Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Snezana Hinic, April Rich, Nicole Anayannis, Stephanie Cabarcas-Petroski, Laura Schramm, Patricio Meneses
Summary: High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) play a significant role in the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), and are associated with differential gene expression and DNA methylation patterns. The study identified differential gene expression, differential methylation, and altered pathways between HPV positive and HPV negative HNSCC groups, highlighting genes such as SYCP2 and TAF7L that are implicated in HPV positive HNSCC tumorigenesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yingming Sun, Zhe Wang, Sufang Qiu, Ruoyu Wang
Summary: HNSCC, the 9th most common malignant tumor worldwide, can be divided into HPV-related and HPV-unrelated subtypes based on etiology. HPV-positive HNSCC is more sensitive to treatment with better survival rates, requiring individualized therapy. EGFR amplification and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway aberrant activation are common in HPV-positive HNSCC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Susanne Flach, Karen Howarth, Sophie Hackinger, Christodoulos Pipinikas, Pete Ellis, Kirsten McLay, Giovanni Marsico, Tim Forshew, Christoph Walz, Christoph A. Reichel, Olivier Gires, Martin Canis, Philipp Baumeister
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of ctDNA as a biomarker for detecting minimal residual disease and recurrence in HNSCC and shows the feasibility of personalized ctDNA assays for disease detection prior to clinical recurrence.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Anders Berglund, Clarisse Muenyi, Erin M. Siegel, Abidemi Ajidahun, Steven A. Eschrich, Denise Wong, Leah E. Hendrick, Ryan M. Putney, Sungjune Kim, D. Neil Hayes, David Shibata
Summary: HPV16 and other HPV types within the same alpha species exhibit distinct methylation profiles in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Understanding these differences could provide insights into the clinical behavior of HPV-associated HNSCC and contribute to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying HPV-related tumors.
CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Kamila Romanowska, Agnieszka Sobecka, Agnieszka A. Rawluszko-Wieczorek, Wiktoria M. Suchorska, Wojciech Golusinski
Summary: Head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide, with molecular pathogenesis involving cell cycle disorders, intercellular signaling, proliferation, squamous cell differentiation, and apoptosis. In addition to genetic mutations, epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation and histone modifications play a key role in promoting cancer formation and progression, making them potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HNSCC.
Article
Oncology
Sara Varatanovic, Stefan Stoiber, Markus Haas, Alexander Lein, Lorenz Kadletz-Wanke, Faris F. Brkic
Summary: MK0752 shows potential as a therapeutic agent for HPV-positive HNSCC by exhibiting antineoplastic effects and inducing apoptosis. Further investigation is needed to validate these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Chen Chen, June Ho Shin, Zhuoqing Fang, Kevin Brennan, Nina B. Horowitz, Kathleen L. Pfaff, Emma L. Welsh, Scott J. Rodig, Olivier Gevaert, Or Gozani, Ravindra Uppaluri, John B. Sunwoo
Summary: In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), inactivating mutations in the histone methyltransferase NSD1 disproportionately contribute to tumor development and immune exclusion. Understanding the NSD1-mediated mechanism and targeting the histone-modifying enzyme KDM2A could enhance T-cell infiltration and suppress tumor growth in HNSCC.
Review
Oncology
Tycho de Bakker, Fabrice Journe, Geraldine Descamps, Sven Saussez, Tatiana Dragan, Ghanem Ghanem, Mohammad Krayem, Dirk Van Gestel
Summary: TP53 mutation is a common genetic alteration in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and targeting p53 for therapy shows potential. Therapeutic strategies can be categorized into targeting wild-type p53 degradation or inhibition, directly affecting mutated p53, and specifically targeting HPV-positive HNSCC. This review discusses p53 regulation and its targeting in combination with existing therapies, based on the classification of HNSCC according to p53 mutation status and HPV infection.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Sharon Changshan Wu, Karl Munger
Summary: Cancer/testis antigens show potential as therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, warranting further study to elucidate their role in the pathogenesis of these cancers. Their differential expression in HPV-positive HNSCC may mechanistically contribute to the genesis and clinical characteristics of these cancers, making them attractive targets for immunotherapies. These antigens, historically linked to diverse cancers, are increasingly implicated in various hallmarks of cancer, suggesting potential as cancer drivers.
