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Theranostics 2022KRAS mutation is the most frequent oncogenic aberration in colorectal cancer (CRC). The molecular mechanism and clinical implications of KRAS mutation in CRC remain...
KRAS mutation is the most frequent oncogenic aberration in colorectal cancer (CRC). The molecular mechanism and clinical implications of KRAS mutation in CRC remain unclear and show high heterogeneity within these tumors. We harnessed the multi-omics data (genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and phosphoproteomic etc.) of KRAS-mutant CRC tumors and performed unsupervised clustering to identify proteomics-based subgroups and molecular characterization. In-depth analysis of the tumor microenvironment by single-cell transcriptomic revealed the cellular landscape of KRAS-mutant CRC tumors and identified the specific cell subsets with KRAS mutation. Integrated multi-omics analyses separated the KRAS-mutant tumors into two distinct molecular subtypes, termed KRAS-M1 (KM1) and KRAS-M2 (KM2). The two subtypes had a similar distribution of mutated residues in KRAS (G12D/V/C etc.) but were characterized by distinct features in terms of prognosis, genetic alterations, microenvironment dysregulation, biological phenotype, and potential therapeutic approaches. Proteogenomic analyses revealed that the EMT, TGF-β and angiogenesis pathways were enriched in the KM2 subtype and that the KM2 subtype was associated with the mesenchymal phenotype-related CMS4 subtype, which indicated stromal invasion and worse prognosis. The KM1 subtype was characterized predominantly by activation of the cell cycle, E2F and RNA transcription and was associated with the chromosomal instability (CIN)-related ProS-E proteomic subtype, which suggested cyclin-dependent features and better survival outcomes. Moreover, drug sensitivity analyses based on three compound databases revealed subgroup-specific agents for KM1 and KM2 tumors. This study clarifies the molecular heterogeneity of KRAS-mutant CRC and reveals new biological subtypes and therapeutic possibilities for these tumors.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Colorectal Neoplasms; Genes, ras; Humans; Mutation; Proteomics; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras); Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 35836817
DOI: 10.7150/thno.73089 -
Cell Communication and Signaling : CCS Jan 2023The MYC oncogenic family is dysregulated in diverse tumors which is generally linked to the poor prognosis of tumors. The members in MYC family are transcription factors... (Review)
Review
The MYC oncogenic family is dysregulated in diverse tumors which is generally linked to the poor prognosis of tumors. The members in MYC family are transcription factors which are responsible for the regulation of various genes expression. Among them, c-MYC is closely related to the progression of tumors. Furthermore, c-MYC aberrations is tightly associated with the prevalence of breast cancer. Tumor microenvironment (TME) is composed of many different types of cellular and non-cellular factors, mainly including cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor-associated macrophages, vascular endothelial cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and immune cells, all of which can affect the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic efficacy of breast cancer. Importantly, the biological processes occurred in TME, such as angiogenesis, immune evasion, invasion, migration, and the recruition of stromal and tumor-infiltrating cells are under the modulation of c-MYC. These findings indicated that c-MYC serves as a critical regulator of TME. Here, we aimed to summarize and review the relevant research, thus to clarify c-MYC is a key mediator between breast cancer cells and TME. Video Abstract.
Topics: Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts; Endothelial Cells; Gene Expression; Immune Evasion; Tumor Microenvironment; Breast Neoplasms; Genes, myc
PubMed: 36721232
DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01043-1 -
Blood Feb 2023Chromosomal rearrangements involving the MDS1 and EVI1 complex locus (MECOM) on chromosome 3q26 define an aggressive subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that is...
