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Włodarczyk M, Nowicka G, Ciebiera M, Ali M, Yang Q, Al-Hendy A. Epigenetic Regulation in Uterine Fibroids-The Role of Ten-Eleven Translocation Enzymes and Their Potential Therapeutic Application. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2720. [PMID: 35269864 PMCID: PMC8910916 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UFs) are monoclonal, benign tumors that contain abnormal smooth muscle cells and the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Although benign, UFs are a major source of gynecologic and reproductive dysfunction, ranging from menorrhagia and pelvic pain to infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and preterm labor. Many risk factors are involved in the pathogenesis of UFs via genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. The latter involving DNA methylation and demethylation reactions provide specific DNA methylation patterns that regulate gene expression. Active DNA demethylation reactions mediated by ten-eleven translocation proteins (TETs) and elevated levels of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine have been suggested to be involved in UF formation. This review paper summarizes the main findings regarding the function of TET enzymes and their activity dysregulation that may trigger the development of UFs. Understanding the role that epigenetics plays in the pathogenesis of UFs may possibly lead to a new type of pharmacological fertility-sparing treatment method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Włodarczyk
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grażyna Nowicka
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Ciebiera
- The Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (Q.Y.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (Q.Y.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (Q.Y.); (A.A.-H.)
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Grcevich LO, O'Connell A, Jabaay MJ, Scott JT. Postmenopausal Uterine Leiomyomas and Chronic Lymphadenopathy: Exploring Epigenetic Changes and Pathophysiology. Cureus 2021; 13:e18274. [PMID: 34722052 PMCID: PMC8545538 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas (LM) are tumors arising from the non-neoplastic proliferation of smooth muscle cells within the myometrium. Like benign tumors, LM are not generally spread through the lymphatic system, and therefore should not be associated with lymphadenopathy. Herein, we present a case of a 60-year-old female who presented to the clinic with postmenopausal bleeding in the setting of sonographically evident uterine LM and abdominal lymphadenopathy. A lymph node biopsy revealed plasma cells and an eosinophilic material presumptively diagnosed as amyloid. She then underwent an abdominal hysterectomy for definitive treatment of LM. Surgical pathology confirmed the clinical diagnosis of uterine and cervical leiomyoma. Current literature suggests that genetic and epigenetic abnormalities contribute to the pathogenesis of LM in addition to hormonal signals such as estrogen and progesterone. It is unusual for LM to occur in post-menopausal women due to reduced hormonal influence. Therefore, this case explored an alternative mechanism of tumor proliferation. This case hypothesizes that genetic mutations and epigenetic changes resulting from chronic inflammatory offenses contributed to LM growth and lymphadenopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah O Grcevich
- Department of Research, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, USA
| | - Alexis O'Connell
- Department of Research, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, USA
| | - Maxwell J Jabaay
- Department of Research, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, USA
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Shtykalova SV, Egorova AA, Maretina MA, Freund SA, Baranov VS, Kiselev AV. Molecular Genetic Basis and Prospects of Gene Therapy of Uterine Leiomyoma. RUSS J GENET+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795421090118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Awonuga AO, Chatzicharalampous C, Thakur M, Rambhatla A, Qadri F, Awonuga M, Saed G, Diamond MP. Genetic and Epidemiological Similarities, and Differences Between Postoperative Intraperitoneal Adhesion Development and Other Benign Fibro-proliferative Disorders. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:3055-3077. [PMID: 34515982 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00726-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Intraperitoneal adhesions complicate over half of abdominal-pelvic surgeries with immediate, short, and long-term sequelae of major healthcare concern. The pathogenesis of adhesion development is similar to the pathogenesis of wound healing in all tissues, which if unchecked result in production of fibrotic conditions. Given the similarities, we explore the published literature to highlight the similarities in the pathogenesis of intra-abdominal adhesion development (IPAD) and other fibrotic diseases such as keloids, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and pulmonary, intraperitoneal, and retroperitoneal fibrosis. Following a literature search using PubMed database for all relevant English language articles up to November 2020, we reviewed relevant articles addressing the genetic and epidemiological similarities and differences in the pathogenesis and pathobiology of fibrotic diseases. We found genetic and epidemiological similarities and differences between the pathobiology of postoperative IPAD and other diseases that involve altered fibroblast-derived cells. We also found several genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms that are up- or downregulated and whose products directly or indirectly increase the propensity for postoperative adhesion development and other fibrotic diseases. An understanding of the similarities in pathophysiology of adhesion development and other fibrotic diseases contributes to a greater understanding of IPAD and these disease processes. At a very fundamental level, blocking changes in the expression or function of genes necessary for the transformation of normal to altered fibroblasts may curtail adhesion formation and other fibrotic disease since this is a prerequisite for their development. Similarly, applying measures to induce apoptosis of altered fibroblast may do the same; however, apoptosis should be at a desired level to simultaneously ameliorate development of fibrotic diseases while allowing for normal healing. Scientists may use such information to develop pharmacologic interventions for those most at risk for developing these fibrotic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awoniyi O Awonuga
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Charalampos Chatzicharalampous
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Mili Thakur
- Reproductive Genomics Program, The Fertility Center, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Anupama Rambhatla
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Farnoosh Qadri
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Modupe Awonuga
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Ghassan Saed
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Michael P Diamond
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, CJ-1036, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
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Baranov VS, Osinovskaya NS, Yarmolinskaya MI. Pathogenomics of Uterine Fibroids Development. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E6151. [PMID: 31817606 PMCID: PMC6940759 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We review recent studies dealing with the molecular genetics and basic results of omics analysis of uterine leiomyoma (LM)-a common benign muscle tumor of the uterus. Whole genome studies of LM resulted in the discovery of many new gene nets and biological pathways, including its origin, transcriptomic, and epigenetic profiles, as well as the impact of the inter-cell matrix in LM growth and involvement of microRNA in its regulation. New data on somatic cell mutations ultimately involved in the origin, distribution and growth of LM are reviewed. Putative identification of LM progenitor SC (stem cells) giving rise to maternal fibroid nodes and junctional zones provide a new clue for hypotheses on the pathogenomics of LM. The reviewed data are consistent with at least two different but probably intimately interacted molecular mechanisms of LM. One of them (the genetic hypothesis) is focused primarily on the MED12 gene mutations and suggests its onset in the side population of embryonic myoblasts of the female reproductive system, which later gave rise to multiple small and medium fibroids. The single and usually large-size fibroids are induced by predominantly epigenetic disorders in LM SC, provoked by enhanced expression of the HMGA2 gene caused by its hypomethylation and epigenetic deregulation enhanced by hypoxia, muscle tension, or chromosome instability/aberrations. The pathogenomics of both genetic and epigenetic programs of LM with many peculiarities at the beginning later became rather similar and partly overlapped due to the proximity of their gene nets and epigenetic landscape. Pathogenomic studies of LM open ways for elaboration of novel strategies of prevention and treatment of this common disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav S. Baranov
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (N.S.O.); (M.I.Y.)
