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FBXW7is a driver gene in T-cell lymphoblastic neoplasia acting through proteasome degradation of key proto-oncogenes. FBXW7 encodes three isoforms, α, β and γ, which differ only in the N-terminus. In this work, massive sequencing revealed significant downregulation of FBXW7in a panel of primary T-cell lymphoblastic lymphomas characterised by the absence of mutations in its sequence. We observed that decreased expression mainly affected the FBXW7βisoform and to a lesser extent FBXW7αand may be attributed to the combined effect of epigenetic changes, alteration of upstream factors and upregulation of miRNAs. Transient transfections with miRNA mimics in selected cell lines resulted in a significant decrease of total FBXW7expression and its different isoforms separately, with the consequent increment of critical substrates and the stimulation of cell proliferation. Transient inhibition of endogenous miRNAs in a T-cell lymphoblastic-derived cell line (SUP-T1) was capable of reversing these proliferative effects. Finally, we show how FBXW7 isoforms display different roles within the cell. Simultaneous downregulation of the α and γ isoforms modulates the amount of CCNE1, whilst the β-isoform alone was found to have a prominent role in modulating the amount of c-MYC. Our data also revealed that downregulation of all isoforms is a sine qua noncondition to induce a proliferative pattern in our cell model system. Taking these data into account, potential new treatments to reverse downregulation of all or a specific FBXW7isoform may be an effective strategy to counteract the proliferative capacity of these tumour cells.

Introduction: The Fas/FasL system plays a significant role in tumorigenesis. Research has shown that its impairment in cancer cells may lead to apoptosis resistance and contribute to tumor progression. Thus, the development of effective therapies targeting the Fas/FasL system may play an important role in the fight against cancer.Areas covered: In this review the recent literature on targeting the Fas/FasL system for therapeutic exploitation at different levels is reviewed. Promising pre-clinical approaches and various exceptions are highlighted. The potential of combined therapies is also explored, whereby tumor sensitivity to Fas-mediated apoptosis is restored, before an effective targeted therapy is employed.Expert opinion: The success of the Fas/FasL system targeting for therapeutics will require a better understanding of the alterations conferring resistance, in order to use the most appropriate sensitizing chemotherapeutic or radiotherapeutic agents in combination with effective targeted therapies.