UGT1A1*28 and Other UGT1A Polymorphisms as Determinants of Irinotecan Toxicity

Abstract

Irinotecan is a drug commonly used for the treatment of cancer patients, both as a single agent or in combination therapy. Neutropenia and diarrhea are the dose-limiting toxicities. Genetic variations of proteins involved in irinotecan metabolism and transport have been considered in the development of irinotecan toxicity. In particular, polymorphisms affecting UDP-glucuronosyltransferase isoform 1A1 (UGT1A1) expression or activity are being investigated. Among these, UGT1A1*28 has been considered as the major predictive pharmacogenetic marker for severe hematological toxicity (neutropenia). However, translation to clinical practice of UGT1A1*28 testing as a predictive marker of adverse effects needs to be further investigated and the available data are not conclusive in defining a precise genotype-based dosage.

Further prospective studies are required to reach a personalization of chemotherapy with irinotecan.     

Inactivation of Wnt inhibitory factor-1 (WIF1) expression by epigenetic silencing is a common event in breast cancer

The Wnt signaling pathway is a powerful and prominent oncogenic mechanism dysregulated in numerous cancer types. While evidence from transgenic mouse models and studies of human tumors clearly indicate that this pathway is of likely importance in human breast cancer, few clues as to the exact molecular nature of Wnt dysregulation have been uncovered in this tumor type. Here, we show that the Wnt inhibitory factor-1 (WIF1) gene, which encodes a secreted protein antagonistic to Wnt-dependent signaling, is targeted for epigenetic silencing in human breast cancer. We show that cultured human breast tumor cell lines display absent or low levels of WIF1 expression that are increased when cells are cultured with the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine. Furthermore, the WIF1 promoter is aberrantly hypermethylated in these cells as judged by both methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite genomic sequencing. Using a panel of patient-matched breast tumors and normal breast tissue, we show that WIF1 expression is commonly diminished in breast tumors when compared with normal tissue and that this correlates with WIF1 promoter hypermethylation. Analysis of a panel of 24 primary breast tumors determined that the WIF1 promoter is aberrantly methylated in 67% of these tumors, indicating that epigenetic silencing of this gene is a frequent event in human breast cancer. Using an isogenic panel of cell lines proficient or deficient in the DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) DNMT1 and/or DNMT3B, we show that hypermethylation of the WIF1 promoter is attributable to the cooperative activity of both DNMT1 and DNMT3B. Our findings establish the WIF1 gene as a target for epigenetic silencing in breast cancer and provide a mechanistic link between the dysregulation of Wnt signaling and breast tumorigenesis.     

The ATM gene is a target for epigenetic silencing in locally advanced breast cancer

Several epidemiological studies on ataxia-telangiectasia families indicate that obligate ATM heterozygotes display an elevated risk for developing breast cancer. However, a molecular basis for a potential link between diminished ATM function and sporadic breast malignancy remains elusive. Here, we show that 78% (18 out of a panel of 23) of surgically removed breast tumors (stage II or greater) displayed aberrant methylation of the ATM proximal promoter region as judged by methylation-specific PCR. Aberrant methylation of the ATM promoter was independently confirmed in several tumors by bisulfite sequencing. Moreover, bisulfite sequencing indicated that this region of the genome is subject to dense methylation. Further, we found a highly significant correlation (P = 0.0006) between reduced ATM mRNA abundance, as measured by real-time RT-PCR, and aberrant methylation of the ATM gene promoter. These findings indicate that epigenetic silencing of ATM expression occurs in locally advanced breast tumors, and establish a link at the molecular level between reduced ATM function and sporadic breast malignancy.     

