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Cernunnos/XLF deficiency is a rare primary immunodeficiency classified within the DNA repair defects. Patients present with severe growth retardation, microcephaly, lymphopenia and increased cellular sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Here, we describe two unrelated cases with the same non-sense mutation in the NHEJ1 gene showing significant differences in clinical presentation and immunological profile but a similar DNA repair defect., FIS (Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria), MINECO (Ministerio de Economía y competitividad), CAM (Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid), Depto. de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Fac. de Medicina, TRUE, pub

Lymphomas are a heterogeneous set of malignancies, which have more than 100 entities that are derived from precur-sor or mature cells of the B, T, and NK lymphocytic lineages. Worldwide, these neoplasms affect between 3 to 6 people per 100,000 inhabitants, representing the fifth most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death. Traditionally they have been classified into two large groups, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Moreover, due to technological advances in areas such as immunol-ogy and genetics, different mechanisms have been identified through which lymphocytic neoplastic cells manage to evade antitumor surveillance, alter immunological checkpoints and condition their tumor microenvironment, thus guaranteeing its perpetuation. The initial diagnosis of lymphoma, based on clinical findings and identification of risk factors, must be confirmed by performing a lymph node biopsy. Chemo-radio-therapy is one of the first-line therapeutic strategies, although in recent years different biological therapies such as immu-notherapy have been developed, which have proven to be effective in controlling the disease. Because the pathogenic mechanisms of lymphomagenesis have important implications for diagnosis and clinical treatment, this review synthe-sizes current information on the pathophysiological processes underlying these neoplasms, summarizes the basic no-tions about their diagnostic approach, and presents evidence on the efficacy and safety of currently used first and second line treatments. © 2021, Venezuelan Society of Pharmacology and Clinical and Therapeutic Pharmacology.

Cernunnos/XLF deficiency is a rare primary immunodeficiency classified within the DNA repair defects. Patients present with severe growth retardation, microcephaly, lymphopenia and increased cellular sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Here, we describe two unrelated cases with the same non-sense mutation in the NHEJ1 gene showing significant differences in clinical presentation and immunological profile but a similar DNA repair defect., FIS (Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria), MINECO (Ministerio de Economía y competitividad), CAM (Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid), Depto. de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Fac. de Medicina, TRUE, pub

T cell lymphomas comprise a distinct class of non-‐-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, which include mature T and natural killer (NK) cell neoplasms. While each malignancy within this group is characterized by unique clinicopathologic features, dysregulation in the Janus tyrosine family of kinases/Signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway, specifically aberrant STAT3 activation, is a common feature among these lymphomas. The mechanisms driving dysregulation vary among T cell lymphoma subtypes and include activating mutations in upstream kinases or STAT3 itself, formation of oncogenic kinases which drive STAT3 activation, loss of negative regulators of STAT3, and the induction of a pro-‐-tumorigenic inflammatory microenvironment. Constitutive STAT3 activation has been associated with the expression of targets able to increase pro-‐-survival signals and provide malignant fitness. Patients with dysregulated STAT3 signaling tend to have inferior clinical outcomes, which underscores the importance of STAT3 signaling in malignant progression. Targeting of STAT3 has shown promising results in preclinical studies in T cell lymphoma lines, ex-‐-vivo primary malignant patient cells, and in mouse models of disease. However, targeting this pleotropic pathway in patients has proven difficult. Here we review the recent contributions to our understanding of the role of STAT3 in T cell lymphomagenesis, mechanisms driving STAT3 activation in T cell lymphomas, and current efforts at targeting STAT3 signaling in T cell malignancies.

T cell lymphomas comprise a distinct class of non-‐-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, which include mature T and natural killer (NK) cell neoplasms. While each malignancy within this group is characterized by unique clinicopathologic features, dysregulation in the Janus tyrosine family of kinases/Signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway, specifically aberrant STAT3 activation, is a common feature among these lymphomas. The mechanisms driving dysregulation vary among T cell lymphoma subtypes and include activating mutations in upstream kinases or STAT3 itself, formation of oncogenic kinases which drive STAT3 activation, loss of negative regulators of STAT3, and the induction of a pro-‐-tumorigenic inflammatory microenvironment. Constitutive STAT3 activation has been associated with the expression of targets able to increase pro-‐-survival signals and provide malignant fitness. Patients with dysregulated STAT3 signaling tend to have inferior clinical outcomes, which underscores the importance of STAT3 signaling in malignant progression. Targeting of STAT3 has shown promising results in preclinical studies in T cell lymphoma lines, ex-‐-vivo primary malignant patient cells, and in mouse models of disease. However, targeting this pleotropic pathway in patients has proven difficult. Here we review the recent contributions to our understanding of the role of STAT3 in T cell lymphomagenesis, mechanisms driving STAT3 activation in T cell lymphomas, and current efforts at targeting STAT3 signaling in T cell malignancies.

