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Huang X, Chen Y, Xiao Q, Shang X, Liu Y. Chemical inhibitors targeting histone methylation readers. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 256:108614. [PMID: 38401773 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Histone methylation reader domains are protein modules that recognize specific histone methylation marks, such as methylated or unmethylated lysine or arginine residues on histones. These reader proteins play crucial roles in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, chromatin structure, and DNA damage repair. Dysregulation of these proteins has been linked to various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and developmental disorders. Therefore, targeting these proteins with chemical inhibitors has emerged as an attractive approach for therapeutic intervention, and significant progress has been made in this area. In this review, we will summarize the development of inhibitors targeting histone methylation readers, including MBT domains, chromodomains, Tudor domains, PWWP domains, PHD fingers, and WD40 repeat domains. For each domain, we will briefly discuss its identification and biological/biochemical functions, and then focus on the discovery of inhibitors tailored to target this domain, summarizing the property and potential application of most inhibitors. We will also discuss the structural basis for the potency and selectivity of these inhibitors, which will aid in further lead generation and optimization. Finally, we will also address the challenges and strategies involved in the development of these inhibitors. It should facilitate the rational design and development of novel chemical scaffolds and new targeting strategies for histone methylation reader domains with the help of this body of data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China
| | - Yichang Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China
| | - Qin Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China
| | - Xinci Shang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China
| | - Yanli Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China.
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2
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de Groot AP, de Haan G. How CBX proteins regulate normal and leukemic blood cells. FEBS Lett 2024. [PMID: 38426219 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) fate decisions are dictated by epigenetic landscapes. The Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) represses genes that induce differentiation, thereby maintaining HSC self-renewal. Depending on which chromobox (CBX) protein (CBX2, CBX4, CBX6, CBX7, or CBX8) is part of the PRC1 complex, HSC fate decisions differ. Here, we review how this occurs. We describe how CBX proteins dictate age-related changes in HSCs and stimulate oncogenic HSC fate decisions, either as canonical PRC1 members or by alternative interactions, including non-epigenetic regulation. CBX2, CBX7, and CBX8 enhance leukemia progression. To target, reprogram, and kill leukemic cells, we suggest and describe multiple therapeutic strategies to interfere with the epigenetic functions of oncogenic CBX proteins. Future studies should clarify to what extent the non-epigenetic function of cytoplasmic CBX proteins is important for normal, aged, and leukemic blood cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne P de Groot
- European Research Institute for Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), The Netherlands
- Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory, Sanquin Blood Supply, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerald de Haan
- European Research Institute for Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), The Netherlands
- Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory, Sanquin Blood Supply, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Uckelmann M, Levina V, Taveneau C, Han Ng X, Pandey V, Martinez J, Mendiratta S, Houx J, Boudes M, Venugopal H, Trépout S, Zhang Q, Flanigan S, Li M, Sierecki E, Gambin Y, Das PP, Bell O, de Marco A, Davidovich C. Dynamic PRC1-CBX8 stabilizes a porous structure of chromatin condensates. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.05.08.539931. [PMID: 38405976 PMCID: PMC10888862 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.08.539931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The compaction of chromatin is a prevalent paradigm in gene repression. Chromatin compaction is commonly thought to repress transcription by restricting chromatin accessibility. However, the spatial organisation and dynamics of chromatin compacted by gene-repressing factors are unknown. Using cryo-electron tomography, we solved the threedimensional structure of chromatin condensed by the Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) in a complex with CBX8. PRC1-condensed chromatin is porous and stabilised through multivalent dynamic interactions of PRC1 with chromatin. Mechanistically, positively charged residues on the internally disordered regions (IDRs) of CBX8 mask negative charges on the DNA to stabilize the condensed state of chromatin. Within condensates, PRC1 remains dynamic while maintaining a static chromatin structure. In differentiated mouse embryonic stem cells, CBX8-bound chromatin remains accessible. These findings challenge the idea of rigidly compacted polycomb domains and instead provides a mechanistic framework for dynamic and accessible PRC1-chromatin condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Uckelmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University; Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Vita Levina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University; Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Cyntia Taveneau
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University; Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University; Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Xiao Han Ng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University; Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Varun Pandey
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University; Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Jasmine Martinez
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Shweta Mendiratta
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Justin Houx
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Science and School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052 Australia
| | - Marion Boudes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University; Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Hari Venugopal
- Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Monash University, Monash, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sylvain Trépout
- Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Monash University, Monash, Victoria, Australia
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University; Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Sarena Flanigan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University; Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Minrui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University; Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University; Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Emma Sierecki
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Science and School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052 Australia
| | - Yann Gambin
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Science and School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052 Australia
| | - Partha Pratim Das
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University; Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Oliver Bell
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Alex de Marco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University; Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University; Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York 10027 NY, United States of America
| | - Chen Davidovich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University; Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- EMBL-Australia; Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
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4
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Ortiz G, Kutateladze TG, Fujimori DG. Chemical tools targeting readers of lysine methylation. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 74:102286. [PMID: 36948085 PMCID: PMC10264141 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Reader domains that recognize methylated lysine and arginine residues on histones play a role in the recruitment, stabilization, and regulation of chromatin regulatory proteins. Targeting reader proteins with small molecule and peptidomimetic inhibitors has enabled the elucidation of the structure and function of specific domains and uncovered their role in diseases. Recent progress towards chemical probes that target readers of lysine methylation, including the Royal family and plant homeodomains (PHD), is discussed here. We highlight recently developed covalent cyclic peptide inhibitors of a plant homeodomain. Additionally, inhibitors targeting previously untargeted Tudor domains and chromodomains are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Ortiz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Tatiana G Kutateladze
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Danica Galonic Fujimori
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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5
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Glancy E, Wang C, Tuck E, Healy E, Amato S, Neikes HK, Mariani A, Mucha M, Vermeulen M, Pasini D, Bracken AP. PRC2.1- and PRC2.2-specific accessory proteins drive recruitment of different forms of canonical PRC1. Mol Cell 2023; 83:1393-1411.e7. [PMID: 37030288 PMCID: PMC10168607 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) mediates H3K27me3 deposition, which is thought to recruit canonical PRC1 (cPRC1) via chromodomain-containing CBX proteins to promote stable repression of developmental genes. PRC2 forms two major subcomplexes, PRC2.1 and PRC2.2, but their specific roles remain unclear. Through genetic knockout (KO) and replacement of PRC2 subcomplex-specific subunits in naïve and primed pluripotent cells, we uncover distinct roles for PRC2.1 and PRC2.2 in mediating the recruitment of different forms of cPRC1. PRC2.1 catalyzes the majority of H3K27me3 at Polycomb target genes and is sufficient to promote recruitment of CBX2/4-cPRC1 but not CBX7-cPRC1. Conversely, while PRC2.2 is poor at catalyzing H3K27me3, we find that its accessory protein JARID2 is essential for recruitment of CBX7-cPRC1 and the consequent 3D chromatin interactions at Polycomb target genes. We therefore define distinct contributions of PRC2.1- and PRC2.2-specific accessory proteins to Polycomb-mediated repression and uncover a new mechanism for cPRC1 recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Glancy
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Cheng Wang
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ellen Tuck
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Evan Healy
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Simona Amato
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Hannah K Neikes
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea Mariani
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Marlena Mucha
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Michiel Vermeulen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands; The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Diego Pasini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via A. di Rudini 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Adrian P Bracken
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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Wang J, Yang B, Zhang X, Liu S, Pan X, Ma C, Ma S, Yu D, Wu W. Chromobox proteins in cancer: Multifaceted functions and strategies for modulation (Review). Int J Oncol 2023; 62:36. [PMID: 36734270 PMCID: PMC9937689 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5484] [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: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromobox (CBX) proteins are important epigenetic regulatory proteins and are widely involved in biological processes, such as embryonic development, the maintenance of stem cell characteristics and the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Disorder and dysfunction of CBXs in cancer usually lead to the blockade or ectoptic activation of developmental pathways, promoting the occurrence, development and progression of cancer. In the present review, the characteristics and functions of CBXs were first introduced. Subsequently, the expression of CBXs in cancers and the relationship between CBXs and clinical characteristics (mainly cancer grade, stage, metastasis and relapse) and prognosis were discussed. Finally, it was described how CBXs regulate cell proliferation and self‑renewal, apoptosis and the acquisition of malignant phenotypes, such as invasion, migration and chemoresistance, through mechanisms involving epigenetic modification, nuclear translocation, noncoding RNA interactions, transcriptional regulation, posttranslational modifications, protein‑protein interactions, signal transduction and metabolic reprogramming. The study also focused on cancer therapies targeting CBXs. The present review provides new insight and a comprehensive basis for follow‑up research on CBXs and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xiuhang Zhang
