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Gomatou G, Masaoutis C, Vamvakaris I, Kotteas E, Bouros E, Tzilas V, Bouros D. Differential immunohistochemical expression of hTERT in lung cancer patients with and without idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonology 2024; 30:214-221. [PMID: 35153179 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2021.12.001] [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: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is the catalytic subunit of telomerase enzyme, which adds nucleotides to telomeres and counteracts their length shortening. The development of a telomere maintenance mechanism represents a hallmark of cancer. On the other hand, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is associated with mutations in telomerase genes and shorter telomeres. IPF is frequently complicated with lung cancer. AIM To investigate the expression of hTERT in lung cancer with co-existing IPF and to compare with lung cancer without fibrosis. METHODS Diagnostic lung cancerous biopsies were retrieved from 18 patients with lung cancer and concomitant IPF, as well as 18 age and gender matched controls with lung cancer without pulmonary fibrosis. The expression of hTERT was studied with immunohistochemistry. ImajeJ software was used to quantitate subcellular stain intensity. Immunohistochemical investigation of two senescence-associated markers, p16 and p21, was also performed in all 36 cases. RESULTS Both groups highly expressed hTERT, without significant difference (100% vs 95%, p = 0.521). Evaluation of p16 and p21 immunostaining revealed negative to minimal immunoreactivity in both groups. hTERT localization exhibited higher median nuclear intensity in the group of lung cancer with IPF (0.62 vs 0.45, p = 0.016), while cytoplasmic intensity did not differ significantly (0.17 vs 0.15, p = 0.463). Higher median nuclear intensity was also correlated with small cell lung cancer subtype in the whole study sample (0.69 vs 0.45, p = 0.09). CONCLUSION hTERT is highly expressed in lung cancer with concomitant IPF, but with differential localization compared to lung cancer without IPF, implying differences in pathogenicity and requiring further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gomatou
- Interstitial Lung Diseases Unit, 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, "Sotiria" Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, "Sotiria" Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - C Masaoutis
- 1st Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - I Vamvakaris
- Department of Pathology, "Sotiria" Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, Athens, Greece
| | - E Kotteas
- Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, "Sotiria" Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - E Bouros
- Interstitial Lung Diseases Unit, 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, "Sotiria" Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - V Tzilas
- Center for Diseases of the Chest, Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece
| | - D Bouros
- Interstitial Lung Diseases Unit, 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, "Sotiria" Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Center for Diseases of the Chest, Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece
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Rotem O, Zer A, Yosef L, Beery E, Goldvaser H, Gutkin A, Levin R, Dudnik E, Berger T, Feinmesser M, Levy-Barda A, Lahav M, Raanani P, Uziel O. Blood-Derived Exosomal hTERT mRNA in Patients with Lung Cancer: Characterization and Correlation with Response to Therapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1730. [PMID: 37371825 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061730] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Telomerase (human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is considered a hallmark of cancer, being active in cancer cells but repressed in human somatic cells. As such, it has the potential to serve as a valid cancer biomarker. Exosomal hTERT mRNA can be detected in the serum of patients with solid malignancies but not in healthy individuals. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of measuring serum exosomal hTERT transcripts levels in patients with lung cancer. Methods: A prospective analysis of exosomal hTERT mRNA levels was determined in serum-derived exosomes from 76 patients with stage III-IV lung cancer (11 SCLC and 65 NSCLC). An hTERT level above RQ = 1.2 was considered "detectable" according to a previous receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve. Sequential measurements were obtained in 33 patients. Demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively from patients' charts. Data on response to systemic therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors) were collected by the treating physicians. Results: hTERT was detected in 53% (40/76) of patients with lung cancer (89% of SCLC and 46% of NSLCC). The mean hTERT levels were 3.7 in all 76 patients, 5.87 in SCLC patients, and 3.62 in NSCLC patients. In total, 25 of 43 patients with sequential measurements had detectable levels of hTERT. The sequential exosomal hTERT mRNA levels reflected the clinical course in 23 of them. Decreases in hTERT levels were detected in 17 and 5 patients with partial and complete response, respectively. Eleven patients with a progressive disease had an increase in the level of exosomal hTERT, and seven with stable disease presented increases in its exosomal levels. Another patient who progressed on the first line of treatment and had a partial response to the second line of treatment exhibited an increase in exosomal hTERT mRNA levels during the progression and a decrease during the response. Conclusions: Exosomal hTERT mRNA levels are elevated in over half of patients with lung cancer. The potential association between hTERT levels and response to therapy suggests its utility as a promising cancer biomarker for response to therapy. This issue should be further explored in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofer Rotem
- Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Alona Zer
- Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Lilach Yosef
- Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Einat Beery
- The Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Hadar Goldvaser
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot 7612001, Israel
| | - Anna Gutkin
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Ron Levin
- Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262000, Israel
| | - Elizabeth Dudnik
- Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Tamar Berger
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Institute of Hematology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Meora Feinmesser
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Biobank, Department of Pathology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Adva Levy-Barda
- Biobank, Department of Pathology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Meir Lahav
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
- Institute of Hematology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Pia Raanani
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
- Institute of Hematology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Orit Uziel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
- Institute of Hematology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
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Kelich J, Aramburu T, van der Vis JJ, Showe L, Kossenkov A, van der Smagt J, Massink M, Schoemaker A, Hennekam E, Veltkamp M, van Moorsel CH, Skordalakes E. Telomere dysfunction implicates POT1 in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20211681. [PMID: 35420632 PMCID: PMC9014792 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20211681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Exonic sequencing identified a family with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) containing a previously unreported heterozygous mutation in POT1 p.(L259S). The family displays short telomeres and genetic anticipation. We found that POT1(L259S) is defective in binding the telomeric overhang, nuclear accumulation, negative regulation of telomerase, and lagging strand maintenance. Patient cells containing the mutation display telomere loss, lagging strand defects, telomere-induced DNA damage, and premature senescence with G1 arrest. Our data suggest POT1(L259S) is a pathogenic driver of IPF and provide insights into gene therapy options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joanne J. van der Vis
- Department of Pulmonology, Interstitial Lung Disease Center of Excellence, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Jasper van der Smagt
- Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Maarten Massink
- Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Angela Schoemaker
- Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Eric Hennekam
- Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marcel Veltkamp
- Department of Pulmonology, Interstitial Lung Disease Center of Excellence, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, Netherlands
| | - Coline H.M. van Moorsel
- Department of Pulmonology, Interstitial Lung Disease Center of Excellence, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, Netherlands
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Alqahtani K, Taylor CC, Wood HM, Gusnanto A. Sparse modelling of cancer patients' survival based on genomic copy number alterations. J Biomed Inform 2022; 128:104025. [PMID: 35181494 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2022.104025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Copy number alterations (CNA) are structural variation in the genome, in which some regions exhibit more or less than the normal two chromosomal copies. This genomic CNA profile provides critical information in tumour progression and is therefore informative for patients' survival. It is currently a statistical challenge to model patients' survival using their genomic CNA profiles while at the same time identify regions in the genome that are associated with patients' survival. Some methods have been proposed, including Cox proportional hazard (PH) model with ridge, lasso, or elastic net penalties. However, these methods do not take the general dependencies between genomic regions into account and produce results that are difficult to interpret. In this paper, we extend the elastic net penalty by introducing additional penalty that takes into account general dependencies between genomic regions. This new model produces smooth parameter estimates while simultaneously performs variable selection via sparse solution. The results indicate that the proposed method shows a better prediction performance than other models in our simulation study, while enabling us to investigate regions in the genome that are associated with the patients' survival with sensible interpretation. We illustrate the method using a real dataset from a lung cancer cohort and simulated data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Alqahtani
- Department of Mathematics, College of Science and Humanitarian Studies, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia; Department of Statistics, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Charles C Taylor
- Department of Statistics, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Henry M Wood
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James's, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF
| | - Arief Gusnanto
- Department of Statistics, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
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Kreus M, Lehtonen S, Skarp S, Kaarteenaho R. Extracellular matrix proteins produced by stromal cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung adenocarcinoma. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250109. [PMID: 33905434 PMCID: PMC8078755 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and lung cancer share common risk factors, epigenetic and genetic alterations, the activation of similar signaling pathways and poor survival. The aim of this study was to examine the gene expression profiles of stromal cells from patients with IPF and lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) as well as from normal lung. The gene expression levels of cultured stromal cells derived from non-smoking patients with ADC from the tumor (n = 4) and the corresponding normal lung (n = 4) as well as from patients with IPF (n = 4) were investigated with Affymetrix microarrays. The expression of collagen type IV alpha 1 chain, periostin as well as matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -3 in stromal cells and lung tissues were examined with quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Twenty genes were similarly up- or down-regulated in IPF and ADC compared to control, while most of the altered genes in IPF and ADC were differently expressed, including several extracellular matrix genes. Collagen type IV alpha 1 chain as well as matrix metalloproteinases-1 and -3 were differentially expressed in IPF compared to ADC. Periostin was up-regulated in both IPF and ADC in comparison to control. All studied factors were localized by immunohistochemistry in stromal cells within fibroblast foci in IPF and stroma of ADC. Despite the similarities found in gene expressions of IPF and ADC, several differences were also detected, suggesting that the molecular changes occurring in these two lung illnesses are somewhat different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mervi Kreus
