Functional polymorphisms of DNA repair genes in Latin America reinforces the heterogeneity of Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Abstract Nucleotide excision repair pathway (NER) is an essential mechanism for single-strand breaks (SSB) repair while xeroderma pigmentosum family (XPA to XPG) is the most important system to NER. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous hematological cancer characterized by cytopenias and risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transformation. MDS pathogenesis has been associated with problems of DNA repair system. This report aimed to evaluate NER polymorphisms (XPA rs1800975, XPC rs2228000, XPD rs1799793 and XPF rs1800067) in 269 MDS patients of different populations in Latin America (173 Brazilian and 96 Argentinean). Genotypes were identified in DNA samples by RT-qPCR using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay. Regarding rs1799793 polymorphism of XPD for Brazilian population, the heterozygous genotype AG presented a high odds ratio (OR) to have a normal karyotype (p= 0.012, OR=3.000) and the mutant homozygous genotype AA was associated to a high OR of AML transformation (p= 0.034, OR=7.4). In Argentine population, the homozygous mutant AA genotype of rs1800975 polymorphism of XPA was associated with an increased odd to have hemoglobin levels below 8g/dL (p= 0.013, OR=10.000) while for the rs1799793 polymorphism of XPD, the heterozygous AG genotype decreased OR to be classified as good (p< 0.001, OR=9.05 × 10−10), and intermediate (p< 0.001, OR=3.08 × 10−10), according to Revised-International Prognostic Scoring System. Regarding the rs1800067 polymorphisms of XPF, the homozygous mutant AA genotype showed a decreased OR to be classified as good (p< 0.001, OR=4.03 × 10−13) and intermediate (p< 0.001, OR=2.54 × 10−13). Our report reinforces the heterogeneity of MDS and demonstrates the importance of ethnic differences and regional influences in pathogenesis and prognosis of MDS.

Bioinformatics and expression analysis of the Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) of Trypanosoma evansi in Trypanosoma cruzi cells / Análises de bioinformática e da expressão do gene Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) de Trypanosoma evansi em células de Trypanosoma cruzi

Abstract Nucleotide excision repair (NER) acts repairing damages in DNA, such as lesions caused by cisplatin. Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) protein is involved in recognition of global genome DNA damages during NER (GG-NER) and it has been studied in different organisms due to its importance in other cellular processes. In this work, we studied NER proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi, parasites of humans and animals respectively. We performed three-dimensional models of XPC proteins from T. cruzi and T. evansi and observed few structural differences between these proteins. In our tests, insertion of XPC gene from T. evansi (TevXPC) in T. cruzi resulted in slower cell growth under normal conditions. After cisplatin treatment, T. cruzi overexpressing its own XPC gene (TcXPC) was able to recover cell division rates faster than T. cruzi expressing TevXPC gene. Based on these tests, it is suggested that TevXPC (being an exogenous protein in T. cruzi) interferes negatively in cellular processes where TcXPC (the endogenous protein) is involved. This probably occurred due interaction of TevXPC with some endogenous molecules or proteins from T.cruzi but incapacity of interaction with others. This reinforces the importance of correctly XPC functioning within the cell.

Resumo O reparo por excisão de nucleotídeos (NER) atua reparando danos no DNA, como lesões causadas por cisplatina. A proteína Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) está envolvida no reconhecimento de danos pela via de reparação global do genoma pelo NER (GG-NER) e tem sido estudada em diferentes organismos devido à sua importância em outros processos celulares. Neste trabalho, estudamos proteínas do NER em Trypanosoma cruzi e Trypanosoma evansi, parasitos de humanos e animais, respectivamente. Modelos tridimensionais das proteínas XPC de T. cruzi e T. evansi foram feitos e observou-se poucas diferenças estruturais entre estas proteínas. Durante testes, a inserção do gene XPC de T. evansi (TevXPC) em T. cruzi resultou em crescimento celular mais lento em condições normais. Após o tratamento com cisplatina, T. cruzi superexpressando seu próprio gene XPC (TcXPC) foi capaz de recuperar as taxas de divisão celular mais rapidamente do que T. cruzi expressando o gene TevXPC. Com base nesses testes, sugere-se que TevXPC (sendo uma proteína exógena em T. cruzi) interfere negativamente nos processos celulares em que TcXPC (a proteína endógena) está envolvida. Isso provavelmente ocorreu pois TevXPC é capaz de interagir com algumas moléculas ou proteínas endógenas de T.cruzi, mas é incapaz de interagir com outras. Isso reforça a importância do correto funcionamento de XPC dentro da célula.

