistant. The patient responded to alectinib as a first-line therapy and achieved progression-free survival (PFS) for 26 months. After resistance, liquid biopsy showed that the reason of drug resistance was the disappearance of SETD2-ALK and EML4-ALK fusion variants. In addition, chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy subsequently achieved a survival benefit of more than 25 months. Therefore, alectinib may be a viable therapeutic option for NSCLC patients with double ALK fusion and immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy may be a viable therapeutic option when double ALK fusion loss may be the mechanism of alectinib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Qin
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Diagnosis & Treatment Technology on Thoracic oncology (lung and esophagus), Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310022, P.R. China.
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28
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Cheon SY, Kwon S. Molecular Anatomy of the EML4-ALK Fusion Protein for the Development of Novel Anticancer Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065821. [PMID: 36982897 PMCID: PMC10054655 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065821] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The EML4 (echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4)-ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) fusion gene in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was first identified in 2007. As the EML4-ALK fusion protein promotes carcinogenesis in lung cells, much attention has been paid to it, leading to the development of therapies for patients with NSCLC. These therapies include ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors and heat shock protein 90 inhibitors. However, detailed information on the entire structure and function of the EML4-ALK protein remains deficient, and there are many obstacles to overcome in the development of novel anticancer agents. In this review, we describe the respective partial structures of EML4 and ALK that are known to date. In addition to their structures, noteworthy structural features and launched inhibitors of the EML4-ALK protein are summarized. Furthermore, based on the structural features and inhibitor-binding modes, we discuss strategies for the development of novel inhibitors targeting the EML4-ALK protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Yeong Cheon
- Department of Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunghark Kwon
- Department of Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
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29
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Khan MA, Tania M. Cordycepin and kinase inhibition in cancer. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103481. [PMID: 36584876 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cordycepin, a nucleoside from Cordyceps mushrooms, has many beneficial properties for health, including anticancer activities. In cancer cells, cordycepin targets various signaling molecules. Here, we review the possible anticancer mechanisms of cordycepin involving the targeting of kinases. Abnormal kinase expression is involved in cancer development and progression through different molecular mechanisms, including phosphorylation, amplification, genetic mutations, and epigenetic regulation. Research suggests that kinases, such as the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), AMP kinase (AMPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) pathways, can be targeted by cordycepin and disrupting their activity. Given that kinase inhibitors can have crucial roles in cancer treatment, targeting kinases might be one of the molecular mechanisms involved in the anticancer potential of cordycepin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Asaduzzaman Khan
- The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China; Nature Study Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - Mousumi Tania
- Nature Study Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Division of Molecular Cancer Biology, The Red-Green Research Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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30
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Nelson TA, Wang N. Targeting lung cancer brain metastases: a narrative review of emerging insights for anaplastic lymphoma kinase ( ALK)-positive disease. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2023; 12:379-392. [PMID: 36895918 PMCID: PMC9989815 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-22-638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objective Lung cancer is commonly associated with brain metastasis formation, and certain subtypes, such as anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearranged disease, have an especially high propensity for early and frequent central nervous system (CNS) involvement for which treatment can be challenging. Historical management has centered on surgery and radiation therapy (RT), which persist as mainstays of treatment for large, symptomatic lesions and widespread CNS disease. To date, sustained disease control remains elusive, and the role for effective systemic adjunctive therapies is clear. Here we discuss the epidemiology, genomics, pathophysiology, identification, and management of lung cancer brain metastases with a particular emphasis on systemic treatment of ALK-positive disease according to the best available evidence. Methods Review of PubMed and Google Scholar databases as well as ClinicalTrials.gov provided