1
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Lingo JJ, Voigt E, Quelle DE. Linking FOXM1 and PD-L1 to CDK4/6-MEK targeted therapy resistance in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Oncotarget 2024; 15:638-643. [PMID: 39347707 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28650] [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] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive, Ras-driven sarcomas characterized by loss of the NF1 tumor suppressor gene and hyperactivation of MEK and CDK4/6 kinases. MPNSTs lack effective therapies. We recently demonstrated remarkable efficacy of dual CDK4/6-MEK inhibition in mice with de novo MPNSTs, which was heightened by combined targeting of the immune checkpoint protein, PD-L1. The triple combination therapy targeting CDK4/6, MEK, and PD-L1 led to extended MPNST regression and improved survival, although most tumors eventually acquired drug resistance. Here, we consider the immune activation phenotype caused by CDK4/6-MEK inhibition in MPNSTs that uniquely involved intratumoral plasma cell accumulation. We discuss how PD-L1 and FOXM1, a tumor-promoting transcription factor, are functionally linked and may be key mediators of resistance to CDK4/6-MEK targeted therapies. Finally, the role of FOXM1 in suppressing anti-tumor immunity and potentially thwarting immune-based therapies is considered. We suggest that future therapeutic strategies targeting the oncogenic network of CDK4/6, MEK, PD-L1, and FOXM1 represent exciting future treatment options for MPNST patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J Lingo
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ellen Voigt
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Dawn E Quelle
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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2
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Lavernia J, Claramunt R, Romero I, López-Guerrero JA, Llombart-Bosch A, Machado I. Soft Tissue Sarcomas with Chromosomal Alterations in the 12q13-15 Region: Differential Diagnosis and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:432. [PMID: 38275873 PMCID: PMC10814159 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The chromosomal region 12q13-15 is rich in oncogenes and contains several genes involved in the pathogenesis of various mesenchymal neoplasms. Notable genes in this region include MDM2, CDK4, STAT6, DDIT3, and GLI1. Amplification of MDM2 and CDK4 genes can be detected in various mesenchymal and nonmesenchymal neoplasms. Therefore, gene amplification alone is not entirely specific for making a definitive diagnosis and requires the integration of clinical, radiological, morphological, and immunohistochemical findings. Neoplasms with GLI1 alterations may exhibit either GLI1 rearrangements or amplifications of this gene. Despite the diagnostic implications that the overlap of genetic alterations in neoplasms with changes in genes within the 12q13-15 region could create, the discovery of coamplifications of MDM2 with CDK4 and GLI1 offers new therapeutic targets in neoplasms with MDM2/CDK4 amplification. Lastly, it is worth noting that MDM2 or CDK4 amplification is not exclusive to mesenchymal neoplasms; this genetic alteration has also been observed in other epithelial neoplasms or melanomas. This suggests the potential use of MDM2 or CDK4 inhibitors in neoplasms where alterations in these genes do not aid the pathological diagnosis but may help identify potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we delve into the diagnosis and therapeutic implications of tumors with genetic alterations involving the chromosomal region 12q13-15, mainly MDM2, CDK4, and GLI1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Lavernia
- Oncology Unit, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Reyes Claramunt
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain; (R.C.); (J.A.L.-G.)
| | - Ignacio Romero
- Oncology Unit, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain;
| | - José Antonio López-Guerrero
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain; (R.C.); (J.A.L.-G.)
| | | | - Isidro Machado
- Pathology Department, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- Pathology Department, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- CIBERONC Cancer, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Patologika Laboratory, Hospital Quiron-Salud, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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3
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Li J, Gu A, Nong XM, Zhai S, Yue ZY, Li MY, Liu Y. Six-Membered Aromatic Nitrogen Heterocyclic Anti-Tumor Agents: Synthesis and Applications. CHEM REC 2023; 23:e202300293. [PMID: 38010365 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202300293] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stands as a serious malady, posing substantial risks to human well-being and survival. This underscores the paramount necessity to explore and investigate novel antitumor medications. Nitrogen-containing compounds, especially those derived from natural sources, form a highly significant category of antitumor agents. Among these, antitumor agents with six-membered aromatic nitrogen heterocycles have consistently attracted the attention of chemists and pharmacologists. Accordingly, we present a comprehensive summary of synthetic strategies and clinical implications of these compounds in this review. This entails an in-depth analysis of synthesis pathways for pyridine, quinoline, pyrimidine, and quinazoline. Additionally, we explore the historical progression, targets, mechanisms of action, and clinical effectiveness of small molecule inhibitors possessing these structural features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiatong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ao Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Nong
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Shuyang Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zhu-Ying Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Meng-Yao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yingbin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
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4
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Chinyama HA, Wei L, Mokgautsi N, Lawal B, Wu ATH, Huang HS. Identification of CDK1, PBK, and CHEK1 as an Oncogenic Signature in Glioblastoma: A Bioinformatics Approach to Repurpose Dapagliflozin as a Therapeutic Agent. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16396. [PMID: 38003585 PMCID: PMC10671581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216396] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive and lethal primary brain tumor whose median survival is less than 15 months. The current treatment regimen comprising surgical resectioning, chemotherapy with Temozolomide (TMZ), and adjuvant radiotherapy does not achieve total patient cure. Stem cells' presence and GBM tumor heterogeneity increase their resistance to TMZ, hence the poor overall survival of patients. A dysregulated cell cycle in glioblastoma enhances the rapid progression of GBM by evading senescence or apoptosis through an over-expression of cyclin-dependent kinases and other protein kinases that are the cell cycle's main regulatory proteins. Herein, we identified and validated the biomarker and predictive properties of a chemoradio-resistant oncogenic signature in GBM comprising CDK1, PBK, and CHEK1 through our comprehensive in silico analysis. We found that CDK1/PBK/CHEK1 overexpression drives the cell cycle, subsequently promoting GBM tumor progression. In addition, our Kaplan-Meier survival estimates validated the poor patient survival associated with an overexpression of these genes in GBM. We used in silico molecular docking to analyze and validate our objective to repurpose Dapagliflozin against CDK1/PBK/CHEK1. Our results showed that Dapagliflozin forms putative conventional hydrogen bonds with CDK1, PBK, and CHEK1 and arrests the cell cycle with the lowest energies as Abemaciclib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold A. Chinyama
