bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Genetic and Pharmacological Strategies to Refunctionalize the von Hippel Lindau R167Q Mutant Protein
Authors: Ding Zhiyong , German Peter , Bai Shanshan , Reddy A. Srinivas , Liu Xian-De , Sun Mianen , Zhou Lijun , Chen Xiaohua , Zhao Xiaobei , Wu Chengbiao , Zhang Shuxing , Mills Gordon B. , Jonasch Eric
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Aberrant von Hippel Lindau (VHL) protein function is the underlying driver of VHL-related diseases, including both sporadic and inherited clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). About one third of VHL mutations are missense point mutations, with R167Q being the most common VHL point mutation in hereditary VHL disease. Although it has been studied extensively, the ability of VHL-R167Q to downregulate hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) is still controversial. In addition, the manner in which the mutation contributes to tumorigenesis is not fully understood. No therapeutic approach is available to target VHL-R167Q and similar missense point mutations. We analyzed VHL-R167Q proteostasis and function at normoxia, at hypoxia with different oxygen pressure, and in a xenograft mouse model. We showed that the protein levels of VHL-R167Q dictate its ability to downregulate HIF2α and suppress tumor growth. Strikingly, the proteasome inhibitors bortezomib and carfilzomib, which are currently in clinical use, stabilize VHL-R167Q and increase its ability to downregulate HIF2α. VHL-R167Q binds elongin C and elongin B with considerably less avidity than wild-type VHL does but retains residual capacity to generate a VHL-elongin C-elongin B complex, downregulate HIF2α, and suppress tumorigenesis, which could be rescued by increase of VHL-R167Q levels. Finally, we used in silico approaches and identified other missense VHL mutants in addition to VHL-R167Q that might be rescued by similar strategies. Thus, our studies revealed detailed information describing how VHL-R167Q contributes to tumorigenesis and identified a potential targeted therapy for ccRCC and other VHL-related disease in patients carrying VHL-R167Q or similar missense mutations. Cancer Res; 74(11); 3127–36. ©2014 AACR.
Data from HER2 Drives Luminal Breast Cancer Stem Cells in the Absence of HER2 Amplification: Implications for Efficacy of Adjuvant Trastuzumab
Authors: Ithimakin Suthinee , Day Kathleen C. , Malik Fayaz , Zen Qin , Dawsey Scott J. , Bersano-Begey Tom F. , Quraishi Ahmed A. , Ignatoski Kathleen Woods , Daignault Stephanie , Davis April , Hall Christopher L. , Palanisamy Nallasivam , Heath Amber N. , Tawakkol Nader , Luther Tahra K. , Clouthier Shawn G. , Chadwick Whitney A. , Day Mark L. , Kleer Celina G. , Thomas Dafydd G. , Hayes Daniel F. , Korkaya Hasan , Wicha Max S.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Although current breast cancer treatment guidelines limit the use of HER2-blocking agents to tumors with HER2 gene amplification, recent retrospective analyses suggest that a wider group of patients may benefit from this therapy. Using breast cancer cell lines, mouse xenograft models and matched human primary and metastatic tissues, we show that HER2 is selectively expressed in and regulates self-renewal of the cancer stem cell (CSC) population in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), HER2− luminal breast cancers. Although trastuzumab had no effects on the growth of established luminal breast cancer mouse xenografts, administration after tumor inoculation blocked subsequent tumor growth. HER2 expression is increased in luminal tumors grown in mouse bone xenografts, as well as in bone metastases from patients with breast cancer as compared with matched primary tumors. Furthermore, this increase in HER2 protein expression was not due to gene amplification but rather was mediated by receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK)-ligand in the bone microenvironment. These studies suggest that the clinical efficacy of adjuvant trastuzumab may relate to the ability of this agent to target the CSC population in a process that does not require HER2 gene amplification. Furthermore, these studies support a CSC model in which maximal clinical benefit is achieved when CSC targeting agents are administered in the adjuvant setting. Cancer Res; 73(5); 1635–46. ©2012 AACR.
Data from Epigenetic States of Cells of Origin and Tumor Evolution Drive Tumor-Initiating Cell Phenotype and Tumor Heterogeneity
Authors: Chow Kin-Hoe , Shin Dong-Mi , Jenkins Molly H. , Miller Emily E. , Shih David J. , Choi Seungbum , Low Benjamin E. , Philip Vivek , Rybinski Brad , Bronson Roderick T. , Taylor Michael D. , Yun Kyuson
Published: March 2023

Abstract
A central confounding factor in the development of targeted therapies is tumor cell heterogeneity, particularly in tumor-initiating cells (TIC), within clinically identical tumors. Here, we show how activation of the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway in neural stem and progenitor cells creates a foundation for tumor cell evolution to heterogeneous states that are histologically indistinguishable but molecularly distinct. In spontaneous medulloblastomas that arise in Patched (Ptch)+/− mice, we identified three distinct tumor subtypes. Through cell type–specific activation of the SHH pathway in vivo, we determined that different cells of origin evolved in unique ways to generate these subtypes. Moreover, TICs in each subtype had distinct molecular and cellular phenotypes. At the bulk tumor level, the three tumor subtypes could be distinguished by a 465-gene signature and by differential activation levels of the ERK and AKT pathways. Notably, TICs from different subtypes were differentially sensitive to SHH or AKT pathway inhibitors, highlighting new mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies. In summary, our results show how evolutionary processes act on distinct cells of origin to contribute to tumoral heterogeneity, at both bulk tumor and TIC levels. Cancer Res; 74(17); 4864–74. ©2014 AACR.
