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Felip I, Moiola CP, Megino-Luque C, Lopez-Gil C, Cabrera S, Solé-Sánchez S, Muñoz-Guardiola P, Megias-Roda E, Pérez-Montoyo H, Alfon J, Yeste-Velasco M, Santacana M, Dolcet X, Reques A, Oaknin A, Rodríguez-Freixinos V, Lizcano JM, Domènech C, Gil-Moreno A, Matias-Guiu X, Colas E, Eritja N. Therapeutic potential of the new TRIB3-mediated cell autophagy anticancer drug ABTL0812 in endometrial cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2019; 153:425-435. [PMID: 30853360 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [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: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is frequently overactivated in endometrial cancer (EC). We assessed the efficacy of ABTL0812, a novel first-in-class molecule presenting a unique mechanism of action inhibiting this pathway. METHODS We investigated the effects of ABTL0812 on proliferation, cell death and modulation of intracellular signaling pathways in a wide panel of endometrioid and non-endometrioid cell lines, an inducible PTEN knock-out murine model, and two patient-derived xenograft murine models of EC. Then, TRIB3 expression was evaluated as potential ABTL0812 pharmacodynamic biomarker in a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial. RESULTS ABTL0812 induced an upregulation of TRIB3 expression, resulting in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis inhibition and autophagy cell death induction on EC cells but not in healthy endometrial cells. ABTL0812 treatment also impaired PTEN knock-out cells to progress from hyperplasia to cancer. The therapeutic effects of ABTL0812 were demonstrated in vivo. ABTL0812 increased TRIB3 mRNA levels in whole blood samples of eight EC patients, demonstrating that TRIB3 mRNA could be used as a pharmacodynamic biomarker to monitor the ABTL0812 treatment. CONCLUSIONS ABTL0812 may represent a novel and highly effective therapeutic agent by inducing TRIB3 expression and autophagy in EC patients, including those with poorer prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidre Felip
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics/Oncologic Pathology Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), University of Lleida, CIBERONC, Lleida, Spain
| | - Cristian Pablo Moiola
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics/Oncologic Pathology Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), University of Lleida, CIBERONC, Lleida, Spain; Biomedical Research Group in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Megino-Luque
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics/Oncologic Pathology Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), University of Lleida, CIBERONC, Lleida, Spain
| | - Carlos Lopez-Gil
- Biomedical Research Group in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Cabrera
- Gynecological Oncology Department, Vall Hebron University Hospital, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Pau Muñoz-Guardiola
- Ability Pharmaceuticals, SL, Cerdanyola Del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain; Protein Kinases and Signal Transduction Laboratory, Institut de Neurociències and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Megias-Roda
- Ability Pharmaceuticals, SL, Cerdanyola Del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain; Protein Kinases and Signal Transduction Laboratory, Institut de Neurociències and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - José Alfon
- Ability Pharmaceuticals, SL, Cerdanyola Del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - María Santacana
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics/Oncologic Pathology Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), University of Lleida, CIBERONC, Lleida, Spain
| | - Xavier Dolcet
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics/Oncologic Pathology Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), University of Lleida, CIBERONC, Lleida, Spain
| | - Armando Reques
- Pathology Department, Vall Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Oaknin
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victor Rodríguez-Freixinos
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Miguel Lizcano
- Protein Kinases and Signal Transduction Laboratory, Institut de Neurociències and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Domènech
- Ability Pharmaceuticals, SL, Cerdanyola Del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Gil-Moreno
- Biomedical Research Group in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain; Gynecological Oncology Department, Vall Hebron University Hospital, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Xavier Matias-Guiu
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics/Oncologic Pathology Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), University of Lleida, CIBERONC, Lleida, Spain; Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Eva Colas
- Biomedical Research Group in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Nuria Eritja
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics/Oncologic Pathology Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), University of Lleida, CIBERONC, Lleida, Spain.
