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Ren Z, Ahn EH, Do M, Mair DB, Monemianesfahani A, Lee PHU, Kim DH. Simulated microgravity attenuates myogenesis and contractile function of 3D engineered skeletal muscle tissues. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:18. [PMID: 38365862 PMCID: PMC10873406 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00353-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
While the effects of microgravity on inducing skeletal muscle atrophy have been extensively studied, the impacts of microgravity on myogenesis and its mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we developed a microphysiological system of engineered muscle tissue (EMT) fabricated using a collagen / Matrigel composite hydrogel and murine skeletal myoblasts. This 3D EMT model allows non-invasive quantitative assessment of contractile function. After applying a 7-day differentiation protocol to induce myotube formation, the EMTs clearly exhibited sarcomerogenesis, myofilament formation, and synchronous twitch and tetanic contractions with electrical stimuli. Using this 3D EMT system, we investigated the effects of simulated microgravity at 10-3 G on myogenesis and contractile function utilizing a random positioning machine. EMTs cultured for 5 days in simulated microgravity exhibited significantly reduced contractile forces, myofiber size, and differential expression of muscle contractile, myogenesis regulatory, and mitochondrial biogenesis-related proteins. These results indicate simulated microgravity attenuates myogenesis, resulting in impaired muscle function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanping Ren
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Eun Hyun Ahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Minjae Do
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Devin B Mair
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Amir Monemianesfahani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Peter H U Lee
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Southcoast Health, Fall River, MA, 02720, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Center for Microphysiological Systems, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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2
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O'Brien E, Tse C, Tracy I, Reddin I, Selfe J, Gibson J, Tapper W, Pengelly RJ, Gao J, Aladowicz E, Petts G, Thway K, Popov S, Kelsey A, Underwood TJ, Shipley J, Walters ZS. Pharmacological EZH2 inhibition combined with retinoic acid treatment promotes differentiation and apoptosis in rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:167. [PMID: 37858275 PMCID: PMC10588044 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01583-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are predominantly paediatric sarcomas thought to originate from muscle precursor cells due to impaired myogenic differentiation. Despite intensive treatment, 5-year survival for patients with advanced disease remains low (< 30%), highlighting a need for novel therapies to improve outcomes. Differentiation therapeutics are agents that induce differentiation of cancer cells from malignant to benign. The histone methyltransferase, Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) suppresses normal skeletal muscle differentiation and is highly expressed in RMS tumours. RESULTS We demonstrate combining inhibition of the epigenetic modulator EZH2 with the differentiating agent retinoic acid (RA) is more effective at reducing cell proliferation in RMS cell lines than single agents alone. In PAX3-FOXO1 positive RMS cells this is due to an RA-driven induction of the interferon pathway resulting in apoptosis. In fusion negative RMS, combination therapy led to an EZH2i-driven upregulation of myogenic signalling resulting in differentiation. In both subtypes, EZH2 is significantly associated with enrichment of trimethylated lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3) in genes that are downregulated in untreated RMS cells and upregulated with EZH2 inhibitor treatment. These results provide insight into the mechanism that drives the anti-cancer effect of the EZH2/RA single agent and combination treatment and indicate that the reduction of EZH2 activity combined with the induction of RA signalling represents a potential novel therapeutic strategy to treat both subtypes of RMS. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate the potential utility of combining EZH2 inhibitors with differentiation agents for the treatment of paediatric rhabdomyosarcomas. As EZH2 inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical trials for adult and paediatric solid tumours and retinoic acid differentiation agents are already in clinical use this presents a readily translatable potential therapeutic strategy. Moreover, as inhibition of EZH2 in the poor prognosis FPRMS subtype results in an inflammatory response, it is conceivable that this strategy may also synergise with immunotherapies for a more effective treatment in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor O'Brien
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Carmen Tse
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ian Tracy
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ian Reddin
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Joanna Selfe
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Jane Gibson
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - William Tapper
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Reuben J Pengelly
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jinhui Gao
