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Isabel Romero-Camarero,
Xiaoyu Jiang,
Yasodha Natkunam,
Xiaoqing Lu,
Carolina Vicente-Dueñas,
Ines Gonzalez-Herrero, Teresa Flores,
Juan Luis Garcia,
George McNamara,
Christian Kunder, [......],
Jose A Martínez-Climent,
Francisco Javier García-Criado,
Jason D Theis,
Ahmet Dogan,
Elena Campos-Sánchez,
Michael R Green,
Ash A Alizadeh,
Cesar Cobaleda,
Isidro Sánchez-García,
Izidore S Lossos
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ABSTRACT: The human germinal centre-associated lymphoma gene is specifically expressed in germinal centre B-lymphocytes and germinal centre-derived B-cell lymphomas, but its function is largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that human germinal centre-associated lymphoma directly binds to Syk in B cells, increases its kinase activity on B-cell receptor stimulation and leads to enhanced activation of Syk downstream effectors. To further investigate these findings in vivo, human germinal centre-associated lymphoma transgenic mice were generated. Starting from 12 months of age these mice developed polyclonal B-cell lymphoid hyperplasia, hypergammaglobulinemia and systemic reactive amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis, leading to shortened survival. The lymphoid hyperplasia in the human germinal centre-associated lymphoma transgenic mice are likely attributable to enhanced B-cell receptor signalling as shown by increased Syk phosphorylation, ex vivo B-cell proliferation and increased RhoA activation. Overall, our study shows for the first time that the germinal centre protein human germinal centre-associated lymphoma regulates B-cell receptor signalling in B-lymphocytes which, without appropriate control, may lead to B-cell lymphoproliferation.
Nature Communications 01/2013; 4:1338. · 7.40 Impact Factor
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Elena Sebastián,
Miguel Alcoceba,
Ana Balanzategui,
Luis Marín,
Santiago Montes-Moreno, Teresa Flores,
David González,
M Eugenia Sarasquete,
M Carmen Chillón,
Noemí Puig,
Rocío Corral,
Emilia Pardal,
Alejandro Martín,
Eva González-Barca,
M Dolores Caballero,
Jesús F San Miguel,
Ramón García-Sanz,
Marcos González
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ABSTRACT: The pathogenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains partially unknown. The analysis of the B-cell receptor of the malignant cells could contribute to a better understanding of the DLBCL biology. We studied the molecular features of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) rearrangements in 165 patients diagnosed with DLBCL not otherwise specified. Clonal IGH rearrangements were amplified according to the BIOMED-2 protocol and PCR products were sequenced directly. We also analyzed the criteria for stereotyped patterns in all complete IGHV-IGHD-IGHJ (V-D-J) sequences. Complete V-D-J rearrangements were identified in 130 of 165 patients. Most cases (89%) were highly mutated, but 12 sequences were truly unmutated or minimally mutated. Three genes, IGHV4-34, IGHV3-23, and IGHV4-39, accounted for one third of the whole cohort, including an overrepresentation of IGHV4-34 (15.5% overall). Interestingly, all IGHV4-34 rearrangements and all unmutated sequences belonged to the nongerminal center B-cell-like (non-GCB) subtype. Overall, we found three cases following the current criteria for stereotyped heavy chain VH CDR3 sequences, two of them belonging to subsets previously described in CLL. IGHV gene repertoire is remarkably biased, implying an antigen-driven origin in DLBCL. The particular features in the sequence of the immunoglobulins suggest the existence of particular subgroups within the non-GCB subtype.