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Pérez-Montoyo H, Yeste-Velasco M, Solé-Sánchez S, Bragado P, Colàs-Ortega E, Eritja N, Lopez-Plana A, Fernandez-Nogueira P, Muñoz-Guardiola P, Megías-Roda E, Moiola C, Felip I, Nadal-Alforja E, Gil Martin M, Romeo M, Moran T, Gil-Moreno A, Matias-Guiu X, Domenech C, Lizcano JM. Development of TRIB3 as a novel preclinical and clinical pharmacodynamic biomarker for ABTL0812. J Clin Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2018.36.15_suppl.e14556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paloma Bragado
- Molecular and Translational Oncology Laboratory. Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS). Clinic Barcelona Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Colàs-Ortega
- Biomedical Research Group in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Eritja
- Pathological Oncology Group and Pathology Department, CIBERONC, Lleida Biomedical Research Center (IRBLleida), Universitary Hospital Arnau de Vilanova (HUAV), Lleida, Spain
| | - Anna Lopez-Plana
- Molecular and Translational Oncology Laboratory. Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS). Clinic Barcelona Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Fernandez-Nogueira
- Molecular and Translational Oncology Laboratory. Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS). Clinic Barcelona Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Cristian Moiola
- Biomedical Research Group in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isidre Felip
- Pathological Oncology Group and Pathology Department, Lleida Biomedical Research Center (IRBLleida), Universitary Hospital Arnau de Vilanova (HUAV), Lleida, Spain
| | | | - Marta Gil Martin
- Institut Català D'Oncologia, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Margarita Romeo
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology- IDIBGi, Badalona, Spain
| | - Teresa Moran
- Medical Oncology Department. Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Antonio Gil-Moreno
- Biomedical Research Group in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Matias-Guiu
- Pathological Oncology Group and Pathology Department, CIBERONC, Lleida Biomedical Research Center (IRBLleida), Universitary Hospital Arnau de Vilanova (HUAV), Lleida, Spain
| | - Carles Domenech
- Ability Pharmaceuticals, SL, Cerdanyola Del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose M Lizcano
- Institut de Neurociencies, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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Eritja N, Yeramian A, Chen BJ, Llobet-Navas D, Ortega E, Colas E, Abal M, Dolcet X, Reventos J, Matias-Guiu X. Endometrial Carcinoma: Specific Targeted Pathways. Adv Exp Med Biol 2017; 943:149-207. [PMID: 27910068 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-43139-0_6] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy in the western world with more than 280,000 cases per year worldwide. Prognosis for EC at early stages, when primary surgical resection is the most common initial treatment, is excellent. Five-year survival rate is around 70 %.Several molecular alterations have been described in the different types of EC. They occur in genes involved in important signaling pathways. In this chapter, we will review the most relevant altered pathways in EC, including PI3K/AKT/mTOR, RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK, Tyrosine kinase, WNT/β-Catenin, cell cycle, and TGF-β signaling pathways. At the end of the chapter, the most significant clinical trials will be briefly discussed.This information is important to identify specific targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Eritja
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics and Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Av Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
- GEICEN Research Group, Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics and Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Av Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Andree Yeramian
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics and Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Av Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
- GEICEN Research Group, Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics and Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Av Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Bo-Juen Chen
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, 10013, USA
| | - David Llobet-Navas
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Eugenia Ortega
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics and Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Av Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Eva Colas
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics and Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Av Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
- GEICEN Research Group, Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics and Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Av Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
- Research Unit in Biomedicine and Translational and Pediatric Oncology, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Abal
- GEICEN Research Group, Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics and Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Av Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
- Translational Medical Oncology, Health Research Institute of Santiago (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Xavier Dolcet
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics and Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Av Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
- GEICEN Research Group, Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics and Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Av Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Jaume Reventos
- GEICEN Research Group, Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics and Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Av Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
- Research Unit in Biomedicine and Translational and Pediatric Oncology, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Matias-Guiu
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics and Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Av Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain.
- GEICEN Research Group, Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics and Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Av Rovira Roure, 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain.
