RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure are associated with an increased incidence of cancer. However, the mechanism is complex and unclear. Here, we aimed to test our hypothesis that cardiac small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), particularly cardiac mesenchymal stromal cell-derived sEVs (cMSC-sEVs), contribute to the link between post-MI left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) and cancer. METHODS: We purified and characterized sEVs from post-MI hearts and cultured cMSCs. Then, we analyzed cMSC-EV cargo and proneoplastic effects on several lines of cancer cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells. Next, we modeled heterotopic and orthotopic lung and breast cancer tumors in mice with post-MI LVD. We transferred cMSC-sEVs to assess sEV biodistribution and its effect on tumor growth. Finally, we tested the effects of sEV depletion and spironolactone treatment on cMSC-EV release and tumor growth. RESULTS: Post-MI hearts, particularly cMSCs, produced more sEVs with proneoplastic cargo than nonfailing hearts did. Proteomic analysis revealed unique protein profiles and higher quantities of tumor-promoting cytokines, proteins, and microRNAs in cMSC-sEVs from post-MI hearts. The proneoplastic effects of cMSC-sEVs varied with different types of cancer, with lung and colon cancers being more affected than melanoma and breast cancer cell lines. Post-MI cMSC-sEVs also activated resting macrophages into proangiogenic and protumorigenic states in vitro. At 28-day follow-up, mice with post-MI LVD developed larger heterotopic and orthotopic lung tumors than did sham-MI mice. Adoptive transfer of cMSC-sEVs from post-MI hearts accelerated the growth of heterotopic and orthotopic lung tumors, and biodistribution analysis revealed accumulating cMSC-sEVs in tumor cells along with accelerated tumor cell proliferation. sEV depletion reduced the tumor-promoting effects of MI, and adoptive transfer of cMSC-sEVs from post-MI hearts partially restored these effects. Finally, spironolactone treatment reduced the number of cMSC-sEVs and suppressed tumor growth during post-MI LVD. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac sEVs, specifically cMSC-sEVs from post-MI hearts, carry multiple protumorigenic factors. Uptake of cMSC-sEVs by cancer cells accelerates tumor growth. Treatment with spironolactone significantly reduces accelerated tumor growth after MI. Our results provide new insight into the mechanism connecting post-MI LVD to cancer and propose a translational option to mitigate this deadly association.
Assuntos
Vesículas Extracelulares , Insuficiência Cardíaca , Infarto do Miocárdio , Animais , Vesículas Extracelulares/metabolismo , Insuficiência Cardíaca/metabolismo , Insuficiência Cardíaca/patologia , Insuficiência Cardíaca/etiologia , Infarto do Miocárdio/patologia , Infarto do Miocárdio/metabolismo , Camundongos , Humanos , Feminino , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Neoplasias Pulmonares/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamento farmacológico , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Células-Tronco Mesenquimais/metabolismo , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Masculino , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Three and a half years after the pandemic outbreak, now that WHO has formally declared that the emergency is over, COVID-19 is still a significant global issue. Here, we focus on recent developments in genetic and genomic research on COVID-19, and we give an outlook on state-of-the-art therapeutical approaches, as the pandemic is gradually transitioning to an endemic situation. The sequencing and characterization of rare alleles in different populations has made it possible to identify numerous genes that affect either susceptibility to COVID-19 or the severity of the disease. These findings provide a beginning to new avenues and pan-ethnic therapeutic approaches, as well as to potential genetic screening protocols. The causative virus, SARS-CoV-2, is still in the spotlight, but novel threatening virus could appear anywhere at any time. Therefore, continued vigilance and further research is warranted. We also note emphatically that to prevent future pandemics and other world-wide health crises, it is imperative to capitalize on what we have learnt from COVID-19: specifically, regarding its origins, the world's response, and insufficient preparedness. This requires unprecedented international collaboration and timely data sharing for the coordination of effective response and the rapid implementation of containment measures.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Humanos , COVID-19/terapia , SARS-CoV-2/genética , Evolução Molecular , Estudo de Associação Genômica Ampla , GenômicaRESUMO