Lymphoma is one of the most common malignancies in domestic cats. The lymphomagenic potential of Felis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1), a common infection in domestic cats, is unknown. In other species, including humans, cellular transformation by gammaherpesviruses is typically mediated by viral genes expressed during latency. We analysed tumour RNA, from diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) appearing in cats coinfected with FcaGHV1 and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) (n = 10), by high throughput transcriptome sequencing and reverse transcription PCR. A limited repertoire of FcaGHV transcripts was identified in five tumors, including homologs of oncogenic latency-associated transcripts, latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA, ORF73) and vFLIP (F7), lytic genes (ORF50, ORF6, ORF59, F10), and an ORF unique to FcaGHV1, F20. In situ hybridization of FIV-associated DLBCLs (n = 9), post-transplant lymphomas (n = 6) and high-grade B and T-cell intestinal lymphomas (n = 8) identified a single case in which FcaGHV1 nucleic acid was detectable. These results demonstrate that FcaGHV1 transcripts can be detected in some FIV-associated lymphomas, but at low copy number, precluding assessment of a potential role for FcaGHV1 in lymphomagenesis. Future investigation of the FcaGHV1 transcriptome in clinical samples might employ viral enrichment and greater sequencing depth to enhance the retrieval of viral reads. Our results suggest prioritization of a subset of intestinal T-cell tumors, large granular lymphocyte lymphoma, for study.

Lymphoma is one of the most common malignancies in domestic cats. The lymphomagenic potential of Felis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1), a common infection in domestic cats, is unknown. In other species, including humans, cellular transformation by gammaherpesviruses is typically mediated by viral genes expressed during latency. We analysed tumour RNA, from diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) appearing in cats coinfected with FcaGHV1 and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) (n = 10), by high throughput transcriptome sequencing and reverse transcription PCR. A limited repertoire of FcaGHV transcripts was identified in five tumors, including homologs of oncogenic latency-associated transcripts, latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA, ORF73) and vFLIP (F7), lytic genes (ORF50, ORF6, ORF59, F10), and an ORF unique to FcaGHV1, F20. In situ hybridization of FIV-associated DLBCLs (n = 9), post-transplant lymphomas (n = 6) and high-grade B and T-cell intestinal lymphomas (n = 8) identified a single case in which FcaGHV1 nucleic acid was detectable. These results demonstrate that FcaGHV1 transcripts can be detected in some FIV-associated lymphomas, but at low copy number, precluding assessment of a potential role for FcaGHV1 in lymphomagenesis. Future investigation of the FcaGHV1 transcriptome in clinical samples might employ viral enrichment and greater sequencing depth to enhance the retrieval of viral reads. Our results suggest prioritization of a subset of intestinal T-cell tumors, large granular lymphocyte lymphoma, for study.

In this review, we focus on the mechanisms underlying lymphomagenesis in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma and splenic marginal zone lymphoma. The cells of origin of these small B-cell lymphomas are distinct, as are the characteristic chromosomal lesions and clinical courses. One shared feature is retention of expression of surface immunoglobulin. Analysis of this critical receptor reveals the point of differentiation reached by the cell of origin. Additionally, the sequence patterns of the immunoglobulin-variable domains can indicate a role for stimulants of the B-cell receptor before, during and after malignant transformation. The pathways driven via the B-cell receptor are now being targeted by specific kinase inhibitors with exciting clinical effects. To consider routes to pathogenesis, potentially offering earlier intervention, or to identify causative factors, genetic tools are being used to track pretransformation events and the early phases in lymphomagenesis. These methods are revealing that chromosomal changes are only one of the many steps involved, and that the influence of surrounding cells, probably multiple and variable according to tissue location, is required, both to establish tumours and to maintain growth and survival. Similarly, the influence of the tumour microenvironment may protect malignant cells from eradication by treatment, and the resulting minimal residual disease will eventually give rise to relapse. The common and different features of the four lymphomas will be summarized to show how normal B lymphocytes can be subverted to generate tumours, how these tumours evolve and how their weaknesses can be attacked by targeted therapies.