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ewa Aladowicz
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Gemma Petts
- Department of Paediatric Pathology, University of Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Khin Thway
- Pathology Department, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sergey Popov
- Cellular Pathology Department, Cardiff and Vale UHB, Cardiff, UK
| | - Anna Kelsey
- Department of Paediatric Pathology, University of Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Timothy J Underwood
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Janet Shipley
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Zoë S Walters
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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3
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Nakazawa K, Shaw T, Song YK, Kouassi-Brou M, Molotkova A, Tiwari PB, Chou HC, Wen X, Wei JS, Deniz E, Toretsky JA, Keller C, Barr FG, Khan J, Üren A. Piperacetazine Directly Binds to the PAX3::FOXO1 Fusion Protein and Inhibits Its Transcriptional Activity. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2030-2043. [PMID: 37732905 PMCID: PMC10557868 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
The tumor-specific chromosomal translocation product, PAX3::FOXO1, is an aberrant fusion protein that plays a key role for oncogenesis in the alveolar subtype of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). PAX3::FOXO1 represents a validated molecular target for alveolar RMS and successful inhibition of its oncogenic activity is likely to have significant clinical applications. Even though several PAX3::FOXO1 function-based screening studies have been successfully completed, a directly binding small-molecule inhibitor of PAX3::FOXO1 has not been reported. Therefore, we screened small-molecule libraries to identify compounds that were capable of directly binding to PAX3::FOXO1 protein using surface plasmon resonance technology. Compounds that directly bound to PAX3::FOXO1 were further evaluated in secondary transcriptional activation assays. We discovered that piperacetazine can directly bind to PAX3::FOXO1 protein and inhibit fusion protein-derived transcription in multiple alveolar RMS cell lines. Piperacetazine inhibited anchorage-independent growth of fusion-positive alveolar RMS cells but not embryonal RMS cells. On the basis of our findings, piperacetazine is a molecular scaffold upon which derivatives could be developed as specific inhibitors of PAX3::FOXO1. These novel inhibitors could potentially be evaluated in future clinical trials for recurrent or metastatic alveolar RMS as novel targeted therapy options. SIGNIFICANCE RMS is a malignant soft-tissue tumor mainly affecting the pediatric population. A subgroup of RMS with worse prognosis harbors a unique chromosomal translocation creating an oncogenic fusion protein, PAX3::FOXO1. We identified piperacetazine as a direct inhibitor of PAX3::FOXO1, which may provide a scaffold for designing RMS-specific targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Nakazawa
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Taryn Shaw
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Young K. Song
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Marilyn Kouassi-Brou
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Anna Molotkova
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Purushottam B. Tiwari
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Hsien-Chao Chou
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Xinyu Wen
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jun S. Wei
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Emre Deniz
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jeffrey A. Toretsky
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Charles Keller
- Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, Hillsboro, Oregon
| | - Frederic G. Barr
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Javed Khan
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Aykut Üren
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
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Pomella S, Danielli SG, Alaggio R, Breunis WB, Hamed E, Selfe J, Wachtel M, Walters ZS, Schäfer BW, Rota R, Shipley JM, Hettmer S. Genomic and Epigenetic Changes Drive Aberrant Skeletal Muscle Differentiation in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2823. [PMID: 37345159 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102823] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents, represents an aberrant form of skeletal muscle differentiation. Both skeletal muscle development, as well as regeneration of adult skeletal muscle are governed by members of the myogenic family of regulatory transcription factors (MRFs), which are deployed in a highly controlled, multi-step, bidirectional process. Many aspects of this complex process are deregulated in RMS and contribute to tumorigenesis. Interconnected loops of super-enhancers, called core regulatory circuitries (CRCs), define aberrant muscle differentiation in RMS cells. The transcriptional regulation of MRF expression/activity takes a central role in the CRCs active in skeletal muscle and RMS. In PAX3::FOXO1 fusion-positive (PF+) RMS, CRCs maintain expression of the disease-driving fusion oncogene. Recent single-cell studies have revealed hierarchically organized subsets of cells within the RMS cell pool, which recapitulate developmental myogenesis and appear to drive malignancy. There is a large interest in exploiting the causes of aberrant muscle development in RMS to allow for terminal differentiation as a therapeutic strategy, for example, by interrupting MEK/ERK signaling or by interfering with the epigenetic machinery controlling CRCs. In this review, we provide an overview of the genetic and epigenetic framework of abnormal muscle differentiation in RMS, as it provides insights into fundamental mechanisms of RMS malignancy, its remarkable phenotypic diversity and, ultimately, opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pomella
