1
|
Botrous S, Elmaghraby A, Achy SE, Mustafa Y, Abdel-Rahman S. Artemisinin pre-treatment fore cisplatin dosage enhances high grade urothelial carcinoma treatment in male albino mice via reverse gene expression modulation of FGFR3, HRAS, P53 and KDM6A. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:971. [PMID: 39118085 PMCID: PMC11308388 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12683-y] [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: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urinary bladder cancer, is the 10th most common global cancer, diagnosed in over 600,000 people causing 200,000 deaths annually. Artemisinin and its derivatives are safe compounds that have recently been proven to possess potent anti-tumor effects in vivo, through inhibition of cancer cell growth. The aim of this study is to assess the efficiency of artemisinin as a cancer treatment alone and as a pre-treatment fore cisplatin therapy for high grade urothelial carcinoma. METHODS Sixty male albino mice were divided into six groups, and BBN was used to induce urinary bladder cancer. Blood samples were tested for renal functions and complete blood counts, kidney and urinary bladder tissues were harvested for histopathological examination. Total RNAs from urinary bladder tissues was collected, and gene expression of FGFR3, HRAS, P53, and KDM6A was quantified using qRT-PCR. RESULTS Compared to the induced cancer group, the results revealed that FGFR3 expression levels were down-regulated in the induced cancer group treated by artemisinin only and the induced cancer group pre-treated with artemisinin prior to cisplatin by ~ 0.86-fold and 0.4-folds, respectively, aligning with HRAS down-regulation by ~ 9.54-fold and 9.05-fold, respectively. Whereas, P53 expression levels were up-regulated by ~ 0.68-fold and 0.84-fold, respectively, in parallel with KDM6A expression, which is up-regulated by ~ 0.95-folds and 5.27-folds, respectively. Also, serum creatinine and urea levels decreased significantly in the induced cancer group treated by artemisinin alone and the induced cancer group pre-treated with artemisinin prior to cisplatin, whereas the induced cancer group treated by cisplatin their levels increased significantly. Moreover, Hb, PLT, RBC, and WBC counts improved in both cancer groups treated by artemisinin alone and pre-treated with artemisinin prior to cisplatin. Histologically, in kidney tissues, artemisinin pre-treatment significantly reduced renal injury caused by cisplatin. While Artemisinin treatment for cancer in bladder tissues reverted invasive urothelial carcinoma to moderate urothelial dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that artemisinin demonstrated a significant effect in reversal of the multi-step carcinogenesis process of high grade urothelial carcinoma and could enhance the effect of cisplatin therapy using artemisinin pre-treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Botrous
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Ayaat Elmaghraby
- Department of Nucleic Acid Research, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Samar El Achy
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Yehia Mustafa
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Salah Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Nucleic Acid Research, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, Alexandria, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang S, Lin T, Xiong X, Chen C, Tan P, Wei Q. Targeting histone modifiers in bladder cancer therapy - preclinical and clinical evidence. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:495-511. [PMID: 38374198 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-024-00857-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Bladder cancer in the most advanced, muscle-invasive stage is lethal, and very limited therapeutic advances have been reported for decades. To date, cisplatin-based chemotherapy remains the first-line therapy for advanced bladder cancer. Late-line options have historically been limited. In the past few years, next-generation sequencing technology has enabled chromatin remodelling gene mutations to be characterized, showing that these alterations are more frequent in urothelial bladder carcinoma than in other cancer types. Histone modifiers have functional roles in tumour progression by modulating the expression of tumour suppressors and oncogenes and, therefore, have been considered as novel drug targets for cancer therapy. The roles of epigenetic reprogramming through histone modifications have been increasingly studied in bladder cancer, and the therapeutic efficacy of targeting those histone modifiers genetically or chemically is being assessed in preclinical studies. Results from preclinical studies in bladder cancer encouraged the investigation of some of these drugs in clinical trials, which yield mixed results. Further understanding of how alterations of histone modification mechanistically contribute to bladder cancer progression, drug resistance and tumour microenvironment remodelling will be required to facilitate clinical application of epigenetic drugs in bladder cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianhai Lin
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xingyu Xiong
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Ping Tan
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zheng J, Feng H, Lin J, Zhou J, Xi Z, Zhang Y, Ling F, Liu Y, Wang J, Hou T, Xing F, Li Y. KDM3A Ablation Activates Endogenous Retrovirus Expression to Stimulate Antitumor Immunity in Gastric Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2309983. [PMID: 39031630 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
The success of immunotherapy for cancer treatment is limited by the presence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME); Therefore, identifying novel targets to that can reverse this immunosuppressive TME and enhance immunotherapy efficacy is essential. In this study, enrichment analysis based on publicly available single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data from gastric cancer patients are conducted, and found that tumor-intrinsic interferon (IFN) plays a central role in TME regulation. The results shows that KDM3A over-expression suppresses the tumor-intrinsic IFN response and inhibits KDM3A, either genomically or pharmacologically, which effectively promotes IFN responses by activating endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). KDM3A ablation reconfigures the dsRNA-MAVS-IFN axis by modulating H3K4me2, enhancing the infiltration and function of CD8 T cells, and simultaneously reducing the presence of regulatory T cells, resulting in a reshaped TME in vivo. In addition, combining anti-PD1 therapy with KDM3A inhibition effectively inhibited tumor growth. In conclusions, this study highlights KDM3A as a potential target for TME remodeling and the enhancement of antitumor immunity in gastric cancer through the regulation of the ERV-MAVS-IFN axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiabin Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Huolun Feng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Jiatong Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Jianlong Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zhihui Xi
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Yucheng Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Fa Ling
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yongfeng Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Junjiang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Tieying Hou
- Medical Experimental Center, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518052, China
- Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518073, China
| | - Fan Xing
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu X, Yan Y, Lu L, Liu Y, Ma J, Wang X, Wang D, Liu B, Liu Z, Zhou X, Cui H, Zhao Z, Li C, Liu J, Li W, Huang Q, Zhao Q, Liu T, Fu W. Comparison of SOX and CAPOX in patients with advanced gastric cancer after laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy: A randomized controlled trial. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7326. [PMID: 38826114 PMCID: PMC11145022 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7326] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimal adjuvant chemotherapy after laparoscopic surgery in gastric cancer (GC) patients is still undefined. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of S-1 plus oxaliplatin (SOX) and capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX) in patients with GC after laparoscopic gastrectomy. METHODS A non-inferiority randomized controlled clinical trial was performed in China. Patients with advanced GC who underwent laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy were randomly assigned to receive SOX and CAPOX regimens. RESULTS In total, 191 patients were screened between May 2018 and June 2019, and 140 (73.3%) were included in the modified intent-to-treat analysis (mITT), of whom 69 and 71 were assigned to the SOX and CAPOX groups, respectively. The SOX group had similar 3-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival to the CAPOX group. Subgroup analysis revealed significantly better OS in the SOX group for male patients ([HR] = 0.395; 95% [CI], 0.153-1.019; p = 0.045), age >60 (HR = 0.219; 95% [CI], 0.064-0.753; p = 0.016), tumors in the gastric antrum (HR = 0.273; 95% [CI], 0.076-0.981; p = 0.047), and moderately differentiated tumors (HR = 0.338; 95% [CI], 0.110-1.041; p = 0.041). There were no significant differences observed in terms of adverse events and recurrence patterns between the two groups. CONCLUSION Adjuvant SOX was non-inferior to CAPOX treatments for patients with GC who underwent curative laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy. For male patients, aged >60 years, tumors in the gastric antrum, and moderately differentiated tumors, adjuvant SOX may achieve an improvement compared with CAPOX.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Department of General SurgeryTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Yongjia Yan
- Department of General SurgeryTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Li Lu
- Department of General SurgeryTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of General Surgerythe Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Digestive Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive SurgeryShanxi Cancer HospitalTaiyuanChina
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of General SurgeryTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Daohan Wang
- Department of General SurgeryTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Bang Liu
- Department of General SurgeryTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Department of General SurgeryTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Xueying Zhou
- Department of General SurgeryTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - He Cui
- Department of General SurgeryTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Zhicheng Zhao
- Department of General SurgeryTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Chuan Li