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Altinkaya SO, Avcioglu SN, Sezer SD, Ceylaner S. Analysis of TP53 gene in uterine myomas: No mutations but P72R polymorphism is associated with myoma development. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2019; 45:2088-2094. [PMID: 31357239 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of the present study was to investigate the familial and somatic mutations as well as polymorphisms of TP53 gene in patients with uterine leiomyoma. METHODS The study included 35 women with histologically diagnosed as uterine leiomyomas at the Gynecology Department of Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine. Tissue and blood samples were analyzed for mutations and polymorphisms of TP53 gene by next generation sequencing (Miseq-Illumina). Acquired data was compared with the normal data in Ensembl database. Data from 1000 genome project and data from exome sequencing analyses in Intergen Genetic Diagnosis Center (Ankara) were used as controls for polymorphism analyses. RESULTS There were no mutations in tissue and blood samples. However, when the polymorphisms were evaluated, a significant difference was found in NM_000546.5(TP53):c.215C > G (p.Pro72Arg) polymorphism between the study and control groups. The results indicated that P72R/P72R genotype increased the risk of leiomyoma development by 6.3 fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.880-13.793). There was a negative correlation between P72R/WT genotype and leiomyoma development (OR = 0.261, 95% CI: 0.114-0.596). P72R/P72R genotype was statistically higher in the patients with leiomyoma compared with the controls and 1000 genomes from Asian, European and World populations. CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggested that P72R/P72R genotype may be associated with development of uterine leiomyoma in the Turkish population in the Western part of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ozlem Altinkaya
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Medicine, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Sumeyra N Avcioglu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Medicine, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Selda D Sezer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Medicine, Aydin, Turkey
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Sheller-Miller S, Richardson L, Martin L, Jin J, Menon R. Systematic review of p38 mitogen-activated kinase and its functional role in reproductive tissues. Am J Reprod Immunol 2018; 80:e13047. [PMID: 30178469 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) plays a role in uterine tissue remodeling during pregnancy and parturition. While p38 MAPK is an OS-response kinase, a precise functional role is unknown. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of literature on p38 MAPK expression, activation, and function in reproductive tissues throughout pregnancy and parturition, published between January 1980 and August 2017, using four electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, and CoCHRANE). We identified 418 reports; 108 were selected for full-text evaluation and 74 were included in final review. p38 MAPK was investigated using feto-maternal primary or immortalized cells, tissue explants, and animal models. Western blot was most commonly used to report phosphorylated (active) p38 MAPK. Human placenta (27), chorioamniotic membranes (14), myometrium (13), decidua (8), and cervix (1) were the studied tissues. p38 MAPK's functions were tissue and gestational age dependent. Isoform specificity was hardly reported. p38 MAPK activity was induced by ROS or proinflammatory cytokines to promote cell signaling linked to cell fate, primed uterus, ripened cervix, and proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine production. In 35 years, reports on p38 MAPK's role during pregnancy and parturition are scarce and current literature is insufficient to provide a comprehensive description of p38 MAPK's mechanistic role during pregnancy and parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Sheller-Miller
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
| | - Lauren Richardson
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas.,Department of Neuroscience & Cell Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
| | - Laura Martin
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Jin Jin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
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Salimi S, Hajizadeh A, Yaghmaei M, Rezaie S, Shahrakypour M, Teimoori B, Parache M, Naghavi A, Mokhtari M. The effects of p21 gene C98A polymorphism on development of uterine leiomyoma in southeast Iranian women. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:12497-12502. [PMID: 27337955 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5078-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyoma (UL) is a monoclonal tumor which arises from uninhibited proliferation of a single myometrial cell; therefore, the imbalance in cell cycle regulation could be a key event in its development. In the present study, we aimed to assess the association of p21 gene polymorphisms and UL. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of 154 women with UL and 197 age-, BMI-, and ethnically matched controls. p21 C98A (rs1801270) and C70T (rs1059234) polymorphism genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. The CA genotype of p21 C98A polymorphism was significantly higher in UL women (28 %) compared to the controls (18 %), and the UL risk was 1.8-fold greater in women with CA genotype compared to CC genotype before and after adjusting for age, BMI, and ethnicity (OR, 1.8 [95 % CI, 1.1 to 3]; P = 0.02). There was no association between the AA genotype of p21 C98A polymorphism and UL. Moreover, the frequency of p21 98A allele was significantly higher in the UL women compared to controls (17 vs. 12 %, p = 0.04). The p21 C70T polymorphism did not correlate with UL before and after adjusting for age, BMI, and ethnicity. There was no difference in haplotype frequency of p21 C70T and C98A polymorphisms between UL patients and the controls. CA genotype of p21 C98A polymorphism may be a risk factor for UL susceptibility; however, p21 C70T polymorphism did not associate with UL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeedeh Salimi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Azam Hajizadeh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Minoo Yaghmaei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshty University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sodabeh Rezaie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Shahrakypour
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.,Pregnancy Health Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Batool Teimoori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mahboube Parache
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Anoosh Naghavi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mojgan Mokhtari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review provides an overview of therapeutic options, with a specific focus on the emerging role of medical options for UF management. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Systematic Reviews were searched for articles published between 1980 and 2013. Relevant articles were identified using the following terms: 'uterine fibroids', 'leiomyoma', 'heavy menstrual bleeding', and 'menorrhagia'. The reference lists of articles identified were also searched for other relevant publications. RESULTS Because of the largely benign nature of UFs, the most conservative options that minimize morbidity/risk and optimize outcomes should be considered. Watchful waiting, or no immediate intervention combined with regular follow-up, is an appropriate option for the majority of UF patients who experience no symptoms. For women with symptomatic UFs, the optimal treatment should restore quality of life through rapid relief of UF signs and symptoms, reduce tumor size for a sustained period, and maintain or improve fertility. Invasive surgical treatments, such as hysterectomy, have historically been the mainstay of UF treatment. Less invasive surgical and interventional techniques, such as myomectomy, uterine artery embolization, endometrial ablation, and myolysis provide alternatives to hysterectomy. Until recently, medical management of UFs was characterized by short-term treatments and therapies that provided symptomatic control. In addition to controlling abnormal uterine bleeding, newer medical therapies, including the recently Health-Canada-approved ulipristal acetate, act directly to shrink the tumor. Although no agent is currently approved for such use, emerging evidence suggests the potential for long-term medical management of UFs. CONCLUSIONS The advent of novel medical therapies may diminish the long-held reliance on more invasive surgical UF treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhbir Sony Singh
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Ottawa Hospital/University of Ottawa , Canada
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Fibroid growth and medical options for treatment. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:630-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.07.1238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Sefton EC, Qiang W, Serna V, Kurita T, Wei JJ, Chakravarti D, Kim JJ. MK-2206, an AKT inhibitor, promotes caspase-independent cell death and inhibits leiomyoma growth. Endocrinology 2013; 154:4046-57. [PMID: 24002033 PMCID: PMC3800769 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas (ULs), benign tumors of the myometrium, are the number one indication for hysterectomies in the United States due to a lack of an effective alternative therapy. ULs show activation of the pro-survival AKT pathway compared with normal myometrium; however, substantial data directly linking AKT to UL cell survival are lacking. We hypothesized that AKT promotes UL cell survival and that it is a viable target for inhibiting UL growth. We used the investigational AKT inhibitor MK-2206, currently in phase II trials, on cultured primary human UL and myometrial cells, immortalized leiomyoma cells, and in leiomyoma grafts grown under the kidney capsule in mice. MK-2206 inhibited AKT and PRAS40 phosphorylation but did not regulate serum- and glucocorticoid-induced kinase and ERK1/2, demonstrating its specificity for AKT. MK-2206 reduced UL cell viability and decreased UL tumor volumes. UL cells exhibited disruption of mitochondrial structures and underwent cell death that was independent of caspases. Additionally, mammalian target of rapamycin and p70S6K phosphorylation were reduced, indicating that mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 signaling was compromised by AKT inhibition in UL cells. MK-2206 also induced autophagy in UL cells. Pretreatment of primary UL cells with 3-methyladenine enhanced MK-2206-mediated UL cell death, whereas knockdown of ATG5 and/or ATG7 did not significantly influence UL cell viability in the presence of MK-2206. Our data provide molecular evidence for the involvement of AKT in UL cell survival and suggest that AKT inhibition by MK-2206 may be a viable option to consider for the treatment of ULs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Sefton
- PhD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 4-117, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
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