- Research Unit of Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- * E-mail:
| | - Siri Lehtonen
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Sini Skarp
- Northern Finland Birth Cohorts, Infrastructure for Population Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Riitta Kaarteenaho
- Research Unit of Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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Qin G, Sun Y, Guo Y, Song Y. PAX5 activates telomerase activity and proliferation in keloid fibroblasts by transcriptional regulation of SND1, thus promoting keloid growth in burn-injured skin. Inflamm Res 2021; 70:459-472. [PMID: 33616676 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-021-01444-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Staphylococcal nuclease domain-containing 1 (SND1) that functioned as an oncogene in a variety of tumors was upregulated in burn-injured skin tissues, and this study aims to investigate the effect of SND1 on keloid and elucidate the underlying mechanism. METHODS Keloid fibroblasts (KFs) and normal skin fibroblasts (NFs) were isolated from the keloid tissues and adjacent normal skin tissues of keloid patients. The SND1 expression was assessed in keloid tissues and KFs with Western blot assay. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed to investigate the role of SND1 in proliferation, colony formation, telomerase activity, expression of fibrogenic genes and production of pro-inflammatory factors in KFs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) and Dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were used to verify the interaction of Paired-box gene 5 (PAX5) on SND1 promoter. Then, a series of rescue experiments were performed to verify the effects of SND1 overexpression on PAX5 knockdown-mediated KF functions. Finally, the role of SND1 in keloid formation in vivo was validated in mice with keloid implantation. RESULTS SND1 was upregulated in keloid tissues and KFs. SND1 positively regulated proliferation, colony formation, telomerase activity, production of pro-inflammatory factors and expression of fibrogenic genes. PAX5 directly bound to the SND1 promoter to transcriptionally regulate SND1 expression and positively regulated SND1-mediated KF functions via the ERK/JNK pathway. In vivo assay further demonstrated that SND1 displayed a positive effect on keloid formation. CONCLUSION SND1 transcriptionally regulated by PAX5 promotes keloid formation through activating telomerase activity via the ERK/JNK signaling pathways, which provides a promising therapeutic target for clinical treatment of burned skin keloid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoping Qin
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Yaowen Sun
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Yong Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, 256 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, 710068, China.
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Immune Stroma in Lung Cancer and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Common Biologic Landscape? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062882. [PMID: 33809111 PMCID: PMC8000622 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) identifies a specific entity characterized by chronic, progressive fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown cause, still lacking effective therapies. Growing evidence suggests that the biologic processes occurring in IPF recall those which orchestrate cancer onset and progression and these findings have already been exploited for therapeutic purposes. Notably, the incidence of lung cancer in patients already affected by IPF is significantly higher than expected. Recent advances in the knowledge of the cancer immune microenvironment have allowed a paradigm shift in cancer therapy. From this perspective, recent experimental reports suggest a rationale for immune checkpoint inhibition in IPF. Here, we recapitulate the most recent knowledge on lung cancer immune stroma and how it can be translated into the IPF context, with both diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
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8
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Different TERT Expression between Colorectal Adenoma and Serrated Polyp. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56090463. [PMID: 32932803 PMCID: PMC7558296 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56090463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Telomere regulation have an association with colorectal cancer. Previous studies demonstrated its implication in colorectal carcinogenesis. This study aimed to identify the role of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) in colorectal carcinogenesis and determine TERT expression and their associated genes in precancerous lesions. Materials and Methods: TERT expression in 93 colorectal precursor lesions was analyzed. This included 61 tubular adenomas (TAs) and 32 serrated polyps (SPs). Furthermore, KRAS and BRAF gene mutations and microsatellite instability were analyzed. Statistical tests were performed to analyze the relationship between variables. Results: TERT expression in TAs, when compared with those observed in paired adjacent nontumor tissues, was 0.92 ± 0.78. TERT expression levels were significantly lower in SPs (0.38 ± 0.14, p < 0.001). KRAS and BRAF mutations were mutually exclusive in TAs and SPs (p < 0.001). TERT expression tended to be associated with KRAS mutations (46.7% vs. 22.0%, p = 0.098) and low-grade tumors (35.0% vs. 16.0%, p = 0.096), but this difference was insignificant. Conclusions: TERT expression has a pivotal role in progression to TAs in colorectal tissue. Considering the association between TERT expression and KRAS mutation, therapeutic drugs targeting this pathway can be developed for cancer prevention.
