Gene Expression Profiles as Markers of Aggressive Disease-EGFR as a Factor

We previously reported that 43 (58%) of 75 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumors harbor increased epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene copy numbers as determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization. In this study, an increased EGFR copy number was associated with decreased progression-free survival and overall survival of HNSCC patients. However, activated EGFR protein levels are difficult to quantify by immunohistochemistry and are subject to dynamic regulation, specifically receptor downregulation on ligand binding. Therefore, we generated an activated EGFR gene expression signature in an in vitro HaCaT keratinocyte model system to further study genes involved in the EGFR signaling pathway in HNSCC. The results from this model system have suggested that the activated EGFR signature might reflect the activated state of the EGFR pathway in human HNSCC tumors and that it is associated with the increased EGFR gene copy number by fluorescent in situ hybridization. Furthermore, the activated EGFR signature has provided additional leads, because they are related to co-regulated molecular pathways and associated gene products on activation of EGFR. These could be exploited to refine and optimize combination therapies to be used in conjunction with available EGFR inhibitors in individual HNSCC patients

Proteogenomic analysis of human colon cancer reveals new therapeutic opportunities

We performed the first proteogenomic study on a prospectively collected colon cancer cohort. Comparative proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis of paired tumor and normal adjacent tissues produced a catalog of colon cancer-associated proteins and phosphosites, including known and putative new biomarkers, drug targets, and cancer/testis antigens. Proteogenomic integration not only prioritized genomically inferred targets, such as copy-number drivers and mutation-derived neoantigens, but also yielded novel findings. Phosphoproteomics data associated Rb phosphorylation with increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis in colon cancer, which explains why this classical tumor suppressor is amplified in colon tumors and suggests a rationale for targeting Rb phosphorylation in colon cancer. Proteomics identified an association between decreased CD8 T cell infiltration and increased glycolysis in microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors, suggesting glycolysis as a potential target to overcome the resistance of MSI-H tumors to immune checkpoint blockade. Proteogenomics presents new avenues for biological discoveries and therapeutic development

Molecular events in uterine cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature regarding the molecular events which occur in the development of uterine cervical cancer, with particular reference to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. METHODOLOGY: Bibliographic searches of Medline and the ISI citation databases using appropriate keywords, including the following: papillomavirus, cervix, pathology, cyclin, chromosome, heterozygosity, telomerase, smoking, hormones, HLA, immune response, HIV, HSV, EBV. CONCLUSIONS: It has become clear that most cervical neoplasia, whether intraepithelial or invasive, is attributable in part to HPV infection. However, HPV infection alone is not sufficient, and, in a small proportion of cases, may not be necessary for malignant transformation. There is increasing evidence that HPV gene products interfere with cell cycle control leading to secondary accumulation of small and large scale genetic abnormalities. This may explain the association of viral persistence with lesion progression but, in many patients, secondary factors, such as smoking and immune response, are clearly important. However, the mechanisms involved in the interaction between HPV and host factors are poorly understood.