Clinical Observations on Associations Between the UGT1A1 Genotype and Severe Toxicity of Irinotecan

Background: Severe toxicity is commonly observed in cancer patients receiving irinotecan (CPT-11)UDPglucuronosyltransferase1A1 (UGT1A1) catalyzes the glucuronidation of the active metabolite SN-38 but therelationship between UGT1A1 and severe toxicity remains unclear. Our study aimed to assess this point to guideclinical use of CPT-11. Materials and Methods: 89 cancer patients with advanced disease received CPT-11-basedchemotherapy for at least two cycles. Toxicity, including GI and hematologic toxicity was recorded in detail andUGT1A1 variants were genotyped. Regression analysis was used to analyse relationships between these variablesand tumor response. Results: The prevalence of grade III-IV diarrhea was 10.1%, this being more common inpatients with the TA 6/7 genotype (5 of 22 patients, 22.7%) (p<0.05). The prevalence of grade III-IV neutropeniawas 13.4%and also highest in patients with the TA 6/7 genotype (4 of 22 patients; 18.2%) but without significance(p>0.05). The retreatment total bilirubin levels were significantly higher in TA6/7 patients (mean, 12.75μmol/L)with compared to TA6/6 (mean, 9.92 μmol/L) with p<0.05. Conclusions: Our study support the conclusion thatpatients with a UGT1A1*28 allele (s) will suffer an increased risk of severe irinotecan-induced diarrhea, whetherwith mid-or low-dosage. However, the UGT1A1*28 allele (s) did not increase severe neutropenia. Higher serumtotal bilirubin is an indication that patients UGT1A1 genotype is not wild-type, with significance for clinic usageof CPT-11.     

Increased UGT1A3 and UGT1A7 Expression is Associated with Pancreatic Cancer

UGT1A play important roles in the glucuronidation of a variety of endogenous and exogenous compounds.UGT1A isoforms are expressed tissue specifically. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship betweenUGT1A3 and UGT1A7 mRNA expression and pancreatic cancer. Paired healthy and tumor tissue samples of43 patients with pancreatic cancer were included in this study. UGT1A3 and UGT1A7 mRNA expressions wereanalyzed by real time-PCR. In the result of study, UGT1A3 and UGT1A7 mRNA expressions were significantlyhigher in tumor tissue than normal tissue of pancreatic cancer patients (p<0.05). In addition, high mRNAexpression of UGT1A3 and UGT1A7 was significantly associated with larger tumor size (p<0.05). The datasuggested that UGT1A3 and UGT1A7 may play roles in the progression of pancreatic cancer. Consequently,UGT1A3 and UGT1A7 are potential prognostic indicators.     

Association of epigenetic inactivation of RASSF1A with poor outcome in human neuroblastoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and potential clinical significance of epigenetic aberrations in neuroblastoma (NB). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The methylation status of 11 genes that are frequently epigenetically inactivated in adult cancers was assayed in 13 NB cell lines. The prevalence of RASSF1A and TSP-1 methylation was also analyzed in 56 NBs and 5 ganglioneuromas by methylation-specific PCR. Associations between the methylation status of RASSF1A and TSP-1 and patient age, tumor stage, tumor MYCN status, and patient survival were evaluated. RESULTS: Epigenetic changes were detected in all 13 NB cell lines, although the pattern of gene methylation varied. The putative tumor suppressor gene RASSF1A was methylated in all 13 cell lines, and TSP-1 and CASP8 were methylated in 11 of 13 cell lines. Epigenetic changes of DAPK and FAS were detected in only small numbers of cell lines, whereas none of the cell lines had methylation of p16, p21, p73, RAR-beta2, SPARC, or TIMP-3. RASSF1A was also methylated in 70% of the primary NB tumors tested, and TSP-1 methylation was detected in 55% of the tumors. RASSF1A methylation was significantly associated with age >1 year (P < 0.01), high-risk disease (P < 0.016), and poor survival (P < 0.001). In contrast, no association between TSP-1 methylation and prognostic factors or survival was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that epigenetic inactivation of RASSF1A may contribute to the clinically aggressive phenotype of high-risk NB.     