background and seminal trials for the local and systemic management of ALK rearranged lung cancer brain metastases. Key Content and Findings The development of effective, CNS-penetrant systemic agents-including alectinib, brigatinib, ceritinib, and lorlatinib-has dramatically changed the management and prevention of ALK rearranged brain metastases. Most notably, there is a burgeoning role for upfront systemic therapy for both symptomatic and incidentally discovered lesions. Conclusions Novel targeted therapies offer patients a pathway to delay, obviate, or supplement traditional local therapies while minimizing neurologic sequelae of treatment and may reduce the risk of brain metastasis formation. However, the selection of patients to whom local and targeted treatments is offered is not trivial, and the risks and benefits of both must be weighed carefully. More work is needed to establish treatment regimens that yield durable intra- and extracranial disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Nelson
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy Wang
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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31
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Guan M, Xu J, Shi Q. Molecular determinants of clinical outcomes for anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer in Chinese patients: A retrospective study. Cancer Genet 2023; 270-271:32-38. [PMID: 36502690 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Gene complexity affects the clinical outcomes of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we reviewed the medical records of patients with NSCLC between September 2015 and December 2020 in a single institution. We examined the clinical and genomic predictors of these outcomes using multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis. Overall, 105 patients with ALK-rearranged NSCLC were included. Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4) was the predominant fusion partner (96.2%). Five patients (4.8%) had non-EML4 fusion partners; three had novel partners. EML4::ALK variant 3 (36.5%) was predominant. One patient had the following three subtypes: E13::A20, E6ins33::A20, and E20::A20. Median progression-free survival (PFS), but not overall survival (OS), was significantly different between patients with variants 3 and 1. TP53 was the most common concomitant mutation (21.4%). The presence of TP53 mutations was associated with shorter PFS among patients who received ALK-TKI. Patients with concomitant oncogene mutations presented significantly shorter OS and PFS than those with only ALK rearrangement. In a multivariate Cox regression model, concomitant oncogene mutations and variant 3 carrier status were prognostic factors for PFS, whereas baseline brain metastasis was a prognostic factor for OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maojing Guan
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Chest Hospital, 397 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, China; Anhui Medical University Clinical College of Chest, 397 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Pathology, Anhui Chest Hospital, 397 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, China; Anhui Medical University Clinical College of Chest, 397 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Qingming Shi
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Chest Hospital, 397 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, China; Anhui Medical University Clinical College of Chest, 397 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, China.
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32
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Rossi S, Marinello A, Pagliaro A, Franceschini D, Navarria P, Finocchiaro G, Toschi L, Scorsetti M, Santoro A. Current treatment approaches for brain metastases in ALK/ ROS1/ NTRK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2023; 23:29-41. [PMID: 36548111 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2023.2162044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oncogene-addicted non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients present a high incidence of CNS metastases either at diagnosis or during the course of the disease. In this case, patients present with worse prognosis and are often excluded from clinical trials unless brain metastases are pre-treated or clinically stable. AREAS COVERED As a result of the discovery of several oncogenic drivers in ALK/ROS1/NTRK-positive NSCLC, targeted agents have been tested in several trials. We evaluate and compare the intracranial efficacy of available targeted agents in ALK/ROS1/NTRK-positive NSCLC based on subgroup analysis from pivotal trials. EXPERT OPINION Last-generation ALK inhibitors have shown slightly superior intracranial activity but pivotal trials do not consider the same endpoints for intracranial efficacy, therefore data are not comparable. Local treatments for BM including surgical resection, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and WBRT, should be integrated with systemic therapies basing on specific criteria like presence of oligoprogression or symptomatic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Rossi
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Marinello
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Pagliaro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Franceschini
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Pierina Navarria
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Finocchiaro
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Toschi