Lymphoid malignancies present a broad spectrum of cancers derived from lymphocytes, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent type of cancer diagnosed in children. Current research in pathobiology of these malignancies is focusing on understanding the role of frequent genetic alterations and gene products that arise thereof in terms of their effect on cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are known to cause cell cycle arrest and cell death in some normal and malignant lymphoblasts. For that reason GCs are included in essentially all chemotherapy protocols applied in the treatment of lymphoid malignancies, including childhood ALL (chALL). GCs act mainly via regulating gene transcription, although GC control of mRNA translation has also been reported but has never been assessed systematically. In the first part of my thesis, I analyzed possible effects of GC on the translational efficiency of expressed genes in two chALL model systems employing technique called “translational profiling”. My analyses did not reveal significant differences in translational efficiency of expressed genes thereby arguing against a potential regulatory effect of GCs on translation at least in the investigated systems. In the second part of my thesis I investigated transcriptional effects of GC in vivo using microarray data from 46 patients undergoing GC systemic monotherapy and available clinical information, e.g. molecular subtype of ALL and reduction in peripheral blood lymhoblasts. Transcriptional regulation by GC was studied using a number of bioinformatics approaches such as differential gene expression and gene ontology analyses. Further, I combined microarray data with clinical information using classical regression models in order to identify genes whose expression or GC regulation might correlate with clinical response, and applied elastic-net regularization to address combinatorial effects of gene expression and regulation. These, Lymphoid malignancies present a broad spectrum of cancers derived from lymphocytes, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent type of cancer diagnosed in children. Current research in pathobiology of these malignancies is focusing on understanding the role of frequent genetic alterations and gene products that arise thereof in terms of their effect on cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are known to cause cell cycle arrest and cell death in some normal and malignant lymphoblasts. For that reason GCs are included in essentially all chemotherapy protocols applied in the treatment of lymphoid malignancies, including childhood ALL (chALL). GCs act mainly via regulating gene transcription, although GC control of mRNA translation has also been reported but has never been assessed systematically. In the first part of my thesis, I analyzed possible effects of GC on the translational efficiency of expressed genes in two chALL model systems employing technique called “translational profiling”. My analyses did not reveal significant differences in translational efficiency of expressed genes thereby arguing against a potential regulatory effect of GCs on translation at least in the investigated systems. In the second part of my thesis I investigated transcriptional effects of GC in vivo using microarray data from 46 patients undergoing GC systemic monotherapy and available clinical information, e.g. molecular subtype of ALL and reduction in peripheral blood lymhoblasts. Transcriptional regulation by GC was studied using a number of bioinformatics approaches such as differential gene expression and gene ontology analyses. Further, I combined microarray data with clinical information using classical regression models in order to identify genes whose expression, Tatsiana Aneichyk, Enth. u.a. 2 Veröff. d. Verf. aus den Jahren 2013 - 2015, Innsbruck, Med. Univ., Diss., 2015