COVID-19, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2, has ravaged the world for the past 2 years. Here, we review the current state of research into the disease with focus on its history, human genetics and genomics and the transition from the pandemic to the endemic phase. We are particularly concerned by the lack of solid information from the initial phases of the pandemic that highlighted the necessity for better preparation to face similar future threats. On the other hand, we are gratified by the progress into human genetic susceptibility investigations and we believe now is the time to explore the transition from the pandemic to the endemic phase. The latter will require worldwide vigilance and cooperation, especially in emerging countries. In the transition to the endemic phase, vaccination rates have lagged and developed countries should assist, as warranted, in bolstering vaccination rates worldwide. We also discuss the current status of vaccines and the outlook for COVID-19.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Influenza Humana , Humanos , Pandemias/prevenção & controle , SARS-CoV-2RESUMO
Rats have important advantages over mice as an experimental system for physiological and pharmacological investigations. The lack of rat embryonic stem (ES) cells has restricted the availability of transgenic technologies to create genetic models in this species. Here, we show that rat ES cells can be efficiently derived, propagated, and genetically manipulated in the presence of small molecules that specifically inhibit GSK3, MEK, and FGF receptor tyrosine kinases. These rat ES cells express pluripotency markers and retain the capacity to differentiate into derivatives of all three germ layers. Most importantly, they can produce high rates of chimerism when reintroduced into early stage embryos and can transmit through the germline. Establishment of authentic rat ES cells will make possible sophisticated genetic manipulation to create models for the study of human diseases.
Assuntos
Blastocisto/citologia , Células-Tronco Embrionárias/citologia , Animais , Técnicas de Cultura de Células , Diferenciação Celular , Quimera , Epigênese Genética , Feminino , Fatores de Crescimento de Fibroblastos/antagonistas & inibidores , Quinases da Glicogênio Sintase/antagonistas & inibidores , Masculino , Quinases de Proteína Quinase Ativadas por Mitógeno/antagonistas & inibidores , Ratos , Ratos Endogâmicos , Transdução de SinaisRESUMO
COVID-19 has engulfed the world and it will accompany us all for some time to come. Here, we review the current state at the milestone of 1 year into the pandemic, as declared by the WHO (World Health Organization). We review several aspects of the on-going pandemic, focusing first on two major topics: viral variants and the human genetic susceptibility to disease severity. We then consider recent and exciting new developments in therapeutics, such as monoclonal antibodies, and in prevention strategies, such as vaccines. We also briefly discuss how advances in basic science and in biotechnology, under the threat of a worldwide emergency, have accelerated to an unprecedented degree of the transition from the laboratory to clinical applications. While every day we acquire more and more tools to deal with the on-going pandemic, we are aware that the path will be arduous and it will require all of us being community-minded. In this respect, we lament past delays in timely full investigations, and we call for bypassing local politics in the interest of humankind on all continents.
Assuntos
COVID-19/genética , COVID-19/virologia , Pandemias , Anticorpos Monoclonais/uso terapêutico , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , COVID-19/terapia , Vacinas contra COVID-19/administração & dosagem , Vacinas contra COVID-19/imunologia , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Política de Saúde , Humanos , Saúde da População , SARS-CoV-2 , Vacinas Sintéticas/administração & dosagem , Vacinas Sintéticas/imunologia , Vacinas de mRNARESUMO
It is crucial to use the wealth of information emerging from the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and confront COVID-19 with a rational approach. There are proactive steps to prevent and fight COVID-19. Management of the disease should be according to clinical features and laboratory test markers and personalized therapeutic targets.