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Colàs EC, Eritja N, Muñoz-Guardiola P, Sole-Sanchez S, Moiola C, Felip I, Gil-Moreno A, Perez-Montoyo H, Alfon JA, Domenech C, Lizcano JM, Matias-Guiu X. The first-in-class anti-cancer agent ABTL0812 is effective in preclinical models of human endometrial cancer. J Clin Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2017.35.15_suppl.e17070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e17070 Background: ABTL0812 is a first-in-class anti-cancer agent with a unique mechanism of action currently in Phase Ib/IIa clinical development for endometrial cancer and squamous NSCLC. ABTL0812 successfully culminated a Phase I clinical trial showing a high safety profile and long disease stabilizations, including 14-months stabilization in a patient with platinum-unresponsive Grade IIIC endometrial cancer with mutated PI3KCA and Akt. Methods: ABTL0812 synergy with paclitaxel and carboplatin was tested in vitro on Ishikawa cells by MTT assay. ABTL0812 in vivo anti-tumor activity was assessed in a PTEN-null inducible mouse model of endometrial adenocarcinoma development upon tamoxifen injection. In vivo synergy between ABTL0812 and paclitaxel was validated in a xenograft model orthotopically implanted with Ishikawa cells and between ABTL0812 and paclitaxel/carboplatin (P/C) in xenografts derived from a patient (PDX) with grade IIIC2 endometrial carcinoma with mutated PI3KCA. Results: ABTL0812 reduced paclitaxel and carboplatin IC50 by 1.5 and 2.1 times respectively in Ishikawa cells. Synergy with paclitaxel was found in Ishikawa orthoxenografts, showing a maximum Tumor Growth Inhibition (maxTGI) of 56,7±16,9% compared with 34.6±33.2% of paclitaxel group. ABTL0812 alone was effective reducing endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia formation in a mouse model of endometrial adenocarcinoma. Additionally, in an endometrial cancer PDX, ABTL0812 alone showed similar efficacy with reduced toxicity when compared with P/C and improved maxTGI when given in combination (ABTL0812: 45,2±17,5%; C/P*: 38,7±26,9%; ABTL0812+C/P*: 59.3±8.8%; *p=0.031). Conclusions: ABTL0812 has shown efficacy as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapy in preclinical models of endometrial cancer with mutations on PI3K/Akt pathway, which appears frequently over-activated in patients with these cancers. These results supported the application of ABTL0812 as a first line therapy in combination with chemotherapy for the Phase Ib/IIa clinical trial currently ongoing, positioning ABTL0812 as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of endometrial cancers bearing these genetic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Colàs Colàs
- Biomedical Research Group in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Eritja
- Pathological Oncology Group and Pathology Department, Lleida Biomedical Research Center (IRBLleida), Universitary Hospital Arnau de Vilanova (HUAV), Lleida, Spain
| | | | | | - Cristian Moiola
- Biomedical Research Group in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isidre Felip
- Pathological Oncology Group and Pathology Department, Lleida Biomedical Research Center (IRBLleida), Universitary Hospital Arnau de Vilanova (HUAV), Lleida, Spain
| | - Antonio Gil-Moreno
- Biomedical Research Group in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Jose M Lizcano
- Institut de Neurociencies, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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5
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Eritja N, Felip I, Dosil MA, Vigezzi L, Mirantes C, Yeramian A, Navaridas R, Santacana M, Llobet-Navas D, Yoshimura A, Nomura M, Encinas M, Matias-Guiu X, Dolcet X. A Smad3-PTEN regulatory loop controls proliferation and apoptotic responses to TGF-β in mouse endometrium. Cell Death Differ 2017; 24:1443-1458. [PMID: 28524854 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2017.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The TGF-β/Smad and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are important regulators of proliferation and apoptosis, and their alterations lead to cancer development. TGF-β acts as a tumor suppressor in premalignant cells, but it is a tumor promoter for cancerous cells. Such dichotomous actions are dictated by different cellular contexts. Here, we have unveiled a PTEN-Smad3 regulatory loop that provides a new insight in the complex cross talk between TGF-β/Smad and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. We demonstrate that TGF-β triggers apoptosis of wild-type polarized endometrial epithelial cells by a Smad3-dependent activation of PTEN transcription, which results in the inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. We show that specific Smad3 knockdown or knockout reduces basal and TGF-β-induced PTEN expression in endometrial cells, resulting in a blockade of TGF-β-induced apoptosis and an enhancement of cell proliferation. Likewise Smad3 deletion, PTEN knockout prevents TGF-β-induced apoptosis and increases cell proliferation by increasing PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. In summary, our results demonstrate that Smad3-PTEN signaling axis determine cellular responses to TGF-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Eritja
- Department de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Oncologic Pathology Group, Universitat de Lleida, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Isidre Felip
- Department de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Oncologic Pathology Group, Universitat de Lleida, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Mari Alba Dosil
