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Rosli S, Harpur CM, Lam M, West AC, Hodges C, Mansell A, Lawlor KE, Tate MD. Gasdermin D promotes hyperinflammation and immunopathology during severe influenza A virus infection. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:727. [PMID: 37945599 PMCID: PMC10636052 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06258-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Excessive inflammation and tissue damage during severe influenza A virus (IAV) infection can lead to the development of fatal pulmonary disease. Pyroptosis is a lytic and pro-inflammatory form of cell death executed by the pore-forming protein gasdermin D (GSDMD). In this study, we investigated a potential role for GSDMD in promoting the development of severe IAV disease. IAV infection resulted in cleavage of GSDMD in vivo and in vitro in lung epithelial cells. Mice genetically deficient in GSDMD (Gsdmd-/-) developed less severe IAV disease than wildtype mice and displayed improved survival outcomes. GSDMD deficiency significantly reduced neutrophil infiltration into the airways as well as the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF, IL-6, MCP-1, and IL-1α and neutrophil-attracting chemokines CXCL1 and CXCL2. In contrast, IL-1β and IL-18 responses were not largely impacted by GSDMD deficiency. In addition, Gsdmd-/- mice displayed significantly improved influenza disease resistance with reduced viral burden and less severe pulmonary pathology, including decreased epithelial damage and cell death. These findings indicate a major role for GSDMD in promoting damaging inflammation and the development of severe IAV disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Rosli
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic, Australia
| | - Christopher M Harpur
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic, Australia
| | - Maggie Lam
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic, Australia
| | - Alison C West
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic, Australia
| | - Christopher Hodges
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic, Australia
| | - Ashley Mansell
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic, Australia
- Adiso Therapeutics, Concord, MA, USA
| | - Kate E Lawlor
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic, Australia
| | - Michelle D Tate
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic, Australia.
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2
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Dawson RE, Deswaerte V, West AC, Sun E, Wray‐McCann G, Livis T, Kumar B, Rodriguez E, Gabay C, Ferrero RL, Jenkins BJ. The cytosolic DNA sensor AIM2 promotes Helicobacter-induced gastric pathology via the inflammasome. Immunol Cell Biol 2023; 101:444-457. [PMID: 36967659 PMCID: PMC10952813 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection can trigger chronic gastric inflammation perpetuated by overactivation of the innate immune system, leading to a cascade of precancerous lesions culminating in gastric cancer. However, key regulators of innate immunity that promote H. pylori-induced gastric pathology remain ill-defined. The innate immune cytosolic DNA sensor absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) contributes to the pathogenesis of numerous autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases, as well as cancers including gastric cancer. We therefore investigated whether AIM2 contributed to the pathogenesis of Helicobacter-induced gastric disease. Here, we reveal that AIM2 messenger RNA and protein expression levels are elevated in H. pylori-positive versus H. pylori-negative human gastric biopsies. Similarly, chronic Helicobacter felis infection in wild-type mice augmented Aim2 gene expression levels compared with uninfected controls. Notably, gastric inflammation and hyperplasia were less severe in H. felis-infected Aim2-/- versus wild-type mice, evidenced by reductions in gastric immune cell infiltrates, mucosal thickness and proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine release. In addition, H. felis-driven proliferation and apoptosis in both gastric epithelial and immune cells were largely attenuated in Aim2-/- stomachs. These observations in Aim2-/- mouse stomachs correlated with decreased levels of inflammasome activity (caspase-1 cleavage) and the mature inflammasome effector cytokine, interleukin-1β. Taken together, this work uncovers a pathogenic role for the AIM2 inflammasome in Helicobacter-induced gastric disease, and furthers our understanding of the host immune response to a common pathogen and the complex and varying roles of AIM2 at different stages of cancerous and precancerous gastric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby E Dawson
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Virginie Deswaerte
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Alison C West
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Ekimei Sun
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Georgie Wray‐McCann
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Thaleia Livis
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Beena Kumar
- Department of Anatomical PathologyMonash HealthClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Emiliana Rodriguez
- Pathology and Immunology DepartmentCMU/University of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Cem Gabay
- Pathology and Immunology DepartmentCMU/University of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Richard L Ferrero
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Brendan J Jenkins
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
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3
