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920 citation(s) found for "Yu, Cheng".

Using ddPCR to Identify Large Deletions of Complement Factor H-Related Genes in Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Cheng, Yuwei , Wang, Zhen, Tu, Zheng Jin, Mularo, Frank, Wang, Xiangling, Cheng, Yu‐Wei , Cheng, Yu-Wei

The Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine | April 22, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.1093/jalm/jfag061 | PMID 42172347 Get It

Abstract Background Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare, complement-mediated disorder. Disease-associated variants have been found in complement factor H-related genes and complement regulatory genes. Particularly, homozygous deletions of CFHR1, CFHR3, or CFHR4 have been associated with aHUS. Generally, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) is used to detect copy number changes in the CFH and CFHR regions. We have developed a cost-effective droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) method for measuring copy number variations (CNVs) in these genes. Methods A total of 41 DNA samples were analyzed using both ddPCR and MLPA to assess large deletions in the CFHR1, CFHR3, CFHR4 regions. The ddPCR primers were designed to avoid rare single nucleotide polymorphisms to enhance hybridization efficiency and accurate identification of deletions within the CFHR regions. The MLPA probe mix (Probemix P236 CFH Region) targeting CFHR regions was purchased from MRC Holland. Results Multiple heterozygous deletions were observed in the CFHR1, CFHR3, and CFHR4 genes. Homozygous deletions of CFHR1 and CFHR3 were seen in 2 cases, while 2 other cases showed homozygous CFHR1 and heterozygous CFHR3 deletions. All 41 samples demonstrated 100% concordance in copy number results between ddPCR and MLPA, as well as consistent reproducibility in both inter- and intratechnologist evaluations. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that ddPCR is a robust platform to identify large deletions in the CFHR regions. Future studies are needed to evaluate its ability to distinguish full vs partial deletions and to further establish its clinical diagnostic value.
Phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate promotes 53BP1 condensate-like assembly at DNA double-strand breaks
Xiong, Nan, Xu, Xuanqi, Xie, Yawen, Liang, Shikang , Liu, Yang, Yu, Cheng‐han , Mer, Georges , Huen, Michael Shing Yan, Xiong, Nan, Cui, Gaofeng , Ti, Shih-Chieh , Draviam, Viji M.

No container title available | April 22, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.64898/2026.04.18.710733 Get It

53BP1 nuclear bodies are dynamic structures with properties resembling biomolecular condensates, but the molecular determinants that govern 53BP1 higher-order assembly at DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) remain to be established. Here, we show that 53BP1 condensation is stimulated by phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI(3)P) in vitro through a highly specific interaction with its C-terminal tandem BRCT domain (tBRCT). Consequently, mutational inactivation of the 53BP1 tBRCT domain compromised PI(3)P binding and suppressed 53BP1 optodroplet formation in vivo. We further show that rapid 53BP1 clustering following DNA damage precedes its stable assembly on DSB-flanking chromatin, requires its tBRCT, and is suppressed by sequestration of nuclear PI(3)P. Taken together, our findings identify PI(3)P binding as a mechanism that promotes the formation and maturation of 53BP1 condensate-like assemblies on damaged chromatin.
Abstract LB390: Genetic risk of prostate cancer: Insights from the Prostate Cancer Sequencing Consortium
Zhang, Yifan , Cheng, Shuyan , Boddicker, Nicholas, Lebo, Matthew , Berry, Alexander S. , Hausler, Ryan , Desai, Heena, Rodriguez, Alex A , Hill, Andrew, Sheng, Xin, Gundell, Susan, Cicek, Mine S., Gignoux, Chris , Garraway, Isla P. , Pasaniuc, Bogdan, Oetjens, Matt, Kibel, Adam S., Kote-Jarai, Zsofia, Couch, Fergus J., Darst, Burcu F., Conti, David V., Haiman, Christopher A., Chen, F Z, Conti, David V. , Conti, David V , Boddicker, Nicholas , Haas, Roni , Dadaev, Tokhir , Desai, Heena , Madduri, Ravi , Sheng, Xin , Lilja, Hans , Melander, Olle , Paşaniuc, Bogdan , Boutros, Paul C. , Oetjens, Matthew T. , Kibel, Adam S. , Klein, Robert J. , Kote‐Jarai, Zsofia , Couch, Fergus J. , Maxwell, Kara N. , Darst, Burcu F. , Haiman, Christopher A.