Data from p53-Induced miR-15a/16-1 and AP4 Form a Double-Negative Feedback Loop to Regulate Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Shi Lei , Jackstadt Rene , Siemens Helge , Li Huihui , Kirchner Thomas , Hermeking Heiko
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The transcription factor AP4 mediates epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in colorectal cancer but its control in this setting is not fully understood. Here, we report the definition of a double-negative feedback loop involving AP4 and miR-15a/16-1 that regulates EMT and metastatic progression. In colorectal cancer cells, AP4 was downregulated by DNA damage in a p53-dependent manner. AP4 downregulation by p53 was mediated indirectly by the tumor-suppressive microRNAs miR-15a and miR-16-1, which targeted the 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) of AP4 mRNA, induced mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), and inhibited colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion. The downregulation of AP4 was necessary for induction of MET and cell cycle arrest by miR-15a/16-1. In tumor xenoplants, ectopic miR-15a/16-1 suppressed formation of lung metastases. Furthermore, AP4 directly suppressed expression of miR-15a/16-1. In clinical specimens of colorectal cancer, miR-15a levels inversely correlated with AP4 protein levels shown previously to correlate with distant metastasis and poor survival. In summary, our results define a double-negative feedback loop involving miR-15a/16-1 and AP4 that stabilizes epithelial and mesenchymal states, respectively, which may determine metastatic prowess. Cancer Res; 74(2); 532–42. ©2013 AACR.
Data from Identification of a Tumor-Suppressive Human-Specific MicroRNA within the FHIT Tumor-Suppressor Gene
Authors: Hu Baocheng , Ying Xiaomin , Wang Jian , Piriyapongsa Jittima , Jordan I. King , Sheng Jipo , Yu Fang , Zhao Po , Li Yazhuo , Wang Hongyan , Ng Wooi Loon , Hu Shuofeng , Wang Xiang , Wang Chenguang , Zheng Xiaofei , Li Wuju , Curran Walter J. , Wang Ya
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Loss or attenuated expression of the tumor-suppressor gene FHIT is associated paradoxically with poor progression of human tumors. Fhit promotes apoptosis and regulates reactive oxygen species; however, the mechanism by which Fhit inhibits tumor growth in animals remains unclear. In this study, we used a multidisciplinary approach based on bioinformatics, small RNA library screening, human tissue analysis, and a xenograft mouse model to identify a novel member of the miR-548 family in the fourth intron of the human FHIT gene. Characterization of this human-specific microRNA illustrates the importance of this class of microRNAs in tumor suppression and may influence interpretation of Fhit action in human cancer. Cancer Res; 74(8); 2283–94. ©2014 AACR.
Data from Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 Promotes Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Invasion and Metastasis by Activating Transcription of the Actin-Bundling Protein Fascin
Authors: Zhao Xiao , Gao Song , Ren He , Sun Wei , Zhang Huan , Sun Jianwei , Yang Shengyu , Hao Jihui
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Because of the early onset of local invasion and distant metastasis, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal human malignant tumor, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. In this study, we investigated the role of fascin, a prometastasis actin-bundling protein, in PDAC progression, invasion, and the molecular mechanisms underlying fascin overexpression in PDAC. Our data showed that the expression levels of fascin were higher in cancer tissues than in normal tissues, and fascin overexpression correlated with the PDAC differentiation and prognosis. Fascin overexpression promoted PDAC cell migration and invasion by elevating matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression. Fascin regulated MMP-2 expression through protein kinase C and extracellular signal—regulated kinase. Importantly, our data showed that hypoxia induced fascin overexpression in PDAC cells by promoting the binding of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) to a hypoxia response element on the fascin promoter and transactivating fascin mRNA transcription. Intriguingly, HIF-1α expression levels in PDAC patient specimens significantly correlated with fascin expression. Moreover, immunohistochemistry staining of consecutive sections demonstrated colocalization between HIF-1α and fascin in PDAC specimens, suggesting that hypoxia and HIF-1α were responsible for fascin overexpression in PDAC. When ectopically expressed, fascin was able to rescue PDAC cell invasion after HIF-1α knockdown. Our results demonstrated that fascin is a direct target gene of HIF-1. Our data suggested that the hypoxic tumor microenvironment in PDAC might promote invasion and metastasis by inducing fascin overexpression, and fascin might be targeted to block PDAC progression. Cancer Res; 74(9); 2455–64. ©2014 AACR.
Data from A Novel Class of Anticancer Compounds Targets the Actin Cytoskeleton in Tumor Cells
Authors: Stehn Justine R. , Haass Nikolas K. , Bonello Teresa , Desouza Melissa , Kottyan Gregg , Treutlein Herbert , Zeng Jun , Nascimento Paula R.B.B. , Sequeira Vanessa B. , Butler Tanya L. , Allanson Munif , Fath Thomas , Hill Timothy A. , McCluskey Adam , Schevzov Galina , Palmer Stephen J. , Hardeman Edna C. , Winlaw David , Reeve Vivienne E. , Dixon Ian , Weninger Wolfgang , Cripe Timothy P. , Gunning Peter W.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton is a potentially vulnerable property of cancer cells, yet chemotherapeutic targeting attempts have been hampered by unacceptable toxicity. In this study, we have shown that it is possible to disrupt specific actin filament populations by targeting isoforms of tropomyosin, a core component of actin filaments, that are selectively upregulated in cancers. A novel class of anti-tropomyosin compounds has been developed that preferentially disrupts the actin cytoskeleton of tumor cells, impairing both tumor cell motility and viability. Our lead compound, TR100, is effective in vitro and in vivo in reducing tumor cell growth in neuroblastoma and melanoma models. Importantly, TR100 shows no adverse impact on cardiac structure and function, which is the major side effect of current anti-actin drugs. This proof-of-principle study shows that it is possible to target specific actin filament populations fundamental to tumor cell viability based on their tropomyosin isoform composition. This improvement in specificity provides a pathway to the development of a novel class of anti-actin compounds for the potential treatment of a wide variety of cancers. Cancer Res; 73(16); 5169–82. ©2013 AACR.
