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Wang Y, Liu X, Wang X, Lu J, Tian Y, Liu Q, Xue J. Matricellular proteins: Potential biomarkers in head and neck cancer. J Cell Commun Signal 2024; 18:e12027. [PMID: 38946720 PMCID: PMC11208127 DOI: 10.1002/ccs3.12027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of diverse multidomain macromolecules, including collagen, proteoglycans, and fibronectin, that significantly contribute to the mechanical properties of tissues. Matricellular proteins (MCPs), as a family of non-structural proteins, play a crucial role in regulating various ECM functions. They exert their biological effects by interacting with matrix proteins, cell surface receptors, cytokines, and proteases. These interactions govern essential cellular processes such as differentiation, proliferation, adhesion, migration as well as multiple signal transduction pathways. Consequently, MCPs are pivotal in maintaining tissue homeostasis while orchestrating intricate molecular mechanisms within the ECM framework. The expression level of MCPs in adult steady-state tissues is significantly low; however, under pathological conditions such as inflammation and cancer, there is a substantial increase in their expression. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on elucidating the role and significance of MCPs in the development and progression of head and neck cancer (HNC). During HNC progression, there is a remarkable upregulation in MCP expression. Through their distinctive structure and function, they actively promote tumor growth, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and lymphatic metastasis of HNC cells. Moreover, by binding to integrins and modulating various signaling pathways, they effectively execute their biological functions. Furthermore, MCPs also hold potential as prognostic indicators. Although the star proteins of various MCPs have been extensively investigated, there remains a plethora of MCP family members that necessitate further scrutiny. This article comprehensively examines the functionalities of each MCP and highlights the research advancements in the context of HNC, with an aim to identify novel biomarkers for HNC and propose promising avenues for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsheng Wang
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryGansu Provincial Cancer HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Xudong Liu
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryGansu Provincial Cancer HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Xingyue Wang
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryGansu Provincial Cancer HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Jiyong Lu
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryGansu Provincial Cancer HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Youxin Tian
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryGansu Provincial Cancer HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Qinjiang Liu
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryGansu Provincial Cancer HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Jincai Xue
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryGansu Provincial Cancer HospitalLanzhouChina
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Rivera-Peña B, Folawiyo O, Turaga N, Rodríguez-Benítez RJ, Felici ME, Aponte-Ortiz JA, Pirini F, Rodríguez-Torres S, Vázquez R, López R, Sidransky D, Guerrero-Preston R, Báez A. Promoter DNA methylation patterns in oral, laryngeal and oropharyngeal anatomical regions are associated with tumor differentiation, nodal involvement and survival. Oncol Lett 2024; 27:89. [PMID: 38268779 PMCID: PMC10804364 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) can be used as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets in precision medicine workflows. DNA from 21 HNSCC and 10 healthy oral tissue samples was hybridized to a genome-wide tiling array to identify DMRs in a discovery cohort. Downstream analyses identified differences in promoter DNA methylation patterns in oral, laryngeal and oropharyngeal anatomical regions associated with tumor differentiation, nodal involvement and survival. Genome-wide DMR analysis showed 2,565 DMRs common to the three subsites. A total of 738 DMRs were unique to laryngeal cancer (n=7), 889 DMRs were unique to oral cavity cancer (n=10) and 363 DMRs were unique to pharyngeal cancer (n=6). Based on the genome-wide analysis and a Gene Ontology analysis, 10 candidate genes were selected to test for prognostic value and association with clinicopathological features. TIMP3 was associated with tumor differentiation in oral cavity cancer (P=0.039), DAPK1 was associated with nodal involvement in pharyngeal cancer (P=0.017) and PAX1 was associated with tumor differentiation in laryngeal cancer (P=0.040). A total of five candidate genes were selected, DAPK1, CDH1, PAX1, CALCA and TIMP3, for a prevalence study in a larger validation cohort: Oral cavity cancer samples (n=42), pharyngeal cancer tissues (n=25) and laryngeal cancer samples (n=52). PAX1 hypermethylation differed across HNSCC anatomic subsites (P=0.029), and was predominantly detected in laryngeal cancer. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (P=0.043) and Cox regression analysis of overall survival (P=0.001) showed that DAPK1 methylation is associated with better prognosis in HNSCC. The findings of the present study showed that the HNSCC subsites oral cavity, pharynx and larynx display substantial differences in aberrant DNA methylation patterns, which may serve as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Rivera-Peña
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan 00925, Puerto Rico
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico
| | - Oluwasina Folawiyo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Nitesh Turaga
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Rosa J. Rodríguez-Benítez
- Department of General Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan 00925, Puerto Rico
| | - Marcos E. Felici
- Oral Health Division, Puerto Rico Department of Health, San Juan 00927, Puerto Rico
| | - Jaime A. Aponte-Ortiz
- Department of General Surgery, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico
| | - Francesca Pirini
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Instituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori ‘Dino Amadori’, Meldola I-47014, Italy
| | | | - Roger Vázquez
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan 00925, Puerto Rico
| | - Ricardo López
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan 00925, Puerto Rico
| | - David Sidransky
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Rafael Guerrero-Preston
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Research and Development, LifeGene-Biomarks, San Juan 00909, Puerto Rico
| | - Adriana Báez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico
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Qualliotine JR, Nakagawa T, Rosenthal SB, Sadat S, Ballesteros-Merino C, Xu G, Mark A, Nasamran A, Gutkind JS, Fisch KM, Guo T, Fox BA, Khan Z, Molinolo AA, Califano JA. A Network Landscape of HPVOPC Reveals Methylation Alterations as Significant Drivers of Gene Expression via an Immune-Mediated GPCR Signal. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4379. [PMID: 37686653 PMCID: PMC10486378 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174379] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
HPV-associated oropharynx carcinoma (HPVOPC) tumors have a relatively low mutational burden. Elucidating the relative contributions of other tumor alterations, such as DNA methylation alterations, alternative splicing events (ASE), and copy number variation (CNV), could provide a deeper understanding of carcinogenesis drivers in this disease. We applied network propagation analysis to multiple classes of tumor alterations in a discovery cohort of 46 primary HPVOPC tumors and 25 cancer-unaffected controls and validated our findings with TCGA data. We identified significant overlap between differential gene expression networks and all alteration classes, and this association was highest for methylation and lowest for CNV. Significant overlap was seen for gene clusters of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pathways. HPV16-human protein interaction analysis identified an enriched cluster defined by an immune-mediated GPCR signal, including CXCR3 cytokines CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11. CXCR3 was found to be expressed in primary HPVOPC, and scRNA-seq analysis demonstrated CXCR3 ligands to be highly expressed in M2 macrophages. In vivo models demonstrated decreased tumor growth with antagonism of the CXCR3 receptor in immunodeficient but not immunocompetent mice, suggesting that the CXCR3 axis can drive tumor proliferation in an autocrine fashion, but the effect is tempered by an intact immune system. In conclusion, methylation, ASE, and SNV alterations are highly associated with network gene expression changes in HPVOPC, suggesting that ASE and methylation alterations have an important role in driving the oncogenic phenotype. Network analysis identifies GPCR networks, specifically the CXCR3 chemokine axis, as modulators of tumor-immune interactions that may have proliferative effects on primary tumors as well as a role for immunosurveillance; however, CXCR3 inhibition should be used with caution, as these agents may both inhibit and stimulate tumor growth considering the competing effects of this cytokine axis. Further investigation is needed to explore opportunities for targeted therapy in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse R. Qualliotine
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Takuya Nakagawa
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Sara Brin Rosenthal
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sayed Sadat
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | - Guorong Xu
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Adam Mark
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Art Nasamran
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - J. Silvio Gutkind
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Fisch
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Theresa Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Bernard A. Fox
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Center, Portland, OR 97213, USA
| | - Zubair Khan
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Alfredo A. Molinolo
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Joseph A. Califano
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Qin T, Li S, Henry LE, Chou E, Cavalcante RG, Garb BF, D'Silva NJ, Rozek LS, Sartor MA. Whole-genome CpG-resolution DNA Methylation Profiling of HNSCC Reveals Distinct Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis for Fine-scale HPV+ Cancer Subtypes. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1701-1715. [PMID: 37654626 PMCID: PMC10467604 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a vital early step in carcinogenesis. Most findings of aberrant DNA methylation in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are array based with limited coverage and resolution, and mainly explored by human papillomavirus (HPV) status, ignoring the high heterogeneity of this disease. In this study, we performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing on a well-studied HNSCC cohort (n = 36) and investigated the methylation changes between fine-scaled HNSCC subtypes in relation to genomic instability, repetitive elements, gene expression, and key carcinogenic pathways. The previously observed hypermethylation phenotype in HPV-positive (HPV+) tumors compared with HPV-negative tumors was robustly present in the immune-strong (IMU) HPV+ subtype but absent in the highly keratinized (KRT) HPV+ subtype. Methylation levels of IMU tumors were significantly higher in repetitive elements, and methylation showed a significant correlation with genomic stability, consistent with the IMU subtype having more genomic stability and better prognosis. Expression quantitative trait methylation (cis-eQTM) analysis revealed extensive functionally-relevant differences, and differential methylation pathway analysis recapitulated gene expression pathway differences between subtypes. Consistent with their characteristics, KRT and HPV-negative tumors had high regulatory potential for multiple regulators of keratinocyte differentiation, which positively correlated with an expression-based keratinization score. Together, our findings revealed distinct mechanisms of carcinogenesis between subtypes in HPV+ HNSCC and uncovered previously ignored epigenomic differences and clinical implications, illustrating the importance of fine-scale subtype analysis in cancer. Significance This study revealed that the previously observed hypermethylation of HPV(+) HNSCC is due solely to the IMU subtype, illustrating the importance of fine-scale subtype analysis in such a heterogeneous disease. Particularly, IMU has significantly higher methylation of transposable elements, which can be tested as a prognosis biomarker in future translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Qin
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Shiting Li
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Leanne E. Henry
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Elysia Chou
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Raymond G. Cavalcante
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Bailey F. Garb
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Nisha J. D'Silva
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Laura S. Rozek
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Maureen A. Sartor
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Shigeishi H. Association between human papillomavirus and oral cancer: a literature review. Int J Clin Oncol 2023; 28:982-989. [PMID: 36929094 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-023-02327-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
HPV plays a vital role in the development of cervical cancers and oropharyngeal cancers, but it is controversial whether HPV is involved in oral cancer development and to what extent. In this review, the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of HPV-positive oral cancers are summarized, and the mechanisms of HPV-related oral cancer development are discussed. HPV DNA positivity rates are 20-30% in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and HPV16 is the most common high-risk HPV. E6/E7 mRNA positivity rates are 2-6% in OSCC. Detection of both high-risk HPV DNA and E6/E7 mRNA is recommended to determine the presence of active HPV, in agreement with high-risk HPV infection in OSCC. Surgical treatment is the first-line therapy for HPV-positive and -negative oral cancer, but there is no unified view about the prognosis of HPV-positive OSCC patients. HPV16 may play a vital role in malignant transformation in oral epithelial dysplasia, and a model of synergistic carcinogenic impact of HPV and tobacco smoking is predicted. Additionally, it is hypothesized that there are different HPV-associated oral cancers, such as integrated HPV DNA-positive OSCC with stable E6/E7 expression and episomal HPV DNA-positive OSCC. In summary, the role of HPV in oral carcinogenesis seems to be limited because of the low E6/E7 positivity in OSCCs; however, episomal HPV DNA may play a vital role in the malignant transformation of HPV-positive oral premalignant lesions. Further investigation is required to promote new insights into the role of episomal HPV DNA in oral carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Shigeishi
- Department of Public Oral Health, Program of Oral Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan.
