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Romero P, Richart L, Aflaki S, Petitalot A, Burton M, Michaud A, Masliah-Planchon J, Kuhnowski F, Le Cam S, Baliñas-Gavira C, Méaudre C, Luscan A, Hamza A, Legoix P, Vincent-Salomon A, Wassef M, Holoch D, Margueron R. EZH2 mutations in follicular lymphoma distort H3K27me3 profiles and alter transcriptional responses to PRC2 inhibition. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3452. [PMID: 38658543 PMCID: PMC11043461 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47701-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in chromatin regulators are widespread in cancer. Among them, the histone H3 lysine 27 methyltransferase Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) shows distinct alterations according to tumor type. This specificity is poorly understood. Here, we model several PRC2 alterations in one isogenic system to reveal their comparative effects. Focusing then on lymphoma-associated EZH2 mutations, we show that Ezh2Y641F induces aberrant H3K27 methylation patterns even without wild-type Ezh2, which are alleviated by partial PRC2 inhibition. Remarkably, Ezh2Y641F rewires the response to PRC2 inhibition, leading to induction of antigen presentation genes. Using a unique longitudinal follicular lymphoma cohort, we further link EZH2 status to abnormal H3K27 methylation. We also uncover unexpected variability in the mutational landscape of successive biopsies, pointing to frequent co-existence of different clones and cautioning against stratifying patients based on single sampling. Our results clarify how oncogenic PRC2 mutations disrupt chromatin and transcription, and the therapeutic vulnerabilities this creates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Romero
- Institut Curie, INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
- Institut Curie, Department of Pathology, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France
| | - Laia Richart
- Institut Curie, INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Setareh Aflaki
- Institut Curie, INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Ambre Petitalot
- Institut Curie, INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Megan Burton
- Institut Curie, INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Audrey Michaud
- Institut Curie, INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Julien Masliah-Planchon
- Institut Curie, Pharmacogenetics Unit, Department of Genetics, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France
| | - Frédérique Kuhnowski
- Institut Curie, Department of Clinical Hematology, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France
| | - Samuel Le Cam
- Institut Curie, INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Carlos Baliñas-Gavira
- Institut Curie, INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Céline Méaudre
- Institut Curie, Department of Pathology, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France
| | - Armelle Luscan
- Institut Curie, INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Abderaouf Hamza
- Institut Curie, Pharmacogenetics Unit, Department of Genetics, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France
| | - Patricia Legoix
- Institut Curie, Genomics of Excellence (ICGex) Platform, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France
| | - Anne Vincent-Salomon
- Institut Curie, Department of Pathology, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France
| | - Michel Wassef
- Institut Curie, INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Daniel Holoch
- Institut Curie, INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.
| | - Raphaël Margueron
- Institut Curie, INSERM U934/CNRS UMR 3215, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.
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Peeters JGC, Silveria S, Ozdemir M, Ramachandran S, DuPage M. Increased EZH2 function in regulatory T cells promotes their capacity to suppress autoimmunity by driving effector differentiation prior to activation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.05.588284. [PMID: 38645261 PMCID: PMC11030251 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.05.588284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The immunosuppressive function of regulatory T (Treg) cells is essential for maintaining immune homeostasis. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) methyltransferase, plays a key role in maintaining Treg cell function upon CD28 co-stimulation, and Ezh2 deletion in Treg cells causes autoimmunity. Here we assessed whether increased EZH2 activity in Treg cells would improve Treg cell function. Using an Ezh2 gain-of-function mutation, Ezh2 Y641F , we found that Treg cells expressing Ezh2 Y641F displayed an increased effector Treg phenotype and were poised for improved homing to organ tissues. Expression of Ezh2 Y641F in Treg cells led to more rapid remission from autoimmunity. H3K27me3 profiling and transcriptomic analysis revealed a redistribution of H3K27me3, which prompted a gene expression profile in naïve Ezh2 Y641F Treg cells that recapitulated aspects of CD28-activated Ezh2 WT Treg cells. Altogether, increased EZH2 activity promotes the differentiation of effector Treg cells that can better suppress autoimmunity. Highlights EZH2 function promotes effector differentiation of Treg cells.EZH2 function promotes Treg cell migration to organ tissues.EZH2 function in Treg cells improves remission from autoimmunity.EZH2 function poises naïve Treg cells to adopt a CD28-activated phenotype.
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3
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Kaur P, Shankar E, Gupta S. EZH2-mediated development of therapeutic resistance in cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 586:216706. [PMID: 38331087 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216706] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) regulates gene expression and plays a definite role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and senescence. Overexpression of EZH2 has been found in various human malignancies, including prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers, and is associated with increased metastasis and poor prognosis. EZH2 catalyzes trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) as a canonical role in a PRC2-dependent manner. This mechanism silences various tumor suppressor genes through EZH2-mediated histone lysine methyltransferase activity. As a non-canonical role, EZH2 partners with other signaling molecules to undergo post-translational modification to orchestrate its function as a co-activator playing a critical role in cancer progression. Dysregulation of EZH2 has also been associated with therapeutic resistance in cancer cells. Given the role of EZH2 in promoting carcinogenesis and therapy resistance, both canonical and non-canonical EZH2 inhibitors have been used to combat multiple cancer types. Moreover, combining EZH2 inhibitors with other therapeutic modalities have shown to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and overcome potential resistance mechanisms in these cancerous cells. Therefore, targeting EZH2 through canonical and non-canonical modes appears to be a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance efficacy and overcome resistance in multiple cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parminder Kaur
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; The Urology Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA.
| | - Eswar Shankar
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Sanjay Gupta
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; The Urology Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA; Division of General Medical Sciences, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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4
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Hashemi M, Nazdari N, Gholamiyan G, Paskeh MDA, Jafari AM, Nemati F, Khodaei E, Abyari G, Behdadfar N, Raei B, Raesi R, Nabavi N, Hu P, Rashidi M, Taheriazam A, Entezari M. EZH2 as a potential therapeutic target for gastrointestinal cancers. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:154988. [PMID: 38118215 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers continue to be a major cause of mortality and morbidity globally. Understanding the molecular pathways associated with cancer progression and severity is essential for creating effective cancer treatments. In cancer research, there is a notable emphasis on Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a key player in gene expression influenced by its irregular expression and capacity to attach to promoters and alter methylation status. This review explores the impact of EZH2 signaling on various GI cancers, such as colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, hepatocellular, esophageal, and cholangiocarcinoma. The primary function of EZH2 signaling is to facilitate the accelerated progression of cancer cells. Additionally, EZH2 has the capacity to modulate the reaction of GI cancers to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Numerous pathways, including long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs, serve as upstream regulators of EZH2 in these types of cancer. EZH2's enzymatic activity enables it to attach to target gene promoters, resulting in methylation that modifies their expression. EZH2 could be considered as an independent prognostic factor, with increased expression correlating with a worse disease prognosis. Additionally, a range of gene therapies including small interfering RNA, and anti-tumor agents are being explored to target EZH2 for cancer treatment. This comprehensive review underscores the current insights into EZH2 signaling in gastrointestinal cancers and examines the prospect of therapies targeting EZH2 to enhance patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naghmeh Nazdari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghazaleh Gholamiyan
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Moghadas Jafari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fateme Nemati
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elaheh Khodaei
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghazal Abyari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Behdadfar
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Buinzahra Branch, Islamic Azad University, Buinzahra, Iran
| | - Behnaz Raei
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasoul Raesi
- Department of Health Services Management, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, V6H3Z6 Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Peng Hu
- Department of Emergency, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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Zhou B, Wang B, Zou F, Mei H, Liu Q, Qi S, Wang W, Jin R, Wang A, Chen Y, Liu F, Wang W, Liu J, Liu Q. Discovery of dihydropyridinone derivative as a covalent EZH2 degrader. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115825. [PMID: 37826933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115825] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
EZH2 is overexpressed in multiple types of cancer and high expression level of EZH2 correlates with poor prognosis. Besides the regulation of H3K27 trimethylation, EZH2 itself regulates its downstream proteins in a PRC2- and methylation-independent way. Starting from an approved EZH2 inhibitor EPZ-6438, we used covalent drug design and medicinal chemistry approaches to discover a novel covalent EZH2 degrader 38, which forms a covalent bond with EZH2 Cys663 and showed strong biochemical activities against EZH2 WT and mutants. Compound 38 exhibited potent antiproliferation effects against both B-cell lymphoma and TNBC cell lines by reducing the levels of H3K27me3 and EZH2. The mass spectrometry, washout and competition experiments confirmed the covalent binding of 38 to EZH2. This study demonstrates that covalent EZH2 degraders could provide an opportunity for the development of promising new drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhou
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, PR China
| | - Beilei Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, PR China
| | - Fengming Zou
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, PR China
| | - Husheng Mei
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, PR China
| | - Qingwang Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, PR China
| | - Shuang Qi
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, PR China; Primary Cell Engineering Joint Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, PR China
| | - Wenliang Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Primary Cell Engineering Joint Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, PR China
| | - Rui Jin
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China
| | - Aoli Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, PR China
| | - Yongfei Chen
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, PR China
| | - Feiyang Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, PR China; Primary Cell Engineering Joint Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, PR China
| | - Wenchao Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, PR China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, PR China; Primary Cell Engineering Joint Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, PR China
| | - Jing Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, PR China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, PR China; Primary Cell Engineering Joint Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, PR China.
| | - Qingsong Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, PR China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, PR China; Primary Cell Engineering Joint Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, PR China.
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He C, Zhou W, Jin X, Zhou H. Derepressing of STAT3 and USP7 contributes to resistance of DLBCL to EZH2 inhibition. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20650. [PMID: 37829803 PMCID: PMC10565777 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common subtype of lymphoma, representing ∼25 % of non-Hodgkin lymphoid malignancies. EZH2 is highly expressed in Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and ∼22 % of patients contain EZH2 mutations. EZH2 have been studied as a potential therapeutic target for a decade, but efficient inhibition of EZH2 did not robustly kill lymphoma cells. Here, we found that EZH2 mediates repression of oncogenic genes STAT3 and USP7 in Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells. Inhibition of EZH2 leads to upregulation of STAT3 and USP7 at both RNA and protein levels. Along with USP7 upregulation, MDM2 is upregulated and its ubiquitylation substrate, Tumor suppressor P53, is downregulated. Upregulation of STAT3 and downregulation of p53 can strength cell proliferation and prevent cells from apoptosis, which suggests resistance mechanisms by which cells survive EZH2 inhibition-induced cell death. Short-course co-inhibition of USP7 and EZH2 showed increased apoptosis and cell proliferation prevention with the concentration as low as 0.08 μM. In STAT3 and USP7 depleted cells, EZH2 inhibition shows superior efficacy of apoptosis, and in EZH2 depleted cells, USP7 inhibition also shows superior efficacy of apoptosis. Thus, our findings suggest a new precision therapy by combinational inhibition of EZH2 with STAT3 or USP7 for Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyun He
- Affililated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenbin Zhou
- East Hospital of Shaoyang Central Hospital Medical Group, Shaoyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoxia Jin
- Affililated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haining Zhou
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Nagy Á, Bátai B, Kiss L, Gróf S, Király PA, Jóna Á, Demeter J, Sánta H, Bátai Á, Pettendi P, Szendrei T, Plander M, Körösmezey G, Alizadeh H, Kajtár B, Méhes G, Krenács L, Timár B, Csomor J, Tóth E, Schneider T, Mikala G, Matolcsy A, Alpár D, Masszi A, Bödör C. Parallel testing of liquid biopsy (ctDNA) and tissue biopsy samples reveals a higher frequency of EZH2 mutations in follicular lymphoma. J Intern Med 2023; 294:295-313. [PMID: 37259686 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent genomic studies revealed enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) gain-of-function mutations, representing novel therapeutic targets in follicular lymphoma (FL) in around one quarter of patients. However, these analyses relied on single-site tissue biopsies and did not investigate the spatial heterogeneity and temporal dynamics of these alterations. OBJECTIVES We aimed to perform a systematic analysis of EZH2 mutations using paired tissue (tumor biopsies [TB]) and liquid biopsies (LB) collected prior to treatment within the framework of a nationwide multicentric study. METHODS Pretreatment LB and TB samples were collected from 123 patients. Among these, 114 had paired TB and LB, with 39 patients characterized with paired diagnostic and relapse samples available. The EZH2 mutation status and allele burden were assessed using an in-house-designed, highly sensitive multiplex droplet digital PCR assay. RESULTS EZH2 mutation frequency was found to be 41.5% in the entire cohort. In patients with paired TB and LB samples, EZH2 mutations were identified in 37.8% of the patients with mutations exclusively found in 5.3% and 7.9% of TB and LB samples, respectively. EZH2 mutation status switch was documented in 35.9% of the patients with paired diagnostic and relapse samples. We also found that EZH2 wild-type clones may infiltrate the bone marrow more frequently compared to the EZH2 mutant ones. CONCLUSION The in-depth spatio-temporal analysis identified EZH2 mutations in a considerably higher proportion of patients than previously reported. This expands the subset of FL patients who most likely would benefit from EZH2 inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ákos Nagy
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bence Bátai
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Laura Kiss
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Stefánia Gróf
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Attila Király
- Hematology and Lymphoma Unit, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám Jóna
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical School of Clinical Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Judit Demeter
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Hermina Sánta
- Szent György Hospital of County Fejér, Székesfehérvár, Hungary
| | - Árpád Bátai
- Szent György Hospital of County Fejér, Székesfehérvár, Hungary
| | - Piroska Pettendi
- Hetényi Géza Hospital, Clinic of County Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, Szolnok, Hungary
| | - Tamás Szendrei
- Markusovszky University Teaching Hospital, Szombathely, Hungary
| | - Márk Plander
- Markusovszky University Teaching Hospital, Szombathely, Hungary
| | - Gábor Körösmezey
- Department of Medicine, Military Hospital - Medical Centre, Hungarian Defence Forces, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Hussain Alizadeh
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Béla Kajtár
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Clinical Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Méhes
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Krenács
- Laboratory of Tumor Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Botond Timár
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Csomor
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Erika Tóth
- Department of Surgical and Molecular Pathology, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Schneider
- Hematology and Lymphoma Unit, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Mikala
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, National Institute for Hematology and Infectious Diseases, South Pest Central Hospital, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Matolcsy
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Donát Alpár
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Masszi
- Hematology and Lymphoma Unit, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Bödör
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Zhang W, Nie Q, Zhang X, Huang L, Pang G, Chu J, Yuan X. miR-26a-5p restoration via EZH2 silencing blocks the IL-6/STAT3 axis to repress the growth of prostate cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:1285-1297. [PMID: 38155599 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2293750] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is involved in the activation of several oncogenic pathways in prostate cancer. However, its upstream trans-signaling pathway remains largely unknown. This work proposes a mechanistic explanation of IL-6's upstream effectors in prostate carcinogenesis. RESEARCH DESIGN & METHODS Samples were harvested to validate the expression of EZH2, miR-26a-5p, and IL-6. Moreover, the protein and its phosphorylation of STAT3 (signal transducer and transcription activator 3) were assessed in prostate cancer cells. We explored the effects of these effectors on malignant phenotypes in vitro and tumor growth in vivo using functional assays. Bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter gene assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to determine their binding relationships. RESULTS Overexpression of EZH2 and IL-6, and under expression of miR-26a-5p was observed in prostate cancer. Silencing IL-6 repressed STAT3 to suppress the malignant phenotypes of prostate cancer cells. Mechanistically, EZH2 inhibited miR-26a-5p expression by promoting H3K27 histone methylation, and miR-26a-5p restricted the malignant phenotypes of prostate cancer by targeting IL-6. Ectopic EZH2 expression reduced xenograft growth by inhibiting miR-26a-5p and activating the IL-6/STAT3 axis. CONCLUSION EZH2 May potentially be involved in regulating its expression by recruiting H3K27me3 to the miR-26a-5p promoter region, which could further impact the IL6/STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui, China
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Qiwei Nie
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Xuling Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Zhuhai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, Zhuhai, China
| | - Long Huang
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Guofu Pang
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Jing Chu
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Aerospace Hospital, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaoxu Yuan
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
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Lordo MR, Stiff AR, Oakes CC, Mundy-Bosse BL. Effects of epigenetic therapy on natural killer cell function and development in hematologic malignancy. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 113:518-524. [PMID: 36860165 PMCID: PMC10443672 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic therapy is an emerging field in the treatment of human cancer, including hematologic malignancies. This class of therapeutic agents approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for cancer treatment includes DNA hypomethylating agents, histone deacetylase inhibitors, IDH1/2 inhibitors, EZH2 inhibitors, and numerous preclinical targets/agents. Most studies measuring the biological effects of epigenetic therapy focus their attention on either their direct cytotoxic effects on malignant cells or their effects on modifying tumor cell antigen expression, exposing them to immune surveillance mechanisms. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that epigenetic therapy also has effects on the development and function of the immune system, including natural killer cells, which can alter their response to cancer cells. In this review, we summarize the body of literature studying the effects of different classes of epigenetic therapy on the development and/or function of natural killer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Lordo
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 460 W. 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, 370 W. 9th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Andrew R. Stiff
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 460 W. 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Physician Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, 370 W. 9th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 460 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Christopher C. Oakes
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 460 W. 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 460 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Bethany L. Mundy-Bosse
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 460 W. 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 460 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Fischer S, Liefke R. Polycomb-like Proteins in Gene Regulation and Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040938. [PMID: 37107696 PMCID: PMC10137883 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040938] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb-like proteins (PCLs) are a crucial group of proteins associated with the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and are responsible for setting up the PRC2.1 subcomplex. In the vertebrate system, three homologous PCLs exist: PHF1 (PCL1), MTF2 (PCL2), and PHF19 (PCL3). Although the PCLs share a similar domain composition, they differ significantly in their primary sequence. PCLs play a critical role in targeting PRC2.1 to its genomic targets and regulating the functionality of PRC2. However, they also have PRC2-independent functions. In addition to their physiological roles, their dysregulation has been associated with various human cancers. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the PCLs and how alterations in their functionality contribute to cancer development. We particularly highlight the nonoverlapping and partially opposing roles of the three PCLs in human cancer. Our review provides important insights into the biological significance of the PCLs and their potential as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Fischer
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Philipps University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Robert Liefke
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Philipps University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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11
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Discovery of IHMT-337 as a potent irreversible EZH2 inhibitor targeting CDK4 transcription for malignancies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:18. [PMID: 36642705 PMCID: PMC9841011 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01240-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), an enzymatic subunit of PRC2 complex, plays an important role in tumor development and progression through its catalytic and noncatalytic activities. Overexpression or gain-of-function mutations of EZH2 have been significantly associated with tumor cell proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). As a result, it has gained interest as a potential therapeutic target. The currently available EZH2 inhibitors, such as EPZ6438 and GSK126, are of benefit for clinical using or reached clinical trials. However, certain cancers are resistant to these enzymatic inhibitors due to its noncatalytic or transcriptional activity through modulating nonhistone proteins. Thus, it may be more effective to synergistically degrade EZH2 in addition to enzymatic inhibition. Here, through a rational design and chemical screening, we discovered a new irreversible EZH2 inhibitor, IHMT-337, which covalently bounds to and degrades EZH2 via the E3 ligase CHIP-mediated ubiquitination pathway. Moreover, we revealed that IHMT-337 affects cell cycle progression in TNBC cells through targeting transcriptional regulating of CDK4, a novel PRC2 complex- and enzymatic activity-independent function of EZH2. More significantly, our compound inhibits both DLBCL and TNBC cell proliferation in different preclinical models in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that in addition to enzymatic inhibition, destroying of EZH2 by IHMT-337 could be a promising therapeutic strategy for TNBC and other malignancies that are independent of EZH2 enzymatic activity.
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Dou F, Tian Z, Yang X, Li J, Wang R, Gao J. Valemetostat: First approval as a dual inhibitor of EZH1/2 to treat adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Drug Discov Ther 2022; 16:297-299. [PMID: 36310058 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2022.01085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a mature T-cell lymphoma with a poor prognosis. Accumulating trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) caused by upregulated function of either enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) or its homolog EZH1 plays an essential role in the maintenance of transcriptional repression in ATL. Selective inhibition of EZH2 may complementarily induce EZH1 activation, so dual targeting EZH1/2 is a rational strategy in developing potent antitumor agents. Valemetostat is the first dual EZH1/2 inhibitor approved for treatment of aggressive ATL in Japan in September 2022. Several other dual EZH1/2 inhibitors such as HH2853, HM97594, and HM97662 have also demonstrated potential in treating malignant tumors. Dual targeting EZH1/2 may have promising antitumor action in hematological malignancies and solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhou Dou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenxue Tian
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ruquan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jianjun Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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ctDNA Is Useful to Detect Mutations at Codon 641 of Exon 16 of EZH2, a Biomarker for Relapse in Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194650. [PMID: 36230571 PMCID: PMC9563768 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary It is well known that epigenetic modifications and proteins involved in this process are important in the biogenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. In this sense, we decided to analyze the EZH2 mutations, which are frequent in this neoplasm, using ctDNA to demonstrate the utility of this tool for searching these mutations. The importance of the study of this gene is due to its role in the biogenesis of lymphomas and also because there are selective inhibitors targeting EZH2. This targeted therapy could be particularly effective in patients with activating mutations in EZH2, remarking the importance of its detection. Abstract (1) Background: The epigenetic regulator EZH2 is a subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), and methylates H3K27, resulting in transcriptional silencing. It has a critical role in lymphocyte differentiation within the lymph node. Therefore, mutations at this level are implicated in lymphomagenesis. In fact, the mutation at the Y641 amino acid in the EZH2 gene is mutated in up to 40% of B-cell lymphomas. (2) Methods: We compared the presence of exon 16 EZH2 mutations in tumor samples and ctDNA in a prospective trial. These mutations were determined by Sanger sequencing and ddPCR. (3) Results: One hundred and thirty-eight cases were included. Ninety-eight were germinal center, and twenty had EZH2 mutations. Mean follow-up (IQR 25–75) was 23 (7–42) months. The tumor samples were considered the standard of reference. Considering the results of the mutation in ctDNA by Sanger sequencing, the sensibility (Se) and specificity (Sp) were 52% and 99%, respectively. After adding the droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) analysis, the Se and Sp increased to 95% and 100%, respectively. After bivariate analysis, only the presence of double-hit lymphoma (p = 0.04) or EZH2 mutations were associated with relapse. The median Progression free survival (PFS) (95% interval confidence) was 27.7 (95% IC: 14–40) vs. 44.1 (95% IC: 40–47.6) months for the mutated vs. wild-type (wt) patients. (4) Conclusions: The ctDNA is useful for analyzing EZH2 mutations, which have an impact on PFS.
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Martínez-Laperche C, Sanz-Villanueva L, Díaz Crespo FJ, Muñiz P, Martín Rojas R, Carbonell D, Chicano M, Suárez-González J, Menárguez J, Kwon M, Diez Martín JL, Buño I, Bastos Oreiro M. EZH2 mutations at diagnosis in follicular lymphoma: a promising biomarker to guide frontline treatment. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:982. [PMID: 36104682 PMCID: PMC9476261 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10070-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractEZH2 is mutated in nearly 25% of follicular lymphoma (FL) cases. Little is known about how EZH2 affects patients’ response to therapy. In this context, the aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the frequency of mutations in EZH2 at diagnosis in tissue and ctDNA in patients with FL and to assess the patients’ outcomes after receiving immunochemotherapy, depending on the EZH2 mutation status. Among the 154 patients included in the study, 27% had mutated EZH2 (46% with high-grade and 26% with low-grade FL). Of the mutated tissue samples, the mutation in ctDNA was identified in 44% of cases. EZH2 mutation in ctDNA was not identified in any patient unmutated in the tissue.Unmutated patients who received R-CHOP had significantly more relapses than patients who received R-Bendamustine (16/49 vs. 2/23, p = 0.040). Furthermore, our results show that patients with mutated EZH2 treated with R-CHOP vs. those treated with R-Bendamustine present a lower incidence of relapse (10% vs. 42% p = 0.09 at 4 years), a higher PFS (92% vs. 40% p = 0.039 at 4 years), and higher OS (100% vs. 78% p = 0.039 at 4 years). Based on these data, RCHOP could be a more suitable regimen for mutated patients, and R-bendamustine for unmutated patients. These findings could mean the first-time identification of a useful biomarker to guide upfront therapy in FL.
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15
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Chemical biology and pharmacology of histone lysine methylation inhibitors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194840. [PMID: 35753676 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Histone lysine methylation is a post-translational modification that plays a key role in the epigenetic regulation of a broad spectrum of biological processes. Moreover, the dysregulation of histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases particularly cancer. Due to their pathobiological importance, KMTs have garnered immense attention over the last decade as attractive therapeutic targets. These endeavors have culminated in tens of chemical probes that have been used to interrogate many aspects of histone lysine methylation. Besides, over a dozen inhibitors have been advanced to clinical trials, including the EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat approved for the treatment of follicular lymphoma and advanced epithelioid sarcoma. In this Review, we highlight the chemical biology and pharmacology of KMT inhibitors and targeted protein degraders focusing on the clinical development of EZH1/2, DOT1L, Menin-MLL, and WDR5-MLL inhibitors. We also briefly discuss the pharmacologic targeting of other KMTs.
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16
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Chung C. A Promising Future for Precision Epigenetic Therapy for Follicular and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma? Blood Lymphat Cancer 2022; 12:99-106. [PMID: 35959380 PMCID: PMC9359712 DOI: 10.2147/blctt.s282247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA hypermethylation or histone deacetylation normally silence gene expression that regulates numerous cellular activities. Germinal center–derived lymphomas such as follicular lymphoma (FL) and diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are characterized by frequent mutations of histone-modifying genes. EZH2 is essential to the formation of germinal center in the secondary lymphoid tissue (eg, lymph nodes and spleen) and is one of the most frequently mutated histone-modifying genes in human lymphomas. EZH2 encodes a histone methyltransferase, mediates transcriptional repression and acts as an oncogene that promotes the development and progression of a variety of human malignancies, including FL and DLBCL. Thus, recurrent mutations in the EZH2 and other non-histone epigenetic regulators represent important targets for therapeutic interventions. Recently, an orally active inhibitor of EZH2, tazemetostat, has received regulatory approval for patients with mutated EZH2 relapsed or refractory FL after ≥2 prior systemic therapies. It is also approved for those with relapsed or refractory FL who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options, regardless of their mutational status of EZH2. Currently, tazemetostat and its combination therapies for patients with relapsed or refractory germinal center-derived lymphomas, as well as frontline therapies for previously untreated patients, are in various phases of clinical investigations. Despite the promise of epigenetic therapies, potential pitfalls such as target selectivity, risk of oncogenic activation, risk of secondary malignancies associated with epigenetic therapies must be carefully monitored. Future applications of epigenetic approach that incorporate clinical and genomic features are needed to determine how individualized treatments can be used for these hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, Houston Methodist West Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Correspondence: Clement Chung, Houston Methodist West Hospital, 18500 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX, 77094, USA, Tel +1-832-522-1051, Email
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17
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Ryu YK, Amengual JE. Easy does it! New EZH2 inhibitor SHR2554 is safe and active in relapsed or refractory lymphoma. Lancet Haematol 2022; 9:e463-e465. [PMID: 35772421 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(22)00169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Kyoung Ryu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jennifer E Amengual
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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18
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Long-Distance Repression by Human Silencers: Chromatin Interactions and Phase Separation in Silencers. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091560. [PMID: 35563864 PMCID: PMC9101175 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional genome organization represents an additional layer in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Active transcription controlled by enhancers or super-enhancers has been extensively studied. Enhancers or super-enhancers can recruit activators or co-activators to activate target gene expression through long-range chromatin interactions. Chromatin interactions and phase separation play important roles in terms of enhancer or super-enhancer functioning. Silencers are another major type of cis-regulatory element that can mediate gene regulation by turning off or reducing gene expression. However, compared to active transcription, silencer studies are still in their infancy. This review covers the current knowledge of human silencers, especially the roles of chromatin interactions and phase separation in silencers. This review also proposes future directions for human silencer studies.