- Department of General SurgeryTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of General SurgeryTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Weidong Li
- Department of General SurgeryTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Qing‐Xing Huang
- Department of Digestive Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive SurgeryShanxi Cancer HospitalTaiyuanChina
| | - Qun Zhao
- Department of General Surgerythe Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of General SurgeryTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Weihua Fu
- Department of General SurgeryTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjinChina
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Qin S, Xie B, Wang Q, Yang R, Sun J, Hu C, Liu S, Tao Y, Xiao D. New insights into immune cells in cancer immunotherapy: from epigenetic modification, metabolic modulation to cell communication. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e551. [PMID: 38783893 PMCID: PMC11112485 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.551] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and more effective ways of attacking cancer are being sought. Cancer immunotherapy is a new and effective therapeutic method after surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Cancer immunotherapy aims to kill tumor cells by stimulating or rebuilding the body's immune system, with specific efficiency and high safety. However, only few tumor patients respond to immunotherapy and due to the complex and variable characters of cancer immune escape, the behavior and regulatory mechanisms of immune cells need to be deeply explored from more dimensions. Epigenetic modifications, metabolic modulation, and cell-to-cell communication are key factors in immune cell adaptation and response to the complex tumor microenvironment. They collectively determine the state and function of immune cells through modulating gene expression, changing in energy and nutrient demands. In addition, immune cells engage in complex communication networks with other immune components, which are mediated by exosomes, cytokines, and chemokines, and are pivotal in shaping the tumor progression and therapeutic response. Understanding the interactions and combined effects of such multidimensions mechanisms in immune cell modulation is important for revealing the mechanisms of immunotherapy failure and developing new therapeutic targets and strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sha Qin
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Bin Xie
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Qingyi Wang
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Jingyue Sun
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Chaotao Hu
- Regenerative Medicine, Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of OncologyInstitute of Medical SciencesNational Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha, Hunan, China. UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of CarcinogenesisCancer Research Institute and School of Basic MedicineCentral South universityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chaudhri A, Lizee G, Hwu P, Rai K. Chromatin Remodelers Are Regulators of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Cancer Res 2024; 84:965-976. [PMID: 38266066 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2244] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors show remarkable responses in a wide range of cancers, yet patients develop adaptive resistance. This necessitates the identification of alternate therapies that synergize with immunotherapies. Epigenetic modifiers are potent mediators of tumor-intrinsic mechanisms and have been shown to regulate immune response genes, making them prime targets for therapeutic combinations with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Some success has been observed in early clinical studies that combined immunotherapy with agents targeting DNA methylation and histone modification; however, less is known about chromatin remodeler-targeted therapies. Here, we provide a discussion on the regulation of tumor immunogenicity by the chromatin remodeling SWI/SNF complex through multiple mechanisms associated with immunotherapy response that broadly include IFN signaling, DNA damage, mismatch repair, regulation of oncogenic programs, and polycomb-repressive complex antagonism. Context-dependent targeting of SWI/SNF subunits can elicit opportunities for synthetic lethality and reduce T-cell exhaustion. In summary, alongside the significance of SWI/SNF subunits in predicting immunotherapy outcomes, their ability to modulate the tumor immune landscape offers opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Apoorvi Chaudhri
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gregory Lizee
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Kunal Rai
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- MDACC Epigenomics Therapy Initiative, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ozgun G, Yaras T, Akman B, Özden-Yılmaz G, Landman N, Karakülah G, van Lohuizen M, Senturk S, Erkek-Ozhan S. Retinoids and EZH2 inhibitors cooperate to orchestrate anti-oncogenic effects on bladder cancer cells. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:537-551. [PMID: 38233533 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00725-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The highly mutated nature of bladder cancers harboring mutations in chromatin regulatory genes opposing Polycomb-mediated repression highlights the importance of targeting EZH2 in bladder cancer. Furthermore, the critical role of the retinoic acid signaling pathway in the development and homeostasis of the urothelium, and the anti-oncogenic effects of retinoids are well established. Therefore, our aim is to simultaneously target EZH2 and retinoic acid signaling in bladder cancer to potentiate the therapeutic response. Here we report that this coordinated targeting strategy stimulates an anti-oncogenic profile, as reflected by inducing a synergistic reduction in cell viability that was associated with increased apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in a cooperative and orchestrated manner. This study characterized anti-oncogenic transcriptional reprogramming centered on the transcriptional regulator CHOP by stimulating the endoplasmic reticulum stress response. We further portrayed a molecular mechanism whereby EZH2 maintains H3K27me3-mediated repression of a subset of genes involved in unfolded protein responses, reflecting the molecular mechanism underlying this co-targeting strategy. These findings highlight the importance of co-targeting the EZH2 and retinoic acid pathway in bladder cancers and encourage the design of novel treatments employing retinoids coupled with EZH2 inhibitors in bladder carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Ozgun
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tutku Yaras
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Burcu Akman
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gülden Özden-Yılmaz
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nick Landman
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gökhan Karakülah
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Maarten van Lohuizen
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Serif Senturk
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Anurag M, Strandgaard T, Kim SH, Dou Y, Comperat E, Al-Ahmadie H, Inman BA, Taber A, Nordentoft I, Jensen JB, Dyrskjøt L, Lerner SP. Multiomics profiling of urothelial carcinoma in situ reveals CIS-specific gene signature and immune characteristics. iScience 2024; 27:109179. [PMID: 38439961 PMCID: PMC10910238 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Urothelial carcinoma in situ (CIS) is an aggressive phenotype of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Molecular features unique to CIS compared to high-grade papillary tumors are underexplored. RNA sequencing of CIS, papillary tumors, and normal urothelium showed lower immune marker expression in CIS compared to papillary tumors. We identified a 46-gene expression signature in CIS samples including selectively upregulated known druggable targets MTOR, TYK2, AXIN1, CPT1B, GAK, and PIEZO1 and selectively downregulated BRD2 and NDUFB2. High expression of selected genes was significantly associated with CIS in an independent dataset. Mutation analysis of matched CIS and papillary tumors revealed shared mutations between samples across time points and mutational heterogeneity. CCDC138 was the most frequently mutated gene in CIS. The immunological landscape showed higher levels of PD-1-positive cells in CIS lesions compared to papillary tumors. We identified CIS lesions to have distinct characteristics compared to papillary tumors potentially contributing to the aggressive phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Anurag
- Department of Medicine, Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center and Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Trine Strandgaard
- Department of Molecular Medicine Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Sung Han Kim
- Scott Department of Urology, Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Urology, Urological Cancer Center, National Cancer Center, Goayng, Gyeonggi, Rep. Korea
| | - Yongchao Dou
- Department of Medicine, Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center and Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eva Comperat
- Department of Pathology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna General Hospital, 1090 Wien, Austria
| | - Hikmat Al-Ahmadie
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brant A. Inman
- Department of Urologic Oncology, Western University, London, ON, USA
| | - Ann Taber
- Department of Molecular Medicine Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Iver Nordentoft
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Bjerggaard Jensen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lars Dyrskjøt
- Department of Molecular Medicine Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Seth P. Lerner