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Xu Y, Wang Z, Wei P, Gairola R, Kelsey KT, Sikora AG, Li G, Gu J. Hypermethylation of nc886 in HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer and its clinical implications: An epigenome-wide association study. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 30:596-605. [PMID: 36514351 PMCID: PMC9722395 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has increased rapidly in the United States, driven by rising human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in the U.S. population. HPV-positive OPSCC patients have a better prognosis than HPV-negative patients. To gain insights into the unique biology of HPV(+) OPSCC that may contribute to its clinical behaviors, we performed a multi-stage epigenome-wide methylation profiling of leukocyte and tumor DNA in OPSCC patients and compared the methylation levels of CpG sites between HPV(+) and HPV(-) OPSCC patients. We identified and validated a significantly differentially methylated region (DMR) of 1,355 bp encompassing non-coding RNA 886 (nc886) gene and its promoter region. Nc886 is hypermethylated in both leukocytes and tumor DNA of HPV(+) OPSCC patients. Homozygous knockout of nc886 by CRISPR-Cas9 in head and neck cell lines was lethal, but nc886 could be knocked out on the background of protein kinase R (PKR) knockout. Our data suggest that HPV induces nc886 hypermethylation, and nc886 acts as both a viral sensor and a tumor sensor in OPSCC patients and contribute to the better prognosis of HPV(+) OPSCC patients. Nc886 may become a therapeutic target in OPSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ziqiao Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peng Wei
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Richa Gairola
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Karl T. Kelsey
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Andrew G. Sikora
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Guojun Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jian Gu
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Inokawa Y, Hayashi M, Begum S, Noordhuis MG, Sidransky D, Califano J, Koch W, Brait M, Westra WH, Hoque MO. High-risk HPV infection-associated hypermethylated genes in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1146. [PMID: 36344942 PMCID: PMC9641857 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10227-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) are sensitive to chemo-radiation therapy and have favorable survival outcomes compared with HPV-negative cancers. These tumors are usually not related to tobacco and alcohol exposure. Therefore, diagnosing HPV-positive OPSCCs for the appropriate disease management is crucial, and no suitable markers are available for detecting early malignancies in HPV-infected tissues. In this study, we attempt to find HPV-specific epigenetic biomarkers for OPSCCs. Methods A total of 127 surgical samples were analyzed for HPV positivity and promoter methylation of a panel of genes. HPV detection was performed by PCR detection of HPV E6 and E7 viral oncoproteins. In addition, promoter methylation of a total of 8 genes (DAPK, FHIT, RASSF1A, TIMP3, AGTR1, CSGALNACT2, GULP1 and VGF) was analyzed by quantitative-methylation specific PCR (QMSP), and their associations with HPV positivity or RB/p16 expressions were evaluated. Results AGTR1 and FHIT were frequently methylated in HPV-positive OPSCC samples with a good area under the curve (AUC over 0.70). In addition, these genes' promoter methylation was significantly associated with p16 positive and RB negative cases, which were the characteristics of OPSCC cases with favorable survival outcomes. Either AGTR1 or FHIT methylated cases were significantly associated with HPV-positive cancers with 92.0% sensitivity (P < 0.001). Also, they had significantly better overall survival (P = 0.047) than both unmethylated cases. Conclusions A combination of AGTR1 and FHIT methylation demonstrated a suitable detection marker of OPSCCs derived from the HPV-infected field, familiar with p16-positive and RB-negative phenotypes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-10227-w.
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Wang Z, Lu Y, Fornage M, Jiao L, Shen J, Li D, Wei P. Identification of novel susceptibility methylation loci for pancreatic cancer in a two-phase epigenome-wide association study. Epigenetics 2022; 17:1357-1372. [PMID: 35030986 PMCID: PMC9586592 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2026591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of DNA methylation and its interplay with gene expression in the susceptibility to pancreatic cancer (PanC) remains largely unexplored. To fill in this gap, we conducted an integrative two-phase epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of PanC using genomic DNA from 44 cases and 556 controls (20 local controls and 536 public controls in the Framingham Heart Study) in phase 1 and 23 cases and 22 controls in phase 2. We validated the findings using pre-diagnostic blood samples from 13 cases and 26 controls in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Study. We further examined gene expression in peripheral leukocytes of 47 cases and 31 controls involved in the methylation study using RNA sequencing and performed bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using existing single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. In phase 1, we identified 2776 significantly differentially methylated CpG sites (DMPs) and 154 significantly differentially methylated regions (DMRs). In phase 2, we validated six DMPs (in or near AIM2, DGKA, STK39, and TNFSF8) and three DMRs (in or near nc886, LY6G5C, and HLA-DPB1). The DMR near nc886 was further validated in the WHI samples (P = 6.69 × 10-5). MR analysis suggested that the CpG sites cg00308130 and cg16684184 for nc886 and cg16875057 for STK39 were causally related to PanC susceptibility and that PanC influenced methylation of cg15354065 for DGKA. This first integrative EWAS of PanC provides novel insights into the role of DNA methylation and its interplay with SNPs and gene expression in the disease susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqiao Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yue Lu
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The Virginia Harris Cockrell Cancer Research Center at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, TX, USA
| | - Myriam Fornage
- IBrown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Li Jiao
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jianjun Shen
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The Virginia Harris Cockrell Cancer Research Center at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, TX, USA
| | - Donghui Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peng Wei
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Birknerová N, Kovaříková H, Baranová I, Přikrylová A, Laco J, Vošmiková H, Gajdošová B, Hodek M, Vošmik M, Palička V, Chmelařová M. DNA hypermethylation of CADM1, PAX5, WT1, RARβ, and PAX6 genes in oropharyngeal cancer associated with human papillomavirus. Epigenetics 2022; 17:1301-1310. [PMID: 34974810 PMCID: PMC9624252 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.2018812] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, an increasing incidence of HPV-induced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has been observed. Moreover, locoregionally advanced stages require a combined modal approach, and the prognosis is poor. Therefore, it is essential to find early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. DNA methylation changes play a crucial role in the process of carcinogenesis and are often investigated as promising biomarkers in many types of cancer. For analysis of DNA methylation levels of selected tumour suppressor genes in HPV-positive and HPV-negative samples (including primary tumours and corresponding metastases of metastasizing OPSCCs, primary tumours of non-metastasizing OPSCCs, and control samples), methylation-specific MLPA and methylation-specific high-resolution melting analyses were used. A significant difference in methylation between OPSCCs and the control group was observed in WT1, PAX6 (P < 0.01) and CADM1, RARβ (P < 0.05) genes. CADM1 and WT1 hypermethylation was detected mostly in HPV-positive samples; all but one HPV-negative samples were unmethylated. Moreover, hypermethylation of PAX5 gene was observed in metastases compared with control samples and was also associated with shorter overall survival of all patients (P < 0.05). Associations described herein between promoter methylation of selected genes and clinicopathological data could benefit OPSCC patients in the future by improvement in screening, early detection, and prognosis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Birknerová
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Kovaříková
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Czech Republic,Correspondence to Helena Kovaříková Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Sokolská 581, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Baranová
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Albína Přikrylová
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Laco
- The Fingerland Department of Pathology, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Vošmiková
- The Fingerland Department of Pathology, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Gajdošová
- The Fingerland Department of Pathology, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Hodek
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Vošmik
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Palička
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Marcela Chmelařová
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
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10
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Wang HF, Jiang J, Wu JS, Zhang M, Pang X, Dai L, Tang YL, Liang XH. Hypermethylation of PRKCZ Regulated by E6 Inhibits Invasion and EMT via Cdc42 in HPV-Related Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174151. [PMID: 36077689 PMCID: PMC9454700 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To study the role of target genes with aberrant DNA methylation in HPV+ HNSCC. Methods: A HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array (Illumina) was used to identify differentially methylated genes. CCK-8, flow cytometry, wound healing, and cell invasion assays were conducted to analyze the biological roles of PRKCZ. Western blot, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and animal studies were performed to explore the mechanisms underlying the functions of PRKCZ. Results: We selected PRKCZ, which is associated with HPV infection, as our target gene. PRKCZ was hypermethylated in HPV+ HNSCC patients, and PRKCZ methylation status was negatively related to the pathological grading of HNSCC patients. Silencing PRKCZ inhibited the malignant capacity of HPV+ HNSCC cells. Mechanistically, HPV might promote DNMT1 expression via E6 to increase PRKCZ methylation. Cdc42 was required for the PRKCZ-mediated mechanism of action, contributing to the occurrence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HPV+ HNSCC cells. In addition, blocking PRKCZ delayed tumor growth in HPV16-E6/E7 transgenic mice. Cdc42 expression was decreased, whereas E-cadherin levels increased. Conclusion: We suggest that PRKCZ hypermethylation induces EMT via Cdc42 to act as a potent tumor promoter in HPV+ HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Fan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian Jiang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jia-Shun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xin Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Li Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ya-Ling Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Pathology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Correspondence: (Y.-L.T.); (X.-H.L.)
| | - Xin-Hua Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Correspondence: (Y.-L.T.); (X.-H.L.)
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11
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Chen X, Liu Y, Liu H, Wang ZW, Zhu X. Unraveling diverse roles of noncoding RNAs in various human papillomavirus negative cancers. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 238:108188. [PMID: 35421419 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative tumors distinguish from cancers associated with HPV infection. Due to its high rate of lymph node metastasis and difficulty in inchoate discover and diagnosis, the treatment efficacy of HPV-negative cancers is unsatisfactory. Epidemiological evidence suggests that HPV-negative tumor patients have a poor prognosis, and the mortality is higher than that of cancer patients caused by HPV infection. Evidence has demonstrated that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a crucial role in regulation of physiological and developmental processes. Therefore, dysregulated ncRNAs are involved in the occurrence of diversified diseases, including cancer. In cumulative studies, ncRNAs are concerned with pathogenetic mechanisms of HPV-negative tumors via regulating gene expression and signal transduction. It is important to decipher the functions of ncRNAs in HPV-negative cancers and identify the potential biomarkers, which will bring new treatment strategies for improving outcome of cancer therapy. In this review, we demonstrated the effects of ncRNAs via regulating the development and progression of HPV- negative tumors by directly or indirectly acting on target molecules, which provide a basis for future tumor targeted therapy by targeting ncRNAs for HPV-negative cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Hejing Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Department of Research and Development, Beijing Zhongwei Research Center of Biological and Translational Medicine, Beijing 100161, China.
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.
