Methods: Between January 2012 and January 2014, 12 newly diagnosed patients with a lung adenocarcinoma, 12 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, and eight healthy individuals as the control group were included. After treatment of the fresh samples of lung adenocarcinoma stored at -80°C for ribonucleic acid isolation, and paraffin-embedded tissues of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma were deparaffinized, complementary deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis and expression of 84 genes associated with deoxyribonucleic acid repair were analyzed via real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. According to the expression of tumor cells, expression of each fold change was calculated.
Results: The BRCA1, BRCA2, CDK7, MLH3, MSH4, NEIL3, SMUG1, UNG, XRCC2, and XRCC4 genes showed more than five-fold higher expression in the patients with lung adenocarcinomas, compared to the control group. The patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma showed a five-fold higher expression in the APEX2, BRCA1, BRCA2, CDK7, MLH1, MLH3, MSH3, MSH4, NEIL3, PARP2, PARP3, PMS1, RAD50, RAD51, RAD51B, RAD51D, RAD52, RPA3, SMUG1, UNG, XPA, XRCC2, and XRCC4 genes, compared to the control group. Comparing malignant pleural mesothelioma with lung adenocarcinoma cases, we found that CDK7, MLH1, TREX1, PRKDC, XPA, PMS1, UNG, and RPA3 genes were overexpressed.
Conclusion: Our study results showed differences between expression profiles of deoxyribonucleic acid repair genes in lung adenocarcinoma and malignant pleural mesothelioma cells. Based on our study results, we suggest that TREX1, PRKDC, and PMS1 genes may play a key role in the differential diagnosis of these two entities.
In recent years, in Turkey, it is reported that lung adenocarcinomas (LADCAs) are diagnosed more often. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is also a common type of cancer caused by 70 to 90% asbestos exposure.[1-3] Malignant pleural effusions can be noticed at the time of diagnosis of cancer and primary tumor localization may not be found in 5 to 15% of the cases. A total of 15% of LADCAs and 90% of MPMs present with malignant pleural effusion.[4] The definite diagnostic difference of LADCAs and MPM can not be made and diagnostic aid of cytology constitutes 4 to 77%.[5] Lung cancers have different life expectancies in different subgroups, and genetic alterations also suggests that lung cancers should have different disease profiles and treatments. Therefore, it has been proposed that gene expressions ratio plays a decisive role in the diagnosis and treatment, and analysis of gene expression ratio is the most useful molecular method in the discrimination of MPM from LADCAs.[6]
It has been established that various tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes play important direct or indirect roles in cell cycle (a part of vital mechanisms) progression and regulation in lung cancers. Lung cancers share similar chromosomal changes and these chromosomal alterations have typical structures that are special to some histological types. Previous studies have shown a loss in the chromosomal arms of 1q, 3p, 8p, 9p, 13q, 17p at non-small cell lung cancer.[7-10]
Cell cycle control and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair mechanisms, important oncogenes such as RAS gene family, Myc oncogenes, growth factors and their receptors, and angiogenesis factors and telomerase activity are components of other important neoplastic processes. As a member of RAS family, KRAS conducts the signals received from receptor tyrosine kinases. Specific RAS gene mutations are seen in various cancer cells and codon 12, 13, and 61 are detected almost in all cases. These mutations cause a delay in GTP-Ras inactivation due to a significant decrease in GTPase activity. This is characterized with the excessive cellular response given to the signals coming through the receptors. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplifications in lung cancers are one of them.[11] The Mycgene is localized on 8q24 region and encodes a nuclear protein which is effective in cell proliferation. During re-organizations, exon 1 of Myc gene often disappears. However, this does not cause a change in Myc functions, as this exon does not play a role in synthesis of proteins. An uncontrolled cell proliferation, related to the over expression of Myc gene product, is seen after the translocation of the Myc region with one of immunoglobulin genes.[12]
Ongoing DNA micro-array and mass spectrometry technologies enables analysis of gene expressions. A relationship between gene expression profiles of lung cancers, expression patterns special to histological type, heterogeneity of LADCA, specific expressions, and clinical outcomes has been discovered.[13] The most frequently described amplification regions in lung cancers include Myc, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), CCND1, and EGFR and many different amplifications, although less frequent, have been described. The 14q13.3 region is particularly described for LADCA which is associated with NKX2-1 (also known as TTF-1) and MBIP genes.[14]
Asbestos fibers are mechanically hazardous by interfering with cell cycle abnormalities of chromosomes to the mitotic process, leading to aneuploidy. Additional release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) can lead to DNA damage. Consequently, it is thought to cause the expression of various transcription factors and cancerogenicity. In a few recent studies, genetic alterations caused by mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes have been described.[15-17]
A progress has been achieved in the treatment and differential diagnosis of LADCAs from MPM, and the methods which are still in use for histopathological diagnosis is not adequate. Due to have less knowledge about genetic alterations associated with MPM, different mechanisms are still under investigation. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate gene expression levels in the diagnosis of LADCA and MPM which have a different treatment and prognosis.