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Scorsetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.,Department of Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Armando Santoro
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
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33
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Wang Z, Xing Y, Li B, Li X, Liu B, Wang Y. Molecular pathways, resistance mechanisms and targeted interventions in non-small-cell lung cancer. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:42. [PMID: 36508072 PMCID: PMC9743956 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00107-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The discovery of tyrosine kinase inhibitors effectively targeting EGFR mutations in lung cancer patients in 2004 represented the beginning of the precision medicine era for this refractory disease. This great progress benefits from the identification of driver gene mutations, and after that, conventional and new technologies such as NGS further illustrated part of the complex molecular pathways of NSCLC. More targetable driver gene mutation identification in NSCLC patients greatly promoted the development of targeted therapy and provided great help for patient outcomes including significantly improved survival time and quality of life. Herein, we review the literature and ongoing clinical trials of NSCLC targeted therapy to address the molecular pathways and targeted intervention progress in NSCLC. In addition, the mutations in EGFR gene, ALK rearrangements, and KRAS mutations in the main sections, and the less common molecular alterations in MET, HER2, BRAF, ROS1, RET, and NTRK are discussed. The main resistance mechanisms of each targeted oncogene are highlighted to demonstrate the current dilemma of targeted therapy in NSCLC. Moreover, we discuss potential therapies to overcome the challenges of drug resistance. In this review, we manage to display the current landscape of targetable therapeutic patterns in NSCLC in this era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixi Wang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Thoracic Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Yurou Xing
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Thoracic Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Bingjie Li
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Thoracic Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Clinical Trial Center, National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drugs, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan China ,grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Bin Liu
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Yongsheng Wang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Thoracic Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan China ,grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan China
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34
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Aepala MR, Peiris MN, Jiang Z, Yang W, Meyer AN, Donoghue DJ. Nefarious NTRK oncogenic fusions in pediatric sarcomas: Too many to Trk. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 68:93-106. [PMID: 36153202 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophic Tyrosine Receptor Kinase (NTRK) genes undergo chromosomal translocations to create novel open reading frames coding for oncogenic fusion proteins; the N-terminal portion, donated by various partner genes, becomes fused to the tyrosine kinase domain of either NTRK1, NTRK2, or NTRK3. NTRK fusion proteins have been identified as driver oncogenes in a wide variety of tumors over the past three decades, including Pediatric Gliomas, Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, Spitzoid Neoplasms, Glioblastoma, and additional tumors. Importantly, NTRK fusions function as drivers of pediatric sarcomas, accounting for approximately 15% of childhood cancers including Infantile Fibrosarcoma (IFS), a subset of pediatric soft tissue sarcoma (STS). While tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as larotrectinib and entrectinib, have demonstrated profound results against NTRK fusion-positive cancers, acquired resistance to these TKIs has resulted in the formation of gatekeeper, solvent-front, and compound mutations. We present a comprehensive compilation of oncogenic fusions involving NTRKs focusing specifically on pediatric STS, examining their biological signaling pathways and mechanisms of activation. The importance of an obligatory dimerization or multimerization domain, invariably donated by the N-terminal fusion partner, is discussed using characteristic fusions that occur in pediatric sarcomas. In addition, examples are presented of oncogenic fusion proteins in which the N-terminal partners may contribute additional biological activities beyond an oligomerization domain. Lastly, therapeutic approaches to the treatment of pediatric sarcoma will be presented, using first generation and second-generation agents such as selitrectinib and repotrectinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha R Aepala
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0367, USA
| | - Malalage N Peiris
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0367, USA
| | - Zian Jiang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0367, USA
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0367, USA
| | - April N Meyer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0367, USA
| | - Daniel J Donoghue
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0367, USA; UCSD Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0367, USA.
