bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Serum Immunoregulatory Proteins as Predictors of Overall Survival of Metastatic Melanoma Patients Treated with Ipilimumab
Authors: Koguchi Yoshinobu , Hoen Helena M. , Bambina Shelly A. , Rynning Michael D. , Fuerstenberg Richard K. , Curti Brendan D. , Urba Walter J. , Milburn Christina , Bahjat Frances Rena , Korman Alan J. , Bahjat Keith S.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Treatment with ipilimumab improves overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic melanoma. Because ipilimumab targets T lymphocytes and not the tumor itself, efficacy may be uniquely sensitive to immunomodulatory factors present at the time of treatment. We analyzed serum from patients with metastatic melanoma (247 of 273, 90.4%) randomly assigned to receive ipilimumab or gp100 peptide vaccine. We quantified candidate biomarkers at baseline and assessed the association of each using multivariate analyses. Results were confirmed in an independent cohort of similar patients (48 of 52, 92.3%) treated with ipilimumab. After controlling for baseline covariates, elevated chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 11 (CXCL11) and soluble MHC class I polypeptide–related chain A (sMICA) were associated with poor OS in ipilimumab-treated patients [log10 CXCL11: HR, 1.88; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.14–3.12; P = 0.014; and log10 sMICA quadratic effect P = 0.066; sMICA (≥ 247 vs. 247): HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.02–3.01]. Multivariate analysis of an independent ipilimumab-treated cohort confirmed the association between log10 CXCL11 and OS (HR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.13–8.95; P = 0.029), whereas sMICA was less strongly associated with OS [log10 sMICA quadratic effect P = 0.16; sMICA (≥247 vs. 247): HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 0.67–3.27]. High baseline CXCL11 and sMICA were associated with poor OS in patients with metastatic melanoma after ipilimumab treatment but not vaccine treatment. Thus, pretreatment CXCL11 and sMICA may represent predictors of survival benefit after ipilimumab treatment as well as therapeutic targets. Cancer Res; 75(23); 5084–92. ©2015 AACR.
Data from VEGF-A Expression Correlates with TP53 Mutations in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: Implications for Antiangiogenesis Therapy
Authors: Schwaederlé Maria , Lazar Vladimir , Validire Pierre , Hansson Johan , Lacroix Ludovic , Soria Jean-Charles , Pawitan Yudi , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Bevacizumab is one of the most widely used antiangiogenic drugs in oncology, but the overall beneficial effects of this VEGF-A targeting agent are relatively modest, in part due to the lack of a biomarker to select patients most likely to respond favorably. Several molecular aberrations in cancer influence angiogenesis, including mutations in the tumor suppressor gene TP53, which occur frequently in many human malignancies. In this study, we present a multiple regression analysis of transcriptomic data in 123 patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) showing that TP53 mutations are associated with higher VEGF-A expression (P = 0.006). This association was interesting given a recent retrospective study showing longer progression-free survival in patients with diverse tumors who receive bevacizumab, if tumors harbor mutant TP53 instead of wild-type TP53. Thus, our current findings linking TP53 mutation with VEGF-A upregulation offered a mechanistic explanation for why patients exhibit improved outcomes after bevacizumab treatment when their tumors harbor mutant TP53 versus wild-type TP53. Overall, this work warrants further evaluation of TP53 as a ready biomarker to predict bevacizumab response in NSCLC and possibly other tumor types. Cancer Res; 75(7); 1187–90. ©2015 AACR.
Data from eIF4E Threshold Levels Differ in Governing Normal and Neoplastic Expansion of Mammary Stem and Luminal Progenitor Cells
Authors: Avdulov Svetlana , Herrera Jeremy , Smith Karen , Peterson Mark , Gomez-Garcia Jose R. , Beadnell Thomas C. , Schwertfeger Kathryn L. , Benyumov Alexey O. , Manivel J. Carlos , Li Shunan , Bielinsky Anja-Katrin , Yee Douglas , Bitterman Peter B. , Polunovsky Vitaly A.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Translation initiation factor eIF4E mediates normal cell proliferation, yet induces tumorigenesis when overexpressed. The mechanisms by which eIF4E directs such distinct biologic outputs remain unknown. We found that mouse mammary morphogenesis during pregnancy and lactation is accompanied by increased cap-binding capability of eIF4E and activation of the eIF4E-dependent translational apparatus, but only subtle oscillations in eIF4E abundance. Using a transgenic mouse model engineered so that lactogenic hormones stimulate a sustained increase in eIF4E abundance in stem/progenitor cells of lactogenic mammary epithelium during successive pregnancy/lactation cycles, eIF4E overexpression increased self-renewal, triggered DNA replication stress, and induced formation of premalignant and malignant lesions. Using complementary in vivo and ex vivo approaches, we found that increasing eIF4E levels rescued cells harboring oncogenic c-Myc or H-RasV12 from DNA replication stress and oncogene-induced replication catastrophe. Our findings indicate that distinct threshold levels of eIF4E govern its biologic output in lactating mammary glands and that eIF4E overexpression in the context of stem/progenitor cell population expansion can initiate malignant transformation by enabling cells to evade DNA damage checkpoints activated by oncogenic stimuli. Maintaining eIF4E levels below its proneoplastic threshold is an important anticancer defense in normal cells, with important implications for understanding pregnancy-associated breast cancer. Cancer Res; 75(4); 687–97. ©2014 AACR.