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Harpur CM, West AC, Le Page MA, Lam M, Hodges C, Oseghale O, Gearing AJ, Tate MD. Naturally derived cytokine peptides limit virus replication and severe disease during influenza A virus infection. Clin Transl Immunology 2023; 12:e1443. [PMID: 36969366 PMCID: PMC10034483 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Novel host‐targeted therapeutics could treat severe influenza A virus (IAV) infections, with reduced risk of drug resistance. LAT8881 is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring C‐terminal fragment of human growth hormone. Acting independently of the growth hormone receptor, it can reduce inflammation‐induced damage and promote tissue repair in an animal model of osteoarthritis. LAT8881 has been assessed in clinical trials for the treatment of obesity and neuropathy and has an excellent safety profile. We investigated the potential for LAT8881, its metabolite LAT9991F and LAT7771 derived from prolactin, a growth hormone structural homologue, to treat severe IAV infection. Methods LAT8881, LAT9991F and LAT7771 were evaluated for their effects on cell viability and IAV replication in vitro, as well as their potential to limit disease in a preclinical mouse model of severe IAV infection. Results In vitro LAT8881 treatment enhanced cell viability, particularly in the presence of cytotoxic stress, which was countered by siRNA inhibition of host lanthionine synthetase C‐like proteins. Daily intranasal treatment of mice with LAT8881 or LAT9991F, but not LAT7771, from day 1 postinfection significantly improved influenza disease resistance, which was associated with reduced infectious viral loads, reduced pro‐inflammatory cytokines and increased abundance of protective alveolar macrophages. LAT8881 treatment in combination with the antiviral oseltamivir phosphate led to more pronounced reduction in markers of disease severity than treatment with either compound alone. Conclusion These studies provide the first evidence identifying LAT8881 and LAT9991F as novel host‐protective therapies that improve survival, limit viral replication, reduce local inflammation and curtail tissue damage during severe IAV infection. Evaluation of LAT8881 and LAT9991F in other infectious and inflammatory conditions of the airways is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Harpur
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Alison C West
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Mélanie A Le Page
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Maggie Lam
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Christopher Hodges
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Osezua Oseghale
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | | | - Michelle D Tate
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious DiseasesHudson Institute of Medical ResearchClaytonVICAustralia
- Department of Molecular and Translational SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
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4
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Dawson RE, Deswaerte V, West AC, Tang K, West AJ, Balic JJ, Gearing LJ, Saad MI, Yu L, Wu Y, Bhathal PS, Kumar B, Chakrabarti JT, Zavros Y, Oshima H, Klinman DM, Oshima M, Tan P, Jenkins BJ. STAT3-mediated upregulation of the AIM2 DNA sensor links innate immunity with cell migration to promote epithelial tumourigenesis. Gut 2022; 71:1515-1531. [PMID: 34489308 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-323916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) cytosolic pattern recognition receptor and DNA sensor promotes the pathogenesis of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases via caspase-1-containing inflammasome complexes. However, the role of AIM2 in cancer is ill-defined. DESIGN The expression of AIM2 and its clinical significance was assessed in human gastric cancer (GC) patient cohorts. Genetic or therapeutic manipulation of AIM2 expression and activity was performed in the genetically engineered gp130 F/F spontaneous GC mouse model, as well as human GC cell line xenografts. The biological role and mechanism of action of AIM2 in gastric tumourigenesis, including its involvement in inflammasome activity and functional interaction with microtubule-associated end-binding protein 1 (EB1), was determined in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS AIM2 expression is upregulated by interleukin-11 cytokine-mediated activation of the oncogenic latent transcription factor STAT3 in the tumour epithelium of GC mouse models and patients with GC. Genetic and therapeutic targeting of AIM2 in gp130 F/F mice suppressed tumourigenesis. Conversely, AIM2 overexpression augmented the tumour load of human GC cell line xenografts. The protumourigenic function of AIM2 was independent of inflammasome activity and inflammation. Rather, in vivo and in vitro AIM2 physically interacted with EB1 to promote epithelial cell migration and tumourigenesis. Furthermore, upregulated expression of AIM2 and EB1 in the tumour epithelium of patients with GC was independently associated with poor patient survival. CONCLUSION AIM2 can play a driver role in epithelial carcinogenesis by linking cytokine-STAT3 signalling, innate immunity and epithelial cell migration, independent of inflammasome activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby E Dawson
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Virginie Deswaerte
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alison C West
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ke Tang
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alice J West
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jesse J Balic
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Linden J Gearing
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohamed I Saad
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liang Yu
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yonghui Wu
- Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Prithi S Bhathal
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Beena Kumar
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jayati T Chakrabarti
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Yana Zavros
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Hiroko Oshima
- Division of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Dennis M Klinman
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Masanobu Oshima
