Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is overexpressed in recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma and is regulated by miR-26a, miR-101, and miR-98.

There is increasing evidence supporting the role of members of the polycomb group (PcG) gene family in tumor development and progression. However, their precise role in tumorigenesis and mechanisms of their regulation remain to be elucidated. Using nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) as a disease model, a comprehensive analysis was undertaken on the clinical significance of EZH2 expression, identification of the cellular processes regulated by EZH2, and the mechanisms of its deregulated expression. Herein, we report EZH2 as being associated with a higher risk of relapse in NPC patients (P = 0.002). Genome-wide microarray and bioinformatics identified several vital cellular processes (such as differentiation, development, and apoptosis) to be regulated by EZH2, corroborated by in vitro lethality, and delayed tumor formation in vivo upon EZH2 depletion. The combination of global microRNA (miR) profiling in primary NPC specimens, and in silico analyses provided several candidate miRs that could regulate EZH2. Using a luciferase-based assay, miR-26a, miR-101, and miR-98 were validated as bona fide regulators of EZH2 expression. In particular, miR-98 was underexpressed in relapsed patient samples, strongly suggesting an important role for the miR-98 and EZH2 axis in NPC biology.

Targeted depletion of BMI1 sensitizes tumor cells to P53-mediated apoptosis in response to radiation therapy.

Overexpression of BMI1 correlates with cancer development, progression, and therapy failure; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Using the C666-1 nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) model, the role of BMI1 in mediating response of NPC cells to radiation therapy (RT) was investigated. The results showed a novel radioresistance function for BMI1 in NPC, wherein BMI1 depletion sensitized NPC cells to RT. Cell cycle analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed apoptosis as the major mode of cell death, and the mitochondria as a primary targeted cellular organelle. Genome-wide microarray and pathway analyses revealed that the P53 pathway is a critical mediator of this process. Cotransfection with siP53 rescued C666-1 cells from cytotoxicity upon BMI1 depletion and RT, thereby corroborating the role for P53. Pretreatment with the antioxidant, Trolox, inhibited apoptosis, indicating that production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is also mediating cytotoxicity. In vivo, BMI1 depletion combined with RT abrogated tumor-forming capacity in SCID mice, showing the relevance of this process in a more complex tumor environment. Hence, we show a novel role for BMI1 in conferring radioresistance in cancer cells through the downregulation of p53-mediated apoptosis. These results suggest a potential strategy of BMI1 depletion combined with RT for tumors wherein BMI1 appears to be driving disease progression.

Detection of multiple gene amplifications in glioblastoma multiforme using array-based comparative genomic hybridization.

We have used a new method of genomic microarray to investigate amplification of oncogenes throughout the genome of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) allows for simultaneous examination of 58 oncogenes/amplicons that are commonly amplified in various human cancers. Amplification of multiple oncogenes in human cancers can be rapidly determined in a single experiment. Tumor DNA and normal control DNA were labeled by nick translation with green- and red-tagged nucleotides, respectively. Instead of hybridizing to normal metaphase chromosomes in conventional comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), the probes of the mixed fluorescent labeled DNA were applied to genomic array templates comprised of P1, PAC, and BAC clones of 58 target oncogenes. The baseline for measuring deviations was established by performing a series of independent array CGH using test and reference DNA made from normal individuals. In the present study, we examined fourteen GBMs (seven cell lines and seven tumours) with CGH and array CGH to reveal the particular oncogenes associated with this cancer. High-level amplifications were identified on the oncogenes/amplicons CDK4, GLI, MYCN, MYC, MDM2, and PDGFRA. The highest frequencies of gains were detected on PIK3CA (64.3%), EGFR (57.1%), CSE1L (57.1%), NRAS (50%), MYCN (42.9%), FGR (35.7%), ESR (35.7%), PGY1 (35.7%), and D17S167 (35.7%). These genes are suggested to be involved in the GBM tumorigenesis.

High frequency of promoter hypermethylation of RASSF1A in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

We have investigated the genetic and epigenetic changes of a newly isolated tumor suppressor gene on 3p21.3, RASSF1A, in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Four xenografts, four cell lines and 21 primary tumors were examined. Promoter hypermethylation of the 5'CpG island of RASSF1A was detected in 4 of 4 (100%) xenografts, in 3 of 4 (75%) cell lines, and in 14 of 21 (66.7%) primary tumors but not in the normal nasopharyngeal epithelia. Mutations were found in 2 of 21 (9.5%) primary tumors. In the cell lines and xenografts with extensive methylation, no RASSF1A gene expression was found. After treatment with 5'-aza-2'deoxycytidine, reexpression and demethylation of the RASSF1A gene were detected in a NPC cell line. These findings suggest that promoter hypermethylation may participate in the transcriptional inactivation of the RASSF1A gene in NPC. The high incidence of RASSF1A alterations suggest that it is the critical target gene on chromosome 3p21.3 involved in the development of NPC.