CTCs Detection and Whole-exome Sequencing Might Be Used to Differentiate Benign and Malignant Pulmonary Nodules / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#Low-density computed tomography (LDCT) improved early lung cancer diagnosis but introduces an excess of false-positive pulmonary nodules data. Hence, accurate diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer remains challenging. The purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility of using circulating tumour cells (CTCs) to differentiate malignant from benign pulmonary nodules.@*METHODS@#122 patients with suspected malignant pulmonary nodules detected on chest CT in preparation for surgery were prospectively recruited. Peripheral blood samples were collected before surgery, and CTCs were identified upon isolation by size of epithelial tumour cells and morphological analysis. Laser capture microdissection, MALBAC amplification, and whole-exome sequencing were performed on 8 samples. The diagnostic efficacy of CTCs counting, and the genomic variation profile of benign and malignant CTCs samples were analysed.@*RESULTS@#Using 2.5 cells/5 mL as the cut-off value, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was of 0.651 (95% confidence interval: 0.538-0.764), with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.526 and 0.800, respectively, and positive and negative predictive values of 91.1% and 30.3%, respectively. Distinct sequence variations differences in DNA damage repair-related and driver genes were observed in benign and malignant samples. TP53 mutations were identified in CTCs of four malignant cases; in particular, g.7578115T>C, g.7578645C>T, and g.7579472G>C were exclusively detected in all four malignant samples.@*CONCLUSIONS@#CTCs play an ancillary role in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules. TP53 mutations in CTCs might be used to identify benign and malignant pulmonary nodules.

Carcinome épidermoïde conjonctival invasif: à propos de 2 cas / Invasive squamous cell carcinoma: about 2 cases

Les tumeurs conjonctivales sont fréquentes dans les zones tropicales,où l'exposition aux rayons ultraviolets est forte et quasi permanente. Les tumeurs malignes sont assez rares et la plus représentée est le carcinome épidermoïde de la conjonctive.Nous rapportons deux cas de carcinome épidermoïde invasif de la conjonctive reçus dans le service d'ophtalmologie de l'hôpital Sominé Dolo de Mopti au Mali. Il s'agissait de deux patientes de 25 et 51 ans, vivant en zone rurale et désertique exposées aux rayons solaires et à la poussière. Elles présentaient une masse développée dans l'aire de la fente palpébrale, envahissant la cornée et empêchant l'occlusion palpébrale. La masse était en relief, multi lobulée, bien circonscrite, de couleur blanc nacré et d'aspect papillomateux avec une dilatation des vaisseaux nourriciers. Une exérèse chirurgicale large à 4 - 5 mm des berges de tissu sain a été réalisée avec examen anatomopathologique de la pièce qui a confirmé un carcinome épidermoïde différencié mature et invasif de la conjonctive. Le bilan d'extension et la sérologie HIV étaient négatifs. L'évolution était favorable à moyen terme sans récidive

Conjunctival tumors are common in tropical areas, where exposure to ultraviolet radiation is high and almost permanent. Malignant tumors are quite rare and the most represented is conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma. We report two cases of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva received in the ophthalmology department of the Sominé Dolo hospital in Mopti, Mali. The patients were 25 and 51 years old, living in a rural desert area exposed to sunlight and dust. They presented with a mass developed in the area of the palpebral fissure, invading the cornea and preventing palpebral occlusion. The mass was raised, multi-lobulated, well circumscribed, pearly white in color and papillomatous in appearance with dilation of the feeder vessels. A wide surgical excision at 4 - 5 mm from the healthy tissue edges was performed with anatomopathological examination of the specimen, which confirmed a mature and invasive differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva. The extension workup and HIV serology were negative. The evolution was favorable in the medium term without recurrence

Levels of base excision repair proteins in CD4+ T cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-systemic disease with the unknown pathogenic mechanism. DNA demethylation is involved in SLE pathogenesis. Growth arrest and DNA damage inducible 45 alpha (Gadd45a) takes part in the process of DNA demethylation. Gadd45a is a DNA repair-related protein. This study aims to investigate the expressions of some proteins [including activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG), and methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 4 (MBD4)] involving in base excision repair (BER) process in CD4+ T cells in patients with SLE, and to analyze the correlations between the above BER proteins and lupus disease.@*METHODS@#From January 2019 to September 2020, 12 SLE patients and 12 healthy controls were recruited from Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were separated by Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation and then CD4+ T cells were isolated via positive selection using Miltenyi beads. We measured the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions of AID, TDG, and MBD4 by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively.@*RESULTS@#In contrast to controls, in SLE CD4+ T cells, the mRNA and protein expressions of AID were elevated (P=0.003, P=0.022, respectively); TDG protein expression was increased (P=0.017); and MBD4 protein level was reduced (P<0.001). No visible distinctions was found in the mRNA expressions of either TDG or MBD4 between the 2 groups (both P>0.05). The mRNA and protein expressions of AID and the protein levels of TDG were positively correlated with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). And the mRNA and protein expressions of MBD4 were negatively correlated with SLEDAI.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In SLE CD4+ T cells, the increased expressions of AID and TDG and the decreased MBD4 expression may participate in SLE pathogenic mechanism.