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12
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Berglund A, Muenyi C, Siegel EM, Ajidahun A, Eschrich SA, Wong D, Hendrick LE, Putney RM, Kim S, Hayes DN, Shibata D. Characterization of Epigenomic Alterations in HPV16+ Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022; 31:858-869. [PMID: 35064062 PMCID: PMC8983563 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-21-0922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic changes associated with human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven tumors have been described; however, HPV type-specific alterations are less well understood. We sought to compare HPV16-specific methylation changes with those in virus-unassociated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). METHODS Within The Cancer Genome Atlas, 59 HPV16+ HNSCC, 238 nonviral HNSCC (no detectable HPV or other viruses), and 50 normal head and neck tissues were evaluated. Significant differentially methylated regions (DMR) were selected, and key associated genes were identified. Partial least squares models were generated to predict HPV16 status in additional independent samples. RESULTS HPV infection in HNSCC is associated with type-specific methylomic profiles. Multiple significant DMRs were identified between HPV16+, nonviral, and normal samples. The most significant differentially methylated genes, SYCP2, MSX2, HLTF, PITX2, and GRAMD4, demonstrated HPV16-associated methylation patterns with corresponding alterations in gene expression. Phylogenetically related HPV types (alpha-9 species; HPV31, HPV33, and HPV35) demonstrated a similar methylation profile to that of HPV16 but differed from those seen in other types, such as HPV18 and 45 (alpha-7). CONCLUSIONS HNSCC linked to HPV16 and types from the same alpha species are associated with a distinct methylation profile. This HPV16-associated methylation pattern is also detected in cervical cancer and testicular germ cell tumors. We present insights into both shared and unique methylation alterations associated with HPV16+ tumors and may have implications for understanding the clinical behavior of HPV-associated HNSCC. IMPACT HPV type-specific methylomic changes may contribute to understanding biologic mechanisms underlying differences in clinical behavior among different HPV+ and HPV- HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Berglund
- Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Clarisse Muenyi
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Erin M Siegel
- Departments of Cancer Epidemiology , H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Abidemi Ajidahun
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Steven A. Eschrich
- Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Denise Wong
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Leah E. Hendrick
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ryan M. Putney
- Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Sungjune Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - D. Neil Hayes
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis TN, USA
| | - David Shibata
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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13
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Supic G, Stefik D, Ivkovic N, Sami A, Zeljic K, Jovic S, Kozomara R, Vojvodic D, Stosic S. Prognostic impact of miR-34b/c DNA methylation, gene expression, and promoter polymorphism in HPV-negative oral squamous cell carcinomas. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1296. [PMID: 35079080 PMCID: PMC8789922 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05399-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro RNAs (miRNAs) have a key role in gene expression regulation in cancer. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the prognostic value of miR-34b/c promoter hypermethylation, gene expression, and polymorphism in HPV-negative oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). MiR-34b/c promoter hypermethylation and pre-miR-34b/c polymorphism rs4938723 were evaluated in tumor tissues of 148 patients, and miR-34b expression in 123 HPV-negative OSCC. For risk assessment, the control group was comprised of 175 healthy individuals. MiR-34b/c promoter hypermethylation was determined by methylation-specific PCR. Gene expression, genotyping and HPV screening was assessed by Q-PCR. The data from our hospital cohort indicated that miR-34b/c DNA methylation was associated with nodal status (p = 0.048), and predicted the shorter overall survival of HPV-negative OSCC patients (p = 0.008). Down-regulated miR-34b/c expression was associated with smoking (p = 0.047), alcohol use (p = 0.009), stage (p = 0.025), recurrences (p = 0.000), and a poor survival (p = 0.00029). Median values of miR-34b expression were significantly lower in advanced stages III/IV as opposed to stage I/II, p = 0.006, and in nodal positive vs negative patients (p = 0.045). TCGA data also indicated that tumors with stage I-III expressed significantly higher levels of miR-34b, compared to tumors with stage IV (p = 0.035), Low miR-34b/c expression was associated with poor survival in smokers (p = 0.001) and patients with tongue carcinomas (p = 0.00003), and TCGA analysis confirmed these findings although miR-34b expression and miR-34b/c methylation were not associated with survival outcome in the whole TCGA cohort. A significant negative miR-34b/c expression-methylation correlation was observed in our hospital cohort (p = 0.017) and in TCGA cohort. Pre-miR-34b/c polymorphism was not associated with oral cancer risk. Our findings indicate that miR-34b/c hypermethylation and low miR-34b expression could promote the progression and predict the poor prognosis for HPV-negative OSCC, which suggests miR-34b/c as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for OSCC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Supic
- Faculty of Medicine, Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia.
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11002, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Debora Stefik
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11002, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nemanja Ivkovic
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11002, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ahmad Sami
- Cellular and Molecular Radiation Oncology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitaetsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Katarina Zeljic
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sasa Jovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Maxillofacial Surgery, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ruzica Kozomara
- Faculty of Medicine, Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Maxillofacial Surgery, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danilo Vojvodic
- Faculty of Medicine, Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11002, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Srboljub Stosic
- Faculty of Medicine, Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Maxillofacial Surgery, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
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14
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Tomaszewska W, Kozłowska-Masłoń J, Baranowski D, Perkowska A, Szałkowska S, Kazimierczak U, Severino P, Lamperska K, Kolenda T. miR-154 Influences HNSCC Development and Progression through Regulation of the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Process and Could Be Used as a Potential Biomarker. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121894. [PMID: 34944712 PMCID: PMC8698850 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs and their role in cancer have been extensively studied for the past decade. Here, we analyzed the biological role and diagnostic potential of miR-154-5p and miR-154-3p in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). miRNA expression analyses were performed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data accessed from cBioPortal, UALCAN, Santa Cruz University, and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The expression data were correlated with clinicopathological parameters. The functional enrichment was assessed with Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). The immunological profiles were assessed using the ESTIMATE tool and RNAseq data from TCGA. All statistical analyses were performed with GraphPad Prism and Statistica. The study showed that both miR-154-5p and miR-154-3p were downregulated in the HNSCC samples and their expression levels correlated with tumor localization, overall survival, cancer stage, tumor grade, and HPV p16 status. GSEA indicated that individuals with the increased levels of miR-154 had upregulated AKT-MTOR, CYCLIN D1, KRAS, EIF4E, RB, ATM, and EMT gene sets. Finally, the elevated miR-154 expression correlated with better immune response. This study showed that miR-154 is highly involved in HNSCC pathogenesis, invasion, and immune response. The implementation of miR-154 as a biomarker may improve the effectiveness of HNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Tomaszewska
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 8 Rokietnicka Street, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (D.B.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (U.K.)
- Correspondence: (W.T.); (T.K.)
| | - Joanna Kozłowska-Masłoń
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15, 61-866 Poznan, Poland; (J.K.-M.); (K.L.)
- Research and Implementation Unit, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Dawid Baranowski
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 8 Rokietnicka Street, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (D.B.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (U.K.)
| | - Anna Perkowska
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 8 Rokietnicka Street, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (D.B.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (U.K.)
| | - Sandra Szałkowska
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 8 Rokietnicka Street, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (D.B.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (U.K.)
| | - Urszula Kazimierczak
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 8 Rokietnicka Street, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (D.B.); (A.P.); (S.S.); (U.K.)
| | - Patricia Severino
- Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Albert Einstein Research and Education Institute, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Av. Albert Einstein, 627-Jardim Leonor, São Paulo 05652-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Katarzyna Lamperska
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15, 61-866 Poznan, Poland; (J.K.-M.); (K.L.)
- Research and Implementation Unit, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kolenda
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15, 61-866 Poznan, Poland; (J.K.-M.); (K.L.)
- Research and Implementation Unit, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
- Correspondence: (W.T.); (T.K.)
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15
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Leitheiser M, Capper D, Seegerer P, Lehmann A, Schüller U, Müller KR, Klauschen F, Jurmeister P, Bockmayr M. Machine Learning Models Predict the Primary Sites of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Metastases Based on DNA Methylation. J Pathol 2021; 256:378-387. [PMID: 34878655 DOI: 10.1002/path.5845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCs) that present as metastases with an unknown primary (HNSC-CUPs), the identification of a primary tumor improves therapy options and increases patient survival. However, the currently available diagnostic methods are laborious and do not offer a sufficient detection rate. Predictive machine learning models based on DNA methylation profiles have recently emerged as a promising technique for tumor classification. We applied this technique to HNSC to develop a tool that can improve the diagnostic workup for HNSC-CUPs. On a reference cohort of 405 primary HNSC samples, we developed four classifiers based on different machine learning models (random forest (RF), neural network (NN), elastic net penalized logistic regression (LOGREG), support vector machine (SVM)) that predict the primary site of HNSC tumors from their DNA methylation profile. The classifiers achieved high classification accuracies (RF=83%, NN=88%, LOGREG=SVM=89%) on an independent cohort of 64 HNSC metastases. Further, the NN, LOGREG, and SVM models significantly outperformed p16 status as a marker for an origin in the oropharynx. In conclusion, the DNA methylation profiles of HNSC metastases are characteristic for their primary sites and the classifiers developed in this study, which are made available to the scientific community, can provide valuable information to guide the diagnostic workup of HNSC-CUP. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Leitheiser
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Capper
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Seegerer
- Machine-Learning Group, Department of Software Engineering and Theoretical Computer Science, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Aignostics GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annika Lehmann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schüller
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus-Robert Müller
- Machine-Learning Group, Department of Software Engineering and Theoretical Computer Science, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Artificial Intelligence, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.,Max-Planck-Institute for Informatics, Saarbrücken, Germany.,BIFOLD - Berlin Institute for the Foundations of Learning and Data, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frederick Klauschen
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Berlin, Germany.,Aignostics GmbH, Berlin, Germany.,BIFOLD - Berlin Institute for the Foundations of Learning and Data, Berlin, Germany.,LMU München, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Jurmeister
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,LMU München, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Bockmayr
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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16
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Hung TKW, Ho AL, Pfister DG. Therapeutic strategies for systemic therapies of human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal cancer. J Surg Oncol 2021; 124:952-961. [PMID: 34585389 PMCID: PMC8500927 DOI: 10.1002/jso.26688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) and its molecular basis continues to evolve and produce important insights into customized therapeutic strategies. Novel therapeutics exploiting HPV-related targets are being evaluated in the incurable setting, while the favorable prognosis of locoregionally advanced disease has stimulated investigation into de-escalation strategies. There is much opportunity for better personalization of standard therapy according to HPV status. This review discusses both current and investigational therapeutic strategies for HPV-related OPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony K W Hung
- From the Section of Head and Neck Oncology, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alan L Ho
- From the Section of Head and Neck Oncology, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - David G Pfister
- From the Section of Head and Neck Oncology, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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17
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Chen L, Riaz N, Lee N, McBride S. Current considerations for radiotherapy in HPV-associated head and neck cancer. J Surg Oncol 2021; 124:945-951. [PMID: 34617275 DOI: 10.1002/jso.26689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-mediated oncogenesis confers increased sensitivity to radiotherapy and HPV head and neck cancer is associated with improved patient outcomes. As such, management of HPV-related head and neck cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach that balances maximizing locoregional control with minimizing treatment-related toxicity. We highlight considerations in radiation dose and target delineation, as well as considerations for chemoradiation, postoperative radiotherapy, and single modality, definitive radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nadeem Riaz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nancy Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sean McBride
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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18
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Hu Y, Ai LS, Zhou LQ. Prognostic value of FGFR1 expression and amplification in patients with HNSCC: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251202. [PMID: 33989301 PMCID: PMC8121309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) has recently been identified as a promising novel therapeutic target and prognostic marker in different types of cancer. In the present study, a meta-analysis was performed to clarify the correlation between FGFR1 and the survival outcomes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched for relevant studies in order to explore the prognostic significance of FGFR1 in HNSCC. Hazards ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were collected to estimate the correlation between overexpression and amplification of FGFR1 and survival outcomes of HNSCC patients. Nine studies including 2708 patients with HNSCC were finally selected for the meta-analysis. The results indicated that FGFR1 predicted poor overall survival (OS) (HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.49–2.61, P<0.001) in HNSCC patients. Futhermore, FGFR1 was related to poor OS in human papillomavirus (HPV) negative HNSCC not in HPV positive HNSCC patients. Subgroup analysis stratified by molecular abnormalities, such as overexpression or amplification showed the similar results. The present study demonstrated that HNSCC patients with FGFR1 overexpression and amplification were more likely to exhibit poorer survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Hu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, China
| | - Li-Sha Ai
- Department of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liu-Qing Zhou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail:
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19
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Nakagawa T, Kurokawa T, Mima M, Imamoto S, Mizokami H, Kondo S, Okamoto Y, Misawa K, Hanazawa T, Kaneda A. DNA Methylation and HPV-Associated Head and Neck Cancer. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9040801. [PMID: 33920277 PMCID: PMC8069883 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), especially oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), has recently been found to be significantly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The incidence of OPSCC has been increasing and surpassed the number of cervical cancer cases in the United States. Although HPV-associated OPSCC has a relatively better prognosis than HPV-negative cancer, approximately 20% of HPV-associated HNSCC patients show a poor prognosis or therapeutic response, and the molecular mechanism behind this outcome in the intermediate-risk group is yet to be elucidated. These biological differences between HPV-associated HNSCC and HPV-negative HNSCC are partly explained by the differences in mutation patterns. However, recent reports have revealed that epigenetic dysregulation, such as dysregulated DNA methylation, is a strikingly common pathological feature of human malignancy. Notably, viral infections can induce aberrant DNA methylation, leading to carcinogenesis, and HPV-associated HNSCC cases tend to harbor a higher amount of aberrantly methylated DNA than HPV-negative HNSCC cases. Furthermore, recent comprehensive genome-wide DNA-methylation analyses with large cohorts have revealed that a sub-group of HPV-associated HNSCC correlates with increased DNA methylation. Accordingly, in this review, we provide an overview of the relationship between DNA methylation and HPV-associated HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Nakagawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (T.N.); (T.K.); (S.I.); (Y.O.)