- Department de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Oncologic Pathology Group, Universitat de Lleida, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucia Vigezzi
- Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL) - CONICET, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Cristina Mirantes
- Department de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Oncologic Pathology Group, Universitat de Lleida, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Andree Yeramian
- Department de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Oncologic Pathology Group, Universitat de Lleida, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Navaridas
- Department de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Oncologic Pathology Group, Universitat de Lleida, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Maria Santacana
- Department de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Oncologic Pathology Group, Universitat de Lleida, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Llobet-Navas
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Akihiko Yoshimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Nomura
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Mario Encinas
- Department Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Xavier Matias-Guiu
- Department de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Oncologic Pathology Group, Universitat de Lleida, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavi Dolcet
- Department de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Oncologic Pathology Group, Universitat de Lleida, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
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6
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Eritja N, Arjó G, Santacana M, Gatius S, Ramírez-Núñez O, Arcal L, Serrano JCE, Pamplona R, Dolcet X, Piñol C, Christou P, Matias-Guiu X, Portero-Otin M. Oral intake of genetically engineered high-carotenoid corn ameliorates hepatomegaly and hepatic steatosis in PTEN haploinsufficient mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2016; 1862:526-535. [PMID: 26820774 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2016.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease. Here we show that a mouse model of haploinsufficiency in the lipid and protein phosphatase and tensin homolog protein (PTEN(+/-)) exhibits hepatomegaly, increased liver lipogenic gene expression (SREBP-1C and PPARγ) and hepatic lesions analogous to human NAFLD. The livers of PTEN(+/-) mice also contained lower levels of retinoic acid (RA) than normal, similarly to human NAFLD patients. The RA signaling pathway thus offers a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of NAFLD although the impact of nutrition in this context is unclear. We therefore fed PTEN(+/-) mice for 36weeks a diet containing genetically engineered high-carotenoid corn (HCAR) to investigate its potential beneficial effects on the hepatic symptoms of NAFLD. The HCAR diet reduced hepatomegaly and promoted the repartitioning of fatty acids in the liver, away from triacylglycerol storage. At the molecular level, the HCAR diet clearly reduced lipogenic gene expression, boosted catabolism, and increased hepatic RA levels. These results set the stage for human trials to evaluate the use of high-carotenoid foods for the reduction or prevention of steatosis in NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Eritja
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Dept. de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Universitat de Lleida, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain.
| | - Gemma Arjó
- Departament de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida-Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Maria Santacana
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Dept. de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Universitat de Lleida, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Sònia Gatius
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Dept. de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Universitat de Lleida, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Omar Ramírez-Núñez
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lleida-IRBLleida, Av. Rovira Roure 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Laura Arcal
- Departament de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida-Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - José C E Serrano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lleida-IRBLleida, Av. Rovira Roure 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Reinald Pamplona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lleida-IRBLleida, Av. Rovira Roure 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Xavi Dolcet
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Dept. de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Universitat de Lleida, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Carme Piñol
- Departament de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida-Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Paul Christou
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering (ETSEA), University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Lleida, Spain; Institució Catalana de Reserca i Estudis Avanc¸ats, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Matias-Guiu
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Dept. de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Universitat de Lleida, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Manuel Portero-Otin
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lleida-IRBLleida, Av. Rovira Roure 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain.