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara G Danielli
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Department of Pathology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Willemijn B Breunis
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ebrahem Hamed
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Joanna Selfe
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 FNG, UK
| | - Marco Wachtel
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Zoe S Walters
- Translational Epigenomics Team, Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Beat W Schäfer
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Janet M Shipley
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 FNG, UK
| | - Simone Hettmer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre Freiburg (CCCF), University Medical Center Freiburg, 790106 Freiburg, Germany
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5
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Kahsay A, Rodriguez-Marquez E, López-Pérez A, Hörnblad A, von Hofsten J. Pax3 loss of function delays tumour progression in kRAS-induced zebrafish rhabdomyosarcoma models. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17149. [PMID: 36229514 PMCID: PMC9561152 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21525-5] [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: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a soft tissue cancer that arises in skeletal muscle due to mutations in myogenic progenitors that lead to ineffective differentiation and malignant transformation. The transcription factors Pax3 and Pax7 and their downstream target genes are tightly linked with the fusion positive alveolar subtype, whereas the RAS pathway is usually involved in the embryonal, fusion negative variant. Here, we analyse the role of Pax3 in a fusion negative context, by linking alterations in gene expression in pax3a/pax3b double mutant zebrafish with tumour progression in kRAS-induced rhabdomyosarcoma tumours. Several genes in the RAS/MAPK signalling pathway were significantly down-regulated in pax3a/pax3b double mutant zebrafish. Progression of rhabdomyosarcoma tumours was also delayed in the pax3a/pax3b double mutant zebrafish indicating that Pax3 transcription factors have an unappreciated role in mediating malignancy in fusion negative rhabdomyosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Kahsay
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Umeå University, Johan Bures Väg 12, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - E. Rodriguez-Marquez
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Umeå University, Johan Bures Väg 12, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - A. López-Pérez
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Umeå Centre for Molecular Medicine (UCMM), Umeå University, Johan Bures Väg 12, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - A. Hörnblad
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Umeå Centre for Molecular Medicine (UCMM), Umeå University, Johan Bures Väg 12, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - J. von Hofsten
- grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Umeå University, Johan Bures Väg 12, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
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6
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Pruller J, Hofer I, Ganassi M, Heher P, Ma MT, Zammit PS. A human Myogenin promoter modified to be highly active in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma drives an effective suicide gene therapy. Cancer Gene Ther 2021; 28:427-441. [PMID: 32973362 PMCID: PMC8119243 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-020-00225-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare childhood soft tissue cancer whose cells resemble poorly differentiated skeletal muscle, expressing myogenic proteins including MYOGENIN. Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) accounts for ~40% of cases and is associated with a poorer prognosis than other rhabdomyosarcoma variants, especially if containing the chromosomal translocation generating the PAX3-FOXO1 hybrid transcription factor. Metastasis is commonly present at diagnosis, with a five-year survival rate of <30%, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches. We designed a suicide gene therapy by generating an ARMS-targeted promoter to drive the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) suicide gene. We modified the minimal human MYOGENIN promoter by deleting both the NF1 and MEF3 transcription factor binding motifs to produce a promoter that is highly active in ARMS cells. Our bespoke ARMS promoter driving HSV-TK efficiently killed ARMS cells in vitro, but not skeletal myoblasts. Using a xenograft mouse model, we also demonstrated that ARMS promoter-HSV-TK causes apoptosis of ARMS cells in vivo. Importantly, combining our suicide gene therapy with standard chemotherapy agents used in the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma, reduced the effective drug dose, diminishing deleterious side effects/patient burden. This modified, highly ARMS-specific promoter could provide a new therapy option for this difficult-to-treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Pruller