Assuntos
COVID-19/prevenção & controle , Medicina de Precisão/métodos , SARS-CoV-2/isolamento & purificação , COVID-19/epidemiologia , COVID-19/virologia , Humanos , Pandemias , SARS-CoV-2/fisiologiaRESUMO
The COVID-19 pandemic is sweeping the world and will feature prominently in all our lives for months and most likely for years to come. We review here the current state 6 months into the declared pandemic. Specifically, we examine the role of the pathogen, the host and the environment along with the possible role of diabetes. We also firmly believe that the pandemic has shown an extraordinary light on national and international politicians whom we should hold to account as performance has been uneven. We also call explicitly on competent leadership of international organizations, specifically the WHO, UN and EU, informed by science. Finally, we also condense successful strategies for dealing with the current COVID-19 pandemic in democratic countries into a developing pandemic playbook and chart a way forward into the future. This is useful in the current COVID-19 pandemic and, we hope, in a very distant future again when another pandemic might arise.
Assuntos
COVID-19/prevenção & controle , Saúde Pública/métodos , SARS-CoV-2/isolamento & purificação , COVID-19/epidemiologia , COVID-19/virologia , Atenção à Saúde/métodos , Humanos , Liderança , Pandemias , Política , Vigilância da População/métodos , SARS-CoV-2/fisiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The WHO defined myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms (MLN) with eosinophilia associated with PDGFRB, PDGFRA, FGFR1 rearrangements as a new entity in 2016. PDGFRB-rearranged MLN sensitive to imatinib were described in adult patients. We report the first pediatric patient with PDGFRB-rearranged myeloproliferative disorder associated with T-lymphoblastic lymphoma bearing the t(5; 14)(q33;q32) translocation who was successfully treated with imatinib only. Methods/Aims: Analysis of bone marrow and peripheral blood cells by fluorescent in situ hybridization identified the PDGFRB partner as CCDC88C. Whole genome sequencing of the patient's DNA identified the exact junction site, confirmed by PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing. A real-time quantitative PCR assay was designed to quantify the fused CCDC88C-PDGFRB product. RESULTS: A 2.5-year-old boy was diagnosed with myeloproliferative disorder and eosinophilia associated with lymphoblastic lymphoma both bearing the CCDC88C-PDGFRB fusion. Imatinib therapy resulted in rapid clinical, hematological, and cytogenetic response. Molecular response to treatment was monitored by a real-time PCR assay specific for the CCDC88C- PDGFRB fusion. CONCLUSION: This is the first description of MLN with eosinophilia in the pediatric age group. Response to treatment with imatinib only was monitored by specific quantitative PCR assay with sustained remission lasting 5.5 years from diagnosis.
Assuntos
Mesilato de Imatinib/uso terapêutico , Peptídeos e Proteínas de Sinalização Intracelular/genética , Proteínas dos Microfilamentos/genética , Transtornos Mieloproliferativos/tratamento farmacológico , Proteínas de Fusão Oncogênica/genética , Leucemia-Linfoma Linfoblástico de Células Precursoras/tratamento farmacológico , Inibidores de Proteínas Quinases/uso terapêutico , Receptor beta de Fator de Crescimento Derivado de Plaquetas/genética , Sequência de Bases , Pré-Escolar , Humanos , Hibridização in Situ Fluorescente , Cariótipo , Masculino , Transtornos Mieloproliferativos/complicações , Transtornos Mieloproliferativos/diagnóstico , Leucemia-Linfoma Linfoblástico de Células Precursoras/complicações , Leucemia-Linfoma Linfoblástico de Células Precursoras/diagnóstico , Sequenciamento Completo do GenomaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The genetic mechanisms underlying hemangioblastoma development are still largely unknown. We used high-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism microarrays and droplet digital PCR analysis to detect copy number variations (CNVs) in total of 45 hemangioblastoma tumors. RESULTS: We identified 94 CNVs with a median of 18 CNVs per sample. The most frequently gained regions were on chromosomes 1 (p36.32) and 7 (p11.2). These regions contain the EGFR and PRDM16 genes. Recurrent losses were located at chromosome 12 (q24.13), which includes the gene PTPN11. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide the first high-resolution genome-wide view of chromosomal changes in hemangioblastoma and identify 23 candidate genes: EGFR, PRDM16, PTPN11, HOXD11, HOXD13, FLT3, PTCH, FGFR1, FOXP1, GPC3, HOXC13, HOXC11, MKL1, CHEK2, IRF4, GPHN, IKZF1, RB1, HOXA9, and micro RNA, such as hsa-mir-196a-2 for hemangioblastoma pathogenesis. Furthermore, our data implicate that cell proliferation and angiogenesis promoting pathways may be involved in the molecular pathogenesis of hemangioblastoma.
