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W. Berger
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OA02 - Novel Targets and Biomarkers in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (ID 369)
- Event: WCLC 2016
- Type: Oral Session
- Track: Mesothelioma/Thymic Malignancies/Esophageal Cancer/Other Thoracic Malignancies
- Presentations: 2
- Moderators:L.E. Raez, M. Jakopovic
- Coordinates: 12/05/2016, 11:00 - 12:30, Stolz 2
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OA02.01 - The microRNA-15/16 Family Regulates Tumour Cell Growth via Fibroblast Growth Factor Signals in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (ID 5395)
11:00 - 11:10 | Author(s): W. Berger
- Abstract
- Presentation
Background:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive, asbestos-related malignancy characterized by poor outcome and limited therapeutic options. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signals play important roles in mesothelioma cell growth and malignant behavior and their inhibition leads to reduced tumor growth. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are conserved noncoding RNAs controlling gene expression via translational repression of target mRNAs. The miR-15/16 family is downregulated in MPM and has tumor suppressor functions. Several FGFs/FGFRs are predicted miR-15/16 targets. The aim of this study was to explore the link between the miR-15/16 and the FGF/R family in MPM.
Methods:
Gene and microRNA expression was determined by RT-qPCR or Taqman Low Density Arrays (TLDAs). Mimics were used for restoring microRNA expression. Stimulation or inhibition of FGF signals or bcl-2 was achieved by recombinant FGF2, siRNAs, or small-molecule inhibitors, respectively. A SYBR green-based proliferation assay and colony formation assays were used to monitor effects on cell growth.
Results:
Expression analysis showed a consistent downregulation of target FGF/FGFR genes after transfection with miRNA mimics. Restoration of miR-15/16 led to dose-dependent growth inhibition, which significantly correlated with sensitivity to the specific FGFR1 inhibitor PD166866. Re-expression of microRNAs in combination with FGFR knock-down or pharmacological inhibition resulted in reduced activity, indicating target competition. Combined inhibition of the FGF-axis and bcl-2, another established target of miR-15/16, resulted in enhanced activity. Treatment with recombinant FGF2 further reduced mature as well as pri-microRNA levels and also could prevent/reduce growth inhibition by mimics, but only when added within 24 hours after transfection. TLDA screens after stimulation/inhibition of FGF signals identified regulation of several other miRNAs involved in pathways relevant for tumour growth and aggressiveness.
Conclusion:
Our data shows that the post-transcriptional repression of FGF-mediated signals contributes to the tumour-suppressor function of the microRNA-15/16 family. Impairing hyperactivated FGF signals as well as the anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2 through the restoration of this miRNA family might serve as a novel therapeutic strategy in mesothelioma.
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OA02.03 - Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 18 is Elevated in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Patients - A Multi-Institutional Study (ID 5988)
11:20 - 11:30 | Author(s): W. Berger
- Abstract
- Presentation
Background:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but devastating malignancy. Despite the search for new promising treatment approaches, the outcome for most MPM patients remains dismal. Therefore, the identification of novel biomarkers is urgently needed in order to identify patients with a better prognosis and to support personalized therapeutic decisions. In our previously published study, we were able to show that fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) is overexpressed in MPM tissue specimens and cell models. The objective of this study was the evaluation of FGF18 as a circulating biomarker in MPM.
Methods:
Plasma was collected from 107 MPM patients at the time of diagnosis or before surgical resection. Samples were included from the Medical University of Vienna, University Hospital Center in Zagreb and from The Concord Repatriation General Hospital and Strathfield Private Hospital in Sydney. Samples from 49 healthy volunteers and from 8 patients with non-malignant pleural diseases served as controls. Circulating FGF18 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and correlated to clinical, pathologic and radiologic parameters.
