bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 2484: Association of artificial intelligence (AI)-based HER2 scoring with clinical outcomes to first-line trastuzumab plus chemotherapy in HER2-positive metastatic gastric cancer (mGC)
Authors: Kang Minsu , Lim Yoojoo , Oh Hyeon Jeong , Lee Ji Ae , Kim Jin Won , Kim Ji-Won , Song Sanghoon , Song Heon , Lee Keun-Wook
Published: March 2024

Background: Although trastuzumab plus chemotherapy is the treatment of choice for HER2-positive mGC, not all patients respond to the therapy. To date, there is no reliable and efficient biomarker that can predict the response to trastuzumab-based treatment.

Methods: Clinical data and pathology slides from HER2-positive mGC patients treated with first-line trastuzumab and capecitabine/5-fluorouracil plus cisplatin were retrospectively collected. HER2 positivity was confirmed using standard methods with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or in situ hybridization. An AI-based model was applied to a single HER2 IHC-stained whole slide image (WSI) of each patient to identify and quantify the tumor cells with HER2 IHC staining intensity categories of 0, 1+, 2+, or 3+ on the slide. The proportion of tumor cells with 3+ staining intensity among total tumor cells (h3 percentage) in each slide was calculated and analyzed in relation to clinical outcomes.

Results: A total of 160 cases were included in this analysis. Overall, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 9.2 mo, and the overall survival (OS) was 18.9 mo. By standard IHC HER2 grading, 107 (66.9%) 3+ and 53 (33.1%) 2+ cases were included. The median AI-estimated h3 percentage in these patients was 14.8% (range 0 - 99.5%). The patients with their best tumor response of complete (CR) or partial response (PR) (44.4%) exhibited significantly higher h3 percentages (mean h3 percentage 46.6% in CR/PR vs. 29.4% in stable or progressive disease, p = 0.018). The h3 percentage exhibited strong associations as a continuous variable with longer PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.94 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90 - 0.99] for 10% change of h3 percentages, p = 0.015) or OS (HR 0.93 [95% CI 0.89 - 0.98] for 10% change of h3 percentages, p = 0.004). Notably, patients having a proportion of 3+ tumor cells at ≥ 90% (27/160, 16.9%) showed particularly longer PFS (median PFS 21.4 mo in ≥ 90% vs. 8.5mo in < 90%, p = 0.006) and OS (median OS 40.3 mo in ≥ 90% vs. 16.6 mo in < 90%, p = 0.004).

Conclusion: AI-based models interpreting WSI can provide additive predictive information to HER2-positive mGC patients treated with trastuzumab plus chemotherapy.

Citation Format: Minsu Kang, Yoojoo Lim, Hyeon Jeong Oh, Ji Ae Lee, Jin Won Kim, Ji-Won Kim, Sanghoon Song, Heon Song, Keun-Wook Lee. Association of artificial intelligence (AI)-based HER2 scoring with clinical outcomes to first-line trastuzumab plus chemotherapy in HER2-positive metastatic gastric cancer (mGC) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2484.
Abstract 2531: rs822336 as a predictive biomarker for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy in advanced NSCLC: Unraveling molecular mechanisms
Authors: Polcaro Giovanna , Liguori Luigi , Manzo Valentina , Chianese Annalisa , Donadio Giuliana , Caputo Alessandro , Scognamiglio Giosuè , Dell'Annunziata Federica , Langella Maddalena , Corbi Graziamaria , Ottaiano Alessandro , Cascella Marco , Perri Francesco , De Marco Margot , Col Jessica Dal , Pagliara Valentina , Zeppa Pio , Filippelli Amelia , Franci Gianluigi , Piaz Fabrizio Dal , Conti Valeria , Pepe Stefano , Sabbatino Francesco
Published: March 2024

Efficient predictive biomarkers are needed for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based immunotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). So far, testing the predictive value of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or its ligand 1 (PD-L1) has shown contrasting results. Here, we aimed to validate the predictive value of PD-L1 SNPs in advanced NSCLC patients treated with ICIs as well as to define the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of identified SNP candidate. rs822336 SNP efficiently predicted response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1-based immunotherapy in advanced NSCLC patients as compared to rs2282055 and rs4143815 SNPs. rs822336 SNP mapped on promoter/enhancer region of PD-L1, differentially affecting the induction of PD-L1 expression in human NSCLC cell lines. The induction of PD-L1 expression by rs822336 SNP was predicted by allele-specificity binding of two identified transcription factors: C/EBPβ and NFIC. As a result, silencing of C/EBPβ and NFIC differentially modulated the induction of PD-L1 expression in human NSCLC cell lines carrying different rs822336 genotypes. In addition, binding microarray validated the allele- specificity binding of C/EBPβ and NFIC to PD-L1 promoter/enhancer region based on rs822336 genotype in human NSCLC cell lines. Lastly, the induction of PD-L1 expression by rs822336 genotype differentially affected the susceptibility to anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody nivolumab of human NSCLC cell lines co-cultured with HLA class I antigen matched PBMC. These results have clinical relevance since identified rs822336 SNP and the induction of PD-L1 expression as novel biomarkers for predicting ICI-based immunotherapy in NSCLC patients.