Assuntos
Variações do Número de Cópias de DNA/genética , Hemangioblastoma/genética , Perda de Heterozigosidade/genética , Proteínas de Neoplasias/genética , Adulto , Idoso , Proliferação de Células/genética , Aberrações Cromossômicas , Feminino , Estudos de Associação Genética , Hemangioblastoma/patologia , Humanos , Masculino , MicroRNAs/genética , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Análise de Sequência com Séries de Oligonucleotídeos , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/métodos , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único/genética , Transdução de Sinais/genéticaRESUMO
This opinion piece focuses on the convergence of information technology (IT) in the form of personal monitors, especially smart phones and possibly also smart watches, individual genomic information and preventive healthcare and medicine. This may benefit each one of us not only individually but also society as a whole through iPH (individualized preventive healthcare). This shift driven by genomic and other technologies may well also change the relationship between patient and physician by empowering the former but giving him/her also much more individual responsibility.
Assuntos
Genoma Humano , Genômica , Medicina de Precisão/métodos , Educação Médica , Humanos , Medicina de Precisão/economia , Serviços Preventivos de Saúde/economia , Serviços Preventivos de Saúde/métodosAssuntos
Infecções por Coronavirus/genética , Genômica , Publicações Periódicas como Assunto , Pneumonia Viral/genética , Pesquisa Biomédica , COVID-19 , Infecções por Coronavirus/imunologia , Infecções por Coronavirus/fisiopatologia , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Humanos , Manuscritos como Assunto , Pandemias , Pneumonia Viral/imunologia , Pneumonia Viral/fisiopatologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Schwannomas are the most common neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)-associated tumors with significant phenotypic heterogeneity in patients. The most severe subtype has an early and rapid progression and the mild type has a later onset and a less aggressive course. The aim of this study was to elucidate the underlying molecular differences between these groups. We compared the gene expression pattern between patients with early to late age of onset. RESULTS: A gene signature of 21 genes was constructed to differentiate between early-onset and late-onset patients. We confirmed these results by real-time PCR for SNF1LK2, NGFRAP1L1 (BEX 5), GMNN, and EPHA2. CONCLUSION: Genes identified here may be additional aberrations in merlin-depleted cells that govern the disease onset. A significant number of these genes have been suggested as having a role in carcinogenesis and are used as biomarkers for prognosis in several other cancers. The role of these genes in NF2 carcinogenesis and their potential as biomarkers or drug target are worthwhile exploring.
Assuntos
Biomarcadores Tumorais/metabolismo , Neurofibromatose 2/metabolismo , Transcriptoma , Adolescente , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Idoso , Biomarcadores Tumorais/genética , Criança , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Terapia de Alvo Molecular , Neurofibromatose 2/diagnóstico , Neurofibromatose 2/genéticaRESUMO
AIM: Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)-associated vestibular schwannomas have variable size at presentation which presents a unique challenge in NF2 patient management. Therefore, we investigated the molecular signature characteristic of the differences in size for improved individualized precise therapy. MATERIALS & METHODS: RNA expression analysis was performed on 15 small and 27 large NF2-associated vestibular schwannoma tumors using a microarray analyzing over 47,000 transcripts. RESULTS: A signature of 11 genes was found to be correlated with NF2 tumor size. CONCLUSION: We have identified the genetic hallmark that differentiates large NF2-associated tumors from smaller tumors. This is the first time that these genes have been shown to be the hallmark for NF2 tumor size.
