1
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Stanton BZ, Pomella S. Epigenetic determinants of fusion-driven sarcomas: paradigms and challenges. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1416946. [PMID: 38946804 PMCID: PMC11211607 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1416946] [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: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
We describe exciting recent advances in fusion-driven sarcoma etiology, from an epigenetics perspective. By exploring the current state of the field, we identify and describe the central mechanisms that determine sarcomagenesis. Further, we discuss seminal studies in translational genomics, which enabled epigenetic characterization of fusion-driven sarcomas. Important context for epigenetic mechanisms include, but are not limited to, cell cycle and metabolism, core regulatory circuitry, 3-dimensional chromatin architectural dysregulation, integration with ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling, and translational animal modeling. Paradoxically, while the genetic requirements for oncogenic transformation are highly specific for the fusion partners, the epigenetic mechanisms we as a community have uncovered are categorically very broad. This dichotomy prompts the question of whether the investigation of rare disease epigenomics should prioritize studying individual cell populations, thereby examining whether the mechanisms of chromatin dysregulation are specific to a particular tumor. We review recent advances focusing on rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, alveolar soft part sarcoma, clear cell sarcoma, undifferentiated round cell sarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, myxoid/round liposarcoma, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma and desmoplastic round cell tumor. The growing number of groundbreaking discoveries in the field, motivated us to anticipate further exciting advances in the area of mechanistic epigenomics and direct targeting of fusion transcription factors in the years ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Z. Stanton
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Silvia Pomella
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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2
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Kiang KM, Ahad L, Zhong X, Lu QR. Biomolecular condensates: hubs of Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling in cancer. Trends Cell Biol 2024:S0962-8924(24)00096-5. [PMID: 38806345 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates, the membraneless cellular compartments formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), represent an important mechanism for physiological and tumorigenic processes. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of how these condensates formed in the cytoplasm or nucleus regulate Hippo signaling, a central player in organogenesis and tumorigenesis. Here, we review recent findings on the dynamic formation and function of biomolecular condensates in regulating the Hippo-yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcription coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) signaling pathway under physiological and pathological processes. We further discuss how the nuclear condensates of YAP- or TAZ-fusion oncoproteins compartmentalize crucial transcriptional co-activators and alter chromatin architecture to promote oncogenic programs. Finally, we highlight key questions regarding how these findings may pave the way for novel therapeutics to target cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karrie M Kiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Leena Ahad
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Xiaowen Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Q Richard Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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3
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Guo S, Hu X, Cotton JL, Ma L, Li Q, Cui J, Wang Y, Thakare RP, Tao Z, Ip YT, Wu X, Wang J, Mao J. VGLL2 and TEAD1 fusion proteins drive YAP/TAZ-independent transcription and tumorigenesis by engaging p300. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.01.592016. [PMID: 38746415 PMCID: PMC11092657 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.01.592016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Studies on Hippo pathway regulation of tumorigenesis largely center on YAP and TAZ, the transcriptional co-regulators of TEAD. Here, we present an oncogenic mechanism involving VGLL and TEAD fusions that is Hippo pathway-related but YAP/TAZ-independent. We characterize two recurrent fusions, VGLL2-NCOA2 and TEAD1-NCOA2, recently identified in spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma. We demonstrate that, in contrast to VGLL2 and TEAD1, the fusion proteins are strong activators of TEAD-dependent transcription, and their function does not require YAP/TAZ. Furthermore, we identify that VGLL2 and TEAD1 fusions engage specific epigenetic regulation by recruiting histone acetyltransferase p300 to control TEAD-mediated transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes. We showed that small molecule p300 inhibition can suppress fusion proteins-induced oncogenic transformation both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our study reveals a molecular basis for VGLL involvement in cancer and provides a framework for targeting tumors carrying VGLL, TEAD, or NCOA translocations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susu Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Xiaodi Hu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Cotton
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Lifang Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jiangtao Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Ritesh P. Thakare
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Zhipeng Tao
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Y. Tony Ip
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Xu Wu
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jiayi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Junhao Mao
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
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4
