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Margaret A Shipp

Publications and source records attributed to Margaret A Shipp.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

The International Consensus Classification of Mature Lymphoid Neoplasms: a report from the Clinical Advisory Committee.

Since the publication of the Revised European-American Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms in 1994, subsequent updates of the classification of lymphoid neoplasms have been generated through iterative international efforts to achieve broad consensus among hematopathologists, geneticists, molecular scientists, and clinicians. Significant progress has recently been made in the characterization of malignancies of the immune system, with many new insights provided by genomic studies. They have led to this proposal. We have followed the same process that was successfully used for the third and fourth editions of the World Health Organization Classification of Hematologic Neoplasms. The definition, recommended studies, and criteria for the diagnosis of many entities have been extensively refined. Some categories considered provisional have now been upgraded to definite entities. Terminology for some diseases has been revised to adapt nomenclature to the current knowledge of their biology, but these modifications have been restricted to well-justified situations. Major findings from recent genomic studies have impacted the conceptual framework and diagnostic criteria for many disease entities. These changes will have an impact on optimal clinical management. The conclusions of this work are summarized in this report as the proposed International Consensus Classification of mature lymphoid, histiocytic, and dendritic cell tumors.

Advisory Committees↗

B-aggressive lymphoma family proteins have unique domains that modulate transcription and exhibit poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity.

BAL1 (B-aggressive lymphoma 1) was originally identified as a risk-related gene in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. BAL1 encodes a nuclear protein with N-terminal macro domains and a putative C-terminal poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) active site. Macro domains are sequences homologous to the non-histone region of histone macroH2A. Several lines of evidence suggest that these domains may modulate transcription, including a high concentration of histone macroH2A in the inactive X chromosome, direct interference with transcription factor binding in a positioned nucleosome, and structural similarity to DNA binding domains. Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation is a critical post-translational modification that regulates chromatin configuration and transcription. In this report we describe two additional BAL family members, BAL2 and BAL3, with N-terminal macro domains and putative C-terminal PARP active sites and assess the function of these specific regions in BAL family members. Herein, we demonstrate that BAL macro domains repress transcription when tethered to a promoter. In addition, we show that BAL2 and BAL3, but not BAL1, exhibit PARP activity. In agreement with these data, BAL1 lacks several critical donor and acceptor residues that are conserved in the BAL2 and -3 PARP active sites. Of interest, BAL family members with inactive or functional PARP domains differed in their ability to repress transcription. BAL family members are the only described proteins with both PARP and macro domains, underscoring the potential functional significance of this unique combination.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

NFkappaB activity, function, and target-gene signatures in primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma subtypes.

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (MLBCL) shares important clinical and molecular features with classic Hodgkin lymphoma, including nuclear localization of the nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) subunit c-REL (reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog) in a pilot series. Herein, we analyzed c-REL subcellular localization in additional primary MLBCLs and characterized NFkappaB activity and function in a MLBCL cell line. The new primary MLBCLs had prominent c-REL nuclear staining, and the MLBCL cell line exhibited high levels of NFkappaB binding activity. MLBCL cells expressing a superrepressor form of inhibitor of kappa B alpha signaling (IkappaB alpha) had a markedly higher rate of apoptosis, implicating constitutive NFkappaB activity in MLBCL cell survival. The transcriptional profiles of newly diagnosed primary MLBCLs and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) were then used to characterize the NFkappaB target gene signatures of MLBCL and specific DLBCL subtypes. MLBCLs expressed increased levels of NFkappaB targets that promote cell survival and favor antiapoptotic tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) signaling. In contrast, activated B cell (ABC)-like DLBCLs had a more restricted, potentially developmentally regulated, NFkappaB target gene signature. Of interest, the newly characterized host response DLBCL subtype had a robust NFkappaB target gene signature that partially overlapped that of primary MLBCL. In this large series of primary MLBCLs and DLBCLs, NFkappaB activation was not associated with amplification of the cREL locus, suggesting alternative pathogenetic mechanisms.

