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Klufah F, Mobaraki G, Liu D, Alharbi RA, Kurz AK, Speel EJM, Winnepenninckx V, Zur Hausen A. Emerging role of human polyomaviruses 6 and 7 in human cancers. Infect Agent Cancer 2021; 16:35. [PMID: 34001216 PMCID: PMC8130262 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-021-00374-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently 12 human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) have been identified, 6 of which have been associated with human diseases, including cancer. The discovery of the Merkel cell polyomavirus and its role in the etiopathogenesis in the majority of Merkel cell carcinomas has drawn significant attention, also to other novel HPyVs. In 2010, HPyV6 and HPyV7 were identified in healthy skin swabs. Ever since it has been speculated that they might contribute to the etiopathogenesis of skin and non-cutaneous human cancers. MAIN BODY Here we comprehensively reviewed and summarized the current evidence potentially indicating an involvement of HPyV6 and HPyV7 in the etiopathogenesis of neoplastic human diseases. The seroprevalence of both HPyV6 and 7 is high in a normal population and increases with age. In skin cancer tissues, HPyV6- DNA was far more often prevalent than HPyV7 in contrast to cancers of other anatomic sites, in which HPyV7 DNA was more frequently detected. CONCLUSION It is remarkable to find that the detection rate of HPyV6-DNA in tissues of skin malignancies is higher than HPyV7-DNA and may indicate a role of HPyV6 in the etiopathogenesis of the respected skin cancers. However, the sheer presence of viral DNA is not enough to prove a role in the etiopathogenesis of these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Klufah
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Albaha University, Albaha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghalib Mobaraki
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Raed A Alharbi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Albaha University, Albaha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anna Kordelia Kurz
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ernst Jan M Speel
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Véronique Winnepenninckx
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Axel Zur Hausen
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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2
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Chteinberg E, Wetzels S, Gerritsen W, Temmerman L, van den Oord J, Biessen E, Kurz AK, Winnepenninckx V, Zenke M, Speel EJ, Zur Hausen A. Navitoclax combined with Alpelisib effectively inhibits Merkel cell carcinoma cell growth in vitro. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920975621. [PMID: 33403016 PMCID: PMC7739210 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920975621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly malignant skin cancer. Despite major treatment improvements during the last decade, up to 50% of patients do not respond to therapy or develop recurrent disease. For these patients, alternative treatment options are urgently needed. Here, we assessed the efficacy of the combination of the BCL-2 inhibitor Navitoclax and the PI3K p110α inhibitor Alpelisib in MCC cell lines. Methods: The expression of BCL-2 was assessed by immunohistochemistry in MCC and MCC cell lines. Treatment with Navitoclax and Alpelisib alone and in combination was performed on four MCC cell lines. The decrease of cell viability during treatment was assessed by XTT assay and visualized for the combinations by 3D combinatorial index plotting. The increase of apoptotic cells was determined by cleaved PARP Western blotting and Annexin V staining. Results: Some 94% of MCCs and all three MCPyV-positive cell lines showed BCL-2 expression. Navitoclax monotreatment was shown to be highly effective when treating BCL-2-positive cell lines (IC50-values ranging from 96.0 to 323.0 nM). The combination of Alpelisib and Navitoclax resulted in even stronger synergistic and prolonged inhibitions of MCC cell viability through apoptosis up to 4 days. Discussion: Our results show that the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 is frequently expressed in MCC and MCC cell lines. Inhibition of BCL-2 by Navitoclax in combination with Alpelisib revealed a strong synergy and prolonged inhibition of MCC cell viability and induction of apoptosis. The combination of Navitoclax and Alpelisib is a novel potential treatment option for MCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Chteinberg
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Suzan Wetzels
- Experimental Vascular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Gerritsen
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Lieve Temmerman
- Experimental Vascular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Joost van den Oord
- Laboratory of Translational Cell and Tissue Research, University of Leuven, Leuven
| | - Erik Biessen
- Experimental Vascular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Kordelia Kurz
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Véronique Winnepenninckx
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Zenke
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Ernst-Jan Speel
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Axel Zur Hausen
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre +, P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, 6229 HX, The Netherlands
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Klufah F, Mobaraki G, Chteinberg E, Alharbi RA, Winnepenninckx V, Speel EJM, Rennspiess D, Olde Damink SW, Neumann UP, Kurz AK, Samarska I, zur Hausen A. High Prevalence of Human Polyomavirus 7 in Cholangiocarcinomas and Adjacent Peritumoral Hepatocytes: Preliminary Findings. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081125. [PMID: 32726909 PMCID: PMC7464213 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081125] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare biliary-duct malignancy with poor prognosis. Recently, the presence of the human polyomavirus 6 (HPyV6) has been reported in the bile of diverse hepatobiliary diseases, particularly in the bile of CCA patients. Here, we investigated the presence of novel HPyVs in CCA tissues using diverse molecular techniques to assess a possible role of HPyVs in CCA. Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissues of 42 CCA patients were included in this study. PCR-based screening for HPyVs was conducted using degenerated and HPyV-specific primers. Following that, we performed FISH, RNA in situ hybridization (RNA-ISH), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to assess the presence of HPyVs in selected tissues. Of all 42 CCAs, 25 (59%) were positive for one HPyV, while 10 (24%) CCAs were positive for 2 HPyVs simultaneously, and 7 (17%) were negative for HPyVs. Of the total 35 positive CCAs, 19 (45%) were positive for HPyV7, 4 (9%) for HPyV6, 2 (5%) for Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), 8 (19%) for both HPyV7/MCPyV, and 2 (5%) for both HPyV6/HPyV7 as confirmed by sequencing. The presence of viral nucleic acids was confirmed by specific FISH, while the RNA-ISH confirmed the presence of HPyV6 on the single-cell level. In addition, expression of HPyV7, HPyV6, and MCPyV proteins were confirmed by IHC. Our results strongly indicate that HPyV7, HPyV6, and MCPyV infect bile duct epithelium, hepatocytes, and CCA cells, which possibly suggest an indirect role of these viruses in the etiopathogenesis of CCA. Furthermore, the observed hepatotropism of these novel HPyV, in particular HPyV7, might implicate a role of these viruses in other hepatobiliary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Klufah
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (F.K.); (G.M.); (E.C.); (V.W.); (E.J.M.S.); (D.R.); (I.S.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Albaha University, Albaha 65779, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ghalib Mobaraki
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (F.K.); (G.M.); (E.C.); (V.W.); (E.J.M.S.); (D.R.); (I.S.)