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Guo Z, Sun Y, Liang L, Lu W, Luo B, Wu Z, Huo B, Hu Y, Huang P, Wu Q, Wen S. Design and Synthesis of Dual EZH2/BRD4 Inhibitors to Target Solid Tumors. J Med Chem 2022; 65:6573-6592. [PMID: 35500243 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
EZH2 inhibitors that prevent trimethylation of histone lysine 27 (H3K27) are often limited to the treatment of a subset of hematological malignancies. In most solid tumors, EZH2 inhibitors induce reciprocal H3K27 acetylation that subsequently results in acquired drug resistance. The combination of EZH2 and BRD4 inhibitors to resensitize solid cancer cells to EZH2 inhibitors has proven to be effective, underlying the significance of developing dual inhibitors. Herein, we present the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of first-in-class dual EZH2/BRD4 inhibitors. Our most promising compound, YM458, displays potent inhibitory activity against EZH2 and BRD4 and remarkable antiproliferative capacity against 11 solid cancer cell lines. Its in vivo therapeutic potential is validated in both lung cancer and pancreatic cancer xenograft tumor mice models, highlighting the potential of EZH2/BRD4 dual inhibitors to target a broad scope of EZH2 inhibitor-resistant solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhirong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yameng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Liyun Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wenhua Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Bingling Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhouming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Bitao Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yumin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Peng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau 999078
| | - Shijun Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R. Waarts
- Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program
- Center for Hematologic Malignancies
- Center for Epigenetics Research, and
| | - Aaron J. Stonestrom
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program
- Center for Hematologic Malignancies
- Center for Epigenetics Research, and
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Young C. Park
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program
- Center for Hematologic Malignancies
- Center for Epigenetics Research, and
| | - Ross L. Levine
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program
- Center for Hematologic Malignancies
- Center for Epigenetics Research, and
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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21
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Proudman D, Nellesen D, Gupta D, Adib D, Yang J, Mamlouk K. A Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparison of Single-Arm Trials in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Follicular Lymphoma Who Received at Least Two Prior Systemic Treatments: Tazemetostat was Associated with a Lower Risk for Safety Outcomes Versus the PI3-Kinase Inhibitors Idelalisib, Duvelisib, Copanlisib, and Umbralisib. Adv Ther 2022; 39:1678-1696. [PMID: 35157216 PMCID: PMC8989805 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02054-z] [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: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tazemetostat is an enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibitor recommended for patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) follicular lymphoma (FL) after demonstrating single-agent, antitumor activity in patients with wild-type or mutant EZH2. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors idelalisib, copanlisib, umbralisib and (formerly) duvelisib are indicated for third-line, fourth-line, and later (3L/4L+) treatment of R/R FL. The objective of this analysis was to provide an indirect treatment comparison of tazemetostat with each PI3K inhibitor for 3L/4L+ R/R FL treatment. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted to identify trials for idelalisib (DELTA), duvelisib (DYNAMO), copanlisib (CHRONOS-1 Part B), and umbralisib (UNITY-NHL) in 3L+ R/R FL. Matching-adjusted indirect comparisons were conducted by weighting tazemetostat individual patient data with available baseline characteristics from each comparator trial: age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, disease stage, histology, prior treatment lines, prior stem cell therapy, progression within 24 months, and refractory status to last therapy. Only the tazemetostat trial included patients with grade 3b or transformed FL, or recorded EZH2 mutation status. Primary safety outcomes included risk of grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs); primary efficacy outcomes included objective response rate (ORR). RESULTS Matched patients treated with tazemetostat had lower relative risk (RR) for all grouped safety outcomes, including any grade ≥ 3 TEAEs, compared with idelalisib (RR = 0.45), duvelisib (RR = 0.35), copanlisib (RR = 0.37), and umbralisib (RR = 0.65; all, p < 0.01), any serious TEAE, and any TEAE leading to dose reduction, drug discontinuation, or interruption. The ORR was not significantly different for tazemetostat versus other treatments (idelalisib 43% vs 56%, p = 0.16; duvelisib 48% vs 47%, p = 0.91; copanlisib 49% vs 61%, p = 0.11; and umbralisib 57% vs 47%, p = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS In this statistically adjusted comparison, tazemetostat was associated with lower RR for safety outcomes versus idelalisib, duvelisib, copanlisib, and umbralisib, while achieving similar efficacy outcomes.
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22
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Zhang Q, Yang H, Feng Q, Cao J, Zhang Y, Li L, Yu L. Focus on the classical and non-classical functions of EZH2: Guide the development of inhibitors and degraders. Pharmacol Res 2022; 178:106159. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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23
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Liu KL, Zhu K, Zhang H. An overview of the development of EED inhibitors to disable the PRC2 function. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:39-53. [PMID: 35224495 PMCID: PMC8792826 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00274k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) catalyzes the methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) and the enrichment of its catalytic product H3K27me3 is responsible for the silencing of tumor suppressor genes and the blocking of transcripts related to immunity and cell terminal differentiation. Aberrations of PRC2 components, such as mutation and overexpression, have been observed in various cancers, which makes PRC2 a potential therapeutic target for cancer. Up to now, targeting the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of PRC2, represents the main strategy in the development of PRC2 inhibitors. Although significant progress has been made, new problems also emerge, e.g. the drug resistance caused by secondary mutations. In recent years, more and more efforts have shifted to another new strategy - targeting embryonic ectoderm development (EED) to disrupt its major interactions with other components, which are necessary to the PRC2 function, and some promising results have been obtained. This review summarizes the recent development of EED inhibitors as possible chemotherapy for cancer treatment, which could help accelerate future related research work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Lu Liu
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan Jinan 250022 China
| | - Kongkai Zhu
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan Jinan 250022 China
| | - Hua Zhang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan Jinan 250022 China
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24
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Inhibition of the deubiquitinating enzyme USP47 as a novel targeted therapy for hematologic malignancies expressing mutant EZH2. Leukemia 2022; 36:1048-1057. [PMID: 35034955 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01494-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Activating mutations in EZH2, the catalytic component of PRC2, promote cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, and metastasis through enzymatic or non-enzymatic activity. The EZH2-Y641 gain-of-function mutation is one of the most significant in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Although EZH2 kinase inhibitors, such as EPZ-6438, provide clinical benefit, certain cancer cells are resistant to the enzymatic inhibition of EZH2 because of the inability to functionally target mutant EZH2, or because of cells' dependence on the non-histone methyltransferase activity of EZH2. Consequently, destroying mutant EZH2 protein may be more effective in targeting EZH2 mutant cancers that are dependent on the non-catalytic activity of EZH2. Here, using extensive selectivity profiling, combined with genetic and animal model studies, we identified USP47 as a novel regulator of mutant EZH2. Inhibition of USP47 would be anticipated to block the function of mutated EZH2 through induction of EZH2 degradation by promoting its ubiquitination. Moreover, targeting of USP47 leads to death of mutant EZH2-positive cells in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, we propose targeting USP47 with a small molecule inhibitor as a novel potential therapy for DLBCL and other hematologic malignancies characterized by mutant EZH2 expression.
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25
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Lue JK, Downs-Canner S, Chaudhuri J. The role of B cells in the development, progression, and treatment of lymphomas and solid tumors. Adv Immunol 2022; 154:71-117. [PMID: 36038195 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
B cells are integral components of the mammalian immune response as they have the ability to generate antibodies against an almost infinite array of antigens. Over the past several decades, significant scientific progress has been made in understanding that this enormous B cell diversity contributes to pathogen clearance. However, our understanding of the humoral response to solid tumors and to tumor-specific antigens is unclear. In this review, we first discuss how B cells interact with other cells in the tumor microenvironment and influence the development and progression of various solid tumors. The ability of B lymphocytes to generate antibodies against a diverse repertoire of antigens and subsequently tailor the humoral immune response to specific pathogens relies on their ability to undergo genomic alterations during their development and differentiation. We will discuss key transforming events that lead to the development of B cell lymphomas. Overall, this review provides a foundation for innovative therapeutic interventions for both lymphoma and solid tumor malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Lue
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Stephanie Downs-Canner
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Jayanta Chaudhuri
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.
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26
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Prognostic Value of Histone Modifying Enzyme EZH2 in RCHOP-Treated Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and High Grade B-Cell Lymphoma. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11121384. [PMID: 34945856 PMCID: PMC8703891 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11121384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: DLBCL represent a heterogeneous group of aggressive diseases. High grade B-cell lymphomas (HGBCL) were recently individualized from DLBCL as a discrete diagnostic entity due to their worse prognosis. Currently, although most patients are successfully treated with RCHOP regimens, 1/3 will either not respond or ultimately relapse. Alterations in histone modifying enzymes have emerged as the most common alterations in DLBCL, but their role as prognostic biomarkers is controversial. We aimed to ascertain the prognostic value of EZH2 immunoexpression in RCHOP-treated DLBCL and HGBCL. Results: We performed a retrospective cohort study including 125 patients with RCHOP-treated DLBCL or HGBCL. EZH2 expression levels did not differ between diagnostic groups or between DLBCL-NOS molecular groups. We found no associations between EZH2 expression levels and outcome, including in the subgroup analysis (GC versus non-GC). Nonetheless, EZH2/BCL2 co-expression was significantly associated with worse outcome (event free survival and overall survival). Conclusion: Although EZH2 mutations are almost exclusively found in GC-DLBCL, we found similar EZH2 expression levels in both DLBCL-NOS molecular groups, suggesting non-mutational mechanisms of EZH2 deregulation. These findings suggest that the use of EZH2 antagonists might be extended to non-GC DLBCL patients with clinical benefit. EZH2/BCL2 co-expression was associated with a worse outcome.
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27
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Rej RK, Wang C, Lu J, Wang M, Petrunak E, Zawacki KP, McEachern D, Yang CY, Wang L, Li R, Chinnaswamy K, Wen B, Sun D, Stuckey JA, Zhou Y, Chen J, Tang G, Wang S. Discovery of EEDi-5273 as an Exceptionally Potent and Orally Efficacious EED Inhibitor Capable of Achieving Complete and Persistent Tumor Regression. J Med Chem 2021; 64:14540-14556. [PMID: 34613724 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic ectoderm development (EED) is a promising therapeutic target for human cancers and other diseases. We report herein the discovery of exceptionally potent and efficacious EED inhibitors. By conformational restriction of a previously reported EED inhibitor, we obtained a potent lead compound. Further optimization of the lead yielded exceptionally potent EED inhibitors. The best compound EEDi-5273 binds to EED with an IC50 value of 0.2 nM and inhibits the KARPAS422 cell growth with an IC50 value of 1.2 nM. It demonstrates an excellent PK and ADME profile, and its oral administration leads to complete and persistent tumor regression in the KARPAS422 xenograft model with no signs of toxicity. Co-crystal structures of two potent EED inhibitors with EED provide a solid structural basis for their high-affinity binding. EEDi-5273 is a promising EED inhibitor for further advanced preclinical development for the treatment of human cancer and other human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chao-Yie Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yunlong Zhou
- Ascentage Pharma Group, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215216, China
| | - Jianyong Chen
- Ascentage Pharma Group, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215216, China
| | - Guozhi Tang
- Ascentage Pharma Group, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215216, China
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28
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Yuan H, Nishikori M, Otsuka Y, Arima H, Kitawaki T, Takaori-Kondo A. The EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat upregulates the expression of CCL17/TARC in B-cell lymphoma and enhances T-cell recruitment. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:4604-4616. [PMID: 34449935 PMCID: PMC8586691 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An inhibitor of the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2), tazemetostat, has been developed for the treatment of B‐cell lymphoma, but its mechanisms of action are not fully elucidated. We screened for genes targeted by tazemetostat in eleven B‐cell lymphoma cell lines and found that tazemetostat significantly increased the expression of chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 17 (CCL17)/thymus‐ and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC) in all, which codes for a chemokine that is a hallmark of Hodgkin/Reed‐Sternberg (H/RS) cells in Hodgkin lymphoma. Notably, gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between the genes upregulated by tazemetostat in five follicular lymphoma (FL) cell lines and those reported to be overexpressed in H/RS cells. The CCL17 promoter region was enriched in repressive histone modification H3K27me3, and tazemetostat induced H3K27 demethylation and activated gene transcription. CCL17 protein secretion was also induced by EZH2 inhibition, which was further enhanced by concurrent CpG stimulation. In vitro transwell migration assay demonstrated that CCL17 produced by tazemetostat‐treated B cells enhanced the recruitment of T cells, which had the potential to exert antilymphoma response. Analysis of publicly available human lymphoma databases showed that CCL17 gene expression was inversely correlated with the EZH2 activation signature and significantly paralleled the CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell–rich signature in FL and germinal center B‐cell–like diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. Our findings indicate that tazemetostat can potentially activate antilymphoma response by upregulating CCL17 expression in B‐cell lymphoma cells and promote T‐cell recruitment, which provides a rationale for its combination with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hepei Yuan
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Momoko Nishikori
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Otsuka
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Arima
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshio Kitawaki
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akifumi Takaori-Kondo
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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29
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The Synergistic Anti-Tumor Activity of EZH2 Inhibitor SHR2554 and HDAC Inhibitor Chidamide through ORC1 Reduction of DNA Replication Process in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174249. [PMID: 34503063 PMCID: PMC8428225 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The EZH2-targeted drugs have demonstrated notable therapeutic effects in EZH2 mutant B-cell lymphoma patients. In this study, we demonstrated that the combination of EZH2 inhibitor SHR2554 and HDAC inhibitor HBI8000 exert synergistic anti-proliferative activity in both EZH2 wide-type and mutation B-cell lymphoma. More importantly, gene expression profile analysis revealed simultaneous treatment with these agents led to dramatic inhibition of DNA replication initiator protein ORC1, which might contribute to great efficacy of combination strategy. The combination of EZH2 inhibitor and HDAC inhibitor could provide a potential therapeutic treatment for both EZH2 wide-type and mutation B-cell lymphoma patients. Abstract Background: Upregulation of H3K27me3 induced by EZH2 overexpression or somatic heterozygous mutations were implicated in lymphomagenesis. It has been demonstrated that several EZH2-target agents have notable therapeutic effects in EZH2-mutant B-cell lymphoma patients. Here we present a novel highly selective EZH2 inhibitor SHR2554 and possible combination strategy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods: Cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by CellTiter-Glo Luminescent Cell Viability Assay and flow cytometry. Western Blot was used to detect the expression of related proteins. The gene expression profiling post combination treatment was analyzed by RNA-Seq. Finally, CDX and PDX models were used to evaluate the synergistic anti-tumor effects of the combination treatment in vivo. Results: The novel EZH2 inhibitor SHR2554 inhibited proliferation and induced G1 phase arrest in EZH2-mutant DLBCL cell lines. The combination of EZH2 inhibitor SHR2554 with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor chidamide (hereafter referred to as HBI8000) exerted synergistic anti-proliferative activity in vitro and in vivo. Gene expression profile analysis revealed dramatic inhibition of the DNA replication process in combined treatment. Conclusions: SHR2554, a potent, highly selective small molecule inhibitor of EZH2, inhibited EZH2-mutant DLBCL more significantly in vitro and in vivo. The combination of HDAC inhibitor HBI8000 with EZH2 inhibitor SHR2554 exhibited dramatic anti-tumor activity in both mutant and wild-type DLBCL, which may become a potential therapeutic modality for the treatment of DLBCL patients.
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30
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Julia E, Salles G. EZH2 inhibition by tazemetostat: mechanisms of action, safety and efficacy in relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma. Future Oncol 2021; 17:2127-2140. [PMID: 33709777 PMCID: PMC9892962 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-1244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations are major drivers of follicular lymphomagenesis, and these alterations are frequently caused by mutations in or upregulation of EZH2, a histone methyltransferase responsible for PRC2-mediated gene repression. EZH2 hyperactivation increases proliferation of B cells and prevents them from exiting the germinal center, favoring lymphomagenesis. The first FDA-approved EZH2 inhibitor is tazemetostat, which is orally available and targets both mutant and wild-type forms of the protein to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of lymphoma cells in preclinical models. Phase II trials have shown objective response rates of 69% for patients with lymphoma-carrying EZH2 mutations and 35% for those with wild-type EZH2 without major toxicity, leading to tazemetostat approval for this cancer by the US FDA in June 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Julia
- Department of Hematology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Lyon-Sud, Pierre-Bénite, 69310, France,Faculté de Médecine Lyon-Sud, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard, 165, Chemin du Grand Revoyet, Cedex, Oullins, 69495, France
| | - Gilles Salles
- Faculté de Médecine Lyon-Sud, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard, 165, Chemin du Grand Revoyet, Cedex, Oullins, 69495, France,Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA,Author for correspondence:
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31
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The Tumor Microenvironment in Follicular Lymphoma: Its Pro-Malignancy Role with Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105352. [PMID: 34069564 PMCID: PMC8160856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the follicular lymphoma (FL) microenvironment, CXCR5+ICOS+PD1+BCL6+ follicular helper T (Tfh) cells, which closely correlate with FL B cells in neoplastic follicles, play a major role in supporting FL. Interleukin-4 secreted by Tfh cells triggers the upregulation of the lymphocyte chemoattractant CXCL12 in stromal cell precursors, in particular by fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs). In turn, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be committed to FRC differentiation in the bone marrow and lymph nodes involved by FL. Noteworthy, MSCs can promote the differentiation of Tfh cells into highly immunosuppressive T-follicular regulatory cells. The tumor suppressor HVEM is highly mutated in FL cells, and its deficiency increases Tfh cell frequency. In contrast, PI3Kδ inhibition impedes the recruitment of Tfh/regulatory T cells and impairs the proliferation of follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) and FDC-induced angiogenesis. Since TIGIT ligands are expressed by FDCs, the immune checkpoint receptor TIGIT plays an important role in tumor-infiltrating T cells. Thus, TIGIT blockade might invigorate cytotoxic T cells in the FL microenvironment. Given their potential to simultaneously reduce the neoplastic B cells, Tfh, and TFR cells could also reinforce the effects of the cytotoxic T cells. This combinatory strategy should be explored as a treatment option to tackle FL.
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32
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Raspin K, FitzGerald LM, Marthick JR, Field MA, Malley RC, Banks A, Donovan S, Thomson RJ, Foley GR, Stanford JL, Dickinson JL. A rare variant in EZH2 is associated with prostate cancer risk. Int J Cancer 2021; 149:1089-1099. [PMID: 33821477 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PrCa) is highly heritable, and although rare variants contribute significantly to PrCa risk, few have been identified to date. Herein, whole-genome sequencing was performed in a large PrCa family featuring multiple affected relatives spanning several generations. A rare, predicted splice site EZH2 variant, rs78589034 (G > A), was identified as segregating with disease in all but two individuals in the family, one of whom was affected with lymphoma and bowel cancer and a female relative. This variant was significantly associated with disease risk in combined familial and sporadic PrCa datasets (n = 1551; odds ratio [OR] = 3.55, P = 1.20 × 10-5 ). Transcriptome analysis was performed on prostate tumour needle biopsies available for two rare variant carriers and two wild-type cases. Although no allele-dependent differences were detected in EZH2 transcripts, a distinct differential gene expression signature was observed when comparing prostate tissue from the rare variant carriers with the wild-type samples. The gene expression signature comprised known downstream targets of EZH2 and included the top-ranked genes, DUSP1, FOS, JUNB and EGR1, which were subsequently validated by qPCR. These data provide evidence that rs78589034 is associated with increased PrCa risk in Tasmanian men and further, that this variant may be associated with perturbed EZH2 function in prostate tissue. Disrupted EZH2 function is a driver of tumourigenesis in several cancers, including prostate, and is of significant interest as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsie Raspin
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Liesel M FitzGerald
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - James R Marthick
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Matt A Field
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine and Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia.,John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Roslyn C Malley
- Hobart Pathology, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.,Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Annette Banks
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | | | - Russell J Thomson
- Centre for Research in Mathematics and Data Science, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Georgea R Foley
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Janet L Stanford
- Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joanne L Dickinson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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33
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Point Mutation Specific Antibodies in B-Cell and T-Cell Lymphomas and Leukemias: Targeting IDH2, KRAS, BRAF and Other Biomarkers RHOA, IRF8, MYD88, ID3, NRAS, SF3B1 and EZH2. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11040600. [PMID: 33801781 PMCID: PMC8065453 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11040600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell and T-cell lymphomas and leukemias often have distinct genetic mutations that are diagnostically defining or prognostically significant. A subset of these mutations consists of specific point mutations, which can be evaluated using genetic sequencing approaches or point mutation specific antibodies. Here, we describe genes harboring point mutations relevant to B-cell and T-cell malignancies and discuss the current availability of these targeted point mutation specific antibodies. We also evaluate the possibility of generating novel antibodies against known point mutations by computationally assessing for chemical and structural features as well as epitope antigenicity of these targets. Our results not only summarize several genetic mutations and identify existing point mutation specific antibodies relevant to hematologic malignancies, but also reveal potential underdeveloped targets which merit further study.
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34
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Chetverina DA, Lomaev DV, Georgiev PG, Erokhin MM. Genetic Impairments of PRC2 Activity in Oncology: Problems and Prospects. RUSS J GENET+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795421030042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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35
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Shingleton J, Wang J, Baloh C, Dave T, Davis N, Happ L, Jadi O, Kositsky R, Li X, Love C, Panea R, Qin Q, Reddy A, Singhi N, Smith E, Thakkar D, Dave SS. Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas: Malignancies Arising from Mature B Cells. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2021; 11:cshperspect.a034843. [PMID: 32152246 PMCID: PMC7919396 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a034843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are a diverse group of entities, both clinically and molecularly. Here, we review the evolution of classification schemes in B-cell lymphoma, noting the now standard WHO classification system that is based on immune cell-of-origin and molecular phenotypes. We review how lymphomas arise throughout the B-cell development process as well as the molecular and clinical features of prominent B-cell lymphomas. We provide an overview of the major progress that has occurred over the past decade in terms of our molecular understanding of these diseases. We discuss treatment options available and focus on a number of the diverse research tools that have been employed to improve our understanding of these diseases. We discuss the problem of heterogeneity in lymphomas and anticipate that the near future will bring significant advances that provide a measurable impact on NHL outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Shingleton
- Department of Medicine and Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Medicine and Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Carolyn Baloh
- Department of Medicine and Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Tushar Dave
- Department of Medicine and Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Nicholas Davis
- Department of Medicine and Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Lanie Happ
- Department of Medicine and Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Othmane Jadi
- Department of Medicine and Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Rachel Kositsky
- Department of Medicine and Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Medicine and Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Cassandra Love
- Department of Medicine and Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Razvan Panea
- Department of Medicine and Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Qiu Qin
- Department of Medicine and Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Anupama Reddy
- Department of Medicine and Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Naina Singhi
- Department of Medicine and Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Eileen Smith
- Department of Medicine and Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Devang Thakkar
- Department of Medicine and Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Sandeep S. Dave
- Department of Medicine and Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
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Huang J, Gou H, Yao J, Yi K, Jin Z, Matsuoka M, Zhao T. The noncanonical role of EZH2 in cancer. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:1376-1382. [PMID: 33615636 PMCID: PMC8019201 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is the catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Dysregulation of EZH2 causes alteration of gene expression and functions, thereby promoting cancer development. The regulatory function of EZH2 varies across different tumor types. The canonical role of EZH2 is gene silencing through catalyzing the trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) in a PRC2‐dependent manner. Accumulating evidence indicates that EZH2 has an H3K27me3‐independent function as a transcriptional coactivator and plays a critical role in cancer initiation, development, and progression. In this review, we summarize the regulation and function of EZH2 and focus on the current understanding of the noncanonical role of EZH2 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Huang
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Hongwei Gou
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Jia Yao
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Kaining Yi
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Zhigang Jin
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Masao Matsuoka
- Department of Hematology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Disease, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,Laboratory of Virus Control, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tiejun Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China.,Laboratory of Virus Control, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Liu Z, Hu X, Wang Q, Wu X, Zhang Q, Wei W, Su X, He H, Zhou S, Hu R, Ye T, Zhu Y, Wang N, Yu L. Design and Synthesis of EZH2-Based PROTACs to Degrade the PRC2 Complex for Targeting the Noncatalytic Activity of EZH2. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2829-2848. [PMID: 33606537 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
EZH2 mediates both PRC2-dependent gene silencing via catalyzing H3K27me3 and PRC2-independent transcriptional activation in various cancers. Given its oncogenic role in cancers, EZH2 has constituted a compelling target for anticancer therapy. However, current EZH2 inhibitors only target its methyltransferase activity to downregulate H3K27me3 levels and show limited efficacy because of inadequate suppression of the EZH2 oncogenic activity. Therefore, therapeutic strategies to completely block the oncogenic activity of EZH2 are urgently needed. Herein, we report a series of EZH2-targeted proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that induce proteasomal degradation of PRC2 components, including EZH2, EED, SUZ12, and RbAp48. Preliminary assessment identified E7 as the most active PROTAC molecule, which decreased PRC2 subunits and H3K27me2/3 levels in various cancer cells. Furthermore, E7 strongly inhibited transcriptional silencing mediated by EZH2 dependent on PRC2 and transcriptional activation mediated by EZH2 independent of PRC2, showing significant antiproliferative activities against cancer cell lines dependent on the enzymatic and nonenzymatic activities of EZH2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiuli Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiangsheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xingping Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hualong He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shuyan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rong Hu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Tinghong Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongxia Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ningyu Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Luoting Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Pyziak K, Sroka-Porada A, Rzymski T, Dulak J, Łoboda A. Potential of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibitors for the treatment of SWI/SNF mutant cancers and tumor microenvironment modulation. Drug Dev Res 2021; 82:730-753. [PMID: 33565092 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a catalytic component of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is commonly overexpressed or mutated in many cancer types, both of hematological and solid nature. Till now, plenty of EZH2 small molecule inhibitors have been developed and some of them have already been tested in clinical trials. Most of these inhibitors, however, are effective only in limited cases in the context of EZH2 gain-of-function mutated tumors such as lymphomas. Other cancer types with aberrant EZH2 expression and function require alternative approaches for successful treatment. One possibility is to exploit synthetic lethal strategy, which is based on the phenomenon that concurrent loss of two genes is detrimental but the deletion of either of them leaves cell viable. In the context of EZH2/PRC2, the most promising synthetic lethal target seems to be SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable chromatin remodeling complex (SWI/SNF), which is known to counteract PRC2 functions. SWI/SNF is heavily involved in carcinogenesis and its subunits have been found mutated in approximately 20% of tumors of different kinds. In the current review, we summarize the existing knowledge of synthetic lethal relationships between EZH2/PRC2 and components of the SWI/SNF complex and discuss in detail the potential application of existing EZH2 inhibitors in cancer patients harboring mutations in SWI/SNF proteins. We also highlight recent discoveries of EZH2 involvement in tumor microenvironment regulation and consequences for future therapies. Although clinical studies are limited, the fundamental research might help to understand which patients are most likely to benefit from therapies using EZH2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Pyziak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.,Biology R&D, Ryvu Therapeutics S.A., Kraków, Poland
| | | | | | - Józef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Łoboda
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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Bhat KP, Ümit Kaniskan H, Jin J, Gozani O. Epigenetics and beyond: targeting writers of protein lysine methylation to treat disease. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:265-286. [PMID: 33469207 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-00108-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Protein lysine methylation is a crucial post-translational modification that regulates the functions of both histone and non-histone proteins. Deregulation of the enzymes or 'writers' of protein lysine methylation, lysine methyltransferases (KMTs), is implicated in the cause of many diseases, including cancer, mental health disorders and developmental disorders. Over the past decade, significant advances have been made in developing drugs to target KMTs that are involved in histone methylation and epigenetic regulation. The first of these inhibitors, tazemetostat, was recently approved for the treatment of epithelioid sarcoma and follicular lymphoma, and several more are in clinical and preclinical evaluation. Beyond chromatin, the many KMTs that regulate protein synthesis and other fundamental biological processes are emerging as promising new targets for drug development to treat diverse diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamakoti P Bhat
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - H Ümit Kaniskan
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Or Gozani
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Huo X, Sun H, Qian Q, Ma X, Peng P, Yu M, Zhang Y, Yang J, Cao D, Gui T, Shen K. CYP27B1 Downregulation: A New Molecular Mechanism Regulating EZH2 in Ovarian Cancer Tumorigenicity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:561804. [PMID: 33163485 PMCID: PMC7591459 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.561804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate among gynecologic cancers, and most patients are diagnosed in advanced stages. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a major tumor marker and an effective therapeutic target for ovarian cancer, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. The present study investigated the biological effects of EZH2 knockout in SKOV3 cells in vitro and in vivo and explored the molecular mechanism by integrated analysis of messenger RNA sequencing (mRNA-seq) and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data. Methods The CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to establish EZH2 knockout SKOV3 cells. Protein expression was evaluated by Western blotting. The effect of EZH2 on ovarian cancer was evaluated in vitro with MTT, wound healing, Transwell, and apoptosis assays and in vivo with a xenograft model. mRNA-seq and ChIP-seq were performed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the biological function of EZH2. Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) of tissue arrays was used to analyze the correlations among EZH2 and CYP27B1 expressions and prognosis. Results We obtained three EZH2 knockout subclones. EZH2 knockout SKOV3 cells exhibited significantly suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion and a significantly increased apoptosis rate. The subcutaneous tumor formation rate decreased from 100 to 0% in the EZH2 knockout group. Integrated analysis of the mRNA-seq and ChIP-seq data identified 1,455 significantly upregulated genes with matching downregulated trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) methylation binding sites in 1b11H cells compared to SKOV3 cells. The set of downregulated genes in EZH2 knockout cells was highly enriched in genes regulating the activation of steroid biosynthesis; the top-ranked hub gene was CYP27B1. The EZH2 and CYP27B1 expression levels showed a statistically significant inverse correlation, which was also associated with unfavorable prognosis. The in vitro experiment demonstrated that CYP27B1 can suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the levels of AKT and p-AKT were significantly increased, whereas STAT3 was downregulated, in 1b11H cells compared to SKOV3 cells. Moreover, STAT3 and AKT overexpression was observed in 1b11H siRNA for CYP27B1 (siCYP27B1) cells. Conclusion EZH2 plays an important role in promoting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in ovarian cancer by regulating the core steroid biosynthesis gene via H3K27me3 methylation. Moreover, CYP27B1, the steroid biosynthesis hub gene, might be a novel therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Huo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hengzi Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuhong Qian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shan Dong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangwen Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dongyan Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Gui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Keng Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Chetverina DA, Lomaev DV, Erokhin MM. Polycomb and Trithorax Group Proteins: The Long Road from Mutations in Drosophila to Use in Medicine. Acta Naturae 2020; 12:66-85. [PMID: 33456979 PMCID: PMC7800605 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) proteins are evolutionarily conserved factors responsible for the repression and activation of the transcription of multiple genes in Drosophila and mammals. Disruption of the PcG/TrxG expression is associated with many pathological conditions, including cancer, which makes them suitable targets for diagnosis and therapy in medicine. In this review, we focus on the major PcG and TrxG complexes, the mechanisms of PcG/TrxG action, and their recruitment to chromatin. We discuss the alterations associated with the dysfunction of a number of factors of these groups in oncology and the current strategies used to develop drugs based on small-molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. A. Chetverina
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
| | - D. V. Lomaev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
| | - M. M. Erokhin
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
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Combination Treatment with GSK126 and Pomalidomide Induces B-Cell Differentiation in EZH2 Gain-of-Function Mutant Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092541. [PMID: 32906688 PMCID: PMC7565736 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary To overcome the potential threat of drug resistance or limit of potency, the combination treatment of drugs is a promising strategy. Around 22% of patients with GCB-DLBCL carry EZH2 gain-of-function mutations and several PRC2 inhibitors are under clinical trials. Herein, we demonstrate that combination of GSK126 with pomalidomide synergistically inhibit tumor growth through inducing B-cell maturation and apoptosis in EZH2 gain-of-function mutant DLBCL. Our study provides the molecular basis of the combination strategy of PRC2 inhibitors and IMiDs in DLBCLs harboring EZH2 hyperactive mutation. Abstract Enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), regulates genes involved in cell lineage and differentiation through methylating lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3). Recurrent gain-of-function mutations of EZH2 have been identified in various cancer types, in particular, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), through large-scale genome-wide association studies and EZH2 depletion or pharmacological inhibition has been shown to exert an antiproliferative effect on cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo. In the current study, a combination of pomalidomide and GSK126 synergistically inhibited the growth of EZH2 gain-of-function mutant Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells. Furthermore, this synergistic effect appeared to be dependent on cereblon (CRBN), a cellular receptor of pomalidomide, but not degradation of IKAROS family zinc finger 1 (IKZF1) or IKAROS family zinc finger 3 (IKZF3). RNA sequencing analyses revealed that co-treatment with GSK126 and pomalidomide induced specific gene sets involved in B-cell differentiation and apoptosis. Synergistic growth inhibition and B-cell differentiation were further validated in xenograft mouse models. Our collective results provide a molecular basis for the mechanisms underlying the combined therapeutic effects of PRC2 inhibitors and pomalidomide on EZH2-mutated DLBCL.