Comparative genomic hybridization detects losses of chromosomes 22 and 16 as the most common recurrent genetic alterations in primary ependymomas.

In this study, we used comparative genomic hybridization to provide an overview of chromosomal imbalances in a series of 20 adult and 8 childhood ependymomas. All tumors displayed multiple genomic imbalances. Loss of genetic material was observed in chromosomes 22q (71%), 16 (57%), 17 (46%), 6 (39%), 19q (32%), 20q (32%), and 1p (29%), with the overlapped deletion regions determined at 16p13.1-13.3, 16q22-q24, 19q13.1-13.4, 20q13.1-13.2 and 1p36.1-36.3. Gain of DNA was commonly detected on chromosomes 5q (46%), 12q (39%), 7q (36%), 9q (36%), and 4q (32%), with overlapped regions of gain mapped to 5q21-22, 12q15-24.1, 7q11.2-31.2, 9q12-32, and 4q23-28, respectively. These findings suggest a greater degree of genomic imbalance in ependymomas than has been recognized previously and highlight chromosomal loci likely to contain oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes that may contribute to the molecular pathogenesis of this tumor. Our study also confirmed previous findings on frequent losses of 17 and 22q in ependymomas and further identified chromosome 16 loss as a common recurrent genetic aberration in ependymomas.

Central neurocytomas are genetically distinct from oligodendrogliomas and neuroblastomas.

AIMS: Central neurocytoma is a rare central nervous system tumour typically found in the lateral ventricles and at the septum pellucidum. Histologically, it resembles oligodendrogliomas and yet ultrastructurally, it shows neuronal differentiation. Its molecular oncogenesis is not known. The aim of this study was to examine whether major genetic events found in oligodendrogliomas and neuronal tumours, namely allelic deletions of chromosomes 1p and 19q and N-myc amplification, can be found in central neurocytomas. As there was one report describing gain of chromosome 7 in central neurocytomas, we also examined epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification, as the EGFR gene is located at chromosome 7p. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nine central neurocytomas and matched blood samples were examined for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of 1p and 19q13.2-13.4 with 23 finely mapped microsatellite markers. N-myc amplification was studied by fluorescence in-situ hybridization using paraffin-embedded sections. EGFR amplification was tested for by differential PCR. Six of nine (67%) tumours showed LOH at one or more loci at 1p and 5/9 (56%) of cases showed LOH at 19q. However, common regions of deletion cannot be identified. The majority of informative markers are retained at 1p (84%) and 19q (86%). Only one tumour showed amplification of N-myc and none of the cases showed amplification of EGFR. CONCLUSION: Central neurocytomas are genetically distinct from oligodendrogliomas, and chromosomes 1p and 19q probably do not play an important role in their pathogenesis. N-myc and EGFR amplification are rare.

Detection of chromosomal imbalances in central neurocytomas by using comparative genomic hybridization.

OBJECT: Central neurocytomas are rare neuronal tumors commonly found in the intraventricular regions. Little is known about the tumorigenesis of these neoplasms. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of genetic imbalances in central neurocytomas. METHODS: In this study, comparative genomic hybridization was used to identify DNA sequence copy number changes (losses and gains) in a series of 10 central neurocytomas. Tumor DNA and normal reference DNA were differentially labeled and allowed to cohybridize to normal metaphase chromosomes. After hybridization and fluorescent staining of the bound DNA, regions of gain or of loss of DNA sequences were detected as changes in the tumor/normal fluorescence intensity ratio along the target metaphase chromosomes. A gain of DNA sequence was detected in chromosomes 2p, 10q, and 18q. A protooncogene, Bcl2, which maps to 18q21, was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis to determine its role in the formation of central neurocytomas. CONCLUSIONS: In this study the authors identified recurrent genetic changes on chromosomes 2p, 10q, and 18q in central neurocytomas and highlighted chromosomal regions for additional mapping and cloning of candidate genes that are important in the development of central neurocytomas.

