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Cen Y, Chen Y, Li X, Chen X, Yu B, Yan M, Yan N, Cheng H, Li S. Optical controlled and nuclear targeted CECR2 competitor to downregulate CSF-1 for metastatic breast cancer immunotherapy. Biomaterials 2024; 308:122568. [PMID: 38615488 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122568] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The crosstalk between breast cancer cells and tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) greatly contributes to tumor progression and immunosuppression. In this work, cat eye syndrome chromosome region candidate 2 (CECR2) is identified to overexpress in breast cancer patients, which can recognize v-rel avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (RelA) and activate nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) to release colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1). Pharmacological inhibition of CECR2 by the bromodomain competitor (Bromosporine, Bro) can downregulate CSF-1 to inhibit M2 type TAMs. To amplify the immunotherapeutic effect, a chimeric peptide-based and optical controlled CECR2 competitor (designated as N-PB) is constructed to enhance the nuclear targeted delivery of Bro and initiate an immunogenic cell death (ICD). In vivo results indicate a favorable breast cancer targeting ability and primary tumor suppression effect of N-PB under optical irradiation. Importantly, N-PB downregulates CSF-1 by competitive inhibition of CECR2 and NF-κB(RelA) interactions, thus inhibiting immunosuppressive M2-like TAMs while improving the antitumorigenic M1-like phenotype. Ultimately, the systemic anti-tumor immunity is activated to suppress the metastatic breast cancer in an optical controlled manner. This study provides a promising therapeutic target and reliable strategy for metastatic breast cancer treatment by interrupting immunosuppressive crosstalk between tumor cells and macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cen
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Ying Chen
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Xinxuan Li
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Xiayun Chen
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Baixue Yu
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Mengyi Yan
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Ni Yan
- Biomaterials Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China
| | - Hong Cheng
- Biomaterials Research Center, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China.
| | - Shiying Li
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China.
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Mondal A, Singh B, Felkner RH, De Falco A, Swapna G, Montelione GT, Roth MJ, Perez A. A Computational Pipeline for Accurate Prioritization of Protein-Protein Binding Candidates in High-Throughput Protein Libraries. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202405767. [PMID: 38588243 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202405767] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Identifying the interactome for a protein of interest is challenging due to the large number of possible binders. High-throughput experimental approaches narrow down possible binding partners but often include false positives. Furthermore, they provide no information about what the binding region is (e.g., the binding epitope). We introduce a novel computational pipeline based on an AlphaFold2 (AF) Competitive Binding Assay (AF-CBA) to identify proteins that bind a target of interest from a pull-down experiment and the binding epitope. Our focus is on proteins that bind the Extraterminal (ET) domain of Bromo and Extraterminal domain (BET) proteins, but we also introduce nine additional systems to show transferability to other peptide-protein systems. We describe a series of limitations to the methodology based on intrinsic deficiencies of AF and AF-CBA to help users identify scenarios where the approach will be most useful. Given the method's speed and accuracy, we anticipate its broad applicability to identify binding epitope regions among potential partners, setting the stage for experimental verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arup Mondal
- Department of Chemistry and Quantum Theory Project, University of Florida, Leigh Hall 240, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bhumika Singh
- Department of Chemistry and Quantum Theory Project, University of Florida, Leigh Hall 240, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Roland H Felkner
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane Rm 636, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Anna De Falco
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, USA
| | - Gvt Swapna
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, USA
| | - Gaetano T Montelione
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, USA
| | - Monica J Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane Rm 636, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Alberto Perez
- Department of Chemistry and Quantum Theory Project, University of Florida, Leigh Hall 240, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Strom AR, Eeftens JM, Polyachenko Y, Weaver CJ, Watanabe HF, Bracha D, Orlovsky ND, Jumper CC, Jacobs WM, Brangwynne CP. Interplay of condensation and chromatin binding underlies BRD4 targeting. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar88. [PMID: 38656803 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e24-01-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Nuclear compartments form via biomolecular phase separation, mediated through multivalent properties of biomolecules concentrated within condensates. Certain compartments are associated with specific chromatin regions, including transcriptional initiation condensates, which are composed of transcription factors and transcriptional machinery, and form at acetylated regions including enhancer and promoter loci. While protein self-interactions, especially within low-complexity and intrinsically disordered regions, are known to mediate condensation, the role of substrate-binding interactions in regulating the formation and function of biomolecular condensates is underexplored. Here, utilizing live-cell experiments in parallel with coarse-grained simulations, we investigate how chromatin interaction of the transcriptional activator BRD4 modulates its condensate formation. We find that both kinetic and thermodynamic properties of BRD4 condensation are affected by chromatin binding: nucleation rate is sensitive to BRD4-chromatin interactions, providing an explanation for the selective formation of BRD4 condensates at acetylated chromatin regions, and thermodynamically, multivalent acetylated chromatin sites provide a platform for BRD4 clustering below the concentration required for off-chromatin condensation. This provides a molecular and physical explanation of the relationship between nuclear condensates and epigenetically modified chromatin that results in their mutual spatiotemporal regulation, suggesting that epigenetic modulation is an important mechanism by which the cell targets transcriptional condensates to specific chromatin loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R Strom
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | - Jorine M Eeftens
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Yury Polyachenko
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | - Claire J Weaver
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | | | - Dan Bracha
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion, Haifa 3200, Israel
| | - Natalia D Orlovsky
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Chanelle C Jumper
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
- Nereid Therapeutics, Boston, MA
| | - William M Jacobs
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | - Clifford P Brangwynne
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
- Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
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Yin N, Li X, Zhang X, Xue S, Cao Y, Niedermann G, Lu Y, Xue J. Development of pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer therapeutics: current mechanistic studies and clinical opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:126. [PMID: 38773064 PMCID: PMC11109181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01826-z] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represented by anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment, but challenges related to resistance and toxicity still remain. Due to the advancement of immuno-oncology, an increasing number of novel immunoregulatory targets and mechanisms are being revealed, with relevant therapies promising to improve clinical immunotherapy in the foreseeable future. Therefore, comprehending the larger picture is important. In this review, we analyze and summarize the current landscape of preclinical and translational mechanistic research, drug development, and clinical trials that brought about next-generation pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer agents and drug candidates beyond classical immune checkpoint inhibitors. Along with further clarification of cancer immunobiology and advances in antibody engineering, agents targeting additional inhibitory immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, CD47, and B7 family members are becoming an important part of cancer immunotherapy research and discovery, as are structurally and functionally optimized novel anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents and agonists of co-stimulatory molecules of T cells. Exemplified by bispecific T cell engagers, newly emerging bi-specific and multi-specific antibodies targeting immunoregulatory molecules can provide considerable clinical benefits. Next-generation agents also include immune epigenetic drugs and cytokine-based therapeutics. Cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses are not covered in this review. This comprehensive review might aid in further development and the fastest possible clinical adoption of effective immuno-oncology modalities for the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhao Yin
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xintong Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xuanwei Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shaolong Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Institute of Disaster Medicine & Institute of Emergency Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Gaopeng Avenue, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Gabriele Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site DKTK-Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Strasse 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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Li Y, Fan C, Hu Y, Zhang W, Li H, Wang Y, Xu Z. Multi-cohort validation: A comprehensive exploration of prognostic marker in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 135:112300. [PMID: 38781609 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common form of RCC. It is characterized by resistance to traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as an unfavorable clinical prognosis. Although TYMP is implicated in the advancement of tumor progression, the role of TYMP in ccRCC is still not understood. Heightened TYMP expression was identified in ccRCC through database mining and confirmed in RCC cell lines. Indeed, TYMP knockdown impacted RCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. TYMP showed a positive correlation with clinicopathological parameters (histological grade, pathological stage). Moreover, patients with high TYMP expression were indicative of poor prognosis in TCGA-ccRCC and external cohorts. The results of single-cell analysis showed that the distribution of TYMP was predominantly observed in monocytes and macrophages. Furthermore, there is a significant association between TYMP and immune status. Methylation analysis further elucidated the relationship between TYMP expression and multiple methylation sites. Drug sensitivity analysis unveiled potential pharmaceutical options. Additionally, mutation analyses identified an association between TYMP and the ccRCC driver genes like BAP1 and ROS1. In summary, TYMP may serve as a reliable prognostic indicator for ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Li
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Congcong Fan
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yuhang Hu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Weizhi Zhang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Hang Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yining Wang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Ziqiang Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
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6
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Xu X, Qiu H. BRD4 promotes gouty arthritis through MDM2-mediated PPARγ degradation and pyroptosis. Mol Med 2024; 30:67. [PMID: 38773379 PMCID: PMC11110350 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00831-w] [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: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gouty arthritis (GA) is characterized by monosodium urate (MSU) crystal accumulation that instigates NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis; however, the underlying regulatory mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated. The present research endeavors to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underpinning this MSU-induced pyroptotic cascade in GA. METHODS J774 cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide and MSU crystals to establish in vitro GA models, whereas C57BL/6 J male mice received MSU crystal injections to mimic in vivo GA conditions. Gene and protein expression levels were evaluated using real-time quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical assays. Inflammatory markers were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Pyroptosis was evaluated using immunofluorescence staining for caspase-1 and flow cytometry with caspase-1/propidium iodide staining. The interaction between MDM2 and PPARγ was analyzed through co-immunoprecipitation assays, whereas the interaction between BRD4 and the MDM2 promoter was examined using chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Mouse joint tissues were histopathologically evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS In GA, PPARγ was downregulated, whereas its overexpression mitigated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. MDM2, which was upregulated in GA, destabilized PPARγ through the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation pathway, whereas its silencing attenuated NLRP3 activation by elevating PPARγ levels. Concurrently, BRD4 was elevated in GA and exacerbated NLRP3 activation and pyroptosis by transcriptionally upregulating MDM2, thereby promoting PPARγ degradation. In vivo experiments showed that BRD4 silencing ameliorated GA through this MDM2-PPARγ-pyroptosis axis. CONCLUSION BRD4 promotes inflammation and pyroptosis in GA through MDM2-mediated PPARγ degradation, underscoring the therapeutic potential of targeting this pathway in GA management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Xu
- Key Laboratory of Microecology-Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases, School of Basic Medicine, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province, 154000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbin Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Microecology-Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases, School of Basic Medicine, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province, 154000, People's Republic of China.