Cancer Research | April 17, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 8_Supplement | Pages: LB390-LB390

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-lb390 Get It

Abstract Inherited susceptibility plays a critical role in prostate cancer (PCa) risk. Using large biobank and case-control datasets, we evaluated the contribution of both common variants and rare germline pathogenic variants (PVs) to overall PCa risk. The Prostate Cancer Exome Sequencing Consortium currently includes 427,388 male participants (51,452 PCa cases and 375,936 controls) with whole-exome sequencing data from ten biobanks and studies: UK Biobank (14,669 cases/195,600 controls), All of Us Research Program (7,577/75,226), African Ancestry Prostate Cancer Consortium (7,176/4,675), Mayo Clinic Biobank (6,031/15,084), Mass General Brigham Biobank (3,393/14,095), Geisinger’s MyCode Community Health Initiative (3,026/15,130), UCLA ATLAS Precision Medicine Biobank (2,850/16,904), Penn Medicine Biobank (2,598/16,255), Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine (2,269/13,399), and Malmo Diet and Cancer (1,863/9,568). Based on self-reported race/ethnicity and estimated genetic ancestry, the cases comprise approximately 79% European, 18% African, and 3% other ancestry populations. Single-variant association analyses tested all variants on chromosomes 1-22 and X with a minor allele count ≥ 5. In gene-based analyses, PVs were defined as rare variants (minor allele frequency [MAF] < 1% in controls) that had either a Variant Effect Predictor (VEP) impact score of “high” or a pathogenic or likely pathogenic ClinVar classification. Associations were estimated using Firth logistic regression, adjusting for age and the top ten genetic principal components. Results from individual studies were combined using fixed-effect meta-analysis. In single-variant association analyses, 496 variants reached genome-wide significance (p<5×10-8; MAF>0.02%). Among these, 458 (92%) variants mapped to previously known risk regions, including three rare PVs in HOXB13 (rs138213197), CHEK2 (rs555607708), and FAM111A (rs533676902). Characterization of the remaining 38 variants is ongoing. Gene-based analyses identified significant associations (p<2.4×10-6) for eight genes: HOXB13 (OR=3.7, 95% CI=3.3-4.2), BRCA2 (OR=2.0, 95% CI=1.7-2.3), CHEK2 (OR=1.6, 95% CI=1.5-1.8), ATM (OR=1.6, 95% CI=1.4-1.9), FAM111A (OR=1.4, 95% CI=1.3-1.5), BIK (OR=1.4, 95% CI=1.2-1.6), SAMHD1 (OR=2.1, 95% CI=1.6-2.7), and SMOC2 (OR=3.2, 95% CI=2.0-5.1). All genes except SMOC2 have been previously implicated in PCa susceptibility. Among cancer predisposition and DNA repair genes, nominal associations were also observed for XRCC2 (OR=1.6, 95% CIs=1.2-2.3) and BRCA1 (OR=1.2, 95% CI=1.0-1.4), whereas the association was not significant for PALB2 (OR=1.2, 95% CI=0.9-1.5). These findings reinforce the role of rare germline PVs, particularly in cancer predisposition and DNA repair genes, in PCa susceptibility. As additional studies are incorporated into the Consortium, we expect this work to provide a more comprehensive characterization of the genetic architecture of PCa. Citation Format: Yifan Zhang, Shuyan Cheng, Nicholas Boddicker, Matthew Lebo, Alexander S. Berry, Roni Haas, Ryan Hausler, Tokhir Dadaev, Heena Desai, Alex A. Rodriguez, Ravi K. Madduri, Andrew Hill, Xin Sheng, Susan M. Gundell, Mine Cicek, Penn Medicine Biobank, Olle Melander, Chris R. Gignoux, Isla P. Garraway, Bogdan Pasaniuc, Paul C. Boutros, Matt Oetjens, Adam S. Kibel, Robert J. Klein, Zsofia Kote-Jarai, Fergus J. Couch, Kara N. Maxwell, Burcu F. Darst, David V. Conti, Christopher A. Haiman, Fei Chen. Genetic risk of prostate cancer: Insights from the Prostate Cancer Sequencing Consortium [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(8_Suppl):Abstract nr LB390.
Abstract CT035: CTEP #10355 A phase 1 trial of DS-8201a and olaparib in HER2-expressing malignancies: Results from dose escalation
Lee, E, Hendrickson, Andrea Wahner, Colón‐Otero, Gerardo , Pickett, Cheryl A., Zhou, Yinglu, Cheng, Su-Chun, Sawyer, Hannah, Hayes, Martin, Matulonis, Ursula A., Shapiro, Geoffrey I., Polak, Madeline , Sawyer, Hannah , Hayes, Martin , Matulonis, Ursula A. , Shapiro, Geoffrey I. , Konstantinopoulos, Panagiotis A.

