Mantle cell lymphomas (MCLs) are deadly lymphoid malignancies that arise from presumptive B cells of origin. Prior studies of MCL and other lymphomas revealed the presence of tumor cells with stem-like characteristics, although the exact identities and molecular properties of these cell types have remained obscure for decades. Our group has used monoclonal antibodies directed against B cell surface proteins, freshly isolated patient samples, and limiting dilution assays in mice to prospectively isolate and characterize stem-like tumor cells from multiple MCL. Gene expression profiling analyses of MCL initiating cells (MCL-ICs) revealed that MCL- ICs up-regulate NF-kB related signaling components and CXCR4-mediated mobilization pathways compared to the bulk tumor cells. In this proposal we will investigate how these molecular pathways are interconnected to confer growth, survival and drug resistant properties to MCL-ICs.
In Aim1 we will delineate molecular mechanisms of MCL drug resistance and link these features to stem-like functions. We hypothesize that stem-like MCL cells utilize TG2 and NF-kB signaling to compensate for diminished B cell receptor-mediated growth and survival due to lack of CD19 expression, as has been reported in Hodgkin's Lymphomas.
In Aim2 we will target drug resistant MCL cells by inhibiting autophagy. We discovered that bortezomib treatment induces autophagy in MCL cells, contributing to survival of the MCL cells. In addition, TG2/NF-kB pathway is reported to play important functions for autophagy. We hypothesize that bortezomib resistant MCL cells utilize autophagy as an alternative route for IkBa degradation, which in turn enhances their survival via NF-kB activation.
In Aim3 we will enhance bortezomib sensitivity of MCL cells by inhibiting their mobilization to the bone marrow. We have demonstrated that MCL-ICs migrate in response to CXCL12 which is expressed in the bone marrow microenvironment, and neutralizing antibodies directed against the major receptor for CXCL12, CXCR4, inhibit their mobilization. We hypothesize that the CXCR4 signaling on MCL cells mediates interactions with bone marrow stromal cells and that disrupting these interactions will sensitize MCL cells to bortezomib. Given that malignant stem cells in some cancers are highly drug resistant and give rise to new tumors after drug therapies, targeting the pathways selectively expressed in stem cells in MCL may ultimately improve survival of MCL patients.

Public Health Relevance

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas (NHLs) are the fifth most common cancer in the United States, and the incidence has nearly doubled in the past two decades. Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) is a subtype of NHL and displays the worst survival rate among NHL patients. We have discovered that MCL harbors subpopulations of cells with tumor-initiating capacities that contribute to the clonogenic behaviors, malignant characteristics, and chemotherapeutic-resistant features that typify this cancer. In this project we will use a variety f experimental strategies to target important molecular mechanisms governing selective growth and drug resistance in MCL. Therefore, the aims of this study have direct translational and clinical research connections. A better understanding of this disease will help in the development of new preclinical models and therapeutic strategies to treat or prevent the pathogenesis of MCL.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA181319-04
Application #
9263689
Study Section
Tumor Cell Biology Study Section (TCB)
Program Officer
Jhappan, Chamelli
Project Start
2014-07-02
Project End
2019-05-31
Budget Start
2017-06-01
Budget End
2018-05-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
$313,723
Indirect Cost
$106,223
Name
University of Texas Health Science Center Houston
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
800771594
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77030