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Tsuchihashi K, Baba E. Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma-its history, clinical features, molecular biology and current therapy. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2024:hyae037. [PMID: 38555494 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyae037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a remarkably rare tumor arising from endothelial cells that is classified as a vascular tumor in the WHO classification. The tumor is predominantly characterized by the presence of fusion genes, such as WWTR1-CAMTA1 or YAP1-TFE3, with a minority of cases exhibiting other rare fusion genes. EHE exhibits a broad age of onset, typically presenting at ~50 years, but it is not uncommon in pediatric populations. It manifests in a variety of organs, including the liver, lung, soft tissue and bone. Initial multiple-organ involvement is also observed. The tumor's biological behavior and prognosis vary substantially based on the primary site of manifestation. From a therapeutic perspective, initial active surveillance might be considered in selected cases, although surgical intervention remains the mainstay of treatment, especially for localized single-organ involvement. Chemotherapy is administered to patients with progressive unresectable tumors. Recent advances in the biological analysis of EHE fusion genes have elucidated their diverse functions. Additionally, next-generation sequencing has facilitated the identification of other mutations beyond the fusion genes. These continuous efforts to understand the biology of the fusion genes themselves and/or the dysregulated signaling by fusion genes are expected to lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for EHE. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of EHE, encompassing its historical context, clinical manifestations, molecular biology and the current state of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Tsuchihashi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Eishi Baba
- Department of Oncology and Social Medicine, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, Japan
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5
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Wachtel M, Surdez D, Grünewald TGP, Schäfer BW. Functional Classification of Fusion Proteins in Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1355. [PMID: 38611033 PMCID: PMC11010897 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas comprise a heterogeneous group of malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin. More than 80 entities are associated with different mesenchymal lineages. Sarcomas with fibroblastic, muscle, bone, vascular, adipocytic, and other characteristics are distinguished. Nearly half of all entities contain specific chromosomal translocations that give rise to fusion proteins. These are mostly pathognomonic, and their detection by various molecular techniques supports histopathologic classification. Moreover, the fusion proteins act as oncogenic drivers, and their blockade represents a promising therapeutic approach. This review summarizes the current knowledge on fusion proteins in sarcoma. We categorize the different fusion proteins into functional classes, including kinases, epigenetic regulators, and transcription factors, and describe their mechanisms of action. Interestingly, while fusion proteins acting as transcription factors are found in all mesenchymal lineages, the others have a more restricted pattern. Most kinase-driven sarcomas belong to the fibroblastic/myofibroblastic lineage. Fusion proteins with an epigenetic function are mainly associated with sarcomas of unclear differentiation, suggesting that epigenetic dysregulation leads to a major change in cell identity. Comparison of mechanisms of action reveals recurrent functional modes, including antagonism of Polycomb activity by fusion proteins with epigenetic activity and recruitment of histone acetyltransferases by fusion transcription factors of the myogenic lineage. Finally, based on their biology, we describe potential approaches to block the activity of fusion proteins for therapeutic intervention. Overall, our work highlights differences as well as similarities in the biology of fusion proteins from different sarcomas and provides the basis for a functional classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Wachtel
- Department of Oncology and Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 75, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Didier Surdez
- Balgrist University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas G. P. Grünewald
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Hopp-Children’s Cancer Center (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a Partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beat W. Schäfer
- Department of Oncology and Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 75, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland
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6
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Kumar R, Hong W. Hippo Signaling at the Hallmarks of Cancer and Drug Resistance. Cells 2024; 13:564. [PMID: 38607003 PMCID: PMC11011035 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Originally identified in Drosophila melanogaster in 1995, the Hippo signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in organ size control and tumor suppression by inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis. Large tumor suppressors 1 and 2 (LATS1/2) directly phosphorylate the Yki orthologs YAP (yes-associated protein) and its paralog TAZ (also known as WW domain-containing transcription regulator 1 [WWTR1]), thereby inhibiting their nuclear localization and pairing with transcriptional coactivators TEAD1-4. Earnest efforts from many research laboratories have established the role of mis-regulated Hippo signaling in tumorigenesis, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), oncogenic stemness, and, more recently, development of drug resistances. Hippo signaling components at the heart of oncogenic adaptations fuel the development of drug resistance in many cancers for targeted therapies including KRAS and EGFR mutants. The first U.S. food and drug administration (US FDA) approval of the imatinib tyrosine kinase inhibitor in 2001 paved the way for nearly 100 small-molecule anti-cancer drugs approved by the US FDA and the national medical products administration (NMPA). However, the low response rate and development of drug resistance have posed a major hurdle to improving the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of cancer patients. Accumulating evidence has enabled scientists and clinicians to strategize the therapeutic approaches of targeting cancer cells and to navigate the development of drug resistance through the continuous monitoring of tumor evolution and oncogenic adaptations. In this review, we highlight the emerging aspects of Hippo signaling in cross-talk with other oncogenic drivers and how this information can be translated into combination therapy to target a broad range of aggressive tumors and the development of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Kumar
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology, and Research), Singapore 138673, Singapore;
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7