- King's College London, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
| | - Isabella Hofer
- King's College London, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Massimo Ganassi
- King's College London, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Philipp Heher
- King's College London, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Michelle T Ma
- King's College London, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, St Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Peter S Zammit
- King's College London, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
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7
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Hedrick E, Mohankumar K, Lacey A, Safe S. Inhibition of NR4A1 Promotes ROS Accumulation and IL24-Dependent Growth Arrest in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:2221-2232. [PMID: 31462501 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-0408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1, Nur77) is overexpressed in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), and inactivation of NR4A1 (siNR4A1) or treatment with the NR4A1 antagonist 1,1-bis(3'-indoly)-1-(p-hydroxy-phenyl)methane (DIM-C-pPhOH) has antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on RMS cells. However, the mechanism by which NR4A1 inhibition exerts these effects is poorly defined. Here, we report that NR4A1 silencing or inhibition resulted in accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ROS-dependent induction of the tumor suppressor-like cytokine IL24 in RMS cells. Mechanistically, NR4A1 was found to regulate the expression of the proreductant genes thioredoxin domain-containing 5 (TXNDC5) and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), which are downregulated in RMS cells following NR4A1 knockdown or inhibition. Silencing TXNDC5 and IDH1 also induced ROS accumulation and IL24 expression in RMS cells, suggesting that NR4A1 antagonists mediate their antiproliferative and apoptotic effects through modulation of proreductant gene expression. Finally, cotreatment with the antioxidant glutathione or IL24-blocking antibody reversed the effects of NR4A1 inhibition, demonstrating the importance of both ROS and IL24 in mediating the cellular responses. IMPLICATIONS: Overall, these data elucidate the mechanism by which NR4A1 inhibition functions to inhibit the proliferation, survival, and migration of RMS cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Hedrick
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Kumaravel Mohankumar
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Alexandra Lacey
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
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Kasiappan R, Jutooru I, Mohankumar K, Karki K, Lacey A, Safe S. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Inducing Triterpenoid Inhibits Rhabdomyosarcoma Cell and Tumor Growth through Targeting Sp Transcription Factors. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:794-805. [PMID: 30610105 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-1071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Methyl 2-trifluoromethyl-3,11-dioxo-18β-olean-1,12-dien-3-oate (CF3DODA-Me) is derived synthetically from glycyrrhetinic acid, a major component of licorice, and this compound induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in RD and Rh30 rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cells. CF3DODA-Me also inhibited growth and invasion and induced apoptosis in RMS cells, and these responses were attenuated after cotreatment with the antioxidant glutathione, demonstrating the effective anticancer activity of ROS in RMS. CF3DODA-Me also downregulated expression of specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 and prooncogenic Sp-regulated genes including PAX3-FOXO1 (in Rh30 cells). The mechanism of CF3DODA-Me-induced Sp-downregulation involved ROS-dependent repression of c-Myc and cMyc-regulated miR-27a and miR-17/20a, and this resulted in induction of the miRNA-regulated Sp repressors ZBTB4, ZBTB10, and ZBTB34. The cell and tumor growth effects of CF3DODA-Me further emphasize the sensitivity of RMS cells to ROS inducers and their potential clinical applications for treating this deadly disease. IMPLICATIONS: CF3DODA-Me and HDAC inhibitors that induce ROS-dependent Sp downregulation could be developed for clinical applications in treating rhabdomyosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Kasiappan
- Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - Indira Jutooru
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Kumaravel Mohankumar
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Keshav Karki
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Alexandra Lacey
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
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9