Data from MicroRNA-22 Suppresses DNA Repair and Promotes Genomic Instability through Targeting of MDC1
Authors: Lee Jung-Hee , Park Seon-Joo , Jeong Seo-Yeon , Kim Min-Ji , Jun Semo , Lee Hyun-Seo , Chang In-Youb , Lim Sung-Chul , Yoon Sang Pil , Yong Jeongsik , You Ho Jin
Published: March 2024

Abstract
MDC1 is critical component of the DNA damage response (DDR) machinery and orchestrates the ensuring assembly of the DDR protein at the DNA damage sites, and therefore loss of MDC1 results in genomic instability and tumorigenicity. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling MDC1 expression are currently unknown. Here, we show that miR-22 inhibits MDC1 translation via direct binding to its 3′ untranslated region, leading to impaired DNA damage repair and genomic instability. We demonstrated that activated Akt1 and senescence hinder DDR function of MDC1 by upregulating endogenous miR-22. After overexpression of constitutively active Akt1, homologous recombination was inhibited by miR-22–mediated MDC1 repression. In addition, during replicative senescence and stress-induced premature senescence, MDC1 was downregulated by upregulating miR-22 and thereby accumulating DNA damage. Our results demonstrate a central role of miR-22 in the physiologic regulation of MDC1-dependent DDR and suggest a molecular mechanism for how aberrant Akt1 activation and senescence lead to increased genomic instability, fostering an environment that promotes tumorigenesis. Cancer Res; 75(7); 1298–310. ©2015 AACR.
Data from Disseminated Tumor Cells Persist in the Bone Marrow of Breast Cancer Patients through Sustained Activation of the Unfolded Protein Response
Authors: Bartkowiak Kai , Kwiatkowski Marcel , Buck Friedrich , Gorges Tobias M. , Nilse Lars , Assmann Volker , Andreas Antje , Müller Volkmar , Wikman Harriet , Riethdorf Sabine , Schlüter Hartmut , Pantel Klaus
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Disseminated tumor cells (DTC), which share mesenchymal and epithelial properties, are considered to be metastasis-initiating cells in breast cancer. However, the mechanisms supporting DTC survival are poorly understood. DTC extravasation into the bone marrow may be encouraged by low oxygen concentrations that trigger metabolic and molecular alterations contributing to DTC survival. Here, we investigated how the unfolded protein response (UPR), an important cytoprotective program induced by hypoxia, affects the behavior of stressed cancer cells. DTC cell lines established from the bone marrow of patients with breast cancer (BC-M1), lung cancer, (LC-M1), and prostate cancer (PC-E1) were subjected to hypoxic and hypoglycemic conditions. BC-M1 and LC-M1 exhibiting mesenchymal and epithelial properties adapted readily to hypoxia and glucose starvation. Upregulation of UPR proteins, such as the glucose-regulated protein Grp78, induced the formation of filamentous networks, resulting in proliferative advantages and sustained survival under total glucose deprivation. High Grp78 expression correlated with mesenchymal attributes of breast and lung cancer cells and with poor differentiation in clinical samples of primary breast and lung carcinomas. In DTCs isolated from bone marrow specimens from breast cancer patients, Grp78-positive stress granules were observed, consistent with the likelihood these cells were exposed to acute cell stress. Overall, our findings provide the first evidence that the UPR is activated in DTC in the bone marrow from cancer patients, warranting further study of this cell stress pathway as a predictive biomarker for recurrent metastatic disease. Cancer Res; 75(24); 5367–77. ©2015 AACR.
Data from Akt–Girdin Signaling in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Contributes to Tumor Progression
Authors: Yamamura Yumiko , Asai Naoya , Enomoto Atsushi , Kato Takuya , Mii Shinji , Kondo Yuji , Ushida Kaori , Niimi Kaoru , Tsunoda Nobuyuki , Nagino Masato , Ichihara Shu , Furukawa Koichi , Maeda Kengo , Murohara Toyoaki , Takahashi Masahide
Published: March 2024

Abstract
PI3K–Akt signaling is critical for the development, progression, and metastasis of malignant tumors, but its role in the tumor microenvironment has been relatively little studied. Here, we report that the Akt substrate Girdin, an actin-binding protein that regulates cell migration, is expressed and activated by Akt phosphorylation in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and blood vessels within the tumor microenvironment. Lewis lung tumors grafted into mice defective in Akt-mediated Girdin phosphorylation (SA transgenic mice) exhibited a decrease in both CAF infiltration and tumor growth, compared with wild-type (WT) host control animals. Contrasting with the findings of other studies, we found that Akt-dependent phosphorylation of Girdin was not a rate-limiting step in the growth of endothelial cells. In addition, Lewis lung tumors displayed limited outgrowth when cotransplanted with CAF derived from tumor-bearing SA transgenic mice, compared with CAF derived from tumor-bearing WT mice. Collectively, our results revealed a role for Akt-mediated Girdin phosphorylation in CAF during tumor progression, highlighting the need to inhibit Akt function in both tumor cells and cells that comprise the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Res; 75(5); 813–23. ©2015 AACR.
Data from PD-1 Blunts the Function of Ovarian Tumor–Infiltrating Dendritic Cells by Inactivating NF-κB
Authors: Karyampudi Lavakumar , Lamichhane Purushottam , Krempski James , Kalli Kimberly R. , Behrens Marshall D. , Vargas Doris M. , Hartmann Lynn C. , Janco Jo Marie T. , Dong Haidong , Hedin Karen E. , Dietz Allan B. , Goode Ellen L. , Knutson Keith L.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The PD-1:PD-L1 immune signaling axis mediates suppression of T-cell–dependent tumor immunity. PD-1 expression was recently found to be upregulated on tumor-infiltrating murine (CD11c+CD11b+CD8−CD209a+) and human (CD1c+CD19−) myeloid dendritic cells (TIDC), an innate immune cell type also implicated in immune escape. However, there is little knowledge concerning how PD-1 regulates innate immune cells. In this study, we examined the role of PD-1 in TIDCs derived from mice bearing ovarian tumors. Similar to lymphocytes, TIDC expression of PD-1 was associated with expression of the adapter protein SHP-2, which signals to NF-κB; however, in contrast to its role in lymphocytes, we found that expression of PD-1 in TIDC tonically paralyzed NF-κB activation. Further mechanistic investigations showed that PD-1 blocked NF-κB–dependent cytokine release in a SHP-2–dependent manner. Conversely, inhibition of NF-κB–mediated antigen presentation by PD-1 occurred independently of SHP-2. Collectively, our findings revealed that PD-1 acts in a distinct manner in innate immune cells compared with adaptive immune cells, prompting further investigations of the signaling pathways controlled by this central mediator of immune escape in cancer. Cancer Res; 76(2); 239–50. ©2015 AACR.