The prospects of DNA damage repair variants guiding platinum compounds in the treatment of triple negative breast cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is prone to recurrence and metastasis, which is the subtype of poorest prognosis. Chemotherapy is the main treatment, although there is lack of effective adjuvant chemotherapy regimens. The unsatisfactory efficacy of chemotherapy has been a bottleneck in improving the outcome of TNBC. Platinum compounds act directly on DNA to kill tumor cells, and they have a stronger killing effect on tumor cells carrying DNA damage repair (DDR) defects, which is an important entry point to improve the efficacy of TNBC. Biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of platinum drugs in TNBC treatment have always been a hot topic. The DDR pathway contains a large number of related genes, and recent studies have shown that deficiencies in the DDR pathway may be associated with the efficacy of platinum drugs, which is expected to be a biomarker for predicting the efficacy of platinum drugs in breast cancer treatment.

DNA Damage Repair System and Antineoplastic Agents in Lung Cancer / 中国肺癌杂志

DNA damage repair (DDR) system plays an important role in maintaining of genomic stability. Accumulation of DNA lesions or deficiency of DDR system could drive tumorigenesis as well as promote tumor progression; meanwhile, they could also provide therapeutic opportunities and targets. Of all the antineoplastic agents of lung cancers, many of them targeted or were associated with DNA damage and repair pathways, such as chemotherapies and antibody-drug conjugates which were designed directly causing DNA damages, targeted drugs inhibiting DNA repair pathways, and immune-checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we described the role of DNA damage and repair pathways in antitumor activity of the above agents, as well as summarized the application and clinical investigations of these antineoplastic agents in lung cancers, in order to provide more information for exploring precision and effective strategies for the treatment of lung cancer based on the mechanism of DNA damage and repair.
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Role of cytochrome P450 1A2 and N-acetyltransferase 2 in 2, 6-dimethylaniline induced genotoxicity

Abstract The purpose of the current work was to assess a possible role of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) and N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) in the metabolic activation of 2,6-dimethylaniline (2,6-DMA) and also clarify the function of DNA repair in affecting the ultimate mutagenic potency. Two cell lines, nucleotide excision repair (NER)-deficient 5P3NAT2 and proficient 5P3NAT2R9 both expressing CYP1A2 and NAT2, were treated with 2,6-DMA for 48 h or its metabolites for 1 h. Cell survival determined by trypan blue exclusion and MTT assays, and 8-azaadenine-resistant mutants at the adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (aprt) gene locus were evaluated. 5P3NAT2 and 5P3NAT2R9 cells treated with 2,6-DMA and its metabolites showed a dose-dependent increase in cytotoxicity and mutant fraction; N-OH-2,6-DMA and 2,6-DMAP in serum-free α-minimal essential medium (MEM) are more potent than 2,6-DMA in complete MEM. 5P3NAT2 cells was more sensitive to the cytotoxic and mutagenic action than 5P3NAT2R9 cells. H2DCFH-DA assay showed dose-dependent ROS production under 2,6- DMAP treatment. These findings indicate that the genotoxic effects of 2,6-DMA are mediated by CYP1A2 activation via N-hydroxylation and the subsequent esterification by the phase II conjugation enzyme NAT2, and through the generation of ROS by hydroxylamine and/or aminophenol metabolites. NER status is also an important contributor

Estudo imuno-histoquímico e classificação molecular dos adenocarcinomas de endométrio com expressão heterogênea dos genes de reparo do DNA / Immunohistochemical study and molecular classification of endometrial adenocarcinomas with heterogeneous expression of DNA repair genes

