The human mitochondrial genome (MG) is prone to genetic alterations, which lead to somatic mutations, changes in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and altered expression of respiratory chain subunits. This is in part due to the fact that mtDNA has a limited ability to repair itself when it is damaged. Although a buildup of somatic mutations in mtDNA has been associated with increased cancer risk, the role of mtDNA alterations in malignant transformation of lung adenocarcinoma (LA) has not been addressed. Therefore, a clear understanding of changes in mtDNA along the pathway of lung tumorigenesis is critical for identifying molecular biomarkers related to carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Like all solid tumors, LA is thought to be initiated and to progress through a series of genetic alterations, including changes in mtDNA. Lungs resected for primary adenocarcinomas often harbor minute discrete foci of cytologically atypical pneumocyte proliferations designated as atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH). Evidence suggests that AAH represents an initial step in the progression to adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) and ultimately fully invasive adenocarcinoma. To delineate mitochondrial clonal heterogeneity as a function of tumor progression we will use novel high- throughput-PCR-based enrichment technology combined with next generation sequencing (NGS) to assess mtDNA alterations in samples isolated from AAH lesions collected from patients diagnosed with primary invasive adenocarcinoma or from different zones of histologic progression within the same AIS and MIA. In this way, we will gain a unique understanding of the mitochondrial heterogeneity of early lesions and the potential role of these clonal events in the progression of early glandular neoplasms. Next, we will sequence LA that were detected through spiral CT screening approach and interval cancers, which likely indicate their rapidly progressing phenotypes. Finally, we will validate mtDNA-derived mutations in paired plasma samples using a sensitive and robust digital PCR approach, which provides a novel opportunity for noninvasive early lung cancer detection. In summary, this proposal will identify mtDNA-derived somatic mutations along the progression of LA and will develop biomarkers that will allow us to better predict the fate of early lesions non-invasively.

Public Health Relevance

The objective of this study is to obtain a clear understanding of changes in mtDNA along the pathway of lung adenocarcinoma pathogenesis. Results from this proposal will provide new insight in the mechanisms of genesis of pre-neoplastic lesions and its progression.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA208709-04
Application #
9759813
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZCA1)
Program Officer
Willis, Kristine Amalee
Project Start
2016-09-13
Project End
2021-08-31
Budget Start
2019-09-01
Budget End
2020-08-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Johns Hopkins University
Department
Otolaryngology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
001910777
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21205
Nam, Hae-Seong; Izumchenko, Evgeny; Dasgupta, Santanu et al. (2017) Mitochondria in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer: where are we now? Biomark Med 11:475-489