Data from Noninvasive In Vivo Imaging and Biologic Characterization of Thyroid Tumors by ImmunoPET Targeting of Galectin-3
Authors: D'Alessandria Calogero , Braesch-Andersen Sten , Bejo Kristel , Reder Sybille , Blechert Birgit , Schwaiger Markus , Bartolazzi Armando
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The high prevalence of thyroid nodules in the adult population and the relatively low incidence of thyroid cancer make the preoperative identification of malignant lesions challenging. The β-galactoside–binding protein galectin-3 is widely expressed in well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas, but not in normal thyrocytes and benign thyroid nodules. This molecule offers a candidate biomarker to improve thyroid cancer diagnosis. Here we report the development of an immunoPET approach for noninvasive imaging of thyroid cancer. The method employs a 89Zr-labeled mAb to galectin-3, which shows high specificity and binding affinity in vitro. Reliable and specific immunoPET imaging was obtained of thyroid cancer in vivo in murine xenograft models of human thyroid cancer. Our findings provide a method to improve the clinical management of patients with thyroid nodules while reducing unnecessary surgery and social costs. Cancer Res; 76(12); 3583–92. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Checkpoint Antibodies but not T Cell–Recruiting Diabodies Effectively Synergize with TIL-Inducing γ-Irradiation
Authors: Hettich Michael , Lahoti Jayashree , Prasad Shruthi , Niedermann Gabriele
Published: March 2024

Abstract
T cell–recruiting bispecific antibodies (bsAb) show promise in hematologic malignancies and are also being evaluated in solid tumors. In this study, we investigated whether T cell–recruiting bsAbs synergize with hypofractionated tumor radiotherapy (hRT) and/or blockade of the programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint, both of which can increase tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) numbers. Unexpectedly, large melanomas treated with hRT plus bsAb (AC133×CD3) relapsed faster than those treated with hRT alone, accompanied by massive TIL apoptosis. This fast relapse was delayed by the further addition of anti-PD-1. Mechanistic investigations revealed restimulation-induced cell death mediated by BIM and FAS as an additional cause of bsAb-mediated TIL depletion. In contrast, the double combination of hRT and anti-PD-1 strongly increased TIL numbers, and even very large tumors were completely eradicated. Our study reveals the risk that CD3-engaging bsAbs can induce apoptotic TIL depletion followed by rapid tumor regrowth, reminiscent of tolerance induction by CD3 mAb-mediated T-cell depletion, warranting caution in their use for the treatment of solid tumors. Our findings also argue that combining radiotherapy and anti-PD-1 can be quite potent, including against very large tumors. Cancer Res; 76(16); 4673–83. ©2016 AACR.
Data from miR-182-5p Induced by STAT3 Activation Promotes Glioma Tumorigenesis
Authors: Xue Jianfei , Zhou Aidong , Wu Yamei , Morris Saint-Aaron , Lin Kangyu , Amin Samirkumar , Verhaak Roeland , Fuller Gregory , Xie Keping , Heimberger Amy B. , Huang Suyun
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Malignant glioma is an often fatal type of cancer. Aberrant activation of STAT3 leads to glioma tumorigenesis. STAT3-induced transcription of protein-coding genes has been extensively studied; however, little is known about STAT3-regulated miRNA gene transcription in glioma tumorigenesis. In this study, we found that abnormal activation or decreased expression of STAT3 promotes or inhibits the expression of miR-182-5p, respectively. Bioinformatics analyses determined that tumor suppressor protocadherin-8 (PCDH8) is a candidate target gene of miR-182-5p. miR-182-5p negatively regulated PCDH8 expression by directly targeting its 3′-untranslated region. PCDH8 knockdown induced the proliferative and invasive capacities of glioma cells. Silencing of PCDH8 or miR-182-5p mimics could reverse the inhibitory effect of WP1066, a STAT3 inhibitor, or STAT3 knockdown in vitro and in vivo on glioma progression. Clinically, expression levels of PCDH8 were inversely correlated with those of p-STAT3 or miR-182-5p in glioblastoma tissues. These findings reveal that the STAT3/miR-182-5p/PCDH8 axis has a critical role in glioma tumorigenesis and that targeting the axis may provide a new therapeutic approach for human glioma. Cancer Res; 76(14); 4293–304. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Inherent and Tumor-Driven Immune Tolerance in the Prostate Microenvironment Impairs Natural Killer Cell Antitumor Activity
Authors: Pasero Christine , Gravis Gwenaëlle , Guerin Mathilde , Granjeaud Samuel , Thomassin-Piana Jeanne , Rocchi Palma , Paciencia-Gros Maria , Poizat Flora , Bentobji Mélanie , Azario-Cheillan Francine , Walz Jochen , Salem Naji , Brunelle Serge , Moretta Alessandro , Olive Daniel
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The field of immunotherapy for solid tumors, such as prostate cancer, has been recently focusing on therapies that can counter tumor-mediated immunosuppression. Precise quantification and characterization of the immune infiltrates in tumors is crucial to improve treatment efficacy. Natural killer (NK) cells, major components of the antitumor immune system, have never been isolated from prostate tumors, despite their suspected role in disease progression. Here, we examined the frequency, phenotype, and functions of NK cells infiltrating control and tumor prostate tissues. NK cell infiltrates in prostate tissues were mainly CD56 (NCAM1)-positive and displayed an unexpected immature, but activated, phenotype with low or no cytotoxic potential. Furthermore, we show that TGFβ1 (TGFB1) is highly secreted into the prostate environment and partly mediates the immunosuppressive effects on NK cells. In addition to this basal level of immunotolerance to NK cells, the prostate environment became further resistant to NK cell–mediated immunity upon cancer cell infiltration. Coculture experiments revealed that prostate cancer cells induced the expression of inhibitory receptor (ILT2/LILRB1) and downregulated the expression of activating receptors NKp46 (NCR1), NKG2D (KLRK1), and CD16 (FCGR3) by NK cells, thus preventing their recognition of tumor cells. Notably, blood levels of NKp46 were also decreased in prostate cancer patients and were inversely correlated with levels of prostate-specific antigen, the main prognostic factor in prostate cancer. Our study shows that a strong immunosuppressive environment impairs NK cell function at multiple levels in prostate cancer and provides a rationale for the design of therapies that restore NK cell efficiency in the prostate tumor microenvironment. Cancer Res; 76(8); 2153–65. ©2016 AACR.