American Journal Of Pathology 09/2012; 181(5):1879-88. · 4.89 Impact Factor
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Carolina Vicente-Dueñas,
Isabel Romero-Camarero,
Inés González-Herrero,
Esther Alonso-Escudero,
Fernando Abollo-Jiménez,
Xiaoyu Jiang,
Norma C Gutierrez,
Alberto Orfao,
Nieves Marín,
Luisa María Villar, [......],
Belén Pintado, Teresa Flores,
Diego Alonso-López,
Javier De Las Rivas,
Rafael Jiménez,
Francisco Javier García Criado,
María Begoña García Cenador,
Izidore S Lossos,
César Cobaleda,
Isidro Sánchez-García
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ABSTRACT: Understanding the cellular origin of cancer can help to improve disease prevention and therapeutics. Human plasma cell neoplasias are thought to develop from either differentiated B cells or plasma cells. However, when the expression of Maf oncogenes (associated to human plasma cell neoplasias) is targeted to mouse B cells, the resulting animals fail to reproduce the human disease. Here, to explore early cellular changes that might take place in the development of plasma cell neoplasias, we engineered transgenic mice to express MafB in haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HS/PCs). Unexpectedly, we show that plasma cell neoplasias arise in the MafB-transgenic mice. Beyond their clinical resemblance to human disease, these neoplasias highly express genes that are known to be upregulated in human multiple myeloma. Moreover, gene expression profiling revealed that MafB-expressing HS/PCs were more similar to B cells and tumour plasma cells than to any other subset, including wild-type HS/PCs. Consistent with this, genome-scale DNA methylation profiling revealed that MafB imposes an epigenetic program in HS/PCs, and that this program is preserved in mature B cells of MafB-transgenic mice, demonstrating a novel molecular mechanism involved in tumour initiation. Our findings suggest that, mechanistically, the haematopoietic progenitor population can be the target for transformation in MafB-associated plasma cell neoplasias.
The EMBO Journal 08/2012; 31(18):3704-17. · 9.20 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The telomerase protein is constitutively activated in malignant cells from many patients with cancer, including the chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), but whether telomerase is essential for the pathogenesis of this disease is not known. Here, we used telomerase deficient mice to determine the requirement for telomerase in CML induced by BCR-ABL in mouse models of CML. Loss of one telomerase allele or complete deletion of telomerase prevented the development of leukemia induced by BCR-ABL. However, BCR-ABL was expressed and active in telomerase heterozygous and null leukemic hematopoietic stem cells. These results demonstrate that telomerase is essential for oncogene-induced reprogramming of hematopoietic stem cells in CML development and validate telomerase and the genes it regulates as targets for therapy in CML.
Oncotarget 03/2012; 3(3):261-6. · 4.78 Impact Factor
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03/2011; , ISBN: 978-953-307-225-8
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Susana Barrena,
Julia Almeida,
María Del Carmen García-Macias,
Antonio López,
Ana Rasillo,
Jose María Sayagués,
Rosa Ana Rivas,
María Laura Gutiérrez,
Juana Ciudad, Teresa Flores,
Ana Balanzategui,
María Dolores Caballero,
Alberto Orfao
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ABSTRACT: To establish the utility of flow cytometry (FCM) for screening and diagnosis of B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) from lymphoid tissue samples obtained by fine-needle aspiration (FNA).
We compared prospectively FCM versus cytology/histology analysis of FNA samples for the diagnostic screening and further World Health Organization (WHO) subclassification of B-NHL. FCM and cytology showed a high degree of agreement (93%); however, diagnosis of reactive processes (RP), B-NHL and T-NHL by FCM showed higher sensitivity than cytology (92-100% versus 64-94%, respectively), without false positive NHL cases. The antibody combination used did not allow a positive diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma as distinct from a RP. A high concordance rate was found between FCM and histopathology (74%) in subtyping B-NHL. In this regard, mantle-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma showed the highest degree of agreement (100% concordant rates). In turn, FCM showed higher sensitivity/specificity in classifying follicular lymphoma (FL) and large B cell lymphomas, while the opposite occurred for marginal-zone and lymphoplasmacytic lymphomas.
FCM enhances the diagnostic ability of FNA cytology, playing a crucial role in a rapid and accurate differential diagnosis between RP, B-NHL and T-NHL. In addition, immunophenotyping of FNA samples contributes to a more precise subclassification of B-NHL when combined with histopathology and genetic/molecular data.
Histopathology 03/2011; 58(6):906-18. · 3.08 Impact Factor
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Rebeca Lorenzo Pérez,
Jose A Pérez-Simón,
Teresa Caballero-Velazquez, Teresa Flores,
Soraya Carrancio,
Carmen Herrero,
Belén Blanco,
Silvia Gutierrez-Cosio,
Cristina Cañete-Campos,
Fernando Cruz González,
Jesus F San-Miguel,
Emiliano Hernández-Galilea,
Ignacio Sánchez-Abarca
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ABSTRACT: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although animal models have been clearly established for the study of skin, liver, and gut, currently there is no equivalent experiemental model for analyzing ocular involvement, which is rather common, especially among patients diagnosed with chronic GVHD. In the current study we have developed a murine model of ocular GVHD and, for the first time, we describe the histopathologic features involving cornea and limbus, which could play a role in the physiopathology of the disease at the ocular level. Our results represent a major finding that allows us to define a model for evaluating new therapeutic strategies for treating ocular GVHD prior to their use in clinical setting.