Data including demographic, clinical, pathological characteristics and gene expressions of the cases were collected. During routine procedures, complete blood count samples of the control group were collected in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes and sterility was maintained. Collected bloods were diluted at a ratio of 1:1 with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Then, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were centrifuged at 1,650 rpm for 15 min using Sigma 3-16K centrifuge (DJB Labcare Ltd, Buckinghamshire, England) with histopaque-density solution 1,077 and the cells were separatedbased on their density gradient. After the washing procedure, ribonucleic acid was isolated from these PBMCs.
Before starting mononuclear cell isolation from blood, PBS which would be utilized for the isolation was prepared. For this purpose, one box of dusted Sigma P3883 was added into 1 L of distilled water and homogeneity of the mixture was provided. In total, 4 mL histopaque (Sigma-Aldrich 1077 d: 1.077) was taken into a 15 mL tube. Collected bloods were diluted at a ratio of 1:1 with PBS at room temperature. The PBS and blood were made homogenous with the help of Pasteur pipettes. The blood diluted with PBS was slowly delivered into a histopaque containing 15 mL tube (Sigma-Aldrich 1077 d: 1.077) at 45º angle in a way that blood run down through the wall of the tube. This procedure could be completed at three times. A special care was paid to avoid formation of bubbles. Centrifugation was made at 1,600 rpm for 20 min. The goal was to separate different phases. After the centrifugation, serum was on top, as a thin layer mononuclear cells were in the middle, below them histopaque and red blood cells were at the bottom. The sterile Pasteur pipette was dipped, until the level of mononuclear cell layer and cells were collected by the help of pipette (while plunger was pushed). During the procedure, the tube was hold in tilted position and a dark colored paper was put behind the tube, and thus, the cells could be seen more easily. After the cells were collected in a 15 mL tube, approximately 5 mL of PBS was added into the tube. Centrifugation was made at 1,200 rpm for five min. A liquid which was above the cells collected by centrifugation was discarded by the Pasteur pipette. The PBS up to 8 to 9 mL was added on the cellsand centrifuged at 1,200 rpm for fivemin. This procedure was repeated three times. Therefore, PBMC isolationwas achieved. Samples were taken from tumoral sites of archival paraffin blocks of mesothelioma casesto compare them with hematoxylineosin stained microscope slides. Samples were taken in a 2x2x2 mm sized Eppendorf tube. Paraffin xylol was removed via passing through the descending alcohol series and were, then, kept waiting in proteinase k for one night and RNA isolation process was started next. Lung cancer sites were carefully sampled from the specimens excised from LADCA cases by a pathologist during surgeryin sterile conditions. These samples were transferred to the oncology laboratory within RPMI and transfer medium containing 1% penicillin & streptomycin. After imprinting, Giemsa staining and tumor confirmation,a 2x2x2 mm sized mechanical tissue was cut with a sterile lancet and taken in a sterile Eppendorf tube to keep at an -80ºC cold freezer. It was spitted with mechanical vibration before the isolation of RNA. The rest of the procedure was performed as follows: washing with PBS, centrifugation, removal of supernatant, and RNA isolation.
Isolation and measurement of RNA
Basic principles of RNA isolation management
include fragmentation of cells with lysis solution and
DNA extraction using phenol. Current protocols are
the modified versions of designated RNA isolation
protocol designated by Chomczynski and Sacchi
in 1987.[18] Cells should be isolated and examined
immediately to obtain maximum efficiency from RNA
isolation. Firstly, isolated cells should be flash-freeze
in liquid nitrogen approximately for five min (-196°C)
and, then, RNA isolation process should be started.
The main goal is to enhance effectivity of RNA which
would be obtained by the destruction of cell wall. After
the dilation process, the isolated PBMC is counted on
the TOMA cell counting slide. Accordingly, about
15 µg RNA extract was obtained out of 1x106 cells. The
Macherey-Nagel™ kit (Macherey-Nagel GmbH & Co.
KG, Düren, Germany) was used for RNA and readymade
buffers were provided. As for RNA quality, any
kind of contamination was strictly avoided and special
attention was paid to accurate pipetting and sterility.