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emil Chteinberg
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (F.K.); (G.M.); (E.C.); (V.W.); (E.J.M.S.); (D.R.); (I.S.)
| | - Raed A. Alharbi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Albaha University, Albaha 65779, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Véronique Winnepenninckx
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (F.K.); (G.M.); (E.C.); (V.W.); (E.J.M.S.); (D.R.); (I.S.)
| | - Ernst Jan M. Speel
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (F.K.); (G.M.); (E.C.); (V.W.); (E.J.M.S.); (D.R.); (I.S.)
| | - Dorit Rennspiess
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (F.K.); (G.M.); (E.C.); (V.W.); (E.J.M.S.); (D.R.); (I.S.)
| | - Steven W. Olde Damink
- Department of Surgery, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (S.W.O.D.); (U.P.N.)
- Department of General Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ulf P. Neumann
- Department of Surgery, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (S.W.O.D.); (U.P.N.)
- Department of General Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Anna Kordelia Kurz
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Iryna Samarska
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (F.K.); (G.M.); (E.C.); (V.W.); (E.J.M.S.); (D.R.); (I.S.)
| | - Axel zur Hausen
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (F.K.); (G.M.); (E.C.); (V.W.); (E.J.M.S.); (D.R.); (I.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-433-874-634
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Chteinberg E, Vogt J, Kolarova J, Bormann F, van den Oord J, Speel EJ, Winnepenninckx V, Kurz AK, Zenke M, Siebert R, Hausen AZ. The curious case of Merkel cell carcinoma: epigenetic youth and lack of pluripotency. Epigenetics 2020; 15:1319-1324. [PMID: 32475296 PMCID: PMC7678933 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1773096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a very rare, but highly aggressive skin cancer which occurs mainly in elderly patients. MCC cells show an expression pattern of three cell lineages: epithelial, neuroendocrine, and B-cell progenitor. This trilinear expression pattern suggests stemness activity in MCC. The etiopathogenesis of MCC is either linked to the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) or in a smaller proportion (20%) to high levels of UV-induced somatic mutations. Both viral presence and accumulation of mutations have been shown to be associated with accelerated DNA methylation Age (DNAmAge) compared to chronological age. The MCC DNAmAge was significantly lower compared to the chronological age, which was irrespective of the viral presence or mutational burden. Although these features indicate some aspects of stemness in MCC cells, gene-expression-based pluripotency testing did not provide evidence for pluripotency of MCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Chteinberg
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Medical Centre+ , Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen, University Hospital , Aachen, Germany.,Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Vogt
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University and Ulm University Medical Center , Ulm, Germany
| | - Julia Kolarova
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University and Ulm University Medical Center , Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Joost van den Oord
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Translational Cell and Tissue Research, University of Leuven , KU, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ernst Jan Speel
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Medical Centre+ , Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Véronique Winnepenninckx
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Medical Centre+ , Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Kordelia Kurz
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Aachen , Aachen, Germany
| | - Martin Zenke
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen, University Hospital , Aachen, Germany.,Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany
| | - Reiner Siebert
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University and Ulm University Medical Center , Ulm, Germany
| | - Axel Zur Hausen
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Medical Centre+ , Maastricht, The Netherlands
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5
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Chteinberg E, Klufah F, Rennspiess D, Mannheims MF, Abdul-Hamid MA, Losen M, Keijzers M, De Baets MH, Kurz AK, Zur Hausen A. Low prevalence of Merkel cell polyomavirus in human epithelial thymic tumors. Thorac Cancer 2019; 10:445-451. [PMID: 30628176 PMCID: PMC6397898 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.12953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The etiology of thymic epithelial tumors is unknown. Murine polyomavirus strain PTA has been shown to induce thymomas in mice. Recently, using diverse molecular techniques, we reported the presence of human polyomavirus 7 (HPyV7) in thymic epithelial tumors. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) in thymic epithelial tumors. Methods Thirty‐six thymomas were screened for MCPyV by PCR and subsequently tested by DNA and RNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Twenty‐six thymomas were diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG). Results MCPyV DNA was detected by PCR in 7 (19.4%) of the 36 thymic epithelial tumors and in six of these, the presence of MCPyV was confirmed by fluorescence situ hybridization. Of these, 3 (28.6%) revealed weak MCPyV LT‐antigen protein expression. In addition, one of the MCPyV positive thymomas tested positive for MCPyV LT RNA with RNAscope. Of interest, two out of the three thymomas that previously tested positive for MCPyV by immunohistochemistry also tested positive for HPyV7. One of the 11 MG‐negative and 2 of the 25 MG‐positive were positive for MCPyV. Conclusions MCPyV DNA and MCPyV protein expression can be detected in human epithelial thymoma; however, to a far lesser extent than HPyV7. Our data strongly indicate that because of its infrequent detection and weak expression, MCPyV is unlikely to play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of human thymomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Chteinberg