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Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is enzymatic catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) that can alter downstream target genes expression by trimethylation of Lys-27 in histone 3 (H3K27me3). EZH2 could also regulate gene expression in ways besides H3K27me3. Functions of EZH2 in cells proliferation, apoptosis, and senescence have been identified. Its important roles in the pathophysiology of cancer are now widely concerned. Therefore, targeting EZH2 for cancer therapy is a hot research topic now and different types of EZH2 inhibitors have been developed. In this review, we summarize the structure and action modes of EZH2, focusing on up-to-date findings regarding the role of EZH2 in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, metabolism, drug resistance, and immunity regulation. Furtherly, we highlight the advance of targeting EZH2 therapies in experiments and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Duan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenfang Du
- Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijian Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
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Demosthenous C, Gupta SK, Sun J, Wang Y, Troska TP, Gupta M. Deregulation of Polycomb Repressive Complex-2 in Mantle Cell Lymphoma Confers Growth Advantage by Epigenetic Suppression of cdkn2b. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1226. [PMID: 32850364 PMCID: PMC7396700 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) maintains the transcriptional repression of target genes through its catalytic component enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2). Through modulating critical gene expression, EZH2 also plays a role in cancer development and progression by promoting cancer cell survival and invasion. Mutations in EZH2 are prevalent in certain B-cell lymphoma subtypes such as diffuse large cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma; while no EZH2 mutation has been reported in the mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Here we demonstrate that the PRC2 components EZH2, EED and SUZ12 are upregulated in the MCL cells as compared to normal B-cells. Moreover, stably transfected cells with wild-type EZH2 or-EED showed increased cell growth and H3K27-trimehtylation. However, unlike wild-type EZH2, ectopic expression of a deletion construct of EZH2 (EZH2Δ550−738 lacking SET domain) had no growth advantage over control cells. Pharmacological inhibition of EZH2 suppressed H3K27me3 and had significant inhibitory effect on cell growth and colony forming capacity (p < 0.05) of MCL cells, and this effect was more or less comparable to the anti-proliferative effects of EZH2 inhibition in cells harboring EZH2-mutation. Mechanistically, EZH2 appears to downregulate expression of cdkn2b gene via enhanced H3K27me3, a well-known suppressive epigenetic mark, at the cdkn2b promoter region. Overall, these results highlight that deregulation of PRC2/EZH2 is associated with epigenetic suppression of cdkn2b in MCL, and in part responsible for increased cell growth, thus the EZH2 inhibitors may have therapeutic potential in the patients with MCL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shiv K Gupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, GW Cancer Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Yongsen Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, GW Cancer Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Mamta Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, GW Cancer Center, Washington, DC, United States
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Khanna A, Côté A, Arora S, Moine L, Gehling VS, Brenneman J, Cantone N, Stuckey JI, Apte S, Ramakrishnan A, Bruderek K, Bradley WD, Audia JE, Cummings RT, Sims RJ, Trojer P, Levell JR. Design, Synthesis, and Pharmacological Evaluation of Second Generation EZH2 Inhibitors with Long Residence Time. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:1205-1212. [PMID: 32551002 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone methyltransferase EZH2, which is the catalytic subunit of the PRC2 complex, catalyzes the methylation of histone H3K27-a transcriptionally repressive post-translational modification (PTM). EZH2 is commonly mutated in hematologic malignancies and frequently overexpressed in solid tumors, where its expression level often correlates with poor prognosis. First generation EZH2 inhibitors are beginning to show clinical benefit, and we believe that a second generation EZH2 inhibitor could further build upon this foundation to fully realize the therapeutic potential of EZH2 inhibition. During our medicinal chemistry campaign, we identified 4-thiomethyl pyridone as a key modification that led to significantly increased potency and prolonged residence time. Leveraging this finding, we optimized a series of EZH2 inhibitors, with enhanced antitumor activity and improved physiochemical properties, which have the potential to expand the clinical use of EZH2 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Khanna
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals 215 First Street Suite 200, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Alexandre Côté
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals 215 First Street Suite 200, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Shilpi Arora
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals 215 First Street Suite 200, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Ludivine Moine
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals 215 First Street Suite 200, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Victor S. Gehling
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals 215 First Street Suite 200, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Jehrod Brenneman
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals 215 First Street Suite 200, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Nico Cantone
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals 215 First Street Suite 200, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Jacob I. Stuckey
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals 215 First Street Suite 200, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Shruti Apte
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals 215 First Street Suite 200, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Ashwin Ramakrishnan
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals 215 First Street Suite 200, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Kamil Bruderek
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals 215 First Street Suite 200, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - William D. Bradley
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals 215 First Street Suite 200, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - James E. Audia
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals 215 First Street Suite 200, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Richard T. Cummings
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals 215 First Street Suite 200, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Robert J. Sims
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals 215 First Street Suite 200, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Patrick Trojer
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals 215 First Street Suite 200, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Julian R. Levell
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals 215 First Street Suite 200, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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Zhang T, Gong Y, Meng H, Li C, Xue L. Symphony of epigenetic and metabolic regulation-interaction between the histone methyltransferase EZH2 and metabolism of tumor. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:72. [PMID: 32448308 PMCID: PMC7245796 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00862-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence has suggested that epigenetic and metabolic alterations in cancer cells are highly intertwined. As the master epigenetic regulator, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) suppresses gene transcription mainly by catalyzing the trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) and exerts highly enzymatic activity in cancer cells. Cancer cells undergo the profound metabolic reprogramming and manifest the distinct metabolic profile. The emerging studies have explored that EZH2 is involved in altering the metabolic profiles of tumor cells by multiple pathways, which cover glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. Meanwhile, the stability and methyltransferase activity of EZH2 can be also affected by the metabolic activity of tumor cells through various mechanisms, including post-translational modification. In this review, we have summarized the correlation between EZH2 and cellular metabolic activity during tumor progression and drug treatment. Finally, as a promising target, we proposed a novel strategy through a combination of EZH2 inhibitors with metabolic regulators for future cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengrui Zhang
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Yueqing Gong
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Hui Meng
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Chen Li
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Lixiang Xue
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China
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Global characterization of proteome and lysine methylome features in EZH2 wild-type and mutant lymphoma cell lines. J Proteomics 2020; 213:103614. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.103614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Zhang KL, Shen QQ, Fang YF, Sun YM, Ding J, Chen Y. AZD9291 inactivates the PRC2 complex to mediate tumor growth inhibition. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:1587-1595. [PMID: 31171828 PMCID: PMC7468275 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-019-0248-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Deregulated Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is intimately involved in tumorigenesis and progression, making it an invaluable target for epigenetic cancer therapy. Disrupting the EZH2–EED interaction, which is required for PRC2 enzymatic activity, is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, this kind of inhibitors are still limited. The in-cell protein–protein interaction screening was conducted for approximately 1300 compounds by NanoBRET technology. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), protein thermal shift assay (PTSA), and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were performed to investigate the regulation of PRC2 by AZD9291. The anti-tumor effects of AZD9291 on breast cancer (BC) cells and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells were detected. MicroRNA array assay, luciferase reporter assay, and qRT-PCR were conducted to identify the interaction and regulation among AZD9291, EZH2, and miR-34a. We discovered that, AZD9291, a potent and selective EGFR inhibitor, disrupted the interaction of EZH2–EED, leading to impairment of PRC2 activity and downregulation of EZH2 protein. In addition, AZD9291 declined EZH2 mRNA expression via upregulating the expression of a tumor suppressor, miR-34a. Our results suggest that AZD9291 can serve as a lead compound for further development of antagonist of PRC2 protein–protein interactions and EZH2 mRNA may be a direct target of miR-34a through non-canonical base pairing.
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Chammas P, Mocavini I, Di Croce L. Engaging chromatin: PRC2 structure meets function. Br J Cancer 2019; 122:315-328. [PMID: 31708574 PMCID: PMC7000746 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0615-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a key epigenetic multiprotein complex involved in the regulation of gene expression in metazoans. PRC2 is formed by a tetrameric core that endows the complex with histone methyltransferase activity, allowing it to mono-, di- and tri-methylate histone H3 on lysine 27 (H3K27me1/2/3); H3K27me3 is a hallmark of facultative heterochromatin. The core complex of PRC2 is bound by several associated factors that are responsible for modulating its targeting specificity and enzymatic activity. Depletion and/or mutation of the subunits of this complex can result in severe developmental defects, or even lethality. Furthermore, mutations of these proteins in somatic cells can be drivers of tumorigenesis, by altering the transcriptional regulation of key tumour suppressors or oncogenes. In this review, we present the latest results from structural studies that have characterised PRC2 composition and function. We compare this information with data and literature for both gain-of function and loss-of-function missense mutations in cancers to provide an overview of the impact of these mutations on PRC2 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Chammas
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona, 08003, Spain
| | - Ivano Mocavini
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona, 08003, Spain
| | - Luciano Di Croce
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona, 08003, Spain. .,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain. .,ICREA, Pg Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona, 08010, Spain.
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Lue JK, Prabhu SA, Liu Y, Gonzalez Y, Verma A, Mundi PS, Abshiru N, Camarillo JM, Mehta S, Chen EI, Qiao C, Nandakumar R, Cremers S, Kelleher NL, Elemento O, Amengual JE. Precision Targeting with EZH2 and HDAC Inhibitors in Epigenetically Dysregulated Lymphomas. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:5271-5283. [PMID: 30979734 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-3989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Both gain-of-function enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) mutations and inactivating histone acetyltransferases mutations, such as CREBBP and EP300, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of germinal center (GC)-derived lymphomas. We hypothesized that direct inhibition of EZH2 and histone deacetyltransferase (HDAC) would be synergistic in GC-derived lymphomas. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Lymphoma cell lines (n = 21) were exposed to GSK126, an EZH2 inhibitor, and romidepsin, a pan-HDAC inhibitor. Synergy was assessed by excess over bliss. Western blot, mass spectrometry, and coimmunoprecipitation were performed. A SU-DHL-10 xenograft model was utilized to validate in vitro findings. Pretreatment RNA-sequencing of cell lines was performed. MetaVIPER analysis was used to infer protein activity. RESULTS Exposure to GSK126 and romidepsin demonstrated potent synergy in lymphoma cell lines with EZH2 dysregulation. Combination of romidepsin with other EZH2 inhibitors also demonstrated synergy suggesting a class effect of EZH2 inhibition with romidepsin. Dual inhibition of EZH2 and HDAC led to modulation of acetylation and methylation of H3K27. The synergistic effects of the combination were due to disruption of the PRC2 complex secondary to acetylation of RbAP 46/48. A common basal gene signature was shared among synergistic lymphoma cell lines and was characterized by upregulation in chromatin remodeling genes and transcriptional regulators. This finding was supported by metaVIPER analysis which also revealed that HDAC 1/2 and DNA methyltransferase were associated with EZH2 activation. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of EZH2 and HDAC is synergistic and leads to the dissociation of PRC2 complex. Our findings support the clinical translation of the combination of EZH2 and HDAC inhibition in EZH2 dysregulated lymphomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Lue
- Center for Lymphoid Malignancies, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Sathyen A Prabhu
- Center for Lymphoid Malignancies, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Yuxuan Liu
- Center for Lymphoid Malignancies, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Yulissa Gonzalez
- Center for Lymphoid Malignancies, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Akanksha Verma
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Prabhjot S Mundi
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Nebiyu Abshiru
- Departments of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jeannie M Camarillo
- Departments of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Swasti Mehta
- Center for Lymphoid Malignancies, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Emily I Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center Proteomics Shared Resource, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Changhong Qiao
- Clinical Translational Research Center, Laboratory of Analytical Pharmacology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Renu Nandakumar
- Clinical Translational Research Center, Laboratory of Analytical Pharmacology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Serge Cremers
- Clinical Translational Research Center, Laboratory of Analytical Pharmacology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Neil L Kelleher
- Departments of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Jennifer E Amengual
- Center for Lymphoid Malignancies, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.
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