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (M.M.); (H.M.); (S.K.)
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tomoya Kurokawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (T.N.); (T.K.); (S.I.); (Y.O.)
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (M.M.); (H.M.); (S.K.)
- Clinical Research Center, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba 260-8677, Japan
| | - Masato Mima
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (M.M.); (H.M.); (S.K.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Hamamatsu University, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan;
| | - Sakiko Imamoto
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (T.N.); (T.K.); (S.I.); (Y.O.)
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (M.M.); (H.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Harue Mizokami
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (M.M.); (H.M.); (S.K.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Satoru Kondo
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (M.M.); (H.M.); (S.K.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Okamoto
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (T.N.); (T.K.); (S.I.); (Y.O.)
- Chiba Rosai Hospital, Ichihara 290-0003, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Misawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Hamamatsu University, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan;
| | - Toyoyuki Hanazawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (T.N.); (T.K.); (S.I.); (Y.O.)
- Correspondence: (T.H.); (A.K.); Tel./Fax: +81-43-226-2039
| | - Atsushi Kaneda
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (M.M.); (H.M.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence: (T.H.); (A.K.); Tel./Fax: +81-43-226-2039
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20
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Kadian LK, Yadav R, Nanda S, Gulshan G, Sharma S, Yadav C. High-risk HPV infection modulates the promoter hypermethylation of APC, SFRP1, and PTEN in cervical cancer patients of North India. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:9725-9732. [PMID: 33230782 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05960-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Persistent infection with oncogenic HPV and downregulation of tumor suppressor genes play an essential role in the development and progression of cervical cancer. The present study aimed to identify the promoter methylation status of APC, SFRP1, and PTEN which are important regulators of Wnt pathway and their association with high-risk HPV infection and gene expression. Methylation Specific PCR (MSP) and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) were used to detect methylation status and gene expression levels of APC, SFRP1, and PTEN in cervical cancer biopsies (110) and paired non-cancerous biopsies (28). APC promoter was methylated in 38%, SFRP1 in 95%, and PTEN in 55% of the cervical cancer biopsies. Our data showed a trend of a higher rate of methylation of the gene promoters in cervical cancer biopsies while; they were majorly un-methylated in non-cancerous biopsies. Corresponding to a higher rate of methylation in cancer biopsies, the gene expression levels of APC, SFRP1, and PTEN were reduced in cervical cancer samples in comparison to normal cervix tissues. Further, we observed that 97% cancer biopsies were HPV infected and high-risk type HPV16 and 18 infections were significantly positively associated with APC (p = 0.008 and p = 0.007), SFRP1 (p = 0.003 and p = 0.0067), and PTEN (p = 0.049 and p = 0.008) promoter methylation. APC, SFRP1, and PTEN promoter hyper-methylation is positively associated with high-risk HPV infection and inversely associated with gene expression. Our findings show that high-risk HPV infection promotes methylation of these genes and further promotes their silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokesh Kumari Kadian
- Department of Genetics, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, Haryana, India
| | - Ritu Yadav
- Department of Genetics, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, Haryana, India.
| | - Smiti Nanda
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Gulshan Gulshan
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shivkant Sharma
- Department of Genetics, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, Haryana, India
| | - Chetna Yadav
- Department of Genetics, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, Haryana, India
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21
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Khanal S, Strickley JD, Ha T, Demehri S, Ghim SJ, Jenson AB, Redman RA, Joh JJ. Human papillomavirus-positivity is associated with EREG down-regulation and promoter hypermethylation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Exp Mol Pathol 2020; 117:104549. [PMID: 33007298 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2020.104549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) etiology has become evident in head and neck cancers (HNCs) and HPV positivity showed a strong association with its malignant progression. Since aberrant DNA methylation is known to drive carcinogenesis and progression in HNCs, we investigated to determine target gene(s) associated with this modification. METHODS We characterized epigenetic changes in tumor-related genes (TRGs) that are known to be associated with HNC development and its progression. RESULTS The expression levels of 42 candidate HNC-associated genes were analyzed. Of these, 7 TGRs (CHFR, RARβ, GRB7, EREG, RUNX2, RUNX3, and SMG-1) showed decreased expressions in HPV-positive (+) HNC cells compared with HPV-negative (-) HNC cells. When gene expression levels were compared corresponding to the DNA methylation conditions, GRB7 and EREG showed significant differential expression between HPV+ and HPV- cells, which suggested these genes as primary targets of epigenetic regulation in HPV-induced carcinogenesis. Furthermore, treatment with a demethylation agent, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dc), caused restoration of EREG expression and was associated with hypomethylation of its promoter in HPV+ cells, while no changes was noted in HPV- cells. EREG promoter hypermethylation in HPV+ cells was confirmed using methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR). CONCLUSION We conclude that EREG is the target of epigenetic regulation in HPV+ HNCs and its suppressed expression through promoter hypermethylation is associated with the development of HPV-associated HNCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujita Khanal
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John D Strickley
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Thinh Ha
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Shadmehr Demehri
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Shin-Je Ghim
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Alfred B Jenson
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Rebecca A Redman
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Joongho J Joh
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
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22
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PRINS lncRNA Is a New Biomarker Candidate for HPV Infection and Prognosis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10100762. [PMID: 32998396 PMCID: PMC7599931 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10100762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the important risk factors for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) progression and affects the expression of multiple genes, which might serve as new biomarkers. This study examines the effects of HPV infection on long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression and the immune system, particularly PRINS (Psoriasis susceptibility-related RNA Gene Induced by Stress). The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) expression data for lncRNA genes and clinical data were analyzed by GraphPad Prism 5/7. The expressions of PRINS, CDKN2B-AS1, TTTY14, TTTY15, MEG3, and H19 were significantly different in HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients. HPV-positive patients with high PRINS expression demonstrated significantly better overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). HPV-positive patients with high PRINS expression showed changes in gene expression associated with immune and antiviral responses. A majority of HPV-positive patients with high PRINS expression demonstrated a high number of immune cells within tumors. PRINS expression was significantly associated with HPV-infection HNSCC tumors. Validation of these results using data set from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) indicated that PRINS is upregulated in HPV active infections and in “atypical 1 (IR)” HNSCC clusters, negatively influencing patients’ overall survival. Patients with high PRINS expression display different immunological profiles than those with low expression levels. For instance, they have active HPV infection status or are clustered in the “atypical 1 (IR)” subtype of HNSCC which influences both viral infection and patients’ survival. It is likely that PRINS could be used as a potential biomarker for HNSCC patients, but its role is dual. On the one hand, it stimulates patients’ immune response, while on the other it can be favorable in virus replication.
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23
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Perri F, Longo F, Caponigro F, Sandomenico F, Guida A, Della Vittoria Scarpati G, Ottaiano A, Muto P, Ionna F. Management of HPV-Related Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Pitfalls and Caveat. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040975. [PMID: 32326465 PMCID: PMC7226389 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are a very heterogeneous group of malignancies arising from the upper aerodigestive tract. They show different clinical behaviors depending on their origin site and genetics. Several data support the existence of at least two genetically different types of HNSCC, one virus-related and the other alcohol and/or tobacco and oral trauma-related, which show both clinical and biological opposite features. In fact, human papillomavirus (HPV)-related HNSCCs, which are mainly located in the oropharynx, are characterized by better prognosis and response to therapies when compared to HPV-negative HNSCCs. Interestingly, virus-related HNSCC has shown a better response to conservative (nonsurgical) treatments and immunotherapy, opening questions about the possibility to perform a pretherapy assessment which could totally guide the treatment strategy. In this review, we summarize molecular differences and similarities between HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC, highlighting their impact on clinical behavior and on therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Perri
- Head and Neck Medical Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-590-3362
| | - Francesco Longo
- Division of Surgical Oncology Maxillo-Facial Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS—Fondazione G. Pascale, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.L.); (A.G.); (F.I.)
| | - Francesco Caponigro
- Head and Neck Medical Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Fabio Sandomenico
- Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS—G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Agostino Guida
- Division of Surgical Oncology Maxillo-Facial Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS—Fondazione G. Pascale, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.L.); (A.G.); (F.I.)
| | | | - Alessandro Ottaiano
- SSD Innovative Therapies for Abdominal Metastases, Department of Abdominal Oncology, INT IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Paolo Muto
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS—G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Franco Ionna
- Division of Surgical Oncology Maxillo-Facial Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS—Fondazione G. Pascale, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.L.); (A.G.); (F.I.)