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Pandey K, Acharya A, Pal D, Jain P, Singh K, Durden DL, Kutateladze TG, Deshpande AJ, Byrareddy SN. SRX3177, a CDK4/6-PI3K-BET inhibitor, in combination with an RdRp inhibitor, Molnupiravir, or an entry inhibitor MU-UNMC-2, has potent antiviral activity against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. Antiviral Res 2024; 227:105904. [PMID: 38729306 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105904] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite considerable progress in developing vaccines and antivirals to combat COVID-19, the rapid mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 genome have limited the durability and efficacy of the current vaccines and therapeutic interventions. Hence, it necessitates the development of novel therapeutic approaches or repurposing existing drugs that target either viral life cycle, host factors, or both. Here, we report that SRX3177, a potent triple-activity CDK4/6-PI3K-BET inhibitor, blocks replication of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant with IC50 values at sub-micromolar concentrations without any impact on the cell proliferation of Calu-3 cells at and below its IC50 concentration. When SRX3177 is combined with EIDD-1931 (active moiety of a small-molecule prodrug Molnupiravir) or MU-UNMC-2 (a SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitor) at a fixed doses matrix, a synergistic effect was observed, leading to the significant reduction in the dose of the individual compounds to achieve similar inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication. Herein, we report that the combination of SRX3177/MPV or SRX3177/UM-UNMC-2 has the potential for further development as a combinational therapy against SARS-CoV-2 and in any future outbreak of beta coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabita Pandey
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68131, USA
| | - Arpan Acharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68131, USA
| | - Dhananjaya Pal
- Molecular Targeted Therapeutics Laboratory, Levine Cancer Institute, Charlotte, NC, 28204, USA; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Prashant Jain
- Cancer Genome and Epigenetics Program, National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92127, USA
| | - Kamal Singh
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Donald L Durden
- Molecular Targeted Therapeutics Laboratory, Levine Cancer Institute, Charlotte, NC, 28204, USA; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Tatiana G Kutateladze
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Aniruddha J Deshpande
- Cancer Genome and Epigenetics Program, National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92127, USA
| | - Siddappa N Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68131, USA.
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Zhang Q, Wu Q, Huan XJ, Song SS, Bao XB, Miao ZH, Wang YQ. Co-inhibition of BET and NAE enhances BIM-dependent apoptosis with augmented cancer therapeutic efficacy. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116198. [PMID: 38588830 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Agents that inhibit bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins have been actively tested in the clinic as potential anticancer drugs. NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE) inhibitors, represented by MLN4924, target the only activation enzyme in the neddylation pathway that has been identified as an attractive target for cancer therapy. In this study, we focus on the combination of BET inhibitors (BETis) and NAE inhibitors (NAEis) as a cancer therapeutic strategy and investigate its underlying mechanisms to explore and expand the application scope of both types of drugs. The results showed that this combination synergistically inhibited the proliferative activity of tumor cells from different tissues. Compared to a single drug, combination therapy had a weak effect on cycle arrest but significantly enhanced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the growth of NCI-H1975 xenografts in nude mice was significantly inhibited by the combination without obvious body weight loss. Research on the synergistic mechanism demonstrated that combination therapy significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of the proapoptotic gene BIM. The inhibition and knockout of BIM significantly attenuated the apoptosis induced by the combination, whereas the re-expression of BIM restored the synergistic effects, indicating that BIM induction plays a critical role in mediating the enhanced apoptosis induced by the co-inhibition of BET and NAE. Together, the enhanced transcription mediated by miR-17-92 cluster inhibition and reduced degradation promoted the increase in BIM levels, resulting in a synergistic effect. Collectively, these findings highlight the need for further clinical investigation into the combination of BETi and NAEi as a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xia-Juan Huan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shan-Shan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xu-Bin Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ze-Hong Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Ying-Qing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.
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Wen J, Zhang J, Zhang H, Zhang N, Lei R, Deng Y, Cheng Q, Li H, Luo P. Large-scale genome-wide association studies reveal the genetic causal etiology between air pollutants and autoimmune diseases. J Transl Med 2024; 22:392. [PMID: 38685026 PMCID: PMC11057084 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04928-y] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological evidence links a close correlation between long-term exposure to air pollutants and autoimmune diseases, while the causality remained unknown. METHODS Two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) was used to investigate the role of PM10, PM2.5, NO2, and NOX (N = 423,796-456,380) in 15 autoimmune diseases (N = 14,890-314,995) using data from large European GWASs including UKB, FINNGEN, IMSGC, and IPSCSG. Multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) was conducted to investigate the direct effect of each air pollutant and the mediating role of common factors, including body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption, smoking status, and household income. Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS), two-step MR, and colocalization analyses were performed to explore underlying mechanisms between air pollution and autoimmune diseases. RESULTS In TSMR, after correction of multiple testing, hypothyroidism was causally associated with higher exposure to NO2 [odds ratio (OR): 1.37, p = 9.08 × 10-4] and NOX [OR: 1.34, p = 2.86 × 10-3], ulcerative colitis (UC) was causally associated with higher exposure to NOX [OR: 2.24, p = 1.23 × 10-2] and PM2.5 [OR: 2.60, p = 5.96 × 10-3], rheumatoid arthritis was causally associated with higher exposure to NOX [OR: 1.72, p = 1.50 × 10-2], systemic lupus erythematosus was causally associated with higher exposure to NOX [OR: 4.92, p = 6.89 × 10-3], celiac disease was causally associated with lower exposure to NOX [OR: 0.14, p = 6.74 × 10-4] and PM2.5 [OR: 0.17, p = 3.18 × 10-3]. The risky effects of PM2.5 on UC remained significant in MVMR analyses after adjusting for other air pollutants. MVMR revealed several common mediators between air pollutants and autoimmune diseases. Transcriptional analysis identified specific gene transcripts and pathways interconnecting air pollutants and autoimmune diseases. Two-step MR revealed that POR, HSPA1B, and BRD2 might mediate from air pollutants to autoimmune diseases. POR pQTL (rs59882870, PPH4=1.00) strongly colocalized with autoimmune diseases. CONCLUSION This research underscores the necessity of rigorous air pollutant surveillance within public health studies to curb the prevalence of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wen
- The Animal Laboratory Center, Hunan Cancer Hospital, and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hypothalamic Pituitary Research Centre, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingwei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hypothalamic Pituitary Research Centre, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruoyan Lei
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yujia Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- First Clinical Department, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Hypothalamic Pituitary Research Centre, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - He Li
- The Animal Laboratory Center, Hunan Cancer Hospital, and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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10
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Ocaña-Paredes B, Rivera-Orellana S, Ramírez-Sánchez D, Montalvo-Guerrero J, Freire MP, Espinoza-Ferrao S, Altamirano-Colina A, Echeverría-Espinoza P, Ramos-Medina MJ, Echeverría-Garcés G, Granda-Moncayo D, Jácome-Alvarado A, Andrade MG, López-Cortés A. The pharmacoepigenetic paradigm in cancer treatment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1381168. [PMID: 38720770 PMCID: PMC11076712 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1381168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, characterized by changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, play a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer by significantly influencing gene activity and cellular function. This insight has led to the development of a novel class of therapeutic agents, known as epigenetic drugs. These drugs, including histone deacetylase inhibitors, histone acetyltransferase inhibitors, histone methyltransferase inhibitors, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, aim to modulate gene expression to curb cancer growth by uniquely altering the epigenetic landscape of cancer cells. Ongoing research and clinical trials are rigorously evaluating the efficacy of these drugs, particularly their ability to improve therapeutic outcomes when used in combination with other treatments. Such combination therapies may more effectively target cancer and potentially overcome the challenge of drug resistance, a significant hurdle in cancer therapy. Additionally, the importance of nutrition, inflammation control, and circadian rhythm regulation in modulating drug responses has been increasingly recognized, highlighting their role as critical modifiers of the epigenetic landscape and thereby influencing the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions and patient outcomes. Epigenetic drugs represent a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, offering targeted therapies that promise a more precise approach to treating a wide spectrum of tumors, potentially with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. This progress marks a step towards more personalized and precise interventions, leveraging the unique epigenetic profiles of individual tumors to optimize treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Ocaña-Paredes
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - David Ramírez-Sánchez
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - María Paula Freire
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | | | | | - María José Ramos-Medina
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Echeverría-Garcés
- Centro de Referencia Nacional de Genómica, Secuenciación y Bioinformática, Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública “Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez”, Quito, Ecuador
- Latin American Network for the Implementation and Validation of Clinical Pharmacogenomics Guidelines (RELIVAF-CYTED), Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Andrea Jácome-Alvarado
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - María Gabriela Andrade
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Andrés López-Cortés
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
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11
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Lee H, Nam J, Jang H, Park YS, Son MH, Lee IH, Eyun SI, Yang JH, Jeon J, Yang S. BRD2-specific inhibitor, BBC0403, inhibits the progression of osteoarthritis pathogenesis in osteoarthritis-induced C57BL/6 male mice. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38600628 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16359] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The discovery of new bromo- and extra-terminal inhibitors presents new drugs to treat osteoarthritis (OA). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The new drug, BBC0403, was identified in the DNA-encoded library screening system by searching for compounds that target BRD (bromodomain-containing) proteins. The binding force with BRD proteins was evaluated using time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer (TR-FRET) and binding kinetics assays. Subsequently, in vitro and ex vivo analyses demonstrated the effects of the BRD2 inhibitor, BBC0403, on OA. For animal experiments, medial meniscus destabilization was performed to create a 12-week-old male C57BL/6 mouse model, and intra-articular (i.a.) injections were administered. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were then performed. The underlying mechanism was confirmed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) using RNA-seq. KEY RESULTS TR-FRET and binding kinetics assays revealed that BBC0403 exhibited higher binding specificity for BRD2 compared to BRD3 and BRD4. The anti-OA effects of BBC0403 were tested at concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 μM (no cell toxicity in the range tested). The expression of catabolic factors, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation was reduced. Additionally, the i.a. injection of BBC0403 prevented OA cartilage degradation in mice. Finally, BBC0403 was demonstrated to suppress NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS This study demonstrated that BBC0403 is a novel BRD2-specific inhibitor and a potential i.a.-injectable therapeutic agent to treat OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyemi Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jiho Nam
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Hahyeong Jang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | | | | | | | - Seong-Il Eyun
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Hyun Yang
- Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jimin Jeon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Siyoung Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
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12
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McGrath MK, Abolhassani A, Guy L, Elshazly AM, Barrett JT, Mivechi NF, Gewirtz DA, Schoenlein PV. Autophagy and senescence facilitate the development of antiestrogen resistance in ER positive breast cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1298423. [PMID: 38567308 PMCID: PMC10986181 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1298423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer is the most common breast cancer diagnosed annually in the US with endocrine-based therapy as standard-of-care for this breast cancer subtype. Endocrine therapy includes treatment with antiestrogens, such as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), selective estrogen receptor downregulators (SERDs), and aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Despite the appreciable remission achievable with these treatments, a substantial cohort of women will experience primary tumor recurrence, subsequent metastasis, and eventual death due to their disease. In these cases, the breast cancer cells have become resistant to endocrine therapy, with endocrine resistance identified as the major obstacle to the medical oncologist and patient. To combat the development of endocrine resistance, the treatment options for ER+, HER2 negative breast cancer now include CDK4/6 inhibitors used as adjuvants to antiestrogen treatment. In addition to the dysregulated activity of CDK4/6, a plethora of genetic and biochemical mechanisms have been identified that contribute to endocrine resistance. These mechanisms, which have been identified by lab-based studies utilizing appropriate cell and animal models of breast cancer, and by clinical studies in which gene expression profiles identify candidate endocrine resistance genes, are the subject of this review. In addition, we will discuss molecular targeting strategies now utilized in conjunction with endocrine therapy to combat the development of resistance or target resistant breast cancer cells. Of approaches currently being explored to improve endocrine treatment efficacy and patient outcome, two adaptive cell survival mechanisms, autophagy, and "reversible" senescence, are considered molecular targets. Autophagy and/or senescence induction have been identified in response to most antiestrogen treatments currently being used for the treatment of ER+ breast cancer and are often induced in response to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Unfortunately, effective strategies to target these cell survival pathways have not yet been successfully developed. Thus, there is an urgent need for the continued interrogation of autophagy and "reversible" senescence in clinically relevant breast cancer models with the long-term goal of identifying new molecular targets for improved treatment of ER+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K. McGrath