Citation Format: Giovanna Polcaro, Luigi Liguori, Valentina Manzo, Annalisa Chianese, Giuliana Donadio, Alessandro Caputo, Giosuè Scognamiglio, Federica Dell'Annunziata, Maddalena Langella, Graziamaria Corbi, Alessandro Ottaiano, Marco Cascella, Francesco Perri, Margot De Marco, Jessica Dal Col, Valentina Pagliara, Pio Zeppa, Amelia Filippelli, Gianluigi Franci, Fabrizio Dal Piaz, Valeria Conti, Stefano Pepe, Francesco Sabbatino. rs822336 as a predictive biomarker for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy in advanced NSCLC: Unraveling molecular mechanisms [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2531.
Abstract 256: A novel transcriptional complex of OLIG2-STAT5 mediates glioma stem cell self renewal and invasion
Authors: Miller Aunay , Lo Cascio Costanza , Blomquist Mylan , McNamara James B. , Orndorff Keely , Dufault Matthew , Sereduk Christopher , Loftus Joseph , Mehta Shwetal , Tran Nhan L.
Published: March 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary brain tumor in adults, despite current treatment options. One of the major contributing factors to this dismal outcome is a subset of cells called glioma stem cells (GSCs) that are highly tumorigenic, invasive, and resistant to conventional treatments. Thus, studies that focus on the properties of GSC biology are needed to develop novel therapies to improve overall survival. Here we report a novel role of STAT5 in GSC stemness and survival. In GBM tumors, STAT5 has been shown to be active in the infiltrative, residual population of cells remaining post-surgery. Knockdown of STAT5 results in the decrease in GSC stemness and therapeutic resistance. Interestingly, we find that expression of OLIG2, a key cell fate factor important for the tumorigenic potential of GSCs, affects STAT5 activation with a positive correlation between OLIG2 and STAT5 mRNA expression in GBM tumors. Furthermore, we find that in GSCs expressing EGFRvIII, STAT5 interacts with OLIG2 and pharmacological inhibition of STAT5 activation or knockdown of STAT5 expression results in decrease of OLIG2-mediated GSC invasion. Together, these data suggest a novel transcriptional complex, STAT5-OLIG2, in the potential role for GSC survival, maintenance, and invasion.

Citation Format: Aunay Miller, Costanza Lo Cascio, Mylan Blomquist, James B. McNamara, Keely Orndorff, Matthew Dufault, Christopher Sereduk, Joseph Loftus, Shwetal Mehta, Nhan L. Tran. A novel transcriptional complex of OLIG2-STAT5 mediates glioma stem cell self renewal and invasion [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 256.
Abstract 258: An organoid model for investigating Lynch syndrome tumorigenesis
Authors: Guild Caroline , Heinen Christopher , Nadeau Samantha
Published: March 2024

Lynch syndrome (LS) is the most common inherited predisposition for developing colon cancer and is caused by germline variants in mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Still, the mechanism of tumorigenesis in these patients is unknown. An LS patient inherits one defective copy of an MMR gene. At some point in their lifetime, the remaining wild-type allele is lost in a cell rendering it entirely MMR deficient. MMR deficiency increases mutational rate and the chance of acquiring mutations in an oncogene or tumor suppressor that drive tumor initiation. However, loss of MMR in cells also leads to increased resistance to certain forms of DNA damage. Thus, our question is whether this phenotype imparts a selective advantage in colonic cells that may lead to clonal expansion of MMR-deficient cells as a first step towards tumorigenesis in LS patients.

To test this, we are using stem cell-derived human colonic organoids and CRISPR gene editing to examine competition between MMR-deficient (MMRd) and MMR-proficient (MMRp) colonic cells over time. We have initially observed that MMRd stem cells are much more efficient at generating colonic organoids that grow larger and survive longer, consistent with our hypothesis of a selective advantage. To mimic the spontaneous loss of heterozygosity that occurs in LS patients’ colonic crypts, we are forming organoids from differentially labeled MMRd and MMRp stem cells. Live fluorescent imaging of individual organoids is used to quantify changes in cell population over time. Preliminary data indicate that MMRd cells can outgrow MMRp cells resulting in a shift in the ratio of green to red cells over a two-week time period while challenged with a DNA-damaging agent. These results suggest that loss of MMR function imparts an immediate selective advantage in colonic cells in response to DNA damage.

Citation Format: Caroline Guild, Christopher Heinen, Samantha Nadeau. An organoid model for investigating Lynch syndrome tumorigenesis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 258.
Abstract 2592: New technologies and capabilities supporting the development of novel molecular radiotherapy agents
Authors: Belderbos Sarah , Mothes Celine , Bernhard Claire , Denat Franck , Adumeau Pierre , Chevalier Merari Tumin , Llop Jordi , Kownacka Agnieszka , Tihansky Calmen , Ruch Marie , Claron Michael , Moreau Mathieu , Berthet Cyril , Koumarianou Eftychia
Published: March 2024

At Oncodesign-Services we aim to provide cutting-edge technologies and products to support the development of radiopharmaceuticals for theranostics.