Complementary DNAsynthesis
Complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis is the
process of DNA copying from a RNA molecule by the
help of reverse transcriptase enzyme. When the DNA
of targeted cells are considered, expressed or nonexpressed,
it includes all genes. Therefore, messenger
RNA (mRNA) which is the expressed part of a cell is
used. Thus, only expressed genes are present, when cDNA is obtained from mRNA. For this purpose, RNA
isolation is performed before cDNA synthesis. While
mRNA is being processed, introns are expelled, and
thus, exons remain behind. The RNA is used in for the
synthesis of cDNA. Reverse transcriptase enzyme which
is used for cDNA synthesis, anchors itself to primary
poly-A tail (essential for the initiation). The presence of
poly-A tail in the enzyme provides a predominance in
reverse transcription phase. Then, reverse transcriptase
uses mRNA as a template, while facilitates elongation
by the help of its primary, and it produces a copy of
a single cDNA strand. For one plate, one microgram
of RNA is supposed to be used. Therefore, amount of
required RNA was calculated. cDNA synthesis was
implemented using conventional PCR device (ATC 401
model NY-X Technique Inc., CA, USA).
Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
array analysis
Real-time polymerase chain reaction is a PCR
method which gives quantitative data by measuring
fluorescence signals that become stronger with DNA
amplifications. The kit which we used for RT-PCR
serial analysis (QIAGEN GmbH, Hilden, Germany) is
a human-based standard commercial kit prepared for
genes encoding DNA repair enzymes. Obtained RNAs
were transformed to cDNA and cDNAs were added
into the PCR mixtures of DNA and contamination was
avoided.
Statistical analysis
Statistical analysis was performed using the
SPSS version 15.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL,
USA). The increase or decrease in expression of each
condition according to gene expression was calculated
by fold change. These analyses were performed on
the free of charge data analysis expression page of SA
Bioscience (Greenwich Biosciences Inc., Carlsbad, CA,
USA). Gene expression analyses with heat maps and
clustergram were supported. The t-test based p value
was calculated using this site (http://pcrdataanalysis.
sabiosciences.com/pcr/arrayanalysis.php) In the
univariate analysis, the Fisher's exact test was used
to compare the variables specified by counting and
the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the
variables specified by the measurement. The Kaplan-
Meier was used for survival analysis. Two life curves
were compared using the log-rank test. A p value of
<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Table 1: Genes with expression analysis
The diagnostic limitations of LADCA and MPM directed interest to gene expression analysis.[5,26] Gordon et al.[27] developed a predictive model for describing the overall survival times in two different groups using mRNA expression profile information from surgically collected tissue samples from MPM patients who developed a gene expression rate-based prognostic and diagnostic test for MPM. Among the two groups, the genes showing a significant correlation between the two groups were identified and evaluated from a prognostic point of view. They, then, formed a profile of four genes independent of the histological type. These samples were taken by fine needle biopsy and, then, analyzed the expression of RNA isolation by RT-PCR and the expression of six genes (CALB2, CLDN7, ANXA8, EPCAM, CD200, and NKX2-1) and calculated the expression ratios of three different gene pairs. In the gene expression analysis with pleural effusions, significant gene expression differences between LADCA and MPM were observed (GAS6, SEMA3C, KIBRA, GFPT2, S1-5, RALDH2). There were significant differences in gene expression between LADCA and MPM, and gene expression values were found to be significant in predicting treatment response ratesfor MPM.[28]
In the literature, there are few studies about MPM genetics, particularly in the sarcomatoidtype mesothelioma. 1p36, qp21.3, 3p21.3, 4q22, 6q25, 9p21.3, 13q and 22q deletions and 1q and 8q increase, and CDKN2A and CDKN2B are the most common. 9p deletions were also seen. These results are also reported to be associated with poor prognosis and recurrence of the disease.[29,30] The presence of p53 was found to be significant to show that mesothelial cells were malignant in the samples taken from the pleura.[31] In some studies, the present findings were common in lung cancers and were not specific to MPM which had no contribution to the separation of benign and malignant processes.[32,33] Although BAP-1 is the most commonly associated gene with MPM, neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) 22q12 deletions and TERT mutations have been also investigated.[34,35]
In recent years, it has been investigated whether gene expression assays which are thought to be significant in the diagnosis of both malignancies can be used in differential diagnosis between MPM and LADCAs. The DNA methylation 1413 autosomal CpG locus-associated 773 cancer-associated genes were screened and 60% more DNA methylation was detected in LADCAs.[36] When the methylation of 6157 CpG islet is evaluated in parallel with comparative genomic hybridization and chromatin immunoprecipitation; Kazal-Type Serine Peptidase Inhibitor Domain 1 (KAZALD1), Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 13 (MAPK13) and Transmembrane Protein 30B (TMEM30B) genes were found to be hypermethylated. Methylation status analysis of the promotor regions of nine candidate genes was performed; E-cadherin (71.4%) and FHIT (78%) genes were found to be very high according to ACP1A (14.3%), RASSF1A (19.5%), and DARK (20%) genes.[37]
