Purpose: Oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a subtype of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) arising from the base of the tongue, lingual tonsils, tonsils, oropharynx or pharynx. The majority of HPV-positive OPSCCs has a good prognosis, but a fraction of them has a poor prognosis, similar to HPV-negative OPSCCs. An in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying OPSCC is mandatory for the identification of novel prognostic biomarkers and/or novel therapeutic targets. Methods: 14 HPV-positive and 15 HPV-negative OPSCCs with 5-year follow-up information were subjected to gene expression profiling and, subsequently, compared to three extensive published OPSCC cohorts to define robust biomarkers for HPV-negative lesions. Validation of Aldo-keto-reductases 1C3 (AKR1C3) by qRT-PCR was carried out on an independent cohort (n = 111) of OPSCC cases. In addition, OPSCC cell lines Fadu and Cal-27 were treated with Cisplatin and/or specific AKR1C3 inhibitors to assess their (combined) therapeutic effects. Results: Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) on the four datasets revealed that the genes down-regulated in HPV-negative samples were mainly involved in immune system, whereas those up-regulated mainly in glutathione derivative biosynthetic and xenobiotic metabolic processes. A panel of 30 robust HPV-associated transcripts was identified, with AKR1C3 as top-overexpressed transcript in HPV-negative samples. AKR1C3 expression in 111 independent OPSCC cases positively correlated with a worse survival, both in the entire cohort and in HPV-positive samples. Pretreatment with a selective AKR1C3 inhibitor potentiated the effect of Cisplatin in OPSCC cells exhibiting higher basal AKR1C3 expression levels. Conclusions: We identified AKR1C3 as a potential prognostic biomarker in OPSCC and as a potential drug target whose inhibition can potentiate the effect of Cisplatin.

AKR1C3 is a biomarker and druggable target for oropharyngeal tumors

Ostano P.;Guana F.;Boschi D.;Oliaro-Bosso S.;Pippione A. C.;Carenzo A.;Cavalieri S.;Averono G.;Bagnasacco P.;Chiorino G.
2021-01-01

Abstract

Purpose: Oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a subtype of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) arising from the base of the tongue, lingual tonsils, tonsils, oropharynx or pharynx. The majority of HPV-positive OPSCCs has a good prognosis, but a fraction of them has a poor prognosis, similar to HPV-negative OPSCCs. An in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying OPSCC is mandatory for the identification of novel prognostic biomarkers and/or novel therapeutic targets. Methods: 14 HPV-positive and 15 HPV-negative OPSCCs with 5-year follow-up information were subjected to gene expression profiling and, subsequently, compared to three extensive published OPSCC cohorts to define robust biomarkers for HPV-negative lesions. Validation of Aldo-keto-reductases 1C3 (AKR1C3) by qRT-PCR was carried out on an independent cohort (n = 111) of OPSCC cases. In addition, OPSCC cell lines Fadu and Cal-27 were treated with Cisplatin and/or specific AKR1C3 inhibitors to assess their (combined) therapeutic effects. Results: Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) on the four datasets revealed that the genes down-regulated in HPV-negative samples were mainly involved in immune system, whereas those up-regulated mainly in glutathione derivative biosynthetic and xenobiotic metabolic processes. A panel of 30 robust HPV-associated transcripts was identified, with AKR1C3 as top-overexpressed transcript in HPV-negative samples. AKR1C3 expression in 111 independent OPSCC cases positively correlated with a worse survival, both in the entire cohort and in HPV-positive samples. Pretreatment with a selective AKR1C3 inhibitor potentiated the effect of Cisplatin in OPSCC cells exhibiting higher basal AKR1C3 expression levels. Conclusions: We identified AKR1C3 as a potential prognostic biomarker in OPSCC and as a potential drug target whose inhibition can potentiate the effect of Cisplatin.
2021
44
2
357
372
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13402-020-00571-z
AKR1C3; Biomarker; Cisplatin; HPV status; Oropharynx cancer; Prognosis; Target therapy
Peraldo-Neia C.; Ostano P.; Mello-Grand M.; Guana F.; Gregnanin I.; Boschi D.; Oliaro-Bosso S.; Pippione A.C.; Carenzo A.; De Cecco L.; Cavalieri S.; Micali A.; Perrone F.; Averono G.; Bagnasacco P.; Dosdegani R.; Masini L.; Krengli M.; Aluffi-Valletti P.; Valente G.; Chiorino G.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2318/1769495
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