Starting from the optimization of lead compounds, the site-specific bioconjugation chemistry of a bifunctional chelator to large biological compounds, such as antibodies, can preserve the biological profile and the reliable batch production. Thanks to new technologies we can conjugate a variety of payloads (cytotoxins, radioactive chelates, fluorescent dyes) on antibodies at targeted lysine residues of the Fc region, independent of Fc glycosylation.

Moreover, we aim to use relevant models for valuable translational results. In line with this, we established tumor spheroids to finely monitor the diffusion and subcellular distribution of novel fluorescent and radioactive probes in a 3D environment.

Furthermore, we are currently generating two animal tumor models for optimal target expression levels and recapitulation of the human tumor microenvironment. Our first model is a PSMA+ expressing tumour model, in a non radiosensitive rodent strain allowing improved assessment of novel radiopharmaceuticals. Our second tumor model is under development to assess novel FAPI tracers.

Finally, we present in partnership with ImaginAb 89Zr Crefmirlimab Berdoxam​, a minibody (human and murine analog) with high affinity to the CD8α glycoprotein, a valuable PET imaging tool for preclinical tracking and assessment of CD8 cells. This PET imaging can be used to evaluate immunoresponse following treatment, autoimmune, inflammatory and/or infectious diseases models.

To conclude, our continuous efforts aim at expanding our service portfolio to fulfil the needs of our various projects, as presented herein. Our experience and expertise allow us to suggest alternatives based on the latest technological progresses to facilitate and expedite the drug discovery progress from bench to bedside.

Citation Format: Sarah Belderbos, Celine Mothes, Claire Bernhard, Franck Denat, Pierre Adumeau, Merari Tumin Chevalier, Jordi Llop, Agnieszka Kownacka, Calmen Tihansky, Marie Ruch, Michael Claron, Mathieu Moreau, Cyril Berthet, Eftychia Koumarianou. New technologies and capabilities supporting the development of novel molecular radiotherapy agents [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2592.
Abstract 2628: Generation of multi-antigen specific T cells for ovarian cancer using Prussian Blue nanoparticles and photothermal therapy
Authors: Grundy Erin E. , Lee Abigail , Chin Samantha , Hadley Melissa , Schmidt Danielle , Wang Loretta , Cox Olivia , Omar Khadra , Bollard Catherine M. , Fernandes Rohan , Chiappinelli Katherine B.
Published: March 2024

The immunosuppressive nature of ovarian cancer (OC) allows these tumors to evade the immune system, contributing to late-stage diagnoses and poor clinical outcomes for patients. However, a higher number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is associated with improved clinical outcomes in OC. One type of lymphocyte, the T cell, can traffic to the tumor and kill tumor cells. We have shown that treating tumor cells with Prussian Blue nanoparticles and photothermal therapy (PBNP-PTT) results in immunogenic cell death, a form of cell death that is visible to the immune system, including T cells. PBNP-PTT-treated tumor cells were then used to expand tumor-specific T cells from partially genetically matched healthy donors against breast and brain cancer cell lines. These expanded T cells were better able to recognize and kill the target tumor cell lines than bulk unexpanded T cells from the same donors. Hence, we hypothesized that using PBNP-PTT-treated OC cells would allow us to expand a polyclonal tumor-specific T cell product that is cytolytic against OC cells in vitro and in vivo.We first evaluated whether multi-antigen OC-specific T cells could be expanded from partially genetically matched healthy donors and confirmed that PBNP-PTT elicited immunogenic cell death in the HLA-A*02:01 human OC cell lines Hey and TykNu. Using our established in vitro T cell expansion protocol, we then successfully expanded T cells from multiple HLA-A*02:01 healthy donors (n=3) against these cell lines. Functional analyses—including interferon-gamma ELISPOT, multi-color flow cytometry, and cytotoxicity assays—demonstrated that the expanded T cells had enhanced anti-tumor responses against OC cell lines compared to bulk unexpanded T cells derived from the same donors. Current work is expanding this approach to a syngeneic murine setting in C57BL/6J mice. Moreover, we will evaluate HLA-matched T cells and tumor cells from patients with OC ex vivo. Collectively, these efforts serve as a novel approach towards a curative immunotherapy for OC.

Citation Format: Erin E. Grundy, Abigail Lee, Samantha Chin, Melissa Hadley, Danielle Schmidt, Loretta Wang, Olivia Cox, Khadra Omar, Catherine M. Bollard, Rohan Fernandes, Katherine B. Chiappinelli. Generation of multi-antigen specific T cells for ovarian cancer using Prussian Blue nanoparticles and photothermal therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2628.
Abstract 264: Differentiation therapy: Esculetin as a potent agent to alter cellular plasticity of leukemic & solid tumor stem cells
Authors: Mathur Ankit , Saluja Daman
Published: March 2024

Background The “Differentiation therapy” has been emerging as a promising and more effective strategy against acute leukemia relapses.