- Scott Department of Urology, Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Duan XP, Qin BD, Jiao XD, Liu K, Wang Z, Zang YS. New clinical trial design in precision medicine: discovery, development and direction. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:57. [PMID: 38438349 PMCID: PMC10912713 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01760-0] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In the era of precision medicine, it has been increasingly recognized that individuals with a certain disease are complex and different from each other. Due to the underestimation of the significant heterogeneity across participants in traditional "one-size-fits-all" trials, patient-centered trials that could provide optimal therapy customization to individuals with specific biomarkers were developed including the basket, umbrella, and platform trial designs under the master protocol framework. In recent years, the successive FDA approval of indications based on biomarker-guided master protocol designs has demonstrated that these new clinical trials are ushering in tremendous opportunities. Despite the rapid increase in the number of basket, umbrella, and platform trials, the current clinical and research understanding of these new trial designs, as compared with traditional trial designs, remains limited. The majority of the research focuses on methodologies, and there is a lack of in-depth insight concerning the underlying biological logic of these new clinical trial designs. Therefore, we provide this comprehensive review of the discovery and development of basket, umbrella, and platform trials and their underlying logic from the perspective of precision medicine. Meanwhile, we discuss future directions on the potential development of these new clinical design in view of the "Precision Pro", "Dynamic Precision", and "Intelligent Precision". This review would assist trial-related researchers to enhance the innovation and feasibility of clinical trial designs by expounding the underlying logic, which be essential to accelerate the progression of precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Peng Duan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bao-Dong Qin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Jiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Sheng Zang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li F, Wang P, Ye J, Xie G, Yang J, Liu W. Serum EZH2 is a novel biomarker for bladder cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1303918. [PMID: 38476362 PMCID: PMC10927824 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1303918] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The primary objective of this study was to examine the levels of serum EZH2 in patients diagnosed with bladder cancer, and subsequently evaluate its potential as a biomarker for both the diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer. Methods Blood samples were obtained from 115 bladder cancer patients and 115 healthy persons. We measured the EZH2 concentrations in the serum of these subjects via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To assess the diagnostic performance of serum EZH2 in detecting bladder cancer, we plotted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calculated their corresponding area under the curve (AUC). We also used the Cox regression model and log-rank test to investigate the correlation between EZH2 levels and clinicopathological characteristics, and survival rates of bladder cancer patients. Results Serum EZH2 levels were significantly higher in bladder cancer patients when compared to those in healthy persons. Serum EZH2 levels exhibited a significant correlation with TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, muscle invasion, and tumor size. At a cutoff value of 8.23 ng/mL, EZH2 was able to differentiate bladder cancer patients from healthy persons, with an AUC of 0.87, a sensitivity of 81.31%, and a specificity of 78.42%. High EZH2 levels correlated with poor overall survival rates and progression-free survival rates of bladder cancer patients. Conclusions Serum EZH2 levels were elevated in bladder cancer patients, and patients with higher serum EZH2 levels exhibited a poorer prognosis. This indicates that serum EZH2 could be a novel biomarker for bladder cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Such findings could improve the prognosis of bladder cancer patients by facilitating early detection and continuous monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Pengqiao Wang
- Department of Medical Administration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Ye
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Kaili, China
| | - Guoping Xie
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinfeng Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Noel ODV, Hassouneh Z, Svatek RS, Mukherjee N. Innate Lymphoid Cells in Bladder Cancer: From Mechanisms of Action to Immune Therapies. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:149-160. [PMID: 38060011 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Bladder tumors have a high mutational burden and tend to be responsive to immune therapies; however, response rates remain modest. To date, immunotherapy in bladder cancer has largely focused on enhancing T-cell immune responses in the bladder tumor microenvironment. It is anticipated that other immune cells, including innate lymphoid cells (ILC), which play an important role in bladder oncogenesis and tumor suppression, could be targeted to improve response to existing therapies. ILCs are classified into five groups: natural killer cells, ILC1s, ILC2s, ILC3s, and lymphoid tissue inducer cells. ILCs are pleiotropic and play dual and sometimes paradoxical roles in cancer development and progression. Here, a comprehensive discussion of the current knowledge and recent advancements in understanding the role of ILCs in bladder cancer is provided. We discuss the multifaceted roles that ILCs play in bladder immune surveillance, tumor protection, and immunopathology of bladder cancer. This review provides a rationale for targeting ILCs in bladder cancer, which is relevant for other solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Onika D V Noel
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Zaineb Hassouneh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Robert S Svatek
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Neelam Mukherjee
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li K, Qi L, Tang G, Xu H, Li Z, Fan B, Li Z, Li Y. Epigenetic Regulation in Urothelial Carcinoma. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:85-97. [PMID: 36545729 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666221221094432] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a common malignancy that remains a clinical challenge: Non-muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma (NMIUC) has a high rate of recurrence and risk of progression, while muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma (MIUC) has a high mortality. Although some new treatments, such as immunotherapies, have shown potential effects on some patients, most cases of advanced UC remain incurable. While treatments based on epigenetic mechanisms, whether combined with traditional platinum-based chemotherapy or emerging immunotherapy, show therapeutic advantages. With the advancement of sequencing and bioinformatics, the study of epigenomics, containing DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA, is increasingly linked with the occurrence and progression of UC. Since the epigenetics of UC is a constantly developing field of medicine, this review aims to summarize the latest research on epigenetic regulation of UC, generalize the mechanism of epigenetics in UC, and reveal the potential epigenetic therapies in the clinical setting, in order to provide some new clues on the discovery of new drugs based on the epigenetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Li
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin Qi
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guyu Tang
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haozhe Xu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bo Fan
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhongbei Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Doshi B, Athans SR, Woloszynska A. Biological differences underlying sex and gender disparities in bladder cancer: current synopsis and future directions. Oncogenesis 2023; 12:44. [PMID: 37666817 PMCID: PMC10477245 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-023-00489-9] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex and gender disparities in bladder cancer have long been a subject of interest to the cancer research community, wherein men have a 4 times higher incidence rate than women, and female patients often present with higher-grade disease and experience worse outcomes. Despite the known differences in disease incidence and clinical outcomes between male and female bladder cancer patients, clinical management remains the same. In this review, we critically analyze studies that report on the biological differences between men and women and evaluate how these differences contribute to sex and gender disparities in bladder cancer. Distinct characteristics of the male and female immune systems, differences in circulating hormone levels and hormone receptor expression, and different genetic and epigenetic alterations are major biological factors that all likely contribute to disparate incidence rates and outcomes for male and female bladder cancer patients. Future preclinical and clinical studies in this area should employ experimental approaches that account for and consider sex and gender disparities in bladder cancer, thereby facilitating the development of precision medicine for the effective treatment of bladder cancer in all patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhavisha Doshi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Sarah R Athans
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Anna Woloszynska
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xie Z, Zhou Z, Yang S, Zhang S, Shao B. Epigenetic regulation and therapeutic targets in the tumor microenvironment. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:17. [PMID: 37273004 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00126-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial to neoplastic processes, fostering proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis. Epigenetic regulations, primarily including DNA and RNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA, have been generally recognized as an essential feature of tumor malignancy, exceedingly contributing to the dysregulation of the core gene expression in neoplastic cells, bringing about the evasion of immunosurveillance by influencing the immune cells in TME. Recently, compelling evidence have highlighted that clinical therapeutic approaches based on epigenetic machinery modulate carcinogenesis through targeting TME components, including normalizing cells' phenotype, suppressing cells' neovascularization and repressing the immunosuppressive components in TME. Therefore, TME components have been nominated as a promising target for epigenetic drugs in clinical cancer management. This review focuses on the mechanisms of epigenetic modifications occurring to the pivotal TME components including the stroma, immune and myeloid cells in various tumors reported in the last five years, concludes the tight correlation between TME reprogramming and tumor progression and immunosuppression, summarizes the current advances in cancer clinical treatments and potential therapeutic targets with reference to epigenetic drugs. Finally, we summarize some of the restrictions in the field of cancer research at the moment, further discuss several interesting epigenetic gene targets with potential strategies to boost antitumor immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuojun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Zirui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuxian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiwen Zhang
- Department of Oral Implantology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China.