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Li S, Dermawan JK, Seavey CN, Ma S, Antonescu CR, Rubin BP. Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) with WWTR1::TFE3 gene fusion, a novel fusion variant. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2024; 63:e23226. [PMID: 38380774 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare endothelial sarcoma associated with a high incidence of metastases and for which there are no standard treatment options. Based on disease-defining mutations, most EHEs are classified into two subtypes: WWTR1::CAMTA1-fused EHE or YAP1::TFE3-fused EHE. However, rare non-canonical fusions have been identified in clinical samples of EHE cases and are challenging to classify. In this study, we report the identification of a novel WWTR1::TFE3 fusion variant in an EHE patient using targeted RNA sequencing. Histologically, the tumor exhibited hybrid morphological characteristics between WWTR1::CAMTA1-fused EHE and YAP1::TFE3-fused EHE. In addition to the driver fusion, there were six additional secondary mutations identified, including a loss-of-function FANCA mutation. Furthermore, in vitro studies were conducted to investigate the tumorigenic function of the WWTR1::TFE3 fusion protein in NIH3T3 cells and demonstrated that WWTR1::TFE3 promotes colony formation in soft agar. Finally, as the wild-type WWTR1 protein relies on binding the TEAD family of transcription factors to affect gene transcription, mutation of the WWTR1 domain of the fusion protein to inhibit such binding abrogates the transformative effect of WWTR1::TFE3. Overall, we describe a novel gene fusion in EHE with a hybrid histological appearance between the two major genetic subtypes of EHE. Further cases of this very rare subtype of EHE will need to be identified to fully elucidate the clinical and pathological characteristics of this unusual subtype of EHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Li
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Josephine K Dermawan
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Caleb N Seavey
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, PRISM Program, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Shuang Ma
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Cristina R Antonescu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brian P Rubin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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8
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Kobayashi S, Cox AG, Harvey KF, Hogan BM. Vasculature is getting Hip(po): Hippo signaling in vascular development and disease. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2627-2640. [PMID: 38052179 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway regulates developmental organ growth, regeneration, and cell fate decisions. Although the role of the Hippo pathway, and its transcriptional effectors YAP and TAZ, has been well documented in many cell types and species, only recently have the roles for this pathway come to light in vascular development and disease. Experiments in mice, zebrafish, and in vitro have uncovered roles for the Hippo pathway, YAP, and TAZ in vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. In addition, the Hippo pathway has been implicated in vascular cancers and cardiovascular diseases, thus identifying it as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of these conditions. However, despite recent advances, Hippo's role in the vasculature is still underappreciated compared with its role in epithelial tissues. In this review, we appraise our current understanding of the Hippo pathway in blood and lymphatic vessel development and highlight the current knowledge gaps and opportunities for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakurako Kobayashi
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew G Cox
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Kieran F Harvey
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Benjamin M Hogan
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
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9
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Zhao Y, Sheldon M, Sun Y, Ma L. New Insights into YAP/TAZ-TEAD-Mediated Gene Regulation and Biological Processes in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5497. [PMID: 38067201 PMCID: PMC10705714 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15235497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway is conserved across species. Key mammalian Hippo pathway kinases, including MST1/2 and LATS1/2, inhibit cellular growth by inactivating the TEAD coactivators, YAP, and TAZ. Extensive research has illuminated the roles of Hippo signaling in cancer, development, and regeneration. Notably, dysregulation of Hippo pathway components not only contributes to tumor growth and metastasis, but also renders tumors resistant to therapies. This review delves into recent research on YAP/TAZ-TEAD-mediated gene regulation and biological processes in cancer. We focus on several key areas: newly identified molecular patterns of YAP/TAZ activation, emerging mechanisms that contribute to metastasis and cancer therapy resistance, unexpected roles in tumor suppression, and advances in therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Moreover, we provide an updated view of YAP/TAZ's biological functions, discuss ongoing controversies, and offer perspectives on specific debated topics in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Marisela Sheldon
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Yutong Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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10
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Neil E, Paredes R, Pooley O, Rubin B, Kouskoff V. The oncogenic fusion protein TAZ::CAMTA1 promotes genomic instability and senescence through hypertranscription. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1174. [PMID: 37980390 PMCID: PMC10657451 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05540-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
TAZ::CAMTA1 is a fusion protein found in over 90% of Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma (EHE), a rare vascular sarcoma with an unpredictable disease course. To date, how TAZ::CAMTA1 initiates tumour formation remains unexplained. To study the oncogenic mechanism leading to EHE initiation, we developed a model system whereby TAZ::CAMTA1 expression is induced by doxycycline in primary endothelial cells. Using this model, we establish that upon TAZ::CAMTA1 expression endothelial cells rapidly enter a hypertranscription state, triggering considerable DNA damage. As a result, TC-expressing cells become trapped in S phase. Additionally, TAZ::CAMTA1-expressing endothelial cells have impaired homologous recombination, as shown by reduced BRCA1 and RAD51 foci formation. Consequently, the DNA damage remains unrepaired and TAZ::CAMTA1-expressing cells enter senescence. Knockout of Cdkn2a, the most common secondary mutation found in EHE, allows senescence bypass and uncontrolled growth. Together, this provides a mechanistic explanation for the clinical course of EHE and offers novel insight into therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Neil
- Developmental Hematopoiesis Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Roberto Paredes
- Developmental Hematopoiesis Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Oscar Pooley
- Developmental Hematopoiesis Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Brian Rubin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Valerie Kouskoff