Introdução: O carcinoma endometrial (CE) foi classificado pelo sistema de Bokhman em tipos I e II com base em observações clínicas e epidemiológicas. O tipo I corresponde aos tumores de baixo grau e o tipo II aos tumores de alto grau. Adicionalmente, estudos recentes propuseram que a classificação também fosse baseada em aspectos histológicos e moleculares com base nos dados do TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas). Foram identificados quatro grupos moleculares distintos de CE: (1) com mutações no POLE (fenótipo "ultramutado"), (2) "alto número de cópias" (mutações em TP53), (3) !baixo número de cópias" (em que os tumores não apresentam nenhuma das alterações descritas nos outros tipos) e (4) tumores com predomínio de instabilidade de microssatélites. A imunohistoquímica (IHC) para proteínas do gene de reparo é usada para identificar a deficiência de genes de reparo do DNA (Mismatch Repair ­ MMR) associada à instabilidade de microssatélites(MSI). A coloração nuclear positiva representa a expressão retida de proteínas MMR, enquanto a perda completa representa deficiência de MMR. O padrão de expressão heterogênea (HEP), ou seja, concomitância em um mesmo espécime de áreas positivas e totalmente negativas tem sido observada em CE. No presente momento, as principais diretrizes determinam que a presença de HEP seja interpretada como expressão retida de proteínas MMR. Não há, porém, consenso quanto à classificação e interpretação de HEP, nem conhecimento do impacto da classificação de HEP como subtipo molecular diferente em relação às características clínicas e prognósticas. Objetivos: realizar a classificação molecular dos casos de CE com HEP das proteínas relacionadas aos genes de reparo do DNA e comparação do perfil molecular entre áreas positivas e negativas no estudo imunohistoquímico. Materiais e Métodos: De janeiro/2007 a dezembro/2017 foram identificados 356 casos de CE, 16 deles com HEP. A classificação molecular foi feita com base no protocolo PROMISE para CE. Cada área (expressão retida ou perdida) foi macrodissecada e o status molecular foi avaliado separadamente quanto ao status MSI (Idylla), metilação do promotor MLH1 (NGS - ponto de corte para positividade ≥ 15%), status POLE (NGS) e status p53 (IHC). Variáveis clínicas e patológicas também foram avaliadas e correlacionadas com cada caso. Resultados: A histologia endometrioide foi predominante (15 casos), bem como ausência de invasão linfovascular (11 casos), ausência de padrão MELF (10 casos), graus FIGO 1 e 2 (13 casos), invasão miometrial < 50% (13 casos) e estadiamento T1 (13 casos). Todos os pacientes estavam vivos e sem evidência de doença no último acompanhamento, exceto por um caso, cujo status de sobrevida era desconhecido. Dois casos que seriam descritos como apresentando expressão retida de proteínas relacionadas a genes de reparo do DNA por IHC apresentaram-se na análise molecular com instabilidade de microssatélites(MSI-H). Nos casos de HEP, a proteína MSH6 foi a maisfrequentemente envolvida (9 casos, 7 isolados). A proteína MLH1 apresentou-se alterada em 6 casos, sendo a única proteína associada a co-alterações (com MSH6 e PMS2). Seis casos apresentaram-se metilados por MLH1, padrão encontrado tanto em áreas com perda quanto em áreas com retenção das proteínas relacionadas a MMR por IHC e dois casos apresentaram metilação em apenas uma das áreas. Em relação ao status de POLE, 6 casos apresentaram mutação, 2 com mutações tanto em áreas com perda quanto em áreas com retenção de expressão, 3 apenas na área com perda e 1 apenas na área com retenção. Dois casos apresentam padrão aberrante de p53 (MSH6 alterados) em ambas as áreas. Conclusão: em pacientes portadoras CE e com tumores apresentando HEP a correlação entre a IHC e os achados moleculares é heterogênea e o diagnóstico entre casos com retenção ou das proteínas relacionadas a MMR não é factível apenas com realização de IHC. A análise molecular deve ser realizada em todos os casos de CE com HEP para determinar adequadamente as característicasintrínsecas de cada tumor. Devido à raridade desse achado, esta proposta é financeiramente viável e tem o potencial de mudar a prática clínica em um subconjunto de pacientes, permitindo tratamentos inovadores. HEP deve ser relatado como um padrão distinto e não considerado como uma expressão sinônimo de expressão retida de proteínas MMR em CE.

Introduction: Endometrial adenocarcinoma is classified by the Bokhman system in type I and II based on clinical and epidemiological observations, whereas the type I represents low grade tumors and type II high grade tumors. Additionally, a classification based on histological aspects and molecular profile has been proposed. The TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) identified four molecular groups of endometrial adenocarcinomas: (1) mutations in POLE ("ultramutated" phenotype), (2) "high copy number" (mutations in TP53), (3) "low number of copies " (in which the tumors do not exhibit any of the changes described in the other types) and (4) tumors with predominance of microsatellite instability. In a small number of patients, heterogeneous staining is observed in the evaluation protein expression for mismatch repair genes. Objectives: to evaluate and perform the molecular classifications of cases of endometrial carcinoma with heterogeneous staining by IHC of proteins related to mismatch repair genes and comparison of the molecular profile of positive and negative areas in the IHC study. Cases and Methods: From January/2007 to December/2017 354 cases with EC were identified, 16 of those with HEP. Molecular classification was made based on the PROMISE protocol for EC. Each area (retained and lost expression) was macrodissected and molecular status was evaluated separately regarding MSI status (Idylla), MLH1 promoter methylation (NGS - cutoff for positivity ≥ 15%), POLE status (NGS) and p53 status (IHC). Clinical and pathologic variables were also evaluated and correlated with each case. Results: Endometrioid histology was predominant (15 cases), as absent lymphovascular invasion (11 cases), absence of MELF pattern (10 cases), FIGO Grade 1 and 2 (13 cases), and T1 stage (13 cases). All patients were alive and disease-free at the last follow-up. Two cases that would be described as retained by IHC presented in the molecular analysis as MSI-H. In HEP cases MSH6 was more frequent (9 cases, 7 isolated). MLH1 was altered in 6 cases, and wasthe only protein associated with co-alterations (with MSH6 and PMS2). Six cases were MLH1 methylated, found both in lost and retained areas. As POLE status, there were 6 mutated cases, 2 of those with mutations both in lost and retained areas, and 3 the lost area. Two cases had p53 aberrant pattern (MSH6 altered), that was seen both in the retained and in the lost areas. Conclusion: Correlation between IHC and molecular findings is heterogeneous, and determination between retained or lost expression of MMR proteins by IHC when HEP occurs, however feasible, does not represent the actual molecular alterations. Thus, molecular analysis should be performed every case to adequately determine the intrinsic features of each tumor. Due to the rarity of this finding, this is financially viable and has the potential to change clinical practice in a subset of patients. HEP should be reported as a distinct pattern, and not considered as a synonym expression of retained expression of MMR proteins in EC.