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Cell Biology, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Faisal Klufah
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Albaha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dorit Rennspiess
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mick F Mannheims
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Myrurgia A Abdul-Hamid
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mario Losen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marlies Keijzers
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc H De Baets
- Department of Neuro-Science, Maastricht University, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Kordelia Kurz
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Axel Zur Hausen
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Chteinberg E, Rennspiess D, Sambo R, Tauchmann S, Kelleners-Smeets NWJ, Winnepenninckx V, Speel EJ, Kurz AK, Zenke M, Zur Hausen A. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase p110δ expression in Merkel cell carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 9:29565-29573. [PMID: 30038704 PMCID: PMC6049866 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of stage III/IV Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is very poor. The Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase p110δ specific inhibitor idelalisib has recently been reported to induce complete clinical remission in a stage IV MCC patient. Here we assessed the expression of p110δ in primary MCC and MCC cell lines including its functionality. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed a specific cytoplasmic p110δ expression in 71.4% of the tested MCCs and in all tested MCC cell lines. Compared to the B cell leukemia cell line REH all MCC cell lines, except MKL-1, revealed a lower response towards the treatment with idelalisib. MKL-1 showed a 10-fold higher IC50 compared to REH which was accompanied by a significant decrease of Akt phosphorylation. However, treating the MCC cells with the specific PI3K p110α subunit inhibitor BYL719 led to a more effective decrease of the cell viability compared to idelalisib: WaGa cells 30-fold, PeTa cells 15-fold and all other MCC cell lines 3-fold. Although PI3K p110δ is expressed in the majority of MCCs and cell lines its inhibition by idelalisib alone does not suffice to effectively affect MCC cells viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Chteinberg
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.,Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Dorit Rennspiess
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ryan Sambo
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Samantha Tauchmann
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole W J Kelleners-Smeets
- Department of Dermatology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Véronique Winnepenninckx
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ernst-Jan Speel
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Kordelia Kurz
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Martin Zenke
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.,Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Axel Zur Hausen
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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7
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Sauer CM, Chteinberg E, Rennspiess D, Kurz AK, Zur Hausen A. [Merkel cell carcinoma: cutaneous manifestation of a highly malignant pre-/pro-B cell neoplasia? : Novel concept about the cellular origin of Merkel cell carcinoma]. Hautarzt 2017; 68:204-210. [PMID: 28194491 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-017-3945-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a relatively rare but highly malignant non-melanoma skin cancer of the elderly and immunosuppressed patients. The discovery of the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) in 2008 significantly impacted the understanding of the etiopathogenesis of MCC. MCPyV is clonally integrated into the MCC genome and approximately 80% of MCC are MCPyV-positive. Recent results of clinical trials using blockade of the PD-1 immune modulatory pathway are promising for the future treatment of MCC. Despite this major progress of the past few years, the cellular origin of MCC still remains obscure. Based on histomorphology, gene expression profiling, and molecular analyses, we have recently hypothesized that MCC originates from pre‑/pro-B cells. Here we review putative cells of MCC, including Merkel cells, (epi‑)dermal stem cells, and pro‑/pre-B cells. In the present work, the focus is on the concept of pre‑/pro-B cells as the cellular origin of MCC, which might also impact the understanding of other human small cell malignancies of unknown cellular origin, such as small cell carcinomas of the lung and other anatomical locations. In addition, this concept might pave the way for novel treatment options, especially for advanced MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Sauer
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - E Chteinberg
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - D Rennspiess
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - A K Kurz
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - A Zur Hausen
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, Netherlands.