Data from In Vivo Imaging of Tumor Metabolism and Acidosis by Combining PET and MRI-CEST pH Imaging
Authors: Longo Dario L. , Bartoli Antonietta , Consolino Lorena , Bardini Paola , Arena Francesca , Schwaiger Markus , Aime Silvio
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The vast majority of cancers exhibit increased glucose uptake and glycolysis regardless of oxygen availability. This metabolic shift leads to an enhanced production of lactic acid that decreases extracellular pH (pHe), a hallmark of the tumor microenvironment. In this way, dysregulated tumor pHe and upregulated glucose metabolism are linked tightly and their relative assessment may be useful to gain understanding of the underlying biology. Here we investigated noninvasively the in vivo correlation between tumor 18F-FDG uptake and extracellular pH values in a murine model of HER2+ breast cancer. Tumor extracellular pH and perfusion were assessed by acquiring MRI-CEST (chemical exchange saturation transfer) images on a 3T scanner after intravenous administration of a pH-responsive contrast agent (iopamidol). Static PET images were recorded immediately after MRI acquisitions to quantify the extent of 18F-FDG uptake. We demonstrated the occurrence of tumor pHe changes that report on acidification of the interstitial fluid caused by an accelerated glycolysis. Combined PET and MRI-CEST images reported complementary spatial information of the altered glucose metabolism. Notably, a significant inverse correlation was found between extracellular tumor pH and 18F-FDG uptake, as a high 18F-FDG uptake corresponds to lower extracellular pH values. These results show how merging the information from 18F-FDG-uptake and extracellular pH measurements can improve characterization of the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Res; 76(22); 6463–70. ©2016 AACR.
Data from IKBKE Is a Substrate of EGFR and a Therapeutic Target in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer with Activating Mutations of EGFR
Authors: Challa Sridevi , Guo Jian-Ping , Ding Xiaowen , Xu Cheng-Xiong , Li Yajuan , Kim Donghwa , Smith Matthew A. , Cress Douglas W. , Coppola Domenico , Haura Eric B. , Cheng Jin Q.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) marked by EGFR mutations tend to develop resistance to therapeutic EGFR inhibitors, often due to secondary mutation EGFRT790M but also other mechanisms. Here we report support for a rationale to target IKBKE, an IκB kinase family member that activates the AKT and NF-κB pathways, as one strategy to address NSCLC resistant to EGFR inhibitors. While wild-type and mutant EGFR directly interacted with IKBKE, only mutant EGFR phosphorylated IKBKE on residues Y153 and Y179. The unphosphorylatable mutant IKBKE-Y153F/Y179-F that lost kinase activity failed to activate AKT and inhibited EGFR signaling. In clinical specimens of NSCLC with activating mutations of EGFR, we observed elevated levels of phospho-Y153 IKBKE. IKBKE ablation with shRNA or small-molecule inhibitor amlexanox selectively inhibited the viability of NSCLC cells with EGFR mutations in vitro. In parallel, we found that these treatments activated the MAPK pathway due to attenuation of an IKBKE feedback mechanism. In vivo studies revealed that combining amlexanox with MEK inhibitor AZD6244 significantly inhibited the xenograft tumor growth of NSCLC cells harboring activating EGFR mutations, including EGFRT790M. Overall, our findings define IKBKE as a direct effector target of EGFR and provide a therapeutic rationale to target IKBKE as a strategy to eradicate EGFR-TKI–resistant NSCLC cells. Cancer Res; 76(15); 4418–29. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Multinuclear NMR and MRI Reveal an Early Metabolic Response to mTOR Inhibition in Sarcoma
Authors: Di Gialleonardo Valentina , Aldeborgh Hannah N. , Miloushev Vesselin , Folkers Kelly M. , Granlund Kristin , Tap William D. , Lewis Jason S. , Weber Wolfgang A. , Keshari Kayvan R.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Biomarkers predicting rapalog responses in sarcomas where PI3K and mTOR are often hyperactivated could improve the suitable recruitment of responsive patients to clinical trials. PI3K/mTOR pathway activation drives energy production by regulating anaerobic glycolysis in cancer cells, suggesting a route toward a monitoring strategy. In this study, we took a multimodality approach to evaluate the phenotypic effects and metabolic changes that occur with inhibition of the PI3K/mTOR pathway. Its central role in regulating glycolysis in human sarcomas was evaluated by short- and long-term rapamycin treatment in sarcoma cell lines. We observed an overall decrease in lactate production in vitro, followed by cell growth inhibition. In vivo, we observed a similar quantitative reduction in lactate production as monitored by hyperpolarized MRI, also followed by tumor size changes. This noninvasive imaging method could distinguish reduced cell proliferation from induction of cell death. Our results illustrate the use of hyperpolarized MRI as a sensitive technique to monitor drug-induced perturbation of the PI3K/mTOR pathway in sarcomas. Cancer Res; 77(11); 3113–20. ©2017 AACR.