Lymphoid malignancies present a broad spectrum of cancers derived from lymphocytes, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent type of cancer diagnosed in children. Current research in pathobiology of these malignancies is focusing on understanding the role of frequent genetic alterations and gene products that arise thereof in terms of their effect on cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are known to cause cell cycle arrest and cell death in some normal and malignant lymphoblasts. For that reason GCs are included in essentially all chemotherapy protocols applied in the treatment of lymphoid malignancies, including childhood ALL (chALL). GCs act mainly via regulating gene transcription, although GC control of mRNA translation has also been reported but has never been assessed systematically. In the first part of my thesis, I analyzed possible effects of GC on the translational efficiency of expressed genes in two chALL model systems employing technique called “translational profiling”. My analyses did not reveal significant differences in translational efficiency of expressed genes thereby arguing against a potential regulatory effect of GCs on translation at least in the investigated systems. In the second part of my thesis I investigated transcriptional effects of GC in vivo using microarray data from 46 patients undergoing GC systemic monotherapy and available clinical information, e.g. molecular subtype of ALL and reduction in peripheral blood lymhoblasts. Transcriptional regulation by GC was studied using a number of bioinformatics approaches such as differential gene expression and gene ontology analyses. Further, I combined microarray data with clinical information using classical regression models in order to identify genes whose expression or GC regulation might correlate with clinical response, and applied elastic-net regularization to address combinatorial effects of gene expression and regulation. These, Lymphoid malignancies present a broad spectrum of cancers derived from lymphocytes, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent type of cancer diagnosed in children. Current research in pathobiology of these malignancies is focusing on understanding the role of frequent genetic alterations and gene products that arise thereof in terms of their effect on cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are known to cause cell cycle arrest and cell death in some normal and malignant lymphoblasts. For that reason GCs are included in essentially all chemotherapy protocols applied in the treatment of lymphoid malignancies, including childhood ALL (chALL). GCs act mainly via regulating gene transcription, although GC control of mRNA translation has also been reported but has never been assessed systematically. In the first part of my thesis, I analyzed possible effects of GC on the translational efficiency of expressed genes in two chALL model systems employing technique called “translational profiling”. My analyses did not reveal significant differences in translational efficiency of expressed genes thereby arguing against a potential regulatory effect of GCs on translation at least in the investigated systems. In the second part of my thesis I investigated transcriptional effects of GC in vivo using microarray data from 46 patients undergoing GC systemic monotherapy and available clinical information, e.g. molecular subtype of ALL and reduction in peripheral blood lymhoblasts. Transcriptional regulation by GC was studied using a number of bioinformatics approaches such as differential gene expression and gene ontology analyses. Further, I combined microarray data with clinical information using classical regression models in order to identify genes whose expression, Tatsiana Aneichyk, Enth. u.a. 2 Veröff. d. Verf. aus den Jahren 2013 - 2015, Innsbruck, Med. Univ., Diss., 2015

Immune deficiency and altered immunity are among the best characterized and strongest known risk factors of non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). For instance, chronic inflammation or certain disturbances in the immune system are associated with an increased lymphoma risk. Occupational and environmental factors (i.e., dioxin) as well as lifestyle factors (i.e., obesity) may contribute to these risk factors. The precise role of these factors in the etiology of NHL, however, is still not entirely clear. Although the existing epidemiologic studies have not revealed consistent patterns of perturbations of the immune system by these factors, the findings might suggest an adverse impact on both the humoral and cell-mediated immune system.

Mouse models of human disease are valuable tools for studying pathogenesis and for evaluating novel therapies. T-cell lymphoma is a relatively rare disease in humans, affecting 100-150 persons yearly in Sweden. It exists in both aggressive and more indolent forms. We have established a mouse model for an aggressive T-cell lymphoma, the T-cell lymphoma/leukemia (TLL) mouse. In the present thesis, the TLL mouse model was characterized and used for experimental therapeutic and primary prevention studies. The TLL mouse was established unintentionally in our laboratory during work on VH-gene replacement in a “knock-in” mouse experimental setting. The generated chimeras all developed aggressive T-cell lymphomas affecting the lymphoid organs, lungs, kidneys and liver. The lymphoma phenotype segregated from the targeted locus and we could demonstrate the presence of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) in the germline of the affected mice. MMLV is a retrovirus known to induce T-cell lymphomas when inoculated in newborn mice. We further characterized two TLL substrains; TLL-2 and TLL-14 carrying the proviral integrations on chromosomes 2 and 14 respectively. Significant differences were found between the substrains regarding lymphoma frequency and immunophenotype, the TLL-14 substrain developing tumors with higher frequency than TLL-2 and with a more mature immunophenotype. A transfer model was developed in which TLL cells could be readily transferred intravenously to syngenic recipients causing aggressive lymphomas. The transfer model was used in a therapeutic study where the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib was evaluated as a single agent and in combination with the established anti-tumor agent cyclophosphamide. The study was based on results from other tumor types that have indicated celecoxib, originally an anti-inflammatory and analgetic drug, to have possible anti-tumor effects. In our TLL model, however, we could not demonstrate any benefit of celecoxib monotherap