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Alonso-Alconada L, Eritja N, Muinelo-Romay L, Barbazan J, Lopez-Lopez R, Matias-Guiu X, Gil-Moreno A, Dolcet X, Abal M. ETV5 transcription program links BDNF and promotion of EMT at invasive front of endometrial carcinomas. Carcinogenesis 2014; 35:2679-86. [DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgu198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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8
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Eritja N, Domingo M, Dosil MA, Mirantes C, Santacana M, Valls J, Llombart-Cussac A, Matias-Guiu X, Dolcet X. Combinatorial Therapy Using Dovitinib and ICI182.780 (Fulvestrant) Blocks Tumoral Activity of Endometrial Cancer Cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2014; 13:776-87. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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9
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Eritja N, Mirantes C, Llobet D, Yeramian A, Bergadà L, Dosil MA, Domingo M, Matias-Guiu X, Dolcet X. Long-Term Estradiol Exposure Is a Direct Mitogen for Insulin/EGF-Primed Endometrial Cells and Drives PTEN Loss-Induced Hyperplasic Growth. The American Journal of Pathology 2013; 183:277-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Revised: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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10
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Eritja N, Mirantes C, Llobet D, Masip G, Matias-Guiu X, Dolcet X. ERα-mediated repression of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression by glucocorticoids reveals a crucial role for TNFα and IL1α in lumen formation and maintenance. J Cell Sci 2012; 125:1929-44. [PMID: 22328525 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.095067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Most glandular tissues comprise polarized epithelial cells organized around a single central lumen. Although there is active research investigating the molecular networks involved in the regulation of lumenogenesis, little is known about the extracellular factors that influence lumen formation and maintenance. Using a three-dimensional culture system of epithelial endometrial cells, we have revealed a new role for pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL1α in the formation and, more importantly, maintenance of a single central lumen. We also studied the mechanism by which glucocorticoids repress TNFα and IL1α expression. Interestingly, regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and subsequent lumen formation is mediated by estrogen receptor α (ERα) but not by the glucocorticoid receptor. Finally, we investigated the signaling pathways involved in the regulation of lumen formation by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our results demonstrate that activation of the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway, but not the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, is important for the formation and maintenance of a single central lumen. In summary, our results suggest a novel role for ERα-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in lumen formation and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Eritja
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Departamento de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
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11
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Llobet D, Eritja N, Domingo M, Bergada L, Mirantes C, Santacana M, Pallares J, Macià A, Yeramian A, Encinas M, Moreno-Bueno G, Palacios J, Lewis RE, Matias-Guiu X, Dolcet X. KSR1 is overexpressed in endometrial carcinoma and regulates proliferation and TRAIL-induced apoptosis by modulating FLIP levels. Am J Pathol 2011; 178:1529-43. [PMID: 21435442 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2010.