Data from AR-Regulated TWEAK-FN14 Pathway Promotes Prostate Cancer Bone Metastasis
Authors: Yin JuanJuan , Liu Yen-Nien , Tillman Heather , Barrett Ben , Hewitt Stephen , Ylaya Kris , Fang Lei , Lake Ross , Corey Eva , Morrissey Colm , Vessella Robert , Kelly Kathleen
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The recurrence of prostate cancer metastases to bone after androgen deprivation therapy is a major clinical challenge. We identified FN14 (TNFRSF12A), a TNF receptor family member, as a factor that promotes prostate cancer bone metastasis. In experimental models, depletion of FN14 inhibited bone metastasis, and FN14 could be functionally reconstituted with IKKβ-dependent, NFκB signaling activation. In human prostate cancer, upregulated FN14 expression was observed in more than half of metastatic samples. In addition, FN14 expression was correlated inversely with androgen receptor (AR) signaling output in clinical samples. Consistent with this, AR binding to the FN14 enhancer decreased expression. We show here that FN14 may be a survival factor in low AR output prostate cancer cells. Our results define one upstream mechanism, via FN14 signaling, through which the NFκB pathway contributes to prostate cancer metastasis and suggest FN14 as a candidate therapeutic and imaging target for castrate-resistant prostate cancers. Cancer Res; 74(16); 4306–17. ©2014 AACR.
Data from Novel Bispecific Antibodies Increase γδ T-Cell Cytotoxicity against Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Oberg Hans-Heinrich , Peipp Matthias , Kellner Christian , Sebens Susanne , Krause Sarah , Petrick Domantas , Adam-Klages Sabine , Röcken Christoph , Becker Thomas , Vogel Ilka , Weisner Dietrich , Freitag-Wolf Sandra , Gramatzki Martin , Kabelitz Dieter , Wesch Daniela
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The ability of human γδ T cells from healthy donors to kill pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in vitro and in vivo in immunocompromised mice requires the addition of γδ T-cell–stimulating antigens. In this study, we demonstrate that γδ T cells isolated from patients with PDAC tumor infiltrates lyse pancreatic tumor cells after selective stimulation with phosphorylated antigens. We determined the absolute numbers of γδ T-cell subsets in patient whole blood and applied a real-time cell analyzer to measure their cytotoxic effector function over prolonged time periods. Because phosphorylated antigens did not optimally enhance γδ T-cell cytotoxicity, we designed bispecific antibodies that bind CD3 or Vγ9 on γδ T cells and Her2/neu (ERBB2) expressed by pancreatic tumor cells. Both antibodies enhanced γδ T-cell cytotoxicity with the Her2/Vγ9 antibody also selectively enhancing release of granzyme B and perforin. Supporting these observations, adoptive transfer of γδ T cells with the Her2/Vγ9 antibody reduced growth of pancreatic tumors grafted into SCID-Beige immunocompromised mice. Taken together, our results show how bispecific antibodies that selectively recruit γδ T cells to tumor antigens expressed by cancer cells illustrate the tractable use of endogenous γδ T cells for immunotherapy. Cancer Res; 74(5); 1349–60. ©2014 AACR.
Data from Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 Interacts with Akt Isoform 2 to Control Glioma Growth, Survival, and Pathogenesis
Authors: Hu Bin , Emdad Luni , Bacolod Manny D. , Kegelman Timothy P. , Shen Xue-Ning , Alzubi Mohammad A. , Das Swadesh K. , Sarkar Devanand , Fisher Paul B.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The oncogene astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1; MTDH) is highly expressed in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and many other types of cancer, where it activates multiple signaling pathways that drive proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, chemoresistance, radioresistance, and metastasis. AEG-1 activates the Akt signaling pathway and Akt and c-Myc are positive regulators of AEG-1 transcription, generating a positive feedback loop between AEG-1 and Akt in regulating tumorigenesis. Here, we describe in GBM cells a direct interaction between an internal domain of AEG-1 and the PH domain of Akt2, a major driver in GBM. Expression and interaction of AEG-1 and Akt2 are elevated in GBM and contribute to tumor cell survival, proliferation, and invasion. Clinically, in silico gene expression and immunohistochemical analyses of patient specimens showed that AEG-1 and Akt2 expression correlated with GBM progression and reduced patient survival. AEG-1–Akt2 interaction prolonged stabilization of Akt2 phosphorylation at S474, regulating downstream signaling cascades that enable cell proliferation and survival. Disrupting AEG-1–Akt2 interaction by competitive binding of the Akt2-PH domain led to reduced cell viability and invasion. When combined with AEG-1 silencing, conditional expression of Akt2-PH markedly increased survival in an orthotopic mouse model of human GBM. Our study uncovers a novel molecular mechanism by which AEG-1 augments glioma progression and offers a rationale to block AEG-1–Akt2 signaling function as a novel GBM treatment. Cancer Res; 74(24); 7321–32. ©2014 AACR.