Data from DNA Repair Capacity in Multiple Pathways Predicts Chemoresistance in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Nagel Zachary D. , Kitange Gaspar J. , Gupta Shiv K. , Joughin Brian A. , Chaim Isaac A. , Mazzucato Patrizia , Lauffenburger Douglas A. , Sarkaria Jann N. , Samson Leona D.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Cancer cells can resist the effects of DNA-damaging therapeutic agents via utilization of DNA repair pathways, suggesting that DNA repair capacity (DRC) measurements in cancer cells could be used to identify patients most likely to respond to treatment. However, the limitations of available technologies have so far precluded adoption of this approach in the clinic. We recently developed fluorescence-based multiplexed host cell reactivation (FM-HCR) assays to measure DRC in multiple pathways. Here we apply a mathematical model that uses DRC in multiple pathways to predict cellular resistance to killing by DNA-damaging agents. This model, developed using FM-HCR and drug sensitivity measurements in 24 human lymphoblastoid cell lines, was applied to a panel of 12 patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of glioblastoma to predict glioblastoma response to treatment with the chemotherapeutic DNA-damaging agent temozolomide. This work showed that, in addition to changes in O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) activity, small changes in mismatch repair (MMR), nucleotide excision repair (NER), and homologous recombination (HR) capacity contributed to acquired temozolomide resistance in PDX models and led to reduced relative survival prolongation following temozolomide treatment of orthotopic mouse models in vivo. Our data indicate that measuring the combined status of MMR, HR, NER, and MGMT provided a more robust prediction of temozolomide resistance than assessments of MGMT activity alone. Cancer Res; 77(1); 198–206. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Histone H3K27 Trimethylation Modulates 5-Fluorouracil Resistance by Inhibiting PU.1 Binding to the DPYD Promoter
Authors: Wu Rentian , Nie Qian , Tapper Erin E. , Jerde Calvin R. , Dunlap Garrett S. , Shrestha Shikshya , Elraiyah Tarig A. , Offer Steven M. , Diasio Robert B.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The antimetabolite 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most widely used chemotherapy drugs. Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is a major determinant of 5-FU response and toxicity. Although DPYD variants may affect 5-FU metabolism, they do not completely explain the reported variability in DPD function or the resultant differences in treatment response. Here, we report that H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) at the DPYD promoter regulated by Ezh2 and UTX suppresses DPYD expression by inhibiting transcription factor PU.1 binding, leading to increased resistance to 5-FU. Enrichment of H3K27me3 at the DPYD promoter was negatively correlated with both DPYD expression and DPD enzyme activity in peripheral blood specimens from healthy volunteers. Lastly, tumor expression data suggest that DPYD repression by Ezh2 predicts poor survival in 5-FU–treated cancers. Collectively, the findings of the present article suggest that a previously uncharacterized mechanism regulates DPD expression and may contribute to tumor resistance to 5-FU. Cancer Res; 76(21); 6362–73. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Inflammation Triggers Zeb1-Dependent Escape from Tumor Latency
Authors: De Cock Jasmine M. , Shibue Tsukasa , Dongre Anushka , Keckesova Zuzana , Reinhardt Ferenc , Weinberg Robert A.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The emergence of metastatic disease in cancer patients many years or decades after initial successful treatment of primary tumors is well documented but poorly understood at the molecular level. Recent studies have begun exploring the cell-intrinsic programs, causing disseminated tumor cells to enter latency and the cellular signals in the surrounding nonpermissive tissue microenvironment that maintain the latent state. However, relatively little is known about the mechanisms that enable disseminated tumor cells to escape cancer dormancy or tumor latency. We describe here an in vivo model of solitary metastatic latency in the lung parenchyma. The induction of a localized inflammation in the lungs, initiated by lipopolysaccharide treatment, triggers the awakening of these cells, which develop into macroscopic metastases. The escape from latency is dependent on the expression of Zeb1, a key regulator of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, activation of the EMT program on its own, as orchestrated by Zeb1, is sufficient to incite metastatic outgrowth by causing carcinoma cells to enter stably into a metastasis-initiating cell state. Cancer Res; 76(23); 6778–84. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Cardiolipins Are Biomarkers of Mitochondria-Rich Thyroid Oncocytic Tumors
Authors: Zhang Jialing , Yu Wendong , Ryu Seung Woo , Lin John , Buentello Gerardo , Tibshirani Robert , Suliburk James , Eberlin Livia S.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Oncocytic tumors are characterized by an excessive eosinophilic, granular cytoplasm due to aberrant accumulation of mitochondria. Mutations in mitochondrial DNA occur in oncocytic thyroid tumors, but there is no information about their lipid composition, which might reveal candidate theranostic molecules. Here, we used desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) to image and chemically characterize the lipid composition of oncocytic thyroid tumors, as compared with nononcocytic thyroid tumors and normal thyroid samples. We identified a novel molecular signature of oncocytic tumors characterized by an abnormally high abundance and chemical diversity of cardiolipins (CL), including many oxidized species. DESI-MS imaging and IHC experiments confirmed that the spatial distribution of CLs overlapped with regions of accumulation of mitochondria-rich oncocytic cells. Fluorescent imaging and mitochondrial isolation showed that both mitochondrial accumulation and alteration in CL composition of mitochondria occurred in oncocytic tumors cells, thus contributing the aberrant molecular signatures detected. A total of 219 molecular ions, including CLs, other glycerophospholipids, fatty acids, and metabolites, were found at increased or decreased abundance in oncocytic, nononcocytic, or normal thyroid tissues. Our findings suggest new candidate targets for clinical and therapeutic use against oncocytic tumors. Cancer Res; 76(22); 6588–97. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Tissue-Specific Signaling Networks Rewired by Major Somatic Mutations in Human Cancer Revealed by Proteome-Wide Discovery