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35
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Ren J, Gao Y, Shi W, Xu S, Wang Q, Zhao D, Kong L, Song W, Wang X, Zhang Y, He X, Wang Y, Tong S, Lu P, Li Y, Xu H, Zhang Y. Design and synthesis of boron-containing ALK inhibitor with favorable in vivo efficacy. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 75:117071. [PMID: 36332597 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ALK is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. As an emerging element in medicinal chemistry, boron has achieved great success in the discovery of antitumor drugs and antibacterial agents. Through construction of a BCC (boron-containing compound) compound library and broad kinase screening, we found the ALK inhibitor hit compound 10a. Structural optimization by CADD and isosterism revealed that lead compound 10k has improved activity (ALKL1196M IC50 = 8.4 nM, NCI-H2228 cells IC50 = 520 nM) and better in vitro metabolic stability (human liver microsomes, T1/2 = 238 min). Compound 10k showed good in vivo efficacy in a nude mouse NCI-H2228 lung cancer xenograft model with a TGI of 52 %. Molecular simulation analysis results show that the hydroxyl group on the oxaborole forms a key hydrogen bond with Asn1254 or Asp1270, and this binding site provides a new idea for drug design. This is the first publicly reported lead compound for a boron-containing ALK inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Functional Biomolecules, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Pharmaceutical R&D Institute, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, 1099 Fuying Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yong Gao
- Pharmaceutical R&D Institute, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, 1099 Fuying Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Pharmaceutical R&D Institute, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, 1099 Fuying Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Sheng Xu
- Pharmaceutical R&D Institute, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, 1099 Fuying Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qinglin Wang
- Pharmaceutical R&D Institute, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, 1099 Fuying Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Damin Zhao
- Pharmaceutical R&D Institute, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, 1099 Fuying Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lingming Kong
- Pharmaceutical R&D Institute, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, 1099 Fuying Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Song
- Pharmaceutical R&D Institute, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, 1099 Fuying Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaojin Wang
- Pharmaceutical R&D Institute, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, 1099 Fuying Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Pharmaceutical R&D Institute, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, 1099 Fuying Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiangyi He
- Pharmaceutical R&D Institute, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, 1099 Fuying Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Pharmaceutical R&D Institute, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, 1099 Fuying Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shunyu Tong
- Pharmaceutical R&D Institute, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, 1099 Fuying Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peng Lu
- Pharmaceutical R&D Institute, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, 1099 Fuying Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yang Li
- Pharmaceutical R&D Institute, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, 1099 Fuying Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hongjiang Xu
- Pharmaceutical R&D Institute, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, 1099 Fuying Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Yinsheng Zhang
- Pharmaceutical R&D Institute, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, 1099 Fuying Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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36
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Comparison between Immunocytochemistry, FISH and NGS for ALK and ROS1 Rearrangement Detection in Cytological Samples. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810556. [PMID: 36142468 PMCID: PMC9502752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection of ROS1 and ALK rearrangements is performed for advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Several techniques can be used on cytological samples, such as immunocytochemistry (ICC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and, more recently, next-generation sequencing (NGS), which is gradually becoming the gold standard. We performed a retrospective study to compare ALK and ROS1 rearrangement results from immunocytochemistry, FISH and NGS methods from 131 cytological samples. Compared to NGS, the sensitivity and specificity of ICC were 0.79 and 0.91, respectively, for ALK, and 1 and 0.87 for ROS1. Regarding FISH, the sensitivity and specificity were both at 1 for ALK and ROS1 probes. False-positive cases obtained by ICC were systematically corrected by FISH. When using ICC and FISH techniques, results are very close to NGS. The false-positive cases obtained by ICC are corrected by FISH, and the true-positive cases are confirmed. NGS has the potential to improve the detection of ALK and ROS1 rearrangements in cytological samples; however, the cost of this technique is still much higher than the sequential use of ICC and FISH.
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37