Cancer Research | April 17, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 8_Supplement | Pages: CT035-CT035

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-ct035 Get It

Abstract Background: DS-8201a is a HER2-targeting antibody drug conjugate with a topoisomerase 1 (topo1) inhibitor payload. Preclinical evidence suggests that inhibiting PARP can potentiate topo1 inhibitor-induced DNA damage and cytotoxicity. However, the clinical activity of combined topo1-inhibiting chemotherapy and PARP inhibition has been limited by toxicity. We hypothesized that targeted delivery of a topo1 inhibitor via DS-8201a may reduce systemic toxicity, while maintaining synergistic cytotoxic activity in combination with olaparib (PARPi). DS-8201a + olaparib was evaluated in the ongoing CTEP #10355 trial (NCT04585958). Results from Dose Escalation are presented. Methods: Accrual was limited to pts ≥18 years old with advanced or recurrent solid tumors expressing HER2, defined as HER2 IHC ≥1+ or ERBB2 amplification by NGS or ISH (local testing allowed). DS-8201a was given Q3W across all dose escalation regimens. Olaparib dosing in continuous (Module 1 D1-21) and intermittent schedules (Module 2 D8-14; Module 3 D3-9) were explored. A 3+3 dose escalation design was followed in Mod 1 & 2 and up to 6 pts in a safety cohort were planned for Mod 3. Primary endpoints included safety as graded by CTCAE v5 and determination of an RP2D. Results: As of Oct 26, 2025, 30 pts were enrolled and 28 pts were treated. 12 pts had uterine and 16 pts had ovarian cancer; mean age was 61.6 years, median number of prior therapies was 4 (range 1-10). HER2 expression by local testing was: 4 pts IHC 1+, 17 pts IHC 2+, 6 pts IHC 3+, 1 pt ERBB2 amplification (IHC not reported). 9/10 pts enrolled in Mod 1 (continuous olaparib) were DLT-evaluable: 1/7 pts at DL1 (DS-8201a 4.4mg/kg IV Q3W + olaparib 100mg BID D1-21) and 3/3 pts at DL2 (DS-8201a 5.4mg/kg IV Q3W + olaparib 100mg BID D1-21) experienced DLTs (G4 neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, WBC decrease, colitis), halting further Mod 1 enrollment. 12/16 pts enrolled to Mod 2 (intermittent olaparib) were DLT-evaluable and only 1 pt at the highest dose level (DL3, DS-8201a 5.4mg/kg IV Q3W + olaparib 300mg BID D8-14) experienced a DLT (G3 colitis). Hematologic TRAEs were markedly attenuated in Mod 2 compared to Mod 1: 12% vs 30% G3 and 19% vs 50% G4 neutropenia; 25% vs 70% G3 anemia; 6% vs 20% G3 and 0% vs 20% G4 thrombocytopenia. 2/2 DLT-evaluable pts in Mod 3 (intermittent olaparib; DS-8201a 5.4mg/kg IV Q3W + olaparib 300mg BID D3-9) experienced DLTs (G3 diarrhea, G3 nausea & vomiting, G4 neutropenia), halting further Mod 3 enrollment. The Mod 2 DL3 regimen of DS-8201a 5.4mg/kg IV Q3W + olaparib 300mg BID D8-14 was declared the RP2D and is under further investigation in an ongoing Dose Expansion cohort enrolling HER2 IHC 1+ platinum resistant ovarian cancer. Objective responses were observed across all modules and dose levels. Conclusions: In pts with HER2-expressing advanced solid tumors, DS-8201a in combination with intermittently-dosed olaparib was tolerable. DS-8201a 5.4mg/kg IV Q3W + olaparib 300mg BID D8-14 was selected as the RP2D for further evaluation in Dose Expansion. Additional endpoints of clinical activity will be presented. Citation Format: Elizabeth K. Lee, Andrea Wahner Hendrickson, Gerardo Colon-Otero, Cheryl A. Pickett, Yinglu Zhou, Su-Chun Cheng, Madeline Polak, Hannah Sawyer, Martin Hayes, Ursula A. Matulonis, Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Panagiotis A. Konstantinopoulos. CTEP #10355 A phase 1 trial of DS-8201a and olaparib in HER2-expressing malignancies: Results from dose escalation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(8_Suppl):Abstract nr CT035.
Tunneling nanotube–mediated intercellular filamin A transport mechanosensitively programs osteoclastogenesis in myeloma bone disease
Guo, Jing , Wang, Jingjing , Xie, Ying , Wang, Yixuan , Peng, Ziyi , Cheng, Hao , Li, Tiantian , Jia, Linchuang , Xu, Hongwei, Su, D, Qiao, Mu, Li, Keqing, Li, Wenjing , Wu, Di, Huang, Jianyong, Li, F., Zhao, Zhigang, Cheng, Hao , Li, Tiantian , Li, Wenjing , Huang, Jianyong , Bergsagel, P. Leif , Li, Feng , Liu, Zhiqiang , Wang, Mengqi, Su, Danchen, Liu, Huanhuan, Li, Xinyang, Bergsagel, P. Leif , Liu, Zhiqiang , Peng, Ziyi