Biology of blood and marrow transplantation: journal of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation 02/2011; 17(2):270-3. · 3.15 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Splenic marginal zone lymphomas (SMZL) are an uncommon type of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL-B) in which no specific chromosomal translocations have been described. In contrast, the most frequent cytogenetic abnormality is the loss of the long arm of chromosome 7 (7q). Previous reports have located this loss in the 7q32 region. In order to better characterize the genomic imbalances in SMZL, molecular studies were carried out in 73 patients with SMZL. To gain insight into the mapping at 7q a tiling array was also used. The results confirmed the loss of 7q as the most frequent change. In addition, several abnormalities, including 4q22.1, 1q21.3-q22, 6q25.3, 20q13.33, 3q28, 2q23.3-q24.1 and 17p13, were also present. A loss of 7q22.1 at 99925039-101348479 bp was observed in half of the cases. The region of 7q22.1 has not previously been characterised in SMZL. Our results confirmed the presence of a new region of loss on chromosome 7 in these NHL.
PLoS ONE 01/2011; 6(9):e24939. · 4.09 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The existence of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) responsible for tumor maintenance has been firmly established. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of these LSCs may have a profound impact on cancer eradication. The anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 has been proposed as a therapeutic target, but its role in LSC biology has not been investigated. In order to understand the role of Bcl2 in LSC generation and maintenance, we have taken advantage of our Sca1-BCRABLp210 mouse model of human chronic myeloid leukemia and bcl2 gene-targeted mice. This study provides genetic evidence that the inhibition of Bcl2 is not critical for the generation, selection or maintenance of the tumor initiating and maintaining cells in mice.
Carcinogenesis 03/2010; 31(7):1292-7. · 5.70 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We report a patient with multiple myeloma presenting with a paraspinal plasmacytoma with a marked dissociation between the response obtained in bone marrow (BM) infiltration and that achieved in soft tissue masses. While a complete remission was reached and maintained in BM, extramedullary plasmacytomas were refractory to every line of treatment. Genetic analysis identified the presence of t(4;14) and RB deletion in myeloma cells of both origins. However, a P53 deletion was only detected in plasma cells from extramedullary plasmacytomas. This finding suggests that P53 deletion has a role in the lack of treatment response of extramedullary plasmacytomas.
European Journal Of Haematology 12/2009; 84(4):359-61. · 2.61 Impact Factor
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Luis I Sánchez-Abarca,
Silvia Gutierrez-Cosio,
Carlos Santamaría,
Teresa Caballero-Velazquez,
Belen Blanco,
Carmen Herrero-Sánchez,
Juan L García,
Soraya Carrancio,
Pilar Hernández-Campo,
Francisco J González, Teresa Flores,
Laura Ciudad,
Esteban Ballestar,
Consuelo Del Cañizo,
Jesus F San Miguel,
Jose A Pérez-Simon
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ABSTRACT: Cytokine genes are targets of multiple epigenetic mechanisms in T lymphocytes. 5-azacytidine (5-azaC) is a nucleoside-based DNA methyltransferase inhibitor that induces demethylation and gene reactivation. In the current study, we analyzed the effect of 5-azaC in T-cell function and observed that 5-azaC inhibits T-cell proliferation and activation, blocking cell cycle in the G(0) to G(1) phase and decreasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma. This effect was not attributable to a proapoptotic effect of the drug but to the down-regulation of genes involved in T-cell cycle progression and activation such as CCNG2, MTCP1, CD58, and ADK and up-regulation of genes that induce cell-growth arrest, such as DCUN1D2, U2AF2, GADD45B, or p53. A longer exposure to the drug leads to demethylation of FOXP3 promoter, overexpression of FOXP3, and expansion of regulatory T cells. Finally, the administration of 5-azaC after transplantation prevented the development of graft-versus-host disease, leading to a significant increase in survival in a fully mismatched bone marrow transplantation mouse model. In conclusion, the current study shows the effect of 5-azaC in T lymphocytes and illustrates its role in the allogeneic transplantation setting as an immunomodulatory drug, describing new pathways that must be explored to prevent graft-versus-host disease.