Objective In extension to the revolutionising therapeutic outcomes of All Trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA) to induce terminal differentiation of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemic (APL) blast cells, we decipher the potential effect of a natural compound “Esculetin” to serve as a differentiating agent in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) as well as solid tumour cells. Underlaying role of Wnt signaling pathways in esculetin mediated blast cell differentiation was also evaluated.

Methods Human acute myeloid leukemic cells (Kasumi-1) with t(8;21/AML-ETO) translocation were used as a model system. Growth inhibitory and cytotoxic activity of esculetin were analysed using growth kinetics and MTT assay. Morphological alterations, cell scatter characteristics, NBT reduction assay and cell surface marker expression pat- terns were analysed to detect terminally differentiated phenotypes. We employed RT2profiler PCR array system for the analysis of transcriptome profile of Wnt signaling components. Calcium inhibitors (TMB8 and Amlodipine) and Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) were used to modulate the Wnt signaling axes. To investigate whether esculetin exerts the similar effects on the invasive solid tumour cancer stem cells subset, we used a cellular model system of colon carcinoma HCT116 cells reflecting EMT phenotype.

Results We illustrate cytotoxic as well as blast cell differentiation potential of esculetin on Kasumi-1 cells. Morphological alterations akin to neutrophilic differentiation as well as the corresponding acquisition of myeloid lineage markers indicate terminal differentiation potential of esculetin in leukemic blast cells. Exposure to esculetin also resulted in downregulation of canonical Wnt axis while upto ~ 21 fold upregulation of non-canonical axis associated genes. Esculetin also showed potential to revert the CSC marker expressions and concurrent EMT consistent with reduced functional aggressiveness in colon cancer cells.

Conclusions Our study highlights the importance of selective use of calcium pools as well as “axis shift” of the canonical to non-canonical Wnt signaling upon esculetin treatment which might abrogate the inherent proliferation to release maturation arrest and induce the differentiation in leukemic blast cells as well as CSC stem cells. The current findings provide further therapeutic interventions to consider esculetin as a potent differentiating agent to counteract relapses.

Citation Format: Ankit Mathur, Daman Saluja. Differentiation therapy: Esculetin as a potent agent to alter cellular plasticity of leukemic & solid tumor stem cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 264.
Abstract 2692: ELK3 is a key regulator as the response of natural killer cell therapy in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Jung Hae-Yun , Lee Yebin
Published: March 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most challenging subtype of breast cancer because of its aggressive behavior and the limited therapeutic strategies available. In the last decade, immunotherapy has become a promising treatment to prolong survival in advanced solid cancers including TNBC. However, the efficacy of immunotherapy in solid cancers remains limited because solid tumors contain few tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Here, we show that targeting an ETS transcription factor ELK3 (ELK3) enhances the response of nature killer (NK) cells through intracellular and extracellular signaling. In extracellular signaling, ELK3 depletion increases CXCL16 expression level and promotes NK cell cytotoxicity through CXCL16-mediated NK cell recruitment in TNBC. In intracellular signaling, ELK3 depletion controls mitochondrial fission-fusion status to induce NK cell-mediated cell death. In silico analysis showed that ELK3 is negatively correlated with CXCL16 or MID51 expression in breast cancer patient samples. Low expression of ELK3 and high expression of CXCL16 or MID51 were associated with a better prognosis. Low expression of ELK3 and high expression of CXCL16 or MID51 were associated with increased expression of NK cell-related genes. Our findings demonstrate that ELK3-CXCL16 axis controls NK cell recruitment to target cancer cells and ELK2-MID51 axis triggers mitochondrial dysfunction-mediated apoptosis during NK cell therapy, suggesting that targeting the ELK3 gene could be an adjuvant strategy for increasing the efficacy of immunotherapy in TNBC

Citation Format: Hae-Yun Jung, Yebin Lee. ELK3 is a key regulator as the response of natural killer cell therapy in triple-negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2692.
Abstract 2695: A higher percentage of M2 macrophages in non-tumor part predict the tumor recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical resection
Authors: Lin Po-Ting , Ku Wei-Ting , Wu Tsung-Han , Wu Cheng-Heng , Yang Chan-Keng , Teng Wei , Lin Yung-Chang , Lin Chun-Yen
Published: March 2024