- Developmental Hematopoiesis Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
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11
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Ji K, Li L, Liu H, Shen Y, Jiang J, Zhang M, Teng H, Yan X, Zhang Y, Cai Y, Zhou H. Unveiling the role of GAS41 in cancer progression. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:245. [PMID: 37853482 PMCID: PMC10583379 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03098-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
GAS41, a member of the human YEATS domain family, plays a pivotal role in human cancer development. It serves as a highly promising epigenetic reader, facilitating precise regulation of cell growth and development by recognizing essential histone modifications, including histone acetylation, benzoylation, succinylation, and crotonylation. Functional readouts of these histone modifications often coincide with cancer progression. In addition, GAS41 functions as a novel oncogene, participating in numerous signaling pathways. Here, we summarize the epigenetic functions of GAS41 and its role in the carcinoma progression. Moving forward, elucidating the downstream target oncogenes regulated by GAS41 and the developing small molecule inhibitors based on the distinctive YEATS recognition properties will be pivotal in advancing this research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Ji
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Yucheng Shen
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Jian Jiang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Minglei Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Hongwei Teng
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Xun Yan
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Yong Cai
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Hai Zhou
- Department of Central Laboratory, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, China.
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12
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Weinberg GL, Salamon P, Lamar JM. The Telluride YAP/TAZ and TEAD Workshop: A Small Meeting with a Big Impact. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4717. [PMID: 37835411 PMCID: PMC10571809 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Funding the research needed to advance our understanding of rare cancers is very challenging [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy L. Weinberg
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Peter Salamon
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA;
| | - John M. Lamar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA
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13
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Papke DJ. Mesenchymal Neoplasms of the Liver. Surg Pathol Clin 2023; 16:609-634. [PMID: 37536892 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2023.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal neoplasms of the liver can be diagnostically challenging, particularly on core needle biopsies. Here, I discuss recent updates in neoplasms that are specific to the liver (mesenchymal hamartoma, undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma, calcifying nested stromal-epithelial tumor), vascular tumors of the liver (anastomosing hemangioma, hepatic small vessel neoplasm, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, angiosarcoma), and other tumor types that can occur primarily in the liver (PEComa/angiomyolipoma, inflammatory pseudotumor-like follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, EBV-associated smooth muscle tumor, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, malignant rhabdoid tumor). Lastly, I discuss metastatic sarcomas to the liver, as well as pitfalls presented by metastatic melanoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Papke
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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14
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Schmidt M, Mattern S, Singer S, Schulze M, Biskup S, Krumm P, Lauer UM, Zender L, Hinterleitner C, Hinterleitner M. NOTCH3 missense mutations as predictor of long-term response to gemcitabine in a patient with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:6753-6757. [PMID: 36749424 PMCID: PMC10356887 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04598-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) as a very rare malignant vascular tumor belongs to the heterogenous group of soft-tissue sarcomas. Depending on the clinical course of the disease, interdisciplinary treatment concepts are required, including surgery, radiotherapy and systemic cancer therapy. However, due to its uncommonness, standard treatment options are lacking so far, especially in advanced disease with distant metastases. METHODS AND RESULTS Here we report on an unusual case of a patient with metastasized EHE showing long-term response to second line treatment with gemcitabine over almost 2 decades. Cancer genome sequencing of the patient's tumor tissue detected a NOTCH3 missense mutation which could provide an explanation for these clinical findings. NOTCH3 is known to be a mediator of resistance towards gemcitabine-based cancer treatment, at least in pancreatic cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. CONCLUSION The observation that this missense mutation of NOTCH3 is associated with an increased response to treatment with gemcitabine in EHE can be used prospectively to assess NOTCH3 as potential biomarker for predicting therapy response to gemcitabine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Schmidt
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 'Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy' (iFIT), University of Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sven Mattern
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Singer
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Saskia Biskup
- Praxis Für Humangenetik Tübingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- CeGaT GmbH, Center for Genomics and Transcriptomics, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Krumm
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich M Lauer
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 'Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy' (iFIT), University of Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Lars Zender
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 'Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy' (iFIT), University of Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Clemens Hinterleitner
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 'Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy' (iFIT), University of Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Martina Hinterleitner
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 'Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy' (iFIT), University of Tuebingen, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.