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Itchins M, Pavlakis N. The quantum leap in therapeutics for advanced ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer and pursuit to cure with precision medicine. Front Oncol 2022; 12:959637. [PMID: 36003760 PMCID: PMC9393505 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.959637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery 15 years ago, we have seen a quantum leap in the treatment and survival for individuals diagnosed with ALK+ lung cancers. Unfortunately however, for most, the diagnosis is made in an incurable circumstance given the late presentation of symptoms. Through a revolutionary wave of therapeutics, individuals may remarkably live over a decade, however many fall short of this milestone, as the molecular profile of this disease is very heterogeneous, reflected in variable survival outcomes. Despite a significant improval in survival and quality of life with ALK-inhibitor monotherapies, now available across multiple-generations, drug resistance and disease relapse remains inevitable, and treatment is offered in an empiric, stepwise, non personalised biomarker informed fashion. A proposed future focus to treating ALK to improve the chronicity of this disease and even promote cure, is to deliver a personalised dynamic approach to care, with rational combinations of drugs in conjunction with local ablative therapies to prevent and constantly proactively alter clonal selection. Such an approach would be informed by precision imaging with MRI-brain and FDG-PETs sequentially, and by regular plasma sampling including for circulating tumour DNA sequencing with personalised therapeutic switches occurring prior to the emergence of radiological and clinical relapse. Such an approach to care will require a complete paradigm shift in the way we approach the treatment of advanced cancer, however evidence to date in ALK+ lung cancers, support this new frontier of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malinda Itchins
- Department of Medical Oncology, Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
- Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Kolling Institute, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
- North Shore Health Hub, GenesisCare, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Malinda Itchins,
| | - Nick Pavlakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
- Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Kolling Institute, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
- North Shore Health Hub, GenesisCare, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
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38
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Alternative Treatment Options to ALK Inhibitor Monotherapy for EML4-ALK-Driven Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143452. [PMID: 35884511 PMCID: PMC9325236 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
EML4-ALK is an oncogenic fusion protein that accounts for approximately 5% of NSCLC cases. Targeted inhibitors of ALK are the standard of care treatment, often leading to a good initial response. Sadly, some patients do not respond well, and most will develop resistance over time, emphasizing the need for alternative treatments. This review discusses recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms behind EML4-ALK-driven NSCLC progression and the opportunities they present for alternative treatment options to ALK inhibitor monotherapy. Targeting ALK-dependent signalling pathways can overcome resistance that has developed due to mutations in the ALK catalytic domain, as well as through activation of bypass mechanisms that utilise the same pathways. We also consider evidence for polytherapy approaches that combine targeted inhibition of these pathways with ALK inhibitors. Lastly, we review combination approaches that use targeted inhibitors of ALK together with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy. Throughout this article, we highlight the importance of alternative breakpoints in the EML4 gene that result in the generation of distinct EML4-ALK variants with different biological and pathological properties and consider monotherapy and polytherapy approaches that may be selective to particular variants.
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39
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Bokhari A, Lai W, Le A, Gabre J, Chung TP, Fransson S, Bergman B, Djos A, Chen N, Martinsson T, Van den Eynden J, Doebele R, Palmer R, Hallberg B, Umapathy G. Novel Human-derived EML4-ALK Fusion Cell Lines identify ribonucleotide reductase RRM2 as a target of activated ALK in NSCLC. Lung Cancer 2022; 171:103-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2022.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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40
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Yang J, Ma D, Liu S, Tan Z, Guo M, Cao Z, Zhang J, Zhai X. Design, synthesis and antitumor evaluation of ATP dual-mimic 2,4-diarylaminopyrimidine and aminoindazole conjugates as potent anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 241:114626. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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41
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The Change in Paradigm for NSCLC Patients with EML4–ALK Translocation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137322. [PMID: 35806325 PMCID: PMC9266866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe prognosis linked with a lung cancer diagnosis has changed with the discovery of oncogenic molecularly driven subgroups and the use of tailored treatment. ALK-translocated advanced lung cancer is the most interesting model, having achieved the longest overall survival. Here, we report the most important paradigmatic shifts in the prognosis and treatment for this subgroup population occurred among lung cancer.