Data from Epigenetic Targeting of Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Wang Yinu , Cardenas Horacio , Fang Fang , Condello Salvatore , Taverna Pietro , Segar Matthew , Liu Yunlong , Nephew Kenneth P. , Matei Daniela
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Emerging results indicate that cancer stem–like cells contribute to chemoresistance and poor clinical outcomes in many cancers, including ovarian cancer. As epigenetic regulators play a major role in the control of normal stem cell differentiation, epigenetics may offer a useful arena to develop strategies to target cancer stem–like cells. Epigenetic aberrations, especially DNA methylation, silence tumor-suppressor and differentiation-associated genes that regulate the survival of ovarian cancer stem–like cells (OCSC). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that DNA-hypomethylating agents may be able to reset OCSC toward a differentiated phenotype by evaluating the effects of the new DNA methytransferase inhibitor SGI-110 on OCSC phenotype, as defined by expression of the cancer stem–like marker aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). We demonstrated that ALDH+ ovarian cancer cells possess multiple stem cell characteristics, were highly chemoresistant, and were enriched in xenografts residual after platinum therapy. Low-dose SGI-110 reduced the stem-like properties of ALDH+ cells, including their tumor-initiating capacity, resensitized these OCSCs to platinum, and induced reexpression of differentiation-associated genes. Maintenance treatment with SGI-110 after carboplatin inhibited OCSC growth, causing global tumor hypomethylation and decreased tumor progression. Our work offers preclinical evidence that epigenome-targeting strategies have the potential to delay tumor progression by reprogramming residual cancer stem–like cells. Furthermore, the results suggest that SGI-110 might be administered in combination with platinum to prevent the development of recurrent and chemoresistant ovarian cancer. Cancer Res; 74(17); 4922–36. ©2014 AACR.
Data from HSV-sr39TK Positron Emission Tomography and Suicide Gene Elimination of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Their Progeny in Humanized Mice
Authors: Gschweng Eric H. , McCracken Melissa N. , Kaufman Michael L. , Ho Michelle , Hollis Roger P. , Wang Xiaoyan , Saini Navdeep , Koya Richard C. , Chodon Thinle , Ribas Antoni , Witte Owen N. , Kohn Donald B.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Engineering immunity against cancer by the adoptive transfer of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) modified to express antigen-specific T-cell receptors (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptors generates a continual supply of effector T cells, potentially providing superior anticancer efficacy compared with the infusion of terminally differentiated T cells. Here, we demonstrate the in vivo generation of functional effector T cells from CD34-enriched human peripheral blood stem cells modified with a lentiviral vector designed for clinical use encoding a TCR recognizing the cancer/testes antigen NY-ESO-1, coexpressing the PET/suicide gene sr39TK. Ex vivo analysis of T cells showed antigen- and HLA-restricted effector function against melanoma. Robust engraftment of gene-modified human cells was demonstrated with PET reporter imaging in hematopoietic niches such as femurs, humeri, vertebrae, and the thymus. Safety was demonstrated by the in vivo ablation of PET signal, NY-ESO-1-TCR–bearing cells, and integrated lentiviral vector genomes upon treatment with ganciclovir, but not with vehicle control. Our study provides support for the efficacy and safety of gene-modified HSCs as a therapeutic modality for engineered cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Res; 74(18); 5173–83. ©2014 AACR.
Data from A Chemical Genetics Approach for the Functional Assessment of Novel Cancer Genes
Authors: Zhou Qianhe , Derti Adnan , Ruddy David , Rakiec Daniel , Kao Iris , Lira Michelle , Gibaja Veronica , Chan HoMan , Yang Yi , Min Junxia , Schlabach Michael R. , Stegmeier Frank
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Assessing the functional significance of novel putative oncogenes remains a significant challenge given the limitations of current loss-of-function tools. Here, we describe a method that employs TALEN or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in of inducible degron tags (Degron-KI) that provides a versatile approach for the functional characterization of novel cancer genes and addresses many of the shortcomings of current tools. The Degron-KI system allows for highly specific, inducible, and allele-targeted inhibition of endogenous protein function, and the ability to titrate protein depletion with this system is able to better mimic pharmacologic inhibition compared with RNAi or genetic knockout approaches. The Degron-KI system was able to faithfully recapitulate the effects of pharmacologic EZH2 and PI3Kα inhibitors in cancer cell lines. The application of this system to the study of a poorly understood putative oncogene, SF3B1, provided the first causal link between SF3B1 hotspot mutations and splicing alterations. Surprisingly, we found that SF3B1-mutant cells are not dependent upon the mutated allele for in vitro growth, but instead depend upon the function of the remaining wild-type alleles. Collectively, these results demonstrate the broad utility of the Degron-KI system for the functional characterization of cancer genes. Cancer Res; 75(10); 1949–58. ©2015 AACR.
Data from Warfarin Blocks Gas6-Mediated Axl Activation Required for Pancreatic Cancer Epithelial Plasticity and Metastasis
Authors: Kirane Amanda , Ludwig Kathleen F. , Sorrelle Noah , Haaland Gry , Sandal Tone , Ranaweera Renate , Toombs Jason E. , Wang Miao , Dineen Sean P. , Micklem David , Dellinger Michael T. , Lorens James B. , Brekken Rolf A.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Repurposing “old” drugs can facilitate rapid clinical translation but necessitates novel mechanistic insight. Warfarin, a vitamin K “antagonist” used clinically for the prevention of thrombosis for more than 50 years, has been shown to have anticancer effects. We hypothesized that the molecular mechanism underlying its antitumor activity is unrelated to its effect on coagulation, but is due to inhibition of the Axl receptor tyrosine kinase on tumor cells. Activation of Axl by its ligand Gas6, a vitamin K-dependent protein, is inhibited at doses of warfarin that do not affect coagulation. Here, we show that inhibiting Gas6-dependent Axl activation with low-dose warfarin, or with other tumor-specific Axl-targeting agents, blocks the progression and spread of pancreatic cancer. Warfarin also inhibited Axl-dependent tumor cell migration, invasiveness, and proliferation while increasing apoptosis and sensitivity to chemotherapy. We conclude that Gas6-induced Axl signaling is a critical driver of pancreatic cancer progression and its inhibition with low-dose warfarin or other Axl-targeting agents may improve outcome in patients with Axl-expressing tumors. Cancer Res; 75(18); 3699–705. ©2015 AACR.