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Li Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, No.111, Sec. 3, Xinglong Rd., Taipei 11696, Taiwan;
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Injury Prevention and Control, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ntlotlang Mokgautsi
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Bashir Lawal
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA;
| | - Alexander T. H. Wu
- PhD Program of Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Clinical Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Shan Huang
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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5
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Selby LV, Clark EC, Liebner DA, Chen JL, Tinoco G, Bashian E, Beane JD, Pollock RE, Grignol VP. Adjuvant Palbociclib May be Associated with Delayed Recurrence in Completely Resected Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma: Results of a Single-Institution Retrospective Cohort Study. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:7876-7881. [PMID: 37330448 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-13692-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retroperitoneal liposarcomas are locally aggressive and frequently recur following complete surgical resection. Palbociclib, a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/CDK6 inhibitor, is effective in the treatment of metastatic or unresectable liposarcoma. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe our initial experience using adjuvant palbociclib to delay recurrence. METHODS Patients with resected RPS were identified from a prospectively maintained institutional database. In 2017, we began offering adjuvant palbociclib to patients following complete gross resection. Treatment interval, defined as the time between surgical resection and re-resection or change in systemic therapy, was compared between patients selected for adjuvant palbociclib or observation. RESULTS Between 2017 and 2020, 12 patients underwent a total of 14 operations (14 patient cases) and were selected for adjuvant palbociclib for recurrence prevention. These patients were compared with 14 patients who, since 2010, underwent a total of 20 operations (20 patient cases) and were selected for observation. Histology was primarily dedifferentiated liposarcoma for both groups (observation: 70% [14/20]; adjuvant palbociclib: 64% [9/14]). All patients underwent complete gross resection. Neither age, number of previous surgeries, histologic grade, or Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status differed between groups (p > 0.05 for all). Patients selected for adjuvant palbociclib experienced a longer treatment interval than those selected for observation, although it did not reach statistical significance (20.5 months vs. 13.1 months, p = 0.08, log rank). CONCLUSION Adjuvant palbociclib may be associated with a prolonged interval between liposarcoma resection and the need for re-resection or other systemic therapy. Palbociclib may be effective in delaying liposarcoma recurrence, and its use for this indication warrants prospective study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke V Selby
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Colorectal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Emma C Clark
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - David A Liebner
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - James L Chen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gabriel Tinoco
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth Bashian
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Joal D Beane
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Raphael E Pollock
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Valerie P Grignol
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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6
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de Nigris F, Meo C, Palinski W. Combination of Genomic Landsscape and 3D Culture Functional Assays Bridges Sarcoma Phenotype to Target and Immunotherapy. Cells 2023; 12:2204. [PMID: 37681936 PMCID: PMC10486752 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172204] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic-based precision medicine has not only improved tumour therapy but has also shown its weaknesses. Genomic profiling and mutation analysis have identified alterations that play a major role in sarcoma pathogenesis and evolution. However, they have not been sufficient in predicting tumour vulnerability and advancing treatment. The relative rarity of sarcomas and the genetic heterogeneity between subtypes also stand in the way of gaining statistically significant results from clinical trials. Personalized three-dimensional tumour models that reflect the specific histologic subtype are emerging as functional assays to test anticancer drugs, complementing genomic screening. Here, we provide an overview of current target therapy for sarcomas and discuss functional assays based on 3D models that, by recapitulating the molecular pathways and tumour microenvironment, may predict patient response to treatments. This approach opens new avenues to improve precision medicine when genomic and pathway alterations are not sufficient to guide the choice of the most promising treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the aspects of the 3D culture assays that need to be improved, such as the standardisation of growth conditions and the definition of in vitro responses that can be used as a cut-off for clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena de Nigris
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Concetta Meo
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Wulf Palinski
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA;
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7
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Voigt E, Quelle DE. FOXM1, MEK, and CDK4/6: New Targets for Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13596. [PMID: 37686402 PMCID: PMC10487994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are deadly sarcomas, which desperately need effective therapies. Half of all MPNSTs arise in patients with neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), a common inherited disease. NF1 patients can develop benign lesions called plexiform neurofibromas (PNFs), often in adolescence, and over time, some PNFs, but not all, will transform into MPNSTs. A deeper understanding of the molecular and genetic alterations driving PNF-MPNST transformation will guide development of more targeted and effective treatments for these patients. This review focuses on an oncogenic transcription factor, FOXM1, which is a powerful oncogene in other cancers but little studied in MPNSTs. Elevated expression of FOXM1 was seen in patient MPNSTs and correlated with poor survival, but otherwise, its role in the disease is unknown. We discuss what is known about FOXM1 in MPNSTs relative to other cancers and how FOXM1 may be regulated by and/or regulate the most commonly altered players in MPNSTs, particularly in the MEK and CDK4/6 kinase pathways. We conclude by considering FOXM1, MEK, and CDK4/6 as new, clinically relevant targets for MPNST therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Voigt
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Dawn E. Quelle
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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8