Mouse models of human disease are valuable tools for studying pathogenesis and for evaluating novel therapies. T-cell lymphoma is a relatively rare disease in humans, affecting 100-150 persons yearly in Sweden. It exists in both aggressive and more indolent forms. We have established a mouse model for an aggressive T-cell lymphoma, the T-cell lymphoma/leukemia (TLL) mouse. In the present thesis, the TLL mouse model was characterized and used for experimental therapeutic and primary prevention studies. The TLL mouse was established unintentionally in our laboratory during work on VH-gene replacement in a “knock-in” mouse experimental setting. The generated chimeras all developed aggressive T-cell lymphomas affecting the lymphoid organs, lungs, kidneys and liver. The lymphoma phenotype segregated from the targeted locus and we could demonstrate the presence of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) in the germline of the affected mice. MMLV is a retrovirus known to induce T-cell lymphomas when inoculated in newborn mice. We further characterized two TLL substrains; TLL-2 and TLL-14 carrying the proviral integrations on chromosomes 2 and 14 respectively. Significant differences were found between the substrains regarding lymphoma frequency and immunophenotype, the TLL-14 substrain developing tumors with higher frequency than TLL-2 and with a more mature immunophenotype. A transfer model was developed in which TLL cells could be readily transferred intravenously to syngenic recipients causing aggressive lymphomas. The transfer model was used in a therapeutic study where the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib was evaluated as a single agent and in combination with the established anti-tumor agent cyclophosphamide. The study was based on results from other tumor types that have indicated celecoxib, originally an anti-inflammatory and analgetic drug, to have possible anti-tumor effects. In our TLL model, however, we could not demonstrate any benefit of celecoxib monotherap

Myc oncogenes encode transcription factors that bind to E-box sequences in DNA, driving the expression of a large number of target genes and are deregulated in approximately 70% of human cancers. Deregulated Myc expression cause enhanced proliferation (which is counteracted by apoptosis), angiogenesis and cancer. Though Myc’s importance in induction of S phase has been established, less is known about its functions in the G2 and M phases of the cell cycle. Paper I addresses the targeting of the Myc targets Aurora kinase A and B that have roles in G2/M transition and provide evidence that pharmaceutical Aurora kinase inhibition causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a Myc-selective manner and is useful in treating Myc-induced lymphomas in vivo. The assumption that the important target genes responsible for the biological effects of Myc overexpression were those encoding components of the cell cycle machinery lead to little interest in other potentially important groups of target genes. However, recent work challenged this view by indicating that Myc target genes encoding metabolic enzymes may be critical for Myc-induced tumorigenesis. Importantly, the targeting of Myc target genes encoding metabolic enzymes has the potential of providing a new treatment strategy of Myc-induced cancers. Paper II covers the pharmaceutical targeting of the Myc-induced spermidine synthase (Srm) that shows promise as a tool for chemoprevention by affecting proliferation, but not for the treatment of established tumors. Paper III focuses on the negligible effect an Ldha mutation has on Myc- induced lymphomagenesis. Ldha has long been known to be a Myc target gene and in vitro experiments have recently indicated it to be important for transformation. It seems the negligible effect of the Ldh mutation can be explained by the high frequency of loss of either Arf or p53 in this mouse model, since enforced Ras-Myc oncogenic cooperation in soft agar assays of Ldh mutant MEFs effectively inhib

The oncogenic transcription factor c-Myc (Myc) is frequently overexpressed in human cancers. Myc is known to induce or repress a large set of genes involved in cell growth and proliferation, explaining the selection for mutations in cancer that deregulate Myc expression. Inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase, an enzyme of the polyamine biosynthetic pathway and a Myc target, has been shown to be chemopreventive. In the present study, we have dissected the role of another enzyme in the polyamine biosynthetic pathway, spermidine synthase (Srm), in Myc-induced cancer. We find that Srm is encoded by a Myc target gene containing perfect E-boxes and that it is induced by Myc in a direct manner. RNA interference against Srm shows that it is important for Myc-induced proliferation of mouse fibroblasts but to a lesser extent for transformation. Using the compound trans-4-methylcyclohexylamine, we show that Srm inhibition can delay the onset of B-cell lymphoma development in λ-Myc transgenic mice. We therefore suggest that inhibition of Srm is an additional chemopreventive strategy that warrants further consideration.