Apoptosis↗

Advances in the biology and therapy of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: moving toward a molecularly targeted approach.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) displays striking heterogeneity at the clinical, genetic, and molecular levels. Clinical prognostic models can define a population at high risk for relapse following empiric chemotherapy, although such models do not account for underlying biologic differences among tumors. Commonly observed genetic abnormalities that likely contribute to pathogenesis include translocations of BCL6, BCL2, cMYC, and FAS(CD95) mutations, and aberrant somatic hypermutation. Despite recent advances in empiric chemotherapy, including interval reduction of CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) and the incorporation of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, a significant proportion of patients still die of their disease. Gene expression profiling has shed light on the molecular heterogeneity within DLBCL by highlighting similarities between subsets of tumors and normal B cells, identifying features associated with unfavorable responses to empiric combination chemotherapy, and defining robust subtypes with comprehensive transcriptional signatures. Such strategies have suggested distinct routes to lymphomagenesis and have identified promising rational therapeutic targets. Additional novel therapies under investigation include those targeting BCL6 and BCL2, as well as development of novel monoclonal antibody-based therapies. Our increasing molecular understanding of the heterogeneous subsets within DLBCL will likely improve the current empiric therapy of DLBCL by identifying rational therapeutic targets in specific disease subtypes.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

TRAF1 expression and c-Rel activation are useful adjuncts in distinguishing classical Hodgkin lymphoma from a subset of morphologically or immunophenotypically similar lymphomas.

We demonstrate that the expression of TRAF1 and activated c-Rel, two proteins that function in signaling events downstream of activated CD30 in Reed-Sternberg cells, reliably distinguish classical Hodgkin lymphoma from anaplastic large cell lymphoma, nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, and nonmediastinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. By immunohistochemistry, we found strong TRAF1 staining in 21 of 25 cases of classical Hodgkin lymphoma. In contrast, strong TRAF1 staining was present in only 1 of 17 cases of anaplastic large cell lymphoma, 0 of 15 cases of lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, and 2 of 36 cases of nonmediastinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Nuclear staining for c-Rel, a pattern consistent with NFkappaB activation, was observed in the Reed-Sternberg cells in 23 of 25 cases of classical Hodgkin lymphoma but only in 1 of 15 cases of anaplastic large cell lymphoma and 3 of 15 cases of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. A heterogeneous pattern of subcellular c-Rel localization was found in nonmediastinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Taken together, the combination of strong cytoplasmic TRAF1 expression and nuclear c-Rel was present in 80% of cases of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 25) but in only 3% of cases of the other malignant lymphomas tested (n = 62). Thus, the differential expression patterns of downstream components in the CD30 signaling pathway may prove a useful adjunct in distinguishing cases of classical Hodgkin lymphoma from other malignant lymphomas in routine clinical practice.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Molecular profiling of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma identifies robust subtypes including one characterized by host inflammatory response.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous disease with recognized variability in clinical outcome, genetic features, and cells of origin. To date, transcriptional profiling has been used to highlight similarities between DLBCL tumor cells and normal B-cell subtypes and associate genes and pathways with unfavorable outcome. To identify robust and highly reproducible DL-BCL subtypes with comprehensive transcriptional signatures, we used a large series of newly diagnosed DLBCLs, whole genome arrays, and multiple clustering methods. Tumors were also analyzed for known common genetic abnormalities in DLBCL. There were 3 discrete subsets of DLBCL-"oxidative phosphorylation," "B-cell receptor/proliferation," and "host response" (HR)-identified characterized using gene set enrichment analysis and confirmed in an independent series. HR tumors had increased expression of T/natural killer cell receptor and activation pathway components, complement cascade members, macrophage/dendritic cell markers, and inflammatory mediators. HR DLB-CLs also contained significantly higher numbers of morphologically distinct CD2+/CD3+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and interdigitating S100+/gamma interferon-induced lysosomal transferase-positive (GILT+) CD1a-/CD123- dendritic cells. The HR cluster shared features of histologically defined T-cell/histiocyte-rich B-cell lymphoma, including fewer genetic abnormalities, younger age at presentation, and frequent splenic and bone marrow involvement. These studies identify tumor microenvironment and host inflammatory response as defining features in DLBCL and suggest rational treatment targets in specific DLBCL subsets.