Authors: Zhao Junfei , Cheng Feixiong , Zhao Zhongming
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Massive somatic mutations discovered by large cancer genome sequencing projects provide unprecedented opportunities in the development of precision oncology. However, deep understanding of functional consequences of somatic mutations and identifying actionable mutations and the related drug responses currently remain formidable challenges. Dysfunction of protein posttranslational modification plays critical roles in tumorigenesis and drug responses. In this study, we proposed a novel computational oncoproteomics approach, named kinome-wide network module for cancer pharmacogenomics (KNMPx), for identifying actionable mutations that rewired signaling networks and further characterized tumorigenesis and anticancer drug responses. Specifically, we integrated 746,631 missense mutations in 4,997 tumor samples across 16 major cancer types/subtypes from The Cancer Genome Atlas into over 170,000 carefully curated nonredundant phosphorylation sites covering 18,610 proteins. We found 47 mutated proteins (e.g., ERBB2, TP53, and CTNNB1) that had enriched missense mutations at their phosphorylation sites in pan-cancer analysis. In addition, tissue-specific kinase–substrate interaction modules altered by somatic mutations identified by KNMPx were significantly associated with patient survival. We further reported a kinome-wide landscape of pharmacogenomic interactions by incorporating somatic mutation-rewired signaling networks in 1,001 cancer cell lines via KNMPx. Interestingly, we found that cell lines could highly reproduce oncogenic phosphorylation site mutations identified in primary tumors, supporting the confidence in their associations with sensitivity/resistance of inhibitors targeting EGF, MAPK, PI3K, mTOR, and Wnt signaling pathways. In summary, our KNMPx approach is powerful for identifying oncogenic alterations via rewiring phosphorylation-related signaling networks and drug sensitivity/resistance in the era of precision oncology. Cancer Res; 77(11); 2810–21. ©2017 AACR.
Data from Anticancer Effects of Targeting Hsp70 in Tumor Stromal Cells
Authors: Gabai Vladimir L. , Yaglom Julia A. , Wang Yongmei , Meng Le , Shao Hao , Kim Geunwon , Colvin Teresa , Gestwicki Jason , Sherman Michael Y.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The stress-induced chaperone protein Hsp70 enables the initiation and progression of many cancers, making it an appealing therapeutic target for development. Here, we show that cancer cells resistant to Hsp70 inhibitors in vitro remain sensitive to them in vivo, revealing the pathogenic significance of Hsp70 in tumor stromal cells rather than tumor cells as widely presumed. Using transgenic mouse models of cancer, we found that expression of Hsp70 in host stromal cells was essential to support tumor growth. Furthermore, genetic ablation or pharmacologic inhibition of Hsp70 suppressed tumor infiltration by macrophages needed to enable tumor growth. Overall, our results illustrate how Hsp70 inhibitors mediate the anticancer effects by targeting both tumor cells and tumor stromal cells, with implications for the broad use of these inhibitors as tools to ablate tumor-associated macrophages that enable malignant progression. Cancer Res; 76(20); 5926–32. ©2016 AACR.
Data from Implications of Epigenetic Drift in Colorectal Neoplasia
Authors: Luebeck Georg E. , Hazelton William D. , Curtius Kit , Maden Sean K. , Yu Ming , Carter Kelly T. , Burke Wynn , Lampe Paul D. , Li Christopher I. , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Newcomb Polly A. , Westerhoff Maria , Kaz Andrew M. , Luo Yanxin , Inadomi John M. , Grady William M.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Many normal tissues undergo age-related drift in DNA methylation, providing a quantitative measure of tissue age. Here, we identify and validate 781 CpG islands (CGI) that undergo significant methylomic drift in 232 normal colorectal tissues and show that these CGI continue to drift in neoplasia while retaining significant correlations across samples. However, compared with normal colon, this drift advanced (∼3–4-fold) faster in neoplasia, consistent with increased cell proliferation during neoplastic progression. The observed drift patterns were broadly consistent with modeled adenoma-to-carcinoma sojourn time distributions from colorectal cancer incidence data. These results support the hypothesis that, beginning with the founder premalignant cell, cancer precursors frequently sojourn for decades before turning into cancer, implying that the founder cell typically arises early in life. At least 77% to 89% of the observed drift variance in distal and rectal tumors was explained by stochastic variability associated with neoplastic progression, whereas only 55% of the variance was explained for proximal tumors. However, gene–CGI pairs in the proximal colon that underwent drift were significantly and primarily negatively correlated with cancer gene expression, suggesting that methylomic drift participates in the clonal evolution of colorectal cancer. Methylomic drift advanced in colorectal neoplasia, consistent with extended sojourn time distributions, which accounts for a significant fraction of epigenetic heterogeneity in colorectal cancer. Importantly, these estimated long-duration premalignant sojourn times suggest that early dietary and lifestyle interventions may be more effective than later changes in reducing colorectal cancer incidence.