High resolution allelotype of microdissected primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common cancer in South China but is rare in other parts of the world. To better understand the molecular basis of this cancer, we performed high-resolution allelotyping on 27 microdissected primary tumors using 382 microsatellite markers. We have detected high frequencies of allelic imbalance on 3p (96.3%), 9p (85.2%), 9q (88.9%), 11q (74.1%), 12q (70.4%), 13q (55.6%), 14q (85.2%), and 16q (55.6%). Nonrandom allelic changes of 12q and 16q were revealed for the first time. In addition, loss of heterozygosity on chromosomal arms 1p (37.0%), 5q (44.4%), and 12p (44.4%) were also common in NPC. Multiple minimally deleted regions, 7-40 cM, were identified at 3p14-24.2, 11q21-23, 13q12-14, 13q31-32, 14q24-32, and 16q22-23. Frequent deletions of these minimally deleted regions implied the presence of tumor suppressor genes that may be involved in the development of NPC. Consistent loss of heterozygosity on 3p, 9p, and 14q in almost all tumors suggested that such changes are critical events in NPC tumorigenesis.

Establishment and characterization of a human cell line from paediatric cerebellar glioblastoma multiforme.

Permanent glioma cell lines are invaluable tools in understanding the biology of glioblastomas. The present study reports the establishment of a clonal human cell line, GBM6840, derived from a biopsy of paediatric cerebellar glioblastoma multiforme. GBM6840 had a doubling time of 32 h and grew as a monolayer of large round cells that retained immunopositivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin. Karyotypic analysis revealed a modal chromosome number of 68 and polysomies of chromosomes 3, 5 and 20, as well as the presence of 3-4 marker chromosomes. GBM6840 also showed anchorage-independent growth in soft agar and tumour formation in nude mice. The p16(CDKN2A) gene was transcriptionally silenced by hypermethylation, consistent with the lack of protein expression observed in the original tumour and cultured cells. Western blot analysis revealed normal protein expression of pRb and CDK4. It appears that p16 is the major component altered in the cell cycle pathway and may confer these cells unrestrained proliferation potential. Neither EGFR gene amplification nor over-expression of the protein was detected in the cultured cells. Over-expression of the p53 protein was observed in the majority of cells, despite undetectable mutation (exons 5-8) in the gene. One allele of the PTEN gene was found to be mutated during in vitro cultivation. Telomerase activity was demonstrated in the cultured cells but not in the original tumour, supporting the hypothesis that telomerase is required for the in vitro immortalization process.

Detection of chromosomal imbalances in growth hormone-secreting pituitary tumors by comparative genomic hybridization.

Although recent molecular investigations have identified a number of genetic alterations that are associated with the development of pituitary adenomas, the exact pathogenesis mechanism of these tumors remains largely unknown. In this study, we used a genome-wide survey to detect specific genetic changes within the genome of pituitary adenomas. A series of 10 growth hormone-secreting adenomas were analyzed for their genetic imbalances on all 22 autosomes by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). Chromosomal imbalances were detected in 8 GH-secreting adenomas, whereas 2 tumors had no detectable genetic abnormalities. Chromosome gains were more frequent than losses. Overrepresentation of whole or parts of chromosomes were detected in 5/10 (50%) in 19, 3/10 (30%) in each of 5, 9, and 22q, 2/10 (20%) in 17p12-q21, whereas DNA loss were 3/10 (30%) in 13q and 2/10 (20%) in 18. No detectable gain or loss of genetic material was observed in chromosomes 7, 8, 10, 12, 15, and 20. The findings of overrepresentation of chromosomes 5q, 9p, 17q and DNA loss of chromosome 18 were consistent with those detected in nonfunctioning adenomas (Daniely M, Aviram A, Adams EF, et al:J Clin Endocrinol Metab 83:1801-1805, 1998) suggesting that the development of pituitary tumors, at least in somatotroph and nonfunctioning adenomas, may share common pathway. Frequent amplifications in chromosomes 19 and 22q imply that candidate genes residing in these chromosomal regions may be involved in the pathogenesis of GH-secreting adenomas.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line (C666-1) consistently harbouring Epstein-Barr virus.

We have established a cell line (C666-1) from undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This cell line consistently carries the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in long-term cultures. C666-1 is a subclone of its parental cell line, C666, derived from an NPC xenograft of southern Chinese origin. It grows as an adherent culture and lacks contact inhibition. In addition, it is tumorigenic in athymic nude mice. The cells consistently express EBV-encoded RNAs and are positively stained for cytokeratin, an epithelial marker. In addition, they express EBNA1 protein, LMP1 and LMP2 transcripts and thus resemble the EBV latency II pattern. The virus genotype is EBV-1 with the latent membrane protein 1 gene showing a 30-bp deletion at the carboxyl terminus, both consistent with findings in southern Chinese NPC tumours. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a sub-diploid status with a chromosomal modal number of 45. C666-1 is unique among NPC cell lines in that it carries EBV. These cells may serve as a good investigative tool as the viral latency pattern and genotype are observed in the majority of primary NPC biopsies from Chinese patients.