Blood 11/2009; 115(1):107-21. · 9.90 Impact Factor
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Cristina Robledo,
Juan L García,
Dolores Caballero,
Eulogio Conde,
Reyes Arranz, Teresa Flores,
Carlos Grande,
José Rodríguez,
Eva García,
Ana I Sáez,
Marcos González,
Norma C Gutiérrez,
Miguel A Piris,
Jesús M Hernández
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ABSTRACT: Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) are the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. With chemotherapy and progenitor stem cell transplantation, about 60% of patients with DLBCL are long-term survivors. The International Prognostic Index identifies patients with different outcomes. However, biologic characteristics also may help to discriminate different treatments groups.
DNA copy number changes identified by array comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) were studied in 40 patients who had DLBCL with a poor prognosis and who were treated uniformly with dose-escalated cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) and intensification before high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation.
In total, 722 copy number changes were observed (median, 5 copy number changes per patient; range, 0-75 copy number changes per patient), with a predominance of gains. Gains on 2p16 were present only in patients who failed to achieve a complete response after escalated CHOP therapy (P < .05). In univariate analysis, gains on 2p16 and losses on 17p13 (the tumor protein p53 gene TP53 gene) were associated with a poor response to the therapy. Furthermore, age >60 years and losses on 10q23.31 (the phosphatase and tensin homolog gene PTEN) or on 17p13 were associated with short survival. In multivariate analysis, only advanced age and losses on 10q23.31 retained an adverse prognostic impact.
Array-CGH identified multiple regions with common copy number changes, some of which were associated with outcome in patients with DLBCL.
Cancer 06/2009; 115(16):3728-37. · 4.77 Impact Factor
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Manuela Mollejo,
María S Rodríguez-Pinilla,
Santiago Montes-Moreno,
Patrocinio Algara,
Ahmet Dogan,
Juan C Cigudosa,
Rocío Juarez, Teresa Flores,
Jerónimo Forteza,
Alberto Arribas,
Miguel A Piris
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ABSTRACT: The spleen is frequently involved in B-cell lymphomas other than splenic marginal zone lymphoma. Here we describe a series of follicular lymphoma (FL) cases diagnosed in the spleen, consisting of 32 patients who presented clinically with splenomegaly, and slight or no peripheral lymphadenopathy. The splenic specimen had a micronodular pattern, germinal center cytologic composition, and frequent presence of marginal zone-like cells at the periphery of the nodules. Twenty cases showed absence or only partial/weak bcl2 protein expression, and 12 cases had homogeneous and strong positive bcl2 expression. The incidences of t(14;18)(q32;q21), CD10 expression, low histologic grade, and low proliferative index were significantly more frequent in FL bcl2-positive cases than in FL bcl2-negative cases. Splenic FL cases showed frequent relapses, with an overall survival of 55% at 5 years. No significant differences in survival were found between bcl2-negative and bcl2-positive cases. Splenic FL cases could be divided into 2 main variants: one was similar to classic FL with t(14;18) and CD10 expression, whereas the other was characterized by a higher proliferation index and histologic grade, and was more frequently diagnosed as a disease restricted to the spleen. Recognition of the distinct nature of these tumors should facilitate appropriate studies for determining the best therapy for such cases.
The American journal of surgical pathology 02/2009; 33(5):730-8. · 4.06 Impact Factor
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María Pérez-Caro,
César Cobaleda,
Inés González-Herrero,
Carolina Vicente-Dueñas,
Camino Bermejo-Rodríguez,
Margarita Sánchez-Beato,
Alberto Orfao,
Belén Pintado, Teresa Flores,
Manuel Sánchez-Martín,
Rafael Jiménez,
Miguel A Piris,
Isidro Sánchez-García
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ABSTRACT: In human cancers, all cancerous cells carry the oncogenic genetic lesions. However, to elucidate whether cancer is a stem cell-driven tissue, we have developed a strategy to limit oncogene expression to the stem cell compartment in a transgenic mouse setting. Here, we focus on the effects of the BCR-ABLp210 oncogene, associated with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in humans. We show that CML phenotype and biology can be established in mice by restricting BCR-ABLp210 expression to stem cell antigen 1 (Sca1)(+) cells. The course of the disease in Sca1-BCR-ABLp210 mice was not modified on STI571 treatment. However, BCR-ABLp210-induced CML is reversible through the unique elimination of the cancer stem cells (CSCs). Overall, our data show that oncogene expression in Sca1(+) cells is all that is required to fully reprogramme it, giving rise to a full-blown, oncogene-specified tumour with all its mature cellular diversity, and that elimination of the CSCs is enough to eradicate the whole tumour.