Significance:
These findings present age-related methylomic drift in colorectal neoplasia as evidence that premalignant cells can persist for decades before becoming cancerous.

See related commentary by Sapienza, p. 437
Data from In Vivo Modeling of Chemoresistant Neuroblastoma Provides New Insights into Chemorefractory Disease and Metastasis
Authors: Yogev Orli , Almeida Gilberto S. , Barker Karen T. , George Sally L. , Kwok Colin , Campbell James , Zarowiecki Magdalena , Kleftogiannis Dimitrios , Smith Laura M. , Hallsworth Albert , Berry Philip , Möcklinghoff Till , Webber Hannah T. , Danielson Laura S. , Buttery Bliss , Calton Elizabeth A. , da Costa Barbara M. , Poon Evon , Jamin Yann , Lise Stefano , Veal Gareth J. , Sebire Neil , Robinson Simon P. , Anderson John , Chesler Louis
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a pediatric cancer that is frequently metastatic and resistant to conventional treatment. In part, a lack of natively metastatic, chemoresistant in vivo models has limited our insight into the development of aggressive disease. The Th-MYCN genetically engineered mouse model develops rapidly progressive chemosensitive neuroblastoma and lacks clinically relevant metastases. To study tumor progression in a context more reflective of clinical therapy, we delivered multicycle treatment with cyclophosphamide to Th-MYCN mice, individualizing therapy using MRI, to generate the Th-MYCNCPM32 model. These mice developed chemoresistance and spontaneous bone marrow metastases. Tumors exhibited an altered immune microenvironment with increased stroma and tumor-associated fibroblasts. Analysis of copy number aberrations revealed genomic changes characteristic of human MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, specifically copy number gains at mouse chromosome 11, syntenic with gains on human chromosome 17q. RNA sequencing revealed enriched expression of genes associated with 17q gain and upregulation of genes associated with high-risk neuroblastoma, such as the cell-cycle regulator cyclin B1-interacting protein 1 (Ccnb1ip1) and thymidine kinase (TK1). The antiapoptotic, prometastatic JAK–STAT3 pathway was activated in chemoresistant tumors, and treatment with the JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor CYT387 reduced progression of chemoresistant tumors and increased survival. Our results highlight that under treatment conditions that mimic chemotherapy in human patients, Th-MYCN mice develop genomic, microenvironmental, and clinical features reminiscent of human chemorefractory disease. The Th-MYCNCPM32 model therefore is a useful tool to dissect in detail mechanisms that drive metastasis and chemoresistance, and highlights dysregulation of signaling pathways such as JAK–STAT3 that could be targeted to improve treatment of aggressive disease.
Significance:
An in vivo mouse model of high-risk treatment-resistant neuroblastoma exhibits changes in the tumor microenvironment, widespread metastases, and sensitivity to JAK1/2 inhibition.
Data from Chemotherapy-Induced Distal Enhancers Drive Transcriptional Programs to Maintain the Chemoresistant State in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Shang Stephen , Yang Jiekun , Jazaeri Amir A. , Duval Alexander James , Tufan Turan , Lopes Fischer Natasha , Benamar Mouadh , Guessous Fadila , Lee Inyoung , Campbell Robert M. , Ebert Philip J. , Abbas Tarek , Landen Charles N. , Difeo Analisa , Scacheri Peter C. , Adli Mazhar
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Chemoresistance is driven by unique regulatory networks in the genome that are distinct from those necessary for cancer development. Here, we investigate the contribution of enhancer elements to cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancers. Epigenome profiling of multiple cellular models of chemoresistance identified unique sets of distal enhancers, super-enhancers (SE), and their gene targets that coordinate and maintain the transcriptional program of the platinum-resistant state in ovarian cancer. Pharmacologic inhibition of distal enhancers through small-molecule epigenetic inhibitors suppressed the expression of their target genes and restored cisplatin sensitivity in vitro and in vivo. In addition to known drivers of chemoresistance, our findings identified SOX9 as a critical SE-regulated transcription factor that plays a critical role in acquiring and maintaining the chemoresistant state in ovarian cancer. The approach and findings presented here suggest that integrative analysis of epigenome and transcriptional programs could identify targetable key drivers of chemoresistance in cancers.
Significance:
Integrative genome-wide epigenomic and transcriptomic analyses of platinum-sensitive and -resistant ovarian lines identify key distal regulatory regions and associated master regulator transcription factors that can be targeted by small-molecule epigenetic inhibitors.
Data from Gastrointestinal Tract Dysbiosis Enhances Distal Tumor Progression through Suppression of Leukocyte Trafficking
Authors: Jenkins Samir V. , Robeson Michael S. , Griffin Robert J. , Quick Charles M. , Siegel Eric R. , Cannon Martin J. , Vang Kieng B. , Dings Ruud P.M.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The overall use of antibiotics has increased significantly in recent years. Besides fighting infections, antibiotics also alter the gut microbiota. Commensal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract are crucial to maintain immune homeostasis, and microbial imbalance or dysbiosis affects disease susceptibility and progression. We hypothesized that antibiotic-induced dysbiosis of the gut microbiota would suppress cytokine profiles in the host, thereby leading to changes in the tumor microenvironment. The induced dysbiosis was characterized by alterations in bacterial abundance, composition, and diversity in our animal models. On the host side, antibiotic-induced dysbiosis caused elongated small intestines and ceca, and B16-F10 melanoma and Lewis lung carcinoma progressed more quickly than in control mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that this progression was mediated by suppressed TNFα levels, both locally and systemically, resulting in reduced expression of tumor endothelial adhesion molecules, particularly intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and a subsequent decrease in the number of activated and effector CD8+ T cells in the tumor. However, suppression of ICAM-1 or its binding site, the alpha subunit of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1, was not seen in the spleen or thymus during dysbiosis. TNFα supplementation in dysbiotic mice was able to increase ICAM-1 expression and leukocyte trafficking into the tumor. Overall, these results demonstrate the importance of commensal bacteria in supporting anticancer immune surveillance, define an important role of tumor endothelial cells within this process, and suggest adverse consequences of antibiotics on cancer control.