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24
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Cao H, He Q, von Eyben R, Bloomstein J, Nambiar DK, Viswanathan V, Aggarwal S, Kwok S, Liang R, Koong AJ, Lewis JS, Kong C, Xiao N, Le QT. The role of Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor in head and neck cancer. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229311. [PMID: 32084217 PMCID: PMC7034888 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is reported to promote the survival of neurons and salivary gland regeneration after radiation damage. This study investigated the effect of GDNF on cell migration, growth, and response to radiation in preclinical models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and correlated GDNF expression to treatment outcomes in HNSCC patients. Our ultimate goal is to determine whether systemic administration of GDNF at high dose is safe for the management of hyposalivation or xerostomia in HNSCC patients. Three HPV-positive and three HPV-negative cell lines were examined for cell migration, growth, and clonogenic survival in vitro and tumor growth assay in vivo. Immunohistochemical staining of GDNF, its receptors GFRα1 and its co-receptor RET was performed on two independent HNSCC tissue microarrays (TMA) and correlated to treatment outcomes. Results showed that GDNF only enhanced cell migration in two HPV-positive cells at supra-physiologic doses, but not in HPV-negative cells. GDNF did not increase cell survival in the tested cell lines post-irradiation. Likewise, GDNF treatment affected neither tumor growth in vitro nor response to radiation in xenografts in two HPV-positive and two HPV-negative HNSCC models. High stromal expression of GDNF protein was associated with worse overall survival in HPV-negative HNSCC on multivariate analysis in a combined cohort of patients from Stanford University (n = 82) and Washington University (n = 189); however, the association between GDNF gene expression and worse survival was not confirmed in a separate group of HPV-negative HNSCC patients identified from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Based on these data, we do not believe that GNDF is a safe systemic treatment to prevent or treat xerostomia in HNSCC and a local delivery approach such as intraglandular injection needs to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Qian He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Rie von Eyben
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Joshua Bloomstein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Dhanya K. Nambiar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Vignesh Viswanathan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Sonya Aggarwal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Shirley Kwok
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Rachel Liang
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Amanda Jeanette Koong
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - James S. Lewis
- Department of Pathology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Christina Kong
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Nan Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Quynh-Thu Le
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
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25
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Nakagawa T, Matsusaka K, Misawa K, Ota S, Fukuyo M, Rahmutulla B, Kunii N, Sakurai D, Hanazawa T, Matsubara H, Okamoto Y, Kaneda A. Stratification of HPV-associated and HPV-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas based on DNA methylation epigenotypes. Int J Cancer 2020; 146:2460-2474. [PMID: 31997344 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
While the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has been increasing in these two decades, primarily due to human papillomavirus (HPV), stratification of OPSCC into molecular subgroups showing different clinicopathological features has not been fully investigated. We performed DNA methylome analysis using Infinium 450k for 170 OPSCC cases, including 89 cases in our cohort and 81 cases reported by The Cancer Genome Atlas, together with targeted exon sequencing analysis. We stratified OPSCC by hierarchical clustering analysis using methylome data. Methylation levels of classifier markers were validated quantitatively using pyrosequencing, and area under the curve (AUC) values of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were calculated. OPSCC was stratified into four epigenotypes: HPV(+) high-methylation (OP1), HPV(+) intermediate-methylation (OP2), HPV(-) intermediate-methylation (OP3) and HPV(-) low-methylation (OP4). Ten methylation marker genes were generated: five to classify HPV(+) cases into OP1 and OP2, and five to classify HPV(-) cases into OP3 and OP4. AUC values of ROC curves were 0.969 and 0.952 for the two marker panels, respectively. While significantly higher TP53 mutation and CCND1 copy number gains were observed in HPV(-) than in HPV(+) groups (p < 0.01), no significant difference of genomic aberrations was observed between OP1 and OP2, or OP3 and OP4. The four epigenotypes showed significantly different prognosis (p = 0.0006), distinguishing the most favorable OPSCC subgroup (OP1) among generally favorable HPV(+) cases, and the most unfavorable OPSCC subgroup (OP3) among generally unfavorable HPV(-) cases. HPV(+) and HPV(-) OPSCC are further divided into distinct DNA methylation epigenotypes, showing significantly different prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Nakagawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Molecular Oncology, School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Keisuke Matsusaka
- Department of Molecular Oncology, School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Misawa
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ota
- Department of Pathology, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masaki Fukuyo
- Department of Molecular Oncology, School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Bahityar Rahmutulla
- Department of Molecular Oncology, School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naoki Kunii
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Daiju Sakurai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Toyoyuki Hanazawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hisahiro Matsubara
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Okamoto
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kaneda
- Department of Molecular Oncology, School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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26
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Marquard FE, Jücker M. PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling as a molecular target in head and neck cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 172:113729. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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27
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Wang J, Xi X, Shang W, Acharya A, Li S, Savkovic V, Li H, Haak R, Schmidt J, Liu X, Deng Y, Pan H, Obradovic D, Schmalz G, Ziebolz D, Hu X. The molecular differences between human papillomavirus-positive and -negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A bioinformatics study. Am J Otolaryngol 2019; 40:547-554. [PMID: 31036418 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the genetic and epigenetic differences between human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and HPV-negative OPSCC. METHODS Microarray data of HPV-positive and -negative OPSCC were retrieved from NCBI GEO datasets. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were identified by performing differential expression analysis. A functional enrichment analysis was performed to explore the biological processes and signaling pathways that DEGs and DE-miRNAs were involved in, respectively. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was constructed to identify hub genes. miRNA-target network and miRNA-miRNA functional synergistic network were each constructed in order to identify risk-marker miRNAs. An miRNA-target-pathway network was constructed in order to explore the function of identified risk-marker miRNAs. RESULTS Microarray data from 3 datasets (GSE39366, GSE40774, and GSE55550) was included and analyzed. The PPI network identified 3 hub genes (VCAM1, UBD, and RPA2). MiR-107 and miR-142-3p were found to play the most significant role in both the DE-miRNA-target network as well as in the miRNA-miRNA functional synergistic network. MiR-107 was involved in HPV-induced tumorigenesis by targeting many genes (CAV1, CDK6, MYB, and SERPINB5) and regulating the p53 signaling pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and the autophagy pathway. In addition, miR-142-3p was implicated in HPV-induced tumorigenesis by targeting the PPFIA1 gene and regulating transcriptional dysregulation and other cancerous pathways. CONCLUSION Three genes (VCAM1, UBD, and RPA2), two miRNAs (miR-107 and miR-142-3p), and four pathways (p53, PI3K-Akt, autophagy, and transcription dysregulation in cancer) were identified to play critical roles in distinguishing HPV-positive OPSCC from HPV-negative OPSCC.
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28
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Boguñá N, Capdevila L, Jané-Salas E. Relationship of human papillomavirus with diseases of the oral cavity. Med Clin (Barc) 2019; 153:157-164. [PMID: 31109717 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2019.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has emerged as a new epidemic and become a health issue due to its involvement in several cancers affecting the cervix, the anogenital region and the oropharynx. In this review, we aim to understand and explain the distinctive features of HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma based on its epidemiological data, risk factors, specific topography, HPV subtypes most frequently involved, HPV-status diagnosis, clinical behaviour, prognosis, treatment, and preventive measures. In addition, the relationship of HPV with the development of other head and neck carcinomas and benign lesions of the oral cavity will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Boguñá
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Odontología, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
| | - Laia Capdevila
- Servicio de oncología médica, Xarxa Sanitària i Social de Santa Tecla, Tarragona, España
| | - Enric Jané-Salas
- Unidad Medicina Bucal, Departamento de Odontoestomatología, Facultad de de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Odontología, Universitat de Barcelona, Oral Health and Masticatory System Group, Institut d'Investigació Biomédica de Bellvitge (Idibell), l'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España.
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Kanazawa T, Misawa K, Shinmura K, Misawa Y, Kusaka G, Maruta M, Sasaki T, Watanabe Y, Carey TE. Promoter methylation of galanin receptors as epigenetic biomarkers for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2019; 19:137-148. [PMID: 30640567 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2019.1567334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While remarkable progress has been made in standard treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), the long-term survival remains at an unsatisfactory 40-50%. To improve the survival rate, biomarkers for optimal treatment selection and prognostic prediction, as well as novel, low-toxicity treatment strategies, are required. Galanin receptor (GALR) 1 and GALR2 are well-studied tumor suppressors in HNSCCs. Compared with other clinicopathological factors, the epigenetic variants of GALRs have been found to be the most powerful markers to predict the prognosis of HNSCC patients. Areas covered: This review outlines the functions and signaling pathways of GALRs and explains the potential of GALR promoter methylation as a biomarker for HNSCC prognosis. We also summarize recent developments in promoter methylation studies in HNSCC and indicate future directions for GALR promoter methylation studies. Expert commentary: GALR studies have highlighted two major aspects with implications in HNSCC - that G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) act as tumor suppressor genes and that GALR promoter methylation is significantly related to the carcinogenesis of HNSCC. The findings of GALR studies can be applied to studies on other GPCRs and further in-depth DNA methylation studies. Deeper insights into GPCR epigenetics are expected to markedly improve HNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeharu Kanazawa
- a Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , International University of Health and Welfare , Tokyo , Japan.,b Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , Jichi Medical University , Shimotsuke , Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Misawa
- c Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery , Hamamatsu University School of Medicine , Hamamatsu , Japan
| | - Kazuya Shinmura
- d Department of Tumor Pathology , Hamamatsu University School of Medicine , Hamamatsu , Japan
| | - Yuki Misawa
- c Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery , Hamamatsu University School of Medicine , Hamamatsu , Japan
| | - Gen Kusaka
- e Department of Neurosurgery , Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center , Saitama , Saitama , Japan
| | - Mikiko Maruta
- b Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , Jichi Medical University , Shimotsuke , Japan
| | - Toru Sasaki
- b Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , Jichi Medical University , Shimotsuke , Japan
| | - Yusuke Watanabe
- a Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , International University of Health and Welfare , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Thomas E Carey
- f Laboratory of Head and Neck Center Biology, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery , The University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
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Abstract
Since their discovery as the etiologic agents of cervical cancer in the mid-1970s, human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been linked with a growing number of epithelial-derived tumors, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. HPV demonstrates a particular predilection for causing tumors of the oropharynx, with the majority of cases involving infection with high-oncogenic risk HPV-16. People living with HIV are at increased risk of infection with HPV- and HPV-related oral complications even with adequate control of their HIV infection with antiretroviral therapy. In this chapter, we discuss the molecular mechanisms that underlie HPV-mediated oncogenesis in the oropharynx. We also describe the progress that has been made in understanding the epidemiology of oral HPV infection and the determinants of oral HPV-related pathology. Finally, we examine what can be done to treat and prevent oral HPV infection, benign lesions, and cancer, particularly in the context of the HIV-positive patient.