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42
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Dai Y, Liu P, He W, Yang L, Ni Y, Ma X, Du F, Song C, Liu Y, Sun Y. Genomic Features of Solid Tumor Patients Harboring ALK/ROS1/NTRK Gene Fusions. Front Oncol 2022; 12:813158. [PMID: 35785159 PMCID: PMC9243239 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.813158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The fusions of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) involving anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1), and neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) represent the potential targets of therapeutic intervention for various types of solid tumors. Here, the genomic features of 180 Chinese solid tumor patients with ALK, ROS1, and NTRK fusions by next generation sequencing (NGS) were comprehensively characterized, and the data from 121 patients in Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) database were used to compare. We found that ALK, ROS1, and NTRK fusions were more common in younger female patients (p<0.001) and showed a higher expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). The gene-intergenic fusion and the fusion with rare formation directions accounted for a certain proportion in all samples and 62 novel fusions were discovered. Alterations in TP53 and MUC16 were common in patients with RTK fusions. The mutational signatures of patients were mainly distributed in COSMIC signature 1, 2, 3, 15 and 30, while had a higher frequency in copy number variations (CNVs) of individual genes, such as IL-7R. In the MSKCC cohort, patients with fusions and CNVs showed shorter overall survival than those with only fusions. Furthermore, the differentially mutated genes between fusion-positive and -negative patients mainly concentrated on MAPK signaling and FOXO signaling pathways. These results may provide genomic information for the personalized clinical management of solid tumor patients with ALK, ROS1, and NTRK fusions in the era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghuan Dai
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenlong He
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lizhen Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yang Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
- Department of Medicine, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Xuejiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
- Department of Medicine, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Furong Du
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
- Department of Medicine, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
- Department of Medicine, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Sun, ; Yang Liu, ; Chao Song,
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Sun, ; Yang Liu, ; Chao Song,
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Sun, ; Yang Liu, ; Chao Song,
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43
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Kodama K, Kimura Y, Momozane T, Sigetsu K, Takeda M, Kishima H. Long-term treatment with ALK inhibitors for postoperative recurrence of ALK-rearranged lung cancer. Int Cancer Conf J 2022; 11:238-241. [DOI: 10.1007/s13691-022-00557-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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44
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He L, Dar AC. Targeting drug-resistant mutations in ALK. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:659-661. [PMID: 35726064 PMCID: PMC9919885 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00390-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Therapy resistance limits the clinical success of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. A study now proposes a framework to identify compound resistance mutations to the lorlatinib TKI and provides structure-based drug design approaches to overcome resistance mediated by ALK(G1202R) or ALK(I1171N/S/T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu He
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Centre for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Centre for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arvin C. Dar
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Centre for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Centre for Therapeutic Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,
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45
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Ding Y, Sun C, Su W, Miao C, He X, Wang JS, Zhang ZH. Detecting anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements with next-generation sequencing remains a reliable approach in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. Virchows Arch 2022; 481:405-419. [PMID: 35624360 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03339-y] [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: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is rapidly becoming routine in clinical oncology practice to identify therapeutic biomarkers, including gene rearrangements in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). Our study investigated the concordance of ALK positivity evaluated by DNA-based NGS with orthogonal ALK testing methods such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and RNA-based NGS (RNA-NGS). Thirty-eight patients with lung adenocarcinoma who were detected with ALK rearrangements using DNA-NGS and also had adequate tissue samples submitted for FISH, IHC, and RNA-NGS, were included in this study. Of the 38 patients, RNA samples from 3 patients failed quality control for RNA-NGS. The concordance of ALK positivity was calculated relative to DNA-NGS results. The concordance rates were 97.1% (34/35) for RNA-NGS, 94.7% (36/38) for IHC, and 97.4% (37/38) for FISH. DNA-NGS detected single ALK rearrangements in 14 (35.0%) patients and complex ALK rearrangements in 26 (65.0%). RNA-NGS detected only single transcripts of the primary ALK fusions. A novel LANCL1-ALK (L7:A20) detected using DNA-NGS was detected as EML4-ALK (E13:A20) transcripts using RNA-NGS. Interestingly, patients with single ALK rearrangements were more likely to be detected with atypical isolated red signals (p < 0.001), while patients with complex ALK rearrangements were more likely to be detected with atypical split red and green signals less than 2 signal diameters apart (p < 0.001). Our study highlights the reliability of NGS in the accurate detection of specific ALK fusion variants and concomitant mutations that are crucial for individualized treatment decisions in patients with lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ding