Assuntos
Neurofibromatose 2/metabolismo , Neuroma Acústico/metabolismo , Transcriptoma , Adolescente , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Neurofibromatose 2/genética , Neurofibromatose 2/patologia , Neuroma Acústico/genética , Neuroma Acústico/patologia , Carga Tumoral , Adulto JovemRESUMO
The International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC) Diagnostic Scientific Committee (DSC) is charged with discussion and contribution to progress on diagnostic aspects of the IRDiRC core mission. Specifically, IRDiRC goals include timely diagnosis, use of globally coordinated diagnostic pipelines, and assessing the impact of rare diseases on affected individuals. As part of this mission, the DSC endeavored to create a list of research priorities to achieve these goals. We present a discussion of those priorities along with aspects of current, global rare disease needs and opportunities that support our prioritization. In support of this discussion, we also provide clinical vignettes illustrating real-world examples of diagnostic challenges.
Assuntos
Doenças Raras , Doenças Raras/diagnóstico , Doenças Raras/genética , Humanos , Saúde Global/normasRESUMO
The gut-brain axis formed by blood and lymphatic vessels paves the way for microbiota to impact the brain. Bacterial populations in the gut are a good candidate for a nongenetic factor contributing substantively to brain tumor development and to the success of therapy. Specifically, suppression of the immune system and induction of inflammation by microbiota sustain proliferative signaling, limit cell death, and induce angiogenesis as well as invasiveness. In addition, altered microbial metabolites and their levels could stimulate cell proliferation. We propose here a novel gear model connecting these complex interdisciplinary fields. Our model may impact mechanistic studies of brain cancer and better treatment outcomes through precision oncology.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Encefálicas/etiologia , Neoplasias Encefálicas/metabolismo , Encéfalo/imunologia , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Suscetibilidade a Doenças , Trato Gastrointestinal/imunologia , Trato Gastrointestinal/metabolismo , Animais , Neoplasias Encefálicas/patologia , Neoplasias Encefálicas/terapia , Transformação Celular Neoplásica , Citocinas/metabolismo , Gerenciamento Clínico , Suscetibilidade a Doenças/imunologia , Trato Gastrointestinal/microbiologia , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Humanos , Sistema Imunitário/imunologia , Sistema Imunitário/metabolismo , Imunomodulação , Microbiota , Medicina de PrecisãoRESUMO
Pediatric brain tumors are the most common solid tumor type and the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. The immune system plays an important role in cancer pathogenesis and in the response to immunotherapy treatments. T lymphocytes are key elements for the response of the immune system to cancer cells and have been associated with prognosis of different cancers. Neutrophils on the other hand, which secrete pro-angiogenic and anti-apoptotic factors, enhance the ability of tumor cells to grow and develop into metastases. We conducted a retrospective study of 120 pediatric brain cancer patients and 171 elective pediatric patients hospitalized in Dana Children's Hospital and Sheba Medical Center. Data on age, sex, treatment, lymphocyte, neutrophil, and monocyte count were collected from routinely performed preoperative blood tests. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) were calculated and significance was determined by paired T test. p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. NLR was significantly higher in the pediatric brain cancer patients. The high NLR in pediatric brain cancer patients is the result of a combination of low lymphocytes and high neutrophils. Both of these factors can have a role in cancer development and propagation and also in response to therapy.
RESUMO
Rat alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) in primary culture transdifferentiate from a type II (AT2) toward a type I (AT1) cell-like phenotype, a process that can be both prevented and reversed by keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). Microarray analysis revealed that these effects of KGF are associated with up-regulation of key molecules in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. To further explore the role of three key MAPK (i.e., extracellular signal-related kinase [ERK] 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK] and p38) in mediating effects of KGF on AEC phenotype, primary rat AEC cultivated in minimal defined serum-free medium (MDSF) were treated with KGF (10 ng/ml) from Day 4 for intervals up to 48 hours. Exposure to KGF activated all three MAPK, JNK, ERK1/2, and p38. Inhibition of JNK, but not of ERK1/2 or p38, abrogated the ability of KGF to maintain the AT2 cell phenotype, as evidenced by loss of expression of lamellar membrane protein (p180) and increased reactivity with the AT1 cell-specific monoclonal antibody VIIIB2 by Day 6 in culture. Overexpression of JNKK2, upstream kinase of JNK, increased activation of endogenous c-Jun in association with increased expression of p180 and abrogation of AQP5, suggesting that activation of c-Jun promotes retention of the AT2 cell phenotype. These results indicate that retention of the AT2 cell phenotype by KGF involves c-Jun and suggest that activation of c-Jun kinase may be an important determinant of maintenance of AT2 cell phenotype.