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de Carvalho AC, Melendez ME, da Silva Sabato C, Palmero EI, Arantes LMRB, Neto CS, Carvalho AL. Clinical and Molecular Characterization of Surgically Treated Oropharynx Squamous Cell Carcinoma Samples. Pathol Oncol Res 2018; 25:1047-1058. [PMID: 30099696 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-018-0462-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A better understanding of the clinical and molecular features of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) may help in the development of strategies for a better patient management, improving survival rates. This retrospective study conducted a clinical and molecular characterization of surgically treated OPSCC samples. Paraffin-embedded samples from a series of cases were screened for high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, methylation of a 5-gene panel, p53 expression, and TP53 mutation. The study was conducted at Barretos Cancer Hospital. Twenty-five surgically treated OPSCC with available tissue were included in the study. Samples were classified according to HPV status and molecular features and some of these characteristics were associated to clinical data. Twenty percent of the cases were HR-HPV positive and 62.5% presented TP53 mutations. DAPK hypermethylation was associated with HPV status (p = 0.023), while methylated CCNA1 was inversely related to TP53 mutations in primary tumors (p = 0.042) and associated with a better disease-free survival (22.3% vs. 100.0%; p = 0.028) and overall survival (8.0% vs. 100.0%; p = 0.012). The results show differences regarding molecular and clinical characteristics in the oropharynx cases identified that should be validated in more cases to confirm whether these differences are able to classify patients according to outcome and help in a more thorough patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina de Carvalho
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Vilela, 1331, Barretos, SP, 14784-400, Brazil.
| | - Matias Eliseo Melendez
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Vilela, 1331, Barretos, SP, 14784-400, Brazil
| | | | - Edenir Inez Palmero
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Vilela, 1331, Barretos, SP, 14784-400, Brazil
- Center of Molecular Diagnosis, Rua Antenor Duarte Vilela, 1331, Barretos, SP, 14784-400, Brazil
| | | | - Cristovam Scapulatempo Neto
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Vilela, 1331, Barretos, SP, 14784-400, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Vilela, 1331, Barretos, SP, 14784-400, Brazil
| | - André Lopes Carvalho
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Vilela, 1331, Barretos, SP, 14784-400, Brazil
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Vilela, 1331, Barretos, SP, 14784-400, Brazil
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Hearnden V, Powers HJ, Elmogassabi A, Lowe R, Murdoch C. Methyl-donor depletion of head and neck cancer cells in vitro establishes a less aggressive tumour cell phenotype. Eur J Nutr 2018; 57:1321-1332. [PMID: 28251343 PMCID: PMC5959985 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-017-1411-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE DNA methylation plays a fundamental role in the epigenetic control of carcinogenesis and is, in part, influenced by the availability of methyl donors obtained from the diet. In this study, we developed an in-vitro model to investigate whether methyl donor depletion affects the phenotype and gene expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells. METHODS HNSCC cell lines (UD-SCC2 and UPCI-SCC72) were cultured in medium deficient in methionine, folate, and choline or methyl donor complete medium. Cell doubling-time, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were analysed. The effects of methyl donor depletion on enzymes controlling DNA methylation and the pro-apoptotic factors death-associated protein kinase-1 (DAPK1) and p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) were examined by quantitative-PCR or immunoblotting. RESULTS HNSCC cells cultured in methyl donor deplete conditions showed significantly increased cell doubling times, reduced cell proliferation, impaired cell migration, and a dose-dependent increase in apoptosis when compared to cells cultured in complete medium. Methyl donor depletion significantly increased the gene expression of DNMT3a and TET-1, an effect that was reversed upon methyl donor repletion in UD-SCC2 cells. In addition, expression of DAPK1 and PUMA was increased in UD-SCC2 cells cultured in methyl donor deplete compared to complete medium, possibly explaining the observed increase in apoptosis in these cells. CONCLUSION Taken together, these data show that depleting HNSCC cells of methyl donors reduces the growth and mobility of HNSCC cells, while increasing rates of apoptosis, suggesting that a methyl donor depleted diet may significantly affect the growth of established HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Hearnden
- Human Nutrition Unit, Department of Oncology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TA, UK
| | - Hilary J Powers
- Human Nutrition Unit, Department of Oncology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Abeir Elmogassabi
- Human Nutrition Unit, Department of Oncology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Rosanna Lowe
- Human Nutrition Unit, Department of Oncology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Craig Murdoch
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TA, UK.
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Misawa K, Imai A, Mochizuki D, Mima M, Endo S, Misawa Y, Kanazawa T, Mineta H. Association of TET3 epigenetic inactivation with head and neck cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 9:24480-24493. [PMID: 29849955 PMCID: PMC5966249 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to clarify the epigenetic regulation of ten eleven translocation protein (TET) family genes, which can provide insights into the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and the risk of disease recurrence in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We generated methylation profiles of TET1, TET2 and TET3 genes in tumor samples obtained from 233 patients with HNSCC; these included 57 hypopharynx, 44 larynx, 69 oral cavity, and 63 oropharynx tumor samples. The mRNA expression and promoter DNA methylation of TET family genes were examined via quantitative RT-PCR and methylation-specific PCR, respectively. Promoter methylation was compared with various clinical characteristics and the TET methylation index (TE-MI). The TE-MI, representing the number of methylation events in TET family genes, was positively correlated with alcohol consumption (P = 0.004), high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) status (P = 0.004) and disease recurrence (P = 0.002). The simultaneous methylation analysis of TET family genes was correlated with reduced disease-free survival in unfavorable event groups (log-rank test, P = 0.026). In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, TET3 methylation in T1 and T2 tumor stages, oropharyngeal cancer, and oral cancer patients exhibited high association with poor survival (hazard ratio: 2.64, P = 0.014; 3.55, P = 0.048; 2.63, P = 0.028, respectively). A joint analysis of the tumor suppressor gene methylation index showed a significant trend toward a higher TE-MI. The methylation status of TET3 was independently associated with aggressive tumor behavior and a global effect on DNA methylation status in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Misawa
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Imai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Daiki Mochizuki
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masato Mima
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Shiori Endo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yuki Misawa
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takeharu Kanazawa
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Mineta
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
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Strzelczyk JK, Krakowczyk Ł, Owczarek AJ. Aberrant DNA methylation of the p16, APC, MGMT, TIMP3 and CDH1 gene promoters in tumours and the surgical margins of patients with oral cavity cancer. J Cancer 2018; 9:1896-1904. [PMID: 29896273 PMCID: PMC5995944 DOI: 10.7150/jca.24477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral cavity cancer is a type of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and contributes to significant morbidity and mortality each year. An epigenetic pathway of transcriptional inactivation for many genes has been described in various cancers, including HNSCC. For our study, we selected genes for which silencing caused by hypermethylation can promote cancer development. In 75 primary HNSCC tumours and paired surgical margins, we investigated the methylation status of the p16, APC, MGMT, TIMP3 and CDH1 gene promoters by methylation-specific PCR after bisulphite treatment. The promoter methylation rates of p16, APC, MGMT, TIMP3 and CDH1 in tumours were 58.67%, 49.33%, 58.67%, 50.67%, and 57.33% and 50.67%, 41.33%, 37.33%, 42.67%, and 25.33% in the surgical margin, respectively. Our observations confirm the presence of epigenetic changes not only in the cancer cells, but also in the surrounding mucosa and represent a basis for further analysis to unravel these complicated issues. Appropriate cancer risk assessment based on epigenetic alterations in surgical margins may influence a patient's diagnosis and cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Katarzyna Strzelczyk
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Jordana 19 Str., 41-808 Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Łukasz Krakowczyk
- Clinic of Oncological and Reconstructive Surgery, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeże Armii Krajowej 15 Str., 44-101 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Aleksander Jerzy Owczarek
- Department of Statistics, Department of Instrumental Analysis, School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine in Sosnowiec, Ostrogórska 30 Str., 41-200 Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Sosnowiec, Poland
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35
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Boscolo-Rizzo P, Furlan C, Lupato V, Polesel J, Fratta E. Novel insights into epigenetic drivers of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: role of HPV and lifestyle factors. Clin Epigenetics 2017; 9:124. [PMID: 29209433 PMCID: PMC5704592 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-017-0424-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last years, the explosion of high throughput sequencing technologies has enabled epigenome-wide analyses, allowing a more comprehensive overview of the oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) epigenetic landscape. In this setting, the cellular pathways contributing to the neoplastic phenotype, including cell cycle regulation, cell signaling, DNA repair, and apoptosis have been demonstrated to be potential targets of epigenetic alterations in OPSCC. Of note, it has becoming increasingly clear that HPV infection and OPSCC lifestyle risk factors differently drive the epigenetic machinery in cancer cells. Epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA expression, can be used as powerful and reliable tools for early diagnosis of OPSCC patients and improve prognostication. Since epigenetic changes are dynamic and reversible, epigenetic enzymes may also represent suitable targets for the development of more effective OPSCC therapeutic strategies. Thus, this review will focus on the main known epigenetic modifications that can occur in OPSCC and their exploitation as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we will address epigenetic alterations to OPSCC risk factors, with a particular focus on HPV infection, tobacco exposure, and heavy alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Boscolo-Rizzo
- Department of Neurosciences, ENT Clinic and Regional Center for Head and Neck Cancer, Treviso Regional Hospital, University of Padova, Treviso, Italy
| | - Carlo Furlan
- Division of Radiotherapy, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS-National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN Italy
| | - Valentina Lupato
- Unit of Otolaryngology, General Hospital “S. Maria degli Angeli”, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Jerry Polesel
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS-National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN Italy
| | - Elisabetta Fratta
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS-National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN Italy
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Lindsay CD, Kostiuk MA, Harris J, O'Connell DA, Seikaly H, Biron VL. Efficacy of EZH2 inhibitory drugs in human papillomavirus-positive and human papillomavirus-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. Clin Epigenetics 2017; 9:95. [PMID: 28878842 PMCID: PMC5586065 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-017-0390-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide with rates of HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) dramatically increasing. The overexpression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase responsible for the trimethylation at lysine 27 of histone 3 (H3K27me3), is associated with a poor clinical prognosis and aggressive HPV-positive phenotypes. Methods We utilized three EZH2 pathway inhibitors, GSK-343, DZNeP, and EPZ-5687, and tested their efficacy in two HPV-positive and two HPV-negative OPSCC cell lines. Results Treatment with GSK-343 decreased H3K27me3 in all cell lines and treatment with DZNeP decreased H3K27me3 in only HPV-negative cell lines as determined by Western blot. Cells treated with EPZ-5687 displayed no appreciable change in H3K27me3. Epigenetic effect on gene expression was measured via ddPCR utilizing 11 target probes. Cells treated with DZNeP showed the most dramatic expressional changes, with decreased EGFR in HPV-positive cell lines and an overall increase in proliferation markers in HPV-negative cell lines. GSK-343-treated cells displayed moderate expressional changes, with CCND1 increased in HPV-positive cell lines and decreased TP53 in HPV-negative SCC-1. EPZ-5687-treated cell lines displayed few expressional changes overall. Only DZNeP-treated cells displayed anti-proliferative characteristics shown in wound-healing assays. Conclusions Our findings suggest that EZH2 inhibitors are a viable therapeutic option for the role of epigenetic effect, potentially sensitizing tumors to current chemotherapies or limiting cell differentiation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13148-017-0390-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morris A Kostiuk
- Alberta Head and Neck Centre for Oncology and Reconstruction, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - Jeff Harris
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada.,Alberta Head and Neck Centre for Oncology and Reconstruction, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - Daniel A O'Connell
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada.,Alberta Head and Neck Centre for Oncology and Reconstruction, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - Hadi Seikaly
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada.,Alberta Head and Neck Centre for Oncology and Reconstruction, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - Vincent L Biron
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada.,Alberta Head and Neck Centre for Oncology and Reconstruction, Edmonton, AB Canada.,Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
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37
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Frequent promoter hypermethylation associated with human papillomavirus infection in pharyngeal cancer. Cancer Lett 2017; 407:21-31. [PMID: 28823962 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) incidence has increased dramatically due to human papillomavirus (HPV); however, associated epigenetic alterations are not well studied. We performed genome-wide DNA methylation analysis using an Infinium 450k BeadArray for clinical OPSCC and non-cancerous samples and cancer cell lines with/without 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and/or trichostatin A treatment. Frequent promoter hypermethylation and methylation-associated silencing were detected in 144 genes, which included those involved in cell-cell signaling and neuron differentiation. The methylation of nine genes (GHSR, ITGA4, RXRG, UTF1, CDH8, FAN19A4, CTNNA2, NEFH, and CASR) was quantitatively validated in 70 pharyngeal SCC cases by pyrosequencing. Hypermethylation significantly correlated with HPV-L1 positivity, but not with age or smoking status. p16INK4A was generally activated in HPV-L1(+) tumors, and p16-positive cases significantly associated with better prognosis. RXRG hypermethylation strongly correlated with positivity of HPV-L1 and p16 (P = 3 × 10-5 and P = 5 × 10-4, respectively). RXRG-methylation(+) significantly associated with better prognosis when analyzing all tumor cases (P = 0.04), and when analyzing the p16-negative poorer-outcome group (P = 0.03). Thus, aberrant DNA methylation might be involved in HPV-associated OPSCC; in addition, DNA methylation could serve as a marker to classify subgroups based on outcome.