The primary hurdle in improving outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after curative treatment is the high early recurrence rate. The existing literature indicates the presence of type 2 macrophages (M2), renowned for their immunosuppressive capabilities, has been implicated in creating a microenvironment conducive to tumor growth and recurrence. However, the intricate interplay involving M2 macrophages and the recurrence of HCC is underexplored. Therefore, we conducted an analysis involving HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy at our hospital between 2013 and 2017. We collected samples from both the tumor and non-tumor regions and subjected them to bulk RNA sequencing for comprehensive molecular profiling. The proportion of immune cells was calculated by CIBERSORTx.In our study, we enrolled fifty patients, with sixty percent presenting with cirrhosis and seventy-three percent having viral hepatitis. Twenty-three patients experienced tumor recurrence, with a median time to recurrence of 12.6 months. First, we found no correlation between five TIMR subtypes defined by TIMELASER (Xue R, Nature, 2022) and recurrence. However, as for the proportions of immune cell, a significantly lower NK/Treg ratio (p= 0.0163) and high within the resected tumor section in recurrent group was found. On the other hand, the ratio of M2 macrophages to total macrophages (M2/M) was significantly higher within the non-tumor region in patients experiencing tumor recurrence after hepatectomy (p=0.0357). Furthermore, the expression of the ACGT2 gene in non-tumor part, which strongly correlates with Treg function, was significantly higher (p=0.0056) in recurrent group. In addition, the innate T cells score was increased in non-tumor pat in recurrent group but with borderline significance (p=0.0628). However, in multivariable analysis, only a higher M2/M ratio within the non-tumor region (HR 3.756, p=0.0072) were identified as independent risk factors for tumor recurrence. We also found that patients with a higher M2/M ratio had a lower percentage of cirrhotic patients (p=0.0049) and less association with TIME-IA (immune activation) subtype of HCC by TIMELASER classification (p=0.0030). In conclusion, a higher M2/M ratio within the non-tumor region predict the tumor recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Citation Format: Po-Ting Lin, Wei-Ting Ku, Tsung-Han Wu, Cheng-Heng Wu, Chan-Keng Yang, Wei Teng, Yung-Chang Lin, Chun-Yen Lin. A higher percentage of M2 macrophages in non-tumor part predict the tumor recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical resection [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2695.
Abstract 2749: DHX36 may promote the growth and metastasis of lung cancer
Authors: Li Ting , Luo Na , Fu Jiewen , Wei Chunli , Fu Junjiang
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Helicase is a kind of protein molecular motor that widely exists in eukaryotic cells, viruses and bacterial cells, and participates in DNA replication, transcription and other life activities. DHX36, a kind of helicase, is a new homologous gene of human DNA/RNA helicase cloned by our laboratory by homologous molecular cloning which used the sequence of the maleless gene (mle) of Drosophila. Studies have shown that DHX36 upregulates the expression of proto oncogene and promotes the occurrence of cancer. At present, there are few studies on DHX36 in lung cancer. This study aims to clarify the relationship between DHX36 and lung cancer and provide a new molecular target for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of lung cancer.

Methods: Twenty-eight pairs of clinical tumor samples from lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent tissues were collected, and the protein expression of DHX36 in different tissues was detected by western blot. Correlation between DHX36 expression and survival prognosis of lung cancer patients was analyzed by online database. Over-expression of DHX36 in A549 and H460 cells and knockdown of DHX36 in A549 and H1975 cell lines, then the migration, invasion and growth index of cells were analyzed by real-time cell analyzer. After DHX36 stable knock-down cell line was established in H1975 cells, they were injected into nude mice by subcutaneous injection and tail vein injection respectively at the same time as the control cells, and the growth of subcutaneous tumors and the metastasis of lung tissues in nude mice were recorded and collected respectively. The tissues were analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, and western blot.

Results: In 28 pairs of clinical lung cancer tumor samples, we found that DHX36 was higher in cancer tissues than in adjacent tissues in 23 pairs, which indicated that DHX36 might be a kind of proto oncogene to promote the occurrence and development of lung cancer. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the high expression of DHX36 was related to the low survival of lung cancer patients. The results of RTCA showed that the abilities of growth, invasion and migration of cells in the over-expressed DHX36 groups were higher than those in the control groups. After DHX36 was knocked down, the growth, invasion and invasion of lung cancer cells were inhibited.

Conclusion: DHX36 is expected to be a new molecular target of lung cancer. Next, we will knock out DHX36 in lung cancer cells to observe the tumor growth and lung metastasis in mice.

Citation Format: Ting Li, Na Luo, Jiewen Fu, Chunli Wei, Junjiang Fu. DHX36 may promote the growth and metastasis of lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2749.
Abstract 2809: Bifidobacterium species BB_003 identified through metatranscriptomic analysis with experimentally validated antitumor actions
Authors: Piao Xuan-Mei , Min Kyungchan , Byun Young Joon , Zheng Chuang-Ming , Kim Seon-Kyu , Park Seong-Hwan , Moon Sungmin , Kim Kyeong , Kang Ho Won , Kim Won Tae , Yun Seok Joong , Park Hansoo
Published: March 2024

Introduction & Objectives: A host's microbiome influences both gene expression and phenotype. Whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS) provides information about the microbiome in addition to gene expression. This research probes the correlation between microbial abundance, host gene transcription, and therapeutic efficacy, pinpointing a beneficial microbial strain and its mechanism of action.

Materials & Methods: Bladder tissue biopsies from NMIBC patients underwent WTS and subsequent bioinformatic analysis. After in silico evaluation, in vitro assays including WST, quantitative PCR, and immune cell profiling were performed on mouse splenocytes. These assays were followed by in vivo assessment in both subcutaneous and orthotopic murine tumor models.