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2010] [Revised: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 12/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Raf/MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway participates in many processes altered in development and progression of cancer in human beings such as proliferation, transformation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Kinase suppressor of Ras 1 (KSR1) can interact with various kinases of the Raf/MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway to enhance its activation. The role of KSR1 in endometrial carcinogenesis was investigated. cDNA and tissue microarrays demonstrated that expression of KSR1 was up-regulated in endometrial carcinoma. Furthermore, inhibition of KSR1 expression by specific small hairpin RNA resulted in reduction of both proliferation and anchorage-independent cell growth properties of endometrial cancer cells. Because inhibition of apoptosis has a pivotal role in endometrial carcinogenesis, the effects of KSR1 in regulation of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis were investigated. KSR1 knock-down sensitized resistant endometrial cell lines to both TRAIL- and Fas-induced apoptosis. Sensitization to TRAIL and agonistic anti-Fas antibody was caused by down-regulation of FLIP (FLICE-inhibitory protein). Also investigated was the molecular mechanism by which KSR1 regulates FLIP protein levels. It was demonstrated that KSR1 small hairpin RNA did not affect FLIP transcription or degradation. Rather, FLIP down-regulation was caused by Fas-associated death domain protein-dependent inhibition of FLIP translation triggered after TRAIL stimulation in KSR1-silenced cells. Re-expression of heterologous KSR1 in cells with down-regulated endogenous KSR1 restored FLIP protein levels and TRAIL resistance. In conclusion, KSR1 regulates endometrial sensitivity to TRAIL by regulating FLIP levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Llobet
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Departament de Ciencies Mediques Basiques, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
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12
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Yeramian A, Santacana M, Sorolla A, Llobet D, Encinas M, Velasco A, Bahi N, Eritja N, Domingo M, Oliva E, Dolcet X, Matias-Guiu X. Nuclear factor-κB2/p100 promotes endometrial carcinoma cell survival under hypoxia in a HIF-1α independent manner. J Transl Med 2011; 91:859-71. [PMID: 21537326 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2011.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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] Open
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is a common female cancer, treated mainly by surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Relapse following treatment is associated with increased risk of metastases. Hypoxia, a common microenvironment in solid tumors, correlates with malignant progression, rendering tumors resistant to ionizing therapy. Hence, we assessed here the immunohistochemical expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and members of the NF-κB family in 82 primary EC and 10 post-radiation recurrences of EC. Post-radiation recurrences were highly hypoxic, with a higher expression of HIF-1α and also RelA (p65) and p52 when compared with primary EC. We next investigated the effects of hypoxia on EC cell lines. We found that EC cell lines are highly resistant to hypoxia-induced apoptosis. We thus focused on the molecular mechanisms involved in conferring hypoxic cell death resistance. We show that in addition to the classical NF-κB, hypoxia activates the alternative NF-κB pathway. To characterize the upstream kinases involved in the activation of these pathways, we used lentiviral-mediated knockdown and mouse embryonic fibroblasts lacking IKKα and IKKβ kinases. Both IKKα and IKKβ kinases are required for RelA (p65) and p100 accumulation, whereas p52 processing under hypoxia is IKKα dependent. Furthermore, Ishikawa endometrial cell line harboring either RelA (p65) or p52 short-hairpin RNA was sensitive to hypoxia-induced cell death, indicating that, in addition to the known prosurvival role of RelA (p65) under hypoxia, alternative NF-κB pathway also enhances hypoxic survival of EC cells. Interestingly, although HIF-1α controlled classical NF-κB activation pathway and survival under hypoxia through RelA (p65) nuclear accumulation, the alternative pathway was HIF-1α independent. These findings have important clinical implications for the improvement of EC prognosis before radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andree Yeramian
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics, Laboratori de Recerca Biomèdica, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Univeristy of Lleida, IRBLleida, lleida, Spain.
