Showing papers by "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital published in 2014"
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital1, University of Edinburgh2, Singapore Immunology Network3, New York University4, University College London5, Heidelberg University6, University of Oxford7, Royal Melbourne Hospital8, Hospital for Special Surgery9, University of Milan10, Aix-Marseille University11, University of Maryland, College Park12, European Institute of Oncology13, Massachusetts Institute of Technology14, University of Bonn15, University of Maryland, Baltimore16, University of Eastern Piedmont17, University of Louisville18, Vrije Universiteit Brussel19, National Institutes of Health20
TL;DR: A set of standards encompassing three principles-the source of macrophages, definition of the activators, and a consensus collection of markers to describe macrophage activation are described with the goal of unifying experimental standards for diverse experimental scenarios.
4,287 citations
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital1, University of Washington2, University of New Mexico3, Washington University in St. Louis4, National Institutes of Health5, University of Florida6, Ohio State University7, New York University8, University of Alabama at Birmingham9, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center10, University of Pennsylvania11, Royal Children's Hospital12, University of Toronto13, Texas A&M University14, University of Utah15, Emory University16, Mayo Clinic17, University of Chicago18, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio19, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center20, Yeshiva University21, University of California, San Francisco22, University of Colorado Denver23
TL;DR: Ph-like ALL was found to be characterized by a range of genomic alterations that activate a limited number of signaling pathways, all of which may be amenable to inhibition with approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Abstract: BACKGROUND Philadelphia chromosome–like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph-like ALL) is characterized by a gene-expression profile similar to that of BCR–ABL1–positive ALL, alterations of lymphoid transcription factor genes, and a poor outcome. The frequency and spectrum of genetic alterations in Ph-like ALL and its responsiveness to tyrosine kinase inhibition are undefined, especially in adolescents and adults. METHODS We performed genomic profiling of 1725 patients with precursor B-cell ALL and detailed genomic analysis of 154 patients with Ph-like ALL. We examined the functional effects of fusion proteins and the efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in mouse pre-B cells and xenografts of human Ph-like ALL. RESULTS Ph-like ALL increased in frequency from 10% among children with standard-risk ALL to 27% among young adults with ALL and was associated with a poor outcome. Kinase-activating alterations were identified in 91% of patients with Ph-like ALL; rearrangements involving ABL1, ABL2, CRLF2, CSF1R, EPOR, JAK2, NTRK3, PDGFRB, PTK2B, TSLP, or TYK2 and sequence mutations involving FLT3, IL7R, or SH2B3 were most common. Expression of ABL1, ABL2, CSF1R, JAK2, and PDGFRB fusions resulted in cytokine-independent proliferation and activation of phosphorylated STAT5. Cell lines and human leukemic cells expressing ABL1, ABL2, CSF1R, and PDGFRB fusions were sensitive in vitro to dasatinib, EPOR and JAK2 rearrangements were sensitive to ruxolitinib, and the ETV6–NTRK3 fusion was sensitive to crizotinib. CONCLUSIONS Ph-like ALL was found to be characterized by a range of genomic alterations that activate a limited number of signaling pathways, all of which may be amenable to inhibition with approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Trials identifying Ph-like ALL are needed to assess whether adding tyrosine kinase inhibitors to current therapy will improve the survival of patients with this type of leukemia. (Funded by the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities and others.)
1,077 citations
Kuwait University1, Paris Descartes University2, Rockefeller University3, University of Oxford4, University of Tennessee5, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital6, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai7, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology8, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital9, University of Antioquia10, Boston Children's Hospital11, Karolinska University Hospital12, National Defense Medical College13, Seattle Children's Research Institute14, University of California, San Francisco15, University of Toronto16, University of Melbourne17, Royal Children's Hospital18
TL;DR: The updated classification of primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) compiled by the Expert Committee of the International Union of Immunological Societies acts as a current reference of the knowledge of these conditions and is an important aid for the molecular diagnosis of patients with these rare diseases.
Abstract: We report the updated classification of primary immunodeficiency diseases, compiled by the ad hoc Expert Committee of the International Union of Immunological Societies. As compared to the previous edition, more than 15 novel disease entities have been added in the updated version. For each disorders, the key clinical and laboratory features are provided. This updated classification is meant to help in the diagnostic approach to patients with these diseases.
945 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed 127 pediatric HGGs, including diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) and non-brainstem HGG (NBS-HGGs), by whole-genome, whole-exome and/or transcriptome sequencing.
Abstract: Pediatric high-grade glioma (HGG) is a devastating disease with a less than 20% survival rate 2 years after diagnosis. We analyzed 127 pediatric HGGs, including diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) and non-brainstem HGGs (NBS-HGGs), by whole-genome, whole-exome and/or transcriptome sequencing. We identified recurrent somatic mutations in ACVR1 exclusively in DIPGs (32%), in addition to previously reported frequent somatic mutations in histone H3 genes, TP53 and ATRX, in both DIPGs and NBS-HGGs. Structural variants generating fusion genes were found in 47% of DIPGs and NBS-HGGs, with recurrent fusions involving the neurotrophin receptor genes NTRK1, NTRK2 and NTRK3 in 40% of NBS-HGGs in infants. Mutations targeting receptor tyrosine kinase-RAS-PI3K signaling, histone modification or chromatin remodeling, and cell cycle regulation were found in 68%, 73% and 59% of pediatric HGGs, respectively, including in DIPGs and NBS-HGGs. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the unique and shared pathways driving pediatric HGG within and outside the brainstem.
848 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that renal tubules do not undergo sensitization to necroptosis upon genetic ablation of either FADD or caspase-8 and that the RIPK1 inhibitor necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) does not protect freshly isolated tubules from hypoxic injury, and ferroptosis mediates postischemic and toxic renal necrosis.
Abstract: Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3)-mediated necroptosis is thought to be the pathophysiologically predominant pathway that leads to regulated necrosis of parenchymal cells in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), and loss of either Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD) or caspase-8 is known to sensitize tissues to undergo spontaneous necroptosis. Here, we demonstrate that renal tubules do not undergo sensitization to necroptosis upon genetic ablation of either FADD or caspase-8 and that the RIPK1 inhibitor necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) does not protect freshly isolated tubules from hypoxic injury. In contrast, iron-dependent ferroptosis directly causes synchronized necrosis of renal tubules, as demonstrated by intravital microscopy in models of IRI and oxalate crystal-induced acute kidney injury. To suppress ferroptosis in vivo, we generated a novel third-generation ferrostatin (termed 16-86), which we demonstrate to be more stable, to metabolism and plasma, and more potent, compared with the first-in-class compound ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1). Even in conditions with extraordinarily severe IRI, 16-86 exerts strong protection to an extent which has not previously allowed survival in any murine setting. In addition, 16-86 further potentiates the strong protective effect on IRI mediated by combination therapy with necrostatins and compounds that inhibit mitochondrial permeability transition. Renal tubules thus represent a tissue that is not sensitized to necroptosis by loss of FADD or caspase-8. Finally, ferroptosis mediates postischemic and toxic renal necrosis, which may be therapeutically targeted by ferrostatins and by combination therapy.
720 citations
TL;DR: The burden of responsibility to understand the long-term morbidity and mortality that is associated with currently successful treatments must be borne by many, including the research and health care communities, survivor advocacy groups, and governmental and policy-making entities.
Abstract: Survival rates for most paediatric cancers have improved at a remarkable pace over the past four decades. In developed countries, cure is now the probable outcome for most children and adolescents who are diagnosed with cancer: their 5-year survival rate approaches 80%. However, the vast majority of these cancer survivors will have at least one chronic health condition by 40 years of age. The burden of responsibility to understand the long-term morbidity and mortality that is associated with currently successful treatments must be borne by many, including the research and health care communities, survivor advocacy groups, and governmental and policy-making entities.
624 citations
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital1, Children's Mercy Hospital2, University of Missouri–Kansas City3, Stanford University4, University of Washington5, Indiana University6, United States Department of Veterans Affairs7, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center8, Washington University in St. Louis9
TL;DR: This document is an update to the 2012 Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guidelines for CYP2D6 genotype and codeine therapy and provides therapeutic recommendations for codeine based on CYP1D8 genotype.
Abstract: Codeine is bioactivated to morphine, a strong opioid agonist, by the hepatic cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6); hence, the efficacy and safety of codeine are governed by CYP2D6 activity. Polymorphisms are a major cause of CYP2D6 variability. We summarize evidence from the literature supporting this association and provide therapeutic recommendations for codeine based on CYP2D6 genotype. This document is an update to the 2012 Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guidelines for CYP2D6 genotype and codeine therapy.
550 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the PINK1 kinase-PARKIN UB ligase mitochondrial control pathway disrupted in Parkinson's disease was dissected using quantitative proteomics and live-cell imaging, revealing a feed forward mechanism that explains how PARKIN phosphorylation of both PARKIN and poly-UB chains synthesized by PARKIN drives a program of PARKIN recruitment and mitochondrial ubiquitylation.
544 citations
TL;DR: Advances in the understanding of the underlying mechanisms are discussed, and the key questions that will drive the field forwards are articulated.
Abstract: Concern that a highly pathogenic virus might cause the next influenza pandemic has spurred recent research into influenza and its complications. Bacterial superinfection in the lungs of people suffering from influenza is a key element that promotes severe disease and mortality. This co-pathogenesis is characterized by complex interactions between co-infecting pathogens and the host, leading to the disruption of physical barriers, dysregulation of immune responses and delays in a return to homeostasis. The net effect of this cascade can be the outgrowth of the pathogens, immune-mediated pathology and increased morbidity. In this Review, advances in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms are discussed, and the key questions that will drive the field forwards are articulated.
535 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that TDP-43 forms cytoplasmic mRNP granules that undergo bidirectional, microtubule-dependent transport in neurons in-vitro and in vivo and facilitate delivery of target mRNA to distal neuronal compartments, and that TSP-43 mutations that cause ALS lead to partial loss of a novel cytopLasmic function of T DP-43.
529 citations
TL;DR: The existence of several “metabolic checkpoints” is proposed, refined molecular mechanisms that sense a panel of metabolic variables and emit one or more signals controlling cell fate, which might allow for the development of novel pharmacological approaches that block or stimulate cell death by inducing specific metabolic alterations.
Abstract: Beyond their contribution to basic metabolism, the major cellular organelles, in particular mitochondria, can determine whether cells respond to stress in an adaptive or suicidal manner. Thus, mitochondria can continuously adapt their shape to changing bioenergetic demands as they are subjected to quality control by autophagy, or they can undergo a lethal permeabilization process that initiates apoptosis. Along similar lines, multiple proteins involved in metabolic circuitries, including oxidative phosphorylation and transport of metabolites across membranes, may participate in the regulated or catastrophic dismantling of organelles. Many factors that were initially characterized as cell death regulators are now known to physically or functionally interact with metabolic enzymes. Thus, several metabolic cues regulate the propensity of cells to activate self-destructive programs, in part by acting on nutrient sensors. This suggests the existence of "metabolic checkpoints" that dictate cell fate in response to metabolic fluctuations. Here, we discuss recent insights into the intersection between metabolism and cell death regulation that have major implications for the comprehension and manipulation of unwarranted cell loss.
German Cancer Research Center1, Discovery Institute2, University of California, San Diego3, European Bioinformatics Institute4, University of Toronto5, Sanford-Burnham Institute for Medical Research6, Max Planck Society7, Semmelweis University8, Lund University9, Masaryk University10, Charles University in Prague11, University of Amsterdam12, University of Tübingen13, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center14, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital15, University of Hamburg16, University of Bonn17, Boston Children's Hospital18, University of Düsseldorf19, Heidelberg University20
TL;DR: GFI1 and GFI1B are identified as prominent medulloblastoma oncogenes and ‘enhancer hijacking’ is implicate as an efficient mechanism driving oncogene activation in a childhood cancer.
Abstract: Medulloblastoma is a highly malignant paediatric brain tumour currently treated with a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, posing a considerable burden of toxicity to the developing child. Genomics has illuminated the extensive intertumoral heterogeneity of medulloblastoma, identifying four distinct molecular subgroups. Group 3 and group 4 subgroup medulloblastomas account for most paediatric cases; yet, oncogenic drivers for these subtypes remain largely unidentified. Here we describe a series of prevalent, highly disparate genomic structural variants, restricted to groups 3 and 4, resulting in specific and mutually exclusive activation of the growth factor independent 1 family proto-oncogenes, GFI1 and GFI1B. Somatic structural variants juxtapose GFI1 or GFI1B coding sequences proximal to active enhancer elements, including super-enhancers, instigating oncogenic activity. Our results, supported by evidence from mouse models, identify GFI1 and GFI1B as prominent medulloblastoma oncogenes and implicate 'enhancer hijacking' as an efficient mechanism driving oncogene activation in a childhood cancer.
Harvard University1, University of California, San Francisco2, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine3, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital4, Emory University5, University of Cambridge6, Aix-Marseille University7, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center8, Sapienza University of Rome9, Mayo Clinic10, University of Toronto11, University of Zurich12, Erasmus University Rotterdam13, University of Virginia14, The Chinese University of Hong Kong15, International Agency for Research on Cancer16, University of Münster17, University of Bonn18, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center19, Hacettepe University20, German Cancer Research Center21
TL;DR: The present “white paper” catalogs the recommendations of the meeting, at which a consensus was reached that incorporation of molecular information into the next WHO classification of central nervous system tumors should follow a set of provided “ISN‐Haarlem” guidelines.
Abstract: Major discoveries in the biology of nervous system tumors have raised the question of how non-histological data such as molecular information can be incorporated into the next World Health Organization (WHO) classification of central nervous system tumors. To address this question, a meeting of neuropathologists with expertise in molecular diagnosis was held in Haarlem, the Netherlands, under the sponsorship of the International Society of Neuropathology (ISN). Prior to the meeting, participants solicited input from clinical colleagues in diverse neuro-oncological specialties. The present "white paper" catalogs the recommendations of the meeting, at which a consensus was reached that incorporation of molecular information into the next WHO classification should follow a set of provided "ISN-Haarlem" guidelines. Salient recommendations include that (i) diagnostic entities should be defined as narrowly as possible to optimize interobserver reproducibility, clinicopathological predictions and therapeutic planning; (ii) diagnoses should be "layered" with histologic classification, WHO grade and molecular information listed below an "integrated diagnosis"; (iii) determinations should be made for each tumor entity as to whether molecular information is required, suggested or not needed for its definition; (iv) some pediatric entities should be separated from their adult counterparts; (v) input for guiding decisions regarding tumor classification should be solicited from experts in complementary disciplines of neuro-oncology; and (iv) entity-specific molecular testing and reporting formats should be followed in diagnostic reports. It is hoped that these guidelines will facilitate the forthcoming update of the fourth edition of the WHO classification of central nervous system tumors.
TL;DR: The results clarify the complex roles for RIPK1 in postnatal life and provide insights into the regulation of FADD-caspase-8 and RIPK3-MLKL signaling by RIPK 1.
TL;DR: Loss of FADD or caspase-8 in a RIP3-deficient background, but not RIP3 deficiency alone, hampered transcriptional priming and posttranslational activation of the canonical and noncanonical Nlrp3 inflammasome.
Abstract: The Nlrp3 inflammasome is critical for host immunity, but the mechanisms controlling its activation are enigmatic. In this study, we show that loss of FADD or caspase-8 in a RIP3-deficient background, but not RIP3 deficiency alone, hampered transcriptional priming and posttranslational activation of the canonical and noncanonical Nlrp3 inflammasome. Deletion of caspase-8 in the presence or absence of RIP3 inhibited caspase-1 and caspase-11 activation by Nlrp3 stimuli but not the Nlrc4 inflammasome. In addition, FADD deletion prevented caspase-8 maturation, positioning FADD upstream of caspase-8. Consequently, FADD- and caspase-8-deficient mice had impaired IL-1β production when challenged with LPS or infected with the enteropathogen Citrobacter rodentium. Thus, our results reveal FADD and caspase-8 as apical mediators of canonical and noncanonical Nlrp3 inflammasome priming and activation.
TL;DR: It is shown that platelet-derived rather than tumor cell-derived signals are required for the rapid recruitment of granulocytes to tumor cells to form “early metastatic niches,” which are crucial for metastasis.
Abstract: During metastasis, host cells are recruited to disseminated tumor cells to form specialized microenvironments (“niches”) that promote metastatic progression, but the mechanisms guiding the assembly of these niches are largely unknown. Tumor cells may autonomously recruit host cells or, alternatively, host cell-to-host cell interactions may guide the formation of these prometastatic microenvironments. Here, we show that platelet-derived rather than tumor cell-derived signals are required for the rapid recruitment of granulocytes to tumor cells to form “early metastatic niches.” Granulocyte recruitment relies on the secretion of CXCL5 and CXCL7 chemokines by platelets upon contact with tumor cells. Blockade of the CXCL5/7 receptor CXCR2, or transient depletion of either platelets or granulocytes prevents the formation of early metastatic niches and significantly reduces metastatic seeding and progression. Thus, platelets recruit granulocytes and guide the formation of early metastatic niches, which are crucial for metastasis.
TL;DR: Tumors that harbor STAG2 and TP53 mutations have a particularly dismal prognosis with current treatments and require alternative therapies, and novel drugs that target epigenetic regulators may constitute viable therapeutic strategies in a subset of patients with mutations in chromatin modifiers.
Abstract: Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a primary bone tumor initiated by EWSR1-ETS gene fusions. To identify secondary genetic lesions that contribute to tumor progression, we performed whole genome sequencing of 112 ES samples and matched germline DNA. Overall, ES tumors had relatively few single nucleotides variants, indels, structural variants and copy number alterations. Apart from whole chromosome arm copy number changes, the most common somatic mutations were in STAG2 (17%), CDKN2A (12%), TP53 (7%), EZH2, BCOR, ZMYM3 (2.7% each). Strikingly, STAG2 mutations and CDKN2A deletions were mutually exclusive, as confirmed in ES cell lines. In an expanded cohort of 299 patients with clinical data, we discovered that STAG2 and TP53 mutations are often concurrent and are associated with poor outcome. Finally, we detected sub-clonal STAG2-mutations in diagnostic tumors, and expansion of STAG2 immuno-negative cells in relapse as compared to matched diagnostic samples.
National Institutes of Health1, Cleveland Clinic2, Barrow Neurological Institute3, Henry Ford Hospital4, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital5, University College London6, Queen Mary University of London7, Washington University in St. Louis8, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center9, University of Toronto10, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre11, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center12, University of Cagliari13, University of Turin14, Johns Hopkins University15, University of Würzburg16, The Catholic University of America17
TL;DR: Exome sequencing data provide more evidence supporting the role of aberrant RNA processing in motor neuron degeneration in ALS kindreds and observed MATR3 pathology in ALS-affected spinal cords with and withoutMATR3 mutations.
Abstract: MATR3 is an RNA- and DNA-binding protein that interacts with TDP-43, a disease protein linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia. Using exome sequencing, we identified mutations in MATR3 in ALS kindreds. We also observed MATR3 pathology in ALS-affected spinal cords with and without MATR3 mutations. Our data provide more evidence supporting the role of aberrant RNA processing in motor neuron degeneration.
TL;DR: A20 is revealed as a novel negative regulator of Nlrp3 inflammasome activation, and A20myel-KO mice is described as the first experimental model to study the role of inflammaomes in the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis.
Abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoinflammatory disease that affects 1-2% of the world's population and is characterized by widespread joint inflammation. Interleukin-1 is an important mediator of cartilage destruction in rheumatic diseases, but our understanding of the upstream mechanisms leading to production of interleukin-1β in rheumatoid arthritis is limited by the absence of suitable mouse models of the disease in which inflammasomes contribute to pathology. Myeloid-cell-specific deletion of the rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility gene A20/Tnfaip3 in mice (A20(myel-KO) mice) triggers a spontaneous erosive polyarthritis that resembles rheumatoid arthritis in patients. Rheumatoid arthritis in A20(myel-KO) mice is not rescued by deletion of tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 (ref. 2). Here we show, however, that it crucially relies on the Nlrp3 inflammasome and interleukin-1 receptor signalling. Macrophages lacking A20 have increased basal and lipopolysaccharide-induced expression levels of the inflammasome adaptor Nlrp3 and proIL-1β. As a result, A20-deficiency in macrophages significantly enhances Nlrp3 inflammasome-mediated caspase-1 activation, pyroptosis and interleukin-1β secretion by soluble and crystalline Nlrp3 stimuli. In contrast, activation of the Nlrc4 and AIM2 inflammasomes is not altered. Importantly, increased Nlrp3 inflammasome activation contributes to the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis in vivo, because deletion of Nlrp3, caspase-1 and the interleukin-1 receptor markedly protects against rheumatoid-arthritis-associated inflammation and cartilage destruction in A20(myel-KO) mice. These results reveal A20 as a novel negative regulator of Nlrp3 inflammasome activation, and describe A20(myel-KO) mice as the first experimental model to study the role of inflammasomes in the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis.
TL;DR: Testing the regulation and role of glucose uptake and metabolism in the proliferation and Ab production of control, anergic, and autoimmune-prone B cells shows that activated B cells require Glut1-dependent metabolic reprogramming to support proliferation andAb production that is distinct from T cells and that this glycolytic reprograming is regulated in tolerance.
Abstract: B cell activation leads to proliferation and Ab production that can protect from pathogens or promote autoimmunity. Regulation of cell metabolism is essential to support the demands of lymphocyte growth and effector function and may regulate tolerance. In this study, we tested the regulation and role of glucose uptake and metabolism in the proliferation and Ab production of control, anergic, and autoimmune-prone B cells. Control B cells had a balanced increase in lactate production and oxygen consumption following activation, with proportionally increased glucose transporter Glut1 expression and mitochondrial mass upon either LPS or BCR stimulation. This contrasted with metabolic reprogramming of T cells, which had lower glycolytic flux when resting but disproportionately increased this pathway upon activation. Importantly, tolerance greatly affected B cell metabolic reprogramming. Anergic B cells remained metabolically quiescent, with only a modest increase in glycolysis and oxygen consumption with LPS stimulation. B cells chronically stimulated with elevated BAFF, however, rapidly increased glycolysis and Ab production upon stimulation. Induction of glycolysis was critical for Ab production, as glycolytic inhibition with the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase inhibitor dichloroacetate sharply suppressed B cell proliferation and Ab secretion in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, B cell-specific deletion of Glut1 led to reduced B cell numbers and impaired Ab production in vivo. Together, these data show that activated B cells require Glut1-dependent metabolic reprogramming to support proliferation and Ab production that is distinct from T cells and that this glycolytic reprogramming is regulated in tolerance.
Harvard University1, National Institutes of Health2, University of Alberta3, University of Alabama at Birmingham4, University of Pennsylvania5, University of California, Los Angeles6, University of Kansas7, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center8, Columbia University Medical Center9, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital10, Van Andel Institute11, American Society of Clinical Oncology12
TL;DR: The American Society of Clinical Oncology is committed to reducing the impact of obesity on cancer and has established a multipronged initiative to accomplish this goal by increasing education and awareness of the evidence linking obesity and cancer.
Abstract: Rates of obesity have increased significantly over the last three decades in the United States and globally. In addition to contributing to heart disease and diabetes, obesity is a major unrecognized risk factor for cancer. Obesity is associated with worsened prognosis after cancer diagnosis and also negatively affects the delivery of systemic therapy, contributes to morbidity of cancer treatment, and may raise the risk of second malignancies and comorbidities. Research shows that the time after a cancer diagnosis can serve as a teachable moment to motivate individuals to adopt risk-reducing behaviors. For this reason, the oncology care team—the providers with whom a patient has the closest relationships in the critical period after a cancer diagnosis—is in a unique position to help patients lose weight and make other healthy lifestyle changes. The American Society of Clinical Oncology is committed to reducing the impact of obesity on cancer and has established a multipronged initiative to accomplish this...
TL;DR: The latest structural advances in understanding the interactions and functions of mammalian BCL-2 family members are reviewed, and new opportunities to modulate these proteins in health and disease are discussed.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital1, University of Montana2, Kaiser Permanente3, Duke University4, University of North Dakota5, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute6, Vanderbilt University Medical Center7, Vanderbilt University8, University of Florida9, Stanford University10, Science for Life Laboratory11, Helsinki University Central Hospital12, King Abdulaziz University13
TL;DR: Evidence from the literature supporting a single coding single‐nucleotide polymorphism in SLCO1B1 increases systemic exposure to simvastatin and the risk of muscle toxicity and therapeutic recommendations are provided.
Abstract: Simvastatin is among the most commonly used prescription medications for cholesterol reduction. A single coding single-nucleotide polymorphism, rs4149056T>C, in SLCO1B1 increases systemic exposure to simvastatin and the risk of muscle toxicity. We summarize evidence from the literature supporting this association and provide therapeutic recommendations for simvastatin based on SLCO1B1 genotype. This article is an update to the 2012 Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium guideline for SLCO1B1 and simvastatin-induced myopathy.
TL;DR: A marked variation in the frequency of gene mutations is demonstrated across 21 different paediatric cancer subtypes, with the highest frequency of mutations detected in high-grade gliomas, T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and medulloblastoma, and a paucity of mutations in low- grade glioma and retinoblastomas.
Abstract: Studies of paediatric cancers have shown a high frequency of mutation across epigenetic regulators. Here we sequence 633 genes, encoding the majority of known epigenetic regulatory proteins, in over 1,000 paediatric tumours to define the landscape of somatic mutations in epigenetic regulators in paediatric cancer. Our results demonstrate a marked variation in the frequency of gene mutations across 21 different paediatric cancer subtypes, with the highest frequency of mutations detected in high-grade gliomas, T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and medulloblastoma, and a paucity of mutations in low-grade glioma and retinoblastoma. The most frequently mutated genes are H3F3A, PHF6, ATRX, KDM6A, SMARCA4, ASXL2, CREBBP, EZH2, MLL2, USP7, ASXL1, NSD2, SETD2, SMC1A and ZMYM3. We identify novel loss-of-function mutations in the ubiquitin-specific processing protease 7 (USP7) in paediatric leukaemia, which result in decreased deubiquitination activity. Collectively, our results help to define the landscape of mutations in epigenetic regulatory genes in paediatric cancer and yield a valuable new database for investigating the role of epigenetic dysregulations in cancer.
TL;DR: It is reported here that autophagy was dynamically regulated in virus-specific CD8+ T cells during acute infection of mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and deletion of the gene encoding either of the Autophagy-related molecules Atg5 or Atg7 had little to no effect on the proliferation and function of effector cells.
Abstract: The importance of autophagy in memory CD8 T cell differentiation in vivo is not well defined. We show here that autophagy is dynamically regulated in virus-specific CD8 T cells during acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection. Autophagy decreased in activated proliferating T cells, and was then upregulated at the peak of the effector T cell response. Consistent with this model, deletion of the key autophagy genes Atg7 or Atg5 in virus-specific CD8 T cells had minimal effect on generating effector cells but greatly enhanced their death during the contraction phase resulting in compromised memory formation. These findings provide insight into when autophagy is needed during effector and memory T cell differentiation in vivo and also warrant a re-examination of our current concepts about the relationship between T cell activation and autophagy.
Children's Mercy Hospital1, University of Southern California2, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center3, Hospital for Sick Children4, Children's Oncology Group5, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital6, University of Minnesota7, Nationwide Children's Hospital8, Stanford University9, Boston Children's Hospital10, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center11, University of British Columbia12, University of Cincinnati13, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia14
TL;DR: Gemtuzumab-ozogamicin (GO), a humanized immunoconjugate targeted against CD33, as an alternative to further chemotherapy dose escalation improved EFS through a reduction in RR for children and adolescents with AML.
Abstract: Purpose To improve survival rates in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we evaluated gemtuzumab-ozogamicin (GO), a humanized immunoconjugate targeted against CD33, as an alternative to further chemotherapy dose escalation. Our primary objective was to determine whether adding GO to standard chemotherapy improved event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) in children with newly diagnosed AML. Our secondary objectives examined outcomes by risk group and method of intensification. Patients and Methods Children, adolescents, and young adults ages 0 to 29 years with newly diagnosed AML were enrolled onto Children's Oncology Group trial AAML0531 and then were randomly assigned to either standard five-course chemotherapy alone or to the same chemotherapy with two doses of GO (3 mg/m2/dose) administered once in induction course 1 and once in intensification course 2 (two of three). Results There were 1,022 evaluable patients enrolled. GO significantly improved EFS (3 years: 53.1% v 46.9%; hazard...
TL;DR: Several regulated non-apoptotic forms of cell death including necroptosis, autophagic cell death, pyroptosis and caspase-independent cell death are discussed, outlining what the authors know about their mechanism, potential roles in vivo and define outstanding questions.
Abstract: Regulated, programmed cell death is crucial for all multicellular organisms. Cell death is essential in many processes, including tissue sculpting during embryogenesis, development of the immune system and destruction of damaged cells. The best-studied form of programmed cell death is apoptosis, a process that requires activation of caspase proteases. Recently it has been appreciated that various non-apoptotic forms of cell death also exist, such as necroptosis and pyroptosis. These non-apoptotic cell death modalities can be either triggered independently of apoptosis or are engaged should apoptosis fail to execute. In this Commentary, we discuss several regulated non-apoptotic forms of cell death including necroptosis, autophagic cell death, pyroptosis and caspase-independent cell death. We outline what we know about their mechanism, potential roles in vivo and define outstanding questions. Finally, we review data arguing that the means by which a cell dies actually matters, focusing our discussion on inflammatory aspects of cell death.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute1, New York University2, Columbia University Medical Center3, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital4, Montefiore Medical Center5, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center6, Shaare Zedek Medical Center7, Osaka University8, GlaxoSmithKline9, Ghent University Hospital10, Massachusetts Institute of Technology11
TL;DR: It is shown that two proteins with a similar enzymatic function can have opposing roles in the context of the same disease, paving the way for treating haematopoietic malignancies with a new category of epigenetic inhibitors.