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Kohlmeyer JL, Lingo JJ, Kaemmer CA, Scherer A, Warrier A, Voigt E, Garay JAR, McGivney GR, Brockman QR, Tang A, Calizo A, Pollard K, Zhang X, Hirbe AC, Pratilas CA, Leidinger M, Breheny P, Chimenti MS, Sieren JC, Monga V, Tanas MR, Meyerholz DK, Darbro BW, Dodd RD, Quelle DE. CDK4/6-MEK Inhibition in MPNSTs Causes Plasma Cell Infiltration, Sensitization to PD-L1 Blockade, and Tumor Regression. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:3484-3497. [PMID: 37410426 PMCID: PMC10528807 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0749] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are lethal, Ras-driven sarcomas that lack effective therapies. We investigated effects of targeting cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6), MEK, and/or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in preclinical MPNST models. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Patient-matched MPNSTs and precursor lesions were examined by FISH, RNA sequencing, IHC, and Connectivity-Map analyses. Antitumor activity of CDK4/6 and MEK inhibitors was measured in MPNST cell lines, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and de novo mouse MPNSTs, with the latter used to determine anti-PD-L1 response. RESULTS Patient tumor analyses identified CDK4/6 and MEK as actionable targets for MPNST therapy. Low-dose combinations of CDK4/6 and MEK inhibitors synergistically reactivated the retinoblastoma (RB1) tumor suppressor, induced cell death, and decreased clonogenic survival of MPNST cells. In immune-deficient mice, dual CDK4/6-MEK inhibition slowed tumor growth in 4 of 5 MPNST PDXs. In immunocompetent mice, combination therapy of de novo MPNSTs caused tumor regression, delayed resistant tumor outgrowth, and improved survival relative to monotherapies. Drug-sensitive tumors that regressed contained plasma cells and increased cytotoxic T cells, whereas drug-resistant tumors adopted an immunosuppressive microenvironment with elevated MHC II-low macrophages and increased tumor cell PD-L1 expression. Excitingly, CDK4/6-MEK inhibition sensitized MPNSTs to anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with some mice showing complete tumor regression. CONCLUSIONS CDK4/6-MEK inhibition induces a novel plasma cell-associated immune response and extended antitumor activity in MPNSTs, which dramatically enhances anti-PD-L1 therapy. These preclinical findings provide strong rationale for clinical translation of CDK4/6-MEK-ICB targeted therapies in MPNST as they may yield sustained antitumor responses and improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan L Kohlmeyer
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Joshua J Lingo
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Courtney A Kaemmer
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Amanda Scherer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Akshaya Warrier
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Ellen Voigt
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Gavin R McGivney
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Qierra R Brockman
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Amy Tang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Ana Calizo
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kai Pollard
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Xiaochun Zhang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Angela C Hirbe
- Division of Medical Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Christine A Pratilas
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mariah Leidinger
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Patrick Breheny
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Michael S Chimenti
- Iowa Institute of Human Genetics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Jessica C. Sieren
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Radiation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Varun Monga
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Munir R Tanas
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - David K Meyerholz
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Benjamin W Darbro
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Rebecca D Dodd
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Dawn E Quelle
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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9
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Islam R, Yan MP, Yen KP, Rasol NE, Meng CK, Wai LK. Synthesis and biological evaluation of chromone derivatives against triple-negative breast cancer cells. Med Chem Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-023-03048-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
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10
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Kim T, Bui NQ. The Next Frontier in Sarcoma: Molecular Pathways and Associated Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061692. [PMID: 36980578 PMCID: PMC10046114 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare, complex, heterogeneous group of mesenchymal neoplasms with over 150 different histological subtypes. Treatments for this malignancy have been especially challenging due to the heterogeneity of the disease and the modest efficacy of conventional chemotherapy. The next frontier lies in discerning the molecular pathways in which these mesenchymal neoplasms arise, metastasize, and develop drug-resistance, thereby helping guide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of STS. This comprehensive review will discuss the current understanding of tumorigenesis of specific STS subtypes, including oncogenic pathway alterations involved in cell cycle regulation, angiogenesis, NOTCH signaling, and aberrant genetic rearrangements. It will then review current therapies that have been recently developed to target these pathways, including a review of ongoing clinical studies for targeted sarcoma treatment, as well as discuss new potential avenues for therapies against known molecular pathways of sarcomagenesis.
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11
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The First-In-Class Anti-AXL×CD3ε Pronectin™-Based Bispecific T-Cell Engager Is Active in Preclinical Models of Human Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcomas. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061647. [PMID: 36980534 PMCID: PMC10046451 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are heterogeneous malignancies with limited therapeutic options and a poor prognosis. We developed an innovative immunotherapeutic agent, a first-in-class Pronectin™-based Bispecific T-Cell Engager (pAXL×CD3ε), for the targeting of AXL, a TAM family tyrosine kinase receptor highly expressed in sarcomas. AXL expression was first analyzed by flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and Western blot on a panel of sarcoma cell lines. The T-cell-mediated pAXL×CD3ε cytotoxicity against sarcoma cells was investigated by flow cytometry, luminescence assay, and fluorescent microscopy imaging. The activation and degranulation of T cells induced by pAXL×CD3ε were evaluated by flow cytometry. The antitumor activity induced by pAXL×CD3ε in combination with trabectedin was also investigated. In vivo activity studies of pAXL×CD3ε were performed in immunocompromised mice (NSG), engrafted with human sarcoma cells and reconstituted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors. Most sarcoma cells showed high expression of AXL. pAXL×CD3ε triggered T-lymphocyte activation and induced dose-dependent T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The combination of pAXL×CD3ε with trabectedin increased cytotoxicity. pAXL×CD3ε inhibited the in vivo growth of human sarcoma xenografts, increasing the survival of treated mice. Our data demonstrate the antitumor efficacy of pAXL×CD3ε against sarcoma cells, providing a translational framework for the clinical development of pAXL×CD3ε in the treatment of human sarcomas, aggressive and still-incurable malignancies.