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Common Pathogenic Mechanisms Between Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Lung Cancer. Chest 2019; 156:383-391. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2019.04.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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Bibaki E, Tsitoura E, Vasarmidi E, Margaritopoulos G, Trachalaki A, Koutoulaki C, Georgopoulou T, Spandidos DA, Tzanakis N, Antoniou KM. miR-185 and miR-29a are similarly expressed in the bronchoalveolar lavage cells in IPF and lung cancer but common targets DNMT1 and COL1A1 show disease specific patterns. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:7105-7112. [PMID: 29568927 PMCID: PMC5928671 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and lung cancer (LC) constitute two progressively devastating lung diseases with common risk factors including aging and smoking. There is an increasing interest in the investigation of common pathogenic mechanisms between IPF and LC with therapeutic implications. Several oncomirs, microRNAs associated with malignancy, are also linked with IPF. miR-29a and miR-185 downregulation is probably involved both in carcinogenesis and fibrogenesis. We have previously observed miR-29a and miR-185 downregulation in IPF cells from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and in this study we investigated their expression in LC BAL cells. Common targets of miR-29a and miR-185 such as DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)1, DNMT3b, COL1A1, AKT1 and AKT2 were measured. Potential correlations with pulmonary function tests, smoking status and endobronchial findings were investigated. Similar levels of miR-29a and miR-185 were detected in IPF and LC while their common targets AKT1 and DNMT3b were not found to differ, suggesting potential pathogenetic similarities at the level of key epigenetic regulators. By conrast, COL1A1 mRNA levels were increased in IPF suggesting a disease-specific mRNA signature. Notably, DNMT1 was downregulated in the LC group and its expression was further reduced in the presence of increasing malignant burden as it was implied by the endobronchial findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Bibaki
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Eliza Tsitoura
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Eirini Vasarmidi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - George Margaritopoulos
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Athina Trachalaki
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Chara Koutoulaki
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Theodora Georgopoulou
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Nikos Tzanakis
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Interstitial Lung Disease Unit, University Hospital, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Katerina M Antoniou
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Karampitsakos T, Tzilas V, Tringidou R, Steiropoulos P, Aidinis V, Papiris SA, Bouros D, Tzouvelekis A. Lung cancer in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2017; 45:1-10. [PMID: 28377145 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic fibrotic lung disease of unknown etiology. With a gradually increasing worldwide prevalence and a mortality rate exceeding that of many cancers, IPF diagnosis and management are critically important and require a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach. This approach also involves assessment of comorbid conditions, such as lung cancer, that exerts a dramatic impact on disease survival. Emerging evidence suggests that progressive lung scarring in the context of IPF represents a risk factor for lung carcinogenesis. Both disease entities present with major similarities in terms of pathogenetic pathways, as well as potential causative factors, such as smoking and viral infections. Besides disease pathogenesis, anti-cancer agents, including nintedanib, have been successfully applied in the treatment of patients with IPF while an oncologic approach with a cocktail of several pleiotropic anti-fibrotic agents is currently in the therapeutic pipeline of IPF. Nevertheless, epidemiologic association between IPF and lung cancer does not prove causality. Currently there is significant lack of knowledge supporting a direct association between lung fibrosis and cancer reflecting to disappointing therapeutic algorithms. An optimal therapeutic strategy for patients with both IPF and lung cancer represents an amenable need. This review article synthesizes the current state of knowledge regarding pathogenetic commonalities between IPF and lung cancer and focuses on clinical and therapeutic data that involve both disease entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Karampitsakos
- First Academic Department of Pneumonology, Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, "Sotiria", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasilios Tzilas
- First Academic Department of Pneumonology, Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, "Sotiria", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Rodoula Tringidou
- Pathology Department, Hospital for Diseases of the Chest,"Sotiria", Messogion Avenue 152, Athens 11527, Greece
| | | | - Vasilis Aidinis
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Athens, Greece
| | - Spyros A Papiris
- 2nd Pulmonary Medicine Department, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Demosthenes Bouros
- First Academic Department of Pneumonology, Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, "Sotiria", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Argyris Tzouvelekis
- First Academic Department of Pneumonology, Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, "Sotiria", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Athens, Greece.