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8
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Sauer CM, Haugg AM, Chteinberg E, Rennspiess D, Winnepenninckx V, Speel EJ, Becker JC, Kurz AK, Zur Hausen A. Reviewing the current evidence supporting early B-cells as the cellular origin of Merkel cell carcinoma. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2017; 116:99-105. [PMID: 28693804 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2017.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly malignant skin cancer characterized by early metastases and poor survival. Although MCC is a rare malignancy, its incidence is rapidly increasing in the U.S. and Europe. The discovery of the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) has enormously impacted our understanding of its etiopathogenesis and biology. MCCs are characterized by trilinear differentiation, comprising the expression of neuroendocrine, epithelial and B-lymphoid lineage markers. To date, it is generally accepted that the initial assumption of MCC originating from Merkel cells (MCs) is unlikely. This is owed to their post-mitotic character, absence of MCPyV in MCs and discrepant protein expression pattern in comparison to MCC. Evidence from mouse models suggests that epidermal/dermal stem cells might be of cellular origin in MCC. The recently formulated hypothesis of MCC originating from early B-cells is based on morphology, the consistent expression of early B-cell lineage markers and the finding of clonal immunoglobulin chain rearrangement in MCC cells. In this review we elaborate on the cellular ancestry of MCC, the identification of which could pave the way for novel and more effective therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Sauer
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - A M Haugg
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - E Chteinberg
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - D Rennspiess
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - V Winnepenninckx
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - E-J Speel
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J C Becker
- Department for Translational Dermato-Oncology (DKTK), Center for Medical Biotechnology (ZMB), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - A K Kurz
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - A Zur Hausen
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Beckervordersandforth J, Pujari S, Rennspiess D, Speel EJM, Winnepenninckx V, Diaz C, Weyers W, Haugg AM, Kurz AK, zur Hausen A. Frequent detection of human polyomavirus 6 in keratoacanthomas. Diagn Pathol 2016; 11:58. [PMID: 27388771 PMCID: PMC4936261 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-016-0509-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent discovery of the Merkel cell polyomavirus and its consistent association with Merkel cell carcinoma has drawn attention to the numerous recently discovered polyomaviruses and their possible involvement in the etiopathogenesis of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Data on the recently discovered human polyomavirus 6 (HPyV6) and its role in NMSC are sparse and in part controversial. METHODS In the present study we tested a large number (n = 299) of NMSC specimens for the presence of human polyomavirus 6 (HPyV6) by DNA PCR and HPyV6 fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In detail, 59 keratoacanthomas (KA), 109 basal cell carcinomas (BCC), 86 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and 45 trichoblastomas (TB) were tested for the presence of HPyV6. RESULTS HPyV6 DNA PCR and subsequent sequence analysis revealed that 25 KAs (42.3 %), 23 BCCs (21.1 %), 8 SCCs (9.3 %) and 10 TBs (22.2 %) were HPyV6 positive. The presence of HPyV6 DNA was visualized and validated on the single cell level within the histomorphological context by HPyV6 fluorescence in situ hybridization. CONCLUSIONS The high frequency of HPyV6 DNA in 42.3 % of KA possibly points to a role for HPyV6 in the etiopathogenesis of KAs. Although the detection rate of HPyV6 DNA in BCCs and TBs is within the previously reported detection range in normal skin, it does not exclude a possible role for HPyV6 in the carcinogenesis in a significant subset of these skin tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Beckervordersandforth
- />Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sreedhar Pujari
- />Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dorit Rennspiess
- />Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ernst Jan M. Speel
- />Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Véronique Winnepenninckx
- />Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Carlos Diaz
- />Center for Dermatopathology, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Anke Maria Haugg
- />Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Axel zur Hausen
- />Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Zur Hausen A, Rennspiess D, Winnepenninckx V, Speel EJ, Kurz AK. Early B-cell differentiation in Merkel cell carcinomas: clues to cellular ancestry. Cancer Res 2013; 73:4982-7. [PMID: 23576560 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-0616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly malignant neuroendocrine nonmelanoma skin cancer, which is associated with the Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCPyV). Recently, expression of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) and the paired box gene 5 (PAX 5) has been consistently reported in the majority of MCCs. We tested 21 MCCs for the expression of MCPyV, TdT, PAX5, IgG, IgM, IgA, kappa, and lambda by immunohistochemistry and assessed IgH and Igk rearrangement in all 21 MCCs. All of the MCCs revealed specific expression of PAX5 and 72.8% of the MCCs expressed TdT. In addition, most of the MCCs revealed specific expression of one or more Ig subclasses and kappa or lambda. One MCC did reveal monoclonal IgH and Igk rearrangement next to two other MCCs showing Igk rearrangement. As coexpression of TdT and PAX5 under physiologic circumstances is restricted to pro/pre- and pre-B cells we propose, on the basis of our results, that the cell of origin of MCCs is a pro/pre- or pre-B cell rather than the postmitotic Merkel cells. MCPyV infection and transformation of pro-/pre-B cells are likely to induce the expression of simple cytokeratins as has been shown for SV40 in other nonepithelial cells. This model of cellular ancestry of MCCs might impact therapy and possibly helps to understand why approximately 20% of MCCs are MCPyV-negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Zur Hausen
- Authors' Affiliations: Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands; and Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Kassem A, Technau K, Kurz AK, Pantulu D, Löning M, Kayser G, Stickeler E, Weyers W, Diaz C, Werner M, Nashan D, Zur Hausen A. Merkel cell polyomavirus sequences are frequently detected in nonmelanoma skin cancer of immunosuppressed patients. Int J Cancer 2009; 125:356-61. [PMID: 19384948 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.24323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a new human polyoma virus has been identified in Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC). MCC is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) associated with immunosuppression. Clonal integration of this virus which was termed Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCPyV) was reported in a number of MCC. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are also NMSC and are the most frequent cancers in the setting of immunosuppression. A unique group of 56 NMSC from 11 immunosuppressed patients and 147 NMSC of 125 immunocompetent patients was tested for MCPyV by DNA PCR, targeting the Large T Antigen and the structural Viral Protein 1. NMSC included SCC, BCC and Bowen's disease (BD). In addition, normal skin and 89 colorectal cancers were tested. MCPyV specific sequences were significantly more frequently found in NMSC of immunosuppressed patients compared to immunocompetent patients (p < 0.001). In particular BD and BCC revealed a significant increased association of MCPyV of immunosuppressed patients (p = 0.002 and p = 0.006). Forty-seven of 147 (32%) sporadic NMSC were MCPyV positive. Interestingly, 37.5% (36/96) of sporadic BCC of immunocompetent patients were MCPyV positive. No MCPyV was detected within normal skin and only 3 out of 89 of additionally tested colorectal cancers were MCPyV positive. Our data show that MCPyV is a frequently reactivated virus in immunocompromized patients. How MCPyV contributes to the pathogenesis of NMSC, i.e., BD, SCC and BCC, in immunosuppressed patients and in addition, potentially to the pathogenesis of a subset of sporadic BCC needs further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Kassem
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Knoess M, Kurz AK, Goreva O, Bektas N, Breuhahn K, Odenthal M, Schirmacher P, Dienes HP, Bock CT, Zentgraf H, zur Hausen A. Nucleoporin 88 expression in hepatitis B and C virus-related liver diseases. World J Gastroenterol 2006; 12:5870-4. [PMID: 17007055 PMCID: PMC4100670 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i36.5870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the expression of nucleoporin 88 (Nup88) in hepatitis B virus (HBV) and C virus (HCV)-related liver diseases.