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Merlini A, Pavese V, Manessi G, Rabino M, Tolomeo F, Aliberti S, D’Ambrosio L, Grignani G. Targeting cyclin-dependent kinases in sarcoma treatment: Current perspectives and future directions. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1095219. [PMID: 36741019 PMCID: PMC9893281 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1095219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective treatment of advanced/metastatic bone and soft tissue sarcomas still represents an unmet medical need. Recent advances in targeted therapies have highlighted the potential of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) inhibitors in several cancer types, including sarcomas. CDKs are master regulators of the cell cycle; their dysregulation is listed among the "hallmarks of cancer" and sarcomas are no exception to the rule. In this review, we report both the molecular basis, and the potential therapeutic implications for the use of CDK inhibitors in sarcoma treatment. What is more, we describe and discuss the possibility and biological rationale for combination therapies with conventional treatments, target therapy and immunotherapy, highlighting potential avenues for future research to integrate CDK inhibition in sarcoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Merlini
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, IRCCS-FPO, Turin, Italy,Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valeria Pavese
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Manessi
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Martina Rabino
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Lorenzo D’Ambrosio
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy,Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Luigi Gonzaga, Turin, Italy,*Correspondence: Lorenzo D’Ambrosio,
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13
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Hu Z, Wen S, Huo Z, Wang Q, Zhao J, Wang Z, Chen Y, Zhang L, Zhou F, Guo Z, Liu H, Zhou S. Current Status and Prospects of Targeted Therapy for Osteosarcoma. Cells 2022; 11:3507. [PMID: 36359903 PMCID: PMC9653755 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly malignant tumor occurring in bone tissue with a high propensity to metastasize, and its underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. The OS prognosis is poor, and improving the survival of OS patients remains a challenge. Current treatment methods such as surgical approaches, chemotherapeutic drugs, and immunotherapeutic drugs remain ineffective. As research progresses, targeted therapy is gradually becoming irreplaceable. In this review, several treatment modalities for osteosarcoma, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, are briefly described, followed by a discussion of targeted therapy, the important targets, and new technologies for osteosarcoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zunguo Hu
- Department of Joint Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261061, China
| | - Shuang Wen
- Department of Joint Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261061, China
| | - Zijun Huo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Neurologic Disorders and Regenerative Repair Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Jiantao Zhao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Zihao Wang
- Department of Joint Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261061, China
| | - Yanchun Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Lingyun Zhang
- Neurologic Disorders and Regenerative Repair Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Fenghua Zhou
- Neurologic Disorders and Regenerative Repair Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Zhangyu Guo
- Neurologic Disorders and Regenerative Repair Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Huancai Liu
- Department of Joint Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261061, China
| | - Shuanhu Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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14
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Higuchi T, Igarashi K, Yamamoto N, Hayashi K, Kimura H, Miwa S, Bouvet M, Tsuchiya H, Hoffman RM. Review: Precise sarcoma patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) mouse models enable identification of novel effective combination therapies with the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor palbociclib: A strategy for clinical application. Front Oncol 2022; 12:957844. [PMID: 36003796 PMCID: PMC9393494 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.957844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sarcomas are rare heterogeneous malignant tumors that originate and develop in soft tissue or bone. Effective treatment for sarcomas is still limited to traditional chemotherapy and surgery that are often ineffective for recurrent disease. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) promote abnormal cell cycling and cell division in many cancers including sarcomas. Therefore, our hypothesis was that CDK inhibitors may be useful candidates for sarcoma treatment. Patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) mouse models mimic the clinical disease for all major cancer types and have identified effective treatments that hold much clinical promise. The present report reviews sarcoma PDOX models that we have established for their potential to discover effective combination treatments based on CDK inhibitors for recalcitrant sarcoma. Methods We have previously reported six sarcoma PDOX studies evaluating the CDK inhibitor palbociclib on sarcoma, including osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, de-differentiated liposarcoma, and peritoneal metastatic leiomyosarcoma. Results Palbociclib monotherapy significantly inhibited, but not regressed, the PDOX growth of osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, de-differentiated liposarcoma, and peritoneal metastatic leiomyosarcoma. A combination of palbociclib and a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, everolimus, significantly inhibited, but did not regress, the PDOX growth of osteosarcoma. Combinations of palbociclib with a multikinase inhibitor, sorafenib, and palbociclib combined with recombinant methioninase were effective and regressed the osteosarcoma and de-differentiated liposarcoma PDOX models, respectively. Conclusions Novel effective drug combinations using the CDK inhibitor palbociclib were identified in PDOX models of the major types of sarcomas. Methionine restriction effected by methioninase increased the efficacy of palbociclib. Combination therapy with palbociclib is a promising future strategy for improved sarcoma therapy in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Higuchi
- AntiCancer, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kentaro Igarashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Norio Yamamoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Hayashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kimura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shinji Miwa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Michael Bouvet
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Hiroyuki Tsuchiya
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- *Correspondence: Hiroyuki Tsuchiya, ; Robert M. Hoffman,
| | - Robert M. Hoffman
- AntiCancer, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Hiroyuki Tsuchiya, ; Robert M. Hoffman,
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Barghi F, Shannon HE, Saadatzadeh MR, Bailey BJ, Riyahi N, Bijangi-Vishehsaraei K, Just M, Ferguson MJ, Pandya PH, Pollok KE. Precision Medicine Highlights Dysregulation of the CDK4/6 Cell Cycle Regulatory Pathway in Pediatric, Adolescents and Young Adult Sarcomas. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153611. [PMID: 35892870 PMCID: PMC9331212 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review provides an overview of clinical features and current therapies in children, adolescents, and young adults (AYA) with sarcoma. It highlights the basic and clinical findings on the cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) cell cycle regulatory pathway in the context of the precision medicine-based molecular profiles of the three most common types of pediatric and AYA sarcomas—osteosarcoma (OS), rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), and Ewing sarcoma (EWS). Abstract Despite improved therapeutic and clinical outcomes for patients with localized diseases, outcomes for pediatric and AYA sarcoma patients with high-grade or aggressive disease are still relatively poor. With advancements in next generation sequencing (NGS), precision medicine now provides a strategy to improve outcomes in patients with aggressive disease by identifying biomarkers of therapeutic sensitivity or resistance. The integration of NGS into clinical decision making not only increases the accuracy of diagnosis and prognosis, but also has the potential to identify effective and less toxic therapies for pediatric and AYA sarcomas. Genome and transcriptome profiling have detected dysregulation of the CDK4/6 cell cycle regulatory pathway in subpopulations of pediatric and AYA OS, RMS, and EWS. In these patients, the inhibition of CDK4/6 represents a promising precision medicine-guided therapy. There is a critical need, however, to identify novel and promising combination therapies to fight the development of resistance to CDK4/6 inhibition. In this review, we offer rationale and perspective on the promise and challenges of this therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farinaz Barghi
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (H.E.S.); (M.R.S.); (B.J.B.); (N.R.); (K.B.-V.)