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15
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Franklin JM, Wu Z, Guan KL. Insights into recent findings and clinical application of YAP and TAZ in cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2023:10.1038/s41568-023-00579-1. [PMID: 37308716 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00579-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Decades of research have mapped out the basic mechanics of the Hippo pathway. The paralogues Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), as the central transcription control module of the Hippo pathway, have long been implicated in the progression of various human cancers. The current literature regarding oncogenic YAP and TAZ activities consists mostly of context-specific mechanisms and treatments of human cancers. Furthermore, a growing number of studies demonstrate tumour-suppressor functions of YAP and TAZ. In this Review we aim to synthesize an integrated perspective of the many disparate findings regarding YAP and TAZ in cancer. We then conclude with the various strategies for targeting and treating YAP- and TAZ-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Matthew Franklin
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zhengming Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kun-Liang Guan
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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16
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Neil E, Kouskoff V. Current Model Systems for Investigating Epithelioid Haemangioendothelioma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15113005. [PMID: 37296967 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15113005] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare sarcoma of the vascular endothelium with an unpredictable disease course. EHE tumours can remain indolent for long period of time but may suddenly evolve into an aggressive disease with widespread metastases and a poor prognosis. Two mutually exclusive chromosomal translocations define EHE tumours, each involving one of the transcription co-factors TAZ and YAP. The TAZ-CAMTA1 fusion protein results from a t(1;3) translocation and is present in 90% of EHE tumours. The remaining 10% of EHE cases harbour a t(X;11) translocation, resulting in the YAP1-TFE3 (YT) fusion protein. Until recently, the lack of representative EHE models made it challenging to study the mechanisms by which these fusion proteins promote tumorigenesis. Here, we describe and compare the recently developed experimental approaches that are currently available for studying this cancer. After summarising the key findings obtained with each experimental approach, we discuss the advantages and limitations of these different model systems. Our survey of the current literature shows how each experimental approach can be utilised in different ways to improve our understanding of EHE initiation and progression. Ultimately, this should lead to better treatment options for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Neil
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Valerie Kouskoff
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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17
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Luo J, Deng L, Zou H, Guo Y, Tong T, Huang M, Ling G, Li P. New insights into the ambivalent role of YAP/TAZ in human cancers. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:130. [PMID: 37211598 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02704-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hippo signaling was first identified in Drosophila as a key controller of organ size by regulating cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis. Subsequent studies have shown that this pathway is highly conserved in mammals, and its dysregulation is implicated in multiple events of cancer development and progression. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) (hereafter YAP/TAZ) are the downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway. YAP/TAZ overexpression or activation is sufficient to induce tumor initiation and progression, as well as recurrence and therapeutic resistance. However, there is growing evidence that YAP/TAZ also exert a tumor-suppressive function in a context-dependent manner. Therefore, caution should be taken when targeting Hippo signaling in clinical trials in the future. In this review article, we will first give an overview of YAP/TAZ and their oncogenic roles in various cancers and then systematically summarize the tumor-suppressive functions of YAP/TAZ in different contexts. Based on these findings, we will further discuss the clinical implications of YAP/TAZ-based tumor targeted therapy and potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Luo
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Deng
- Department of General Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailin Zou
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yibo Guo
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongyu Tong
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Department of Urology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingli Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Gengqiang Ling
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Li
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Liu X, Hu Y, Li C, Chen J, Liu X, Shen Y, Xu Y, Chen W, Xu X. Overexpression of YEATS2 Remodels the Extracellular Matrix to Promote Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression via the PI3K/AKT Pathway. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061850. [PMID: 36980736 PMCID: PMC10046954 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers and the fourth leading cause of death in men. YEATS domain containing 2 (YEATS2) gene encodes a scaffolding subunit of the ATAC complex. We found that YEATS2 was upregulated in HCC tissues and was associated with a poor prognosis. However, the role of YEATS2 in HCC remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of YEATS2 on the progression of HCC and to elucidate its related mechanisms. We found that overexpression of YEATS2 promoted tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and regulation of extracellular matrix. These findings help to understand the role of YEATS2 in HCC, and YEATS2 may become a new target for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan 430061, China
| | - Cairong Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Jiayu Chen