METHODS: We generated a new monoclonal Nup88 antibody to investigate the Nup88 protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 294 paraffin-embedded liver specimens comprising all stages of hepatocellular carcinogenesis. In addition, in cell culture experiments HBV-positive (HepG2.2.15 and HB611) and HBV-negative (HepG2) hepatoma cell lines were tested for the Nup88 expression by Western-immunoblotting to test data obtained by IHC.
RESULTS: Specific Nup88 expression was found in chronic HCV hepatitis and unspecific chronic hepatitis, whereas no or very weak Nup88 expression was detected in normal liver. The Nup88 expression was markedly reduced or missing in mild chronic HBV infection and inversely correlated with HBcAg expression. Irrespective of the HBV- or HCV-status, increasing Nup88 expression was observed in cirrhosis and dysplastic nodules, and Nup88 was highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinomas. The intensity of Nup88 expression significantly increased during carcinogenesis (P < 0.0001) and correlated with dedifferentiation (P < 0.0001). Interestingly, Nup88 protein expression was significantly downregulated in HBV-positive HepG2.2.15 (P < 0.002) and HB611 (P < 0.001) cell lines as compared to HBV-negative HepG2 cells.
CONCLUSION: Based on our immunohistochemical data, HBV and HCV are unlikely to influence the expression of Nup88 in cirrhotic and neoplastic liver tissue, but point to an interaction of HBV with the nuclear pore in chronic hepatitis. The expression of Nup88 in nonneoplastic liver tissue might reflect enhanced metabolic activity of the liver tissue. Our data strongly indicate a dichotomous role for Nup88 in non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Knoess
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 115A, Freiburg 79106, Germany
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Kurz
- Medizinische Universitätsklinik Freiburg, Abteilung Innere Medizin II (Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Endokrinologie und Infektiologie).
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Graf D, Reinehr R, Kurz AK, Fischer R, Häussinger D. Inhibition of taurolithocholate 3-sulfate-induced apoptosis by cyclic AMP in rat hepatocytes involves protein kinase A-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Arch Biochem Biophys 2003; 415:34-42. [PMID: 12801510 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-9861(03)00224-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the inhibition of bile acid-induced apoptosis by cyclic AMP (cAMP) were studied in 24-h-cultured rat hepatocytes. Taurolithocholate 3-sulfate (TLCS, 100 micromol/l) led to a sustained activation of mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases (JNK, p38(MAPK), and ERKs), dephosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB), activation of caspases 3 and 8, and hepatocyte apoptosis. cAMP prevented TLCS-induced apoptosis, shifted the persistent TLCS-induced MAP kinase response to a transient pattern, and prevented PKB dephosphorylation. TLCS-induced CD95 and TRAIL receptor-2 trafficking to the plasma membrane were significantly inhibited. Blockade of protein kinase A (PKA) abolished the inhibitory effect of cAMP on TLCS-induced CD95 membrane targeting, but not TRAIL receptor-2 membrane targeting, PKB and MAP kinase responses. H89, an inhibitor of PKA, had no effect on cAMP-induced inhibition of TLCS-triggered poly(ADP) ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage and caspase activation, but abolished the cAMP-induced inhibition of TLCS-triggered TUNEL- and Annexin V staining. It is concluded that cAMP inhibits bile acid-induced apoptosis via PKA-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Graf
- Department for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Häussinger D, Kurz AK, Wettstein M, Graf D, Vom Dahl S, Schliess F. Involvement of integrins and Src in tauroursodeoxycholate-induced and swelling-induced choleresis. Gastroenterology 2003; 124:1476-87. [PMID: 12730886 DOI: 10.1016/s0016-5085(03)00274-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Stimulation of canalicular secretion by tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDC) involves dual activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38(MAPK)) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). This study investigates the sensing and upstream signaling events of TUDC-induced choleresis. METHODS TUDC and hypo-osmolarity effects on protein kinase activities and taurocholate excretion were studied in perfused rat liver. RESULTS TUDC induced a rapid activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src, as shown by an increase in Y418 phosphorylation and a decrease in Y529 phosphorylation of Src. Inhibition of Src by PP-2 abolished the TUDC-induced activation of p38(MAPK) but not of FAK and ERKs. An integrin-inhibitory peptide with an RGD motif blocked TUDC-induced FAK, Src, ERK, and p38(MAPK) activation, suggesting that integrin signaling toward FAK/Src is required for TUDC-induced MAPK activation. The RGD peptide and PP-2 also abolished the stimulation of taurocholate excretion in perfused rat liver in response to TUDC. Integrin-dependent Src activation was also identified as an upstream event in hypo-osmotic signaling toward MAPKs and choleresis. CONCLUSIONS TUDC-induced stimulation of canalicular taurocholate excretion involves integrin sensing, FAK, and Src activation as upstream events for dual MAPK activation. Integrins may also represent one long-searched sensor for cell hydration changes in response to hypo-osmolarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Häussinger
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectology, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Abstract
