Project description:Alterations in the histone methylation profiles are observed in various types of cancer and targeting of this epigenetic process has therapeutic potential. Here we provide proof-of-principle that pharmacological targeting of KDM5 histone-demethylases is a new strategy for the personalized treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. This analysis demonstrates that cells characterized by HER2-positivity are particularly sensitive to KDM5 inhibition. The results are confirmed in an appropriate in vivo model with a close structural analogue (KDM5-inh1A). In selected HER2-positive breast cancer cells, we demonstrate synergistic interactions between KDM5-inh1 and HER2-targeting agents (trastuzumab and lapatinib). In addition, HER2-positive cell lines showing innate/acquired resistance to trastuzumab show sensitivity to KDM5-inh1. The levels of KDM5A/B/C proteins, which are selectively targeted by the agent, have no significant association with KDM5-inh1 responsiveness across our panel of breast cancer cell lines, suggesting the existence of other determinants of sensitivity. Using RNA-sequencing data of the breast cancer cell lines, we generate a gene-expression model, consisting of fifteen genes, which is a robust predictor of KDM5-inh1 sensitivity. In a test set of breast cancers, this model correctly predicts sensitivity to the compound in a large fraction of HER2+ tumors. In conclusion, KDM5 inhibition has potential in the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer and our gene-expression model can be developed into a diagnostic tool to select patients who may benefit from treatments based on KDM5-inhibitors.
Project description:RIME targeting ERBB2 (HER2) proteins was performed to compare ERBB2 immunoprecipitation efficiency and the quality of the interactome.
Project description:Analysis of 143 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) primary breast tumors using a Custom Breast Cancer Panel and Human Cancer Panel for the DASL platform. Molecular markers between the pathology defined subtypes of breast cancer were assessed to hypothesize potential therapeutic targets specific to the subtypes Molecular Characterization of 143 primary breast carcinomas including 101 triple negative (TN: ER-, PR-, HER2-), 3 HER2-positive (HER2+: ER-, PR-, HER2+), and 39 hormone receptor-positive (HR+: ER+ and/or PR+)
Project description:The HER2 (ERBB2) and MYC genes are commonly amplified genes in breast cancer, yet little is known about their molecular and clinical interaction. Using a novel chimeric mammary transgenic approach and in vitro models, we demonstrate markedly increased self renewal and tumour propagating capability of cells transformed with Her2 and c-Myc. Co-expression of both oncogenes in cultured cells led to a pronounced activation of a c-Myc transcriptional signature and acquisition of a self renewing phenotype independent of an EMT programme or regulation of cancer stem cell markers. We show that HER2 and c-MYC are frequently co-amplified in a clinical breast cancer cohort and that co-amplification is strongly associated with aggressive clinical behaviour and poor outcome. Lastly, we show that in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (but not targeted anti-HER2 therapy), MYC amplification is associated with a poor outcome in HER2+ breast cancer patients. These findings demonstrate the importance of molecular context in oncogenic transformation and acquisition of a malignant stem-like phenotype and have important diagnostic and therapeutic consequences for the clinical management of HER2+ breast cancer. Gene expression analysis of Her2, Myc, and Her2 + Myc over expression on MCF10A cells, with MCF10A vector control comparison
Project description:Diagnostic samples from female breast cancer patients with ER-positive and HER2-normal tumors selected for neoadjuvant chemotehrapy.
Project description:The HER2 (ERBB2) and MYC genes are commonly amplified genes in breast cancer, yet little is known about their molecular and clinical interaction. Using a novel chimeric mammary transgenic approach and in vitro models, we demonstrate markedly increased self renewal and tumour propagating capability of cells transformed with Her2 and c-Myc. Co-expression of both oncogenes in cultured cells led to a pronounced activation of a c-Myc transcriptional signature and acquisition of a self renewing phenotype independent of an EMT programme or regulation of cancer stem cell markers. We show that HER2 and c-MYC are frequently co-amplified in a clinical breast cancer cohort and that co-amplification is strongly associated with aggressive clinical behaviour and poor outcome. Lastly, we show that in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (but not targeted anti-HER2 therapy), MYC amplification is associated with a poor outcome in HER2+ breast cancer patients. These findings demonstrate the importance of molecular context in oncogenic transformation and acquisition of a malignant stem-like phenotype and have important diagnostic and therapeutic consequences for the clinical management of HER2+ breast cancer.
Project description:HER2 overexpression results in expansion of breast cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. We performed microarray analysis to obtain HER2-induced gene expression profiles in MCF10A breast epithelial cells and found that an array of inflammatory cytokine genes, including IL-1 and IL-6, are activated. Our study indicates that targeting the HER2-IL-1α-IL-6 axis provides an effective approach for eliminating of CSCs and treating HER2-positive breast cancer.
Project description:Addressing tumor heterogeneity in breast cancer research is crucial, given the distinct subtypes like triple-negative, luminal A/B, and HER2, requiring precise differentiation for effective treatment. This study introduces a non-invasive method by analyzing post-translationally modified proteins in plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs), which play a role in immune regulation and intercellular communication. Examining modifications like phosphorylation, acetylation, and glycosylation in EVs provides insights into breast cancer dynamics. One hundred one plasma samples from luminal A/B, triple-negative breast cancer, and healthy individuals underwent discovery and validation experiments. The study identified over 28,000 unique non-modified peptides, 5,000 phosphopeptides, 680 acetyl peptides, and 1,300 glycopeptides that were successfully characterized. Bioinformatics analyses revealed significant overexpression of 815 non-modified proteins, 3,958 phosphopeptides, 352 acetyl peptides, and 895 glycopeptides in luminal A/B or triple-negative breast cancer subtypes. Phosphorylated and glycosylated PD-L1 peptides emerged as potential markers for breast cancer, regardless of subtype. Aligning findings with literature and PAM50 gene signatures highlighted markers correlated with lower survival rates. The study also conducted 123 scheduled parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) analyses, leveraging machine learning to pinpoint a panel of specific modification sites with high accuracy in subtype differentiation. This research reveals diagnostic markers and enhances understanding of the molecular landscape, contributing to more effective and personalized breast cancer diagnostics and treatments.
Project description:Analysis of 97 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) primary breast tumors using Illumina DASL microarray technology on a Custom Breast Cancer Panel and the Illumina Human Cancer Panel. Molecular markers between the pathology defined subtypes of breast cancer were assessed to hypothesize potential therapeutic targets specific to the subtypes Molecular Characterization of 97 primary breast tumor formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens including 24 triple negative (TN: ER-, PR-, HER2-), 9 HER2-positive (HER2+: ER-, PR-, HER2+), and 64 hormone receptor-positive (HR+: ER+ and/or PR+). 91 of the 97 specimens were characterized on the Illumina Human Cancer DASL Panel and 86 of 97 specimens were characterized on a custom Breast Cancer DASL Panel, 80 of these specimens were common to both the Human Cancer DASL Panel and the custom Breast Cancer DASL Panel.