Myc oncogenes encode transcription factors that bind to E-box sequences in DNA, driving the expression of a large number of target genes and are deregulated in approximately 70% of human cancers. Deregulated Myc expression cause enhanced proliferation (which is counteracted by apoptosis), angiogenesis and cancer. Though Myc’s importance in induction of S phase has been established, less is known about its functions in the G2 and M phases of the cell cycle. Paper I addresses the targeting of the Myc targets Aurora kinase A and B that have roles in G2/M transition and provide evidence that pharmaceutical Aurora kinase inhibition causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a Myc-selective manner and is useful in treating Myc-induced lymphomas in vivo. The assumption that the important target genes responsible for the biological effects of Myc overexpression were those encoding components of the cell cycle machinery lead to little interest in other potentially important groups of target genes. However, recent work challenged this view by indicating that Myc target genes encoding metabolic enzymes may be critical for Myc-induced tumorigenesis. Importantly, the targeting of Myc target genes encoding metabolic enzymes has the potential of providing a new treatment strategy of Myc-induced cancers. Paper II covers the pharmaceutical targeting of the Myc-induced spermidine synthase (Srm) that shows promise as a tool for chemoprevention by affecting proliferation, but not for the treatment of established tumors. Paper III focuses on the negligible effect an Ldha mutation has on Myc- induced lymphomagenesis. Ldha has long been known to be a Myc target gene and in vitro experiments have recently indicated it to be important for transformation. It seems the negligible effect of the Ldh mutation can be explained by the high frequency of loss of either Arf or p53 in this mouse model, since enforced Ras-Myc oncogenic cooperation in soft agar assays of Ldh mutant MEFs effectively inhib

Myc oncogenes encode transcription factors that bind to E-box sequences in DNA, driving the expression of a large number of target genes and are deregulated in approximately 70% of human cancers. Deregulated Myc expression cause enhanced proliferation (which is counteracted by apoptosis), angiogenesis and cancer. Though Myc’s importance in induction of S phase has been established, less is known about its functions in the G2 and M phases of the cell cycle. Paper I addresses the targeting of the Myc targets Aurora kinase A and B that have roles in G2/M transition and provide evidence that pharmaceutical Aurora kinase inhibition causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a Myc-selective manner and is useful in treating Myc-induced lymphomas in vivo. The assumption that the important target genes responsible for the biological effects of Myc overexpression were those encoding components of the cell cycle machinery lead to little interest in other potentially important groups of target genes. However, recent work challenged this view by indicating that Myc target genes encoding metabolic enzymes may be critical for Myc-induced tumorigenesis. Importantly, the targeting of Myc target genes encoding metabolic enzymes has the potential of providing a new treatment strategy of Myc-induced cancers. Paper II covers the pharmaceutical targeting of the Myc-induced spermidine synthase (Srm) that shows promise as a tool for chemoprevention by affecting proliferation, but not for the treatment of established tumors. Paper III focuses on the negligible effect an Ldha mutation has on Myc- induced lymphomagenesis. Ldha has long been known to be a Myc target gene and in vitro experiments have recently indicated it to be important for transformation. It seems the negligible effect of the Ldh mutation can be explained by the high frequency of loss of either Arf or p53 in this mouse model, since enforced Ras-Myc oncogenic cooperation in soft agar assays of Ldh mutant MEFs effectively inhib