Blood | April 8, 2026 | Volume: 148 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 581-597

10.1182/blood.2025031627 | PMID 41950002 Get It

Abstract Intercellular communication between multiple myeloma (MM) cells and osteoclast precursor cells (pre-OCs) contributes extensively to the occurrence and development of myeloma-related bone destruction. However, key interacting modes and the exchanged substances involved in this communication remain unclear. In this study, we discover that tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) directly connect MM and pre-OCs. Using the stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture assay and a positive-negative double selection strategy, we identify filamin A (FLNA) as a major protein transported from MM to pre-OCs. FLNA acts as a molecular clutch linking extracellular matrix–bound MAC1 to the cytoskeleton, activating Rho and MAPK signaling pathways and promoting F-actin polymerization, which subsequently enhances osteoclast differentiation by modulating cellular stiffness, traction force, and deformability. In addition, FLNA directly binds vinculin and promotes its recruitment to podosomes, thereby enhancing the functions of podosomes and the bone resorption capacity of osteoclasts. The conditional depletion of Flna in mice suppresses podosome activity and reduces stiffness, traction force, and deformability in pre-OCs, leading to significantly impaired osteoclast differentiation and increased bone mass. In the Vk∗MYC mouse model of myeloma, the administration of the TNT inhibitor latrunculin B disrupts FLNA transport to osteoclasts and alleviates osteolytic bone disease. These findings highlight the critical role of MM-transferred FLNA in osteoclastogenesis and suggest that targeting TNTs may represent a therapeutic strategy to limit pathological bone resorption associated with MM.
Abstract 7810: Engineering macrophages as a novel therapeutic approach for high-risk neuroblastoma
Tan, Ke‐En , Zhang, Cheng, Baker, Caleb T., Tan, Shyang Hong , Sosic, Alexis M., Lim, Yat-Yuen, Ung, Choong-Yong, Correia, Cristina Belo , Lin, Yi, Li, H, Zhu, Shizhen , Yeo, Kok Siong , Zhang, Cheng, Lim, Yat‐Yuen , Ung, Choong Yong , Correia, Cristina, Polites, Stephanie F. , Weiss, William A.

Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 7810-7810

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-7810 Get It

Abstract Neuroblastoma (NB) accounts for 10% of pediatric cancer-related deaths. High-risk NB is frequently metastatic at diagnosis and has a poor 5-year survival rate (<50%) despite aggressive treatment. GD2, a disialoganglioside glycolipid that is expressed in nearly all NBs, has been validated as a promising immunotherapy target. Although GD2-CAR-T cells have been clinically evaluated, their efficacy has been limited by poor tumor infiltration and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), highlighting the need for alternative immune-based strategies. With inherent capacity of macrophages to infiltrate tumors, phagocytose cancer cells, and modulate TME, they represent a promising alternative strategy for immunotherapy in NB. In this study, we developed and evaluated GD2-CAR-macrophages (GD2-CAR-Ms) as a novel therapeutic approach for NB. GD2-specific CAR constructs were designed, validated, and introduced into multiple human and murine monocyte/macrophage cell lines via lentiviral transduction. Fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry confirmed a significant enhancement in the phagocytosis of GD2-high NB cells by GD2-CAR-Ms containing Hu3F8 single-chain variable fragment (scFv). A strong positive correlation was observed between GD2 expression levels on the target cells and phagocytosis efficiency of GD2-CAR-Ms, indicating that the phagocytic activity of GD2-CAR-Ms is antigen-specific. Anti-tumor efficacy was further evaluated in vivo using an immunocompetent Mycn-expressing NB non-genetically engineered mouse model (MYCN-NGEMM). Mice treated with GD2-CAR-Ms exhibited significantly reduced tumor burden and prolonged survival compared to control groups. Notably, treatment of mice bearing GD2-high tumors resulted in markedly improved survival, including one complete remission among ten treated animals, underscoring the therapeutic potential of GD2-targeted macrophage therapy. Histological analysis showed increased deposition of connective tissues and decreased tumor cells density, suggesting TME remodeling. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry reveals increased immune cell infiltration, particularly of macrophages, neutrophils and T cells, indicating a favorable shift in the immune TME from “cold” to “hot” following GD2-CAR-M treatment. Additionally, inhibition of tumor growth was also observed in our zebrafish NB model after GD2-CAR-Ms treatment, further supporting their therapeutic potential. Together, our findings demonstrate that GD2-CAR-Ms exhibit potent antitumor activity and reshape the tumor immune microenvironment, supporting their translational potential as a therapeutic strategy for high-risk NB. Citation Format: Ke-En Tan, Kok Siong Yeo, Cheng Zhang, Caleb Baker, Shyang Hong Tan, Alexis M. Sosic, Yat-Yuen Lim, Choong-Yong Ung, Cristina Correia, Stephanie F. Polites, Yi Lin, William A. Weiss, Hu Li, Shizhen Zhu. Engineering macrophages as a novel therapeutic approach for high-risk neuroblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 7810.
TROP2/claudin program mediates immune exclusion to impede checkpoint blockade in breast cancer
Wu, Bogang , Thant, Win , Bitman, Elena , Liu, T., Liu, Jie, Paschalis, E., Patel, B., Nawrocki, Cole , Xu, K., Nieman, Linda T, Ting, David T, Cheng, Yang, Sun, Fengfei, Thimmiah, Nayana , Sun, S., Abelman, R. O., Bossuyt, Veerle , Isakoff, Steven J. , Spring, L., Bardia, Aditya, Ellisen, Leif W. , Wu, Bogang , de Gois Macedo, Bruna, Paschalis, Eleftherios I. , Patel, Bidish K. , Nieman, Linda T. , Ting, David T. , Macedo, Bruna de Gois , Jiang, Kevin , Abelman, Rachel O. , Bardia, Aditya

Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 14 | Issue: 4 | Pages: e012265