Data from FoxM1 Drives a Feed-Forward STAT3-Activation Signaling Loop That Promotes the Self-Renewal and Tumorigenicity of Glioblastoma Stem-like Cells
Authors: Gong Ai-hua , Wei Ping , Zhang Sicong , Yao Jun , Yuan Ying , Zhou Ai-dong , Lang Frederick F. , Heimberger Amy B. , Rao Ganesh , Huang Suyun
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The growth factor PDGF controls the development of glioblastoma (GBM), but its contribution to the function of GBM stem-like cells (GSC) has been little studied. Here, we report that the transcription factor FoxM1 promotes PDGFA-STAT3 signaling to drive GSC self-renewal and tumorigenicity. In GBM, we found a positive correlation between expression of FoxM1 and PDGF-A. In GSC and mouse neural stem cells, FoxM1 bound to the PDGF-A promoter to upregulate PDGF-A expression, acting to maintain the stem-like qualities of GSC in part through this mechanism. Analysis of the human cancer genomic database The Cancer Genome Atlas revealed that GBM expresses higher levels of STAT3, a PDGF-A effector signaling molecule, as compared with normal brain. FoxM1 regulated STAT3 transcription through interactions with the β-catenin/TCF4 complex. FoxM1 deficiency inhibited PDGF-A and STAT3 expression in neural stem cells and GSC, abolishing their stem-like and tumorigenic properties. Further mechanistic investigations defined a FoxM1-PDGFA-STAT3 feed-forward pathway that was sufficient to confer stem-like properties to glioma cells. Collectively, our findings showed how FoxM1 activates expression of PDGF-A and STAT3 in a pathway required to maintain the self-renewal and tumorigenicity of glioma stem-like cells. Cancer Res; 75(11); 2337–48. ©2015 AACR.
Data from The Endogenous Cell-Fate Factor Dachshund Restrains Prostate Epithelial Cell Migration via Repression of Cytokine Secretion via a CXCL Signaling Module
Authors: Chen Ke , Wu Kongming , Jiao Xuanmao , Wang Liping , Ju Xiaoming , Wang Min , Di Sante Gabriele , Xu Shaohua , Wang Qiong , Li Kevin , Sun Xin , Xu Congwen , Li Zhiping , Casimiro Mathew C. , Ertel Adam , Addya Sankar , McCue Peter A. , Lisanti Michael P. , Wang Chenguang , Davis Richard J. , Mardon Graeme , Pestell Richard G.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second leading form of cancer-related death in men. In a subset of prostate cancer patients, increased chemokine signaling IL8 and IL6 correlates with castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). IL8 and IL6 are produced by prostate epithelial cells and promote prostate cancer cell invasion; however, the mechanisms restraining prostate epithelial cell cytokine secretion are poorly understood. Herein, the cell-fate determinant factor DACH1 inhibited CRPC tumor growth in mice. Using Dach1fl/fl/Probasin-Cre bitransgenic mice, we show IL8 and IL6 secretion was altered by approximately 1,000-fold by endogenous Dach1. Endogenous Dach1 is shown to serve as a key endogenous restraint to prostate epithelial cell growth and restrains migration via CXCL signaling. DACH1 inhibited expression, transcription, and secretion of the CXCL genes (IL8 and IL6) by binding to their promoter regulatory regions in chromatin. DACH1 is thus a newly defined determinant of benign and malignant prostate epithelium cellular growth, migration, and cytokine abundance in vivo. Cancer Res; 75(10); 1992–2004. ©2015 AACR.
Data from TANRIC: An Interactive Open Platform to Explore the Function of lncRNAs in Cancer
Authors: Li Jun , Han Leng , Roebuck Paul , Diao Lixia , Liu Lingxiang , Yuan Yuan , Weinstein John N. , Liang Han
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) have emerged as essential players in cancer biology. Using recent large-scale RNA-seq datasets, especially those from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we have developed “The Atlas of Noncoding RNAs in Cancer” (TANRIC; http://bioinformatics.mdanderson.org/main/TANRIC:Overview), a user-friendly, open-access web resource for interactive exploration of lncRNAs in cancer. It characterizes the expression profiles of lncRNAs in large patient cohorts of 20 cancer types, including TCGA and independent datasets (>8,000 samples overall). TANRIC enables researchers to rapidly and intuitively analyze lncRNAs of interest (annotated lncRNAs or any user-defined ones) in the context of clinical and other molecular data, both within and across tumor types. Using TANRIC, we have identified a large number of lncRNAs with potential biomedical significance, many of which show strong correlations with established therapeutic targets and biomarkers across tumor types or with drug sensitivity across cell lines. TANRIC represents a valuable tool for investigating the function and clinical relevance of lncRNAs in cancer, greatly facilitating lncRNA-related biologic discoveries and clinical applications. Cancer Res; 75(18); 3728–37. ©2015 AACR.