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13
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Llobet D, Eritja N, Yeramian A, Pallares J, Sorolla A, Domingo M, Santacana M, Gonzalez-Tallada F, Matias-Guiu X, Dolcet X. The multikinase inhibitor Sorafenib induces apoptosis and sensitises endometrial cancer cells to TRAIL by different mechanisms. Eur J Cancer 2010; 46:836-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2009.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2009] [Accepted: 12/16/2009] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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14
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Pallares J, Santacana M, Puente S, Lopez S, Yeramian A, Eritja N, Sorolla A, Llobet D, Dolcet X, Matias-Guiu X. A review of the applications of tissue microarray technology in understanding the molecular features of endometrial carcinoma. Anal Quant Cytol Histol 2009; 31:217-226. [PMID: 19736869] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the literature regarding the use of tissue microarray (TMA) technology in understanding the biology, diagnosis and prognosis of endometrial carcinoma (EC). STUDY DESIGN This review of TMA technology in EC was based on a large number of published articles. We focused on the use of TMA technology as a tool to gain insight in endometrial carcinogenesis and to validate data obtained from DNA microarrays, proteomics and cellular models. RESULTS We summarized the technical aspects of the 37 articles that were reviewed. The number of EC cases in each series varied from 32-485 (median, 128). The number of cores ranged from 1-4 (median, 2), and the size of the cores ranged from 0.6-2 mm (median, 0.6 mm). Only 3 studies applied fluorescence in situ hybridization technology, while the remaining 34 studies used immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION TMA can help to establish new prognostic markers and to define protein biomarkers that help in differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Pallares
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Lleida, Spain
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15
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Pallares J, Llobet D, Santacana M, Eritja N, Velasco A, Cuevas D, Lopez S, Palomar-Asenjo V, Yeramian A, Dolcet X, Matias-Guiu X. CK2beta is expressed in endometrial carcinoma and has a role in apoptosis resistance and cell proliferation. The American Journal of Pathology 2008; 174:287-96. [PMID: 19056846 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2009.080552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase CK2 (CK2) is a serine/threonine kinase that participates in important cellular processes. We have recently demonstrated that CK2 plays a role in resistance to TRAIL/Fas-induced apoptosis in endometrial carcinoma (EC) by regulating FLIP. Here, we assessed the immunohistochemical expression of CK2beta in EC and checked its role in cell proliferation and anchorage-independent cell growth. CK2beta immunostaining was assessed in two tissue microarrays, one constructed from paraffin-embedded blocks of 95 ECs and another from 70 samples of normal endometrium. CK2beta expression was correlated with histological type; grade and stage; cell proliferation (Ki-67) and apoptotic index; immunostaining for cyclin D1, PTEN, AKT, beta-catenin, and FLIP. Moreover, the Ishikawa EC cell line was subjected to down-regulation of CK2 by shRNA. CK2beta expression was frequent in EC (nuclear, 100%; cytoplasmic, 87.5%). The staining was more intense in EC than in normal endometrium (P = 0.000), and statistically correlated with AKT, PTEN, beta-catenin, and FLIP. In EC, CK2beta expression correlated with cell proliferation. Knock-down of CK2beta blocked colony formation of EC in soft agar, and also resulted in decreased expression of cyclin D1 and ERK phosphorylation. The results confirm that CK2beta is widely expressed in EC, and suggest a role in cell proliferation and anchorage-independent cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Pallares
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Lleida, Spain
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16
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Llobet D, Pallares J, Yeramian A, Santacana M, Eritja N, Velasco A, Dolcet X, Matias-Guiu X. Molecular pathology of endometrial carcinoma: practical aspects from the diagnostic and therapeutic viewpoints. J Clin Pathol 2008; 62:777-85. [PMID: 18977806 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2008.056101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
This article reviews the main molecular alterations involved in endometrial carcinoma. Five molecular features (microsatellite instability, and mutations in the PTEN, k-RAS, PIK3CA and beta-catenin genes) are characteristic of endometrioid carcinomas, whereas non-endometrioid carcinomas show alterations of p53, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on several chromosomes, as well as other molecular alterations (STK15, p16, E-cadherin and C-erb B2). The review also covers the phenomenon of apoptosis resistance, as well as the results obtained from cDNA array studies, and the perspectives for targeted therapies. A group of practical applications of molecular pathology techniques are also mentioned: diagnosis of hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer syndrome in patients with endometrial carcinoma; evaluation of precursor lesions; prognosis; diagnosis, particularly for synchronous endometrioid carcinomas of the uterus and the ovaries; and targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Llobet