ADP-ribosylhydrolases: from DNA damage repair to COVID-19 / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylation is a unique post-translational modification that regulates many biological processes, such as DNA damage repair. During DNA repair, ADP-ribosylation needs to be reversed by ADP-ribosylhydrolases. A group of ADP-ribosylhydrolases have a catalytic domain, namely the macrodomain, which is conserved in evolution from prokaryotes to humans. Not all macrodomains remove ADP-ribosylation. One set of macrodomains loses enzymatic activity and only binds to ADP-ribose (ADPR). Here, we summarize the biological functions of these macrodomains in DNA damage repair and compare the structure of enzymatically active and inactive macrodomains. Moreover, small molecular inhibitors have been developed that target macrodomains to suppress DNA damage repair and tumor growth. Macrodomain proteins are also expressed in pathogens, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, these domains may not be directly involved in DNA damage repair in the hosts or pathogens. Instead, they play key roles in pathogen replication. Thus, by targeting macrodomains it may be possible to treat pathogen-induced diseases, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The formation and repair of DNA double-strand breaks in mammalian meiosis / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are necessary for meiosis in mammals. A sufficient number of DSBs ensure the normal pairing/synapsis of homologous chromosomes. Abnormal DSB repair undermines meiosis, leading to sterility in mammals. The DSBs that initiate recombination are repaired as crossovers and noncrossovers, and crossovers are required for correct chromosome separation. Thus, the placement, timing, and frequency of crossover formation must be tightly controlled. Importantly, mutations in many genes related to the formation and repair of DSB result in infertility in humans. These mutations cause nonobstructive azoospermia in men, premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian dysgenesis in women. Here, we have illustrated the formation and repair of DSB in mammals, summarized major factors influencing the formation of DSB and the theories of crossover regulation.

The molecular control of meiotic double-strand break (DSB) formation and its significance in human infertility / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Meiosis is an essential step in gametogenesis which is the key process in sexually reproducing organisms as meiotic aberrations may result in infertility. In meiosis, programmed DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation is one of the fundamental processes that are essential for maintaining homolog interactions and correcting segregation of chromosomes. Although the number and distribution of meiotic DSBs are tightly regulated, still abnormalities in DSB formation are known to cause meiotic arrest and infertility. This review is a detailed account of molecular bases of meiotic DSB formation, its evolutionary conservation, and variations in different species. We further reviewed the mutations of DSB formation genes in association with human infertility and also proposed the future directions and strategies about the study of meiotic DSB formation.

Evaluation of nuclear NF-κB, transglutaminase2, and ERCC1 as predictors of platinum resistance in testicular tumors

ABSTRACT Purpose: Testicular germ cells tumor (TGCT) are associated with a high cure rate and are treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. However, a group of testicular cancer patients may have a very unfavorable evolution and insensitivity to the main therapeutic agent chemotherapy (CT) cisplatin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of recurrence and overall survival related to the expression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) in patients with TGCT treated with platinum combinations. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was performed with TGCT patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed and the expression was correlated with clinical and laboratory data. Results: Fifty patients were included, the mean age was 28.4 years (18 to 45), and 76% were non-seminoma. All patients were treated with standard cisplatin, etoposide and bleomycin or cisplatin, and etoposide. Patient's analyzed immunodetection for NF-κB, TG2, and ERCC1 were positive in 76%, 54% and 42%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified that positive expressions to ERCC1 and NF-κB are independent risk factors for higher recurrence TGCT after chemotherapy (RR 2.96 and 3.16, respectively). Patients with positive expression of ERCC1 presented a poor overall survival rate for 10-year follow (p=0.001). Conclusions: The expression of ERCC1 and NF-κB give a worse prognosis for relapse, and only ERCC1 had an influence on the overall survival of TGCT patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. These may represent markers that predict poor clinical outcome and response to cisplatin.