Detection of recurrent chromosomal gains and losses in primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma by comparative genomic hybridisation.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common cancer in Southern China but rare in Western countries. To search for genetic alterations in NPC, we examined a series of 20 primary tumours with comparative genomic hybridisation. The identified common chromosomal alterations included gain of chromosomes 1q, 8, 12, 19 and 20 as well as loss of chromosomes 1p, 3p, 9p, 9q, 11q, 13q, 14q and 16q. In concordance with our previous loss of heterozygosity studies in primary NPC, a high incidence of loss was detected on chromosomes 3p (75%), 11q (70%) and 14q (65%). Losses of 9q (60%), 13q (50%) and 16q (40%) were also identified. Novel chromosomal gains were observed on chromosome 12, with a high frequency (70%). Current analysis has revealed a comprehensive profile of the chromosomal regions showing losses and gains in primary NPC. Our findings may provide an entry point for conducting further investigations to locate the putative tumour-suppresser genes and oncogenes that may be involved in the tumourigenesis of NPC.

Molecular genetic analysis of non-astrocytic gliomas.

AIMS: Oligodendroglial tumours follow genetic pathways different from but overlapping with those of astrocytic tumours. The aim of this study was to examine whether major genetic events such as loss of chromosome 10 and p53 mutation found in astrocytic gliomas are also involved in the development and anaplastic transformation of non-astrocytic gliomas and to correlate the findings with histopathological subtypes of these tumours. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-one formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded oligodendroglial and ependymal tumours (16 oligodendrogliomas, 12 anaplastic oligodendrogliomas, seven oligoastrocytomas, 24 ependymomas and two anaplastic ependymomas) were examined for allelic deletions on chromosome 10q23 and 10q25-26 regions, mutations of PTEN/MMAC1 and p53, MDM2 gene amplification and apoptosis. The frequencies of allelic deletions at marker D10S2491 (which mapped within PTEN/MMAC1) and between markers D10S209 and D10S587 (where DMBT1 was located) were found to be < 30% in both types of non-astrocytic gliomas. High frequency of allelic deletions was detected at marker D10S215 (80%) at the proximal 10q23 region in both oligodendroglial and ependymal tumours and between markers D10S216 (42%) and D10S169 (67%) at distal 10q25-26 region in oligodendroglial tumours. No mutations of PTEN/MMAC1 were found. p53 mutations were detected in three oligoastrocytomas and one ependymoma; three out of five mutations were found in exon 4. MDM2 gene amplification was found in one ependymoma harbouring wild-type p53. The apoptotic index was lower in p53-mutated tumours than in tumours with wild-type p53. CONCLUSION: The telomeric end of chromosome 10q could be involved in the development and anaplastic transformation of oligodendroglial tumours. Mutations of PTEN/MMAC1 and p53, amplification of the MDM2 gene and allelic loss on chromosome 10q do not play a major part in the pathogenesis or anaplastic transformation of oligodendrogliomas and ependymal tumours.

Characterization of a new EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line.

Only a few reports exist of cytogenetic studies in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), probably because of the technical limitations of culturing solid tumors. We established a cell line (cell-666) that was derived from an NPC xenograft growing in athymic nude mice. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is one of the important etiologic factors of NPC. This cell line has been shown to have the consistent presence of EBV by Epstein-Barr virus encoded RNAs (EBER) in situ hybridization. Furthermore, aberrant methylation of 5'CpG island of p16 gene was detected. Thus, this cell line represents a valuable model for the study of NPC tumorigenecity. The karyotype of this newly established cell line is: 45,X,del(X)(q24),-5der(5)(5pter-->5q31::5q13-->+ ++5q31::5p12-->5pter),der(6;?) (q10;p10),add(7)(p22), + 9, del(11)(q13),add(12)(p13),-14,-18,-21, + 2mar. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses were performed using whole chromosome painting probes of chromosomes 5, 6, 11, and 12.

Loss of heterozygosity on the long arm of chromosome 11 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on the long arm of chromosome 11 had been reported in many types of solid tumors. In this study, we investigated the LOH patterns of chromosome 11 on 52 primary nasopharyngeal carcinomas using 10 microsatellite polymorphic markers. The results revealed that 28 of the 52 cases (53.8%) demonstrated LOH on at least one of the nine 11q microsatellite loci studied. The highest frequencies of LOH were found at the two loci D11S2000 (36.1%) and D11S934 (34.5 %), both located at 11q22-24. Two distinct regions of deletion were found at 11q, with the first one defined by INT-2 and D11S900 at 11q13.3-22, and the second region located between D11S2000 and D11S934 at 11q22-24. The two deletion regions overlap with the common areas of deletion reported in other tumor types. This suggests the presence of multiple putative tumor suppressor genes on chromosome 11q that may play a role in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinomas.