We have previously shown that some gefitinib insensitive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines exhibit dominant autocrine fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling. Herein, we deployed a whole genome loss-of-function screen to identify genes whose knockdown potentiated the inhibitory effect of the FGFR inhibitor, AZ12908010, in HNSCC cell lines. Three HNSCC cell lines expressing a genome-wide shRNA library were treated with AZ8010 and the abundance of shRNA sequences was assessed by deep sequencing. Synthetic lethal hits were validated through use of specific inhibitors and independent shRNAs. We found that multiple alternate receptors provided protection from FGFR inhibition, including the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ERBB2) and hepatocyte growth factor receptor (MET). We showed that specific knockdown of either ERBB2 or MET in combination with FGFR inhibition led to increased inhibition of growth relative to FGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment alone. These results were confirmed using specific small molecule inhibitors of either ERBB family members or MET. Moreover, the combination of FGFR, MET and ERBB family inhibitors showed the largest inhibition of growth as compared to the double combinations. These results reveal a role for alternate RTKs in maintaining pro-growth and survival signaling in HNSCC cells in the setting of FGFR inhibition. Thus, improved therapies for HNSCC patients could involve rationally designed combinations of TKIs targeting FGFR, ERBB family members and MET. Overall design: Using a genome-wide shRNA library in combination with deep sequencing, we screened for gene targets that were synthetic lethal with the FGFR inhibitor, AZ12908010 in HNSCC cells. Three HNSCC cell lines were screened in triplicate and the abundance of shRNA sequences in drug treated cells was compared to control treated cells.
A receptor tyrosine kinase network composed of fibroblast growth factor receptors, epidermal growth factor receptor, v-erb-b2 erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 2, and hepatocyte growth factor receptor drives growth and survival of head and neck squamous carcinoma cell lines.
Specimen part, Cell line, Subject
View SamplesAlthough an important association between lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in breast cancer was observed decades ago, an active role for the lymphatic system in metastatic dissemination has only recently been examined. We demonstrate that the Six1 homeoprotein promotes peri- and intra-tumoral lymphangiogenesis, lymphatic invasion, and distant metastasis of breast cancer cells. We identify the pro-lymphangiogenic factor, VEGF-C, as required for this process, and demonstrate transcriptional induction as the mechanism of regulation of VEGF-C expression by Six1. Using a different, but complementary animal model, we show that while required, VEGF-C is not sufficient for the pro-metastatic effects of Six1. Verifying the clinical significance of this pro-metastatic Six1-VEGF-C axis, we demonstrate co-expression of Six1 and VEGF-C in human breast cancer.
SIX1 induces lymphangiogenesis and metastasis via upregulation of VEGF-C in mouse models of breast cancer.
Specimen part, Cell line
View SamplesCancer incidence increases in the elderly, although the underlying reasons for this association are unknown. We show that B-progenitors in old mice exhibit profound signaling and metabolic defects, and that expression of BCR-ABL, NRASV12 and MYC reverses these fitness defects, leading to selection of oncogenically-initiated cells and leukemogenesis in old hematopoietic backgrounds. Aging is associated with increased inflammation in the BM microenvironment, and inducing inflammation in young mice phenocopies aging B-lymphopoiesis. Importantly, reducing inflammation in aged mice preserves the function of B-progenitors and prevents NRasV12-mediated oncogenesis. We conclude that chronic microenvironments in old age lead to reductions in the fitness of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell populations. This reduced progenitor pool fitness leads to selection for cells harboring oncogenic mutations in part due to their ability to correct aging-associated functional defects.
Aging-associated inflammation promotes selection for adaptive oncogenic events in B cell progenitors.
Age, Specimen part
View SamplesHeat stress is one of the most prominent and deleterious environmental threads affecting plant growth and development. Upon high temperatures, plants launch specialized gene expression programs that promote stress protection and survival. These programs involve global and specific changes at the transcriptional and translational levels. However the coordination of these processes and their specific role in the establishment of the heat stress response is not fully elucidated.
Analysis of genome-wide changes in the translatome of Arabidopsis seedlings subjected to heat stress.
Specimen part
View SamplesMicroarray was used to identify differential gene expression pattern in Barrett's esophagus (BE), compared to the normal adjacent epithelia gastric cardia (GC) and normal squamous esophagus (NE)
Evidence for a functional role of epigenetically regulated midcluster HOXB genes in the development of Barrett esophagus.
Specimen part
View SamplesUV-B radiation affects leaf growth in a wide range of species. In this work, we demonstrate that UV-B levels present in solar radiation inhibits maize leaf growth without causing any other visible stress symptoms, including accumulation of DNA damage. We conducted kinematic analyses of cell division and expansion to understand the impact of UV-B radiation on these cellular processes. Our results demonstrate that the decrease in leaf growth is a consequence of a reduction in cell production, and a shortened growth zone (GZ) in UV-B irradiated leaves. To determine the molecular pathways involved in UV-B inhibition of leaf growth, we performed RNA sequencing on isolated GZ tissues of control and UV-B exposed plants. Our results show a link between the observed leaf growth inhibition and the expression of specific cell cycle and developmental genes, including Growth Regulating Factors (GRFs) and transcripts for proteins participating in different hormone pathways. Overall design: Factorial design with two factors: Treatment (control vs UV-B) x Zone I (0-1cm from base of the leaf), 2 (1-2cm from base of the leaf) and 3 (2-3cm from base of the leaf), 3 replicates
UV-B Inhibits Leaf Growth through Changes in Growth Regulating Factors and Gibberellin Levels.
Specimen part, Subject
View SamplesIKKbeta is a subunit of the IkB kinase (IKK) complex required for NF-kB activation in response to pro-inflammatory signals. NF-kB regulates the expression of many genes involved in inflammation, immunity and apoptosis, and also controls cell proliferation and differentiation in different tissues; however, its function in skin physiopathology remains controversial. We here report the alterations caused by increased IKKbeta activity in basal cells of the skin of transgenic mice.
IKKbeta leads to an inflammatory skin disease resembling interface dermatitis.
Sex, Age, Specimen part
View SamplesThis SuperSeries is composed of the SubSeries listed below.
Cinacalcet inhibits neuroblastoma tumor growth and upregulates cancer-testis antigens.
Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesCaSR modulation inhibits neuroblastoma growth
Cinacalcet inhibits neuroblastoma tumor growth and upregulates cancer-testis antigens.
Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesCaSR modulation inhibits neuroblastoma growth
Cinacalcet inhibits neuroblastoma tumor growth and upregulates cancer-testis antigens.
Specimen part, Treatment
View Samples