Results:
Plasma FGF18 level was significantly elevated in MPM patients vs. healthy controls (P<0.0001). A slight increase of circulating FGF18 level was also detected in patients with pleuritis or fibrosis (vs. control, P=0.0067). Sarcomatoid (n=7) morphology was associated with high FGF18 levels when compared to the epithelioid (n=77) histology (P=0.0064). Importantly, MPM patients presenting with FGF18 levels below the median had a significantly longer overall survival when compared to those with high FGF18 levels (median survival 625 versus 382 d, P=0.0038). Data on multivariate analysis, disease-free survival, correlation with other biomarkers and tumor volume will be presented at the conference.
Conclusion:
Our findings reveal that FGF18 is a promising blood-derived candidate biomarker in MPM. Furthermore FGF18 may support the histological classification of MPM and the identification of MPM patients with poor prognosis. .
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P1.07 - Poster Session with Presenters Present (ID 459)
- Event: WCLC 2016
- Type: Poster Presenters Present
- Track: SCLC/Neuroendocrine Tumors
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:
- Coordinates: 12/05/2016, 14:30 - 15:45, Hall B (Poster Area)
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P1.07-026 - Activin A is Associated with Poor Prognosis and Promotes Metastatic Growth in Small Cell Lung Cancer (ID 5888)
14:30 - 14:30 | Author(s): W. Berger
- Abstract
Background:
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a devastating malignancy characterized by resistance to therapy and poor clinical outcome. Therefore, identification of novel therapeutic strategies and non-invasive biomarkers that facilitate early detection and predict prognosis is urgently needed. Expression of the growth factor activin A (ActA), a member of the TGF beta superfamily, is deregulated in a number of malignancies. However, to date there is no data on the role of ActA in SCLC.
Methods:
In a cohort of SCLC patients (n=79) and in sex- and age-matched controls (n=66), plasma levels of ActA were measured by ELISA. The diagnostic value of plasma ActA was evaluated by ROC curve analysis. The mRNA and protein expression levels of ActA were analyzed in SCLC cell lines by qRT-PCR and by ELISA, respectively, and one of the cell lines with low baseline ActA expression was transfected with ActA and a control vector. The effect of ActA overexpression on the in vivo growth of SCLC cells was investigated in an orthotopic xenograft model.
Results:
Increased plasma ActA levels were found in patients with SCLC (vs. controls) and ActA levels were elevated in a TNM stage-dependent manner. Moreover, high ActA levels were associated with significantly shorter overall survival and multivariate analysis revealed that plasma ActA concentration is an independent negative prognostic factor in this patient cohort. With an area under the curve of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.74-0-0.88), circulating ActA was identified as a useful biomarker for the diagnosis of SCLC. Expression of ActA in SCLC cell lines was detected in vitro. Furthermore, ActA overexpression increased the metastatic capacity of SCLC cells in our xenograft model.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that the measurement of circulating ActA can support the diagnosis and staging of SCLC and, moreover, that it can help to predict the clinical outcome. We also conclude that ActA has a role in the aggressive behavior of this tumor type and that its potential therapeutic relevance needs to be further investigated.
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P3.03 - Poster Session with Presenters Present (ID 473)
- Event: WCLC 2016
- Type: Poster Presenters Present
- Track: Mesothelioma/Thymic Malignancies/Esophageal Cancer/Other Thoracic Malignancies
- Presentations: 2
- Moderators:
- Coordinates: 12/07/2016, 14:30 - 15:45, Hall B (Poster Area)
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P3.03-002 - Inducible Changes in Cell Morphology and Gene Expression Reflecting the Histological Subtypes of Mesothelioma (ID 5405)
14:30 - 14:30 | Author(s): W. Berger
- Abstract
Background:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) represents an aggressive malignancy with dismal prognosis and limited therapeutic options. MPM occurs in three main histological subtypes: epithelioid, sarcomatoid and biphasic, which are characterized by differences in morphological growth pattern, aggressiveness and patient prognosis. However, the mechanisms and causes responsible for the different cell morphologies are poorly understood. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in cancer progression and chemoresistance, but its role in MPM is not well understood. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signals promote cell growth, survival and aggressiveness in several tumors including mesothelioma. Aim of this study was to characterize growth factor-induced, EMT-like changes with respect to the MPM histological subtypes.