Mouse models of human disease are valuable tools for studying pathogenesis and for evaluating novel therapies. T-cell lymphoma is a relatively rare disease in humans, affecting 100-150 persons yearly in Sweden. It exists in both aggressive and more indolent forms. We have established a mouse model for an aggressive T-cell lymphoma, the T-cell lymphoma/leukemia (TLL) mouse. In the present thesis, the TLL mouse model was characterized and used for experimental therapeutic and primary prevention studies. The TLL mouse was established unintentionally in our laboratory during work on VH-gene replacement in a “knock-in” mouse experimental setting. The generated chimeras all developed aggressive T-cell lymphomas affecting the lymphoid organs, lungs, kidneys and liver. The lymphoma phenotype segregated from the targeted locus and we could demonstrate the presence of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) in the germline of the affected mice. MMLV is a retrovirus known to induce T-cell lymphomas when inoculated in newborn mice. We further characterized two TLL substrains; TLL-2 and TLL-14 carrying the proviral integrations on chromosomes 2 and 14 respectively. Significant differences were found between the substrains regarding lymphoma frequency and immunophenotype, the TLL-14 substrain developing tumors with higher frequency than TLL-2 and with a more mature immunophenotype. A transfer model was developed in which TLL cells could be readily transferred intravenously to syngenic recipients causing aggressive lymphomas. The transfer model was used in a therapeutic study where the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib was evaluated as a single agent and in combination with the established anti-tumor agent cyclophosphamide. The study was based on results from other tumor types that have indicated celecoxib, originally an anti-inflammatory and analgetic drug, to have possible anti-tumor effects. In our TLL model, however, we could not demonstrate any benefit of celecoxib monotherap

Mouse models of human disease are valuable tools for studying pathogenesis and for evaluating novel therapies. T-cell lymphoma is a relatively rare disease in humans, affecting 100-150 persons yearly in Sweden. It exists in both aggressive and more indolent forms. We have established a mouse model for an aggressive T-cell lymphoma, the T-cell lymphoma/leukemia (TLL) mouse. In the present thesis, the TLL mouse model was characterized and used for experimental therapeutic and primary prevention studies. The TLL mouse was established unintentionally in our laboratory during work on VH-gene replacement in a “knock-in” mouse experimental setting. The generated chimeras all developed aggressive T-cell lymphomas affecting the lymphoid organs, lungs, kidneys and liver. The lymphoma phenotype segregated from the targeted locus and we could demonstrate the presence of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) in the germline of the affected mice. MMLV is a retrovirus known to induce T-cell lymphomas when inoculated in newborn mice. We further characterized two TLL substrains; TLL-2 and TLL-14 carrying the proviral integrations on chromosomes 2 and 14 respectively. Significant differences were found between the substrains regarding lymphoma frequency and immunophenotype, the TLL-14 substrain developing tumors with higher frequency than TLL-2 and with a more mature immunophenotype. A transfer model was developed in which TLL cells could be readily transferred intravenously to syngenic recipients causing aggressive lymphomas. The transfer model was used in a therapeutic study where the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib was evaluated as a single agent and in combination with the established anti-tumor agent cyclophosphamide. The study was based on results from other tumor types that have indicated celecoxib, originally an anti-inflammatory and analgetic drug, to have possible anti-tumor effects. In our TLL model, however, we could not demonstrate any benefit of celecoxib monotherap

Myc oncogenes encode transcription factors that bind to E-box sequences in DNA, driving the expression of a large number of target genes and are deregulated in approximately 70% of human cancers. Deregulated Myc expression cause enhanced proliferation (which is counteracted by apoptosis), angiogenesis and cancer. Though Myc’s importance in induction of S phase has been established, less is known about its functions in the G2 and M phases of the cell cycle. Paper I addresses the targeting of the Myc targets Aurora kinase A and B that have roles in G2/M transition and provide evidence that pharmaceutical Aurora kinase inhibition causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a Myc-selective manner and is useful in treating Myc-induced lymphomas in vivo. The assumption that the important target genes responsible for the biological effects of Myc overexpression were those encoding components of the cell cycle machinery lead to little interest in other potentially important groups of target genes. However, recent work challenged this view by indicating that Myc target genes encoding metabolic enzymes may be critical for Myc-induced tumorigenesis. Importantly, the targeting of Myc target genes encoding metabolic enzymes has the potential of providing a new treatment strategy of Myc-induced cancers. Paper II covers the pharmaceutical targeting of the Myc-induced spermidine synthase (Srm) that shows promise as a tool for chemoprevention by affecting proliferation, but not for the treatment of established tumors. Paper III focuses on the negligible effect an Ldha mutation has on Myc- induced lymphomagenesis. Ldha has long been known to be a Myc target gene and in vitro experiments have recently indicated it to be important for transformation. It seems the negligible effect of the Ldh mutation can be explained by the high frequency of loss of either Arf or p53 in this mouse model, since enforced Ras-Myc oncogenic cooperation in soft agar assays of Ldh mutant MEFs effectively inhib