- Division of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Patrick Tan
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore.,Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Brendan J Jenkins
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia .,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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5
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Tang K, McLeod L, Livis T, West AC, Dawson R, Yu L, Balic JJ, Chonwerawong M, Wray-McCann G, Oshima H, Oshima M, Deswaerte V, Ferrero RL, Jenkins BJ. Toll-like Receptor 9 Promotes Initiation of Gastric Tumorigenesis by Augmenting Inflammation and Cellular Proliferation. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 14:567-586. [PMID: 35716851 PMCID: PMC9307956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Gastric cancer (GC) is strongly linked with chronic gastritis after Helicobacter pylori infection. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key innate immune pathogenic sensors that mediate chronic inflammatory and oncogenic responses. Here, we investigated the role of TLR9 in the pathogenesis of GC, including Helicobacter infection. METHODS TLR9 gene expression was profiled in gastric tissues from GC and gastritis patients and from the spontaneous gp130F/F GC mouse model and chronic H felis-infected wild-type (WT) mice. Gastric pathology was compared in gp130F/F and H felis infection models with or without genetic ablation of Tlr9. The impact of Tlr9 targeting on signaling cascades implicated in inflammation and tumorigenesis (eg, nuclear factor kappa B, extracellular signal-related kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinase) was assessed in vivo. A direct growth-potentiating effect of TLR9 ligand stimulation on human GC cell lines and gp130F/F primary gastric epithelial cells was also evaluated. RESULTS TLR9 expression was up-regulated in Helicobacter-infected gastric tissues from GC and gastritis patients and gp130F/F and H felis-infected WT mice. Tlr9 ablation suppressed initiation of tumorigenesis in gp130F/F:Tlr9-/- mice by abrogating gastric inflammation and cellular proliferation. Tlr9-/- mice were also protected against H felis-induced gastric inflammation and hyperplasia. The suppressed gastric pathology upon Tlr9 ablation in both mouse models associated with attenuated nuclear factor kappa B and, to a lesser extent, extracellular signal-related kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. TLR9 ligand stimulation of human GC cells and gp130F/F GECs augmented their proliferation and viability. CONCLUSIONS Our data reveal that TLR9 promotes the initiating stages of GC and facilitates Helicobacter-induced gastric inflammation and hyperplasia, thus providing in vivo evidence for TLR9 as a candidate therapeutic target in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Tang
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louise McLeod
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thaleia Livis
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alison C. West
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ruby Dawson
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liang Yu
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jesse J. Balic
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle Chonwerawong
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Georgie Wray-McCann
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hiroko Oshima
- Division of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Masanobu Oshima
- Division of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Virginie Deswaerte
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard L. Ferrero
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brendan J. Jenkins
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Brendan J. Jenkins, PhD, Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
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6
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West AJ, Deswaerte V, West AC, Gearing LJ, Tan P, Jenkins BJ. Inflammasome-Associated Gastric Tumorigenesis Is Independent of the NLRP3 Pattern Recognition Receptor. Front Oncol 2022; 12:830350. [PMID: 35299732 PMCID: PMC8921257 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.830350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammasomes are important multiprotein regulatory complexes of innate immunity and have recently emerged as playing divergent roles in numerous inflammation-associated cancers. Among these include gastric cancer (GC), the third leading cause of cancer-associated death worldwide, and we have previously discovered a pro-tumorigenic role for the key inflammasome adaptor apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) in the spontaneous genetic gp130F/F mouse model for GC. However, the identity of the specific pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that activate tumor-promoting inflammasomes during GC is unknown. Here, we investigated the role of the best-characterized inflammasome-associated PRR, nucleotide-binding domain, and leucine-rich repeat containing receptor, pyrin domain-containing (NLRP) 3, in GC. In gastric tumors of gp130F/F mice, although NLRP3 expression was elevated at the mRNA (qPCR) and protein (immunohistochemistry) levels, genetic ablation of NLRP3 in gp130F/F:Nlrp3-/- mice did not alleviate the development of gastric tumors. Similarly, cellular processes associated with tumorigenesis in the gastric mucosa, namely, proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation, were comparable between gp130F/F and gp130F/F:Nlrp3-/- mice. Furthermore, inflammasome activation levels, determined by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry for cleaved Caspase-1, which along with ASC is another integral component of inflammasome complexes, were unchanged in gp130F/F and gp130F/F:Nlrp3-/- gastric tumors. We also observed variable NLRP3 expression levels (mRNA and protein) among independent GC patient cohorts, and NLRP3 was not prognostic for survival outcomes. Taken together, these data suggest that NLRP3 does not play a major role in promoting inflammasome-driven gastric tumorigenesis, and thus pave the way for further investigations to uncover the key inflammasome-associated PRR implicated in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice J West