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yangtao Xu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Wenliang Chen
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
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Guo W, Zhou D, Huang H, Chen H, Wu X, Yang X, Ye H, Hong C. Successful chemotherapy with continuous immunotherapy for primary pulmonary endovascular epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e32914. [PMID: 36800635 PMCID: PMC9936006 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare, low to moderate-grade malignancy, even less in pulmonary endovascular neoplasm. Patients with pulmonary EHE have no optimal treatment, resulting in poor prognoses. PATIENT CONCERNS We reported a 42-year-old man with multiple mild metabolic uptakes in pulmonary endovascular filling defect with a maximum standardized uptake value of 4.5 by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose/fibroblast associated protein inhibitor-positron emission tomography/ computed tomography. Anticoagulant treatment was not effective with the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism. DIAGNOSES A primary endovascular EHE pulmonary endovascular epithelioid hemangioendothelioma was diagnosed by endovascular biopsy with positive stains for molecular CD31, CD34 and CAMTA1, and it had low proliferative capacity characterized by Ki-67 of 5%. The mutation gene MSH2 (p.Y656 in exon 12) (mutation abundance of 0.07%) from peripheral blood indicates the potential benefit of an immune checkpoint inhibitor, pembrolizumab. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES The patient was treated with tri-weekly paclitaxel (175mg/m2) and carboplatin (AUC 5) chemotherapy regimen. He exerted a remarkable response after 5 cycles (21 days per cycle) and Pembrolizumab (200mg once monthly) as maintenance treatment. LESSONS This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of differentiating endovascular lesions and optimal therapy for pulmonary EHE. Importantly, it indicated that the mutation gene MSH2 (p.Y656) might influence the pathogenesis of EHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenliang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daibing Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Houquan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiling Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- * Correspondence: Cheng Hong, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. No. 28, Qiaozhong Middle Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou 510010, P.R. China (e-mail: )
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20
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Garcia K, Gingras AC, Harvey KF, Tanas MR. TAZ/YAP fusion proteins: mechanistic insights and therapeutic opportunities. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:1033-1045. [PMID: 36096997 PMCID: PMC9671862 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Hippo pathway is dysregulated in many different cancers, but point mutations in the pathway are rare. Transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) and Yes-associated protein (YAP) fusion proteins have emerged in almost all major cancer types and represent the most common genetic mechanism by which the two transcriptional co-activators are activated. Given that the N termini of TAZ or YAP are fused to the C terminus of another transcriptional regulator, the resultant fusion proteins hyperactivate a TEAD transcription factor-based transcriptome. Recent advances show that the C-terminal fusion partners confer oncogenic properties to TAZ/YAP fusion proteins by recruiting epigenetic modifiers that promote a hybrid TEAD-based transcriptome. Elucidating these cooperating epigenetic complexes represents a strategy to identify new therapeutic approaches for a pathway that has been recalcitrant to medical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Garcia
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Anne-Claude Gingras
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kieran F Harvey
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, and Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Munir R Tanas
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA; Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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21
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Unraveling the Biology of Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma, a TAZ-CAMTA1 Fusion Driven Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122980. [PMID: 35740643 PMCID: PMC9221450 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare vascular cancer that involves a gain-of-function gene fusion involving TAZ, a transcriptional coactivator, and one of two end effectors of the Hippo pathway. Although the activity of TAZ and/or YAP, a paralog of TAZ, is consistently altered in many cancers, genetic alterations involving YAP/TAZ are rare, and the precise mechanisms by which YAP/TAZ are activated are not well understood in most cancers. Because WWTR1(TAZ)–CAMTA1 is the only genetic alteration in approximately half of EHE, EHE is a genetically clean and homogenous system for understanding how the dysregulation of TAZ promotes tumorigenesis. Therefore, by using EHE as a model system, we hope to elucidate the essential biological pathways mediated by TAZ and identify mechanisms to target them. The findings of EHE research can be applied to other cancers that are addicted to high YAP/TAZ activity. Abstract The activities of YAP and TAZ, the end effectors of the Hippo pathway, are consistently altered in cancer, and this dysregulation drives aggressive tumor phenotypes. While the actions of these two proteins aid in tumorigenesis in the majority of cancers, the dysregulation of these proteins is rarely sufficient for initial tumor development. Herein, we present a unique TAZ-driven cancer, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE), which harbors a WWTR1(TAZ)–CAMTA1 gene fusion in at least 90% of cases. Recent investigations have elucidated the mechanisms by which YAP/TAP-fusion oncoproteins function and drive tumorigenesis. This review presents a critical evaluation of this recent work, with a particular focus on how the oncoproteins alter the normal activity of TAZ and YAP, and, concurrently, we generate a framework for how we can target the gene fusions in patients. Since EHE represents a paradigm of YAP/TAZ dysregulation in cancer, targeted therapies for EHE may also be effective against other YAP/TAZ-dependent cancers.