Assuntos
Diferenciação Celular/fisiologia , Fator 7 de Crescimento de Fibroblastos/fisiologia , MAP Quinase Quinase 4/metabolismo , Alvéolos Pulmonares/citologia , Transdução de Sinais , Animais , Western Blotting , Transdiferenciação Celular , Células Epiteliais/citologia , Masculino , Microscopia de Fluorescência , Análise de Sequência com Séries de Oligonucleotídeos , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-DawleyRESUMO
The pharmacogenetics of cancer treatment has been aimed at identifying genetic components of interindividual variability in patients' response to cancer chemotherapy and toxicity. This, in turn, will establish an individually based treatment, and also elucidate the molecular basis of the treatment regimen for further improvements. Brain cancer is an instructive example for the potential contributions of pharmacogenomics to improved treatment in the 21st century. Patients with oligodendrogliomas have benefited from phamacogenomics, as there is a clear relationship between response to chemotherapy and chromosomal profile. Drug efficacy, safety and response could be improved by using pharmacogenomics to identify genetic markers that differentiate responder from nonresponder patient groups, as well as identifying patients likely to develop adverse drug reactions. This review will focus on how pharmacogenomics by microarray studies may lead to much more accurate tumor classification, drug and biomarker discovery, and drug efficacy testing. We will discuss relevant scientific advances in pharmacogenetics for more personalized chemotherapy.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos/uso terapêutico , Neoplasias Encefálicas/tratamento farmacológico , Variação Genética , Glioma/tratamento farmacológico , Farmacogenética/tendências , Antineoplásicos/efeitos adversos , Antineoplásicos/farmacocinética , Biotransformação/genética , Neoplasias Encefálicas/genética , Neoplasias Encefálicas/radioterapia , Aberrações Cromossômicas , Sistemas de Liberação de Medicamentos , Resistencia a Medicamentos Antineoplásicos/genética , Epigênese Genética , Previsões , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica , Glioma/genética , Glioma/radioterapia , Humanos , MicroRNAs/fisiologia , Análise em Microsséries/métodos , Tolerância a Radiação/genética , Radiossensibilizantes/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
The characterization of complex DNA libraries by high-throughput sequencing technologies provides a powerful approach toward finding mutations and genetic variation in the human genome. However, the value of these analyses is highly dependent upon the quality of the DNA libraries themselves. For example, the sequence composition of libraries made using PCR-based procedures can be skewed due to biases in the amplification efficiency of individual library members. Here, we used CpG island microarrays to evaluate the biases incurred in PCR-based genome amplification using three different DNA polymerase mixtures designed to efficiently amplify problematic sequence tracts. Based on hybridization properties of dye-labeled DNA libraries to these microarrays, we quantified the overall and specific trends in the PCR efficiency of more than 1,400 sequences with high GC-content, which generally amplify with low efficiency using conventional PCR protocols. Overall, all three DNA polymerase mixtures produced libraries that show substantial increases in the representation of CpG island segments that poorly amplify with Taq DNA polymerase. However, the effects of these DNA polymerases were quite specific since they did not alter the relative representation of segments that efficiently amplify with Taq DNA polymerase. Furthermore, we demonstrate that DNA microarrays provide a robust platform for rapidly evaluating the ability of different PCR systems to amplify difficult genomic regions targeted for mutational, resequencing, and genotyping analyses.