MicroRNA (miRNA) expression can be also used to differentiate mesothelioma and LADCA, although the biological basis of this technology has not been sufficiently elucidated yet but it is thought that it can contribute to reveal the differences in pathogenesis between diseases by miRNA expression.[38,39] In a study, that a panel of miRNAs from the miR-200 gene family was generated with the quantitative RT-PCR, which was compared between MPM to LADCA by a more sensitive detection method, and it has been shown that miRNAs were all downregulated in MPM compared to LADCA.[38] The specificity of these changes was validated in 100 MPMs and 32 LADCAs. The analyses suggested that these miRNAs might be used as biomarkers. It was also reported that they were regenerators in the Wnt signaling pathway and they could play a role in tumor progression and create a choice for targeted therapies.[38]
Defects which occur during DNA repair leads to genetic instability and this is one of the most important causes of cancer. Also, in many cancer cells, increased DNA repair can be associated with developing resistance to cancer treatment. Changes in the structure of DNA leads to more significant results than such RNA and protein changes in the other components of the cell from changes. In our study we found that the TREX1, PRKDC, and PMS1 genes of DNA repair, would be significant in favor of MPM in the differential diagnosis of MPM and LADCA.
PMS1, DNA mismatch repair encodes a protein belonging to the MUTL/HEXB family. This protein is thought to play a role in DNA mismatch repair.[40] Formation of the HNPCC phenotype, also known as Lynch syndrome, and the PMS1 gene have been found among genes that are significant in whole-genomesequencing in lung cancers.[41] Due to the mutations in DNA repair genes such as PMS1 and BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, SLX4, FANCC, FANCI, PALB2, FANCF, and XPC, it is thought that DNA damage caused by asbestos can not be repaired and the process of carcinogenesis has initiated.[42]
The PRKDC gen is known as DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) and is localized on the long arm of chromosome 8. It is involved in the coding of the catalytic subunit of DNA-PK. The DNA functions with the Ku70/Ku80 heterodimer protein in double chain fracture repair and recombination. This protein encodes a member of the PI3/PI4-kinase family. It is currently under investigation that inhibition of the PRKDC gene may be significant in Myc-associated lung cancers.[43]
The TREX1 is localized in the short arm of chromosome 3 and encodes DNA exonuclease in the 3" >5" local direction in human cells. It is a nonprocessive exonuclease with error repair capability for human DNA polymerase. It is also a component of the SET complex (the endoplasmicreticulum-associated complex) and plays a role in the rapid decay of the three complex end of the DNA throughout the cell death of the granzyme A (apoptosis activity in caspaseindependent cell death). Mutations in this gene have been associated with autoimmune diseases; Aicardi- Goutières syndrome overlaps with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), resulting in Chil blain Lupus. The TREX1 is associated with mismatch repair, also has been associated with drug resistance in pancreatic malignancies. The TREX1 gene is one of the primary exonuclease DNA repair genes and is reported to be low in lung cancer.[44]
In conclusion, deoxyribonucleic acid repair genes were selected for the differential diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma and malignant pleural mesothelioma, as the effects of asbestos (an epidemiologic agent) on malignant pleural mesothelioma is well-known. Scientific questions such as "Which deoxyribonucleic acid repair genes do play role in a possible damage?", "Are these deoxyribonucleic acid repair genes can be used for differential diagnosis, if they are inactive in lung adenocarcinomas?" were sufficiently answered in this study and it was studied from fresh surgical material of lung adenocarcinoma and archive paraffinembedded blocks of pleural tissue in malignant pleural mesothelioma. Gene expression increases were investigated and our results showed that TREX1, PRKDC, and PMS1 genes were most likely to increase expression in malignant pleural mesothelioma. Based on these results, we believe that it would be appropriate to investigate these genes in ribonucleic acid and protein levels in the differential cases and pleural fluids.
Declaration of conflicting interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to
the authorship and/or publication of this article.
Funding
The authors received no financial support for the research
and/or authorship of this article.
4) Heffner JE. Diagnosis and management of malignant pleural effusions. Respirology 2008;13:5-20.
7) Balsara BR, Testa JR. Chromosomal imbalances in human lung cancer. Oncogene 2002;21:6877-83.
40) Available at: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/PMS1
44) Available at: http://www.proteinatlas.org/ ENSG00000213689-TREX1/cancer