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Ali Abolhassani
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Luke Guy
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Ahmed M. Elshazly
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - John T. Barrett
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Nahid F. Mivechi
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - David A. Gewirtz
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Patricia V. Schoenlein
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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13
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Chen M, Guo X, Guo J, Shi C, Wu Y, Chen L, Mao R, Fan Y. Cytoplasmic Accumulation of Histones Induced by BET Inhibition Protects Cells from C9orf72 Poly(PR)-Induced Cell Death. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300334. [PMID: 38213020 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300334] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Repeat dipeptides such as poly(proline-arginine) (polyPR) are generated from the hexanucleotide GGGGCC repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene. These dipeptides are often considered as the genetic cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In the study, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled PR20 is used to investigate PR20-induced cell death. The findings reveal that the cell death induced by PR20 is dependent on its nuclear distribution and can be blocked by a nuclear import inhibitor called importazole. Further investigation reveals that BRD4 inhibitors, such as JQ-1 and I-BET762, restrict cytoplasmic localization of PR20, thereby reducing its cytotoxic effect. Mechanistically, the inhibition of BRD4 leads to an increase in the expression of numerous histones, resulting in the accumulation of histones in the cytoplasm. These cytoplasmic histones associate with PR20 and limit its distribution within the nucleus. Notably, the ectopic expression of histones alone is enough to confer protection to cells treated with PR20. In addition, phenylephrine (PE) induces cellular hypertrophy and cytoplasmic distribution of histone, which also helps protect cells from PR20-induced cell death. The research suggests that temporarily inducing the presence of cytoplasmic histones may alleviate the neurotoxic effects of dipeptide repeat proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Chen
- Laboratory of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Xiaohong Guo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Jinjing Guo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Conglin Shi
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Laboratory of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Liuting Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Renfang Mao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yihui Fan
- Laboratory of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
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14
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Wang BR, Wang J, Tian T, Zhang SX, Zhao YQ, Meng SY, Wu ZY, Huang F, Zeng J, Ni J. Genetic correlation, shared loci, but no causality between bipolar disorder and inflammatory bowel disease: A genome-wide pleiotropic analysis. J Affect Disord 2024; 348:167-174. [PMID: 38154582 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.12.042] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The comorbidity between bipolar disorder (BD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been widely reported in observational studies. However, unclear whether this comorbidity reflects a shared genetic architecture. METHODS Leveraging large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics of BD, IBD and its subtypes, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), we performed a genome-wide pleiotropic analysis to estimate heritability and genetic correlation, identify pleiotropy loci/genes, and explore the shared biological pathway. Mendelian randomization (MR) studies were subsequently employed to infer whether the potential causal relationship is present. RESULTS We found a positive significant genetic correlation between BD and IBD (rg = 0.10, P = 7.00 × 10-4), UC (rg = 0.09, P = 2.90 × 10-3), CD (rg = 0.08, P = 6.10 × 10-3). In cross-trait meta-analysis, a total of 29, 24, and 23 independent SNPs passed the threshold for significant association between BD and IBD, UC, and CD, respectively. We identified five novel pleiotropy genes including ZDHHC2, SCRN1, INPP4B, C1orf123, and BRD3 in both BD and IBD, as well as in its subtypes UC and CD. Pathway enrichment analyses revealed that those pleiotropy genes were mainly enriched in several immune-related signal transduction pathways and cerebral disease-related pathways. MR analyses provided no evidence for a causal relationship between BD and IBD. CONCLUSION Our findings corroborated that shared genetic basis and common biological pathways may explain the comorbidity of BD and IBD. These findings further our understanding of shared genetic mechanisms underlying BD and IBD, and potentially provide points of intervention that may allow the development of new therapies for these co-occurrent disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Ran Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, the Second School of Clinical Medical, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Shang-Xin Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Yu-Qiang Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Shi-Ying Meng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Zhuo-Yi Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Fen Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Jing Ni
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
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15
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Petrova M, Margasyuk S, Vorobeva M, Skvortsov D, Dontsova O, Pervouchine DD. BRD2 and BRD3 genes independently evolved RNA structures to control unproductive splicing. NAR Genom Bioinform 2024; 6:lqad113. [PMID: 38226395 PMCID: PMC10789245 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqad113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The mammalian BRD2 and BRD3 genes encode structurally related proteins from the bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein family. The expression of BRD2 is regulated by unproductive splicing upon inclusion of exon 3b, which is located in the region encoding a bromodomain. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that BRD2 exon 3b inclusion is controlled by a pair of conserved complementary regions (PCCR) located in the flanking introns. Furthermore, we identified a highly conserved element encoding a cryptic poison exon 5b and a previously unknown PCCR in the intron between exons 5 and 6 of BRD3, however, outside of the homologous bromodomain. Minigene mutagenesis and blockage of RNA structure by antisense oligonucleotides demonstrated that RNA structure controls the rate of inclusion of poison exons. The patterns of BRD2 and BRD3 expression and splicing show downregulation upon inclusion of poison exons, which become skipped in response to transcription elongation slowdown, further confirming a role of PCCRs in unproductive splicing regulation. We conclude that BRD2 and BRD3 independently acquired poison exons and RNA structures to dynamically control unproductive splicing. This study describes a convergent evolution of regulatory unproductive splicing mechanisms in these genes, providing implications for selective modulation of their expression in therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Petrova
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Sergey Margasyuk
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Margarita Vorobeva
- Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow State University, GSP-1, 1-3 Leninskiye Gory, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Dmitry Skvortsov
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
- Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow State University, GSP-1, 1-3 Leninskiye Gory, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Olga A Dontsova
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
- Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow State University, GSP-1, 1-3 Leninskiye Gory, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Dmitri D Pervouchine
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
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16
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Gupta A, Purohit R. Identification of potent BRD4-BD1 inhibitors using classical and steered molecular dynamics based free energy analysis. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30532. [PMID: 38317535 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30532] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
In the present work a combination of traditional and steered molecular dynamics based techniques were employed to identify potential inhibitors against the human BRD4 protein (BRD4- BD1); an established drug target for multiple illnesses including various malignancies. Quinoline derivatives that were synthesized in-house were tested for their potential as new BRD4-BD1 inhibitors. Initially molecular docking experiments were performed to determine the binding poses of BRD4-BD1 inhibitors. To learn more about the thermodynamics of inhibitor binding to the BRD4-BD1 active site, the Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) free energy calculations were conducted afterwards. The findings of the MM-PBSA analysis were further reinforced by performing steered umbrella sampling simulations which revealed crucial details about the binding/unbinding process of the most potent quinoline derivatives at the BRD4-BD1 active site. We report a novel quinoline derivative which can be developed into a fully functional BRD4-BD1 inhibitor after experimental validation. The identified compound (4 g) shows better properties than the standard BRD4-BD1 inhibitors considered in the study. The study also highlights the crucial role of Gln78, Phe79, Trp81, Pro82, Phe83, Gln84, Gln85, Val87, Leu92, Leu94, Tyr97, Met105, Cys136, Asn140, Ile146 and Met149 in inhibitor binding. The study provides a possible lead candidate and key amino acids involved in inhibitor recognition and binding at the active site of BRD4-BD1 protein. The findings might be of significance to medicinal chemists involved in the development of potent BRD4-BD1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Gupta
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, India
| | - Rituraj Purohit
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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17
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Mondal A, Singh B, Felkner RH, De Falco A, Swapna GVT, Montelione GT, Roth MJ, Perez A. Sifting Through the Noise: A Computational Pipeline for Accurate Prioritization of Protein-Protein Binding Candidates in High-Throughput Protein Libraries. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.20.576374. [PMID: 38328039 PMCID: PMC10849530 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.20.576374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Identifying the interactome for a protein of interest is challenging due to the large number of possible binders. High-throughput experimental approaches narrow down possible binding partners, but often include false positives. Furthermore, they provide no information about what the binding region is (e.g. the binding epitope). We introduce a novel computational pipeline based on an AlphaFold2 (AF) Competition Assay (AF-CBA) to identify proteins that bind a target of interest from a pull-down experiment, along with the binding epitope. Our focus is on proteins that bind the Extraterminal (ET) domain of Bromo and Extraterminal domain (BET) proteins, but we also introduce nine additional systems to show transferability to other peptide-protein systems. We describe a series of limitations to the methodology based on intrinsic deficiencies to AF and AF-CBA, to help users identify scenarios where the approach will be most useful. Given the speed and accuracy of the methodology, we expect it to be generally applicable to facilitate target selection for experimental verification starting from high-throughput protein libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arup Mondal
- Department of Chemistry and Quantum Theory Project, University of Florida, Leigh Hall 240, Gainesville, FL
| | - Bhumika Singh
- Department of Chemistry and Quantum Theory Project, University of Florida, Leigh Hall 240, Gainesville, FL
| | - Roland H. Felkner
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane Rm 636, Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | - Anna De Falco
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - GVT Swapna
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - Gaetano T. Montelione
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - Monica J. Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane Rm 636, Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | - Alberto Perez
- Department of Chemistry and Quantum Theory Project, University of Florida, Leigh Hall 240, Gainesville, FL
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18
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Vadak N, Borkar MR, Bhatt LK. Deciphering neuroprotective mechanism of nitroxoline in cerebral ischemia: network pharmacology and molecular modeling-based investigations. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-023-10791-8. [PMID: 38233690 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10791-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia is one of the major causes of death and disability worldwide. Currently, existing approved therapies are based on reperfusion and there is an unmet need to search for drugs with neuroprotective effects. The present study aims to investigate the neuroprotective mechanisms of nitroxoline, a nitro derivative of 8-Hydroxyquinoline, against cerebral ischemia using integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. Critical analytical tools used were SwissTarget, PharmMapper, BindingDB, DisGeNet, Cytoscape, GeneMANIA, ShinyGo, Metascape, GeneCodis, and Schrodinger GLIDE. Thirty-six overlapping drug and disease targets were identified and used for further analysis. Gene Ontology results showed that nitroxoline enriched the genes involved in biological processes of oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death that are highly implicated in hypoxic injury. KEGG enrichment analysis showed nitroxoline influenced a total of 159 biological pathways, out of which, top pathways involved in cerebral ischemia included longevity regulating pathway, VEGF signaling, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, IL-17 and HIF-1 pathways, FoxO signaling, and AGE-RAGE pathway. Protein-protein interaction analysis using string database showed PARP1, EGFR, PTEN, BRD4, RAC1, NOS2, MTOR, MAPK3, BCL2, MAPK1, APP, METAP2, MAPK14, SIRT1, PRKAA1, and MCL1 as highly interactive proteins involved in pathogenesis of ischemic stroke regulated by nitroxoline. The highly interactive protein targets were validated by molecular docking studies and molecular dynamic simulations. Amongst all these targets, nitroxoline showed the highest binding affinity towards BRD4 followed by PARP1 and PTEN. Nitroxoline, through network pharmacology analysis, showed a role in regulating proteins, biological processes, and pathways crucial in cerebral ischemia. The current study thus provides a preliminary insight that nitroxoline might be used as a neuroprotectant against cerebral ischemia via modulating the epigenetic reader BRD4 and transcription factors such as RELA, NF-κβ1, and SP1. However, further in-vitro and preclinical studies need to be performed for concrete evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Vadak
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr Bhanuben, Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
| | - Maheshkumar R Borkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SVKM's Dr, Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
| | - Lokesh Kumar Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr Bhanuben, Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India.
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Zhang M, Huang H, Wei M, Sun M, Deng G, Hu S, Wang H, Gong Y. Overexpression of BRD4 in Gastric Cancer and its Clinical Significance as a Novel Therapeutic Target. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:167-177. [PMID: 37282642 DOI: 10.2174/1568009623666230606164030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BRD4 is a member of the bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) family of proteins, containing two bromodomains and one extra terminal domain, and is overexpressed in several human malignancies. However, its expression in gastric cancer has not yet been well illustrated. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to elucidate the overexpression of BRD4 in gastric cancer and its clinical significance as a novel therapeutic target. METHODS Fresh gastric cancer tissues and paraffin-embedded specimens of gastric cancer patients were collected, and the BRD4 expression was examined by Western Blot Analysis (WB) and Immunohistochemistry Analysis (IHC), respectively. The possible relationship between BRD4 expression and the clinicopathological features as well as survival in gastric cancer patients was analyzed. The effect of BRD4 silencing on human gastric cancer cell lines was investigated by MTT assay, WB, wound healing assay, and Transwell invasion. RESULTS The results showed that the expression level in tumor tissues and adjacent tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues, respectively (P < 0.01). BRD4 expression level in gastric cancer tissues was strongly correlated with the degree of tumor differentiated degree (P = 0.033), regional lymph nodes metastasis (P = 0.038), clinical staging (P = 0.002), and survival situation (P = 0.000), while the gender (P = 0.564), age (P = 0.926) and infiltrating depth (P = 0.619) of patients were not associated. Increased BRD4 expression resulted in poor overall survival (P = 0.003). In in vitro assays, BRD4 small interfering RNA resulted in significantly decreased BRD4 protein expression, therefore inhibiting proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells. CONCLUSION BRD4 might be a novel biomarker for the early diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic target in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Hong Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Meijiao Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Mengjia Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Guojin Deng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the People's Hospital of Jimo, Qingdao, China
| | - Shuiqing Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the People's Hospital of Jimo, Qingdao, China
| | - Hongbo Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the People's Hospital of Jimo, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanling Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
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20
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Li X, Chen X, Zheng L, Chen M, Zhang Y, Zhu R, Chen J, Gu J, Yin Q, Jiang H, Wu X, Ji X, Tang X, Dong M, Li Q, Gao Y, Chen H. Non-canonical STING-PERK pathway dependent epigenetic regulation of vascular endothelial dysfunction via integrating IRF3 and NF- κB in inflammatory response. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:4765-4784. [PMID: 38045042 PMCID: PMC10692388 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation-driven endothelial dysfunction is the major initiating factor in atherosclerosis, while the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we report that the non-canonical stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) pathway was significantly activated in both human and mice atherosclerotic arteries. Typically, STING activation leads to the activation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/p65, thereby facilitating IFN signals and inflammation. In contrast, our study reveals the activated non-canonical STING-PERK pathway increases scaffold protein bromodomain protein 4 (BRD4) expression, which encourages the formation of super-enhancers on the proximal promoter regions of the proinflammatory cytokines, thereby enabling the transactivation of these cytokines by integrating activated IRF3 and NF-κB via a condensation process. Endothelium-specific STING and BRD4 deficiency significantly decreased the plaque area and inflammation. Mechanistically, this pathway is triggered by leaked mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) via mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), formed by voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) oligomer interaction with oxidized mtDNA upon cholesterol oxidation stimulation. Especially, compared to macrophages, endothelial STING activation plays a more pronounced role in atherosclerosis. We propose a non-canonical STING-PERK pathway-dependent epigenetic paradigm in atherosclerosis that integrates IRF3, NF-κB and BRD4 in inflammatory responses, which provides emerging therapeutic modalities for vascular endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Longbin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Minghong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yunjia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ruigong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jiajing Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jiaming Gu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Quanwen Yin
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xuan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xian Ji
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xin Tang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Mengdie Dong
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Qingguo Li
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yuanqing Gao
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Hongshan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Department of Cardiology, Huai'an First People's Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an 223399, China
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Sun J, Wang XH, Song FH, Li DY, Gao SJ, Zhang LQ, Wu JY, Liu DQ, Wang LW, Zhou YQ, Mei W. Inhibition of Brd4 alleviates osteoarthritis pain via suppression of neuroinflammation and activation of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant signalling. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:3194-3214. [PMID: 37485568 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16195] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Osteoarthritis (OA) pain remains a major clinical problem. It is urgent to identify novel therapeutic approaches for OA pain states. Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) protein inhibitors have robust anti-inflammatory effects in several pain models. However, the underlying mechanisms of these inhibitors in OA pain have not been determined. We, therefore, investigated the effects and the underlying mechanism(s) of BET inhibition on pain-related behaviours in a rat model of OA. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The OA model was established by intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) in rat knees. Pain behaviours were assessed in rats by hindlimb weight-bearing asymmetry, mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Possible mechanisms underlying BET inhibition were explored in the MIA-induced OA pain model in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). KEY RESULTS Inhibiting bromodomain-containing protein 4 (Brd4) with either JQ1 or MS417, or using AAV2/9-shRNA-Brd4-EGFP-mediated knockdown of Brd4 genes, significantly attenuated MIA-induced pain behaviours. Brd4 inhibition suppressed NF-κB and NF-κB-mediated inflammatory cytokines in both the spinal cord and DRG in rats with MIA-induced OA pain. Brd4 inhibition also attenuated the oxidative stress and promoted nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent antioxidant genes in both the spinal cord and DRG in our odel of MIA-induced OA pain. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In conclusion, Brd4 inhibition alleviated MIA-induced OA pain in rats, via suppression of neuroinflammation and activation of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant signalling. Although our model does not perfectly represent how OA develops in humans, inhibition of Brd4 may provide novel insights into possible treatments for OA pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xing-He Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Fan-He Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan-Yang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shao-Jie Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Long-Qing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia-Yi Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dai-Qiang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li-Wei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ya-Qun Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Mei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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22
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Nevi L, Pöllänen N, Penna F, Caretti G. Targeting Epigenetic Regulators with HDAC and BET Inhibitors to Modulate Muscle Wasting. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16404. [PMID: 38003594 PMCID: PMC10671811 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216404] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes contribute to the profound alteration in the transcriptional program associated with the onset and progression of muscle wasting in several pathological conditions. Although HDACs and their inhibitors have been extensively studied in the field of muscular dystrophies, the potential of epigenetic inhibitors has only been marginally explored in other disorders associated with muscle atrophy, such as in cancer cachexia and sarcopenia. BET inhibitors represent a novel class of recently developed epigenetic drugs that display beneficial effects in a variety of diseases beyond malignancies. Based on the preliminary in vitro and preclinical data, HDACs and BET proteins contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer cachexia and sarcopenia, modulating processes related to skeletal muscle mass maintenance and/or metabolism. Thus, epigenetic drugs targeting HDACs and BET proteins may emerge as promising strategies to reverse the catabolic phenotype associated with cachexia and sarcopenia. Further preclinical studies are warranted to delve deeper into the molecular mechanisms associated with the functions of HDACs and BET proteins in muscle atrophy and to establish whether their epigenetic inhibitors represent a prospective therapeutic avenue to alleviate muscle wasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Nevi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Noora Pöllänen
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Fabio Penna
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
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Sharma D, Hager CG, Shang L, Tran L, Zhu Y, Ma A, Magnuson B, Lesko MW, Wicha MS, Burness ML. The BET degrader ZBC260 suppresses stemness and tumorigenesis and promotes differentiation in triple-negative breast cancer by disrupting inflammatory signaling. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:144. [PMID: 37968653 PMCID: PMC10648675 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01715-3] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are resistant to standard therapies, facilitate tumor dissemination, and contribute to relapse and progression. Super-enhancers are regulators of stemness, and BET proteins, which are critical for super-enhancer function, are a potential therapeutic target. Here, we investigated the effects of BET proteins on the regulation of breast cancer stemness using the pan-BET degrader ZBC260. METHODS We evaluated the effect of ZBC260 on CSCs in TNBC cell lines. We assessed the effect of ZBC260 on cellular viability and tumor growth and measured its effects on cancer stemness. We used RNA sequencing and stemness index to determine the global transcriptomic changes in CSCs and bulk cells and further validated our findings by qPCR, western blot, and ELISA. RESULTS ZBC260 potently inhibited TNBC growth both in vitro and in vivo. ZBC260 reduced stemness as measured by cell surface marker expression, ALDH activity, tumorsphere number, and stemness index while increasing differentiated cells. GSEA analysis indicated preferential downregulation of stemness-associated and inflammatory genes by ZBC260 in ALDH+ CSCs. CONCLUSIONS The BET degrader ZBC260 is an efficient degrader of BET proteins that suppresses tumor progression and decreases CSCs through the downregulation of inflammatory genes and pathways. Our findings support the further development of BET degraders alone and in combination with other therapeutics as CSC targeting agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeksha Sharma
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Cody G Hager
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Li Shang
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lam Tran
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, NCRC 26-319S, SPC 2800, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yongyou Zhu
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Elevate Bio, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Aihui Ma
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Brian Magnuson
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthew W Lesko
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Max S Wicha
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Monika L Burness
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Talukdar PD, Chatterji U. Transcriptional co-activators: emerging roles in signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets for diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:427. [PMID: 37953273 PMCID: PMC10641101 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01651-w] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific cell states in metazoans are established by the symphony of gene expression programs that necessitate intricate synergic interactions between transcription factors and the co-activators. Deregulation of these regulatory molecules is associated with cell state transitions, which in turn is accountable for diverse maladies, including developmental disorders, metabolic disorders, and most significantly, cancer. A decade back most transcription factors, the key enablers of disease development, were historically viewed as 'undruggable'; however, in the intervening years, a wealth of literature validated that they can be targeted indirectly through transcriptional co-activators, their confederates in various physiological and molecular processes. These co-activators, along with transcription factors, have the ability to initiate and modulate transcription of diverse genes necessary for normal physiological functions, whereby, deregulation of such interactions may foster tissue-specific disease phenotype. Hence, it is essential to analyze how these co-activators modulate specific multilateral processes in coordination with other factors. The proposed review attempts to elaborate an in-depth account of the transcription co-activators, their involvement in transcription regulation, and context-specific contributions to pathophysiological conditions. This review also addresses an issue that has not been dealt with in a comprehensive manner and hopes to direct attention towards future research that will encompass patient-friendly therapeutic strategies, where drugs targeting co-activators will have enhanced benefits and reduced side effects. Additional insights into currently available therapeutic interventions and the associated constraints will eventually reveal multitudes of advanced therapeutic targets aiming for disease amelioration and good patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Dey Talukdar
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Urmi Chatterji
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India.
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Sun J, Gui Y, Zhou S, Zheng XL. Unlocking the secrets of aging: Epigenetic reader BRD4 as the target to combatting aging-related diseases. J Adv Res 2023:S2090-1232(23)00329-6. [PMID: 37956861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging, a complex and profound journey, leads us through a labyrinth of physiological and pathological transformations, rendering us increasingly susceptible to aging-related diseases. Emerging investigations have unveiled the function of bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4) in manipulating the aging process and driving the emergence and progression of aging-related diseases. AIM OF REVIEW This review aims to offer a comprehensive outline of BRD4's functions involved in the aging process, and potential mechanisms through which BRD4 governs the initiation and progression of various aging-related diseases. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW BRD4 has a fundamental role in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, cellular senescence, the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), senolysis, autophagy, and mitochondrial function, which are involved in the aging process. Several studies have indicated that BRD4 governs the initiation and progression of various aging-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, ischemic cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, aging-related pulmonary fibrosis, and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Thus, the evidence from this review supports that BRD4 could be a promising target for managing various aging-related diseases, while further investigation is warranted to gain a thorough understanding of BRD4's role in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Sun
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Cardiology, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Gui
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shenghua Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Xi-Long Zheng
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada.
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26
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Wang ZQ, Zhang ZC, Wu YY, Pi YN, Lou SH, Liu TB, Lou G, Yang C. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins: biological functions, diseases, and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:420. [PMID: 37926722 PMCID: PMC10625992 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01647-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BET proteins, which influence gene expression and contribute to the development of cancer, are epigenetic interpreters. Thus, BET inhibitors represent a novel form of epigenetic anticancer treatment. Although preliminary clinical trials have shown the anticancer potential of BET inhibitors, it appears that these drugs have limited effectiveness when used alone. Therefore, given the limited monotherapeutic activity of BET inhibitors, their use in combination with other drugs warrants attention, including the meaningful variations in pharmacodynamic activity among chosen drug combinations. In this paper, we review the function of BET proteins, the preclinical justification for BET protein targeting in cancer, recent advances in small-molecule BET inhibitors, and preliminary clinical trial findings. We elucidate BET inhibitor resistance mechanisms, shed light on the associated adverse events, investigate the potential of combining these inhibitors with diverse therapeutic agents, present a comprehensive compilation of synergistic treatments involving BET inhibitors, and provide an outlook on their future prospects as potent antitumor agents. We conclude by suggesting that combining BET inhibitors with other anticancer drugs and innovative next-generation agents holds great potential for advancing the effective targeting of BET proteins as a promising anticancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Zhao-Cong Zhang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yu-Yang Wu
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ya-Nan Pi
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Sheng-Han Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Tian-Bo Liu
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Ge Lou
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
| | - Chang Yang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
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Ma T, Chen Y, Yi ZG, Li YH, Bai J, Li LJ, Zhang LS. BET in hematologic tumors: Immunity, pathogenesis, clinical trials and drug combinations. Genes Dis 2023; 10:2306-2319. [PMID: 37554207 PMCID: PMC10404881 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins act as "readers" for lysine acetylation and facilitate the recruitment of transcriptional elongation complexes. BET protein is associated with transcriptional elongation of genes such as c-MYC and BCL-2, and is involved in the regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis. Meanwhile, BET inhibitors (BETi) have regulatory effects on immune checkpoints, immune cells, and cytokine expression. The role of BET proteins and BETi in a variety of tumors has been studied. This paper reviews the recent research progress of BET and BETi in hematologic tumors (mainly leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma) from cellular level studies, animal studies, clinical trials, drug combination, etc. BETi has a promising future in hematologic tumors, and future research directions may focus on the combination with other drugs to improve the efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ma
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Yi
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Yan-Hong Li
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Jun Bai
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Li-Juan Li
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Lian-Sheng Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
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Patnaik E, Madu C, Lu Y. Epigenetic Modulators as Therapeutic Agents in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14964. [PMID: 37834411 PMCID: PMC10573652 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics play a crucial role in gene regulation and cellular processes. Most importantly, its dysregulation can contribute to the development of tumors. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation, are reversible processes that can be utilized as targets for therapeutic intervention. DNA methylation inhibitors disrupt DNA methylation patterns by inhibiting DNA methyltransferases. Such inhibitors can restore normal gene expression patterns, and they can be effective against various forms of cancer. Histone deacetylase inhibitors increase histone acetylation levels, leading to altered gene expressions. Like DNA methylation inhibitors, histone methyltransferase inhibitors target molecules involved in histone methylation. Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain inhibitors target proteins involved in gene expression. They can be effective by inhibiting oncogene expression and inducing anti-proliferative effects seen in cancer. Understanding epigenetic modifications and utilizing epigenetic inhibitors will offer new possibilities for cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshaan Patnaik
- Department of Biology, Memphis University School, Memphis, TN 38119, USA;
| | - Chikezie Madu
- Departments of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA;
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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29
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Parente M, Tonini C, Segatto M, Pallottini V. Regulation of cholesterol metabolism: New players for an old physiological process. J Cell Biochem 2023; 124:1449-1465. [PMID: 37796135 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30477] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Identified more than two centuries ago, cholesterol plays a pivotal role in human physiology. Since cholesterol metabolism is a physiologically significant process, it is not surprising that its alterations are associated with several pathologies. The discovery of new molecular targets or compounds able to modulate this sophisticated metabolism has been capturing the attention of research groups worldwide since many years. Endogenous and exogenous compounds are known to regulate cellular cholesterol synthesis and uptake, or reduce cholesterol absorption at the intestinal level, thereby regulating cholesterol homeostasis. However, there is a great need of new modulators and diverse new pathways have been uncovered. Here, after illustrating cholesterol metabolism and its well-known regulators, some new players of this important physiological process are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marco Segatto
- Department of Bioscience and Territory, University of Molise, Pesche, Italy
| | - Valentina Pallottini
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- Neuroendocrinology Metabolism and Neuropharmacology Unit, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso Fiorano, Rome, Italy
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30
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Gebrael G, Fortuna GG, Sayegh N, Swami U, Agarwal N. Advances in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:840-854. [PMID: 37442702 PMCID: PMC10527423 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The field of metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) has seen unprecedented therapeutic advances in the past decade. In the past 2 years, recent approvals include the triplet therapy regimens of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), docetaxel, and an androgen receptor (AR) pathway inhibitor (ARPI) in the castration-sensitive setting and lutetium-177 vipivotide tetraxetan (177Lu-PSMA-617) and the combination of poly(ADP) ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPis) and ARPIs in the castration-resistant setting. With many agents currently undergoing investigation in registration trials, the therapeutic armamentarium will expand rapidly, making treatment selection and sequencing challenging. Herein, we review the landmark clinical trials ongoing or reported in the past 2 years, discuss the optimal approach to treatment selection, and provide insight into future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Gebrael
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Gliceida Galarza Fortuna
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Nicolas Sayegh
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Umang Swami
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Neeraj Agarwal
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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31
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Kotekar A, Singh AK, Devaiah BN. BRD4 and MYC: power couple in transcription and disease. FEBS J 2023; 290:4820-4842. [PMID: 35866356 PMCID: PMC9867786 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The MYC proto-oncogene and BRD4, a BET family protein, are two cardinal proteins that have a broad influence in cell biology and disease. Both proteins are expressed ubiquitously in mammalian cells and play central roles in controlling growth, development, stress responses and metabolic function. As chromatin and transcriptional regulators, they play a critical role in regulating the expression of a burgeoning array of genes, maintaining chromatin architecture and genome stability. Consequently, impairment of their function or regulation leads to many diseases, with cancer being the most predominant. Interestingly, accumulating evidence indicates that regulation of the expression and functions of MYC are tightly intertwined with BRD4 at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Here, we review the mechanisms by which MYC and BRD4 are regulated, their functions in governing various molecular mechanisms and the consequences of their dysregulation that lead to disease. We present a perspective of how the regulatory mechanisms for the two proteins could be entwined at multiple points in a BRD4-MYC nexus that leads to the modulation of their functions and disease upon dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Kotekar
- Experimental Immunology Branch, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Amit Kumar Singh
- Experimental Immunology Branch, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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32
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Schmitt A, Grimm M, Kreienkamp N, Junge H, Labisch J, Schuhknecht L, Schönfeld C, Görsch E, Tibello A, Menck K, Bleckmann A, Lengerke C, Rosenbauer F, Grau M, Zampieri M, Schulze-Osthoff K, Klener P, Dolnikova A, Lenz G, Hailfinger S. BRD4 inhibition sensitizes diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells to ferroptosis. Blood 2023; 142:1143-1155. [PMID: 37294920 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022019274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is characterized by an aggressive clinical course. In approximately one-third of patients with DLBCL, first-line multiagent immunochemotherapy fails to produce a durable response. Molecular heterogeneity and apoptosis resistance pose major therapeutic challenges in DLBCL treatment. To circumvent apoptosis resistance, the induction of ferroptosis might represent a promising strategy for lymphoma therapy. In this study, a compound library, targeting epigenetic modulators, was screened to identify ferroptosis-sensitizing drugs. Strikingly, bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors sensitized cells of the germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) subtype of DLBCL to ferroptosis induction and the combination of BET inhibitors with ferroptosis inducers, such as dimethyl fumarate or RSL3, synergized in the killing of DLBCL cells in vitro and in vivo. On the molecular level, the BET protein BRD4 was found to be an essential regulator of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 expression and thus to protect GCB-DLBCL cells from ferroptosis. Collectively, we identified and characterized BRD4 as an important player in ferroptosis suppression in GCB-DLBCL and provide a rationale for the combination of BET inhibitors with ferroptosis-inducing agents as a novel therapeutic approach for DLBCL treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Schmitt
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Melanie Grimm
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nina Kreienkamp
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hannah Junge
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jan Labisch
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Caroline Schönfeld
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elsa Görsch
- Department for Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alessia Tibello
- Institute of Molecular Tumor Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Kerstin Menck
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Annalen Bleckmann
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Lengerke
- Department for Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Frank Rosenbauer
- Institute of Molecular Tumor Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Grau
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mattia Zampieri
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Schulze-Osthoff
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung) and German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum), Heidelberg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Pavel Klener
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- First Department of Medicine, Hematology, University General Hospital and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alexandra Dolnikova
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Georg Lenz
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stephan Hailfinger
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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33
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Huang J, Yao Z, Li B, Ping Y. Targeted delivery of PROTAC-based prodrug activated by bond-cleavage bioorthogonal chemistry for microneedle-assisted cancer therapy. J Control Release 2023; 361:270-279. [PMID: 37541594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.07.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) is emerging as a new strategy to degrade target proteins in a precise way by taking advantage of the cellular ubiquitin-proteasome system. However, the potential cytotoxicity of PROTAC should be avoided to mitigate the off-target degradation of proteins in healthy tissues or cells. To address this issue, we herein present a strategy to cage a PROTAC with 4-(vinyloxy) benzyl carbonate (MZ1-O), which can be eliminated through a 3,6-dimethyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (Tz)-mediated inverse electron-demand Diels-Alder (iEDDA) reaction to generate a BRD4 (bromodomain-containing protein 4) degrader, MZ1. We further propose a dissolvable microneedle-assisted strategy for site-specific activation of MZ1-O that is delivered by a targeted delivery vector through systemic route in vivo, and demonstrate such a bioorthogonal strategy is efficient and precise for tumor treatment. Our study suggests that the bioorthogonal activation of PROTAC-based prodrug offers a highly specific and precise approach for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Huang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zhuo Yao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Bowen Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Yuan Ping
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China.
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34
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Elshazly AM, Gewirtz DA. Cytoprotective, Cytotoxic and Cytostatic Roles of Autophagy in Response to BET Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12669. [PMID: 37628849 PMCID: PMC10454099 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612669] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family inhibitors are small molecules that target the dysregulated epigenetic readers, BRD2, BRD3, BRD4 and BRDT, at various transcription-related sites, including super-enhancers. BET inhibitors are currently under investigation both in pre-clinical cell culture and tumor-bearing animal models, as well as in clinical trials. However, as is the case with other chemotherapeutic modalities, the development of resistance is likely to constrain the therapeutic benefits of this strategy. One tumor cell survival mechanism that has been studied for decades is autophagy. Although four different functions of autophagy have been identified in the literature (cytoprotective, cytotoxic, cytostatic and non-protective), primarily the cytoprotective and cytotoxic forms appear to function in different experimental models exposed to BET inhibitors (with some evidence for the cytostatic form). This review provides an overview of the cytoprotective, cytotoxic and cytostatic functions of autophagy in response to BET inhibitors in various tumor models. Our aim is to determine whether autophagy targeting or modulation could represent an effective therapeutic strategy to enhance the response to these modalities and also potentially overcome resistance to BET inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Elshazly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 College St., Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - David A. Gewirtz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 College St., Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
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Zhao Y, Jia H, Hua X, An T, Song J. Cardio-oncology: Shared Genetic, Metabolic, and Pharmacologic Mechanism. Curr Cardiol Rep 2023; 25:863-878. [PMID: 37493874 PMCID: PMC10403418 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-023-01906-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The article aims to investigate the complex relationship between cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD), with a focus on the effects of cancer treatment on cardiac health. RECENT FINDINGS Advances in cancer treatment have improved long-term survival rates, but CVD has emerged as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. The interplay between cancer itself, treatment methods, homeostatic changes, and lifestyle modifications contributes to this comorbidity. Recent research in the field of cardio-oncology has revealed common genetic mutations, risk factors, and metabolic features associated with the co-occurrence of cancer and CVD. This article provides a comprehensive review of the latest research in cardio-oncology, including common genetic mutations, risk factors, and metabolic features, and explores the interactions between cancer treatment and CVD drugs, proposing novel approaches for the management of cancer and CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, PUMC, 167 Beilishi Road, Xicheng District, 100037 Beijing, China
| | - Hao Jia
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, PUMC, 167 Beilishi Road, Xicheng District, 100037 Beijing, China
| | - Xiumeng Hua
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, PUMC, 167 Beilishi Road, Xicheng District, 100037 Beijing, China
| | - Tao An
- Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangping Song
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, PUMC, 167 Beilishi Road, Xicheng District, 100037 Beijing, China
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Dilmac S, Ozpolat B. Mechanisms of PARP-Inhibitor-Resistance in BRCA-Mutated Breast Cancer and New Therapeutic Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3642. [PMID: 37509303 PMCID: PMC10378018 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent success of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors has led to the approval of four different PARP inhibitors for the treatment of BRCA1/2-mutant breast and ovarian cancers. About 40-50% of BRCA1/2-mutated patients do not respond to PARP inhibitors due to a preexisting innate or intrinsic resistance; the majority of patients who initially respond to the therapy inevitably develop acquired resistance. However, subsets of patients experience a long-term response (>2 years) to treatment with PARP inhibitors. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is an enzyme that plays an important role in the recognition and repair of DNA damage. PARP inhibitors induce "synthetic lethality" in patients with tumors with a homologous-recombination-deficiency (HRD). Several molecular mechanisms have been identified as causing PARP-inhibitor-resistance. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying the PARP-inhibitor-resistance in BRCA-mutated breast cancer and summarize potential therapeutic strategies to overcome the resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayra Dilmac
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Pérez-Cabello JA, Silvera-Carrasco L, Franco JM, Capilla-González V, Armaos A, Gómez-Lima M, García-García R, Yap XW, Leal-Lasarte M, Lall D, Baloh RH, Martínez S, Miyata Y, Tartaglia GG, Sawarkar R, García-Domínguez M, Pozo D, Roodveldt C. MAPK/MAK/MRK overlapping kinase (MOK) controls microglial inflammatory/type-I IFN responses via Brd4 and is involved in ALS. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2302143120. [PMID: 37399380 PMCID: PMC10334760 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302143120] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and incurable neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons and characterized by microglia-mediated neurotoxic inflammation whose underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this work, we reveal that MAPK/MAK/MRK overlapping kinase (MOK), with an unknown physiological substrate, displays an immune function by controlling inflammatory and type-I interferon (IFN) responses in microglia which are detrimental to primary motor neurons. Moreover, we uncover the epigenetic reader bromodomain-containing protein 4 (Brd4) as an effector protein regulated by MOK, by promoting Ser492-phospho-Brd4 levels. We further demonstrate that MOK regulates Brd4 functions by supporting its binding to cytokine gene promoters, therefore enabling innate immune responses. Remarkably, we show that MOK levels are increased in the ALS spinal cord, particularly in microglial cells, and that administration of a chemical MOK inhibitor to ALS model mice can modulate Ser492-phospho-Brd4 levels, suppress microglial activation, and modify the disease course, indicating a pathophysiological role of MOK kinase in ALS and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús A. Pérez-Cabello
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville41009, Spain
| | - Lucía Silvera-Carrasco
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville41009, Spain
| | - Jaime M. Franco
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
| | - Vivian Capilla-González
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
| | - Alexandros Armaos
- Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova16152, Italy
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova16152, Italy
| | - María Gómez-Lima
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
| | - Raquel García-García
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville41009, Spain
| | - Xin Wen Yap
- The Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB1 2QR, United Kingdom
| | - Magdalena Leal-Lasarte
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
| | - Deepti Lall
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA90048
| | - Robert H. Baloh
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA90048
| | - Salvador Martínez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche-CSIC, Alicante03550, Spain
| | - Yoshihiko Miyata
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto606-8501, Japan
| | - Gian G. Tartaglia
- Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova16152, Italy
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova16152, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, University Sapienza Rome, Rome00185, Italy
| | - Ritwick Sawarkar
- The Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB1 2QR, United Kingdom
| | - Mario García-Domínguez
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
| | - David Pozo
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville41009, Spain
| | - Cintia Roodveldt
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad de Sevilla-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville41092, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville41009, Spain
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Hieber C, Grabbe S, Bros M. Counteracting Immunosenescence-Which Therapeutic Strategies Are Promising? Biomolecules 2023; 13:1085. [PMID: 37509121 PMCID: PMC10377144 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071085] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging attenuates the overall responsiveness of the immune system to eradicate pathogens. The increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by innate immune cells under basal conditions, termed inflammaging, contributes to impaired innate immune responsiveness towards pathogen-mediated stimulation and limits antigen-presenting activity. Adaptive immune responses are attenuated as well due to lowered numbers of naïve lymphocytes and their impaired responsiveness towards antigen-specific stimulation. Additionally, the numbers of immunoregulatory cell types, comprising regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, that inhibit the activity of innate and adaptive immune cells are elevated. This review aims to summarize our knowledge on the cellular and molecular causes of immunosenescence while also taking into account senescence effects that constitute immune evasion mechanisms in the case of chronic viral infections and cancer. For tumor therapy numerous nanoformulated drugs have been developed to overcome poor solubility of compounds and to enable cell-directed delivery in order to restore immune functions, e.g., by addressing dysregulated signaling pathways. Further, nanovaccines which efficiently address antigen-presenting cells to mount sustained anti-tumor immune responses have been clinically evaluated. Further, senolytics that selectively deplete senescent cells are being tested in a number of clinical trials. Here we discuss the potential use of such drugs to improve anti-aging therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Hieber
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Grabbe
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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Innani S, Tomar Y, Rana V, Singhvi G. Navigating the landscape of psoriasis therapy: novel targeted pathways and emerging trends. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:1247-1256. [PMID: 37997278 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2288273] [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: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, non-communicable skin disorder that affects a patient's social and emotional well-being. It is characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, irregular shedding of skin cells, and abnormal invasion of inflammatory mediators. The treatment strategy is designed based on the severity of the disease condition starting from topical, phototherapy, systemic, and biologics. In recent years, extensive research into the underlying mechanisms of psoriasis has led to significant advancement in treatment options from small molecules to biologics. AREA COVERED This review focuses on intracellular and molecular mechanisms such as AhR, A3AR, RIP1, CGRP, and S1P that serve as novel pharmacological targets for psoriasis. Moreover, new molecules are approved or are under clinical investigation to interfere with these target mechanisms. EXPERT OPINION A detailed understanding of signaling pathways provides potential targets and molecular mechanisms for the inflammatory cascade in psoriasis. This has led to the development of small molecules targeting specific pathways. Further, the combination of nanotechnology can assist in dose reduction leading to reduced adverse effects in the management of psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinath Innani
- Industrial Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, Rajasthan, India
| | - Yashika Tomar
- Industrial Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, Rajasthan, India
| | - Vikas Rana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi university, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Gautam Singhvi
- Industrial Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, Rajasthan, India
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40
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Xue Y, Mei H, Chen Y, Griffin JD, Liu Q, Weisberg E, Yang J. Repurposing clinically available drugs and therapies for pathogenic targets to combat SARS-CoV-2. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e254. [PMID: 37193304 PMCID: PMC10183156 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected a large portion of the global population, both physically and mentally. Current evidence suggests that the rapidly evolving coronavirus subvariants risk rendering vaccines and antibodies ineffective due to their potential to evade existing immunity, with enhanced transmission activity and higher reinfection rates that could lead to new outbreaks across the globe. The goal of viral management is to disrupt the viral life cycle as well as to relieve severe symptoms such as lung damage, cytokine storm, and organ failure. In the fight against viruses, the combination of viral genome sequencing, elucidation of the structure of viral proteins, and identifying proteins that are highly conserved across multiple coronaviruses has revealed many potential molecular targets. In addition, the time- and cost-effective repurposing of preexisting antiviral drugs or approved/clinical drugs for these targets offers considerable clinical advantages for COVID-19 patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various identified pathogenic targets and pathways as well as corresponding repurposed approved/clinical drugs and their potential against COVID-19. These findings provide new insight into the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies that could be applied to the control of disease symptoms emanating from evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiying Xue
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Husheng Mei
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiChina
- University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Yisa Chen
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - James D. Griffin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana‐Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Qingsong Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiChina
- University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
- Hefei Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiChina
| | - Ellen Weisberg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana‐Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiChina
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Wu Y, Bertran MT, Joshi D, Maslen SL, Hurd C, Walport LJ. Identification of photocrosslinking peptide ligands by mRNA display. Commun Chem 2023; 6:103. [PMID: 37258712 PMCID: PMC10232439 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-023-00898-2] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoaffinity labelling is a promising method for studying protein-ligand interactions. However, obtaining a specific, efficient crosslinker can require significant optimisation. We report a modified mRNA display strategy, photocrosslinking-RaPID (XL-RaPID), and exploit its ability to accelerate the discovery of cyclic peptides that photocrosslink to a target of interest. As a proof of concept, we generated a benzophenone-containing library and applied XL-RaPID screening against a model target, the second bromodomain of BRD3. This crosslinking screening gave two optimal candidates that selectively labelled the target protein in cell lysate. Overall, this work introduces direct photocrosslinking screening as a versatile technique for identifying covalent peptide ligands from mRNA display libraries incorporating reactive warheads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuteng Wu
- Protein-Protein Interaction Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - M Teresa Bertran
- Protein-Protein Interaction Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Dhira Joshi
- Chemical Biology, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Sarah L Maslen
- Proteomics, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Catherine Hurd
- Protein-Protein Interaction Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Crick-GSK Biomedical LinkLabs, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Louise J Walport
- Protein-Protein Interaction Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
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Gao Y, Zhang J, Li J, Song S, Zhang S, Liu Q, Wang X, Zhao J, Xia C, Xiao Y, Liu T. Establishment of environment-sensitive probes targeting BRD3/BRD4 for imaging and therapy of tumor. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115478. [PMID: 37269669 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The BET (bromo and extra-terminal) family proteins are epigenetic readers and master transcription coactivators, which have attracted great interests as cancer therapeutic targets. However, there are few developed labeling toolkits that can be applied for the dynamic studies of BET family proteins in living cells and tissue slices. In order to label and study the distribution of the BET family proteins in tumor cells and tumor tissues, a novel series of environment-sensitive fluorescent probes (6a-6c) were designed and evaluated for their labeling properties. Interestingly, 6a is capable of identifying tumor tissue slices and making a distinction between the tumor and normal tissues. Moreover, it can localize to the nuclear bodies in tumor slices just like BRD3 antibody. In addition, it also played an anti-tumor role through the induction of apoptosis. All these features render 6a may compatible for immunofluorescent studies and future cancer diagnosis, and guide for the discovery of new anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Gao
- College of Radiology, Shandong First Medical University, University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, 271016, China; Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, China
| | - JianJun Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, China
| | - Shubin Song
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, China
| | - Sitao Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jinbo Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, China
| | - Chengcai Xia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, China
| | - Yuliang Xiao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, China.
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, China.
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Kadife E, Harper A, Chien K, Lino TK, Brownfoot FC. Novel genes associated with a placental phenotype in knockout mice also respond to cellular stressors in primary human trophoblasts. Placenta 2023; 139:68-74. [PMID: 37331027 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental insufficiency is a leading cause of intrauterine growth restriction, contributing to perinatal morbidity and mortality. The molecular regulation of placental development and what causes placental insufficiency is poorly understood. Recently, a panel of genes were found to cause significant placental dysmorphologies in mice with severely growth restricted off-spring. We aimed to assess whether these genes were also implicated in human intrauterine growth restriction. METHODS We explored the expression of nine genes in primary cytotrophoblast cells in hypoxic (n = 6) and glucose starvation (n = 5) conditions in vitro. We also explored whether the genes were dysregulated in intrauterine growth restricted human placental samples (n = 11), with (n = 20) or without preeclampsia compared to gestationally matched controls (<34 weeks gestation) (n = 17). RESULTS Hypoxic stress significantly upregulated the expressions of BRD2 (p = 0.0313), SMG9 (p = 0.0313) genes. In contrast, glucose starvation significantly suppressed Kif1bp (p = 0.0089) in primary cytotrophoblasts. The FRYL, NEK9, CHTOP, PSPH, ATP11A, HM13 genes did not change under hypoxia or glucose starvation conditions. The expression of these genes was not altered in placenta from patients with intrauterine growth restriction, compared to gestationally matched controls. DISCUSSION We demonstrate that some of the genes that cause a placental phenotype in mice, respond to hypoxic and glucose mediated stress in human cytotrophoblast isolations. Despite this, they are unchanged in placenta from patients with intrauterine growth restriction. Therefore, dysregulation of these genes is less likely to contribute to preterm intrauterine growth restriction in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Kadife
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alesia Harper
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Keegan Chien
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha Kaitu'u Lino
- Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation in Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona C Brownfoot
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia.
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Xu H, Lin S, Zhou Z, Li D, Zhang X, Yu M, Zhao R, Wang Y, Qian J, Li X, Li B, Wei C, Chen K, Yoshimura T, Wang JM, Huang J. New genetic and epigenetic insights into the chemokine system: the latest discoveries aiding progression toward precision medicine. Cell Mol Immunol 2023:10.1038/s41423-023-01032-x. [PMID: 37198402 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01032-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past thirty years, the importance of chemokines and their seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has been increasingly recognized. Chemokine interactions with receptors trigger signaling pathway activity to form a network fundamental to diverse immune processes, including host homeostasis and responses to disease. Genetic and nongenetic regulation of both the expression and structure of chemokines and receptors conveys chemokine functional heterogeneity. Imbalances and defects in the system contribute to the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, including cancer, immune and inflammatory diseases, and metabolic and neurological disorders, which render the system a focus of studies aiming to discover therapies and important biomarkers. The integrated view of chemokine biology underpinning divergence and plasticity has provided insights into immune dysfunction in disease states, including, among others, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this review, by reporting the latest advances in chemokine biology and results from analyses of a plethora of sequencing-based datasets, we outline recent advances in the understanding of the genetic variations and nongenetic heterogeneity of chemokines and receptors and provide an updated view of their contribution to the pathophysiological network, focusing on chemokine-mediated inflammation and cancer. Clarification of the molecular basis of dynamic chemokine-receptor interactions will help advance the understanding of chemokine biology to achieve precision medicine application in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanli Xu
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, 3 ShangyuanCun, Haidian District, 100044, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shuye Lin
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Institute, 101149, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyun Zhou
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, 3 ShangyuanCun, Haidian District, 100044, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Duoduo Li
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, 3 ShangyuanCun, Haidian District, 100044, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiting Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, 3 ShangyuanCun, Haidian District, 100044, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Muhan Yu
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, 3 ShangyuanCun, Haidian District, 100044, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ruoyi Zhao
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, 3 ShangyuanCun, Haidian District, 100044, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yiheng Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, 3 ShangyuanCun, Haidian District, 100044, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Junru Qian
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, 3 ShangyuanCun, Haidian District, 100044, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xinyi Li
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, 3 ShangyuanCun, Haidian District, 100044, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Bohan Li
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, 3 ShangyuanCun, Haidian District, 100044, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Chuhan Wei
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, 3 ShangyuanCun, Haidian District, 100044, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Keqiang Chen
- Laboratory of Cancer Innovation, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Teizo Yoshimura
- Laboratory of Cancer Innovation, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Ji Ming Wang
- Laboratory of Cancer Innovation, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Jiaqiang Huang
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, 3 ShangyuanCun, Haidian District, 100044, Beijing, P.R. China.