| | - Bin Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Matar M, Prince G, Hamati I, Baalbaky M, Fares J, Aoude M, Matar C, Kourie HR. Implication of KDM6A in bladder cancer. Pharmacogenomics 2023; 24:509-522. [PMID: 37458596 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2023-0027] [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: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Bladder cancer is a common urogenital malignancy characterized by frequent genetic alterations. Histone demethylase gene KDM6A is commonly mutated in bladder cancer. Aim: To review the characteristics of KDM6A and its mutation consequences, and to introduce a potential KDM6A-targeted treatment. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search using two electronic databases, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library, to retrieve topic-related articles from July 2013 to July 2022 using keywords 'KDM6A', 'bladder cancer', 'UTX', 'treatment' and 'mutation'. Five reviewers independently screened literature search results and abstracted data from included studies. Descriptive analysis was conducted and 30 articles were retained. Main Results: A total of 30 articles were retrieved. Experimental and clinical data were collected and grouped by theme. Therapeutic strategies are depicted and organized by tables for a better understanding. Conclusion: This review demonstrates that KDM6A has crucial implications in bladder cancer pathogenesis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Matar
- Hematology-Oncology Department, Hotel Dieu De France Hospital, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Lebanon
| | - Gilles Prince
- Hematology-Oncology Department, Hotel Dieu De France Hospital, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Lebanon
| | - Ibrahim Hamati
- Hematology-Oncology Department, Hotel Dieu De France Hospital, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Lebanon
| | - Maria Baalbaky
- Hematology-Oncology Department, Hotel Dieu De France Hospital, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Lebanon
| | - Jonas Fares
- Hematology-Oncology Department, Hotel Dieu De France Hospital, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Lebanon
| | - Marc Aoude
- Hematology-Oncology Department, Hotel Dieu De France Hospital, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Lebanon
| | - Charbel Matar
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Internal Medicine Department, George Washington University Hospital, 20037, Washington DC, USA
| | - Hampig Raphael Kourie
- Hematology-Oncology Department, Hotel Dieu De France Hospital, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yang J, Xu J, Wang W, Zhang B, Yu X, Shi S. Epigenetic regulation in the tumor microenvironment: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:210. [PMID: 37217462 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01480-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Over decades, researchers have focused on the epigenetic control of DNA-templated processes. Histone modification, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, RNA modification, and noncoding RNAs modulate many biological processes that are crucial to the development of cancers. Dysregulation of the epigenome drives aberrant transcriptional programs. A growing body of evidence suggests that the mechanisms of epigenetic modification are dysregulated in human cancers and might be excellent targets for tumor treatment. Epigenetics has also been shown to influence tumor immunogenicity and immune cells involved in antitumor responses. Thus, the development and application of epigenetic therapy and cancer immunotherapy and their combinations may have important implications for cancer treatment. Here, we present an up-to-date and thorough description of how epigenetic modifications in tumor cells influence immune cell responses in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and how epigenetics influence immune cells internally to modify the TME. Additionally, we highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting epigenetic regulators for cancer immunotherapy. Harnessing the complex interplay between epigenetics and cancer immunology to develop therapeutics that combine thereof is challenging but could yield significant benefits. The purpose of this review is to assist researchers in understanding how epigenetics impact immune responses in the TME, so that better cancer immunotherapies can be developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hojjatipour T, Maali A, Azad M. Natural killer cell epigenetic reprogramming in tumors and potential for cancer immunotherapy. Epigenomics 2023; 15:249-266. [PMID: 37125432 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical members of the innate lymphoid cell population and have a pivotal role in cancer eradication. NK cell maturation, development and function are tightly regulated by epigenetic modifications, which can also be recruited for cancer propagation and immune escape. NK cells have the potential to be activated against tumors through several epigenetic regulators. Given that epigenetic changes are inducible and reversible, focusing on aberrant epigenetic regulations recruited by tumor cells provides a tremendous opportunity for cancer treatment. This review presents a comprehensive picture of NK cell normal epigenetic regulation and cancer-driven epigenetic modifications. From our perspective, a better understanding of epigenetic regulators that can edit and revise NK cells' activity is a promising avenue for NK cell-based therapy in cancer management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Hojjatipour
- Department of Hematology & Blood Transfusion, Students Research Center, School of Allied Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Maali
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Paramedicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yan R, Shen Y, Zhang X, Xu P, Wang J, Li J, Ren F, Ye D, Zhou SK. Histopathological bladder cancer gene mutation prediction with hierarchical deep multiple-instance learning. Med Image Anal 2023; 87:102824. [PMID: 37126973 DOI: 10.1016/j.media.2023.102824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Gene mutation detection is usually carried out by molecular biological methods, which is expensive and has a long-time cycle. In contrast, pathological images are ubiquitous. If clinically significant gene mutations can be predicted only through pathological images, it will greatly promote the widespread use of gene mutation detection in clinical practice. However, current gene mutation prediction methods based on pathological images are ineffective because of the inability to identify mutated regions in gigapixel Whole Slide Image (WSI). To address this challenge, hereby we propose a carefully designed framework for WSI-based gene mutation prediction, which consists of three parts. (i) The first part of cancerous area segmentation, based on supervised learning, quickly filters out a large number of non-mutated regions; (ii) the second part of cancerous patch clustering, based on the representations derived from contrastive learning, ensures the comprehensiveness of patch selection; and (iii) the third part of mutation classification, based on the proposed hierarchical deep multi-instance learning method (HDMIL), ensures that sufficient patches are considered and inaccurate selections are ignored. In addition, benefiting from a two-stage attention mechanism in HDMIL, the patches that are highly correlated with gene mutations can be identified. This interpretability can help a pathologist to analyze the correlation between gene mutation and histopathological morphology. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed gene mutation prediction framework significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art methods. In the TCGA bladder cancer dataset, five clinically relevant gene mutations are well predicted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yan
- Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yijun Shen
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xueyuan Zhang
- Zhijian Life Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100036, China
| | - Peihang Xu
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jintao Li
- Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Fei Ren
- Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; SKLP, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Dingwei Ye
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - S Kevin Zhou
- Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; School of Biomedical Engineering & Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chen LJ, Xu XY, Zhong XD, Liu YJ, Zhu MH, Tao F, Li CY, She QS, Yang GJ, Chen J. The role of lysine-specific demethylase 6A (KDM6A) in tumorigenesis and its therapeutic potentials in cancer therapy. Bioorg Chem 2023; 133:106409. [PMID: 36753963 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106409] [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: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Histone demethylation is a key post-translational modification of chromatin, and its dysregulation affects a wide array of nuclear activities including the maintenance of genome integrity, transcriptional regulation, and epigenetic inheritance. Lysine specific demethylase 6A (KDM6A, also known as UTX) is an Fe2+- and α-ketoglutarate- dependent oxidase which belongs to KDM6 Jumonji histone demethylase subfamily, and it can remove mono-, di- and tri-methyl groups from methylated lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me1/2/3). Mounting studies indicate that KDM6A is responsible for driving multiple human diseases, particularly cancers and pharmacological inhibition of KDM6A is an effective strategy to treat varieties of KDM6A-amplified cancers in cellulo and in vivo. Although there are several reviews on the roles of KDM6 subfamily in cancer development and therapy, all of them only simply introduce the roles of KDM6A in cancer without systematically summarizing the specific mechanisms of KDM6A in tumorigenesis, which greatly limits the advances on the understanding of roles KDM6A in varieties of cancers, discovering targeting selective KDM6A inhibitors, and exploring the adaptive profiles of KDM6A antagonists. Herein, we present the structure and functions of KDM6A, simply outline the functions of KDM6A in homeostasis and non-cancer diseases, summarize the role of KDM6A and its distinct target genes/ligand proteins in development of varieties of cancers, systematically classify KDM6A inhibitors, sum up the difficulties encountered in the research of KDM6A and the discovery of related drugs, and provide the corresponding solutions, which will contribute to understanding the roles of KDM6A in carcinogenesis and advancing the progression of KDM6A as a drug target in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Xin-Yang Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yan-Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Ming-Hui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Fan Tao
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Chang-Yun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Qiu-Sheng She
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan 467044, Henan, China.