| | - Harlan E. Shannon
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (H.E.S.); (M.R.S.); (B.J.B.); (N.R.); (K.B.-V.)
| | - M. Reza Saadatzadeh
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (H.E.S.); (M.R.S.); (B.J.B.); (N.R.); (K.B.-V.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.J.); (M.J.F.)
| | - Barbara J. Bailey
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (H.E.S.); (M.R.S.); (B.J.B.); (N.R.); (K.B.-V.)
| | - Niknam Riyahi
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (H.E.S.); (M.R.S.); (B.J.B.); (N.R.); (K.B.-V.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Khadijeh Bijangi-Vishehsaraei
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (H.E.S.); (M.R.S.); (B.J.B.); (N.R.); (K.B.-V.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.J.); (M.J.F.)
| | - Marissa Just
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.J.); (M.J.F.)
| | - Michael J. Ferguson
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.J.); (M.J.F.)
| | - Pankita H. Pandya
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (H.E.S.); (M.R.S.); (B.J.B.); (N.R.); (K.B.-V.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.J.); (M.J.F.)
- Correspondence: (P.H.P.); (K.E.P.)
| | - Karen E. Pollok
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (H.E.S.); (M.R.S.); (B.J.B.); (N.R.); (K.B.-V.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.J.); (M.J.F.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence: (P.H.P.); (K.E.P.)
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Thiel JT, Daigeler A, Kolbenschlag J, Rachunek K, Hoffmann S. The Role of CDK Pathway Dysregulation and Its Therapeutic Potential in Soft Tissue Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3380. [PMID: 35884441 PMCID: PMC9323700 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are tumors that are challenging to treat due to their pathologic and molecular heterogeneity and their tumor biology that is not yet fully understood. Recent research indicates that dysregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) signaling pathways can be a strong driver of sarcogenesis. CDKs are enzyme forms that play a crucial role in cell-cycle control and transcription. They belong to the protein kinases group and to the serine/threonine kinases subgroup. Recently identified CDK/cyclin complexes and established CDK/cyclin complexes that regulate the cell cycle are involved in the regulation of gene expression through phosphorylation of critical components of transcription and pre-mRNA processing mechanisms. The current and continually growing body of data shows that CDKs play a decisive role in tumor development and are involved in the proliferation and growth of sarcoma cells. Since the abnormal expression or activation of large numbers of CDKs is considered to be characteristic of cancer development and progression, dysregulation of the CDK signaling pathways occurs in many subtypes of STSs. This review discusses how reversal and regulation can be achieved with new therapeutics and summarizes the current evidence from studies regarding CDK modulation for STS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Tobias Thiel
- Department of Hand, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (A.D.); (J.K.); (K.R.); (S.H.)
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17
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Cardiomyocyte-specific regression of nitrosative stress-mediated S-Nitrosylation of IKKγ alleviates pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Cell Signal 2022; 98:110403. [PMID: 35835332 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
IKKγ prototypically promotes NFκBp65 activity by regulating the assembly of the IKK holocomplex. In hypertrophied cardiomyocytes, the p65-p300 complex-induced regenerative efforts are neutralized by the p53-p300 complex-mediated apoptotic load resulting in compromised cardiac function. The present study reports that nitrosative stress leads to S-Nitrosylation of IKKγ in hypertrophied cardiomyocytes in a pre-clinical model. Using a cardiomyocyte-targeted nanoconjugate, IKKγ S-Nitrosylation-resistant mutant plasmids were delivered to the pathologically hypertrophied heart that resulted in improved cardiac function by amelioration of cardiomyocyte apoptosis and simultaneous induction of their cell cycle re-entry machinery. Mechanistically, in IKKγ S-Nitrosyl mutant-transfected hypertrophied cells, increased IKKγ-p300 binding downregulated the binding of p53 and p65 with p300. This shifted the binding preference of p65 from p300 to HDAC1 resulting in upregulated expression of cyclin D1 and CDK2 via the p27/pRb pathway. This approach has therapeutic advantage over mainstream anti-hypertrophic remedies which concomitantly reduce the regenerative prowess of resident cardiomyocytes during hypertrophy upon downregulation of myocyte apoptosis. Therefore, cardiomyocyte-targeted delivery of IKKγ S-Nitrosyl mutants during hypertrophy can be exploited as a novel strategy to re-muscularize the diseased heart.