Results: Among 59 biopsies, non-recurrence correlated with heightened presence of Lactococcus species LC_001 and Bifidobacterium species BB_003. Notably, BB_003 was associated with an extended recurrence-free survival (RFS). Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) implicated BB_003 in mediating a pro-inflammatory cascade, accentuating macrophages and interferons. In vitro WST assays showed the antitumor potential of BB_003_β, characterized by upregulated pro-inflammatory gene transcription. This strain increased effector CD8 T cells and M2 macrophages. In vivo, direct live BB_003_β introduction into subcutaneous tumors curtailed tumor proliferation. An increase in effector CD8 T cell populations within tumors and elevated cDC1 and M1 macrophage counts in tumor-draining lymph nodes were observed. Intravesical administration of live bacteria markedly decreased bladder weight, amplifying interferon alpha and beta gene expressions compared to controls.

Conclusions: According to this study, BB_003_β inhibits tumor growth and is involved in immune response. Our study confirmed the antitumor properties of BB_003_β and suggested that cytokine and immune cell stimulation play a key role in its mechanism of action. Augmented insights warrant further exploration, particularly in synergy with intravesical BCG treatment.

Citation Format: Xuan-Mei Piao, Kyungchan Min, Young Joon Byun, Chuang-Ming Zheng, Seon-Kyu Kim, Seong-Hwan Park, Sungmin Moon, Kyeong Kim, Ho Won Kang, Won Tae Kim, Seok Joong Yun, Hansoo Park. Bifidobacterium species BB_003 identified through metatranscriptomic analysis with experimentally validated antitumor actions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2809.
Abstract 281: The function of FGFR2+ cancer-associated fibroblasts on cancer stem cell expansion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Ying , Feng Ping , Jiang Tong-chao , Guan Xin-yuan , Xia Yun-fei
Published: March 2024

Aims: FGFR2+ fibroblasts were reported to promote tumor progression, but the mechanisms remained unexplored in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).Methods: Multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) displayed the distributions of FGFR2+ fibroblasts and cancer stem cells (CSCs). After FGFR2+ fibroblast isolation, tumor cells were stimulated with fibroblasts supernatant to assess radioresistance and CSC properties. RNA-seq analysis identified the downstream BMP5 expression.Results: In our preliminary study, the immunohistochemistry results showed that FGFR2+ fibroblasts were always represented in the area near cancer stem cells (CSCs), and FGFR2+ fibroblasts infiltration was associated with poor outcomes. When we cocultured FGFR2+ fibroblasts with tumor cells, we found the proportion of CSCs were upregulated. The results of RNA sequencing and ELISA showed that FGFR2+ fibroblasts overexpressed BMP5. Using FGFR2+ fibroblasts or BMP5 to stimulate cancer cells, the proportion of cancer stem cells was increased, the capabilities of sphere formation and survival after radiation were enhanced. Both RNA sequencing and immunoblotting results indicated that BMP5 affected H2AX phosphorylation in DNA repair pathway and activated its potential upstream pathway MAPK signaling pathway. In vivo experiments also showed that FGFR2+ fibroblasts could upregulate CSCs proportions.Conclusions: Our findings suggested that BMP5 derived from FGFR2+ fibroblasts might induce CSCs expansion and led to poor prognosis in the ESCC.

Citation Format: Ying Wang, Ping Feng, Tong-chao Jiang, Xin-yuan Guan, Yun-fei Xia. The function of FGFR2+ cancer-associated fibroblasts on cancer stem cell expansion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 281.
Abstract 287: Analysis for the role of antigen-presenting cancer-associated fibroblasts in tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer
Authors: Fukui Yasuhiro , Kasashima Hiroaki , Wang Zizhou , Yonemitsu Ken , Kitayama Kishu , Miki Yuichiro , Yoshii Mami , Fukuoka Tatsunari , Tamura Tatsuro , Shibutani Masatsune , Toyokawa Takahiro , Tanaka Hiroaki , Lee Shigeru , Yashiro Masakazu , Maeda Kiyoshi
Published: March 2024

A new subset of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) called antigen presenting CAF (apCAF) was recently identified, and modulation of the tumor immunity might be associated with tumor progression. We examined the markers of apCAF, such as IRF5, HLA-DRA and HLA-DQA1 by bioinformatics analyses of human colorectal cancer (CRC) datasets. The expression of apCAF markers were upregulated in CAFs isolated from human CRCs and liver metastases compared with their normal counterparts. Kaplan-Meir analysis of 172 human CRC samples clarified that the patients with apCAF marker positive expression in the tumor stroma had worse prognosis than that with negative expression. In addition, the origin of apCAFs was reported to be mesothelial cells, therefore, we established cancer-associated mesothelial cells (CAmes) from ascites of human CRC patients with peritoneal dissemination. Consistently, the expression of antigen-presentation markers was highly upregulated in CAmes, however, allo-mixed lymphocyte reaction analysis demonstrated that their stimulating activity of CD4+ T lymphocytes was diminished. In an in vivo study, we applied a rectal orthotopic transplant model with mouse tumor organoid (MTO) to investigate the effect of apCAF on tumor progressions. Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), we examined the ratios of apCAF, myCAF, and iCAF in orthotopic rectal tumors. The percentage of apCAF was highest in the 6-week-tumors and the percentage of myCAF was highest in the 9-week-tumors. Interestingly, the percentage of apCAF was higher in liver metastases than in primary tumor, consistent with bioinformatics analysis. The apCAF increased during the stage of tumor growth, and the percentage of myCAF increase in the later stage of tumor progression with fibrosis. In summary, apCAF might be associated with tumor progression in CRC.