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Virginie Deswaerte
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Alison C West
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Linden J Gearing
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Patrick Tan
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Sciences Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Brendan J Jenkins
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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7
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Lundy J, Gearing LJ, Gao H, West AC, McLeod L, Deswaerte V, Yu L, Porazinski S, Pajic M, Hertzog PJ, Croagh D, Jenkins BJ. TLR2 activation promotes tumour growth and associates with patient survival and chemotherapy response in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Oncogene 2021; 40:6007-6022. [PMID: 34400766 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01992-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has an extremely poor prognosis, and is plagued by a paucity of targeted treatment options and tumour resistance to chemotherapeutics. The causal link between chronic inflammation and PDAC suggests that molecular regulators of the immune system promote disease pathogenesis and/or therapeutic resistance, yet their identity is unclear. Here, we couple endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration, which captures tumour biopsies from all stages, with whole transcriptome profiling of PDAC patient primary tumours to reveal enrichment of the innate immune Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) molecular pathway. Augmented TLR2 expression associated with a 4-gene "TLR2 activation" signature, and was prognostic for survival and predictive for gemcitabine-based chemoresistance. Furthermore, antibody-mediated anti-TLR2 therapy suppressed the growth of human PDAC tumour xenografts, independent of a functional immune system. Our results support TLR2-based therapeutic targeting for precision medicine in PDAC, with further clinical utility that TLR2 activation is prognostic and predictive for chemoresponsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Lundy
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Linden J Gearing
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Hugh Gao
- Department of Surgery (School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Alison C West
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Louise McLeod
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Virginie Deswaerte
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Liang Yu
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Sean Porazinski
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Marina Pajic
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul J Hertzog
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel Croagh
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery (School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Brendan J Jenkins
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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8
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West AC, Christiansen AJ, Smyth MJ, Johnstone RW. The combination of histone deacetylase inhibitors with immune-stimulating antibodies has potent anti-cancer effects. Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:377-379. [PMID: 22737621 PMCID: PMC3382866 DOI: 10.4161/onci.18804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of immunotherapy to treat cancer is rapidly gaining momentum. Using pre-clinical mouse models, we have recently demonstrated potent and long lasting tumor regression can be elicited by immune-stimulating monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) when combined with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) and believe this therapy will have broad application in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison C West
- Cancer Therapeutics; The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; East Melbourne, Australia ; Cancer Immunology Program; The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; East Melbourne, Australia
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9
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Balic JJ, Saad MI, Dawson R, West AJ, McLeod L, West AC, D'Costa K, Deswaerte V, Dev A, Sievert W, Gough DJ, Bhathal PS, Ferrero RL, Jenkins BJ. Constitutive STAT3 Serine Phosphorylation Promotes Helicobacter-Mediated Gastric Disease. Am J Pathol 2020; 190:1256-1270. [PMID: 32201262 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is associated with chronic inflammation (gastritis) triggered by persistent Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Elevated tyrosine phosphorylation of the latent transcription factor STAT3 is a feature of gastric cancer, including H. pylori-infected tissues, and aligns with nuclear transcriptional activity. However, the transcriptional role of STAT3 serine phosphorylation, which promotes STAT3-driven mitochondrial activities, is unclear. Here, by coupling serine-phosphorylated (pS)-STAT3-deficient Stat3SA/SA mice with chronic H. felis infection, which mimics human H. pylori infection in mice, we reveal a key role for pS-STAT3 in promoting Helicobacter-induced gastric pathology. Immunohistochemical staining for infiltrating immune cells and expression analyses of inflammatory genes revealed that gastritis was markedly suppressed in infected Stat3SA/SA mice compared with wild-type mice. Stomach weight and gastric mucosal thickness were also reduced in infected Stat3SA/SA mice, which was associated with reduced proliferative potential of infected Stat3SA/SA gastric mucosa. The suppressed H. felis-induced gastric phenotype of Stat3SA/SA mice was phenocopied upon genetic ablation of signaling by the cytokine IL-11, which promotes gastric tumorigenesis via STAT3. pS-STAT3 dependency by Helicobacter coincided with transcriptional activity on STAT3-regulated genes, rather than mitochondrial and metabolic genes. In the gastric mucosa of mice and patients with gastritis, pS-STAT3 was constitutively expressed irrespective of Helicobacter infection. Collectively, these findings suggest an obligate requirement for IL-11 signaling via constitutive pS-STAT3 in Helicobacter-induced gastric carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse J Balic