Cluster Analysis↗

Tumor cell-mediated induction of the stromal factor stromelysin-3 requires heterotypic cell contact-dependent activation of specific protein kinase C isoforms.

Stromelysin-3 (ST3, MMP-11) has been shown to be strongly overexpressed in stromal fibroblasts of most invasive human carcinomas. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to ST3 expression in nonmalignant fibroblasts remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to analyze the signaling pathways activated in normal pulmonary fibroblasts after their interaction with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and leading to ST3 expression. The use of selective signaling pathway inhibitors showed that conventional and novel protein kinase Cs (PKC) were required for ST3 induction, whereas Src kinases exerted a negative control. We observed by both conventional and real time confocal microscopy that green fluorescent protein-tagged PKCalpha and PKCepsilon, but not PKCdelta, transfected in fibroblasts, accumulate selectively at the cell-cell contacts between fibroblasts and tumor cells. In agreement, RNAi-mediated depletion of PKCalpha and PKCepsilon, but not PKCdelta significantly decreased co-culture-dependent ST3 production. Finally, a tetracycline-inducible expression model allowed us to confirm the central role of these PKC isoforms and the negative regulatory function of c-Src in the control of ST3 expression. Altogether, our data emphasize signaling changes occurring in the tumor microenvironment that may define new stromal targets for therapeutic intervention.

Cell Adhesion↗

The phosphodiesterase PDE4B limits cAMP-associated PI3K/AKT-dependent apoptosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a common and often fatal malignancy. Advances in the treatment of this disease will require the identification of novel therapeutic targets. We previously defined an expression signature of outcome in DLBCL and found that the phosphodiesterase PDE4B was overexpressed in fatal/refractory tumors. Phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) inactivates the second messenger cyclic adenosine 3',5' monophosphate (cAMP) and abrogates its inhibitory effects in B lymphocytes. Hence, DLBCLs that express high PDE4B levels may be resistant to cAMP-induced apoptosis, contributing to their less favorable outcome. Herein, we confirmed the risk-related expression of PDE4B in an independent series of primary DLBCLs and defined the enzyme's role in modulating cAMP-induced apoptosis in parental DLBCL cell lines or those reconstituted with wild-type or mutant PDE4B. The cAMP-mediated apoptosis of DLBCLs was largely independent of the previously described cAMP effectors, protein kinase A (PKA) and exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC), but associated with inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway. The central role of AKT in this process was confirmed by expressing constitutively active mutants of this kinase in DLBCL cells. Our findings highlight the important role of cAMP signaling in DLBCL and suggest that clinically relevant PDE4 and PI3K/AKT inhibitors might be useful in the treatment of DLBCL and additional B-lymphoid malignancies with increased PDE4B expression.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

The molecular signature of mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma differs from that of other diffuse large B-cell lymphomas and shares features with classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

Mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (MLBCL) is a recently identified subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that characteristically presents as localized tumors in young female patients. Although MLBCL has distinctive pathologic features, it clinically resembles the nodular sclerosis subtype of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). To elucidate the molecular features of MLBCL, we compared the gene expression profiles of newly diagnosed MLBCL and DLBCL and developed a classifier of these diseases. MLBCLs had low levels of expression of multiple components of the B-cell receptor signaling cascade, a profile resembling that of Reed-Sternberg cells of cHL. Like cHLs, MLBCLs also had high levels of expression of the interleukin-13 (IL-13) receptor and downstream effectors of IL-13 signaling (Janus kinase-2 [JAK2] and signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 [STAT1]), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family members, and TNF receptor-associated factor-1 (TRAF1). Increased expression of STAT1 and TRAF1 in MLBCL was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Given the TRAF1 expression and known link to nuclear factor-kappa B (NF- kappa B), MLBCLs were also evaluated for nuclear translocation of c-REL protein. In almost all cases, c-REL was localized to the nucleus, consistent with activation of the NF-kappa B pathway. These studies identify a molecular link between MLBCL and cHL and a shared survival pathway.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Cloning of the t(1;5)(q23;q33) in a myeloproliferative disorder associated with eosinophilia: involvement of PDGFRB and response to imatinib.