Review
Virology
Panagiota Economopoulou, Ioannis Kotsantis, Amanda Psyrri
Summary: HPV-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a diverse disease entity mainly seen in young, nonsmoking, and nondrinking patients, with most cases of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) attributed to HPV. The oncogenic potential of HPV is related to the integration of oncogenes into host cells, leading to inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. HPV status may impact prognosis in OPSCC, but its role as a predictive biomarker is still to be elucidated.
Article
Oncology
Juliette Mainguene, Sophie Vacher, Maud Kamal, Abderaouf Hamza, Julien Masliah-Planchon, Sylvain Baulande, Sabrina Ibadioune, Edith Borcoman, Wulfran Cacheux, Valentin Calugaru, Laura Courtois, Carole Crozes, Marc Deloger, Elodie Girard, Jean-Pierre Delord, Antoine Dubray-Vautrin, Linda Larbi Cherif, Celia Dupain, Emmanuelle Jeannot, Jerzy Klijanienko, Sonia Lameiras, Charlotte Lecerf, Anouchka Modesto, Alain Nicolas, Roman Rouzier, Esma Saada-Bouzid, Pierre Saintigny, Anne Sudaka, Nicolas Servant, Christophe Le Tourneau, Ivan Bieche
Summary: The study found that HPV integration is associated with overexpression of certain cancer genes (such as PDL1 and MYC) in HNSCC patients. This may indicate a role of HPV integration in the carcinogenesis of HNSCC.
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Hao-Fan Wang, Jian Jiang, Jia-Shun Wu, Mei Zhang, Xin Pang, Li Dai, Ya-Ling Tang, Xin-Hua Liang
Summary: HPV+ and HPV- HNSCC have distinct epigenetic characteristics and clinicopathological features. The study aimed to investigate the role of DNA methylation in the progression of HPV+ HNSCC. PRKCZ, found to be hypermethylated in HPV+ HNSCC patients, acts as a potent tumor promoter. Mechanistically, HPV may enhance DNMT1 expression via E6 to increase PRKCZ methylation. The PRKCZ-mediated mechanism involves Cdc42 and contributes to the occurrence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HPV+ HNSCC cells. Blocking PRKCZ delays tumor growth in HPV16-E6/E7 transgenic mice.
Article
Oncology
Masato Mima, Atsushi Okabe, Takayuki Hoshii, Takuya Nakagawa, Tomoya Kurokawa, Satoru Kondo, Harue Mizokami, Masaki Fukuyo, Ryoji Fujiki, Bahityar Rahmutulla, Tomokazu Yoshizaki, Toyoyuki Hanazawa, Kiyoshi Misawa, Atsushi Kaneda
Summary: Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a causal role in the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by integrating into the host genome and causing genomic alterations. This study analyzed the epigenome, transcriptome, and interactome of HPV-positive HNSCCs to understand the role of epigenetic dysregulation in tumorigenesis. The results showed that genes neighboring HPV integration sites were upregulated and correlated with oncogenic phenotypes in HPV-positive HNSCCs. The epigenetic activation of HPV-interacting regions (HPVIRs) contributed to the genesis of HPV-positive HNSCC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Alexandra Ruth Glathar, Akinsola Oyelakin, Christian Gluck, Jonathan Bard, Satrajit Sinha
Summary: The heterogeneity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is reflected in its diverse etiology, including Human Papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) HNSCC subtypes. One aggressive subtype of HPV+ HNSCC is characterized by elevated expression of genes involved in keratinization, which is regulated by the oncogenic transcription factor Delta Np63. The TP63 gene locus is frequently targeted by HPV integration, and HPV oncoproteins drive Delta Np63 expression, suggesting a functional link between Delta Np63 and HPV+ HNSCC that has not been explored. This study demonstrates that HPV+ HNSCCs can be classified based on Delta Np63 expression levels, and an associated gene signature profile is derived. The study also identifies crucial Delta Np63-bound super-enhancers that likely mediate subtype-specific gene expression in HPV+ HNSCC, anchored by the PI3K-mTOR pathway. These findings highlight the importance of Delta Np63 as a key regulator of oncogenic pathways in a specific subtype of HPV+ HNSCC, and suggest its potential as a biomarker for patient stratification and treatment choices.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Nargess Farhangdoost, Cynthia Horth, Bo Hu, Eric Bareke, Xiao Chen, Yinglu Li, Mariel Coradin, Benjamin A. Garcia, Chao Lu, Jacek Majewski
Summary: Chromatin dysregulation plays a key role in oncogenesis, and mutations in the histone methyltransferase gene NSD1 have been identified in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Loss of NSD1 leads to alterations in chromatin modifications, affecting gene expression. This study sheds light on the downstream effects of NSD1 loss and provides insights into the role of chromatin modifications in cancer.