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohamed I Saad
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ruby Dawson
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alice J West
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louise McLeod
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alison C West
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kimberley D'Costa
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Virginie Deswaerte
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anouk Dev
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - William Sievert
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel J Gough
- Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Prithi S Bhathal
- Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard L Ferrero
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brendan J Jenkins
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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10
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Balic JJ, Garama DJ, Saad MI, Yu L, West AC, West AJ, Livis T, Bhathal PS, Gough DJ, Jenkins BJ. Serine-Phosphorylated STAT3 Promotes Tumorigenesis via Modulation of RNA Polymerase Transcriptional Activity. Cancer Res 2019; 79:5272-5287. [PMID: 31481496 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-0974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Deregulated activation of the latent oncogenic transcription factor STAT3 in many human epithelial malignancies, including gastric cancer, has invariably been associated with its canonical tyrosine phosphorylation and enhanced transcriptional activity. By contrast, serine phosphorylation (pS) of STAT3 can augment its nuclear transcriptional activity and promote essential mitochondrial functions, yet the role of pS-STAT3 among epithelial cancers is ill-defined. Here, we reveal that genetic ablation of pS-STAT3 in the gp130 F/F spontaneous gastric cancer mouse model and human gastric cancer cell line xenografts abrogated tumor growth that coincided with reduced proliferative potential of the tumor epithelium. Microarray gene expression profiling demonstrated that the suppressed gastric tumorigenesis in pS-STAT3-deficient gp130 F/F mice associated with reduced transcriptional activity of STAT3-regulated gene networks implicated in cell proliferation and migration, inflammation, and angiogenesis, but not mitochondrial function or metabolism. Notably, the protumorigenic activity of pS-STAT3 aligned with its capacity to primarily augment RNA polymerase II-mediated transcriptional elongation, but not initiation, of STAT3 target genes. Furthermore, by using a combinatorial in vitro and in vivo proteomics approach based on the rapid immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry of endogenous protein (RIME) assay, we identified RuvB-like AAA ATPase 1 (RUVBL1/Pontin) and enhancer of rudimentary homolog (ERH) as interacting partners of pS-STAT3 that are pivotal for its transcriptional activity on STAT3 target genes. Collectively, these findings uncover a hitherto unknown transcriptional role and obligate requirement for pS-STAT3 in gastric cancer that could be extrapolated to other STAT3-driven cancers. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings reveal a new transcriptional role and mandatory requirement for constitutive STAT3 serine phosphorylation in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse J Balic
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel J Garama
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohamed I Saad
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liang Yu
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alison C West
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alice J West
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thaleia Livis
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Prithi S Bhathal
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel J Gough
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. .,Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brendan J Jenkins
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. .,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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11
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West AC, Tang K, Tye H, Yu L, Deng N, Najdovska M, Lin SJ, Balic JJ, Okochi-Takada E, McGuirk P, Keogh B, McCormack W, Bhathal PS, Reilly M, Oshima M, Ushijima T, Tan P, Jenkins BJ. Identification of a TLR2-regulated gene signature associated with tumor cell growth in gastric cancer. Oncogene 2017; 36:5134-5144. [PMID: 28481875 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key regulators of innate immune responses, and their dysregulation is observed in numerous inflammation-associated malignancies, including gastric cancer (GC). However, the identity of specific TLRs and their molecular targets which promote the pathogenesis of human GC is ill-defined. Here, we sought to determine the clinical utility of TLR2 in human GC. TLR2 mRNA and protein expression levels were elevated in >50% of GC patient tumors across multiple ethnicities. TLR2 was also widely expressed among human GC cell lines, and DNA microarray-based expression profiling demonstrated that the TLR2-induced growth responsiveness of human GC cells corresponded with the up-regulation of six anti-apoptotic (BCL2A1, BCL2, BIRC3, CFLAR, IER3, TNFAIP3) and down-regulation of two tumor suppressor (PDCD4, TP53INP1) genes. The TLR2-mediated regulation of these anti-apoptotic and tumor suppressor genes was also supported by their increased and reduced expression, respectively, in two independent genetic GC mouse models (gp130F/F and Gan) characterized by high tumor TLR2 expression. Notably, enrichment of this TLR2-regulated gene signature also positively correlated with augmented TLR2 expression in human GC tumors, and served as an indicator of poor patient survival. Furthermore, treatment of gp130F/F and cell line-derived xenograft (MKN1) GC mouse models with a humanized anti-TLR2 antibody suppressed gastric tumor growth, which was coincident with alterations to the TLR2-driven gene signature. Collectively, our study demonstrates that in the majority of GC patients, elevated TLR2 expression is associated with a growth-potentiating gene signature which predicts poor patient outcomes, thus supporting TLR2 as a promising therapeutic target in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C West