Bile acid-induced apoptosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver disease, and its prevention is of therapeutic interest. The effects of betaine were studied on taurolithocholate 3-sulfate (TLCS) and glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC)-induced apoptosis in rat hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo. Hepatocyte apoptosis, caspase activation, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, which are normally observed in response to both bile acids, were largely prevented after preincubation of hepatocytes with betaine. Betaine uptake was required for this protective effect, which was already observed at betaine concentrations of 1 mmol/L. Betaine did not affect the TLCS-induced membrane trafficking of CD95 and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptor 2 to the plasma membrane or the TLCS-induced recruitment of Fas-associated death domain (FADD) and caspase 8 to the CD95 receptor. However, betaine largely prevented cytochrome c release and oxidative stress exerted otherwise by TLCS. Inhibition of caspase 9 strongly blunted TLCS-induced caspase-8 activation. Further betaine did not prevent the TLCS-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38(MAPK)) activation or TLCS-induced protein kinase B (PKB) dephosphorylation. The protective betaine effect was insensitive to inhibition of Erks by PD089059, of p38(MAPK) by SB203580, or of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) by LY294002. Betaine supplementation in the drinking water significantly ameliorated in vivo hepatocyte apoptosis following bile duct ligation. In conclusion, this study identifies betaine as a potent protectant against bile acid-induced apoptosis in vivo and in vitro, and its antiapoptotic action largely resides on an inhibition of the proapoptotic mitochondrial pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Graf
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectiology, Medizinische Einrichtungen der Heinrich-Heine Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Graf D, Kurz AK, Fischer R, Reinehr R, Häussinger D. Taurolithocholic acid-3 sulfate induces CD95 trafficking and apoptosis in a c-Jun N-terminal kinase-dependent manner. Gastroenterology 2002; 122:1411-27. [PMID: 11984527 DOI: 10.1053/gast.2002.32976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Prevention of bile acid-induced apoptosis is of therapeutic interest and requires the understanding of underlying mechanisms. METHODS The effect of tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDC) on taurolithocholic acid-3 sulfate (TLCS)-induced apoptosis was studied in cultured rat hepatocytes. RESULTS TLCS induced activation of caspases 8, 9, and 3 and hepatocyte apoptosis. These effects were abolished by TUDC in a PI 3-kinase-/protein kinase B (PKB)-, p38(MAPK)-, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2 (Erk-2)-independent manner. These protein kinases were activated by both TLCS and TUDC, however, with different kinetics. TLCS, but not TUDC, led to a sustained activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and CD95 trafficking to the plasma membrane; both TLCS effects were prevented by TUDC. Inhibition of JNK1 or protein kinase C prevented TLCS-induced CD95 membrane trafficking and blunted the apoptotic response. The apoptotic potency of other bile acids paralleled their ability to induce sustained JNK activation. CONCLUSIONS Protection by TUDC against TLCS-induced apoptosis starts upstream of caspase 8 activation and is independent of a PI 3-kinase-dependent survival pathway. JNK activation may be important for bile acid-induced apoptosis by triggering ligand-independent CD95 surface trafficking and activation of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Graf
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectiology, Medizinische Einrichtungen der Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf, Germany
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Kurz AK, Graf D, Schmitt M, Vom Dahl S, Häussinger D. Tauroursodesoxycholate-induced choleresis involves p38(MAPK) activation and translocation of the bile salt export pump in rats. Gastroenterology 2001; 121:407-19. [PMID: 11487550 DOI: 10.1053/gast.2001.26262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Canalicular secretion of bile acids is stimulated by tauroursodesoxycholate (TUDC). This study investigates the underlying mechanisms. METHODS TUDC effects on mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, taurocholate (TC) excretion, proteolysis, and the localization of the bile salt export pump (Bsep) were studied in rat hepatocytes and perfused liver. RESULTS TUDC induced a transient and concentration-dependent activation of p38(MAPK) and of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (Erk-2), but not of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK). In perfused liver, TUDC concentrations of 20 micromol/L was sufficient to elicit the MAP kinase responses and TC choleresis. SB 202190, a specific inhibitor of p38(MAPK), had no effect on TUDC- induced Erk activation but abolished the stimulatory effect of TUDC on TC excretion in perfused liver, indicating the requirement of p38(MAPK) in addition to the reported Erk dependence for the choleretic response. TUDC-induced stimulation of TC excretion was accompanied by a p38(MAPK)-dependent insertion of subcanalicular immunoreactive Bsep into the canalicular membrane. In addition TUDC induced a p38(MAPK)-sensitive inhibition of proteolysis. CONCLUSIONS TUDC-induced stimulation of canalicular TC excretion involves a MAP kinase-dependent translocation of subcanalicular Bsep to the canalicular membrane. Dual activation of Erks and p38(MAPK) is required for the choleretic effect of both TUDC and hypo-osmotic cell swelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Kurz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectiology, Medizinische Einrichtungen der Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Kurz AK, Block C, Graf D, Dahl SV, Schliess F, Häussinger D. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase-dependent Ras activation by tauroursodesoxycholate in rat liver. Biochem J 2000; 350 Pt 1:207-13. [PMID: 10926845 PMCID: PMC1221243] [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: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Ursodesoxycholic acid, widely used for the treatment of cholestatic liver disease, causes choleretic, anti-apoptotic and immunomodulatory effects. Here the effects on choleresis of its taurine conjugate tauroursodesoxycholate (TUDC), which is present in the enterohepatic circulation, were correlated with the activation of important elements of intracellular signal transduction in cultured rat hepatocytes and perfused rat liver. TUDC induced a time- and concentration-dependent activation of the small GTP-binding protein Ras and of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) in cultured hepatocytes. Ras activation was dependent on PI 3-kinase activity, without the involvement of protein kinase C- and genistein-sensitive tyrosine kinases. Ras activation by TUDC was followed by an activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases extracellular-signal-regulated kinase-1 (Erk-1) and Erk-2. In perfused rat liver, PI 3-kinase inhibitors largely abolished the stimulatory effect of TUDC on taurocholate excretion, suggesting an important role for a PI 3-kinase/Ras/Erk pathway in the choleretic effect of TUDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Kurz
- Medizinische Einrichtungen der Heinrich-Heine Universität, Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Infektiologie, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Glucagon exerts pleiotropic effects on liver function, but the underlying signal transduction is incompletely understood. We investigated the effect of glucagon on the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphatase MKP-1 expression. METHODS The effect of glucagon on MKP-1 expression was studied in cultured rat hepatocytes. RESULTS Glucagon (10-100 nmol/L) and 8-CPT-cAMP (10 or 50 micromol/L) stimulated in rat hepatocytes the expression of MKP-1 messenger RNA and protein, which became maximal within 30 minutes and declined to nearly basal levels after 60 minutes. MKP-1 induction by glucagon was sensitive to inhibition of adenylate cyclase and protein kinase A. The protein kinases G and C, Ca(2+), MAP kinases, reactive oxygen intermediates, and cellular dehydration were not involved in the glucagon-induced signaling to MKP-1. MKP-1 expression correlated with glucagon-induced antagonization of MAP kinase phosphorylation by epidermal growth factor in hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS The MKP-1 response to glucagon produces an additional level of interaction with MAP kinase-dependent processes, which may contribute to the regulation of liver function by glucagon or other cAMP-elevating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Schliess
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie und Infektiologie, Medizinische Einrichtungen der Heinrich-Heine Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Abstract
The influence of cell hydration and taurine on the heat shock response was studied in primary rat hepatocytes. Heat-induced accumulation of inducible heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) mRNA and protein was increased under hypo-osmotic conditions. In contrast, hyper-osmotic exposure blocked the HSP70 response during an 8-hour recovery, and this was paralleled by a reduction of overall protein synthesis and an impairment of thermotolerance. Taurine counteracted the hyper-osmotic inhibition of heat-induced HSP70 expression, but increased overall protein synthesis only slightly. A rapid and transient activation of the stress-activated protein kinase, JNK-2, was triggered by hyper-osmolarity, whereas the JNK-2 response to hypo-osmolarity was delayed. JNK-2 activation in response to heat was suppressed by hypo-osmolarity, but was markedly increased under hyper-osmotic conditions. The latter effect was blocked by taurine. A pronounced induction of the mRNA for the MAP-kinase phosphatase, MKP-1, in response to heat was observed during hypo- and normo-osmolarity, but no MKP-1 induction was found under hyper-osmotic conditions, although hyper-osmolarity itself led to accumulation of small levels of MKP-1 mRNA. Also, the block of heat-induced MKP-1 mRNA expression by hyper-osmolarity was abolished in the presence of taurine. The data provide evidence for a role of cellular hydration and taurine in the protection of liver parenchymal cells against heat injury via regulation of HSP70 expression and the balance between JNK-2 and MKP-1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Kurz
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectiology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Schliess F, Kurz AK, vom Dahl S, Häussinger D. Mitogen-activated protein kinases mediate the stimulation of bile acid secretion by tauroursodeoxycholate in rat liver. Gastroenterology 1997; 113:1306-14. [PMID: 9322526 DOI: 10.1053/gast.1997.v113.pm9322526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDCA) is widely used in the treatment of cholestatic liver disease. The purpose of this study was to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying its beneficial effect. METHODS TUDCA-induced signaling towards bile acid excretion was studied in 24-hour-cultured rat hepatocytes and perfused rat liver. RESULTS In rat hepatocytes, TUDCA (> 100 mumol/L) led within 10 minutes to an activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP)-kinases extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)-1 and Erk-2. Erk activation by TUDCA was insensitive to inhibition of protein kinase C, tyrosine kinases, and G-protein function. TUDCA-induced Erk activation, however, was abolished in the presence of PD098059, a MAP-kinase kinase (MAP-kinase/Erk-kinase [MEK]) inhibitor and after elevation of intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate. Thus, TUDCA signaling towards MAP kinases is different from hypo-osmotic MAP-kinase activation, which is sensitive to inhibitors of tyrosine kinases and G-protein function. Addition of dibutyryl-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate or PD098059 also abolished the stimulatory effect of TUDCA (20 mumol/L) on taurocholate excretion in perfused rat liver, whereas tyrosine kinase inhibition was ineffective. CONCLUSIONS TUDCA signaling towards bile acid secretion is mediated by an Raf/MEK-dependent activation of MAP kinases. Although both TUDCA and hypo-osmotic hepatocyte swelling lead to MAP-kinase activation and a stimulation of bile acid secretion, different upstream signaling events are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Schliess