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Lacey A, Hedrick E, Cheng Y, Mohankumar K, Warren M, Safe S. Interleukin-24 (IL24) Is Suppressed by PAX3-FOXO1 and Is a Novel Therapy for Rhabdomyosarcoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:2756-2766. [PMID: 30190424 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) patients have a poor prognosis, and this is primarily due to overexpression of the oncogenic fusion protein PAX3-FOXO1. Results of RNA-sequencing studies show that PAX3-FOXO1 represses expression of interleukin-24 (IL24), and these two genes are inversely expressed in patient tumors. PAX3-FOXO1 also regulates histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) in ARMS cells, and results of RNA interference studies confirmed that PAX3-FOXO1-mediated repression of IL24 is HDAC5-dependent. Knockdown of PAX3-FOXO1 decreases ARMS cell proliferation, survival, and migration, and we also observed similar responses in cells after overexpression of IL24, consistent with results reported for this tumor suppressor-like cytokine in other solid tumors. We also observed in double knockdown studies that the inhibition of ARMS cell proliferation, survival, and migration after knockdown of PAX3-FOXO1 was significantly (>75%) reversed by knockdown of IL24. Adenoviral-expressed IL24 was directly injected into ARMS tumors in athymic nude mice, and this resulted in decreased tumor growth and weight. Because adenoviral IL24 has already successfully undergone phase I in clinical trials, this represents an alternative approach (alone and/or combination) for treating ARMS patients who currently undergo cytotoxic drug therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Lacey
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Erik Hedrick
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Yating Cheng
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Kumaravel Mohankumar
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Melanie Warren
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, Texas
| | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
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10
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Lacey A, Rodrigues-Hoffman A, Safe S. PAX3-FOXO1A Expression in Rhabdomyosarcoma Is Driven by the Targetable Nuclear Receptor NR4A1. Cancer Res 2016; 77:732-741. [PMID: 27864345 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-16-1546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) is a devastating pediatric disease driven by expression of the oncogenic fusion gene PAX3-FOXO1A. In this study, we report overexpression of the nuclear receptor NR4A1 in rhabdomyosarcomas that is sufficient to drive high expression of PAX3-FOXO1A there. RNAi-mediated silencing of NR4A1 decreased expression of PAX3-FOXO1A and its downstream effector genes. Similarly, cell treatment with the NR4A1 small-molecule antagonists 1,1-bis(3-indolyl)-1-(p-hydroxy or p-carbomethoxyphenyl)methane (C-DIM) decreased PAX3-FOXO1A. Mechanistic investigations revealed a requirement for the NR4A1/Sp4 complex to bind GC-rich promoter regions to elevate transcription of the PAX3-FOXO1A gene. In parallel, NR4A1 also regulated expression of β1-integrin, which with PAX3-FOXO1A, contributed to tumor cell migration that was blocked by C-DIM/NR4A1 antagonists. Taken together, our results provide a preclinical rationale for the use of NR4A1 small-molecule antagonists to treat ARMS and other rhabdomyosarcomas driven by PAX3-FOXO1A. Cancer Res; 77(3); 732-41. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Lacey
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | | | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
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11
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Missiaglia E, Shepherd CJ, Aladowicz E, Olmos D, Selfe J, Pierron G, Delattre O, Walters Z, Shipley J. MicroRNA and gene co-expression networks characterize biological and clinical behavior of rhabdomyosarcomas. Cancer Lett 2016; 385:251-260. [PMID: 27984116 PMCID: PMC5157784 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) in children and adolescents are heterogeneous sarcomas broadly defined by skeletal muscle features and the presence/absence of PAX3/7-FOXO1 fusion genes. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression in a cell context specific manner. Sequencing analyses of microRNAs in 64 RMS revealed expression patterns separating skeletal muscle, fusion gene positive and negative RMS. Integration with parallel gene expression data assigned biological functions to 12 co-expression networks/modules that reassuringly included myogenic roles strongly correlated with microRNAs known in myogenesis and RMS development. Modules also correlated with clinical outcome and fusion status. Regulation of microRNAs by the fusion protein was demonstrated after PAX3-FOXO1 reduction, exemplified by miR-9-5p. MiR-9-5p levels correlated with poor outcome, even within fusion gene positive RMS, and were higher in metastatic versus non-metastatic disease. MiR-9-5p reduction inhibited RMS cell migration. Our findings reveal microRNAs in a regulatory framework of biological and clinical significance in RMS. RNAseq profiled miRNA expression in 64 rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS). MiRNA expression distinguished muscle and RMS on the basis of fusion gene status. Co-expression networks linked to function, clinical data and fusion gene status. Identified miRNAs, including miR-9-5p, altered by the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein. Demonstrated clinical and functional role for miR-9-5p in RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Missiaglia
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Chris J Shepherd
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Ewa Aladowicz
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - David Olmos
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Joanna Selfe
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Gaëlle Pierron
- Unité de Génétique Somatique, Institut Curie, 26 Rue d'Ulm, 75248, Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Olivier Delattre
- Unité de Génétique Somatique, Institut Curie, 26 Rue d'Ulm, 75248, Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Zoe Walters
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Janet Shipley
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK.