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - K Tang
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - H Tye
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - L Yu
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - N Deng
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - M Najdovska
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - S J Lin
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - J J Balic
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - E Okochi-Takada
- Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - P McGuirk
- Opsona Therapeutics Ltd, Dublin, Ireland
| | - B Keogh
- Opsona Therapeutics Ltd, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - P S Bhathal
- Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - M Reilly
- Opsona Therapeutics Ltd, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Oshima
- Division of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - T Ushijima
- Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - P Tan
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Sciences Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - B J Jenkins
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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12
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West AC, Martin BP, Andrews DA, Hogg SJ, Banerjee A, Grigoriadis G, Johnstone RW, Shortt J. The SMAC mimetic, LCL-161, reduces survival in aggressive MYC-driven lymphoma while promoting susceptibility to endotoxic shock. Oncogenesis 2016; 5:e216. [PMID: 27043662 PMCID: PMC4848837 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2016.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) antagonize caspase activation and regulate death receptor signaling cascades. LCL-161 is a small molecule second mitochondrial activator of caspase (SMAC) mimetic, which both disengages IAPs from caspases and induces proteasomal degradation of cIAP-1 and -2, resulting in altered signaling through the NFκB pathway, enhanced TNF production and sensitization to apoptosis mediated by the extrinsic pathway. SMAC mimetics are undergoing clinical evaluation in a range of hematological malignancies. Burkitt-like lymphomas are hallmarked by a low apoptotic threshold, conveying sensitivity to a range of apoptosis-inducing stimuli. While evaluating LCL-161 in the Eμ-Myc model of aggressive Burkitt-like lymphoma, we noted unexpected resistance to apoptosis induction despite ‘on-target' IAP degradation and NFκB activation. Moreover, LCL-161 treatment of lymphoma-bearing mice resulted in apparent disease acceleration concurrent to augmented inflammatory cytokine-release in the same animals. Indiscriminate exposure of lymphoma patients to SMAC mimetics may therefore be detrimental due to both unanticipated prolymphoma effects and increased susceptibility to endotoxic shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C West
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - B P Martin
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - D A Andrews
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - S J Hogg
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - A Banerjee
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - G Grigoriadis
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Alfred Pathology Service, Alfred Health, Prahran, VIC, Australia.,Monash Haematology, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - R W Johnstone
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - J Shortt
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Monash Haematology, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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13
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West AC, Jenkins BJ. Inflammatory and non-inflammatory roles for Toll-like receptors in gastrointestinal cancer. Curr Pharm Des 2016; 21:2968-77. [PMID: 26004414 DOI: 10.2174/1381612821666150514104411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Collectively, cancers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (including the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, colon, rectum, liver, gall bladder and bile ducts) are the most prevalent and deadly worldwide. A common denominator in the pathogenesis of these GI tract cancers is chronic inflammation, as evidenced by the fact that sufferers of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are significantly more susceptible to colon cancer than healthy individuals. However, since only a relatively small proportion of individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions such as IBD go on to develop cancer, research has focused on identifying discrepancies in the host immune system that may be responsible for promoting carcinogenesis in inflamed tissue. To this end, molecular pathways linking inflammation and cancer are emerging, with one series of candidates being members of the Toll-like receptor family.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brendan J Jenkins
- Cancer and Immune Signaling Laboratory, Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, MIMRPHI Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright St, Clayton, Victoria, 3168 Australia.