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Chang Sun
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Wei Su
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Chen Miao
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xiao He
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jin-Song Wang
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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46
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Nogueira E, Tirpák F, Hamilton LE, Zigo M, Kerns K, Sutovsky M, Kim J, Volkmann D, Jovine L, Taylor JF, Schnabel RD, Sutovsky P. A Non-Synonymous Point Mutation in a WD-40 Domain Repeat of EML5 Leads to Decreased Bovine Sperm Quality and Fertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:872740. [PMID: 35478957 PMCID: PMC9037033 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.872740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is part of a concerted effort to identify and phenotype rare, deleterious mutations that adversely affect sperm quality, or convey high developmental and fertility potential to embryos and ensuing progeny. A rare, homozygous mutation in EML5 (EML5R1654W), which encodes a microtubule-associated protein with high expression in testis and brain was identified in an Angus bull used extensively in artificial insemination (AI) for its outstanding progeny production traits. The bull’s fertility was low in cross-breeding timed AI (TAI) (Pregnancy/TAI = 25.2%; n = 222) and, in general, AI breeding to Nellore cows (41%; n = 822). A search of the 1,000 Bull Genomes Run9 database revealed an additional 74 heterozygous animals and 8 homozygous animals harboring this exact mutation across several different breeds (0.7% frequency within the 6,191 sequenced animals). Phenotypically, spermatozoa from the homozygous Angus bull displayed prominent piriform and tapered heads, and outwardly protruding knobbed acrosomes. Additionally, an increased retention of EML5 was also observed in the sperm head of both homozygous and heterozygous Angus bulls compared to wild-type animals. This non-synonymous point mutation is located within a WD40 signaling domain repeat of EML5 and is predicted to be detrimental to overall protein function by genomic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and protein modeling. Future work will examine how this rare mutation affects field AI fertility and will characterize the role of EML5 in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriklis Nogueira
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Embrapa Pantanal, Corumbá, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Filip Tirpák
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Lauren E Hamilton
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Michal Zigo
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Karl Kerns
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Miriam Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - JaeWoo Kim
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Dietrich Volkmann
- Theriogenology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jeremy F Taylor
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Robert D Schnabel
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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47
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Saifullah, Tsukahara T. Integrated analysis of ALK higher expression in human cancer and downregulation in LUAD using RNA molecular scissors. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:1785-1799. [PMID: 35486222 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02835-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is an endorsed molecular target in ALK-rearranged carcinomas, including lung adenocarcinoma. However, the clinical advantage of targeting ALK using druggable inhibitors is almost universally restricted by the development of drug resistance. Therefore, a strategy for combating ALK overexpression remains paramount for ALK-driven cancer. METHODS We systemically analyzed the overexpression pattern of ALK and its clinical consequences, genetic alterations, and their significance in cancer hallmark genes, and correlation using integrated multidimensional approaches. The LwCas13a RNA molecular scissors was used to downregulate ALK-rearrangement by leveraging two target guide RNAs in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells. Immunocytochemistry, immunoblotting, and MTT assays were conducted to validate the downregulation. RESULTS We found elevated levels of ALK in several malignancies, including LUAD, than in normal tissues. Higher expression of ALK was significantly associated with worse or shorter survival than patients with lower expression. We identified numerous genetic alterations in ALK, which potentially alter the cancer hallmark genes, including STAT1 and CTSL, in patients with LUAD. Next, we observed that the LwCas13a molecular scissors robustly downregulated both phosphorylated and total ALK chimera protein expression in LUAD cells compared to the control. Furthermore, we found that downregulation of ALK chimera protein substantially inhibited cell viability and induced cell death, including apoptosis. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a basis for ALK as a prognostic biomarker and the LwCas13a molecular scissors successfully downregulated the onco-driver ALK-rearrangement protein, which will potentially pave the way toward the development of novel therapeutic strategies for ALK-driven cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saifullah
- Area of Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi City, Ishikawa, 923-1292, Japan.,Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Kodaira City, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Tsukahara
- Area of Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi City, Ishikawa, 923-1292, Japan. .,Division of Transdisciplinary Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi City, Ishikawa, 923-1292, Japan.