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22
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Wei H, Zhen T, Tuo Y, Li H, Liang J, Chen S, Shi H, Han A. Clinicopathologic and molecular features of vascular tumors in a series of 118 cases. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:2939-2951. [PMID: 35702134 PMCID: PMC9185040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Vascular tumors are composed of benign, intermediate, and malignant lesions. The diagnosis is challenging because some entities demonstrate overlapping morphologies and harbor the same genetic alterations. We describe herein a cohort of vascular tumors with clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features. METHODS AND RESULTS 118 vascular tumors including 56 angiosarcomas, 18 epithelioid haemangioendotheliomas (EHE), 25 epithelioid haemangiomas (EH), 8 pseudomyogenic haemangioendotheliomas (PHE), 1 papillary intralymphatic angioendothelioma (PILA), 2 kaposiform haemangioendotheliomas (KHE), 3 Kaposi sarcomas, 2 retiform haemangioendotheliomas (RHE), and 3 anastomosing haemangiomas were assessed. FOSB, c-Fos, CAMTA1, and TFE3 expression and gene rearrangements were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining and FISH, respectively. Our results showed that FOSB expression was diffusely positive in all 8 PHEs, focally or sparsely in 12 EHs, and in 2 angiosarcomas. C-FOS expression was sparsely to diffusely positive in 15 EHs, focally or sparsely in 17 angiosarcomas, 1 EHE, 1 Kaposi sarcoma, and 1 PHE. CAMTA1 expression was positive in only 12 EHEs. TFE3 expression was focally or sparsely positive in all 8 PHEs, 22 angiosarcomas, 6 EHEs, 3 EHs, 2 Kaposi sarcomas, and 2 AHs. FOSB rearrangement was found in 5 PHEs, FOS rearrangement only in 1 EH, CAMTA1 rearrangement in 4 EHEs. CONCLUSIONS FOSB and CAMTA1 are useful diagnostic markers for PHE and EHE, respectively. FOSB and FOS fusion represent a subset of epithelioid haemangioma. TFE3 is not a diagnostically meaningful marker in a majority of vascular tumors. The combined utility of these markers will facilitate the differential diagnosis in vascular tumors with morphologic overlap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiting Wei
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Tiantian Zhen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Ying Tuo
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Jiangtao Liang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Shaoyu Chen
- Guangzhou LBP Medical Technology Co., Ltd.Guangzhou, China
| | - Huijuan Shi
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Anjia Han
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
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23
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Inhibitor of DNA binding 2 (ID2) regulates the expression of developmental genes and tumorigenesis in ewing sarcoma. Oncogene 2022; 41:2873-2884. [PMID: 35422476 PMCID: PMC9107507 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02310-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Sarcomas are difficult to treat and the therapy, even when effective, is associated with long-term and life-threatening side effects. In addition, the treatment regimens for many sarcomas, including Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and osteosarcoma, are relatively unchanged over the past two decades, indicating a critical lack of progress. Although differentiation-based therapies are used for the treatment of some cancers, the application of this approach to sarcomas has proven challenging. Here, using a CRISPR-mediated gene knockout approach, we show that Inhibitor of DNA Binding 2 (ID2) is a critical regulator of developmental-related genes and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo in Ewing sarcoma tumors. We also identified that homoharringtonine, which is an inhibitor of protein translation and FDA-approved for the treatment of leukemia, decreases the level of the ID2 protein and significantly reduces tumor growth and prolongs mouse survival in an Ewing sarcoma xenograft model. Furthermore, in addition to targeting ID2, homoharringtonine also reduces the protein levels of ID1 and ID3, which are additional members of the ID family of proteins with well-described roles in tumorigenesis, in multiple types of cancer. Overall, these results provide insight into developmental regulation in Ewing sarcoma tumors and identify a novel, therapeutic approach to target the ID family of proteins using an FDA-approved drug.