- Heinrich-Heine Universität, Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, und Infektiologie, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Kurz AK, Bültmann R, Driessen B, von Kügelgen I, Starke K. Release of ATP in rat vas deferens: origin and role of calcium. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 1994; 350:491-8. [PMID: 7870188 DOI: 10.1007/bf00173018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Release of endogenous ATP elicited by electrical (neural) stimulation and exogenous agonists was studied in the rat isolated vas deferens. The aims were to dissect neural and postjunctional contributions to the nerve activity-evoked overflow of ATP and to clarify the role of transmitter receptors and calcium in postjunctional ATP release. In tissues preincubated with [3H]-noradrenaline, electrical stimulation (100 pulses/10 Hz) elicited contraction and an overflow of tritium and ATP. Contractions as well as ATP overflow were reduced by prazosin 0.3 microM and even more so by prazosin 0.3 microM combined with suramin 300 microM. They were also reduced by nifedipine 10 microM and even more so by nifedipine 10 microM combined with ryanodine 20 microM (the additional effect of ryanodine on ATP overflow was not significant). In tissues not pretreated with [3H]-noradrenaline, exogenous noradrenaline 10 microM and alpha,beta-methylene ATP 10 microM elicited contraction and an overflow of ATP. Responses to noradrenaline were blocked by prazosin 0.3 microM but not suramin 300 microM and were greatly reduced by nifedipine 10 microM and in Ca(2+)-free medium. Responses to alpha,beta-methylene ATP were blocked by suramin 300 microM but not prazosin 0.3 microM, were reduced by nifedipine 10 microM (effect on ATP overflow not significant) and were reduced even more in Ca(2+)-free medium. Neuropeptide Y 0.3 microM caused only very small contraction and ATP overflow. The electrically as well as the agonist-evoked ATP overflow correlated well with the contraction responses except in experiments with suramin which retarded the removal, by vas deferens tissue, of ATP from the medium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Kurz
- Pharmakologisches Institut, Freiburg, Germany
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Abstract
1. The involvement of alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes in adrenergic neurogenic contractions of different type was studied in epididymal and prostatic portions of the rat vas deferens. 2. The adrenergic component of neurogenic contractions was isolated by suramin (300 microM). Twitch-like and tonic contractions were elicited by appropriate pulse patterns of electrical field stimulation, and contractions relying on intracellular calcium mobilization and calcium entry were isolated by means of nifedipine (10 microM) and ryanodine (20 microM), respectively. Increasing concentrations of 2-(2,6-dimethoxyphenoxyethyl)aminomethyl-1,4-benzodioxane (WB 4101), alpha-ethyl-3,4,5-trimethoxy-alpha-(3-((2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)ethyl)- amino)-propyl)benzeneacetonitrile (HV 723), prazosin and 5-methylurapidil progressively, monophasically and with potency decreasing in that order reduced and finally abolished all types of contraction, with one exception: concentration-effect curves of 5-methylurapidil in epididymal segments in the presence of ryanodine levelled off at about 75% inhibition. In the presence of both nifedipine (10 microM) and ryanodine (20 microM), contractions were abolished. 3. Contractions elicited by exogenous noradrenaline were also studied in the presence of either nifedipine 10 microM (prostatic segments) or ryanodine 20 microM (epididymal segments). Increasing concentrations of tamsulosin, WB 4101, benoxathian, HV 723, prazosin, 5-methylurapidil and urapidil progressively, monophasically and with potency decreasing in that order reduced and eventually abolished both kinds of contraction, with two exceptions: in epididymal segments in the presence of ryanodine, the concentration-effect curve of 5-methylurapidil was biphasic and the curve of urapidil levelled off at only partial inhibition. 4. In slices prepared from the prostatic end and preincubated with [3H]-noradrenaline, WB 4101, HV 723, prazosin and 5-methylurapidil, at the highest concentrations tested against neurogenic contractions, increased only slightly the overflow of tritium elicited by trains of 50 pulses at 5 Hz. 5. It is concluded that two alpha l-adrenoceptor subtypes mediate adrenergic neurogenic contractions of rat vas deferens. The main one, pharmacologically alpha 1A, activates both calcium mobilization and entry. In addition there is a second receptor, not previously detected in the vas deferens and not corresponding to any named alpha l subtype, characterized by high and similar affinity for tamsulosin, WB 4101, benoxathian,HV 723 and prazosin and very low affinity for 5-methylurapidil and urapidil, and linked exclusively to calcium entry. Both subtypes and their respective transduction pathways also contribute to contractions elicited by exogenous noradrenaline. An alpha 1B-adrenoceptor-mediated contraction was not found under any experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bültmann
- Pharmakologisches Institut, Universität Freiburg, Germany
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