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12
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Ciesla M, Marona P, Kozakowska M, Jez M, Seczynska M, Loboda A, Bukowska-Strakova K, Szade A, Walawender M, Kusior M, Stepniewski J, Szade K, Krist B, Yagensky O, Urbanik A, Kazanowska B, Dulak J, Jozkowicz A. Heme Oxygenase-1 Controls an HDAC4-miR-206 Pathway of Oxidative Stress in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancer Res 2016; 76:5707-5718. [PMID: 27488535 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-1883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive soft tissue cancer characterized by disturbed myogenic differentiation. Here we report a role for the oxidative stress response factor HO-1 in progression of RMS. We found that HO-1 was elevated and its effector target miR-206 decreased in RMS cell lines and clinical primary tumors of the more aggressive alveolar phenotype (aRMS). In embryonal RMS (eRMS), HO-1 expression was induced by Pax3/7-FoxO1, an aRMS hallmark oncogene, followed by a drop in miR-206 levels. Inhibition of HO-1 by tin protoporphyrin (SnPP) or siRNA downregulated Pax3/7-FoxO1 target genes and induced a myogenic program in RMS. These effects were not mediated by altered myoD expression; instead, cells with elevated HO-1 produced less reactive oxygen species, resulting in nuclear localization of HDAC4 and miR-206 repression. HO-1 inhibition by SnPP reduced growth and vascularization of RMS tumors in vivo accompanied by induction of miR-206. Effects of SnPP on miR-206 expression and RMS tumor growth were mimicked by pharmacologic inhibition of HDAC. Thus, HO-1 inhibition activates an miR-206-dependent myogenic program in RMS, offering a novel therapeutic strategy for treatment of this malignancy. Cancer Res; 76(19); 5707-18. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Ciesla
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Paulina Marona
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kozakowska
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Mateusz Jez
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marta Seczynska
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Loboda
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Karolina Bukowska-Strakova
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agata Szade
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Walawender
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kusior
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jacek Stepniewski
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Szade
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Bart Krist
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Oleksandr Yagensky
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Urbanik
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Bernarda Kazanowska
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jozef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland. International Associated Laboratory, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Alicja Jozkowicz
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
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13
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Rengaswamy V, Zimmer D, Süss R, Rössler J. RGD liposome-protamine-siRNA (LPR) nanoparticles targeting PAX3-FOXO1 for alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma therapy. J Control Release 2016; 235:319-327. [PMID: 27261335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.05.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) are aggressive soft tissue tumors harboring specific fusion transcripts, notably PAX3-FOXO1 (P3F). Current therapy concepts result in unsatisfactory survival rates making the search for innovative approaches necessary: targeting PAX3-FOXO1 could be a promising strategy. In this study, we developed integrin receptor-targeted Lipid-Protamine-siRNA (LPR) nanoparticles using the RGD peptide and validated target specificity as well as their post-silencing effects. We demonstrate that RGD-LPRs are specific to ARMS in vitro and in vivo. Loaded with siRNA directed against the breakpoint of P3F, these particles efficiently down regulated the fusion transcript and inhibited cell proliferation, but did not induce substantial apoptosis. In a xenograft ARMS model, LPR nanoparticles targeting P3F showed statistically significant tumor growth delay as well as inhibition of tumor initiation when injected in parallel with the tumor cells. These findings suggest that RGD-LPR targeting P3F are promising to be highly effective in the setting of minimal residual disease for ARMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesh Rengaswamy
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Doris Zimmer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy and Freiburger, Materialforschungszentrum (FMF), University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Regine Süss
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy and Freiburger, Materialforschungszentrum (FMF), University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Rössler
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany.