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Gameiro SF, Kolendowski B, Zhang A, Barrett JW, Nichols AC, Torchia J, Mymryk JS. Human papillomavirus dysregulates the cellular apparatus controlling the methylation status of H3K27 in different human cancers to consistently alter gene expression regardless of tissue of origin. Oncotarget 2017; 8:72564-72576. [PMID: 29069809 PMCID: PMC5641152 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) cause cancer at multiple distinct anatomical locations. Regardless of the tissue of origin, most HPV positive (HPV+) cancers show highly upregulated expression of the p16 product of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) gene. Paradoxically, HPV+ tumor cells require continuous expression of this tumor suppressor for survival. Thus, restoration of normal p16 regulation has potential therapeutic value against HPV induced cancers. Normally, p16 transcription is tightly controlled at the epigenetic level via polycomb repressive complex-mediated tri-methylation of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3). Although a mechanism by which HPV induces p16 has been proposed based on tissue culture models, it has not been extensively validated in human tumors. In this study, we used data from over 800 human cervical and head and neck tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to test this model. We determined the impact of HPV status on expression from the CDKN2A locus, the adjacent CDKN2B locus, and transcript levels of key epigenetic regulators of these loci. As expected, HPV+ tumors from both anatomical sites exhibited high levels of p16. Furthermore, HPV+ tumors expressed higher levels of KDM6A, which demethylates H3K27me3. CpG methylation of the CDKN2A locus was also consistently altered in HPV+ tumors. This data validates previous tissue culture studies and identifies remarkable similarities between the effects of HPV on gene expression and DNA methylation in both cervical and oral tumors in large human cohorts. Furthermore, these results support a model whereby HPV-mediated dysregulation of CDKN2A transcription requires KDM6A, a potentially druggable target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F Gameiro
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Bart Kolendowski
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Ali Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - John W Barrett
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Anthony C Nichols
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada.,Department of Oncology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada.,London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Joe Torchia
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada.,Department of Oncology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada.,London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Joe S Mymryk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada.,Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada.,Department of Oncology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada.,London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
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Yan L, Mingxin C, Jiashun W, Xiaolei G, Xinhua L. [Analysis of the current status of research on human papillomavirus-associated head and neck cancers based on recent Chinese literature]. HUA XI KOU QIANG YI XUE ZA ZHI = HUAXI KOUQIANG YIXUE ZAZHI = WEST CHINA JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY 2017; 35:301-310. [PMID: 28675017 PMCID: PMC7030435 DOI: 10.7518/hxkq.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the current status of research on human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck cancers in China using national and international references. METHODS We searched for bibliographies in the electronic databases of Sichuan University, including Chinese Biological and Medical Database (CBM), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and Wanfang Journal Database. Then, data was selected and extracted to analyze the basic characteristics of HPV-related head and neck cancers, the general prevalence of HPV, and the effects of various clinic pathological indicators on HPV patients. RESULTS The general prevalence of HPV was 34.05% among civil patients with head and neck cancers. Our analysis of different clinical and pathological indices that affect HPV-associated oral squamous cell carcinomas revealed that non-smoking and non-drinking groups had higher HPV infection rates compared with smoking (P=0.002) and drinking (P<
0.005) groups. In addition, N2-N3 stage patients had higher detectable rates than N0-N1 stage patients (P=0.027). CONCLUSIONS The majority of civil research studies on HPV-associated head and neck cancers are concentrated on clinical studies. Thus, the molecular neuropathology and signaling pathway of HPV should be further explored in the future to advance prognostic methods. Moreover, the perspective view of therapeutic vaccines and molecular-targeting treatments should receive close attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Cao Mingxin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wu Jiashun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Gao Xiaolei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liang Xinhua
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Furlan C, Polesel J, Barzan L, Franchin G, Sulfaro S, Romeo S, Colizzi F, Rizzo A, Baggio V, Giacomarra V, Dei Tos AP, Boscolo-Rizzo P, Vaccher E, Dolcetti R, Sigalotti L, Fratta E. Prognostic significance of LINE-1 hypomethylation in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Clin Epigenetics 2017; 9:58. [PMID: 28572862 PMCID: PMC5450111 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-017-0357-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Inclusion of new biomarkers to improve a personalized treatment approach for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is urgently needed. Hypomethylation of the Long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (LINE-1) repetitive elements, a widely accepted surrogate of overall genomic DNA methylation content, was found to be associated with a poor prognosis in several cancers. At present, no studies have investigated the influence of LINE-1 methylation levels on OPSCC relapse. The main goal of this study was the evaluation of the prognostic value of LINE-1 methylation status in predicting early tumor relapse in locally advanced OPSCC. Methods We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 77 patients with stage III–IVB OPSCC. Methylation of LINE-1 repetitive sequences was evaluated by real-time quantitative methylation-specific PCR in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. The prognostic relevance of LINE-1 methylation was assessed by comparing patients who relapsed within 2 years from the end of treatment (cases) with those who did not (controls). Results were validated in an independent cohort of 33 patients with OPSCC. Results With respect to early OPSCC relapse, the mean LINE-1 methylation level was significantly lower in relapsed cases than in control group (p < 0.01). Interestingly, LINE-1 methylation was lower in relapsed cases than in controls in both HPV16-negative and HPV16-positive OPSCC patients, even if statistical significance was reached only for the former group (p = 0.01). LINE-1 methylation levels were also significantly reduced in relapsed cases with respect to the controls in OPSCC current smokers (p = 0.02). Consistently, in HPV16-negative current smokers, OPSCC relapse was significantly associated with decreased levels of LINE-1 methylation (p = 0.02). Using logistic regression model, we found that patients with hypomethylated LINE-1 were associated with a 3.5 higher risk of early relapse than hypermethylated ones (OR = 3.51; 95% CI 1.03–12.00). Adjustment for potential confounders did not substantially change the risk magnitude. Results from the validation cohort confirmed the lower LINE-1 methylation in patients who early relapsed compared to relapse-free patients. Conclusions LINE-1 hypomethylation is associated with higher risk of early relapse in stage III–IVB OPSCC. Further validation in a prospective study is needed for its application in daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Furlan
- Division of Radiotherapy, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS-National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN Italy
| | - Jerry Polesel
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS-National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN Italy
| | - Luigi Barzan
- Department of Surgery, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS-National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN Italy
| | - Giovanni Franchin
- Division of Radiotherapy, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS-National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN Italy
| | - Sandro Sulfaro
- Division of Pathology, General Hospital "S. Maria degli Angeli", Pordenone, Italy
| | - Salvatore Romeo
- Department of Pathology, San Donà di Piave Hospital, San Donà di Piave, Italy
| | - Francesca Colizzi
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS-National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN Italy
| | - Aurora Rizzo
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS-National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN Italy
| | - Vittorio Baggio
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Treviso Regional Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | - Vittorio Giacomarra
- Unit of Otolaryngology, General Hospital "S. Maria degli Angeli", Pordenone, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Boscolo-Rizzo
- Department of Neurosciences, ENT Clinic and Regional Center for Head and Neck Cancer, Treviso Regional Hospital, University of Padua, Treviso, Italy
| | - Emanuela Vaccher
- Division of Medical Oncology A, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS-National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN Italy
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS-National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN Italy.,Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Luca Sigalotti
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS-National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN Italy.,Institute of Clinical Pathology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Fratta
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS-National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN Italy
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41
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Degli Esposti D, Sklias A, Lima SC, Beghelli-de la Forest Divonne S, Cahais V, Fernandez-Jimenez N, Cros MP, Ecsedi S, Cuenin C, Bouaoun L, Byrnes G, Accardi R, Sudaka A, Giordanengo V, Hernandez-Vargas H, Pinto LFR, Van Obberghen-Schilling E, Herceg Z. Unique DNA methylation signature in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Genome Med 2017; 9:33. [PMID: 28381277 PMCID: PMC5382363 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-017-0419-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) represent a heterogeneous group of cancers for which human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is an emerging risk factor. Previous studies showed promoter hypermethylation in HPV(+) oropharyngeal cancers, but only few consistent target genes have been so far described, and the evidence of a functional impact on gene expression is still limited. METHODS We performed global and stratified pooled analyses of epigenome-wide data in HNSCCs based on the Illumina HumanMethylation450 bead-array data in order to identify tissue-specific components and common viral epigenetic targets in HPV-associated tumours. RESULTS We identified novel differentially methylated CpGs and regions associated with viral infection that are independent of the anatomic site. In particular, most hypomethylated regions were characterized by a marked loss of CpG island boundaries, which showed significant correlations with expression of neighbouring genes. Moreover, a subset of only five CpGs in a few hypomethylated regions predicted HPV status with a high level of specificity in different cohorts. Finally, this signature was a better predictor of survival compared with HPV status determined by viral gene expression by RNA sequencing in The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. CONCLUSIONS We identified a novel epigenetic signature of HPV infection in HNSCCs which is independent of the anatomic site, is functionally correlated with gene expression and may be leveraged for improved stratification of prognosis in HNSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Degli Esposti
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - Athena Sklias
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Sheila C Lima
- Instituto Nacional de Cancer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Vincent Cahais
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Nora Fernandez-Jimenez
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Cros
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Szilvia Ecsedi
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69008, Lyon, France
- MTA-DE Public Health Research Group, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Cyrille Cuenin
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Liacine Bouaoun
- Environment Section, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Graham Byrnes
- Environment Section, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Rosita Accardi
- Infection Cancer Biology Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Anne Sudaka
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06100, Nice, France
- Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, 06189, France
| | - Valérie Giordanengo
- Université Côte d'Azur, Laboratoire de Virologie, CHU Nice-Archet, 06202, Nice, France
| | - Hector Hernandez-Vargas
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69008, Lyon, France
| | | | - Ellen Van Obberghen-Schilling
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06100, Nice, France.
- Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, 06189, France.
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69008, Lyon, France.
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42
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Lindsay C, Seikaly H, Biron VL. Epigenetics of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: opportunities for novel chemotherapeutic targets. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017; 46:9. [PMID: 28143553 PMCID: PMC5282807 DOI: 10.1186/s40463-017-0185-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are heritable changes in gene expression that do not directly alter DNA sequence. These modifications include DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, small and non-coding RNAs. Alterations in epigenetic profiles cause deregulation of fundamental gene expression pathways associated with carcinogenesis. The role of epigenetics in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has recently been recognized, with implications for novel biomarkers, molecular diagnostics and chemotherapeutics. In this review, important epigenetic pathways in human papillomavirus (HPV) positive and negative OPSCC are summarized, as well as the potential clinical utility of this knowledge.This material has never been published and is not currently under evaluation in any other peer-reviewed publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Lindsay
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, 1E4.34 WMC, 8440 112 Street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Hadi Seikaly
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, 1E4.34 WMC, 8440 112 Street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Vincent L Biron
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, 1E4.34 WMC, 8440 112 Street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada.