Citation Format: Yasuhiro Fukui, Hiroaki Kasashima, Zizhou Wang, Ken Yonemitsu, Kishu Kitayama, Yuichiro Miki, Mami Yoshii, Tatsunari Fukuoka, Tatsuro Tamura, Masatsune Shibutani, Takahiro Toyokawa, Hiroaki Tanaka, Shigeru Lee, Masakazu Yashiro, Kiyoshi Maeda. Analysis for the role of antigen-presenting cancer-associated fibroblasts in tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 287.
Abstract 2901: The apoptotic peptide TB511 targets activated CD18 and suppresses solid tumor progression
Authors: Choi Ilsoeb , Han Ik-Hwan , Kim Soyoung , Yang Juwon , Kim Hye Yeon , Park Daehwan , Choi Hongseo , Choi Jeongyoon , Lee Heekyung , Shin Jin Sun , Kim Jinho , Moon Jihwan , Bae Hyunsu
Published: March 2024

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) primarily exist in the M2-like phenotype in the tumor microenvironment (TME). M2-TAMs contribute to tumor progression by establishing an immunosuppressive environment. However, TAM targeting is hindered, mainly owing to a lack of specific biomarkers for M2-TAMs. Herein, we verified that TB511, a fusion peptide comprising a TAM-targeting peptide and the pro-apoptotic peptide dKLA, could preferentially bind to active CD18 in M2-TAMs, inducing apoptosis; it was less toxic to other tissue-resident macrophage lineages. TB511 suppressed tumor progression in various cancer models and humanized mouse models. Removal of M2-TAMs by TB511 significantly increased the infiltration of tumor-killing cells, such as granzyme B-positive CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells, in the TME. Collectively, our findings suggest that targeting CD18 in M2-TAMs using peptide drugs is a potential strategy for immunotherapy in various tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and prostate cancer.

Citation Format: Ilsoeb Choi, Ik-Hwan Han, Soyoung Kim, Juwon Yang, Hye Yeon Kim, Daehwan Park, Hongseo Choi, Jeongyoon Choi, Heekyung Lee, Jin Sun Shin, Jinho Kim, Jihwan Moon, Hyunsu Bae. The apoptotic peptide TB511 targets activated CD18 and suppresses solid tumor progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2901.
Abstract 2906: Inducing and disabling COX-2 S-nitrosylation to investigate its role in breast cancer progression
Authors: Hoffmann Reuben J. , Bensen AeSoon , de Wilde Elise , Korkola James E. , Schedin Pepper
Published: March 2024

Background: We aim to assess the effect of S-nitrosylation of COX-2 on tumor attributes in models of early breast cancer. COX-2 is involved in tumor progression in many solid cancers. It is a known oncogene in murine breast cancer models, and targetable by NSAIDs. In women, its clinical correlation to breast cancer progression as well as its efficacy as a therapeutic target have yielded mixed results. These incongruities may be due, in part, to a post-translational modification, as COX-2 undergoes S-nitrosylation on Cys-526. Commercially-available antibodies selectively bind to either the S-nitrosylated (SNO-COX-2) or non-nitrosylated (nCOX-2) forms, and immunohistochemical staining of human tissue reveals that the two forms of COX-2 localize to different cellular sites in normal breast tissue and have opposite associations with breast cancer progression (PMID 33298921).

Hypothesis: S-Nitrosylated and non-nitrosylated COX-2 have distinct roles in cancer progression.

Approach: MCF10DCIS.com is a human breast cancer cell line chosen due to its ability to form DCIS-like (“stage 0”) lesions in culture and xenografting, which can progress to invasion when induced by signals from the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Approach 1: Detect extracellular matrix (ECM) and ligand factors that upregulate SNO-COX-2, independently or in ECM/ligand pairs. We utilized a 2D microenvironment microarray (MEMA) and tested 357 TME conditions.

Approach 2: Validate TME conditions in 3D culture.

Approach 3: Develop a mutant MCF10DCIS.com line in which COX-2 cannot be S-nitrosylated by inducing a single disabling missense mutation at Cys-526 via CRISPR.

Results: The MEMA revealed several conditions in which SNO-COX-2 was upregulated, including fibular collagens and SSP1. In 3D culture, increased SNO-COX-2 was associated with the presence of markers for EMT and an invasive growth phenotype, whereas nCOX-2 was not. Following CRISPR transformation, 59 individual MCF10DCIS.com clones were isolated and the target site of each sequenced. We identified 10 heterozygotic clones with the desired mutation, including a classical heterozygote that also retained the WT allele.

Ongoing: Current studies include a second round of CRISPR to produce a homozygous mutant cell line as well as validation of the mutant protein. The resulting cell lines will model the loss of COX-2 S-nitrosylation in breast cancer cells while retaining otherwise-functional COX-2.