Chromosomal rearrangements involving the MDS1 and EVI1 complex locus (MECOM) on chromosome 3q26 define an aggressive subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that is associated with chemotherapy resistance and dismal prognosis. Established treatment regimens commonly fail in these patients, therefore, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic concepts that will require a better understanding of the molecular and cellular functions of the ecotropic viral integration site 1 (EVI1) oncogene. To characterize gene regulatory functions of EVI1 and associated dependencies in AML, we developed experimentally tractable human and murine disease models, investigated the transcriptional consequences of EVI1 withdrawal in vitro and in vivo, and performed the first genome-wide CRISPR screens in EVI1-dependent AML. By integrating conserved transcriptional targets with genetic dependency data, we identified and characterized the ETS transcription factor ERG as a direct transcriptional target of EVI1 that is aberrantly expressed and selectively required in both human and murine EVI1-driven AML. EVI1 controls the expression of ERG and occupies a conserved intragenic enhancer region in AML cell lines and samples from patients with primary AML. Suppression of ERG induces terminal differentiation of EVI1-driven AML cells, whereas ectopic expression of ERG abrogates their dependence on EVI1, indicating that the major oncogenic functions of EVI1 are mediated through aberrant transcriptional activation of ERG. Interfering with this regulatory axis may provide entry points for the development of rational targeted therapies.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; DNA-Binding Proteins; MDS1 and EVI1 Complex Locus Protein; Proto-Oncogenes; Transcription Factors; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Carcinogenesis; Transcriptional Regulator ERG
PubMed: 36095844
DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016592 -
Molecular Cancer May 2023Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumor in infants accounting for approximately 15% of all cancer-related deaths. Over 50% of high-risk neuroblastoma relapse,...
BACKGROUND
Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumor in infants accounting for approximately 15% of all cancer-related deaths. Over 50% of high-risk neuroblastoma relapse, emphasizing the need of novel drug targets and therapeutic strategies. In neuroblastoma, chromosomal gains at chromosome 17q, including IGF2BP1, and MYCN amplification at chromosome 2p are associated with adverse outcome. Recent, pre-clinical evidence indicates the feasibility of direct and indirect targeting of IGF2BP1 and MYCN in cancer treatment.
METHODS
Candidate oncogenes on 17q were identified by profiling the transcriptomic/genomic landscape of 100 human neuroblastoma samples and public gene essentiality data. Molecular mechanisms and gene expression profiles underlying the oncogenic and therapeutic target potential of the 17q oncogene IGF2BP1 and its cross-talk with MYCN were characterized and validated in human neuroblastoma cells, xenografts and PDX as well as novel IGF2BP1/MYCN transgene mouse models.
RESULTS
We reveal a novel, druggable feedforward loop of IGF2BP1 (17q) and MYCN (2p) in high-risk neuroblastoma. This promotes 2p/17q chromosomal gains and unleashes an oncogene storm resulting in fostered expression of 17q oncogenes like BIRC5 (survivin). Conditional, sympatho-adrenal transgene expression of IGF2BP1 induces neuroblastoma at a 100% incidence. IGF2BP1-driven malignancies are reminiscent to human high-risk neuroblastoma, including 2p/17q-syntenic chromosomal gains and upregulation of Mycn, Birc5, as well as key neuroblastoma circuit factors like Phox2b. Co-expression of IGF2BP1/MYCN reduces disease latency and survival probability by fostering oncogene expression. Combined inhibition of IGF2BP1 by BTYNB, MYCN by BRD inhibitors or BIRC5 by YM-155 is beneficial in vitro and, for BTYNB, also.
CONCLUSION
We reveal a novel, druggable neuroblastoma oncogene circuit settling on strong, transcriptional/post-transcriptional synergy of MYCN and IGF2BP1. MYCN/IGF2BP1 feedforward regulation promotes an oncogene storm harboring high therapeutic potential for combined, targeted inhibition of IGF2BP1, MYCN expression and MYCN/IGF2BP1-effectors like BIRC5.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Infant; Mice; Cell Line, Tumor; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Genes, myc; N-Myc Proto-Oncogene Protein; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neuroblastoma
PubMed: 37246217
DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01792-0 -
Radiology and Oncology Sep 2019Background Colorectal cancer is a successful model of genetic biomarker development in oncology. Currently, several predictive or prognostic genetic alterations have... (Review)
Review
Background Colorectal cancer is a successful model of genetic biomarker development in oncology. Currently, several predictive or prognostic genetic alterations have been identified and are used in clinical practice. The RAS gene family, which includes KRAS and NRAS act as predictors for anti-epithelial growth factor receptor treatment (anti-EGFR), and it has been suggested that NRAS mutations also play a role in prognosis: patients harboring NRAS alterations have a significantly shorter survival compared to those with wild type tumours. BRAF V600E mutations are rare and occur mostly in tumors located in the ascending colon in elderly female patients. BRAF is instrumental in establishing prognosis: survival is shorter by 10-16 months in BRAF-mutant patients, and BRAF may be a negative prognostic factor for patients who undergo hepatic or pulmonary metastasectomy. Moreover, this mutation is used as a negative predictive factor for anti-EGFR therapies. Two new biomarkers have recently been added to the metastatic colorectal cancer panel: HER2 and microsatellite instability. While HER2 is still being investigated in different prospective studies in order to validate its prognostic role, microsatellite instability already guides clinical decisions in substituted with advanced colorectal cancer. Conclusions There are current evidences that support using above mentioned genetic biomarkers to better identify the right medicine that is supposed to be used in the right patient. This approach contributes to a more individualized patient-oriented treatment in daily clinical practice.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Cetuximab; Colorectal Neoplasms; ErbB Receptors; Female; Genes, erbB-2; Genes, ras; Genetic Markers; Humans; Ipilimumab; Male; Microsatellite Instability; Mutation; Panitumumab; Prognosis; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf; Sex Factors; Trastuzumab
PubMed: 31553708
DOI: 10.2478/raon-2019-0033 -
Nature Communications May 2022c-MYC (MYC) is a major driver of prostate cancer tumorigenesis and progression. Although MYC is overexpressed in both early and metastatic disease and associated with...