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18
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Hsu JY, Seligson ND, Hays JL, Miles WO, Chen JL. Clinical Utility of CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Sarcoma: Successes and Future Challenges. JCO Precis Oncol 2022; 6:e2100211. [PMID: 35108033 PMCID: PMC8820917 DOI: 10.1200/po.21.00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Soft tissue and bone sarcomas are rare malignancies that exhibit significant pathologic and molecular heterogeneity. Deregulation of the CDKN2A-CCND-CDK4/6-retinoblastoma 1 (Rb) pathway is frequently observed in about 25% of unselected sarcomas and is pathognomonic for specific sarcoma subtypes. This genomic specificity has fueled the clinical evaluation of selective CDK4/6 inhibitors in sarcomas. Here, we highlight successes, opportunities, and future challenges for using CDK4/6 inhibitors to treat sarcoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS This review summarizes the current evidence for the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors in sarcoma while identifying molecular rationale and predictive biomarkers that provide the foundation for targeting the CDK4/6 pathway in sarcoma. A systematic review was performed of articles indexed in the PubMed database and the National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov). For each sarcoma subtype, we discuss the preclinical rationale, case reports, and available clinical trials data. RESULTS Despite promising clinical outcomes in a subset of sarcomas, resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors results in highly heterogeneous clinical outcomes. Current clinical data support the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors in subsets of sarcoma primarily driven by CDK4/6 deregulation. When dysregulation of the Rb pathway is a secondary driver of sarcoma, combination therapy with CDK4/6 inhibition may be an option. Developing strategies to identify responders and the mechanisms that drive resistance is important to maximize the clinical utility of these drugs in patients with sarcoma. Potential biomarkers that indicate CDK4/6 inhibitor sensitivity in sarcoma include CDK4, CCND, CCNE, RB1, E2F1, and CDKN2A. CONCLUSION CDK4/6 inhibitors represent a major breakthrough for targeted cancer treatment. CDK4/6 inhibitor use in sarcoma has led to limited, but significant, early clinical success. Targeted future clinical research will be key to unlocking the potential of CDK4/6 inhibition in sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Y. Hsu
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Nathan D. Seligson
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children's Specialty Care, Jacksonville, FL
| | - John L. Hays
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Wayne O. Miles
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - James L. Chen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Division of Bioinformatics, Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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Bertucci F, Niziers V, de Nonneville A, Finetti P, Mescam L, Mir O, Italiano A, Le Cesne A, Blay JY, Ceccarelli M, Bedognetti D, Birnbaum D, Mamessier E. Immunologic constant of rejection signature is prognostic in soft-tissue sarcoma and refines the CINSARC signature. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-003687. [PMID: 35017155 PMCID: PMC8753443 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) are heterogeneous and aggressive tumors, with high metastatic risk. The immunologic constant of rejection (ICR) 20-gene signature is a signature of cytotoxic immune response. We hypothesized that ICR might improve the prognostic assessment of early-stage STS. METHODS We retrospectively applied ICR to 1455 non-metastatic STS and searched for correlations between ICR classes and clinicopathological and biological variables, including metastasis-free survival (MFS). RESULTS Thirty-four per cent of tumors were classified as ICR1, 27% ICR2, 24% ICR3, and 15% ICR4. These classes were associated with patients' age, pathological type, and tumor depth, and an enrichment from ICR1 to ICR4 of quantitative/qualitative scores of immune response. ICR1 class was associated with a 59% increased risk of metastatic relapse when compared with ICR2-4 class. In multivariate analysis, ICR classification remained associated with MFS, as well as pathological type and Complexity Index in Sarcomas (CINSARC) classification, suggesting independent prognostic value. A prognostic clinicogenomic model, including the three variables, was built in a learning set (n=339) and validated in an independent set (n=339), showing greater prognostic precision than each variable alone or in doublet. Finally, connectivity mapping analysis identified drug classes potentially able to reverse the expression profile of poor-prognosis tumors, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapies. CONCLUSION ICR signature is independently associated with postoperative MFS in early-stage STS, independently from other prognostic features, including CINSARC. We built a robust prognostic clinicogenomic model integrating ICR, CINSARC, and pathological type, and suggested differential vulnerability of each prognostic group to different systemic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois Bertucci
- Laboratory of Predictive Oncology, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR725, Marseille, France .,Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France.,French Sarcoma Group, Lyon, France
| | - Vincent Niziers
- Laboratory of Predictive Oncology, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR725, Marseille, France.,Department of Surgery, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Alexandre de Nonneville
- Laboratory of Predictive Oncology, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR725, Marseille, France.,Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Finetti
- Laboratory of Predictive Oncology, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR725, Marseille, France
| | - Léna Mescam
- French Sarcoma Group, Lyon, France.,Department of Pathology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Olivier Mir
- French Sarcoma Group, Lyon, France.,Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Antoine Italiano
- French Sarcoma Group, Lyon, France.,Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Bergonie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Axel Le Cesne
- French Sarcoma Group, Lyon, France.,Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Jean-Yves Blay
- French Sarcoma Group, Lyon, France.,Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Leon Berard, Lyon, France
| | - Michele Ceccarelli
- DIETI, University of Naples Federico II Faculty of Engineering, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Bedognetti
- Cancer Research, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Daniel Birnbaum
- Laboratory of Predictive Oncology, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR725, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Mamessier
- Laboratory of Predictive Oncology, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR725, Marseille, France
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20
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Kohlmeyer JL, Kaemmer CA, Lingo JJ, Voigt E, Leidinger MR, McGivney GR, Scherer A, Koppenhafer SL, Gordon DJ, Breheny P, Meyerholz DK, Tanas MR, Dodd RD, Quelle DE. Oncogenic RABL6A promotes NF1-associated MPNST progression in vivo. Neurooncol Adv 2022; 4:vdac047. [PMID: 35571990 PMCID: PMC9092646 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdac047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive sarcomas with complex molecular and genetic alterations. Powerful tumor suppressors CDKN2A and TP53 are commonly disrupted along with NF1, a gene that encodes a negative regulator of Ras. Many additional factors have been implicated in MPNST pathogenesis. A greater understanding of critical drivers of MPNSTs is needed to guide more informed targeted therapies for patients. RABL6A is a newly identified driver of MPNST cell survival and proliferation whose in vivo role in the disease is unknown. Methods Using CRISPR-Cas9 targeting of Nf1 + Cdkn2a or Nf1 + Tp53 in the mouse sciatic nerve to form de novo MPNSTs, we investigated the biological significance of RABL6A in MPNST development. Terminal tumors were evaluated by western blot, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Results Mice lacking Rabl6 displayed slower tumor progression and extended survival relative to wildtype animals in both genetic contexts. YAP oncogenic activity was selectively downregulated in Rabl6-null, Nf1 + Cdkn2a lesions whereas loss of RABL6A caused upregulation of the CDK inhibitor, p27, in all tumors. Paradoxically, both models displayed elevated Myc protein and Ki67 staining in terminal tumors lacking RABL6A. In Nf1 + p53 tumors, cellular atypia and polyploidy were evident and increased by RABL6A loss. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that RABL6A is required for optimal progression of NF1 mutant MPNSTs in vivo in both Cdkn2a and p53 inactivated settings. However, sustained RABL6A loss may provide selective pressure for unwanted alterations, including increased Myc, cellular atypia, and polyploidy, that ultimately promote a hyper-proliferative tumor phenotype akin to drug-resistant lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan L Kohlmeyer