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24
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Dermawan JK, Azzato EM, Billings SD, Fritchie KJ, Aubert S, Bahrami A, Barisella M, Baumhoer D, Blum V, Bode B, Aesif SW, Bovée JVMG, Dickson BC, van den Hout M, Lucas DR, Moch H, Oaxaca G, Righi A, Sciot R, Sumathi V, Yoshida A, Rubin BP. YAP1-TFE3-fused hemangioendothelioma: a multi-institutional clinicopathologic study of 24 genetically-confirmed cases. Mod Pathol 2021; 34:2211-2221. [PMID: 34381186 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-021-00879-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
YAP1-TFE3-fused hemangioendothelioma is an extremely rare malignant vascular tumor. We present the largest multi-institutional clinicopathologic study of YAP1-TFE3-fused hemangioendothelioma to date. The 24 cases of YAP1-TFE3-fused hemangioendothelioma showed a female predominance (17 female, 7 male) across a wide age range (20-78 years old, median 44). Tumors were most commonly located in soft tissue (50%), followed by bone (29%), lung (13%), and liver (8%), ranging from 3 to 115 mm in size (median 40 mm). About two-thirds presented with multifocal disease, including 7 cases with distant organ metastasis. Histopathologically, we describe three dominant architectural patterns: solid sheets of coalescing nests, pseudoalveolar and (pseudo)vasoformative pattern, and discohesive strands and clusters of cells set in a myxoid to myxohyaline stroma. These patterns were present in variable proportions across different tumors and often coexisted within the same tumor. The dominant cytomorphology (88%) was large epithelioid cells with abundant, glassy eosinophilic to vacuolated cytoplasm, prominent nucleoli and well-demarcated cell borders. Multinucleated or binucleated cells, prominent admixed erythrocytic and lymphocytic infiltrates, and intratumoral fat were frequently present. Immunohistochemically, ERG, CD31, and TFE3 were consistently expressed, while expression of CD34 (83%) and cytokeratin AE1/AE3 (20%) was variable. CAMTA1 was negative in all but one case. All cases were confirmed by molecular testing to harbor YAP1-TFE3 gene fusions: majority with YAP1 exon 1 fused to TFE3 exon 4 (88%), or less commonly, TFE3 exon 6 (12%). Most patients (88%) were treated with primary surgical resection. Over a follow-up period of 4-360 months (median 36 months) in 17 cases, 35% of patients remained alive without disease, and 47% survived many years with stable, albeit multifocal and/or metastatic disease. Five-year progression-free survival probability was 88%. We propose categorizing YAP1-TFE3-fused hemangioendothelioma as a distinct disease entity given its unique clinical and histopathologic characteristics in comparison to conventional epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine K Dermawan
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Azzato
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Steven D Billings
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Karen J Fritchie
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sebastien Aubert
- Department of Pathology, Institut de Pathologie, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Armita Bahrami
- Department of Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marta Barisella
- Struttura Complessa Anatomia Patologica, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniel Baumhoer
- Bone Tumor Reference Center at the Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Veronika Blum
- FMH Medical Oncology, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Beata Bode
- Pathology Institute Enge and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Scott W Aesif
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Judith V M G Bovée
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Brendan C Dickson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mari van den Hout
- Department of Pathology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - David R Lucas
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Holger Moch
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Oaxaca
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Raf Sciot
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vaiyapuri Sumathi
- Department of Musculoskeletal Pathology, Robert Aitken Institute of Clinical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Akihiko Yoshida
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Brian P Rubin
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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25
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Seavey CN, Rubin BP. Letter by Seavey and Rubin Regarding Article, "Sustained Activation of Endothelial YAP1 Causes Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma". Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:e491-e492. [PMID: 34550713 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.121.316754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Caleb N Seavey
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute (C.N.S., B.P.R.), Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH.,Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute (C.N.S.), Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH.,Department of Molecular Medicine, PRISM Program, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, OH (C.N.S.)
| | - Brian P Rubin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute (C.N.S., B.P.R.), Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH.,Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute (B.P.R.), Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH
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26
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Dermawan JK, Azzato EM, McKenney JK, Liegl-Atzwanger B, Rubin BP. YAP1-TFE3 gene fusion variant in clear cell stromal tumour of lung: report of two cases in support of a distinct entity. Histopathology 2021; 79:940-946. [PMID: 34156713 DOI: 10.1111/his.14437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Clear cell (haemangioblastoma-like) stromal tumour of the lung is a newly described, rare pulmonary neoplasm. Recurrent YAP1-TFE3 gene fusions have recently been reported in three cases. We describe two additional cases and confirm the characteristic YAP1-TFE3 gene fusion. METHODS AND RESULTS Two mesenchymal tumours of lung were identified from our soft tissue pathology consultation services and RNA sequencing was performed. Both cases were in male patients, aged 35 and 77 years. Both presented as solitary lung nodules measuring 3.9 and 7.5 cm in greatest dimension. Histopathologically, the tumours were composed of epithelioid to plump spindle cells arranged in packets and solid sheets. The cells showed fusiform to ovoid nuclei with open chromatin, variably prominent nucleoli and scant to moderate, clear to eosinophilic cytoplasm. Cytological atypia and significant mitotic activity were minimal. None of the tumours expressed lineage-specific immunophenotypical markers. Both cases were diffusely positive for nuclear TFE3. Unlike YAP1-TFE3-fused epithelioid haemangioendothelioma, for which the fusion breakpoint occurs in YAP1 exon 1 and TFE3 exons 4 or 6, the fusion breakpoints of these tumours were located in YAP1 exon 4 and TFE3 exon 7. Following complete surgical resection, neither of the tumours has recurred or metastasised (follow-up period 6-7 months). CONCLUSIONS We validate the presence of YAP1-TFE3 gene fusion in a unique primary mesenchymal tumour of lung, adding additional support for clear cell stromal tumour of the lung as a distinct entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine K Dermawan
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Azzato
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jesse K McKenney
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Bernadette Liegl-Atzwanger
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Translational Sarcoma Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Brian P Rubin
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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