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics and Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, Irblleida, Spain
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Pallarés J, Velasco A, Eritja N, Santacana M, Dolcet X, Cuatrecasas M, Palomar-Asenjo V, Catasús L, Prat J, Matias-Guiu X. Promoter hypermethylation and reduced expression of RASSF1A are frequent molecular alterations of endometrial carcinoma. Mod Pathol 2008; 21:691-9. [PMID: 18469797 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2008.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in the regulation of the RAS-MAPK pathway are frequent in endometrial carcinoma. RASSF1A is a tumor-suppressor gene that can regulate this pathway negatively. RASSF1A has been found to be inactivated by promoter methylation in some human tumors. The aim of the study was to assess the immunohistochemical expression of RASSF1A in normal endometrium and endometrial carcinoma, and to correlate its expression with K-RAS mutations, presence of microsatellite instability, RASSF1A promoter methylation, and clinicopathological data. RASSF1A immunostaining was evaluated in one tissue microarray constructed from 80 paraffin-embedded samples of normal endometrium, and two tissue microarrays constructed with a total of 157 endometrial carcinomas (one constructed with 95 endometrial carcinomas previously evaluated for K-RAS mutations, and microsatellite instability, and another one containing 62 endometrial carcinomas that were also subjected to RASSF1A promoter methylation analysis). RASSF1A immunostaining was correlated with cell proliferation (Ki67), Cyclin D1 expression and clinicopathological data. Promoter methylation of RASSF1A was assessed by methylation-specific PCR. RASSF1A immunostaining was variable during the menstrual cycle in normal endometrium. RASSF1A expression was significantly reduced in 48% of endometrial carcinomas, particularly in tumors exhibiting microsatellite instability. RASSF1A-promoter methylation was very frequent in endometrial carcinoma (74%), and was frequently associated with reduced expression of RASSF1A. RASSF1A-promoter hypermethylation was common in advanced-stage endometrial carcinoma. The results suggest that reduced expression of RASSF1A may play a role in endometrial carcinogenesis by controlling cell proliferation and apoptosis through the MAPK-signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Pallarés
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, IRBLLEIDA, Lleida, Spain.
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18
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Gallel P, Pallares J, Dolcet X, Llobet D, Eritja N, Santacana M, Yeramian A, Palomar-Asenjo V, Lagarda H, Mauricio D, Encinas M, Matias-Guiu X. Nuclear factor-kappaB activation is associated with somatic and germ line RET mutations in medullary thyroid carcinoma. Hum Pathol 2008; 39:994-1001. [PMID: 18508109 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2007.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2007] [Revised: 09/25/2007] [Accepted: 11/02/2007] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) family of transcription factors regulates a wide variety of cellular processes including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. NF-kappaB has been shown to be activated through several signaling pathways that involve growth factor receptors. The aim of the study was to assess the immunohistochemical expression of members of the NF-kappaB family and the putative targets of NF-kappaB in a series of medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs), in correlation with RET mutational status. A tissue microarray was constructed from paraffin-embedded blocks of 48 MTCs (13 familial, 35 sporadic) previously evaluated for germ line and somatic RET mutations. Immunohistochemical evaluation included members of the NF-kappaB (p50, p65, p52, c-Rel, RelB) family, as well as putative targets of NF-kappaB such as Flip, Bcl-xL, and cyclin D1. Nuclear immunostaining for members of NF-kappaB was frequent in MTCs (p50, 19%; p65, 68%; p52, 86.6%; c-Rel, 75%; RelB, 36%). MTCs with germ line or somatic RET mutations (29 cases) showed NF-kappaB nuclear translocation (particularly of p65, P = .035) more frequently than MTCs without RET mutations (19 cases). Immunostaining for putative targets of NF-kappaB showed a significant statistical association between p65 and Bcl-xL (P = .024). In addition, Bcl-xL expression was statistically higher in the tumors with exon 16 RET mutation in comparison with those with exon 10 and 11 RET mutations or wild-type RET (P = .002). Moreover, the significance of RETsignaling in NF-kappaB activation was evaluated in the RET-mutated TT cell line. TT cells were infected with lentiviruses carrying short hairpin RNA to knock down RET expression, and NF-kappaB activity was assessed by luciferase reporter assays. Silencing of RET in the TT cell line produced a significant decrease in NF-kappaB activation and reduction in ERK1/2. The results suggest that the NF-kappaB is frequently activated in MTCs. The results also support the hypothesis that RET activation by somatic or germ line mutations may be responsible for NF-kappaB activation in MTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Gallel
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomedica de Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
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