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- The Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Courtney A Kaemmer
- The Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Joshua J Lingo
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Ellen Voigt
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Mariah R Leidinger
- The Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Gavin R McGivney
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Amanda Scherer
- The Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | - David J Gordon
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- The Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Patrick Breheny
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - David K Meyerholz
- The Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Munir R Tanas
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- The Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Rebecca D Dodd
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- The Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Dawn E Quelle
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- The Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- The Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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21
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Kim W, LeBlanc B, Matthews WL, Zhang ZY, Zhang Y. Advancements in chemical biology targeting the kinases and phosphatases of RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 63:68-77. [PMID: 33714893 PMCID: PMC8384638 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) coordinates the temporal progression of eukaryotic transcription. The development and application of chemical genetic methods have enhanced our ability to investigate the intricate and intertwined pathways regulated by the kinases and phosphatases targeting RNAP II to ensure transcription accuracy and efficiency. Although identifying small molecules that modulate these enzymes has been challenging due to their highly conserved structures, powerful new chemical biology strategies such as targeted covalent inhibitors and small molecule degraders have significantly improved chemical probe specificity. The recent success in discovering phosphatase holoenzyme activators and inhibitors, which demonstrates the feasibility of selective targeting of individual phosphatase complexes, opens up new avenues into the study of transcription. Herein, we summarize how chemical biology is used to delineate kinases' identities involved in RNAP II regulation and new concepts in inhibitor/activator design implemented for kinases/phosphatases involved in modulating RNAP II-mediated transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wantae Kim
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Blase LeBlanc
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Wendy L Matthews
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Zhong-Yin Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA; The Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology. University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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22
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Scheipl S, Brcic I, Moser T, Fischerauer S, Riedl J, Bergovec M, Smolle M, Posch F, Gerger A, Pichler M, Stoeger H, Leithner A, Heitzer E, Liegl-Atzwanger B, Szkandera J. Molecular profiling of soft-tissue sarcomas with FoundationOne ® Heme identifies potential targets for sarcoma therapy: a single-centre experience. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2021; 13:17588359211029125. [PMID: 34367342 PMCID: PMC8317253 DOI: 10.1177/17588359211029125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Molecular diagnosis has become an established tool in the characterisation of adult soft-tissue sarcomas (STS). FoundationOne® Heme analyses somatic gene alterations in sarcomas via DNA and RNA-hotspot sequencing of tumour-associated genes. Methods: We evaluated FoundationOne® Heme testing in 81 localised STS including 35 translocation-associated and 46 complex-karyotyped cases from a single institution. Results: Although FoundationOne® Heme achieved broad patient coverage and identified at least five genetic alterations in each sample, the sensitivity for fusion detection was rather low, at 42.4%. Nevertheless, potential targets for STS treatment were detected using the FoundationOne® Heme assay: complex-karyotyped sarcomas frequently displayed copy-number alterations of common tumour-suppressor genes, particularly deletions in TP53, NF1, ATRX, and CDKN2A. A subset of myxofibrosarcomas (MFS) was amplified for HGF (n = 3) and MET (n = 1). PIK3CA was mutated in 7/15 cases of myxoid liposarcoma (MLS; 46.7%). Epigenetic regulators (e.g. MLL2 and MLL3) were frequently mutated. Conclusions: In summary, FoundationOne® Heme detected a broad range of genetic alterations and potential therapeutic targets in STS (e.g. HGF/MET in a subset of MFS, or PIK3CA in MLS). The assay’s sensitivity for fusion detection was low in our sample and needs to be re-evaluated in a larger cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Scheipl
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Iva Brcic
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tina Moser
- Institute of Human Genetics, Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular BioMedicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Fischerauer
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jakob Riedl
- Division of Clinical Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Marko Bergovec
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Maria Smolle
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Florian Posch
- Division of Clinical Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Armin Gerger
- Division of Clinical Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Pichler
- Division of Clinical Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Herbert Stoeger
- Division of Clinical Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Leithner
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ellen Heitzer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular BioMedicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Bernadette Liegl-Atzwanger
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Diagnostic and Research Centre for Molecular BioMedicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 10, Graz 8010 Austria
| | - Joanna Szkandera
- Division of Clinical Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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23
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Tazzari M, Bergamaschi L, De Vita A, Collini P, Barisella M, Bertolotti A, Ibrahim T, Pasquali S, Castelli C, Vallacchi V. Molecular Determinants of Soft Tissue Sarcoma Immunity: Targets for Immune Intervention. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147518. [PMID: 34299136 PMCID: PMC8303572 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are a family of rare malignant tumors encompassing more than 80 histologies. Current therapies for metastatic STS, a condition that affects roughly half of patients, have limited efficacy, making innovative therapeutic strategies urgently needed. From a molecular point of view, STSs can be classified as translocation-related and those with a heavily rearranged genotype. Although only the latter display an increased mutational burden, molecular profiles suggestive of an “immune hot” tumor microenvironment are observed across STS histologies, and response to immunotherapy has been reported in both translocation-related and genetic complex STSs. These data reinforce the notion that immunity in STSs is multifaceted and influenced by both genetic and epigenetic determinants. Cumulative evidence indicates that a fine characterization of STSs at different levels is required to identify biomarkers predictive of immunotherapy response and to discover targetable pathways to switch on the immune sensitivity of “immune cold” tumors. In this review, we will summarize recent findings on the interplay between genetic landscape, molecular profiling and immunity in STSs. Immunological and molecular features will be discussed for their prognostic value in selected STS histologies. Finally, the local and systemic immunomodulatory effects of the targeted drugs imatinib and sunitinib will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Tazzari
- Immunotherapy-Cell Therapy and Biobank Unit, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy;
| | - Laura Bergamaschi
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (L.B.); (V.V.)
| | - Alessandro De Vita
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (A.D.V.); (T.I.)
| | - Paola Collini
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.C.); (M.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Marta Barisella
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.C.); (M.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Alessia Bertolotti
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.C.); (M.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Toni Ibrahim
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (A.D.V.); (T.I.)
| | - Sandro Pasquali
- Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Chiara Castelli
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (L.B.); (V.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Viviana Vallacchi
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (L.B.); (V.V.)