10.1136/jitc-2025-012265 | PMID 41932810 Get It

Background Immune exclusion inhibits antitumor immunity and response to immunotherapy, but its mechanisms remain poorly defined. In triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive and generally immune-rich subtype, an immune-cold microenvironment predicts poor prognosis due to a limited response to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. This study aimed to identify mechanisms regulating immune infiltration in TNBC. Methods We performed spatial transcriptomic analysis comparing immune-enriched versus immune-cold treatment-naïve TNBCs. Functional analyses, including loss-of-function and reconstitution experiments, were conducted to investigate the role of trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2), a key target of anticancer antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), in promoting TNBC progression. A humanized TROP2 syngeneic TNBC model was used to assess the effects of TROP2-targeting in combination with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) therapy. Additionally, data from patients treated with immune checkpoint blockade were used to test hypotheses from the preclinical findings. Results We reveal that TROP2 controls barrier-mediated immune exclusion in TNBC through claudin 7 association and tight junction regulation. TROP2 expression is inversely correlated with T-cell infiltration and predicts poor outcomes in TNBC. We demonstrate that TROP2 is sufficient to drive tumor progression in vivo in a CD8 T cell-dependent manner, while its loss deregulates expression and localization of multiple tight junction proteins, enabling T-cell infiltration. We show that TROP2 targeting via hRS7, the antibody component of the ADC sacituzumab govitecan, enhances the anti-PD-1 response and improves T-cell accessibility and effector function. Correspondingly, TROP2 expression is highly associated with lack of response to anti-PD-1 therapy in human breast cancer. Conclusions This study defines a new mechanism of barrier-mediated immune exclusion in cancer controlled by TROP2-dependent tight junctions. This mechanism drives tumor progression but can be targeted via TROP2-directed therapy to activate antitumor immunity and enhance immunotherapy response.
Abstract 7903: MiR-362-3p enhances platinum response in breast cancer
Liu, Zhaoji, Ke, Shizhong, Li, Xiaohui, Wu, C., Uyemura, Madison M., Sardella, Barbara, Massicott, Erica S., Wang, Lin, Aronson, Emily K., Karagkouni, Dimitra, Kalavros, Nikolaos , Bogsan, Cristina S, Zhou, Lihan, Cheng, He, Garber, J. E., Schnitt, Stuart J. , Tung, Nadine M., Wulf, G. M., Heng, Yujing J., Ke, Shizhong, Li, Xiaohui, Wang, Lin , Aronson, Emily K., Karagkouni, Dimitra , Vlachos, Ioannis S. , Batalini, Felipe , Bogsan, Cristina Stewart Bittencourt , Cheong, Jit Kong , Cheng, He, Munson, Phillip B. , Mayer, Erica L. , Tung, Nadine , Kasinski, Andrea L. , Slack, Frank John , Wulf, Gerburg M. , Heng, Yujing J.

Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 7903-7903

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-7903 Get It

Abstract The INFORM trial (NCT01670500) was a randomized, two-arm Phase II neoadjuvant study comparing the efficacy of a platinum-based regimen (cisplatin) versus an anthracycline (AC)-based regimen in participants with germline BRCA1/2 mutations and early-stage, HER2-negative breast cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as promising non-invasive biomarkers for disease detection and treatment monitoring. The initial aim of this study was to evaluate whether pretreatment plasma miRNA profiles were associated with treatment outcomes in the INFORM trial cohort. Pretreatment plasma samples from 97 INFORM participants (n=53 cisplatin and n=44 AC) were screened for 352 miRNAs commonly implicated in cancer using the qPCR-based ID3EALTM Cancer Panel. Twenty out of 53 participants achieved residual cancer burden (RCB) score of 0 or 1 with cisplatin and 20/44 with AC. Higher plasma miR-362-3p expression was associated with a favorable response to cisplatin (1.7-fold; p<0.01), but not to AC. MiR-362-3p expression in paired pretreatment tumor biopsies (n=79) did not significantly correlate with plasma expression and was not associated with RCB 0/1 (p>0.05). In TCGA, miR-362-3p expression was higher in breast tumors than in adjacent normal tissue, and higher in triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) compared with hormone receptor-positive tumors (both FDR<0.001), independent of BRCA mutation or Single Base Substitution Signature 3 (SBS3) status. The miR-362-3p findings in INFORM did not replicate in a sister trial, TBCRC 030 (NCT01982448; 11 out of 46 cisplatin-treated patients achieved RCB 0/1, p=0.46). These results suggest that while miR-362-3p is unsuitable as a circulating biomarker for cisplatin response, it may play an important biological role in mediating cisplatin sensitivity in TNBCs, independent of BRCA1/2 mutations. Functional studies demonstrated that miR-362-3p is expressed and secreted by TNBC cell lines, operates as a tumor suppressor, and generally correlates with cisplatin sensitivity. Overexpression of miR-362-3p rendered MDA-MB-231 and CAL-51 cells cisplatin sensitive, while knockdown induced resistance in MDA-MB-436 cells. Ongoing studies are testing whether these effects translate in xenograft models. In silico and functional assays identified BCLAF1, a DNA damage response (DDR) regulator, as a direct target of miR-362-3p. Overexpression of miR-362-3p suppresses BCLAF1 mRNA and protein levels. Our findings demonstrate that miR-362-3p enhances cisplatin responsiveness by targeting BCLAF1. A miR-362-3p-based therapeutic may be useful as a co-agent to enhance tumor responses to platinum-based chemotherapy. Citation Format: Zhaoji Liu, Shizhong Ke, Xiaohui Li, Catherine Wu, Madison M. Uyemura, Brian R. Sardella, Erica S. Massicott, Lin Wang, Emily K. Aronson, Dimitra Karagkouni, Nikolas Kalavros, Ioannis S. Vlachos, Felipe Batalini, Cristina S. Bogsan, Jit Kong Cheong, Lihan Zhou, He Cheng, Phillip Munson, Erica L. Mayer, Judy E. Garber, Stuart J. Schnitt, Nadine M. Tung, Andrea L. Kasinski, Frank J. Slack, Gerburg M. Wulf, Yujing J. Heng. MiR-362-3p enhances platinum response in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 7903.
Abstract 4250: Sirt2 dictates TCR activation thresholds through post-translational control of LCK conformational state
Hamaidi, Imène , Cheng, Pingyan, Jun, Soo Young, Wang, Min-Hsuan, Zhang, Min, Taylor, Odesha O, Lopez-Bailon, Luis U, Can, Ismail, Perez, Bradford A. , Creelan, Ben C., Ji, Haitao, Kim, Sungjune , Cheng, Pingyan , Jun, Soo Young, Lopez-Bailon, Luis Uriel, Can, İsmail , Fang, Bin , Berglund, Anders , Creelan, Ben , Marusyk, Andriy , Shapiro, Virginia Smith , Conejo-García, José R.

Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 4250-4250

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-4250 Get It

Abstract BACKGROUND: Tumor-specific T cells are often characterized by reduced TCR signaling due to central and peripheral tolerance pathways that limit their responsiveness. These signals are further weakened by insufficient co-stimulation and active co-inhibitory pathways, collectively establishing a high threshold for activation. The integration of antigen recognition with co-stimulatory and inhibitory cues ultimately determines whether a T cell becomes activated or remains tolerant. Early TCR signaling must therefore be precisely regulated to prevent autoreactivity while still supporting protective immunity. Although phosphorylation and ubiquitination are well-established regulators of proximal TCR signaling, additional post-translational mechanisms remain less defined. SIRT2, a cytosolic NAD+-dependent deacetylase with emerging roles in immune regulation, has not been examined in the context of TCR signaling. METHODS: We evaluated proximal TCR signaling events in wild-type and SIRT2-deficient T cells using flow cytometry, immunoblotting, calcium flux assays, and RNA-sequencing. SIRT2-associated pathways were defined by mapping its interactome and acetylated substrates through mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation. We screened LCK post-translational modifications by mass spectrometry and assessed SIRT2 enzymatic activity using an HPLC-based deacetylase assay. Conformational effects of LCK modification were examined using fluorescence-polarization binding assays and AlphaFold structural modeling. SIRT2 was deleted in human tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) via CRISPR/Cas9, and the impact of SIRT2 targeting was tested in lung cancer patient-derived xenograft models reconstituted with autologous TILs. RESULTS: SIRT2 deficiency amplified proximal TCR signaling, leading to elevated phosphorylation of early signaling mediators and increased calcium flux in both naïve and anergic T cells. Loss of SIRT2 also altered thymic selection dynamics and expanded TCR repertoire diversity. Mechanistically, SIRT2 interacted with and deacetylated LCK, the initiating kinase of proximal TCR signaling. Mass spectrometry identified lysine K228 in the LCK linker region as a SIRT2-regulated deacetylation site that governs LCK conformation and kinase activity. Functionally, SIRT2 inhibition in exhausted mouse and human TILs restored TCR signaling capacity and improved anti-tumor responses. CONCLUSION: Here we identify SIRT2-regulated deacetylation of LCK as a previously unrecognized mechanism that sets the strength and threshold of proximal TCR signaling. Accordingly, SIRT2 targeting reverses the exhausted phenotype of tumor-reactive T cells. Citation Format: Imene Hamaidi, Pingyan Cheng, Soo Young Jun, Min-Hsuan Wang, Min Zhang, Odesha Taylor, Luis Lopez-bailon, Ismail Can, Bin Fang, Anders Berglund, Bradford Perez, Ben Creelan, Andriy Marusyk, Virginia Shapiro, Haitao Ji, Jose R. Conejo-Garcia, Sungjune Kim. Sirt2 dictates TCR activation thresholds through post-translational control of LCK conformational state [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 4250.
Abstract 5038: Associations of WCRF/AICR recommendations with survival and chemotherapy outcomes in colon cancer: CALGB/SWOG 80702 (Alliance)
Cheng, En , Ma, Chao, Shi, Qian , Shields, Anthony F., Campbell, Peter T., Shergill, Ardaman P., Guthrie, Katherine A. , Couture, Félix , Kuebler, Philip , Kumar, Pankaj, Tan, B, Krishnamurthi, S., Ng, Kimmie, O'Reilly, Eileen M., Philip, Philip A., Ma, Chao, Shields, Anthony F. , Campbell, Peter T., Kumar, Pankaj , Krishnamurthi, Smitha , Ng, Kimmie , O’Reilly, Eileen M. , Brown, Justin C. , Philip, Philip A. , Meyerhardt, Jeffrey A.

Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 5038-5038

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-5038 Get It

Abstract Background: Adhering to 2018 World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)/American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) Cancer Prevention Recommendations is reportedly associated with better survival among long-term colon cancer survivors (likely affected by immortal time bias). Thus, it is important to validate survival benefits by assessing adherence shortly after diagnosis, and further investigation is needed to examine its association with chemotherapy outcomes. Methods: Using an NCI-sponsored adjuvant chemotherapy trial conducted in patients with stage III colon cancer (CALGB/SWOG 80702; NCT01150045), we included 1,666 patients who returned valid Willett food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) at chemotherapy initiation and derived WCRF/AICR scores accordingly (higher score suggesting higher adherence). The primary outcome was disease-free survival (time from FFQ completion to recurrence or death), and secondary outcomes were reduced relative dose intensity (RDI; <85% suggesting worse completion) and severe toxicities (grade ≥3 for any chemotherapy-related toxicity). To estimate the associations of WCRF/AICR scores (quartiles) with survival and chemotherapy outcomes, we conducted multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression for disease-free survival and multivariable logistic regression for reduced RDI and severe toxicities. Results: Compared to those in the lowest quartile of the WCRF/AICR score, patients in the highest quartile had significantly better disease-free survival (hazard ratio: 0.75 [0.58, 0.98], Ptrend = 0.02) and lower risk of reduced RDI (odds ratio [OR]: 0.74 [0.54, 1.00], Ptrend = 0.03), but not for severe toxicities (OR: 1.24 [0.93, 1.67], Ptrend = 0.11). Conclusions: In patients with stage III colon cancer, higher adherence to WCRF/AICR recommendations was associated with better survival and chemotherapy completion, but not for severe toxicities. Funding: https://acknowledgments.alliancefound.org Citation Format: En Cheng, Chao Ma, Qian Shi, Anthony F. Shields, Peter T. Campbell, Ardaman P. Shergill, Katherine A. Guthrie, Felix Couture, Philip Kuebler, Pankaj Kumar, Benjamin Tan, Smitha S. Krishnamurthi, Kimmie Ng, Eileen M. O'Reilly, Justin C. Brown, Philip A. Philip, Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt. Associations of WCRF/AICR recommendations with survival and chemotherapy outcomes in colon cancer: CALGB/SWOG 80702 (Alliance) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 5038.