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Shuhan Liu
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqiang Pan
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Changkai Ma
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Shiqiang Ma
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Dehai Yu
- Department of Public Research Platform, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China,Professor Dehai Yu, Public Research Platform, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China, E-mail:
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Professor Wei Wu, Department of Neurovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China, E-mail:
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7
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Doyle EJ, Morey L, Conway E. Know when to fold 'em: Polycomb complexes in oncogenic 3D genome regulation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:986319. [PMID: 36105358 PMCID: PMC9464936 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.986319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin is spatially and temporally regulated through a series of orchestrated processes resulting in the formation of 3D chromatin structures such as topologically associating domains (TADs), loops and Polycomb Bodies. These structures are closely linked to transcriptional regulation, with loss of control of these processes a frequent feature of cancer and developmental syndromes. One such oncogenic disruption of the 3D genome is through recurrent dysregulation of Polycomb Group Complex (PcG) functions either through genetic mutations, amplification or deletion of genes that encode for PcG proteins. PcG complexes are evolutionarily conserved epigenetic complexes. They are key for early development and are essential transcriptional repressors. PcG complexes include PRC1, PRC2 and PR-DUB which are responsible for the control of the histone modifications H2AK119ub1 and H3K27me3. The spatial distribution of the complexes within the nuclear environment, and their associated modifications have profound effects on the regulation of gene transcription and the 3D genome. Nevertheless, how PcG complexes regulate 3D chromatin organization is still poorly understood. Here we glean insights into the role of PcG complexes in 3D genome regulation and compaction, how these processes go awry during tumorigenesis and the therapeutic implications that result from our insights into these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J. Doyle
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lluis Morey
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Human Genetics, Biomedical Research Building, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Eric Conway
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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De Novo Polycomb Recruitment and Repressive Domain Formation. EPIGENOMES 2022; 6:epigenomes6030025. [PMID: 35997371 PMCID: PMC9397058 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes6030025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Every cell of an organism shares the same genome; even so, each cellular lineage owns a different transcriptome and proteome. The Polycomb group proteins (PcG) are essential regulators of gene repression patterning during development and homeostasis. However, it is unknown how the repressive complexes, PRC1 and PRC2, identify their targets and elicit new Polycomb domains during cell differentiation. Classical recruitment models consider the pre-existence of repressive histone marks; still, de novo target binding overcomes the absence of both H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub. The CpG islands (CGIs), non-core proteins, and RNA molecules are involved in Polycomb recruitment. Nonetheless, it is unclear how de novo targets are identified depending on the physiological context and developmental stage and which are the leading players stabilizing Polycomb complexes at domain nucleation sites. Here, we examine the features of de novo sites and the accessory elements bridging its recruitment and discuss the first steps of Polycomb domain formation and transcriptional regulation, comprehended by the experimental reconstruction of the repressive domains through time-resolved genomic analyses in mammals.
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Ng L, Li HS, Man ATK, Chow AKM, Foo DCC, Lo OSH, Pang RWC, Law WL. High Expression of a Cancer Stemness-Related Gene, Chromobox 8 (CBX8), in Normal Tissue Adjacent to the Tumor (NAT) Is Associated with Poor Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer Patients. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111852. [PMID: 35681547 PMCID: PMC9180723 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Several studies have demonstrated that the molecular profile of normal tissue adjacent to the tumor (NAT) is prognostic for recurrence in patients with different cancers. This study investigated the clinical significance of CBX8 gene expression, a cancer stemness-related gene, in tumor and NAT tissue of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Methods: The gene level of CBX8 in paired CRC and NAT specimens from 95 patients was determined by quantitative PCR. CBX8 protein level in CRC and NAT specimens from 66 patients was determined by immunohistochemistry. CBX8 gene and protein levels were correlated with the patients’ clinicopathological parameters and circulatory immune cell profiles. The association between CBX8 and pluripotency-associated genes was analyzed using the TCGA database. Results: NAT CBX8 gene level positively correlated with TNM stage, tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis, indicating its association with tumor progression and metastasis. There was no correlation between NAT CBX8 protein level and clinicopathological parameters. Moreover, a high level of CBX8 gene and protein in NAT both correlated with poor DFS and OS. There was an inverse correlation between CBX8 gene level and post-operative platelet counts and platelet to lymphocyte level, suggesting its association with systematic inflammation. Finally, TCGA analysis showed that CBX8 level was correlated with a couple of pluripotency-associated genes, supporting its association with cancer stemness. Conclusions: High NAT CBX8 is a poor prognostic factor for tumor progression and survival in CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lui Ng
- Correspondence: (L.N.); (W.-L.L.)
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Recent progress on small molecules targeting epigenetic complexes. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 67:102130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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