Methods:
Morphological and behavioral changes of treated cell models were analyzed by morphometry, immunoblotting and functional assays. Alterations in gene or microRNA expression were evaluated via qPCR and array hybridization. Pathway enrichment analysis was based on KEGG.
Results:
In several cell lines established from biphasic MPM, treatment with FGF2 and EGF induced morphological changes reminiscent of EMT and aggressive behavior such as scattering, increased migration, proliferation and invasiveness. Inhibition of the fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) or the MAPK axis via small-molecule inhibitors could prevent these changes and, in cell lines with sarcomatoid-like shape, reverse scattering and induce a more epithelioid morphology. Comparable results were obtained using an engineered FGFR1 enabling contactless activation via blue light. Analyses of genes and microRNAs regulated by FGF2 or EGF showed an overlap with previously established EMT markers but also identified several novel potential markers such as MMP1, ESM1, ETV4, PDL1, ITGA6 or BDKRB2. Blocking the FGFR or MAPK pathways resulted in the opposite regulation of these genes. Inhibition of MMP1 via siRNAs or pharmacological inhibitors prevented FGF2-induced scattering and invasiveness. In unsupervised clustering, the gene expression profiles of solvent- or cytokine-treated cells were associated with those of epithelioid and sarcomatoid MPM, respectively. Immunohistochemistry showed an association of MMP1 as well as phospho-ERK with the sarcomatoid part of tissue specimens from biphasic tumors. Pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes as well as the targets of altered microRNAs after FGF2 treatment showed that the regulated genes are assigned to categories important for cell growth and aggressive behavior.
Conclusion:
Our data characterize FGFR-mediated signals as important players in MPM aggressiveness and the morphological and behavioral plasticity of mesothelioma cells, leading to a better understanding of the link between the MPM histological subtypes and their influence on patient outcome.
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P3.03-006 - Optical Control of Growth Factor Receptors to Advance Signal Transduction Research and Drug Screening (ID 5358)
14:30 - 14:30 | Author(s): W. Berger
- Abstract
Background:
Growth factor receptors are central elements of signal transduction pathways and increasingly important targets for anticancer drugs. In recent years naturally occurring light sensitive protein domains (LSPDs) from different kingdoms of life have been used to generate genetically encoded chimeric signalling molecules that can be activated reversibly and with spatiotemporal precision by light. The development of such optogenetic tools has led to a plethora of new discoveries in the neurosciences but has received comparably little attention in cancer research - partly due to a lack of appropriate tools. Our aim was therefore to generate synthetic growth factor receptors that can be activated with light and allow fine-tuned control of growth factor-associated signal transduction pathways.
Methods:
To generate receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) that can be optically activated (Opto-RTKs), intracellular domains of RTKs were fused to LSPDs of the light-oxygen voltage (LOV) family from various species. The resulting chimeric receptors were tested for light-dependent activation of signal transduction by reporter gene assays, immunoblotting and various cell biological tests assessing DNA synthesis, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis.
Results:
Three of the tested LOV domains enabled light-dependent receptor dimerisation and activation of the corresponding signal transduction pathways when fused to the intracellular domains of FGFR1, EGFR, RET, c-Met or ROS1. Opto-RTKs enabled stringent control of the MAPK, PI3K and PLCĪ³ pathways. Signal activation could be spatially confined to illuminated regions of culture plates and signals rapidly subsided after cessation of illumination. Light was able to replace FGF2 for the induction of cell proliferation and EMT in mesothelioma cells and VEGF for the stimulation of angiogenic sprouting in endothelial cells. Moreover, Opto-RTKs enabled light-assisted screening for small molecule inhibitors of EGFR, FGFR1 and the orphan RTK ROS1.
Conclusion:
Our optogenetic approach allows light-mediated control of growth factor receptors representing clinically relevant drug targets. Opto-RTKs enable dissection of dynamic signals with increased spatiotemporal resolution and open new possibilities for drug screening. Transfer of the design principle to additional membrane receptors is ongoing.