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14
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Rello-Varona S, Herrero-Martín D, Lagares-Tena L, López-Alemany R, Mulet-Margalef N, Huertas-Martínez J, Garcia-Monclús S, García Del Muro X, Muñoz-Pinedo C, Tirado OM. The importance of being dead: cell death mechanisms assessment in anti-sarcoma therapy. Front Oncol 2015; 5:82. [PMID: 25905041 PMCID: PMC4387920 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell death can occur through different mechanisms, defined by their nature and physiological implications. Correct assessment of cell death is crucial for cancer therapy success. Sarcomas are a large and diverse group of neoplasias from mesenchymal origin. Among cell death types, apoptosis is by far the most studied in sarcomas. Albeit very promising in other fields, regulated necrosis and other cell death circumstances (as so-called "autophagic cell death" or "mitotic catastrophe") have not been yet properly addressed in sarcomas. Cell death is usually quantified in sarcomas by unspecific assays and in most cases the precise sequence of events remains poorly characterized. In this review, our main objective is to put into context the most recent sarcoma cell death findings in the more general landscape of different cell death modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Rello-Varona
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - David Herrero-Martín
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Laura Lagares-Tena
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Roser López-Alemany
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Núria Mulet-Margalef
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Juan Huertas-Martínez
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Silvia Garcia-Monclús
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Xavier García Del Muro
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Cristina Muñoz-Pinedo
- Cell Death Regulation Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Oscar Martínez Tirado
- Sarcoma Research Group, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
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15
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Recurrent PAX3-MAML3 fusion in biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma. Nat Genet 2014; 46:666-8. [PMID: 24859338 DOI: 10.1038/ng.2989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (SNS) is a newly described tumor of the nasal and paranasal areas. Here we report a recurrent chromosomal translocation in SNS, t(2;4)(q35;q31.1), resulting in a PAX3-MAML3 fusion protein that is a potent transcriptional activator of PAX3 response elements. The SNS phenotype is characterized by aberrant expression of genes involved in neuroectodermal and myogenic differentiation, closely simulating the developmental roles of PAX3.
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16
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A recurrent neomorphic mutation in MYOD1 defines a clinically aggressive subset of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma associated with PI3K-AKT pathway mutations. Nat Genet 2014; 46:595-600. [PMID: 24793135 DOI: 10.1038/ng.2969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer of skeletal muscle lineage, is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in children. Major subtypes of rhabdomyosarcoma include alveolar (ARMS) and embryonal (ERMS) tumors. Whereas ARMS tumors typically contain translocations generating PAX3-FOXO1 or PAX7-FOXO1 fusions that block terminal myogenic differentiation, no functionally comparable genetic event has been found in ERMS tumors. Here we report the discovery, through whole-exome sequencing, of a recurrent somatic mutation encoding p.Leu122Arg in the myogenic transcription factor MYOD1 in a distinct subset of ERMS tumors with poor outcomes that also often contain mutations altering PI3K-AKT pathway components. Previous mutagenesis studies had shown that MYOD1 with a p.Leu122Arg substitution can block wild-type MYOD1 function and bind to MYC consensus sequences, suggesting a possible switch from differentiation to proliferation. Our functional data now confirm this prediction. Thus, MYOD1 p.Leu122Arg defines a subset of rhabdomyosarcomas eligible for high-risk protocols and the development of targeted therapeutics.
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17
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Ahn EH, Kim Y, Kshitiz, An SS, Afzal J, Lee S, Kwak M, Suh KY, Kim DH, Levchenko A. Spatial control of adult stem cell fate using nanotopographic cues. Biomaterials 2013; 35:2401-2410. [PMID: 24388388 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adult stem cells hold great promise as a source of diverse terminally differentiated cell types for tissue engineering applications. However, due to the complexity of chemical and mechanical cues specifying differentiation outcomes, development of arbitrarily complex geometric and structural arrangements of cells, adopting multiple fates from the same initial stem cell population, has been difficult. Here, we show that the topography of the cell adhesion substratum can be an instructive cue to adult stem cells and topographical variations can strongly bias the differentiation outcome of the cells towards adipocyte or osteocyte fates. Switches in cell fate decision from adipogenic to osteogenic lineages were accompanied by changes in cytoskeletal stiffness, spanning a considerable range in the cell softness/rigidity spectrum. Our findings suggest that human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) can respond to the varying density of nanotopographical cues by regulating their internal cytoskeletal network and use these mechanical changes to guide them toward making cell fate decisions. We used this finding to design a complex two-dimensional pattern of co-localized cells preferentially adopting two alternative fates, thus paving the road for designing and building more complex tissue constructs with diverse biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Hyun Ahn
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.,Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Younghoon Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Kshitiz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Steven S An
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.,Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.,In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Junaid Afzal
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
| | - Suengwon Lee
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Moonkyu Kwak
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kahp-Yang Suh
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Andre Levchenko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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