The EMBO Journal 12/2008; 28(1):8-20. · 9.20 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The zinc-finger transcription factor SLUG (SNAI2) triggers epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) and plays an important role in the developmental processes. Here, we show that SLUG is expressed in white adipose tissue (WAT) in humans and its expression is tightly controlled during adipocyte differentiation. Slug-deficient mice exhibit a marked deficiency in WAT size, and Slug-overexpressing mice (Combi-Slug) exhibit an increase in the WAT size. Consistent with in vivo data, Slug-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) showed a dramatically reduced capacity for adipogenesis in vitro and there was extensive lipid accumulation in Combi-Slug MEFs. The analysis of adipogenic gene expression both in vivo and in vitro showed that peroxisome proliferator-activated factor gamma2 (PPARgamma2) expression was altered. Complementation studies rescued this phenotype, indicating that WAT alterations induced by Slug are reversible. Our results further show a differential histone deacetylase recruitment to the PPARgamma2 promoter in a tissue- and Slug-dependent manner. Our results connect, for the first time, adipogenesis with the requirement of a critical level of an EMT regulator in mammals. This work may lead to the development of targeted drugs for the treatment of patients with obesity and/or lipodystrophy.
Human Molecular Genetics 01/2008; 16(23):2972-86. · 7.64 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: E-Cadherin (CDH1) expression is reduced in thyroid carcinomas by primarily unknown mechanisms. In several tissues, SNAIL (SNAI1) and SLUG (SNAI2) induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition by altering target gene transcription, including CDH1 repression, but these transcription factors have not been studied in thyroid carcinoma. Recently, our group has provided direct evidence that ectopic SNAI1 expression induces epithelial and mesenchymal mouse tumors. SNAI1, SNAI2, and CDH1 expression were analyzed in thyroid-derived cell lines and samples of human follicular and papillary thyroid carcinoma by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The effect of SNAI1 expression on CDH1 transcription was analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting in ori-3 cells. Thyroid carcinoma development was analyzed in CombitTA-Snail mice, in which SNAI1 levels are up-regulated. SNAI1 and SNAI2 were not expressed in cells derived from normal thyroid tissue, or in normal human thyroid samples, but were highly expressed in cell lines derived from thyroid carcinomas, in human thyroid carcinoma samples, and their metastases. SNAI1 expression in ori-3 cells repressed CDH1 transcription. Combi-TA mice developed papillary thyroid carcinomas, the incidence of which was increased by concomitant radiotherapy. In conclusion, SNAI1 and SNAI2 are ectopically expressed in thyroid carcinomas, and aberrant expression in mice is associated with papillary carcinoma development.
American Journal Of Pathology 10/2007; 171(3):1037-46. · 4.89 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Giant cell tumour (GCT) remains one of the most obscure and intensely studied bone tumours. In an effort to resolve questions regarding the genesis and clinical outcome of GCT, advances have been made recently in the identification of chromosomal abnormalities implicated in the tumour. Fusion of telomeres is very frequent in GCT, and this process may be associated with chromosome instability and tumour development. However, little emphasis has been placed on chromosomal imbalances in the molecular characterization of this disease. Here, we report the case of an 83-year-old woman diagnosed with GCT where local recurrence was observed after 11 months of the resection. Cytogenetic studies of the GCT showed a modal number of 46 chromosomes with telomeric associations on 11p and dicentric chromosomes. Moreover, clonal abnormalities, such as del(17p) and losses of chromosomes 4, 13 and 18 and gains on chromosome 7, were also detected. Interestingly, comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) analysis revealed chromosomal imbalances with gains on chromosomes 1p31-q44, 6q12-q23 and 12q15-q22. Thus, the use of CGH expanded the information obtained by conventional cytogenetics and demonstrated that chromosomal imbalances were associated with the recurrence of the GCT.