Article
Immunology
Babatunde Y. Alli, Robert D. Burk, Mahnaz Fatahzadeh, Julie Kazimiroff, Robert M. Grossberg, Richard Smith, Thomas J. Ow, Mauricio Wiltz, Jacqueline Polanco, Marie-Claude Rousseau, Belinda Nicolau, Nicolas F. Schlecht
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2020)
Article
Oncology
Nicholas J. Gadsden, Cory D. Fulcher, Daniel Li, Nitisha Shrivastava, Carlos Thomas, Jeffrey E. Segall, Michael B. Prystowsky, Nicolas F. Schlecht, Evripidis Gavathiotis, Thomas J. Ow
Summary: Inhibition of CDK4/6 leads to senescence in HPV- HNSCC, which can be effectively eliminated by combining palbociclib and navitoclax. This combination therapy decreases cell survival and increases apoptosis levels in HPV- HNSCC cell lines.
MOLECULAR CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Alyson Moadel-Robblee, Fernando Camacho, Gabrielle E. Milner, Alexander Kertzner, Nicolas F. Schlecht
Summary: Peer navigators (PNs), such as trained cancer survivor volunteers, play a crucial role in reducing barriers to screening, treatment, and psychosocial care in underserved communities through outreach, education, advocacy, and peer support. Research shows strong interest in both providing and receiving peer support, as well as in mind-body practices like meditation, among low-income populations. Pilot studies have demonstrated that peer-led interventions, such as Loving Kindness Meditation, can have positive effects on emotional well-being and relaxation.
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Li Niu, Lindsay T. Hoyt, Sarah Pickering, Anne Nucci-Sack, Anthony Salandy, Viswanathan Shankar, Elisa M. Rodriguez, Robert D. Burk, Nicolas F. Schlecht, Angela Diaz
Summary: The study aimed to identify distinct neighborhood profiles in New York City and found that living in Low SES/High Activity neighborhoods was associated with lower BMI and slower increase in BMI compared to High Disadvantage profiles. This suggests that improving neighborhood environments may help promote healthy weight and reduce health disparities during adolescence and young adulthood.
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Virology
Ana Gradissimo, Viswanathan Shankar, Fanua Wiek, Lauren St. Peter, Yevgeniy Studentsov, Anne Nucci-Sack, Angela Diaz, Sarah Pickering, Nicolas F. Schlecht, Robert D. Burk
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the serological levels of antibodies against HPV16 prior to incident infections, finding that high-risk controls had higher antibody levels compared to incident cases and randomly selected controls after completing the three doses of the 4vHPV vaccine.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nicolas F. Schlecht, Angela Diaz, Anne Nucci-Sack, Kathleen Shyhalla, Viswanathan Shankar, Mary Guillot, Dominic Hollman, Howard D. Strickler, Robert D. Burk
Summary: The study assessed the impact of HPV vaccination on infection rates among adolescent and young adult women in New York City. The results showed a decrease in infection rates for vaccine-related HPV types, but higher rates for some nonvaccine high-risk HPV types, indicating the importance of continued monitoring of HPV prevalence.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Kathleen Shyhalla, Danielle M. Smith, Angela Diaz, Anne Nucci-Sack, Mary Guillot, Dominic Hollman, Maciej L. Goniewicz, Richard J. O'Connor, Viswanathan Shankar, Robert D. Burk, Nicolas F. Schlecht
Summary: In an inner-city population in New York City, there is a significant increase in cannabis use among adolescent and young adult females, while tobacco use is declining. Factors associated with cannabis use include African American race, engagement in sexual behaviors with both men and women, concurrent tobacco and alcohol use, and use of other drugs.
ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Angela Diaz, Anne Nucci-Sack, Rachel Colon, Mary Guillot, Dominic Hollman, Marie Brunelli, Robert D. Burk, Nicolas F. Schlecht
Summary: New York City was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with vulnerable populations of adolescent and young adult females experiencing significant negative effects. A longitudinal study conducted at Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center found that a large percentage of participants, especially youth of color, had lost loved ones and experienced financial losses. Food insecurity and instances of sexual abuse or partner violence were also reported. Additionally, depressive symptoms significantly increased during the shelter in place period. This study highlights the potential long-term consequences of the pandemic on inner-city female youth.
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mykhaylo Usyk, Nicolas F. Schlecht, Sarah Pickering, LaShanda Williams, Christopher C. Sollecito, Ana Gradissimo, Carolina Porras, Mahboobeh Safaeian, Ligia Pinto, Rolando Herrero, Howard D. Strickler, Shankar Viswanathan, Anne Nucci-Sack, Angela Diaz, Robert D. Burk
Summary: Burk et al. developed an algorithm called molBV, which uses the 16S rRNA gene to diagnose bacterial vaginosis (BV) and predict the progression of human papillomavirus infection to cervical pre-cancer. They found that an increase in BV activity directly predicts the clearance of high-risk HPV infection, and also identified an alternative inflammatory BV signature associated with infection progression.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Virology
James Riddell Iv, Andrew F. Brouwer, Heather M. Walline, Lora P. Campredon, Rafael Meza, Marisa C. Eisenberg, Emily C. Andrus, Rachel L. Delinger, Monica L. Yost, Jodi K. McCloskey, Trey B. Thomas, Suiyuan Huang, Robert L. Ferris, Dong Moon Shin, Carole Fakhry, Thomas Ow, Daniel Li, Ashley Berlot, Thomas E. Carey, Nicolas F. Schlecht
Summary: This study evaluated the risk of oral HPV infection in HIV infected patients compared with HIV-negative controls. The results showed that HIV-positive individuals had a significantly higher prevalence of oral HPV infection and persistence compared to HIV-negative individuals. Male participants had a higher oral HPV prevalence than female participants.
TUMOUR VIRUS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Walid A. Al-Soneidar, Sam Harper, Sreenath A. Madathil, Nicolas F. Schlecht, Belinda Nicolau
Summary: Alpha-HPV, especially HPV16, increases the risk for head and neck cancers, while there is little evidence for an effect of Beta-HPV and Gamma-HPV. Beta-HPV may have a preventive effect, while Gamma-HPV may increase the risk of head and neck cancers, although to a lesser extent than Alpha-HPV. Results for cutaneous HPV were imprecise and less conclusive.
CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Patrick Pearson, Kendra Smith, Nilita Sood, Elizabeth Chia, Alicia Follett, Michael B. Prystowsky, Simon Kirby, Thomas J. Belbin
Summary: In this study, it was found that DNA methylation and RNA expression of ZNF154 and ZNF132 genes were increased in primary tumors of head and neck cancer patients, and were associated with lower overall survival rates. Experimental results showed that the truncated version of ZNF154 protein could inhibit the growth and migration ability of head and neck cancer cells. Therefore, ZNF132 and ZNF154 may serve as potential tumor suppressive biomarkers in head and neck cancer.
JOURNAL OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD & NECK SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ratna Sircar, Thomas J. Belbin
Summary: This study identified two novel dysregulated schizophrenia-related genes in the postmortem human brain - the downregulated gene Adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) and the upregulated gene HCLS1 associated protein X-1 (HAX1). These genes play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia by affecting neuron and cell communication, with implications for various disease families.
Article
Psychology, Educational
Li Niu, Joshua Brown, Lindsay Till Hoyt, Anthony Salandy, Anne Nucci-Sack, Viswanathan Shankar, Robert D. Burk, Nicolas F. Schlecht, Angela Diaz
Summary: This study of 882 sexually active adolescent girls found that individuals who experienced moderate emotional neglect and severe sexual abuse exhibited more sexual risk behaviors in late adolescence, with those in the severe sexual abuse profile showing a faster increase. Understanding the heterogeneity within maltreated populations has important implications for promoting healthy sexual development.
Article
Oncology
Ashley E. Stenzel, Nicolas F. Schlecht, Kirsten B. Moysich
Summary: Non-Hispanic Black women with anal cancer have lower survival rates compared to Non-Hispanic White women, while no disparities were identified for Hispanic women.
JOURNAL OF GASTROINTESTINAL CANCER
(2021)