c-MYC (MYC) is a major driver of prostate cancer tumorigenesis and progression. Although MYC is overexpressed in both early and metastatic disease and associated with poor survival, its impact on prostate transcriptional reprogramming remains elusive. We demonstrate that MYC overexpression significantly diminishes the androgen receptor (AR) transcriptional program (the set of genes directly targeted by the AR protein) in luminal prostate cells without altering AR expression. Analyses of clinical specimens reveal that concurrent low AR and high MYC transcriptional programs accelerate prostate cancer progression toward a metastatic, castration-resistant disease. Data integration of single-cell transcriptomics together with ChIP-seq uncover an increase in RNA polymerase II (Pol II) promoter-proximal pausing at AR-dependent genes following MYC overexpression without an accompanying deactivation of AR-bound enhancers. Altogether, our findings suggest that MYC overexpression antagonizes the canonical AR transcriptional program and contributes to prostate tumor initiation and progression by disrupting transcriptional pause release at AR-regulated genes.
Topics: Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Genes, myc; Humans; Male; Prostate; Prostatic Neoplasms; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc; Receptors, Androgen
PubMed: 35562350
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30257-z -
Cancer Cell Mar 2024KRAS inhibitors (adagrasib and sotorasib) have shown clinical promise in targeting KRAS-mutated lung cancers; however, most patients eventually develop resistance. In...
KRAS inhibitors (adagrasib and sotorasib) have shown clinical promise in targeting KRAS-mutated lung cancers; however, most patients eventually develop resistance. In lung patients with adenocarcinoma with KRAS and STK11/LKB1 co-mutations, we find an enrichment of the squamous cell carcinoma gene signature in pre-treatment biopsies correlates with a poor response to adagrasib. Studies of Lkb1-deficient KRAS and Kras lung cancer mouse models and organoids treated with KRAS inhibitors reveal tumors invoke a lineage plasticity program, adeno-to-squamous transition (AST), that enables resistance to KRAS inhibition. Transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses reveal ΔNp63 drives AST and modulates response to KRAS inhibition. We identify an intermediate high-plastic cell state marked by expression of an AST plasticity signature and Krt6a. Notably, expression of the AST plasticity signature and KRT6A at baseline correlates with poor adagrasib responses. These data indicate the role of AST in KRAS inhibitor resistance and provide predictive biomarkers for KRAS-targeted therapies in lung cancer.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Humans; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras); Lung Neoplasms; Genes, ras; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Mutation; Acetonitriles; Piperazines; Pyrimidines
PubMed: 38402609
DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.01.012 -
Nature Dec 2022Squamous cell carcinomas are triggered by marked elevation of RAS-MAPK signalling and progression from benign papilloma to invasive malignancy. At tumour-stromal...