Immunohistochemical expression of DNA repair proteins in oral tongue and lower lip squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract The DNA repair system involves genes and proteins that are essential for the maintenance of genome integrity and the consequent control of various cellular processes. Alterations in these genes and proteins play a role in tumor development and progression and might be associated with prognosis. The aims of this study were to analyze the immunoexpression of two DNA repair proteins, XPF and XRCC1, in lower lip squamous cell carcinoma (LLSCC) and oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC), and to investigate possible associations with clinical and histopathological parameters. The immunohistochemical expression of XPF and XRCC1 was analyzed semi-quantitatively in 40 cases each of LLSCC and OTSCC. The chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test, when appropriate, was used to investigate the association between expression of the proteins and clinicopathological characteristics. The cytoplasmic immunoexpression of XPF was high in OTSCC (95% of the cases analyzed) but low in LLSCC (52.5%). Among the clinicopathological parameters evaluated, a statistically significant association was observed between high nuclear expression of XRCC1 and the absence of regional lymph node metastasis in patients diagnosed with OTSCC (p=0.006). The high protein expression of XPF and XRCC1 in OTSCC and LLSCC suggests an important role in the development and progression of these tumors. Our study found an association between high nuclear expression of XRCC1 and the absence of loco-regional metastasis in cases diagnosed as OTSCC, suggesting a role of this protein in tumor progression.

Role of Trypanosoma cruzi nucleoside diphosphate kinase 1 in DNA damage responses

BACKGROUND NME23/NDPKs are well conserved proteins found in all living organisms. In addition to being nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPK), they are multifunctional enzymes involved in different processes such as DNA stability, gene regulation and DNA repair among others. TcNDPK1 is the canonical NDPK isoform present in Trypanosoma cruzi, which has nuclease activity and DNA-binding properties in vitro. OBJECTIVES In the present study we explored the role of TcNDPK1 in DNA damage responses. METHODS TcNDPK1 was expressed in mutant bacteria and yeasts and over-expressed in epimastigotes. Mutation frequencies, tolerance to genotoxic agents and activity of DNA repair enzymes were evaluated. FINDINGS Bacteria decreased about 15-folds the spontaneous mutation rate and yeasts were more resistant to hydrogen peroxide and to UV radiation than controls. Parasites overexpressing TcNDPK1 were able to withstand genotoxic stresses caused by hydrogen peroxide, phleomycin and hidroxyurea. They also presented less genomic damage and augmented levels of poly(ADP)ribose and poly(ADP)ribose polymerase, an enzyme involved in DNA repair. MAIN CONCLUSION These results strongly suggest a novel function for TcNDPK1; its involvement in the maintenance of parasite's genome integrity.

Perfil genômico da síndrome do xeroderma pigmentoso no Brasil: avaliação de alterações germinativas e somáticas / Genomic profile of xeroderma pigmentosum syndrome in Brazil: assessment of germline and somatic alterations

A síndrome do Xeroderma Pigmentoso (XP) ocorre frente à herança monogênica e bialélica de variantes germinativas patogênicas de perda ou redução de função em genes das vias de reparo por excisão de nucleotídeos ou síntese translesão. Consequentemente, é estabelecida deficiência na correção de lesões induzidas, principalmente por radiação ultravioleta, favorecendo alta sensibilidade à radiação solar e risco aumentado para o desenvolvimento de múltiplas lesões cutâneas pré-malignas e malignas. Visto que a heterogeneidade na manifestação clínica da síndrome é uma questão em discussão na literatura, para investigar este aspecto propusemos avaliar o perfil de variantes germinativas e variantes somáticas de tumores cutâneos e não cutâneos de indivíduos portadores de XP. Foi realizado o sequenciamento de alto desempenho utilizando a plataforma NextSeq (Illumina) para avaliar as regiões codificantes de 114 genes selecionados pela sua relevância em desordens dermatológicas, tumorigênese e fisiologia cutânea e resposta de dano ao DNA. Seis pacientes com fenótipo clínico da síndrome do XP e portadores de variantes germinativas clinicamente relevantes nos genes XPC ou POLH/XPV foram avaliados no estudo. Variantes germinativas de significado incerto foram identificadas, em heterozigose, no DNA de leucócito de cinco dos seis pacientes avaliados ocorrendo nos genes DNAH11, PCDHB3, RGS22, SLC27A5, TTN e UGT2B10 e nenhuma das variantes identificadas apresentou perda de heterozigose do alelo selvagem nos tecidos tumorais. O polimorfismo de risco para carcinoma basocelular de pele (CBC) rs3769823[A] no gene CASP8 não foi identificado em apenas um caso do estudo, o qual desenvolveu o menor número de tumores. O polimorfismo de risco rs1126809[A] no gene TYR foi detectado apenas no caso que apresentou o maior número de CBC. Amostras de DNA de nove CBCs de tecido armazenado em parafina e duas amostras de tumor gástrico de uma mesma peça cirúrgica, de tecido armazenado em parafina e congelado a fresco, foram avaliadas de forma pareada com o DNA de leucócito correspondente, para pesquisa de variantes somáticas. Variantes somáticas não foram identificadas na amostra de CBC da paciente XP-C com fenótipo menos agressivo da síndrome. O total de 235 variantes missense e 29 variantes de perda de função foram identificadas em 71 genes para sete amostras de CBC, mínimo de 11 e máximo de 127 variantes por amostra, com 85,2% destas apresentando frequência alélica ≥20%. Com exceção de um CBC, mais de 95% das variantes somáticas identificadas representam alterações tipicamente fotoinduzidas (C:G>T:A e G:C>T:A). Embora pacientes XP acumulem maior número de mutações devido deficiência no mecanismo de reparo, não observamos carga mutacional diferente do observado em CBCs esporádicos. Vinte e sete genes apresentaram variantes somáticas em mais de uma amostra de CBC. Nenhum gene foi compartilhado entre as sete amostras de CBC. Entre os genes alterados em maior número de tumores estão incluídos genes drivers de CBC (LATS1, NOTCH2, PTCH1, PTPN14 e TP53), bem como genes não clássicos na carcinogênese do CBC (APC, FLG e TTN). Uma variante driver em SMO foi recorrente em três CBCs de um mesmo paciente. Duas variantes somáticas foram identificadas no tumor gástrico de tecido congelado a fresco ocorrendo nos genes GLI3 e RB1, não sendo as mesmas detectadas no tecido armazenado em parafina. Nesse trabalho, ressalta-se a heterogeneidade na manifestação clínica da síndrome do XP e a identificação de dois polimorfismos de risco, bem como destaca-se o papel central das vias Sonic Hedgehog e Hippo na carcinogênese do CBC de pacientes XP (AU)

The Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) syndrome occurs on base of biallelic inheritance of pathogenic germline variants of loss of function or function reduction in genes that plays role in nucleotide excision repair and translesion synthesis. Consequently, patients are deficient in correct DNA lesions mainly induced by ultraviolet radiation, present high sensitivity to solar radiation and increased risk for the development of multiple premalignant and malignant skin lesions. Since the heterogeneity in the clinical manifestation is under constantly discussion in the literature, to investigate it we proposed to explore the profile of germline variants and somatic variants in skin and non-skin tumors from XP patients. High-performance sequencing using the NextSeq (Illumina) platform was performed to assess the coding regions of 114 genes selected for their relevance in dermatological disorders, skin carcinogenesis, cutaneous physiology and DNA damage response. Six patients with clinical phenotype of XP syndrome and carriers of clinically relevant germline variants in the XPC or POLH/XPV genes were evaluated in the study. Heterozygous germline variants of uncertain significance were identified in the leukocyte DNA from five of the six patients occurring in DNAH11, PCDHB3, RGS22, SLC27A5, TTN and UGT2B10 genes. None of the identified variants showed loss of heterozygosity of the wild allele in tumor tissues. The CASP8 risk polymorphism for basal cell carcinoma of the skin (BCC) rs3769823[A] was not identified in only one case of the study which developed the minor number of tumors. The TYR risk polymorphism rs1126809[A] was detected only in the case with the highest number of BCC. Somatic variants were investigated in DNA from nine samples of BCCs (tissue stored in paraffin) and two samples of gastric tumor from the same surgical (tissue stored in paraffin and fresh frozen), all paired with the corresponding leukocyte DNA. Somatic variants were not identified in the BCC sample of XP-C patient with a less aggressive syndrome phenotype. A total of 235 missense variants and 29 loss of function variants were identified in 71 genes for seven BCC samples. A minimum of 11 and a maximum of 127 variants per sample were detected, with 85.2% showing an allelic frequency ≥20%. Except for one BCC, more than 95% of the identified somatic variants represented typically photoinduced mutations (C:G>T:A and G:C>T:A). Although XP patients accumulate a greater number of mutations due to deficiency in the repair mechanism, we did not observe different mutational load compared with sporadic BCCs. Twenty-seven genes showed somatic variants in more than one BCC sample. Genes shared between the seven BCC samples were not found. Among the altered genes in a greater number of tumors, it was identified BCC driver genes (LATS1, NOTCH2, PTCH1, PTPN14 and TP53), as well as genes non-classical for BCC carcinogenesis (APC, FLG and TTN). A driver variant in SMO was recurrent in three BCCs from the same patient. Two somatic variants in GLI3 and RB1 genes were identified occurring only in the fresh frozen tissue of gastric tumor, not in the tissue stored in paraffin. In this work, the heterogeneous clinical manifestation of XP syndrome is highlighted, as well as the identification of two risk polymorphisms. In addition, this work emphasizes the central role of the Sonic Hedgehog and Hippo pathways in BCC carcinogenesis of XP patients.