Data from Human Helicase RECQL4 Drives Cisplatin Resistance in Gastric Cancer by Activating an AKT–YB1–MDR1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Mo Dongliang , Fang Hongbo , Niu Kaifeng , Liu Jing , Wu Meng , Li Shiyou , Zhu Tienian , Aleskandarany Mohammed A. , Arora Arvind , Lobo Dileep N. , Madhusudan Srinivasan , Balajee Adayabalam S. , Chi Zhenfen , Zhao Yongliang
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Elevation of the DNA-unwinding helicase RECQL4, which participates in various DNA repair pathways, has been suggested to contribute to the pathogenicity of various human cancers, including gastric cancer. In this study, we addressed the prognostic and chemotherapeutic significance of RECQL4 in human gastric cancer, which has yet to be determined. We observed significant increases in RECQL4 mRNA or protein in >70% of three independent sets of human gastric cancer specimens examined, relative to normal gastric tissues. Strikingly, high RECQL4 expression in primary tumors correlated well with poor survival and gastric cancer lines with high RECQL4 expression displayed increased resistance to cisplatin treatment. Mechanistic investigations revealed a novel role for RECQL4 in transcriptional regulation of the multidrug resistance gene MDR1, through a physical interaction with the transcription factor YB1. Notably, ectopic expression of RECQL4 in cisplatin-sensitive gastric cancer cells with low endogenous RECQL4 was sufficient to render them resistant to cisplatin, in a manner associated with YB1 elevation and MDR1 activation. Conversely, RECQL4 silencing in cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cells with high endogenous RECQL4 suppressed YB1 phosphorylation, reduced MDR1 expression, and resensitized cells to cisplatin. In establishing RECQL4 as a critical mediator of cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells, our findings provide a therapeutic rationale to target RECQL4 or the downstream AKT–YB1–MDR1 axis to improve gastric cancer treatment. Cancer Res; 76(10); 3057–66. ©2016 AACR.
Data from AIP1 Expression in Tumor Niche Suppresses Tumor Progression and Metastasis
Authors: Ji Weidong , Li Yonghao , He Yun , Yin Mingzhu , Zhou Huanjiao Jenny , Boggon Titus J. , Zhang Haifeng , Min Wang
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Studies from tumor cells suggest that tumor-suppressor AIP1 inhibits epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the role of AIP1 in the tumor microenvironment has not been examined. We show that a global or vascular endothelial cell (EC)–specific deletion of the AIP1 gene in mice augments tumor growth and metastasis in melanoma and breast cancer models. AIP1-deficient vascular environment not only enhances tumor neovascularization and increases premetastatic niche formation, but also secretes tumor EMT-promoting factors. These effects from AIP1 loss are associated with increased VEGFR2 signaling in the vascular EC and could be abrogated by systemic administration of VEGFR2 kinase inhibitors. Mechanistically, AIP1 blocks VEGFR2-dependent signaling by directly binding to the phosphotyrosine residues within the activation loop of VEGFR2. Our data reveal that AIP1, by inhibiting VEGFR2-dependent signaling in tumor niche, suppresses tumor EMT switch, tumor angiogenesis, and tumor premetastatic niche formation to limit tumor growth and metastasis. Cancer Res; 75(17); 3492–504. ©2015 AACR.
Data from RAGE Mediates S100A7-Induced Breast Cancer Growth and Metastasis by Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Nasser Mohd W. , Wani Nissar Ahmad , Ahirwar Dinesh K. , Powell Catherine A. , Ravi Janani , Elbaz Mohamad , Zhao Helong , Padilla Laura , Zhang Xiaoli , Shilo Konstantin , Ostrowski Michael , Shapiro Charles , Carson William E. , Ganju Ramesh K.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
RAGE is a multifunctional receptor implicated in diverse processes including inflammation and cancer. In this study, we report that RAGE expression is upregulated widely in aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, both in primary tumors and in lymph node metastases. In evaluating the functional contributions of RAGE in breast cancer, we found that RAGE-deficient mice displayed a reduced propensity for breast tumor growth. In an established model of lung metastasis, systemic blockade by injection of a RAGE neutralizing antibody inhibited metastasis development. Mechanistic investigations revealed that RAGE bound to the proinflammatory ligand S100A7 and mediated its ability to activate ERK, NF-κB, and cell migration. In an S100A7 transgenic mouse model of breast cancer (mS100a7a15 mice), administration of either RAGE neutralizing antibody or soluble RAGE was sufficient to inhibit tumor progression and metastasis. In this model, we found that RAGE/S100A7 conditioned the tumor microenvironment by driving the recruitment of MMP9-positive tumor-associated macrophages. Overall, our results highlight RAGE as a candidate biomarker for TNBCs, and they reveal a functional role for RAGE/S100A7 signaling in linking inflammation to aggressive breast cancer development. Cancer Res; 75(6); 974–85. ©2015 AACR.
Data from Kinome RNAi Screens Reveal Synergistic Targeting of MTOR and FGFR1 Pathways for Treatment of Lung Cancer and HNSCC
Authors: Singleton Katherine R. , Hinz Trista K. , Kleczko Emily K. , Marek Lindsay A. , Kwak Jeff , Harp Taylor , Kim Jihye , Tan Aik Choon , Heasley Lynn E.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The FGFR1 is a therapeutic target under investigation in multiple solid tumors and clinical trials of selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) are underway. Treatment with a single TKI represents a logical step toward personalized cancer therapy, but intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms limit their long-term benefit. In this study, we deployed RNAi-based functional genomic screens to identify protein kinases controlling the intrinsic sensitivity of FGFR1-dependent lung cancer and head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) cells to ponatinib, a multikinase FGFR-active inhibitor. We identified and validated a synthetic lethal interaction between MTOR and ponatinib in non–small cell lung carcinoma cells. In addition, treatment with MTOR-targeting shRNAs and pharmacologic inhibitors revealed that MTOR is an essential protein kinase in other FGFR1-expressing cancer cells. The combination of FGFR inhibitors and MTOR or AKT inhibitors resulted in synergistic growth suppression in vitro. Notably, tumor xenografts generated from FGFR1-dependent lung cancer cells exhibited only modest sensitivity to monotherapy with the FGFR-specific TKI, AZD4547, but when combined with the MTOR inhibitor, AZD2014, significantly attenuated tumor growth and prolonged survival. Our findings support the existence of a signaling network wherein FGFR1-driven ERK and activated MTOR/AKT represent distinct arms required to induce full transformation. Furthermore, they suggest that clinical efficacy of treatments for FGFR1-driven lung cancers and HNSCC may be achieved by combining MTOR inhibitors and FGFR-specific TKIs. Cancer Res; 75(20); 4398–406. ©2015 AACR.
Data from 26th Pezcoller Symposium: Cancers Driven by Hormones
Authors: Brown Myles , Chinnaiyan Arul , Farsetti Antonella , Livingston David M. , Loda Massimo , Schuele Roland , Mihich Enrico
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This symposium was held in Trento, Italy, on June 19–21, 2014, and was focused on advances in biology, physiology, and pathology of neoplasms affected by hormones, especially breast and prostate cancers. The stem cell function, the genetic and epigenetic interactions with hormones, the mechanisms of estrogen receptor transcription, biochemical markers and therapeutic targets in breast cancer, promotion of breast cancer carcinogenesis by progesterone, the basis for prostate cancer progression and the relevance of DNA repair processes, androgen receptor programming during prostate carcinogenesis, the metabolic stress role in tumor survival, and the diagnostic use of imaging in prostate cancer were discussed. Cancer Res; 75(7); 1177–80. ©2015 AACR.
Data from Modification of Helicobacter pylori Peptidoglycan Enhances NOD1 Activation and Promotes Cancer of the Stomach
Authors: Suarez Giovanni , Romero-Gallo Judith , Piazuelo M. Blanca , Wang Ge , Maier Robert J. , Forsberg Lennart S. , Azadi Parastoo , Gomez Martin A. , Correa Pelayo , Peek Richard M.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the strongest known risk factor for gastric carcinogenesis. One cancer-linked locus is the cag pathogenicity island, which translocates components of peptidoglycan into host cells. NOD1 is an intracellular immune receptor that senses peptidoglycan from Gram-negative bacteria and responds by inducing autophagy and activating NF-κB, leading to inflammation-mediated bacterial clearance; however chronic pathogens can evade NOD1-mediated clearance by altering peptidoglycan structure. We previously demonstrated that the H. pylori cag+ strain 7.13 rapidly induces gastric cancer in Mongolian gerbils. Using 2D-DIGE and mass spectrometry, we identified a novel mutation within the gene encoding the peptidoglycan deacetylase PgdA; therefore, we sought to define the role of H. pylori PgdA in NOD1-dependent activation of NF-κB, inflammation, and cancer. Coculture of H. pylori strain 7.13 or its pgdA− isogenic mutant with AGS gastric epithelial cells or HEK293 epithelial cells expressing a NF-κB reporter revealed that pgdA inactivation significantly decreased NOD1-dependent NF-κB activation and autophagy. Infection of Mongolian gerbils with an H. pylori pgdA− mutant strain led to significantly decreased levels of inflammation and malignant lesions in the stomach; however, preactivation of NOD1 before bacterial challenge reciprocally suppressed inflammation and cancer in response to wild-type H. pylori. Expression of NOD1 differs in human gastric cancer specimens compared with noncancer samples harvested from the same patients. These results indicate that peptidoglycan deacetylation plays an important role in modulating host inflammatory responses to H. pylori, allowing the bacteria to persist and induce carcinogenic consequences in the gastric niche. Cancer Res; 75(8); 1749–59. ©2015 AACR.
Data from Obesity Contributes to Ovarian Cancer Metastatic Success through Increased Lipogenesis, Enhanced Vascularity, and Decreased Infiltration of M1 Macrophages
Authors: Liu Yueying , Metzinger Matthew N. , Lewellen Kyle A. , Cripps Stephanie N. , Carey Kyle D. , Harper Elizabeth I. , Shi Zonggao , Tarwater Laura , Grisoli Annie , Lee Eric , Slusarz Ania , Yang Jing , Loughran Elizabeth A. , Conley Kaitlyn , Johnson Jeff J. , Klymenko Yuliya , Bruney Lana , Liang Zhong , Dovichi Norman J. , Cheatham Bentley , Leevy W. Matthew , Stack M. Sharon
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancy, with high mortality attributable to widespread intraperitoneal metastases. Recent meta-analyses report an association between obesity, ovarian cancer incidence, and ovarian cancer survival, but the effect of obesity on metastasis has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to use an integrative approach combining in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies to test the hypothesis that obesity contributes to ovarian cancer metastatic success. Initial in vitro studies using three-dimensional mesomimetic cultures showed enhanced cell–cell adhesion to the lipid-loaded mesothelium. Furthermore, in an ex vivo colonization assay, ovarian cancer cells exhibited increased adhesion to mesothelial explants excised from mice modeling diet-induced obesity (DIO), in which they were fed a “Western” diet. Examination of mesothelial ultrastructure revealed a substantial increase in the density of microvilli in DIO mice. Moreover, enhanced intraperitoneal tumor burden was observed in overweight or obese animals in three distinct in vivo models. Further histologic analyses suggested that alterations in lipid regulatory factors, enhanced vascularity, and decreased M1/M2 macrophage ratios may account for the enhanced tumorigenicity. Together, these findings show that obesity potently affects ovarian cancer metastatic success, which likely contributes to the negative correlation between obesity and ovarian cancer survival. Cancer Res; 75(23); 5046–57. ©2015 AACR.
Data from Accumulated Metabolites of Hydroxybutyric Acid Serve as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers of Ovarian High-Grade Serous Carcinomas
Authors: Hilvo Mika , de Santiago Ines , Gopalacharyulu Peddinti , Schmitt Wolfgang D. , Budczies Jan , Kuhberg Marc , Dietel Manfred , Aittokallio Tero , Markowetz Florian , Denkert Carsten , Sehouli Jalid , Frezza Christian , Darb-Esfahani Silvia , Braicu Elena Ioana
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a heterogeneous disease of low prevalence, but poor survival. Early diagnosis is critical for survival, but it is often challenging because the symptoms of ovarian cancer are subtle and become apparent only during advanced stages of the disease. Therefore, the identification of robust biomarkers of early disease is a clinical priority. Metabolomic profiling is an emerging diagnostic tool enabling the detection of biomarkers reflecting alterations in tumor metabolism, a hallmark of cancer. In this study, we performed metabolomic profiling of serum and tumor tissue from 158 patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) and 100 control patients with benign or non-neoplastic lesions. We report metabolites of hydroxybutyric acid (HBA) as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers associated with tumor burden and patient survival. The accumulation of HBA metabolites caused by HGSOC was also associated with reduced expression of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (encoded by ALDH5A1), and with the presence of an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition gene signature, implying a role for these metabolic alterations in cancer cell migration and invasion. In conclusion, our findings represent the first comprehensive metabolomics analysis in HGSOC and propose a new set of metabolites as biomarkers of disease with diagnostic and prognostic capabilities. Cancer Res; 76(4); 796–804. ©2015 AACR.
Data from PDGF Engages an E2F-USP1 Signaling Pathway to Support ID2-Mediated Survival of Proneural Glioma Cells
Authors: Rahme Gilbert J. , Zhang Zhonghua , Young Alison L. , Cheng Chao , Bivona Eric J. , Fiering Steven N. , Hitoshi Yasuyuki , Israel Mark A.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumor and responds poorly to currently available therapies. Transcriptomic characterization of glioblastoma has identified distinct molecular subtypes of glioblastoma. Gain-of-function alterations leading to enhanced platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling are commonly observed in the proneural subtype of glioblastoma and can drive gliomagenesis. However, little is known about the downstream effectors of PDGF signaling in glioblastoma. Using a mouse model of proneural glioma and comparative transcriptomics, we determined that PDGF signaling upregulated ubiquitin-specific peptidase 1 (Usp1) to promote the survival of murine proneural glioma cells. Mechanistically, we found that PDGF signaling regulated the expression of the E2F transcription factors, which directly bound to and activated Usp1. Furthermore, PDGF-mediated expression of USP1 led to the stabilization of Inhibitor of DNA-binding 2 (ID2), which we found to be required for glioma cell survival. Genetic ablation of Id2 delayed tumor-induced mortality, and pharmacologic inhibition of USP1, resulting in decreased ID2 levels, also delayed tumorigenesis in mice. Notably, decreased USP1 expression was associated with prolonged survival in patients with proneural glioblastoma, but not with other subtypes of glioblastoma. Collectively, our findings describe a signaling cascade downstream of PDGF that sustains proneural glioblastoma cells and suggest that inhibition of the PDGF–E2F–USP1–ID2 axis could serve as a therapeutic strategy for proneural glioblastoma featuring increased PDGF signaling. Cancer Res; 76(10); 2964–76. ©2016 AACR.
Data from PRC2 Epigenetically Silences Th1-Type Chemokines to Suppress Effector T-Cell Trafficking in Colon Cancer
Authors: Nagarsheth Nisha , Peng Dongjun , Kryczek Ilona , Wu Ke , Li Wei , Zhao Ende , Zhao Lili , Wei Shuang , Frankel Timothy , Vatan Linda , Szeliga Wojciech , Dou Yali , Owens Scott , Marquez Victor , Tao Kaixiong , Huang Emina , Wang Guobin , Zou Weiping
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Infiltration of tumors with effector T cells is positively associated with therapeutic efficacy and patient survival. However, the mechanisms underlying effector T-cell trafficking to the tumor microenvironment remain poorly understood in patients with colon cancer. The polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is involved in cancer progression, but the regulation of tumor immunity by epigenetic mechanisms has yet to be investigated. In this study, we examined the relationship between the repressive PRC2 machinery and effector T-cell trafficking. We found that PRC2 components and demethylase JMJD3-mediated histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) repress the expression and subsequent production of Th1-type chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10, mediators of effector T-cell trafficking. Moreover, the expression levels of PRC2 components, including EZH2, SUZ12, and EED, were inversely associated with those of CD4, CD8, and Th1-type chemokines in human colon cancer tissue, and this expression pattern was significantly associated with patient survival. Collectively, our findings reveal that PRC2-mediated epigenetic silencing is not only a crucial oncogenic mechanism, but also a key circuit controlling tumor immunosuppression. Therefore, targeting epigenetic programs may have significant implications for improving the efficacy of current cancer immunotherapies relying on effective T-cell–mediated immunity at the tumor site. Cancer Res; 76(2); 275–82. ©2015 AACR.