Significance:
Antibiotic-induced dysbiosis enhances distal tumor progression by altering host cytokine levels, resulting in suppression of tumor endothelial adhesion molecules and activated and effector CD8+ T cells in the tumor.
Data from Tumor Angiogenesis Is Differentially Regulated by Phosphorylation of Endothelial Cell Focal Adhesion Kinase Tyrosines-397 and -861
Authors: Pedrosa Ana-Rita , Bodrug Natalia , Gomez-Escudero Jesus , Carter Edward P. , Reynolds Louise E. , Georgiou Paraskivi Natalia , Fernandez Isabelle , Lees Delphine M. , Kostourou Vassiliki , Alexopoulou Annika N. , Batista Silvia , Tavora Bernardo , Serrels Bryan , Parsons Maddy , Iskratsch Thomas , Hodivala-Dilke Kairbaan M.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Expression of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in endothelial cells (EC) is essential for angiogenesis, but how FAK phosphorylation at tyrosine-(Y)397 and Y861 regulate tumor angiogenesis in vivo is unknown. Here, we show that tumor growth and angiogenesis are constitutively reduced in inducible, ECCre+;FAKY397F/Y397F–mutant mice. Conversely, ECCre+;FAKY861F/Y861F mice exhibit normal tumor growth with an initial reduction in angiogenesis that recovered in end-stage tumors. Mechanistically, FAK-Y397F ECs exhibit increased Tie2 expression, reduced Vegfr2 expression, decreased β1 integrin activation, and disrupted downstream FAK/Src/PI3K(p55)/Akt signaling. In contrast, FAK-Y861F ECs showed decreased Vegfr2 and Tie2 expression with an enhancement in β1 integrin activation. This corresponds with a decrease in Vegfa–stimulated response, but an increase in Vegfa+Ang2- or conditioned medium from tumor cell–stimulated cellular/angiogenic responses, mimicking responses in end-stage tumors with elevated Ang2 levels. Mechanistically, FAK-Y861F, but not FAK-Y397F ECs showed enhanced p190RhoGEF/P130Cas-dependent signaling that is required for the elevated responses to Vegfa+Ang2. This study establishes the differential requirements of EC-FAK-Y397 and EC-FAK-Y861 phosphorylation in the regulation of EC signaling and tumor angiogenesis in vivo.
Significance:
Distinct motifs of the focal adhesion kinase differentially regulate tumor blood vessel formation and remodeling.
Data from Curatopes Melanoma: A Database of Predicted T-cell Epitopes from Overly Expressed Proteins in Metastatic Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Lischer Christopher , Eberhardt Martin , Jaitly Tanushree , Schinzel Cornelia , Schaft Niels , Dörrie Jan , Schuler Gerold , Vera Julio
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Therapeutic anticancer vaccination has been adapted as an immunotherapy in several solid tumors. However, the selection of promising candidates from the total quantity of possible epitopes poses a challenge to clinicians and bioinformaticians alike, and very few epitopes have been tested in experimental or clinical settings to validate their efficacy. Here, we present a comprehensive database of predicted nonmutated peptide epitopes derived from genes that are overly expressed in a group of 32 melanoma biopsies compared with healthy tissues and that were filtered against expression in a curated list of survival-critical tissues. We hypothesize that these "self-tolerant" epitopes have two desirable properties: they do not depend on mutations, being immediately applicable to a large patient collective, and they potentially cause fewer autoimmune reactions. To support epitope selection, we provide an aggregated score of expected therapeutic efficiency as a shortlist mechanism. The database has applications in facilitating epitope selection and trial design and is freely accessible at https://www.curatopes.com.
Significance:
A database is presented that predicts and scores antitumor T-cell epitopes, with a focus on tolerability and avoidance of severe autoimmunity, offering a supplementary epitope set for further investigation in immunotherapy.
Data from Comprehensive Benchmarking and Integration of Tumor Microenvironment Cell Estimation Methods
Authors: Jiménez-Sánchez Alejandro , Cast Oliver , Miller Martin L.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Various computational approaches have been developed for estimating the relative abundance of different cell types in the tumor microenvironment (TME) using bulk tumor RNA data. However, a comprehensive comparison across diverse datasets that objectively evaluates the performance of these approaches has not been conducted. Here, we benchmarked seven widely used tools and gene sets and introduced ConsensusTME, a method that integrates gene sets from all the other methods for relative TME cell estimation of 18 cell types. We collected a comprehensive benchmark dataset consisting of pan-cancer data (DNA-derived purity, leukocyte methylation, and hematoxylin and eosin–derived lymphocyte counts) and cell-specific benchmark datasets (peripheral blood cells and tumor tissues). Although none of the methods outperformed others in every benchmark, ConsensusTME ranked top three in all cancer-related benchmarks and was the best performing tool overall. We provide a Web resource to interactively explore the benchmark results and an objective evaluation to help researchers select the most robust and accurate method to further investigate the role of the TME in cancer (www.consensusTME.org).
Significance:
This work shows an independent and comprehensive benchmarking of recently developed and widely used tumor microenvironment cell estimation methods based on bulk expression data and integrates the tools into a consensus approach.