Effect of the Interaction Between Selenium and Zinc on DNA Repair in Association With Cancer Prevention

Cancer is the most common cause of death worldwide. Annually, more than ten million new cancer cases are diagnosed, and more than six million deaths occur due to cancer. Nonetheless, over 80% of human cancer may be preventable through proper nutrition. Numerous nutritional compounds are effective in preventing cancer. Selenium and zinc are essential micronutrients that have important roles in reducing oxidative stress and protecting DNA from the attack of reactive oxygen species. Selenium is an essential trace element that possesses several functions in many cellular processes for cancer prevention. Meanwhile, zinc may have protective effects on tumor initiation and progression, and it is an essential cofactor of several mammalian proteins. Results show that both selenium and zinc provide an effective progression of DNA repair system; thus, cancer development that originated from DNA damage is decreased. Results mostly focus on the separate effects of these two elements on different cell types, tissues, and organs, and their combined effects are largely unknown. This review aimed to emphasize the joint role of selenium and zinc specifically on DNA repair for cancer prevention.

Immunohistochemistry Biomarkers Predict Survival in Stage II/III Gastric Cancer Patients: From a Prospective Clinical Trial / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Identification of biomarkers to predict recurrence risk is essential to improve adjuvant treatment strategies in stage II/III gastric cancer patients. This study evaluated biomarkers for predicting survival after surgical resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This post-hoc analysis evaluated patients from the CLASSIC trial who underwent D2 gastrectomywith orwithout adjuvant chemotherapy (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) at the Yonsei Cancer Center. Tumor expressions of thymidylate synthase (TS), excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) were evaluated by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining to determine their predictive values. RESULTS: Among 139 patients, IHC analysis revealed high tumor expression of TS (n=22, 15.8%), ERCC1 (n=23, 16.5%), and PD-L1 (n=42, 30.2%) in the subset of patients. Among all patients, high TS expression tended to predict poor disease-free survival (DFS; hazard ratio [HR], 1.80; p=0.053), whereas PD-L1 positivity was associated with favorable DFS (HR, 0.33; p=0.001) and overall survival (OS; HR, 0.38; p=0.009) in multivariate Cox analysis. In the subgroup analysis, poor DFS was independently predicted by high TS expression (HR, 2.51; p=0.022) in the adjuvant chemotherapy subgroup (n=66). High PD-L1 expression was associated with favorable DFS (HR, 0.25; p=0.011) and OS (HR, 0.22; p=0.015) only in the surgery-alone subgroup (n=73). The prognostic impact of high ERCC1 expression was not significant in the multivariate Cox analysis. CONCLUSION: This study shows that high TS expression is a predictive factor for worse outcomes on capecitabine plus oxaliplatin adjuvant chemotherapy, whereas PD-L1 expression is a favorable prognostic factor in locally advanced gastric cancer patients.

p53 and its isoforms in DNA double-stranded break repair / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

DNA double-stranded break (DSB) is one of the most catastrophic damages of genotoxic insult. Inappropriate repair of DNA DSBs results in the loss of genetic information, mutation, and the generation of harmful genomic rearrangements, which predisposes an organism to immunodeficiency, neurological damage, and cancer. The tumor repressor p53 plays a key role in DNA damage response, and has been found to be mutated in 50% of human cancer. p53, p63, and p73 are three members of the p53 gene family. Recent discoveries have shown that human p53 gene encodes at least 12 isoforms. Different p53 members and isoforms play various roles in orchestrating DNA damage response to maintain genomic integrity. This review briefly explores the functions of p53 and its isoforms in DNA DSB repair.

Prevalence of PALB2 Germline Mutations in Early-onset and Familial Breast/Ovarian Cancer Patients from Pakistan / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Partner and localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2) is a breast cancer susceptibility gene that plays an important role in DNA repair. This is the first study assessing the prevalence of PALB2 mutations in early-onset and familial breast/ovarian cancer patients from Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PALB2 mutation screening was performed in 370 Pakistani patients with early-onset and familial breast/ovarian cancer, who were negative for BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53, CHEK2, and RAD51C mutations, using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Mutations were confirmed by DNA sequencing. Novel PALB2 alterations were analyzed for their potential effect on protein function or splicing using various in silico prediction tools. Three-hundred and seventy-two healthy controls were screened for the presence of the identified (potentially) functional mutations. RESULTS: A novel nonsense mutation, p.Y743*, was identified in one familial breast cancer patient (1/127, 0.8%). Besides, four in silico-predicted potentially functional mutations including three missense mutations and one 5' untranslated region mutation were identified: p.D498Y, novel p.G644R, novel p.E744K, and novel c.-134_-133delTCinsGGGT. The mutations p.Y743* and p.D498Y were identified in two familial patients diagnosed with unilateral or synchronous bilateral breast cancer at the ages of 29 and 39, respectively. The other mutations were identified in an early-onset (≤ 30 years of age) breast cancer patient each. All five mutations were absent in 372 healthy controls suggesting that they are disease associated. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that PALB2 mutations account for a small proportion of early-onset and hereditary breast/ovarian cancer cases in Pakistan.