Eosinophilia is common in myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) with abnormalities of chromosome band 5q31-33, including those that present with t(1;5)(q23;q33). With the development of rational drug therapy, characterization of the molecular targets for these translocations could guide treatment and affect patient survival. We cloned the t(1;5)(q23;q33) and showed that it fuses platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB) to the coiled-coil domains of a novel partner protein, myomegalin. Using two-color interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we also demonstrated that the eosinophils are clonal in these disorders. Imatinib mesylate has recently been shown to be efficacious in MPDs with PDGFR activation. Therefore, following our molecular studies, we were able to redirect this patient's treatment. Although she had refractory and progressive disease, once imatinib was started, complete clinical and hematologic remission, as well as major cytogenetic response, was achieved. Given the therapeutic implications, our findings stress the need to aggressively investigate the molecular basis of these diseases, with emphasis on the PDGFR family.

Benzamides↗

The BAL-binding protein BBAP and related Deltex family members exhibit ubiquitin-protein isopeptide ligase activity.

Members of the DTX (Deltex) family act as Notch signaling modifiers and may also regulate transcription through interactions with specific transcription factors. DTX proteins have a basic N terminus; a central proline-rich region; and a C-terminal RING finger domain, a motif often found in ubiquitin-protein isopeptide ligases (E3). Recently, we identified and characterized a unique diffuse large B-cell lymphoma risk-related gene named BAL (B aggressive lymphoma). Using a yeast two-hybrid screen for BAL-binding partners, we have now identified a novel protein termed BBAP (B-lymphoma- and BAL-associated protein). Although BBAP has a unique N terminus, the C-terminal region is highly homologous to that of DTX family members. Herein, we report that BBAP and the human family of DTX proteins (DTX1, DTX2, and DTX3) function as E3 ligases based on their capacity for self-ubiquitination. DTX family members homodimerize and heterodimerize in vivo, suggesting that physical interactions between various DTX family members modify E3 activity and/or substrate availability. Consistent with this idea, BBAP and DTX1 associate via their unique N termini, resulting in enhanced self-ubiquitination.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular diagnostics.

It is increasingly evident that molecular diagnostics, that is, the use of diagnostic testing to understand the molecular mechanisms of an individual patient's disease, will be pivotal in the delivery of safe and effective therapy for many diseases in the future. A huge body of new information on the genetic, genomic and proteomic profiles of different hematopoietic diseases is accumulating. This chapter focuses on new technologies and advancements in understanding the molecular basis of hematologic disorders, providing an overview of new information and its significance to patient care. In Section I, Dr. Braziel discusses the impact of new genetic information and research technologies on the actual practice of diagnostic molecular hematopathology. Recent and projected changes in methodologies and analytical strategies used by clinical molecular diagnostics laboratories for the evaluation of hematologic disorders will be discussed, and some of the challenges to clinical implementation of new molecular information and techniques will be highlighted. In Section II, Dr. Shipp provides an update on current scientific knowledge in the genomic profiling of malignant lymphomas, and describes some of the technical aspects of gene expression profiling. Analysis methods and the actual and potential clinical and therapeutic applications of information obtained from genomic profiling of malignant lymphomas are discussed. In Section III, Dr. Liotta presents an update on proteomic analysis, a new and very active area of research in hematopoietic malignancies. He describes new technologies for rapid identification of different important proteins and protein networks, and the potential therapeutic and prognostic value of the elucidation of these proteins and protein pathways in the clinical care of patients with malignant lymphomas.