Abstract: T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) is a haematological malignancy with a poor prognosis and no available targeted therapies; now two histone H3 lysine 27 demethylases, JMJD3 and UTX, are shown to have contrasting roles in human T-ALL cells and a mouse model of the disease, and a small molecule demethylase inhibitor is found to inhibit the growth of T-ALL cell lines, introducing a potential therapeutic avenue for acute leukaemia. Two histone H3 lysine 27 demethylases, JMJD3 and UTX, are shown here to have contrasting roles in human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) cells and a mouse model of the disease. JMJD3 is overexpressed in T-ALL and essential for initiation and maintenance of disease, whereas UTX is a target of inactivating mutations in human T-ALL and acts a tumour suppressor. A small-molecule demethylase inhibitor inhibits the growth of T-ALL cell lines, introducing a potential therapeutic avenue for an acute leukemia that has a poor prognosis and no currently available targeted therapies. T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) is a haematological malignancy with a dismal overall prognosis, including a relapse rate of up to 25%, mainly because of the lack of non-cytotoxic targeted therapy options. Drugs that target the function of key epigenetic factors have been approved in the context of haematopoietic disorders1, and mutations that affect chromatin modulators in a variety of leukaemias have recently been identified2,3; however, ‘epigenetic’ drugs are not currently used for T-ALL treatment. Recently, we described that the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) has a tumour-suppressor role in T-ALL4. Here we delineated the role of the histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27) demethylases JMJD3 and UTX in T-ALL. We show that JMJD3 is essential for the initiation and maintenance of T-ALL, as it controls important oncogenic gene targets by modulating H3K27 methylation. By contrast, we found that UTX functions as a tumour suppressor and is frequently genetically inactivated in T-ALL. Moreover, we demonstrated that the small molecule inhibitor GSKJ4 (ref. 5) affects T-ALL growth, by targeting JMJD3 activity. These findings show that two proteins with a similar enzymatic function can have opposing roles in the context of the same disease, paving the way for treating haematopoietic malignancies with a new category of epigenetic inhibitors.
TL;DR: The challenges facing influenza scientists and veterinary and human public health officials are reviewed and the exciting possibility of achieving the ultimate goal of controlling influenza's ability to change its antigenicity is discussed.
Abstract: Influenza is an acute respiratory disease in mammals and domestic poultry that emerges from zoonotic reservoirs in aquatic birds and bats. Although influenza viruses are among the most intensively studied pathogens, existing control options require further improvement. Influenza vaccines must be regularly updated because of continuous antigenic drift and sporadic antigenic shifts in the viral surface glycoproteins. Currently, influenza therapeutics are limited to neuraminidase inhibitors; novel drugs and vaccine approaches are therefore urgently needed. Advances in vaccinology and structural analysis have revealed common antigenic epitopes on hemagglutinins across all influenza viruses and suggest that a universal influenza vaccine is possible. In addition, various immunomodulatory agents and signaling pathway inhibitors are undergoing preclinical development. Continuing challenges in influenza include the emergence of pandemic H1N1 influenza in 2009, human infections with avian H7N9 influenza in 2013, and sporadic human cases of highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza. Here, we review the challenges facing influenza scientists and veterinary and human public health officials; we also discuss the exciting possibility of achieving the ultimate goal of controlling influenza's ability to change its antigenicity.
TL;DR: The widely used Alkylating Agent Dose (AAD) score is derived from the drug dose distribution of the study population and thus cannot be used for comparisons across populations as each will have a unique distribution of drug doses.
Abstract: BACKGROUND
Estimation of the risk of adverse long-term outcomes such as second malignant neoplasms and infertility often requires reproducible quantification of exposures. The method for quantification should be easily utilized and valid across different study populations. The widely used Alkylating Agent Dose (AAD) score is derived from the drug dose distribution of the study population and thus cannot be used for comparisons across populations as each will have a unique distribution of drug doses.