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Institute, 101149, Beijing, China.
- Laboratory of Cancer Innovation, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
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Berryer MH, Rizki G, Nathanson A, Klein JA, Trendafilova D, Susco SG, Lam D, Messana A, Holton KM, Karhohs KW, Cimini BA, Pfaff K, Carpenter AE, Rubin LL, Barrett LE. High-content synaptic phenotyping in human cellular models reveals a role for BET proteins in synapse assembly. eLife 2023; 12:80168. [PMID: 37083703 PMCID: PMC10121225 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80168] [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: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Resolving fundamental molecular and functional processes underlying human synaptic development is crucial for understanding normal brain function as well as dysfunction in disease. Based upon increasing evidence of species-divergent features of brain cell types, coupled with emerging studies of complex human disease genetics, we developed the first automated and quantitative high-content synaptic phenotyping platform using human neurons and astrocytes. To establish the robustness of our platform, we screened the effects of 376 small molecules on presynaptic density, neurite outgrowth, and cell viability, validating six small molecules that specifically enhanced human presynaptic density in vitro. Astrocytes were essential for mediating the effects of all six small molecules, underscoring the relevance of non-cell-autonomous factors in synapse assembly and their importance in synaptic screening applications. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) inhibitors emerged as the most prominent hit class and global transcriptional analyses using multiple BET inhibitors confirmed upregulation of synaptic gene expression. Through these analyses, we demonstrate the robustness of our automated screening platform for identifying potent synaptic modulators, which can be further leveraged for scaled analyses of human synaptic mechanisms and drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin H Berryer
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Gizem Rizki
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Anna Nathanson
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Jenny A Klein
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Darina Trendafilova
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Sara G Susco
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Daisy Lam
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
| | - Angelica Messana
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
| | - Kristina M Holton
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Kyle W Karhohs
- Imaging Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
| | - Beth A Cimini
- Imaging Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
| | - Kathleen Pfaff
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Anne E Carpenter
- Imaging Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
| | - Lee L Rubin
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Lindy E Barrett
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
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To KKW, Xing E, Larue RC, Li PK. BET Bromodomain Inhibitors: Novel Design Strategies and Therapeutic Applications. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073043. [PMID: 37049806 PMCID: PMC10096006 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins consists of four conserved members (Brd2, Brd3, Brd4, and Brdt) that regulate numerous cancer-related and immunity-associated genes. They are epigenetic readers of histone acetylation with broad specificity. BET proteins are linked to cancer progression due to their interaction with numerous cellular proteins including chromatin-modifying factors, transcription factors, and histone modification enzymes. The spectacular growth in the clinical development of small-molecule BET inhibitors underscores the interest and importance of this protein family as an anticancer target. Current approaches targeting BET proteins for cancer therapy rely on acetylation mimics to block the bromodomains from binding chromatin. However, bromodomain-targeted agents are suffering from dose-limiting toxicities because of their effects on other bromodomain-containing proteins. In this review, we provided an updated summary about the evolution of small-molecule BET inhibitors. The design of bivalent BET inhibitors, kinase and BET dual inhibitors, BET protein proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), and Brd4-selective inhibitors are discussed. The novel strategy of targeting the unique C-terminal extra-terminal (ET) domain of BET proteins and its therapeutic significance will also be highlighted. Apart from single agent treatment alone, BET inhibitors have also been combined with other chemotherapeutic modalities for cancer treatment demonstrating favorable clinical outcomes. The investigation of specific biomarkers for predicting the efficacy and resistance of BET inhibitors is needed to fully realize their therapeutic potential in the clinical setting.
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Li L, Gao L, Zhou H, Shi C, Zhang X, Zhang D, Liu H. High Expression Level of BRD4 Is Associated with a Poor Prognosis and Immune Infiltration in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Dig Dis Sci 2023:10.1007/s10620-023-07907-3. [PMID: 36933111 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-07907-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is a reader of histone acetylation and is associated with a variety of diseases. AIM To investigate the expression level of BRD4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), its prognostic value and its relationship with immune infiltration. METHODS The study included 94 ESCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and 179 ESCC patients from Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University. The expression levels of proteins in tissue microarray were detected by immunohistochemistry. The prognostic factors were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curve and univariate and multivariate cox regression. The ESTIMATE website was used to calculate the stromal, immune and ESTIMATE score. CIBERSORT was used to calculate the abundance of immune infiltrates. Spearman and Phi coefficient were used for correlation analysis. The TIDE algorithm was used to predict treatment response to immune checkpoint blockade. RESULTS BRD4 is up-regulated in ESCC, and high BRD4 expression level is associated with poor prognosis and adverse clinicopathological features. In addition, the monocyte count, systemic inflammatory-immunologic index, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio in the BRD4 high expression level group were higher than in the low expression level group. Finally, we found that BRD4 expression level correlated with immune infiltration and that it was inversely correlated with infiltration of CD8 + T cells. Higher TIDE scores in the BRD4 high expression group than in the low expression group. CONCLUSION BRD4 is associated with poor prognosis and immune infiltration in ESCC, and may be a potential biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapy application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, Shengli Road No. 666, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Gao
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, Nantong, 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, Shengli Road No. 666, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Shi
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, Shengli Road No. 666, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, Shengli Road No. 666, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, Nantong, 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, Shengli Road No. 666, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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Mandl A, Markowski MC, Carducci MA, Antonarakis ES. Role of bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins in prostate cancer. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:213-228. [PMID: 36857796 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2186851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family of proteins are epigenetic readers of acetylated histones and are critical activators of oncogenic networks across many cancers. Therapeutic targeting of BET proteins has been an attractive area of clinical development for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. In recent years, many structurally diverse BET inhibitors have been discovered and tested. Preclinical studies have demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity of BET inhibitors against prostate cancer. However, their clinical success as monotherapies has been limited by treatment-associated toxicities, primary and acquired drug resistance, and a lack of predictive biomarkers of benefit. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of advancements in BET inhibitor design, preclinical research, and conclusions from clinical trials in prostate cancer. We speculate on incorporating BET inhibitors into combination regimens with other agents to improve the therapeutic index of BET inhibition in treating prostate cancer. EXPERT OPINION The therapeutic potential of BET inhibitors for prostate cancer has been demonstrated in preclinical studies. However, further research is needed to identify biomarkers that can predict sensitivity to BET inhibitors and to develop novel, highly selective inhibitors to reduce toxicities. Finally, BET inhibitors are likely to hold the most clinical potential in combination with other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Mandl
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark C Markowski
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael A Carducci
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emmanuel S Antonarakis
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Wu YL, Lin ZJ, Li CC, Lin X, Shan SK, Guo B, Zheng MH, Li F, Yuan LQ, Li ZH. Epigenetic regulation in metabolic diseases: mechanisms and advances in clinical study. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:98. [PMID: 36864020 PMCID: PMC9981733 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01333-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics regulates gene expression and has been confirmed to play a critical role in a variety of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), osteoporosis, gout, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and others. The term 'epigenetics' was firstly proposed in 1942 and with the development of technologies, the exploration of epigenetics has made great progresses. There are four main epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodelling, and noncoding RNA (ncRNA), which exert different effects on metabolic diseases. Genetic and non-genetic factors, including ageing, diet, and exercise, interact with epigenetics and jointly affect the formation of a phenotype. Understanding epigenetics could be applied to diagnosing and treating metabolic diseases in the clinic, including epigenetic biomarkers, epigenetic drugs, and epigenetic editing. In this review, we introduce the brief history of epigenetics as well as the milestone events since the proposal of the term 'epigenetics'. Moreover, we summarise the research methods of epigenetics and introduce four main general mechanisms of epigenetic modulation. Furthermore, we summarise epigenetic mechanisms in metabolic diseases and introduce the interaction between epigenetics and genetic or non-genetic factors. Finally, we introduce the clinical trials and applications of epigenetics in metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Lin Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Zheng-Jun Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Chang-Chun Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Su-Kang Shan
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Bei Guo
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Ming-Hui Zheng
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Fuxingzi Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Ling-Qing Yuan
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
| | - Zhi-Hong Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
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When Just One Phosphate Is One Too Many: The Multifaceted Interplay between Myc and Kinases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054746. [PMID: 36902175 PMCID: PMC10003727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myc transcription factors are key regulators of many cellular processes, with Myc target genes crucially implicated in the management of cell proliferation and stem pluripotency, energy metabolism, protein synthesis, angiogenesis, DNA damage response, and apoptosis. Given the wide involvement of Myc in cellular dynamics, it is not surprising that its overexpression is frequently associated with cancer. Noteworthy, in cancer cells where high Myc levels are maintained, the overexpression of Myc-associated kinases is often observed and required to foster tumour cells' proliferation. A mutual interplay exists between Myc and kinases: the latter, which are Myc transcriptional targets, phosphorylate Myc, allowing its transcriptional activity, highlighting a clear regulatory loop. At the protein level, Myc activity and turnover is also tightly regulated by kinases, with a finely tuned balance between translation and rapid protein degradation. In this perspective, we focus on the cross-regulation of Myc and its associated protein kinases underlying similar and redundant mechanisms of regulation at different levels, from transcriptional to post-translational events. Furthermore, a review of the indirect effects of known kinase inhibitors on Myc provides an opportunity to identify alternative and combined therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.
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