UGT1A1*6 polymorphism is most predictive of severe neutropenia induced by irinotecan in Japanese cancer patients

Background  Gene polymorphisms of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1 family, polypeptide A1 (UGT1A1) contribute to individual variations in adverse events among patients administered irinotecan, and the distribution of the polymorphisms shows large interethnic differences. Variation in the solute carrier organic anion-transporter family, member 1B1 (SLCO1B1) gene also has a significant effect on the disposition of irinotecan in Asian cancer patients. In the present study, we evaluated the association of genetic polymorphisms of UGT1A1 and SLCO1B1 with irinotecanrelated neutropenia in Japanese cancer patients. Methods  One hundred and thirty-five consecutive patients treated with irinotecan were enrolled. Genotypes of UGT1A1 (*60, *28, *6, and *27) and SLCO1B1 (*1b, *5, and haplotype *15) were determined by direct sequencing. Severe neutropenia refers to events observed during the first cycle of irinotecan treatment. Results  Severe neutropenia was observed in 29 patients (22%). Six patients were homozygous and 48 heterozygous for UGT1A1*6. Only 1 patient was homozygous for UGT1A1*28. Homozygosity for UGT1A1*6 was associated with a high risk of severe neutropenia (odds ratio [OR], 7.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36 to 44.51). No significant association was found between severe neutropenia and other UGT1A1 polymorphisms or SLCO1B1 polymorphisms. Conclusion  These findings suggest that the UGT1A1*6 polymorphism is a potential predictor of severe neutropenia caused by irinotecan in Japanese cancer patients.     

UGT1A1基因多态性与伊立替康安全性和有效性的临床研究

  目的  观察57例应用伊立替康治疗进展期消化道肿瘤患者的安全性和有效性。  方法  采用全血基因组DNA提取、PCR法扩增目的基因片段, 直接测序法分析UGT1A1基因多态性, 检测2011年8月至2012年6月在河北医科大学第四医院肿瘤内科住院治疗的57例进展期消化道肿瘤患者应用伊立替康的情况, 观察并记录化疗中出现的不良反应以及疗效。  结果  57例进展期消化道肿瘤患者中, UGT1A1基因启动子区28位点, TA序列6次重复的纯合野生型TA6/6有43例（75.4%）; 基因型为TA序列6次和7次重复的杂合型TA6/7有13例（22.8%）; 基因型为TA序列7次重复的纯合突变型TA7/7有1例（1.8%）。UGT1A1基因启动子区6位点野生型G/G有48例（84.2%）, 杂合突变型G/A有7例（12.3%）, 纯合突变型A/A有2例（3.5%）。在57例采用含伊立替康方案化疗的进展期消化道肿瘤患者中, UGT1A1基因启动子区28位点, TA6/6、TA6/7和TA7/7野生型和突变型发生3级以上中性粒细胞减少者分别为7.0%、14.3%, 发生3级以上腹泻者分别为9.3%、14.3%, 其中纯合突变型仅1例患者, 100%的发生率。UGT1A1基因启动子区6位点, G/G、G/A和A/A野生型和突变型发生3级以上中性粒细胞减少者分别为4.2%、55.6%, 发生3级以上腹泻者分别为12.5%、44.4%, 具有统计学差异。各组之间疗效无统计学差异。  结论  患者UGT1A1*28和UGT1A1*6多态性分布基本一致, UGT1A1*6突变型患者应用伊立替康化疗发生3级以上中性粒细胞减少和腹泻的风险增加, 而UGT1A1*28突变型与以上不良反应并无绝对相关性, UGT1A1各基因型之间疗效无明显差异。能否通过对UGT1A1的筛查, 选择合适患者安全有效的应用伊立替康, 值得临床进一步扩大样本量深入研究。      

Inverse correlation between cyclin A1 hypermethylation and p53 mutation in head and neck cancer identified by reversal of epigenetic silencing

Aberrant promoter hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes is proposed to be a common feature of primary cancer cells. We recently developed a pharmacological unmasking microarray approach to screen unknown tumor suppressor gene candidates epigenetically silenced in human cancers. In this study, we applied this method to identify such genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We identified 12 novel methylated genes in HNSCC cell lines, including PGP9.5, cyclin A1, G0S2, bone-morphogenetic protein 2A, MT1G, and neuromedin U, which showed frequent promoter hypermethylation in primary HNSCC (60%, 45%, 35%, 25%, 25%, and 20%, respectively). Moreover, we discovered that cyclin A1 methylation was inversely related to p53 mutational status in primary tumors (P = 0.015), and forced expression of cyclin A1 resulted in robust induction of wild-type p53 in HNSCC cell lines. Pharmacological unmasking followed by microarray analysis is a powerful tool to identify key methylated tumor suppressor genes and relevant pathways.