Archiv für Pathologische Anatomie und Physiologie und für Klinische Medicin 02/2006; 448(1):95-9. · 2.49 Impact Factor
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Pedro Antonio Pérez-Mancera,
María Pérez-Caro,
Inés González-Herrero, Teresa Flores,
Alberto Orfao,
A Garcia de Herreros,
Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán,
Belén Pintado,
Ana Sagrera,
Manuel Sánchez-Martín,
Isidro Sánchez-García
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ABSTRACT: The zinc-finger transcription factor Snail is believed to trigger epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) during cancer progression. This idea is supported by analysis of Snail knockout mice, which uncovered crucial role of Snail in gastrulation, and of individuals with cancer, in whom Snail expression is frequently upregulated. However, these results have not shown a direct link between Snail and the pathogenesis of cancer. Here we show that mice carrying hypomorphic tetracycline-repressible Snail transgenes, that increase Snail expression to 20% above normal levels, exhibit no morphological alterations and develop both epithelial and mesenchymal tumours (leukaemias). Suppression of the Snail transgene did not rescue the malignant phenotype, indicating that alterations induced by Snail are irreversible. CombitTA-Snail murine embryonic fibroblasts show similar migratory ability to that of control mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). However, CombitTA-Snail-MEFs induce tumour formation in nude mice. CombitTA-Snail expression results in increased radioprotection in vivo, although it does not affect p53 regulation in response to DNA damage. In concert with these results, Snail expression is repressed following DNA damage. This regulation of Snail by DNA damage is p53-independent. Our results connect DNA damage with the requirement of a critical level of an EMT regulator and provide genetic evidence that Snail plays essential roles in cancer development in mammals and thereby influences cell fate in the genotoxic stress response.
Human Molecular Genetics 12/2005; 14(22):3449-61. · 7.64 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The SNAIL-related zinc-finger transcription factor, SLUG (SNAI2), is critical for the normal development of neural crest-derived cells and loss-of-function SLUG mutations have been proven to contribute to piebaldism and Waardenburg syndrome type 2 in a dose-dependent fashion. While aberrant induction of SLUG has been documented in cancer cells, relatively little is known about the consequences of SLUG overexpression in malignancy. To investigate the potential role of SLUG overexpression in development and in cancer, we generated mice carrying a tetracycline-repressible Slug transgene. These mice were morphologically normal at birth, and developed mesenchymal tumours (leukaemia and sarcomas) in almost all cases examined. Suppression of the Slug transgene did not rescue the malignant phenotype. Furthermore, the BCR-ABL oncogene, which induces Slug expression in leukaemic cells, did not induce leukaemia in Slug-deficient mice, implicating Slug in BCR-ABL leukaemogenesis in vivo. Overall, the findings indicate that while Slug overexpression is not sufficient to cause overt morphogenetic defects in mice, they demonstrate a specific and critical role for Slug in the pathogenesis of mesenchymal tumours.
Oncogene 05/2005; 24(19):3073-82. · 6.37 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The SNAIL-related zinc-finger transcription factor, SLUG (SNAI2), is critical for the normal development of neural crest-derived cells and loss-of-function SLUG mutations have been proven to contribute to piebaldism and Waardenburg syndrome type 2 in a dose-dependent fashion. While aberrant induction of SLUG has been documented in cancer cells, relatively little is known about the consequences of SLUG overexpression in malignancy. To investigate the potential role of SLUG overexpression in development and in cancer, we generated mice carrying a tetracycline-repressible Slug transgene. These mice were morphologically normal at birth, and developed mesenchymal tumours (leukaemia and sarcomas) in almost all cases examined. Suppression of the Slug transgene did not rescue the malignant phenotype. Furthermore, the BCR–ABL oncogene, which induces Slug expression in leukaemic cells, did not induce leukaemia in Slug-deficient mice, implicating Slug in BCR–ABL leukaemogenesis in vivo. Overall, the findings indicate that while Slug overexpression is not sufficient to cause overt morphogenetic defects in mice, they demonstrate a specific and critical role for Slug in the pathogenesis of mesenchymal tumours.Keywords: SLUG, development, cancer
Oncogene 02/2005; 24(19):3073-3082. · 6.37 Impact Factor