Citation Format: Reuben J. Hoffmann, AeSoon Bensen, Elise de Wilde, James E. Korkola, Pepper Schedin. Inducing and disabling COX-2 S-nitrosylation to investigate its role in breast cancer progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2906.
Abstract 2907: Therapeutic targeting miR-146a and miR-21 induce malignant cell death and regulate CD8+ T-cell function in mycosis fungoides with large-cell transformation
Authors: Han Zhen , Swiderski Piotr , Wu Xiwei , Yuan Yate-Ching , Wu Jun , Su Chingyu , Qin Hanjun , Rosen Steven , Querfeld Christiane
Published: March 2024

Large cell transformation of mycosis fungoides (LCT-MF) occurs in 20-50% of advanced MF and is associated with an aggressive clinical course and poor survival not to overcome by any standard treatment regimen. We have previously identified a distinct miRNA expression profile in LCT-MF from that of non-transformed MF with significant upregulation of miR-21 and miR-146a. Our analyses demonstrated the involvement of genes for immune checkpoint pathways such as ICOS-ICOSL and PD1-PDL1 signaling (Di Raimondo C et al. Cancers 2021). Here, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of antagomiR-146a and -21 (amiR-146a, and -21) on the tumor growth and CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocyte exhaustion in LCT-MF. The amiR-146a, and -21 were synthesized in our DNA/RNA Synthesis Core by linking CpG-D19. In vitro, CTCL cell lines (Myla and HH) were treated with amiR-146a and -21, the cell viability was assessed by the 2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay and cell apoptosis was evaluated using apoptosis assay. We found that

amiR-146a, and -21 synergistically inhibited the proliferation of MyLa and HH cells due to the activation of apoptosis through Caspase3/7 pathways and inducing cell cycle arrest by blocking STAT3/CDK1/Cyclin B1 pathway. Our RNA-seq data indicated that the exhausted CD8+ T cells express elevated amounts of STAT3, IRF4, and BATF in LCT-MF compared with non-LCT MF. To evaluate the functional importance of amiR-146a, and -21 on CD8+ T cell exhaustion, we induced an exhausted state of CD8+ T cells with high level of immune checkpoints and dysfunctional cytokine production by continues anti-CD3/DC28 beads and culture supernatant (MyLa or HH cell) exposure. Our data revealed that amiR-146a and -21 attenuated the CD8+ T cell exhaustion by blockade of immune checkpoints and STAT3/IRF4/BATF pathway to trigger the cytotoxic immune response. Collectively, the findings of our study suggest that targeting miR-146a and -21 is a promising and novel therapeutic strategy for LCT-MF.

Citation Format: Zhen Han, Piotr Swiderski, Xiwei Wu, Yate-Ching Yuan, Jun Wu, Chingyu Su, Hanjun Qin, Steven Rosen, Christiane Querfeld. Therapeutic targeting miR-146a and miR-21 induce malignant cell death and regulate CD8+ T-cell function in mycosis fungoides with large-cell transformation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2907.
Abstract 2939: Harnessing in vivo CRISPR screen to uncover metabolic dependencies during cancer progression
Authors: Ng Seow Qi , Wu Zhengwei , Lidster Jessica A. , Tam Wai Leong
Published: March 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, with the worst prognosis and limited treatment options. TNBC cells undergo metabolic reprogramming in response to nutrient limitations and changes in the tumor microenvironment throughout cancer progression. In the early stages, tumor cells are found to prioritize nutrient uptake and biosynthesis, but as they grow, intensified competition for nutrients fosters the emergence of subpopulations of cancer cells that excel in utilizing specific nutrients. The substantial metabolic pathways and genes that regulate each phase of cancer progression remain poorly understood. To address this, we have developed a stable integration, site-specific, and inducible CRISPR-Cas9 system that allows for temporal control of genetic perturbation. We conducted an unbiased in vivo loss-of-function CRISPR screen aimed at identifying metabolic vulnerabilities at different phases of cancer progression of TNBC. The inducible CRISPR system was activated only at the desired study period of each phase, thus capable of uncovering metabolic dependencies for TNBC proliferation at each distinct phase of cancer progression. As many large-scale CRISPR screens have previously been performed to identify gene dependencies for cancer progression in vitro, our CRISPR screen could address the shortcomings of in vitro screens by identifying novel essential metabolic genes that are significantly important for cancer growth in vivo. Preliminary data from our CRISPR screen revealed different pathways to be significantly important for tumor growth and proliferation at different phases of TNBC progression. For example, we find that ferroptosis is altered during the early lag phase of TNBC cancer progression, whereas, at the later stage of cancer progression, metastatic tumors upregulate serine metabolism, suggesting that secondary tumors could have distinct metabolism from the primary sites. Altogether, the findings from this study could provide valuable insights into stepwise metabolic dependencies arising from microenvironmental limitations and identify potential therapeutic targets at each phase of cancer progression. Moreover, our CRISPR-Cas9 model holds promise for dissecting the complex mechanisms of other cancer progressions.

Citation Format: Seow Qi Ng, Zhengwei Wu, Jessica A. Lidster, Wai Leong Tam. Harnessing in vivo CRISPR screen to uncover metabolic dependencies during cancer progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2939.