| | - Guan-Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
| | - Jiong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Thompson D, Lawrentschuk N, Bolton D. New Approaches to Targeting Epigenetic Regulation in Bladder Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061856. [PMID: 36980741 PMCID: PMC10046617 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics is a growing field and in bladder cancer, it is of particular interest in advanced or metastatic disease. As opposed to genetic mutations in which the nucleotide sequence itself is altered, epigenetic alterations refer to changes to the genome that do not involve nucleotides. This is of great interest in cancer research because epigenetic alterations are reversible, making them a promising target for pharmacological agents. While chemoimmunotherapy is the mainstay for metastatic disease, there are few alternatives for patients who have progressed on first- or second-line treatment. By targeting reversible epigenetic alterations, novel epigenetic therapies are important potential treatment options for these patients. A search of clinical registries was performed in order to identify and collate epigenetic therapies currently in human trials. A literature search was also performed to identify therapies that are currently in preclinical stages, whether this be in vivo or in vitro models. Twenty-five clinical trials were identified that investigated the use of epigenetic inhibitors in patients with bladder cancer, often in combination with another agent, such as platinum-based chemotherapy or pembrolizumab. The main classes of epigenetic inhibitors studied include DNA-methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, and histone methyltransferase (HMT) inhibitors. At present, no phase 3 clinical trials have been registered. Few trials have published results, though DNMT inhibitors have shown the most promise thus far. Many patients with advanced or metastatic bladder cancer have limited treatment options, particularly when first- or second-line chemoimmunotherapy fails. Epigenetic alterations, which are common in bladder cancer, are potential targets for drug therapies, and these epigenetic agents are already in use for many cancers. While they have shown promise in pre-clinical trials for bladder cancer, more research is needed to assess their benefit in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daryl Thompson
- Department of Surgery, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Nathan Lawrentschuk
- Division of Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Department of Urology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3050, Australia
- EJ Whitten Prostate Cancer Research Centre at Epworth Healthcare, Melbourne, VC 3121, Australia
| | - Damien Bolton
- Department of Surgery, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Liao Q, Yang J, Ge S, Chai P, Fan J, Jia R. Novel insights into histone lysine methyltransferases in cancer therapy: From epigenetic regulation to selective drugs. J Pharm Anal 2023; 13:127-141. [PMID: 36908859 PMCID: PMC9999304 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The reversible and precise temporal and spatial regulation of histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) is essential for epigenome homeostasis. The dysregulation of KMTs is associated with tumor initiation, metastasis, chemoresistance, invasiveness, and the immune microenvironment. Therapeutically, their promising effects are being evaluated in diversified preclinical and clinical trials, demonstrating encouraging outcomes in multiple malignancies. In this review, we have updated recent understandings of KMTs' functions and the development of their targeted inhibitors. First, we provide an updated overview of the regulatory roles of several KMT activities in oncogenesis, tumor suppression, and immune regulation. In addition, we summarize the current targeting strategies in different cancer types and multiple ongoing clinical trials of combination therapies with KMT inhibitors. In summary, we endeavor to depict the regulation of KMT-mediated epigenetic landscape and provide potential epigenetic targets in the treatment of cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qili Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Peiwei Chai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Jiayan Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
dos Reis FD, Jerónimo C, Correia MP. Epigenetic modulation and prostate cancer: Paving the way for NK cell anti-tumor immunity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1152572. [PMID: 37090711 PMCID: PMC10113550 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1152572] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunoepigenetics is a growing field, as there is mounting evidence on the key role played by epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of tumor immune cell recognition and control of immune cell anti-tumor responses. Moreover, it is increasingly acknowledgeable a tie between epigenetic regulation and prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression. PCa is intrinsically a cold tumor, with scarce immune cell infiltration and low inflammatory tumor microenvironment. However, Natural Killer (NK) cells, main anti-tumor effector immune cells, have been frequently linked to improved PCa prognosis. The role that epigenetic-related mechanisms might have in regulating both NK cell recognition of PCa tumor cells and NK cell functions in PCa is still mainly unknown. Epigenetic modulating drugs have been showing boundless therapeutic potential as anti-tumor agents, however their role in immune cell regulation and recognition is scarce. In this review, we focused on studies addressing modulation of epigenetic mechanisms involved in NK cell-mediated responses, including both the epigenetic modulation of tumor cell NK ligand expression and NK cell receptor expression and function in different tumor models, highlighting studies in PCa. The integrated knowledge from diverse epigenetic modulation mechanisms promoting NK cell-mediated immunity in various tumor models might open doors for the development of novel epigenetic-based therapeutic options for PCa management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filipa D. dos Reis
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Master Program in Oncology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Margareta P. Correia
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Margareta P. Correia,
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Liu L, Hou Y, Deng C, Tao Z, Chen Z, Hu J, Chen K. Single cell sequencing reveals that CD39 inhibition mediates changes to the tumor microenvironment. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6740. [PMID: 36347860 PMCID: PMC9643495 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34495-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell sequencing technologies have noteworthily improved our understanding of the genetic map and molecular characteristics of bladder cancer (BC). Here we identify CD39 as a potential therapeutic target for BC via single-cell transcriptome analysis. In a subcutaneous tumor model and orthotopic bladder cancer model, inhibition of CD39 (CD39i) by sodium polyoxotungstate is able to limit the growth of BC and improve the overall survival of tumor-bearing mice. Via single cell RNA sequencing, we find that CD39i increase the intratumor NK cells, conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1) and CD8 + T cells and decrease the Treg abundance. The antitumor effect and reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment are blockaded in both the NK cells depletion model and the cDC1-deficient Batf3-/- model. In addition, a significant synergistic effect is observed between CD39i and cisplatin, but the CD39i + anti-PD-L1 (or anti-PD1) strategy does not show any synergistic effects in the BC model. Our results confirm that CD39 is a potential target for the immune therapy of BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilong Liu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaxin Hou
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Changqi Deng
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen Tao
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Radiation Oncology and Cyberknife Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer institute & Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhaohui Chen
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junyi Hu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Chen
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Huang R, Wu Y, Zou Z. Combining EZH2 inhibitors with other therapies for solid tumors: more choices for better effects. Epigenomics 2022; 14:1449-1464. [PMID: 36601794 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
EZH2 is an epigenetic regulator that methylates lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27) and is closely related to the development and metastasis of tumors. It often shows gain-of-function mutations in hematological tumors, while it is often overexpressed in solid tumors. EZH2 inhibitors have shown good efficacy in hematological tumors in clinical trials but poor efficacy in solid tumors. Therefore, current research on EZH2 inhibitors has focused on exploring additional combination strategies in solid tumors. Herein we summarize the combinations and mechanisms of EZH2 inhibitors and other therapies, including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and epigenetic therapy, both in clinical trials and preclinical studies, aiming to provide a reference for better antitumor effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Huang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yirong Wu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Zhengyun Zou
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Piunti A, Meghani K, Yu Y, Robertson AG, Podojil JR, McLaughlin KA, You Z, Fantini D, Chiang M, Luo Y, Wang L, Heyen N, Qian J, Miller SD, Shilatifard A, Meeks JJ. Immune activation is essential for the antitumor activity of EZH2 inhibition in urothelial carcinoma. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo8043. [PMID: 36197969 PMCID: PMC9534493 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo8043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The long-term survival of patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UCa) is limited because of innate resistance to treatment. We identified elevated expression of the histone methyltransferase EZH2 as a hallmark of aggressive UCa and hypothesized that EZH2 inhibition, via a small-molecule catalytic inhibitor, might have antitumor effects in UCa. Here, in a carcinogen-induced mouse bladder cancer model, a reduction in tumor progression and an increase in immune infiltration upon EZH2 inhibition were observed. Treatment of mice with EZH2i causes an increase in MHC class II expression in the urothelium and can activate infiltrating T cells. Unexpectedly, we found that the lack of an intact adaptive immune system completely abolishes the antitumor effects induced by EZH2 catalytic inhibition. These findings show that immune evasion is the only important determinant for the efficacy of EZH2 catalytic inhibition treatment in a UCa model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Piunti
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Khyati Meghani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yanni Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Joseph R. Podojil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kimberly A. McLaughlin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zonghao You
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Damiano Fantini
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - MingYi Chiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Urology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nathan Heyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Dxige Research Inc., Courtenay, BC, Canada
| | - Jun Qian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stephen D. Miller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joshua J. Meeks
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
German B, Ellis L. Polycomb Directed Cell Fate Decisions in Development and Cancer. EPIGENOMES 2022; 6:28. [PMID: 36135315 PMCID: PMC9497807 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes6030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The polycomb group (PcG) proteins are a subset of transcription regulators highly conserved throughout evolution. Their principal role is to epigenetically modify chromatin landscapes and control the expression of master transcriptional programs to determine cellular identity. The two mayor PcG protein complexes that have been identified in mammals to date are Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) and 2 (PRC2). These protein complexes selectively repress gene expression via the induction of covalent post-translational histone modifications, promoting chromatin structure stabilization. PRC2 catalyzes the histone H3 methylation at lysine 27 (H3K27me1/2/3), inducing heterochromatin structures. This activity is controlled by the formation of a multi-subunit complex, which includes enhancer of zeste (EZH2), embryonic ectoderm development protein (EED), and suppressor of zeste 12 (SUZ12). This review will summarize the latest insights into how PRC2 in mammalian cells regulates transcription to orchestrate the temporal and tissue-specific expression of genes to determine cell identity and cell-fate decisions. We will specifically describe how PRC2 dysregulation in different cell types can promote phenotypic plasticity and/or non-mutational epigenetic reprogramming, inducing the development of highly aggressive epithelial neuroendocrine carcinomas, including prostate, small cell lung, and Merkel cell cancer. With this, EZH2 has emerged as an important actionable therapeutic target in such cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz German
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Leigh Ellis
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Huang Y, Zhang H, Feng J, Tang B. STK11
mutation affects the killing effect of
NK
cells to promote the progression of lung adenocarcinoma. APMIS 2022; 130:647-656. [DOI: 10.1111/apm.13271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Huang
- Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Zigong Fourth People's Hospital Zigong Sichuan 643000 China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Zigong Fourth People's Hospital Zigong Sichuan 643000 China
| | - Juan Feng
- Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Zigong Fourth People's Hospital Zigong Sichuan 643000 China
| | - Bo Tang
- Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Zigong Fourth People's Hospital Zigong Sichuan 643000 China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Selective EZH2 inhibitor zld1039 alleviates inflammation in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury partially by enhancing RKIP and suppressing NF-κB p65 pathway. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:2067-2080. [PMID: 34937916 PMCID: PMC9343430 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00837-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a component of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is a histone lysine methyltransferase mediating trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3), which is a repressive marker at the transcriptional level. EZH2 sustains normal renal function and its overexpression has bad properties. Inhibition of EZH2 overexpression exerts protective effect against acute kidney injury (AKI). A small-molecule compound zld1039 has been developed as an efficient and selective EZH2 inhibitor. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of zld1039 in the treatment of cisplatin-induced AKI in mice. Before injection of cisplatin (20 mg/kg, i.p.), mice were administered zld1039 (100, 200 mg/kg, i.g.) once, then in the following 3 days. We found that cisplatin-treated mice displayed serious AKI symptoms, evidenced by kidney dysfunction and kidney histological injury, accompanied by EZH2 upregulation in the nucleus of renal tubular epithelial cells. Administration of zld1039 dose-dependently alleviated renal dysfunction as well as the histological injury, inflammation and cell apoptosis in cisplatin-treated mice. We revealed that zld1039 administration exerted an anti-inflammatory effect in kidney of cisplatin-treated mice via H3K27me3 inhibition, raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) upregulation and NF-κB p65 repression. In the cisplatin-treated mouse renal tubular epithelial (TCMK-1) cells, silencing of RKIP with siRNA did not abolish the anti-inflammatory effect of EZH2 inhibition, suggesting that RKIP was partially involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of zld1039. Collectively, EZH2 inhibition alleviates inflammation in cisplatin-induced mouse AKI via upregulating RKIP and blocking NF-κB p65 signaling in cisplatin-induced AKI. The potent and selective EZH2 inhibitor zld1039 has the potential as a promising agent for the treatment of AKI.
Collapse
|
29
|
Wang C, Wan H, Zhang H, Yang B, Huang WK, Sun W. Characterization of Ligand-Receptor Pair in Bladder Cancer Develops a Validated Scoring Model for Prognosis and Treatment Response. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:915798. [PMID: 35784457 PMCID: PMC9247554 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.915798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of ligand-receptor (LR) pairs in disease progression has been explored in bladder cancer. However, the relationship of LR pairs with cancer prognosis and treatment response remains poorly understood. We characterized the LR pair network and identified three distinct molecular subtypes with distinct biologic features based on the TCGA database (n = 406) and validated in GSE13507 (n = 165) and GSE32894 (n = 224). Three subtypes were compared for differences in patient clinical characteristics, genomic, and transcriptomic features. A multivariate Lasso Cox regression model was applied to construct an LR pairs-based scoring model to stratify the prognostic risk of patients. We demonstrated the high LR. score patients had better responses in chemotherapy, while low LR. score patients may benefit from immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Collectively, we identified three LR pair-related subtypes associated with prognosis. We constructed and validated a LR pairs-based gene signature, which helps to predict prognosis and differentiate the susceptible population to chemotherapy and immunotherapy in patients with bladder cancer. Among the LR pairs significantly related to prognosis, ANAX1−EGFR axis was found to be potential therapeutic target for treatment of bladder cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Wang
- Department of Urology, Guilin People’s Hospital, Guilin, China
| | - Honglei Wan
- Department of Urology, Handan First Hospital, Handan, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Urology, Guilin People’s Hospital, Guilin, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Urology, Guilin People’s Hospital, Guilin, China
| | - Wen-Kuan Huang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Wen-Kuan Huang, ; Wenguo Sun,
| | - Wenguo Sun
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Wen-Kuan Huang, ; Wenguo Sun,
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Chen Y, Yi X, Sun N, Guo W, Li C. Epigenetics Regulates Antitumor Immunity in Melanoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:868786. [PMID: 35693795 PMCID: PMC9174518 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.868786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most malignant skin cancer, which originates from epidermal melanocytes, with increasing worldwide incidence. The escape of immune surveillance is a hallmark of the tumor, which is manifested by the imbalance between the enhanced immune evasion of tumor cells and the impaired antitumor capacity of infiltrating immune cells. According to this notion, the invigoration of the exhausted immune cells by immune checkpoint blockades has gained encouraging outcomes in eliminating tumor cells and significantly prolonged the survival of patients, particularly in melanoma. Epigenetics is a pivotal non-genomic modulatory paradigm referring to heritable changes in gene expression without altering genome sequence, including DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNAs, and m6A RNA methylation. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated how the dysregulation of epigenetics regulates multiple biological behaviors of tumor cells and contributes to carcinogenesis and tumor progression in melanoma. Nevertheless, the linkage between epigenetics and antitumor immunity, as well as its implication in melanoma immunotherapy, remains elusive. In this review, we first introduce the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and therapeutic innovations of melanoma. Then, the tumor microenvironment and the functions of different types of infiltrating immune cells are discussed, with an emphasis on their involvement in antitumor immunity in melanoma. Subsequently, we systemically summarize the linkage between epigenetics and antitumor immunity in melanoma, from the perspective of distinct paradigms of epigenetics. Ultimately, the progression of the clinical trials regarding epigenetics-based melanoma immunotherapy is introduced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiuli Yi
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ningyue Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weinan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chunying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Meghani K, Folgosa Cooley L, Piunti A, Meeks JJ. Role of Chromatin Modifying Complexes and Therapeutic Opportunities in Bladder Cancer. Bladder Cancer 2022; 8:101-112. [PMID: 35898580 PMCID: PMC9278011 DOI: 10.3233/blc-211609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromatin modifying enzymes, mainly through post translational modifications, regulate chromatin architecture and by extension the underlying transcriptional kinetics in normal and malignant cells. Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) has a high frequency of alterations in chromatin modifiers, with 76% of tumors exhibiting mutation in at least one chromatin modifying enzyme [1]. Additionally, clonal expansion of cells with inactivating mutations in chromatin modifiers has been identified in the normal urothelium, pointing to a currently unknown role of these proteins in normal bladder homeostasis. OBJECTIVE To review current knowledge of chromatin modifications and enzymes regulating these processes in Bladder cancer (BCa). METHODS By reviewing current literature, we summarize our present knowledge of external stimuli that trigger loss of equilibrium in the chromatin accessibility landscape and emerging therapeutic interventions for targeting these processes. RESULTS Genetic lesions in BCa lead to altered function of chromatin modifying enzymes, resulting in coordinated dysregulation of epigenetic processes with disease progression. CONCLUSION Mutations in chromatin modifying enzymes are wide-spread in BCa and several promising therapeutic targets for modulating activity of these genes are currently in clinical trials. Further research into understanding how the epigenetic landscape evolves as the disease progresses, could help identify patients who might benefit the most from these targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khyati Meghani
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lauren Folgosa Cooley
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrea Piunti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joshua J. Meeks
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Yu J, Yang K, Zheng J, Zhao P, Xia J, Sun X, Zhao W. Activation of FXR and inhibition of EZH2 synergistically inhibit colorectal cancer through cooperatively accelerating FXR nuclear location and upregulating CDX2 expression. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:388. [PMID: 35449124 PMCID: PMC9023572 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04745-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Our previous study indicated that colon cancer cells varied in sensitivity to pharmacological farnesoid X receptor (FXR) activation. Herein, we explore the regulatory mechanism of FXR in colorectal cancer (CRC) development and aim to design effective strategies of combined treatment based on the regulatory axis. We found that the expression of FXR was negatively correlated with enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in colon cancer tissues. EZH2 transcriptionally suppressed FXR via H3K27me3. The combination of FXR agonist OCA plus EZH2 inhibitor GSK126 acted in a synergistic manner across four colon cancer cells, efficiently inhibiting clonogenic growth and invasion in vitro, retarding tumor growth in vivo, preventing the G0/G1 to S phase transition, and inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis. Benign control cells FHC were growth-arrested without apoptosis induction, but retained long-term proliferation and invasion capacity. Mechanistically, the drug combination dramatically accelerated FXR nuclear location and cooperatively upregulated caudal-related homeobox transcription factor 2 (CDX2) expression. The depletion of CDX2 antagonized the synergistic effects of the drug combination on tumor inhibition. In conclusion, our study demonstrated histone modification-mediated FXR silencing by EZH2 in colorectal tumorigenesis, which offers useful evidence for the clinical use of FXR agonists combined with EZH2 inhibitors in combating CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Yu
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi’an, PR China
| | - Kui Yang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi’an, PR China
| | - Jianbao Zheng
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi’an, PR China
| | - Pengwei Zhao
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi’an, PR China
| | - Jie Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Department of New Drug Research and Development, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Xuejun Sun
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, PR China.
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Parreno V, Martinez AM, Cavalli G. Mechanisms of Polycomb group protein function in cancer. Cell Res 2022; 32:231-253. [PMID: 35046519 PMCID: PMC8888700 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-021-00606-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer arises from a multitude of disorders resulting in loss of differentiation and a stem cell-like phenotype characterized by uncontrolled growth. Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins are members of multiprotein complexes that are highly conserved throughout evolution. Historically, they have been described as essential for maintaining epigenetic cellular memory by locking homeotic genes in a transcriptionally repressed state. What was initially thought to be a function restricted to a few target genes, subsequently turned out to be of much broader relevance, since the main role of PcG complexes is to ensure a dynamically choregraphed spatio-temporal regulation of their numerous target genes during development. Their ability to modify chromatin landscapes and refine the expression of master genes controlling major switches in cellular decisions under physiological conditions is often misregulated in tumors. Surprisingly, their functional implication in the initiation and progression of cancer may be either dependent on Polycomb complexes, or specific for a subunit that acts independently of other PcG members. In this review, we describe how misregulated Polycomb proteins play a pleiotropic role in cancer by altering a broad spectrum of biological processes such as the proliferation-differentiation balance, metabolism and the immune response, all of which are crucial in tumor progression. We also illustrate how interfering with PcG functions can provide a powerful strategy to counter tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Parreno
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002, CNRS-University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne-Marie Martinez
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002, CNRS-University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Giacomo Cavalli
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002, CNRS-University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Sun S, Yu F, Xu D, Zheng H, Li M. EZH2, a prominent orchestrator of genetic and epigenetic regulation of solid tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188700. [PMID: 35217116 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is regarded as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. The histone methyltransferase, Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), has been implicated in the carcinogenesis of numerous solid tumors. However, the underlying mechanism of EZH2 in cancer immunotherapeutic resistance remains unknown. EZH2 orchestrates the regulation of the innate and adaptive immune systems of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Profound epigenetic and transcriptomic changes induced by EZH2 in tumor cells and immune cells mobilize the elements of the TME, leading to immune-suppressive activity of solid tumors. In this review, we summarized the dynamic functions of EZH2 on the different components of the TME, including tumor cells, T cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, dendritic cells, fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells. Several ongoing anti-tumor clinical trials using EZH2 inhibitors have also been included as translational perspectives. In conclusion, based combinational therapy to enable ICB could offer a survival benefit in patients with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Department of Medicine, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America; Department of Surgery, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
| | - Feng Yu
- Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Danying Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Haiyan Zheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medicine, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America; Department of Surgery, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hua C, Chen J, Li S, Zhou J, Fu J, Sun W, Wang W. KDM6 Demethylases and Their Roles in Human Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 11:779918. [PMID: 34950587 PMCID: PMC8688854 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.779918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapy is moving beyond traditional chemotherapy to include epigenetic approaches. KDM6 demethylases are dynamic regulation of gene expression by histone demethylation in response to diverse stimuli, and thus their dysregulation has been observed in various cancers. In this review, we first briefly introduce structural features of KDM6 subfamily, and then discuss the regulation of KDM6, which involves the coordinated control between cellular metabolism (intrinsic regulators) and tumor microenvironment (extrinsic stimuli). We further describe the aberrant functions of KDM6 in human cancers, acting as either a tumor suppressor or an oncoprotein in a context-dependent manner. Finally, we propose potential therapy of KDM6 enzymes based on their structural features, epigenetics, and immunomodulatory mechanisms, providing novel insights for prevention and treatment of cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Hua
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | | | - Shuting Li
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | | | - Jiahong Fu
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Weijian Sun
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenqian Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
ZNF652-Induced circRHOT1 Promotes SMAD5 Expression to Modulate Tumorigenic Properties and Nature Killer Cell-Mediated Toxicity in Bladder Cancer via Targeting miR-3666. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:7608178. [PMID: 34926705 PMCID: PMC8677391 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7608178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is the 9th most frequent diagnosed tumor and the 2nd most common urology tumor worldwide. Despite the considerable advancement that BC treatment has made recently, the five-year survival rate of BC remains unsatisfactory. Novel therapeutic strategies for BC clinical intervention are therefore urgently needed now more than ever. circRHOT1 is a newly identified circRNA that plays a crucial role in multiple types of tumorigeneses. However, it remains unclear whether circRHOT1 plays a functional role in BC progression. Our findings suggest that circRHOT1 was highly expressed in BC tumor tissues and cell lines. The results from CCK-8, EDU, Transwell migration, and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity detection assays suggested that circRHOT1 knockdown could markedly suppress BC cell proliferation and migration level and could aggravate the sensitivity of BC cells to NK cells. Subsequently, we conducted bioinformatics analysis followed by RNA pull-down, ChIP, and luciferase reporter assays, from which we found that circRHOT1 expression in BC cells could be regulated by ZNF652, and circRHOT1 could promote SMAD5 expression to regulate BC cell cellular progression by sponging miR-3666. These results may provide a new direction for developing novel diagnostic or therapeutic targets for BC.
Collapse
|
37
|
Alterations of Chromatin Regulators in the Pathogenesis of Urinary Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236040. [PMID: 34885146 PMCID: PMC8656749 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Urinary bladder cancer is one of the ten major cancers worldwide, with higher incidences in males, in smokers, and in highly industrialized countries. New therapies beyond cytotoxic chemotherapy are urgently needed to improve treatment of these tumors. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying their development may help in this regard. Recently, it was discovered that a group of proteins regulating the state of chromatin and thus gene expression is exceptionally and frequently affected by gene mutations in bladder cancers. Altered function of these mutated chromatin regulators must therefore be fundamental in their development, but how and why is poorly understood. Here we review the current knowledge on changes in chromatin regulators and discuss their possible consequences for bladder cancer development and options for new therapies. Abstract Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is the most frequent histological type of cancer in the urinary bladder. Genomic changes in UC activate MAPK and PI3K/AKT signal transduction pathways, which increase cell proliferation and survival, interfere with cell cycle and checkpoint control, and prevent senescence. A more recently discovered additional category of genetic changes in UC affects chromatin regulators, including histone-modifying enzymes (KMT2C, KMT2D, KDM6A, EZH2), transcription cofactors (CREBBP, EP300), and components of the chromatin remodeling complex SWI/SNF (ARID1A, SMARCA4). It is not yet well understood how these changes contribute to the development and progression of UC. Therefore, we review here the emerging knowledge on genomic and gene expression alterations of chromatin regulators and their consequences for cell differentiation, cellular plasticity, and clonal expansion during UC pathogenesis. Our analysis identifies additional relevant chromatin regulators and suggests a model for urothelial carcinogenesis as a basis for further mechanistic studies and targeted therapy development.
Collapse
|
38
|
Liu Z, Jia Y, Guo Y, Wang H, Fu R. Role of EZH2 in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and immune-cancer interactions. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 169:103547. [PMID: 34843930 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, methylation modification has been determined to be vital for the biological regulation of normal cells, tumor cells, and tumor microenvironment immune cells. Enhancer of zeste homology 2 (EZH2), a component of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), catalyzes the trimethylation of the downstream gene in the tri-methylates histone three lysine 27 (H3K27me3) position, which causes chromatin pyknosis, and thus, silences the expression of related genes. In this paper, we reviewed the role of EZH2 in regulating bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and the immune cell function in tumor microenvironment, summarized all types of existing EZH2 inhibitors and the main clinical trials, and proposed relevant ideas for potential clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyun Liu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, PR China.
| | - Yue Jia
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, PR China.
| | - Yixuan Guo
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, PR China.
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, PR China.
| | - Rong Fu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lutz CT, Livas L, Presnell SR, Sexton M, Wang P. Gender Differences in Urothelial Bladder Cancer: Effects of Natural Killer Lymphocyte Immunity. J Clin Med 2021; 10:5163. [PMID: 34768683 PMCID: PMC8584838 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Men are more likely to develop cancer than women. In fact, male predominance is one of the most consistent cancer epidemiology findings. Additionally, men have a poorer prognosis and an increased risk of secondary malignancies compared to women. These differences have been investigated in order to better understand cancer and to better treat both men and women. In this review, we discuss factors that may cause this gender difference, focusing on urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) pathogenesis. We consider physiological factors that may cause higher male cancer rates, including differences in X chromosome gene expression. We discuss how androgens may promote bladder cancer development directly by stimulating bladder urothelium and indirectly by suppressing immunity. We are particularly interested in the role of natural killer (NK) cells in anti-cancer immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles T. Lutz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (L.L.); (S.R.P.); (M.S.)