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14
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Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is the second most lethal cancer world-wide, and the poor overall 5-year survival rate of <25 % for GC is largely due to both the late detection of this aggressive disease and limited effectiveness of current treatment options. Collectively, these observations underscore the need to identify new molecular targets (i.e., genes) to serve as biomarkers for early detection and/or treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes. While GC represents a growing number of cancers whereby deregulation of the immune system is linked to tumor initiation and progression, the identity of innate immune regulators with oncogenic potential in the host gastric mucosal epithelium remains obscure. Over the last couple of decades experimental mouse models for many cancer types have been widely used with great success to identify genes whose expression and/or mutation status influences tumorigenesis. Considering the recent mounting evidence for the role of innate immunity in the pathogenesis of inflammation-associated cancers such as GC, much attention has focused on members of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family, which are key components of the innate immune system primarily known to trigger inflammatory responses upon pathogen detection. Here, we describe techniques used on genetic mouse models for GC to examine the role of specific TLR family members in the pathogenesis of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison C West
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Brendan J Jenkins
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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15
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Qadi AA, Taberlay PC, Phillips JL, Young A, West AC, Brettingham-Moore KH, Dickinson JL, Holloway AF. The Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Receptor Gene Is a Direct Target of RUNX1. J Cell Biochem 2015; 117:49-58. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abeer A. Qadi
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tasmania 7000 Australia
| | - Phillippa C. Taberlay
- Genomics and Epigenetics Division; The Garvan Institute of Medical Research; Darlinghurst New South Wales 2010 Australia
| | - Jessica L. Phillips
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tasmania 7000 Australia
| | - Arabella Young
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tasmania 7000 Australia
| | - Alison C. West
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tasmania 7000 Australia
| | | | - Joanne L. Dickinson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tasmania 7000 Australia
| | - Adele F. Holloway
- School of Medicine; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tasmania 7000 Australia
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16
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Chin SP, Marthick JR, West AC, Short AK, Chuckowree J, Polanowski AM, Thomson RJ, Holloway AF, Dickinson JL. Regulation of the ITGA2 gene by epigenetic mechanisms in prostate cancer. Prostate 2015; 75:723-34. [PMID: 25662931 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrin alpha2 beta1 (α2 β1 ) plays an integral role in tumour cell invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis, and altered expression of the receptor has been linked to tumour prognosis in several solid tumours. However, the relationship is complex, with both increased and decreased expression associated with different stages of tumour metastases in several tumour types. The ITGA2 gene, which codes for the α2 subunit, was examined to investigate whether a large CpG island associated with its promoter region is involved in the differential expression of ITGA2 observed in prostate cancer. METHODS Bisulphite sequencing of the ITGA2 promoter was used to assess methylation in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) prostate tumour specimens and prostate cancer cell lines, PC3, 22Rv1 and LNCaP. Changes in ITGA2 mRNA expression were measured using quantitative PCR. ITGA2 functionality was interrogated using cell migration scratch assays and siRNA knockdown experiments. RESULTS Bisulphite sequencing revealed strikingly decreased methylation at key CpG sites within the promoter of tumour samples, when compared with normal prostate tissue. Altered methylation of this CpG island is also associated with differences in expression in the non-invasive LNCaP, and the highly metastatic PC3 and 22Rv1 prostate cancer cell lines. Further bisulphite sequencing confirmed that selected CpGs were highly methylated in LNCaP cells, whilst only low levels of methylation were observed in PC3 and 22Rv1 cells, correlating with ITGA2 transcript levels. Examination of the increased expression of ITGA2 was shown to influence migratory potential via scratch assay in PC3, 22Rv1 and LNCaP cells, and was confirmed by siRNA knockdown experiments. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data supports the assertion that epigenetic modification of the ITGA2 promoter is a mechanism by which ITGA2 expression is regulated.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Movement/genetics
- DNA Methylation
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Integrin alpha5beta1/biosynthesis
- Integrin alpha5beta1/genetics
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Prostatic Neoplasms/genetics
- Prostatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/chemistry
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/administration & dosage
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyin Paulynn Chin
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia
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17
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Abstract
Epigenetic enzymes are often dysregulated in human tumors through mutation, altered expression, or inappropriate recruitment to certain loci. The identification of these enzymes and their partner proteins has driven the rapid development of small-molecule inhibitors that target the cancer epigenome. Herein, we discuss the influence of aberrantly regulated histone deacetylases (HDACs) in tumorigenesis. We examine HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) targeting class I, II, and IV HDACs that are currently under development for use as anticancer agents following the FDA approval of two HDACis, vorinostat and romidepsin.