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48
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Mehta S, Zhang J. Liquid-liquid phase separation drives cellular function and dysfunction in cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:239-252. [PMID: 35149762 PMCID: PMC10036213 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00444-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease of uncontrollably reproducing cells. It is governed by biochemical pathways that have escaped the regulatory bounds of normal homeostatic balance. This balance is maintained through precise spatiotemporal regulation of these pathways. The formation of biomolecular condensates via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has recently emerged as a widespread mechanism underlying the spatiotemporal coordination of biological activities in cells. Biomolecular condensates are widely observed to directly regulate key cellular processes involved in cancer cell pathology, and the dysregulation of LLPS is increasingly implicated as a previously hidden driver of oncogenic activity. In this Perspective, we discuss how LLPS shapes the biochemical landscape of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohum Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Silaghi H, Lozovanu V, Georgescu CE, Pop C, Nasui BA, Cătoi AF, Silaghi CA. State of the Art in the Current Management and Future Directions of Targeted Therapy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073470. [PMID: 35408830 PMCID: PMC8998761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Two-thirds of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients with distant metastases would be classified as radioactive iodine-refractory (RAIR-DTC), evolving into a poor outcome. Recent advances underlying DTC molecular mechanisms have shifted the therapy focus from the standard approach to targeting specific genetic dysregulations. Lenvatinib and sorafenib are first-line, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) approved to treat advanced, progressive RAIR-DTC. However, other anti-angiogenic drugs, including single targeted TKIs, are currently being evaluated as alternative or salvage therapy after the failure of first-line TKIs. Combinatorial therapy of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signalling cascade inhibitors has become a highly advocated strategy to improve the low efficiency of the single agent treatment. Recent studies pointed out targetable alternative pathways to overcome the resistance to MAPK and PI3K pathways’ inhibitors. Because radioiodine resistance originates in DTC loss of differentiation, redifferentiation therapies are currently being explored for efficacy. The present review will summarize the conventional management of DTC, the first-line and alternative TKIs in RAIR-DTC, and the approaches that seek to overcome the resistance to MAPK and PI3K pathways’ inhibitors. We also aim to emphasize the latest achievements in the research of redifferentiation therapy, immunotherapy, and agents targeting gene rearrangements in advanced DTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horatiu Silaghi
- Department of Surgery V, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Vera Lozovanu
- County Clinical Emergency Hospital Cluj, 3-5 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Carmen Emanuela Georgescu
- Department of Endocrinology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.E.G.); (C.A.S.)
| | - Cristina Pop
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 6A Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Bogdana Adriana Nasui
- Department of Community Health, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Adriana Florinela Cătoi
- Department of Pathophysiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Cristina Alina Silaghi
- Department of Endocrinology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.E.G.); (C.A.S.)
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50
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Hu W, Yuan L, Zhang X, Ni Y, Hong D, Wang Z, Li X, Ling Y, Zhang C, Deng W, Tian M, Ding R, Song C, Li J, Zhang X. Development and validation of an RNA sequencing panel for gene fusions in soft tissue sarcoma. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:1843-1854. [PMID: 35238118 PMCID: PMC9128172 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene fusions are one of the most common genomic alterations in soft tissue sarcomas (STS), which contain more than 70 subtypes. In this study, a custom-designed RNA sequencing panel including 67 genes was developed and validated to identify gene fusions in STS. Totally 92 STS samples were analyzed using the RNA panel and 95.7% (88/92) successfully passed all the quality control parameters. Fusion transcripts were detected in 60.2% (53/88) of samples, including three novel fusions (MEG3-PLAG1, SH3BP1-NTRK1, and RPSAP52-HMGA2). The panel demonstrated excellent analytic accuracy, with 93.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The intra-assay, inter-assay, and personnel consistencies were all 100.0% in 4 samples and 3 replicates. In addition, different variants of ESWR1-FLI, COL1A1-PDGFB, NAB2-STAT6, and SS18-SSX were also identified in the corresponding subtypes of STS. In combination with histological and molecular diagnosis, 14.8% (13/88) patients finally changed preliminary histology-based classification. Collectively, this RNA panel developed in our study shows excellent performance on RNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples and can complement DNA-based assay, thereby facilitating precise diagnosis and novel fusion detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanming Hu
- Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Li Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Xinke Zhang
- Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yang Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210042, China.,Department of Medicine, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Dongchun Hong
- Department of Medical Melanoma and Sarcoma, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhicai Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research &, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Yuan Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Wanglong Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Minqi Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Ran Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Chao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210042, China.,Department of Medicine, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Jianmin Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Medical Melanoma and Sarcoma, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
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