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43
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Hess J. Predictive Factors for Outcome and Quality of Life in HPV-Positive and HPV-Negative HNSCC. Recent Results Cancer Res 2017; 206:233-242. [PMID: 27699543 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-43580-0_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Infection with high-risk types of the human papilloma virus (HPV) is an etiological risk factor for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and associated with a better response to therapy and improved survival. A better understanding of the molecular principles underlying the differences in clinical behavior could pave the way to establish more effective and less toxic therapy for HPV-positive OPSCC and their HPV-negative counterparts. Compelling experimental evidence demonstrates that extensive global reprogramming of epigenetic profiles is as important as genetic mutations during neoplastic transformation and malignant progression, including HPV-positive OPSCC. In this chapter, the current knowledge on HPV-related alterations in DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromosome remodeling will be summarized and assessment of cancer-related profiles will be discussed as a valuable tool to gain important diagnostic or prognostic information for therapeutic decision-making and clinical management of HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Hess
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital and Research Group Molecular Mechanisms of Head and Neck Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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Ipenburg NA, Koole K, Liem KS, van Kempen PMW, Koole R, van Diest PJ, van Es RJJ, Willems SM. Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Family Members as Prognostic Biomarkers in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review. Target Oncol 2016; 11:17-27. [PMID: 26115874 PMCID: PMC4759209 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-015-0374-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since head and neck cancer is characterized by poor survival rates, there is a demand for novel therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers. An upcoming therapeutic target is the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) family. However, their prognostic role in head and neck cancer remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To systematically review current evidence on the prognostic value of FGFR family members in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed for publications up to 14 May 2014. Two reviewers screened all articles and included prognostic studies on the molecular biomarkers FGFR1-5 in any type of HNSCC. Relevant studies were assessed on risk of bias using the Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool. Data on FGFR aberrations and survival outcome were extracted from relevant studies. The prognostic value of FGFR aberrations was compared among studies. RESULTS The initial search yielded 1568 publications of which 12 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Four studies reported FGFR1 gene amplification (9.3-17.4 %) and FGFR1 protein overexpression (11.8 %) in HNSCC. FGFR1 protein expression by cancer-associated fibroblasts correlated with poor survival outcome in one study (p < 0.01). Eight studies reported high rates of FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphisms (32.5-54.2 %) and FGFR4 protein overexpression (16-35 %), with varying correlations with survival. So far, no studies assessed the prognostic role of FGFR2, FGFR3, or FGFR5 in HNSCC. LIMITATIONS Significant risk of bias has been identified among included studies. Therefore, cautious interpretation of the results is recommended. CONCLUSION In conclusion, evidence was found for prognostic value of FGFR1 expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts in HNSCC. Prognostic evidence on the other FGFR family members in HNSCC is limited and conflicting. This emphasizes the need for future well-conducted prognostic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbertus A Ipenburg
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO box 885500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Koos Koole
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO box 885500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - K Seng Liem
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO box 885500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Pauline M W van Kempen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO box 885500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Ron Koole
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO box 885500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Paul J van Diest
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO box 885500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Robert J J van Es
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO box 885500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Stefan M Willems
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO box 885500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Netherlands Cancer Institute, PO box 90203, 1006 BE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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45
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Investigation of EZH2 pathways for novel epigenetic treatment strategies in oropharyngeal cancer. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2016; 45:54. [PMID: 27793210 PMCID: PMC5084374 DOI: 10.1186/s40463-016-0168-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In recent decades, the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has been rising worldwide as a result of increasing oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in the oropharynx. EZH2 is an epigenetic regulatory protein associated with tumor aggressiveness and negative survival outcomes in several human cancers. We aimed to determine the role of EZH2 as a potential therapeutic epigenetic target in HPV-positive and negative OPSCC. Methods The expression of EZH2 was measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in 2 HPV-positive and 2 HPV-negative cell lines. The cell lines were then cultured and treated with one of 3 EZH2 epigenetic inhibitors (3-deazaneplanocin A, GSK-343 and EPZ005687) or DMSO (control). Following 2, 4 and 7 days of treatment, cells were analyzed and compared by gene expression, cell survival and proliferation assays. Results EZH2 targeting resulted in greater inhibition of growth and survival in HPV-positive compared to HPV-negative cells lines. The expression profile of genes important in OPSCC also differed according to HPV-positivity for Ki67, CCND1, MET and PTEN/PIK3CA, but remained unchanged for EGFR, CDKN2A and p53. Conclusion Inhibition of EZH2 has anti-tumorigenic effects on OPSCC cells in culture that is more pronounced in HPV-positive cell lines. EZH2 is a promising epigenetic target for the treatment of OPSCC.
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46
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Durzynska J, Lesniewicz K, Poreba E. Human papillomaviruses in epigenetic regulations. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2016; 772:36-50. [PMID: 28528689 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) are double-stranded DNA viruses, that infect epithelial cells and are etiologically involved in the development of human cancer. Today, over 200 types of human papillomaviruses are known. They are divided into low-risk and high-risk HPVs depending on their potential to induce carcinogenesis, driven by two major viral oncoproteins, E6 and E7. By interacting with cellular partners, these proteins are involved in interdependent viral and cell cycles in stratified differentiating epithelium, and concomitantly induce epigenetic changes in infected cells and those undergoing malignant transformation. E6 and E7 oncoproteins interact with and/or modulate expression of many proteins involved in epigenetic regulation, including DNA methyltransferases, histone-modifying enzymes and subunits of chromatin remodeling complexes, thereby influencing host cell transcription program. Furthermore, HPV oncoproteins modulate expression of cellular micro RNAs. Most of these epigenetic actions in a complex dynamic interplay participate in the maintenance of persistent infection, cell transformation, and development of invasive cancer by a considerable deregulation of tumor suppressor and oncogenes. In this study, we have undertaken to discuss a number of studies concerning epigenetic regulations in HPV-dependent cells and to focus on those that have biological relevance to cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Durzynska
- Department of Molecular Virology, Institute of Experimental Biology, A. Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Lesniewicz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Poreba
- Department of Molecular Virology, Institute of Experimental Biology, A. Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
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47
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van Kempen PMW, Noorlag R, Swartz JE, Bovenschen N, Braunius WW, Vermeulen JF, Van Cann EM, Grolman W, Willems SM. Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas differentially express granzyme inhibitors. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 65:575-85. [PMID: 26993499 PMCID: PMC4840222 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-016-1819-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) have an improved prognosis compared to HPV-negative OPSCCs. Several theories have been proposed to explain this relatively good prognosis. One hypothesis is a difference in immune response. In this study, we compared tumor-infiltrating CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T-cells, and granzyme inhibitors (SERPINB1, SERPINB4, and SERPINB9) between HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors and the relation with survival. Methods Protein expression of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) (CD3, CD4, and CD8) and granzyme inhibitors was analyzed in 262 OPSCCs by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Most patients (67 %) received primary radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. Cox regression analysis was carried out to compare overall survival (OS) of patients with low and high TIL infiltration and expression of granzyme inhibitors. Results HPV-positive OPSCCs were significantly more heavily infiltrated by TILs (p < 0.001) compared to HPV-negative OPSCCs. A high level of CD3+ TILs was correlated with a favorable outcome in the total cohort and in HPV-positive OPSCCs, while it reached no significance in HPV-negative OPSCCs. There was expression of all three granzyme inhibitors in OPSCCs. No differences in expression were found between HPV-positive and HPV-negative OPSCCs. Within the group of HPV-positive tumors, a high expression of SERPINB1 was associated with a significantly worse overall survival. Conclusion HPV-positive OPSCCs with a low count of CD3+ TILs or high expression of SERPINB1 have a worse OS, comparable with HPV-negative OPSCCs. This suggests that the immune system plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of the virally induced oropharynx tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline M W van Kempen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Rob Noorlag
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Justin E Swartz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Weibel W Braunius
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Cancer Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen F Vermeulen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen M Van Cann
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Cancer Center University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wilko Grolman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan M Willems
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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48
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Biron VL, Kostiuk M, Isaac A, Puttagunta L, O'Connell DA, Harris J, Côté DWJ, Seikaly H. Detection of human papillomavirus type 16 in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction. Cancer 2016; 122:1544-51. [PMID: 26989832 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.29976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma caused by oncogenic HPV (HPV-OPSCC) is rising worldwide. HPV-OPSCC is commonly diagnosed by RT-qPCR of HPV-16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins or by cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A, multiple tumor suppressor 1 (p16) immunohistochemistry (IHC). Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) has been recently reported as ultra-sensitive and highly precise method of nucleic acid quantification for biomarker analysis. We aimed to validate this method for the detection of HPV-16 E6 and E7 in HPV-OPSCC. METHODS Participants were recruited from January 2015-November 2015 at initial presentation to the University of Alberta Head and Neck Oncology Clinic. RNA was extracted, purified and quantified from prospectively collected participant tissues, and ddPCR was performed with fluorescent probes detecting HPV-16 E6 and E7. Results from ddPCR were compared with p16 IHC performed by clinical pathology as standard of care. RESULTS Head and neck tissues were prospectively obtained from 68 participants including 29 patients with OPSCC, 29 patients with non-OPSCC and 10 patients without carcinoma. 79.2% of patients with OPSCC were p16 positive. The sensitivity and specificity of ddPCR HPV E6/E7 compared with p16 IHC in OPSCC was 91.3 and 100%, respectively. The amount of target RNA used was ≤1 ng, 20-50 times lower than reported by other for RT-qPCR HPV E6/E7. CONCLUSIONS The ddPCR of HPV E6/E7 is a novel and highly specific method of detecting HPV-16 in OPSCC. Cancer 2016;122:1544-51. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent L Biron
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Morris Kostiuk
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andre Isaac
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lakshmi Puttagunta
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Daniel A O'Connell
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Harris
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - David W J Côté
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hadi Seikaly
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Lim Y, Sun CX, Tran P, Punyadeera C. Salivary epigenetic biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Biomark Med 2016; 10:301-13. [DOI: 10.2217/bmm.16.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The early detection of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) continues to be a challenge to the clinician. Saliva as a diagnostic medium carries significant advantages including its close proximity to the region of interest, ease of collection and noninvasive nature. While the identification of biomarkers continues to carry significant diagnostic and prognostic utility in HNSCC, epigenetic alterations present a novel opportunity to serve this purpose. With the developments of novel and innovative technologies, epigenetic alterations are now emerging as attractive candidates in HNSCC. As such, this review will focus on two commonly aberrant epigenetic alterations: DNA methylation and microRNA expression in HNSCC and their potential clinical utility. Identification and validation of these salivary epigenetic biomarkers would not only enable early diagnosis but will also facilitate in the clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yenkai Lim
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovations, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Charles Xiaohang Sun
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovations, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, 288 Herston Rd, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Peter Tran
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovations, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, 288 Herston Rd, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Chamindie Punyadeera
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovations, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
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Lechner M, Fenton TR. The Genomics, Epigenomics, and Transcriptomics of HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer--Understanding the Basis of a Rapidly Evolving Disease. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2016; 93:1-56. [PMID: 26915269 DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been shown to represent a major independent risk factor for head and neck squamous cell cancer, in particular for oropharyngeal carcinoma. This type of cancer is rapidly evolving in the Western world, with rising trends particularly in the young, and represents a distinct epidemiological, clinical, and molecular entity. It is the aim of this review to give a detailed description of genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and posttranscriptional changes that underlie the phenotype of this deadly disease. The review will also link these changes and examine what is known about the interactions between the host genome and viral genome, and investigate changes specific for the viral genome. These data are then integrated into an updated model of HPV-induced head and neck carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lechner
- Head and Neck Centre, University College London Hospital, London, UK; UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - T R Fenton
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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