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18
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West AC, Smyth MJ, Johnstone RW. The anticancer effects of HDAC inhibitors require the immune system. Oncoimmunology 2014; 3:e27414. [PMID: 24701376 PMCID: PMC3962507 DOI: 10.4161/onci.27414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are known to exert immunomodulatory effects. We have recently demonstrated that the therapeutic efficacy of HDACis against aggressive B-cell lymphoma and colon carcinoma relies on a functional immune system, in particular on the production of interferon γ (IFNγ). Our findings provide a rationale for the combination of HDACis with immunotherapeutic agents in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison C West
- Cancer Therapeutics Program; The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; East Melbourne, VIC Australia ; Cancer Immunology Programs; The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; East Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Mark J Smyth
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute; Herston, QLD Australia ; School of Medicine; University of Queensland; Herston, QLD Australia
| | - Ricky W Johnstone
- Cancer Therapeutics Program; The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; East Melbourne, VIC Australia ; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology; University of Melbourne; Parkville, VIC Australia
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West AC, Mattarollo SR, Shortt J, Cluse LA, Christiansen AJ, Smyth MJ, Johnstone RW. An intact immune system is required for the anticancer activities of histone deacetylase inhibitors. Cancer Res 2013; 73:7265-76. [PMID: 24158093 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-0890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cell-intrinsic effects such as induction of apoptosis and/or inhibition of cell proliferation have been proposed as the major antitumor responses to histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi). These compounds can also mediate immune-modulatory effects that may contribute to their anticancer effects. However, HDACi can also induce anti-inflammatory, and potentially immunosuppressive, outcomes. We therefore sought to clarify the role of the immune system in mediating the efficacy of HDACi in a physiologic setting, using preclinical, syngeneic murine models of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. We showed an intact immune system was required for the robust anticancer effects of the HDACi vorinostat and panobinostat against a colon adenocarcinoma and two aggressive models of leukemia/lymphoma. Importantly, although HDACi-treated immunocompromised mice bearing established lymphoma succumbed to disease significantly earlier than tumor bearing, HDACi-treated wild-type (WT) mice, treatment with the conventional chemotherapeutic etoposide equivalently enhanced the survival of both strains. IFN-γ and tumor cell signaling through IFN-γR were particularly important for the anticancer effects of HDACi, and vorinostat and IFN-γ acted in concert to enhance the immunogenicity of tumor cells. Furthermore, we show that a combination of vorinostat with α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), an IFN-γ-inducing agent, was significantly more potent against established lymphoma than vorinostat treatment alone. Intriguingly, B cells, but not natural killer cells or CD8(+) T cells, were implicated as effectors of the vorinostat antitumor immune response. Together, our data suggest HDACi are immunostimulatory during cancer treatment and that combinatorial therapeutic regimes with immunotherapies should be considered in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison C West
- Authors' Affiliations: Cancer Therapeutics Program, and Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria; The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba; Queensland Institute of Medical Research; and School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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Oakford PC, James SR, Qadi A, West AC, Ray SN, Bert AG, Cockerill PN, Holloway AF. Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of the GM-CSF promoter by RUNX1. Leuk Res 2010; 34:1203-13. [PMID: 20439113 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2010.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2009] [Revised: 03/12/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The RUNX1 gene, which is essential for normal hematopoiesis, is frequently rearranged by the t(8;21) chromosomal translocation in acute myeloid leukemia. The resulting RUNX1-ETO fusion protein contributes to leukemic progression by directing aberrant association of transcriptional cofactors and epigenetic modifiers to RUNX1 target genes. For example, the GM-CSF gene is activated by RUNX1, but is repressed by RUNX1-ETO. Here we show that RUNX1 normally cooperates with the histone acetyltransferase, CBP, to regulate GM-CSF expression at two levels. Firstly, it directs the establishment of a competent chromatin environment at the GM-CSF promoter prior to gene activation. It then participates in the transcriptional activation of the promoter in response to immune stimuli. In contrast, RUNX1-ETO, which cannot associate with CBP, is unable to transactivate the GM-CSF promoter and is associated with the generation of a repressive chromatin environment at the promoter.
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McFarland FK, Smith JA, West AC, Rhoades RD. African American female physicians in South Carolina: role models and career satisfaction. South Med J 2000; 93:982-5. [PMID: 11147481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined the factors that influenced African American women to select medicine as a career and their satisfaction with their career choice. METHODS Of 132 African American female physicians in South Carolina, 62 responded to a survey of open-ended questions about why they chose medicine, what they liked and disliked about their career, and who influenced their decision to become a physician. RESULTS The majority chose medicine for altruistic reasons and found that medicine provided challenge and the opportunity to make a positive difference. Family members, teachers, and physicians served as the common external influences in their decision to become a physician. Managed care, paper work, and time demands constituted the most disliked aspects of medicine. CONCLUSION Altruistic reasons and/or an interest in science motivated most of these African American female physicians to study medicine. Family members most often were their principal role models.
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Affiliation(s)
- F K McFarland
- Department of Medicine, South Carolina Honors College, University of South Carolina, Columbia 29203, USA
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