P-76 Genomic and transcriptomic characterization of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors reveals novel therapeutic candidates
Recommended Citation
Azmi A, Mahdi Z, Bannoura S, Al-Hallak M, Uddin M, Khan H, Muqbil I, Mohammad R, Chen H, Philip PA, El-Rayes B. P-76 Genomic and transcriptomic characterization of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors reveals novel therapeutic candidates. Ann Oncol 2023; 34:S40-S41.
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
10-1-2023
Publication Title
Ann Oncol
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET) incidence is on the rise and remains an unmet clinical problem in urgent need of new actionable targets. Methods: We performed whole exome sequencing (WES), and transcriptomic (RNA-seq) analysis on 81 primary pNET and 6 normal pancreas tissues. Maftools analysis was performed to identify mutated pathways. Prioritized targets were validated in a validation cohort (39 pNETs and 22 normal) using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RNAi and small molecule inhibitors were used to evaluate the impact of blocking candidate genes and resultant impact on pNET cell subsistence using different assays such as colony formation, MTT, spheroid disintegration, cell cycle and apoptosis. Results: In the primary pNETs, the most common genomic alterations include frameshift insertions, nonsense mutations, missense mutations and in frame insertions. The Maftools analysis of mutated pathways showed enrichment of RTK/Ras activation, WNT/β-catenin pathway, Notch pathway, Hippo pathway, cell cycle control, TGF-β signaling, PI3K/mTOR signaling, Myc and p53 pathways. Transcriptomic analysis showed activation of VGF nerve growth factor (VGF), Neural Proliferation Differentiation and Control 1 (NPDC1) and Neurotensin (NTS) in pNETs compared to normal tissues. GSEA analysis also showed that the genes which regulate insulin secretion, neurotransmitter secretion, nervous system process and cell cycle were significantly up-regulated in pNETs. There was statistically significant up-regulation of the neuroendocrine markers and the cell cycle and proliferation markers including FEV transcription factor, Syntaxin 1A, Transthyretin, CD47, nuclear signal transport genes XPO1, RCC1, Nup50 and RAN. There was statistically significant up-regulation of the CXCR related signaling molecules including CXCR4, JAK1 and UCHL1. RT-PCR on RNA from validation cohort confirmed the up-regulation of above identified transcripts in FFPE pNET tissues, fresh primary pNETs and established pNET cell lines. RNAi silencing of RCC1, small molecule inhibitor targeting CXCR4 and XPO1 and antibody targeting CD47 suppressed proliferation of BON-1 and QGP-1 pNET cells in multiple 2D and 3D cultures. Conclusions: Our genomic, transcriptomic and validation studies reveal previously not described novel actionable therapeutic targets that warrant further evaluation in pNETs. Legal entity responsible for the study: The authors. Funding: NIH 5R01CA240607. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Medical Subject Headings
Hematology
PubMed ID
Not assigned.
Volume
34
First Page
S40
Last Page
S41