Squamous cell carcinomas are triggered by marked elevation of RAS-MAPK signalling and progression from benign papilloma to invasive malignancy. At tumour-stromal interfaces, a subset of tumour-initiating progenitors, the cancer stem cells, obtain increased resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy along this pathway. The distribution and changes in cancer stem cells during progression from a benign state to invasive squamous cell carcinoma remain unclear. Here we show in mice that, after oncogenic RAS activation, cancer stem cells rewire their gene expression program and trigger self-propelling, aberrant signalling crosstalk with their tissue microenvironment that drives their malignant progression. The non-genetic, dynamic cascade of intercellular exchanges involves downstream pathways that are often mutated in advanced metastatic squamous cell carcinomas with high mutational burden. Coupling our clonal skin HRAS mouse model with single-cell transcriptomics, chromatin landscaping, lentiviral reporters and lineage tracing, we show that aberrant crosstalk between cancer stem cells and their microenvironment triggers angiogenesis and TGFβ signalling, creating conditions that are conducive for hijacking leptin and leptin receptor signalling, which in turn launches downstream phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT-mTOR signalling during the benign-to-malignant transition. By functionally examining each step in this pathway, we reveal how dynamic temporal crosstalk with the microenvironment orchestrated by the stem cells profoundly fuels this path to malignancy. These insights suggest broad implications for cancer therapeutics.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Genes, ras; Leptin; Neoplastic Stem Cells; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; ras Proteins; Signal Transduction; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 36450983
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05475-6 -
Oncogene Jun 2023The SOX9 transcription factor ensures proper tissue development and homeostasis and has been implicated in promoting tumor progression. However, the role of SOX9 as a...
The SOX9 transcription factor ensures proper tissue development and homeostasis and has been implicated in promoting tumor progression. However, the role of SOX9 as a driver of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), or any cancer, remains unclear. Using CRISPR/Cas9 and Cre-LoxP gene knockout approaches in the Kras-driven mouse LUAD model, we found that loss of Sox9 significantly reduces lung tumor development, burden and progression, contributing to significantly longer overall survival. SOX9 consistently drove organoid growth in vitro, but SOX9-promoted tumor growth was significantly attenuated in immunocompromised mice compared to syngeneic mice. We demonstrate that SOX9 suppresses immune cell infiltration and functionally suppresses tumor associated CD8 T, natural killer and dendritic cells. These data were validated by flow cytometry, gene expression, RT-qPCR, and immunohistochemistry analyses in Kras-driven murine LUAD, then confirmed by interrogating bulk and single-cell gene expression repertoires and immunohistochemistry in human LUAD. Notably, SOX9 significantly elevates collagen-related gene expression and substantially increases collagen fibers. We propose that SOX9 increases tumor stiffness and inhibits tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells, thereby suppressing CD8 T cell and NK cell infiltration and activity. Thus, SOX9 drives Kras-driven lung tumor progression and inhibits anti-tumor immunity at least partly by modulating the tumor microenvironment.
Topics: Mice; Humans; Animals; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras); SOX9 Transcription Factor; Adenocarcinoma of Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Genes, ras; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 37258742
DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02715-5 -
Gastroenterology Dec 2020The pattern of genetic alterations in cancer driver genes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is highly diverse, which partially explains the low efficacy of...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
The pattern of genetic alterations in cancer driver genes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is highly diverse, which partially explains the low efficacy of available therapies. In spite of this, the existing mouse models only recapitulate a small portion of HCC inter-tumor heterogeneity, limiting the understanding of the disease and the nomination of personalized therapies. Here, we aimed at establishing a novel collection of HCC mouse models that captured human HCC diversity.
METHODS
By performing hydrodynamic tail-vein injections, we tested the impact of altering a well-established HCC oncogene (either MYC or β-catenin) in combination with an additional alteration in one of eleven other genes frequently mutated in HCC. Of the 23 unique pairs of genetic alterations that we interrogated, 9 were able to induce HCC. The established HCC mouse models were characterized at histopathological, immune, and transcriptomic level to identify the unique features of each model. Murine HCC cell lines were generated from each tumor model, characterized transcriptionally, and used to identify specific therapies that were validated in vivo.
RESULTS
Cooperation between pairs of driver genes produced HCCs with diverse histopathology, immune microenvironments, transcriptomes, and drug responses. Interestingly, MYC expression levels strongly influenced β-catenin activity, indicating that inter-tumor heterogeneity emerges not only from specific combinations of genetic alterations but also from the acquisition of expression-dependent phenotypes.
CONCLUSIONS
This novel collection of murine HCC models and corresponding cell lines establishes the role of driver genes in diverse contexts and enables mechanistic and translational studies.
Topics: Animals; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Computational Biology; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Genetic Heterogeneity; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Proto-Oncogenes; Tumor Escape; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 32814112
DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.08.015