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24
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Damerell V, Pepper MS, Prince S. Molecular mechanisms underpinning sarcomas and implications for current and future therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:246. [PMID: 34188019 PMCID: PMC8241855 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00647-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are complex mesenchymal neoplasms with a poor prognosis. Their clinical management is highly challenging due to their heterogeneity and insensitivity to current treatments. Although there have been advances in understanding specific genomic alterations and genetic mutations driving sarcomagenesis, the underlying molecular mechanisms, which are likely to be unique for each sarcoma subtype, are not fully understood. This is in part due to a lack of consensus on the cells of origin, but there is now mounting evidence that they originate from mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs). To identify novel treatment strategies for sarcomas, research in recent years has adopted a mechanism-based search for molecular markers for targeted therapy which has included recapitulating sarcomagenesis using in vitro and in vivo MSC models. This review provides a comprehensive up to date overview of the molecular mechanisms that underpin sarcomagenesis, the contribution of MSCs to modelling sarcomagenesis in vivo, as well as novel topics such as the role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT)/mesenchymal-to-epithelial-transition (MET) plasticity, exosomes, and microRNAs in sarcomagenesis. It also reviews current therapeutic options including ongoing pre-clinical and clinical studies for targeted sarcoma therapy and discusses new therapeutic avenues such as targeting recently identified molecular pathways and key transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Damerell
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michael S Pepper
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Research and Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sharon Prince
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
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25
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Kohlmeyer JL, Gordon DJ, Tanas MR, Dodd RD, Monga V, Darbro BW, Quelle DE. Combination therapies for MPNSTs targeting RABL6A-RB1 signaling. Oncotarget 2021; 12:10-14. [PMID: 33456709 PMCID: PMC7800773 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine relies on a detailed molecular understanding of disease pathogenesis. Here, we consider urgently needed therapeutic options for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) based on emerging insights into druggable pathway alterations found to drive this deadly cancer. Recent observations demonstrate an essential role for an oncogenic GTPase, RABL6A, in promoting MPNST progression through hyperactivation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and inactivation of the retinoblastoma (RB1) tumor suppressor. Monotherapies with CDK4/6 inhibitors have shown limited efficacy and durability in pre-clinical studies of MPNSTs and in clinical studies of other tumors. Therefore, we discuss the rationale and clinical benefits of inhibiting multiple RABL6A effectors, particularly CDK4/6 and MEK kinases, in targeted combination therapies suitable for MPNSTs and other Ras-driven malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan L Kohlmeyer
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - David J Gordon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Munir R Tanas
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Rebecca D Dodd
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Varun Monga
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Benjamin W Darbro
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Dawn E Quelle
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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26
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Establishment and Characterization of a Sclerosing Spindle Cell Rhabdomyosarcoma Cell Line with a Complex Genomic Profile. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122668. [PMID: 33322555 PMCID: PMC7763666 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sclerosing spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma (SSRMS) is a rare rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) subtype. Especially cases bearing a myogenic differentiation 1 (MYOD1) mutation are characterized by a high recurrence and metastasis rate, often leading to a fatal outcome. SSRMS cell lines are valuable in vitro models for studying disease mechanisms and for the preclinical evaluation of new therapeutic approaches. In this study, a cell line established from a primary SSRMS tumor of a 24-year-old female after multimodal chemotherapeutic pretreatment has been characterized in detail, including immunohistochemistry, growth characteristics, cytogenetic analysis, mutation analysis, evaluation of stem cell marker expression, differentiation potential, and tumorigenicity in mice. The cell line which was designated SRH exhibited a complex genomic profile, including several translocations and deletions. Array-comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) revealed an overall predominating loss of gene loci. The mesenchymal tumor origin was underlined by the expression of mesenchymal markers and potential to undergo adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation. Despite myogenic marker expression, terminal myogenic differentiation was inhibited, which might be elicited by the MYOD1 hotspot mutation. In vivo tumorigenicity could be confirmed after subcutaneous injection into NOD/SCID/γcnull mice. Summarized, the SRH cell line is the first adult SSRMS cell line available for preclinical research on this rare RMS subtype.
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27
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Czarnecka AM, Synoradzki K, Firlej W, Bartnik E, Sobczuk P, Fiedorowicz M, Grieb P, Rutkowski P. Molecular Biology of Osteosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2130. [PMID: 32751922 PMCID: PMC7463657 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent primary bone cancer in children and adolescents and the third most frequent in adults. Many inherited germline mutations are responsible for syndromes that predispose to osteosarcomas including Li Fraumeni syndrome, retinoblastoma syndrome, Werner syndrome, Bloom syndrome or Diamond-Blackfan anemia. TP53 is the most frequently altered gene in osteosarcoma. Among other genes mutated in more than 10% of OS cases, c-Myc plays a role in OS development and promotes cell invasion by activating MEK-ERK pathways. Several genomic studies showed frequent alterations in the RB gene in pediatric OS patients. Osteosarcoma driver mutations have been reported in NOTCH1, FOS, NF2, WIF1, BRCA2, APC, PTCH1 and PRKAR1A genes. Some miRNAs such as miR-21, -34a, -143, -148a, -195a, -199a-3p and -382 regulate the pathogenic activity of MAPK and PI3K/Akt-signaling pathways in osteosarcoma. CD133+ osteosarcoma cells have been shown to exhibit stem-like gene expression and can be tumor-initiating cells and play a role in metastasis and development of drug resistance. Although currently osteosarcoma treatment is based on adriamycin chemoregimens and surgery, there are several potential targeted therapies in development. First of all, activity and safety of cabozantinib in osteosarcoma were studied, as well as sorafenib and pazopanib. Finally, novel bifunctional molecules, of potential imaging and osteosarcoma targeting applications may be used in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Czarnecka
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute-Oncology Centre, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Synoradzki
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Firlej
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute-Oncology Centre, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Bartnik
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel Sobczuk
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute-Oncology Centre, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Fiedorowicz
- Small Animal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Interinstitute Laboratory of New Diagnostic Applications of MRI, Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel Grieb
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Rutkowski
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute-Oncology Centre, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
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