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12
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Clarke DL, Murray LA, Crestani B, Sleeman MA. Is personalised medicine the key to heterogeneity in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis? Pharmacol Ther 2017; 169:35-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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13
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Korfei M, Ruppert C, Loeh B, Mahavadi P, Guenther A. The role of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress in pulmonary fibrosis. ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS IN DISEASES 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/ersc-2016-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe activation of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress and Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) was first observed in patients with familial interstitial pneumonia (FIP) carrying mutations in the C-terminal BRICHOS domain of surfactant protein C (SFTPC). Here, aggresome formation and severe ER stress was demonstrated in type-II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII), which specifically express this very hydrophobic surfactant protein. In subsequent studies, FIP-patients with mutations in the gene encoding surfactant protein A2 (SFTPA2) were discovered, whose overexpression in epithelial cells in vitro also resulted in significant induction of ER stress. Moreover, prominent ER stress in AECII was also observed in FIP-patients not carrying the SFTPC/SFTPA2 mutations, as well as in patients with the more common sporadic forms of IP. Additionally, cases of adult-onset FIP with mutations in Telomerase genes and other telomereassociated components were reported. These mutations were associated with telomere shortening, which is a potential cause for triggering a persistent DNA damage response and replicative senescence in affected cells. Moreover, shortened telomeres were observed directly in the AECII of FIP-patients, and even sporadic IP cases, in the absence of any gene mutations. Here, we try to figure out the possible origins of ER stress in sporadic IP cases and non-SFTPC/SFTPA2-associated FIP.
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Goodwin AT, Jenkins G. Molecular Endotyping of Pulmonary Fibrosis. Chest 2016; 149:228-37. [DOI: 10.1378/chest.15-1511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 08/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Vancheri C. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cancer: do they really look similar? BMC Med 2015; 13:220. [PMID: 26399408 PMCID: PMC4581087 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-015-0478-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this opinion article is to understand to what extent idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can be considered, in its clinical and pathogenic features, similar to cancer. Indeed, IPF has common risk factors with cancer, a low survival, and, most importantly, epigenetic and genetic alterations, abnormal expression of microRNAs, cellular and molecular aberrances, and the activation of similar signalling pathways. DISCUSSION The pathogenic link between the two diseases may have a number of practical consequences. It may improve our understanding of IPF drawing on cancer biology knowledge. In addition, the recognition of similar pathogenic pathways may also encourage the use of cancer drugs for the treatment of IPF. Nintedanib, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase receptors initially developed for cancer, has been recently approved for the treatment of IPF thanks to the observation that these receptors are also abnormally activated in IPF. The vision of IPF as a cancer-like disease may improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease also opening new scenarios for repositioning cancer drugs for IPF. In addition, it may increase the level of awareness towards this dreadful disease at the public, political, and healthcare level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Vancheri
- Regional Centre for Interstitial and Rare Lung Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78 - building 4, first floor, 95123, Catania, Italy.
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Zhu HY, Li C, Bai WD, Su LL, Liu JQ, Li Y, Shi JH, Cai WX, Bai XZ, Jia YH, Zhao B, Wu X, Li J, Hu DH. MicroRNA-21 regulates hTERT via PTEN in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97114. [PMID: 24817011 PMCID: PMC4016251 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As an important oncogenic miRNA, microRNA-21 (miR-21) is associated with various malignant diseases. However, the precise biological function of miR-21 and its molecular mechanism in hypertrophic scar fibroblast cells has not been fully elucidated. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed significant upregulation of miR-21 in hypertrophic scar fibroblast cells compared with that in normal skin fibroblast cells. The effects of miR-21 were then assessed in MTT and apoptosis assays through in vitro transfection with a miR-21 mimic or inhibitor. Next, PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten) was identified as a target gene of miR-21 in hypertrophic scar fibroblast cells. Furthermore, Western-blot and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that miR-21 increased the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway. Introduction of PTEN cDNA led to a remarkable depletion of hTERT and PI3K/AKT at the protein level as well as inhibition of miR-21-induced proliferation. In addition, Western-blot and qRT-PCR analyses confirmed that hTERT was the downstream target of PTEN. Finally, miR-21 and PTEN RNA expression levels in hypertrophic scar tissue samples were examined. Immunohistochemistry assays revealed an inverse correlation between PTEN and hTERT levels in high miR-21 RNA expressing-hypertrophic scar tissues. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These data indicate that miR-21 regulates hTERT expression via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by directly targeting PTEN, therefore controlling hypertrophic scar fibroblast cell growth. MiR-21 may be a potential novel molecular target for the treatment of hypertrophic scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Yu Zhu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Dong Bai
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin-Lin Su
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Qi Liu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Hong Shi
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Xia Cai
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Zhi Bai
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Hui Jia
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Wu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (JL); (DH)
| | - Da-Hai Hu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (JL); (DH)
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