Cytogenetic Analysis↗

Rituximab and CHOP induction therapy for newly diagnosed mantle-cell lymphoma: molecular complete responses are not predictive of progression-free survival.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of rituximab and cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) induction therapy in patients with newly diagnosed mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 1997 to May 1999, 40 previously untreated patients with stage II through IV MCL were treated with six cycles of rituximab and CHOP chemotherapy in a phase II trial. Pretreatment and interval peripheral-blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) specimens were also analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for tumor-specific BCL-1/immunoglobulin H (IgH) translocations and clonal IgH rearrangements. Study end points included clinical and molecular response rates and long-term progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: Forty-eight percent of patients achieved a complete response (CR)/CR unconfirmed (CRu), and 48% of patients obtained a partial response (PR). However, 28 of the 40 patients have already relapsed or developed progressive disease with a median PFS of 16.6 months. Twenty-five patients had PCR-detectable BCL-1/IgH or clonal IgH products in PB or BM at diagnosis. Nine of the 25 informative patients had no evidence of PCR-detectable disease in PB or BM after rituximab and CHOP therapy. However, patients who achieved molecular remissions in PB or BM had PFS similar to patients without molecular remissions (16.5 v 18.8 months, P =.51). CONCLUSION: Favorable clinical and molecular response rates associated with rituximab and CHOP chemotherapy do not translate into prolonged PFS in MCL. Nevertheless, rituximab and combination chemotherapy may transiently clear PB or BM of detectable tumor cells, prompting additional consideration of antibody-based in vivo purging in subsequent clinical trials.

Adolescent↗

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma outcome prediction by gene-expression profiling and supervised machine learning.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common lymphoid malignancy in adults, is curable in less than 50% of patients. Prognostic models based on pre-treatment characteristics, such as the International Prognostic Index (IPI), are currently used to predict outcome in DLBCL. However, clinical outcome models identify neither the molecular basis of clinical heterogeneity, nor specific therapeutic targets. We analyzed the expression of 6,817 genes in diagnostic tumor specimens from DLBCL patients who received cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP)-based chemotherapy, and applied a supervised learning prediction method to identify cured versus fatal or refractory disease. The algorithm classified two categories of patients with very different five-year overall survival rates (70% versus 12%). The model also effectively delineated patients within specific IPI risk categories who were likely to be cured or to die of their disease. Genes implicated in DLBCL outcome included some that regulate responses to B-cell-receptor signaling, critical serine/threonine phosphorylation pathways and apoptosis. Our data indicate that supervised learning classification techniques can predict outcome in DLBCL and identify rational targets for intervention.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

Seventy-two hour continuous infusion flavopiridol in relapsed and refractory mantle cell lymphoma.

The cell cycle regulatory protein cyclin D1, which is over-expressed in 95-100% of mantle cell lymphomas (MCL), is a potential therapeutic target. Flavopiridol inhibits the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4-cyclin D1 complex and induces apoptosis in lymphoma cell lines. Previous phase I clinical studies had demonstrated that this drug could be safely administered in humans, prompting further evaluation of flavopiridol as a single agent in MCL. Ten patients with relapsed or refractory MCL, who had received one prior chemotherapy regimen, were treated with flavopiridol 50 mg/m2/day given as a 72 h continuous intravenous infusion every 14 days. Treatment was well tolerated, and only one patient developed grade III-IV non-hematologic toxicity. However, there were no clinical responses; despite therapy, three patients maintained stable disease, and seven patients demonstrated progressive disease within two months. In relapsed and refractory MCL, flavopiridol is ineffective as a single agent given by 72 h continuous infusion at 50 mg/m2/day. Recent in vitro studies using human plasma suggest that higher plasma drug levels may be necessary to achieve clinical efficacy. In vitro studies of flavopiridol indicate that the agent is synergistic with DNA-damaging compounds. Further investigation into flavopiridol as a clinical agent should focus on alternative dosing schedules and the compound's potential use in combination chemotherapeutic regimens.

Aged↗