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - Lydia Livas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (L.L.); (S.R.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Steven R. Presnell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (L.L.); (S.R.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Morgan Sexton
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (L.L.); (S.R.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Peng Wang
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Zhang S, Long F, Lin H, Wang X, Jiang G, Wang T. Regulatory roles of phytochemicals on circular RNAs in cancer and other chronic diseases. Pharmacol Res 2021; 174:105936. [PMID: 34653635 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
As novel non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an essential role in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, and the regulation of these functional molecules has become a research hotspot gradually. Within the past decade, phytochemicals were reported to regulate the expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in various chronic diseases, and more recently, most studies focus on the regulatory roles of phytochemicals on circRNAs. Abnormal expression of circRNAs has been identified in chronic diseases like cancer, heart failure, depression and atherosclerosis, and numerous studies have revealed the modulation of circRNAs by phytochemicals including berberine, celastrol, cinnamaldehyde, curcumin, et al. The expression of circRNAs, such as circSATB2 and circFOXM1, were modulated by phytochemicals, and these regulations further affected cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, autophagy, chemosensitivity, radiosensitivity and other biological processes. Mechanismly, the circRNAs mainly functioned as miRNA sponge, subsequently affecting miRNA-mediated regulation of target genes and related cell signaling pathways. In this review, we summarized the impact of phytochemicals on circRNAs expression and biological function, and discussed the mechanisms underlying phytochemicals regulating circRNAs in cancer and other chronic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institution, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Fangyi Long
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's and Children's Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institution, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institution, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Gang Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institution, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institution, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Li Y, Tian M, Zhang D, Zhuang Y, Li Z, Xie S, Sun K. Long Non-Coding RNA Myosin Light Chain Kinase Antisense 1 Plays an Oncogenic Role in Gallbladder Carcinoma by Promoting Chemoresistance and Proliferation. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:6219-6230. [PMID: 34393514 PMCID: PMC8357316 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s323759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play critical roles in human tumours, including gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). However, their biological functions and molecular mechanisms in tumorigenesis and progression remain largely unknown. Methods Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to verify the expression of lncRNA myosin light chain kinase antisense RNA 1 (MYLK-AS1) in 120 pairs of GBC tissues and paired adjacent non-tumour tissues, as well as in six different GBC cell lines (NOZ, EH-GB1, OCUG-1, GBC-SD, SGC-996 and QBC-939). Cell counting kit 8 was applied to explore cell proliferation and drug sensitivity assays. The target miRNAs (miR) of MYLK-AS1 and downstream target genes were predicted using Starbase 3.0 software and confirmed by double luciferase reporting test. The expression of proteins was assessed using Western blot assay. Results Here, we demonstrated that MYLK-AS1 was significantly upregulated and correlated with a poor prognosis and poor clinical characteristics in GBC. Furthermore, the forced expression of MYLK-AS1 significantly promoted GBC cell proliferation and resistance to gemcitabine in vitro. Mechanistically, MYLK-AS1 functioned as an efficient miR-217 sponge, thereby releasing the inhibition of enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 (EZH2) subunit expression. MYLK-AS1 promoted GBC cell proliferation and resistance to gemcitabine by upregulating EZH2 expression, and EZH2 was confirmed as a direct target of miR-217. Discussion Our results confirmed that the chemoresistant driver MYLK-AS1 might be a promising candidate as a therapeutic target for the treatment of advanced GBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongliang Li
- Department of Emergency, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, People's Republic of China
| | - Mi Tian
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongqing Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifei Zhuang
- Department of Emergency, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhimin Li
- Department of Emergency, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenqi Xie
- Department of Emergency, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, People's Republic of China
| | - Keyu Sun
- Department of Emergency, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Nie Z, Chen M, Wen X, Gao Y, Huang D, Cao H, Peng Y, Guo N, Ni J, Zhang S. Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Tumor Microenvironment in Bladder Cancer: The Missing Link. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:683940. [PMID: 34136492 PMCID: PMC8201605 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.683940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is a common malignant tumor of the urinary system. Despite recent advances in treatments such as local or systemic immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the high metastasis and recurrence rates, especially in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), have led to the evaluation of more targeted and personalized approaches. A fundamental understanding of the tumorigenesis of bladder cancer along with the development of therapeutics to target processes and pathways implicated in bladder cancer has provided new avenues for the management of this disease. Accumulating evidence supports that the tumor microenvironment (TME) can be shaped by and reciprocally act on tumor cells, which reprograms and regulates tumor development, metastasis, and therapeutic responses. A hostile TME, caused by intrinsic tumor attributes (e.g., hypoxia, oxidative stress, and nutrient deprivation) or external stressors (e.g., chemotherapy and radiation), disrupts the normal synthesis and folding process of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), culminating in a harmful situation called ER stress (ERS). ERS is a series of adaptive changes mediated by unfolded protein response (UPR), which is interwoven into a network that can ultimately mediate cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy, thereby endowing tumor cells with more aggressive behaviors. Moreover, recent studies revealed that ERS could also impede the efficacy of anti-cancer treatment including immunotherapy by manipulating the TME. In this review, we discuss the relationship among bladder cancer, ERS, and TME; summarize the current research progress and challenges in overcoming therapeutic resistance; and explore the concept of targeting ERS to improve bladder cancer treatment outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Nie
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, China
| | - Mei Chen
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, China
| | - Xiaohong Wen
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, China
| | - Yuanhui Gao
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, China
| | - Denggao Huang
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, China
| | - Hui Cao
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, China
| | - Yanling Peng
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, China
| | - Na Guo
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, China
| | - Jie Ni
- Cancer Care Center, St. George Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,St George and Sutherland Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shufang Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Xia M, Wang B, Wang Z, Zhang X, Wang X. Epigenetic Regulation of NK Cell-Mediated Antitumor Immunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:672328. [PMID: 34017344 PMCID: PMC8129532 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.672328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical innate lymphocytes that can directly kill target cells without prior immunization. NK cell activation is controlled by the balance of multiple germline-encoded activating and inhibitory receptors. NK cells are a heterogeneous and plastic population displaying a broad spectrum of functional states (resting, activating, memory, repressed, and exhausted). In this review, we present an overview of the epigenetic regulation of NK cell-mediated antitumor immunity, including DNA methylation, histone modification, transcription factor changes, and microRNA expression. NK cell-based immunotherapy has been recognized as a promising strategy to treat cancer. Since epigenetic alterations are reversible and druggable, these studies will help identify new ways to enhance NK cell-mediated antitumor cytotoxicity by targeting intrinsic epigenetic regulators alone or in combination with other strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miaoran Xia
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingbing Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zihan Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xulong Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Mola S, Pinton G, Erreni M, Corazzari M, De Andrea M, Grolla AA, Martini V, Moro L, Porta C. Inhibition of the Histone Methyltransferase EZH2 Enhances Protumor Monocyte Recruitment in Human Mesothelioma Spheroids. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094391. [PMID: 33922336 PMCID: PMC8122808 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive cancer with a long latency period and dismal prognosis. Recently, tazemetostat (EPZ-6438), an inhibitor of the histone methyltransferase EZH2, has entered clinical trials due to the antiproliferative effects reported on MPM cells. However, the direct and indirect effects of epigenetic reprogramming on the tumor microenvironment are hitherto unexplored. To investigate the impact of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) on MPM cell responsiveness to tazemetostat, we developed a three-dimensional MPM spheroid model that recapitulates in vitro, both monocytes’ recruitment in tumors and their functional differentiation toward a TAM-like phenotype (Mo-TAMs). Along with an increased expression of genes for monocyte chemoattractants, inhibitory immune checkpoints, immunosuppressive and M2-like molecules, Mo-TAMs promote tumor cell proliferation and spreading. Prolonged treatment of MPM spheroids with tazemetostat enhances both the recruitment of Mo-TAMs and the expression of their protumor phenotype. Therefore, Mo-TAMs profoundly suppress the antiproliferative effects due to EZH2 inhibition in MPM cells. Overall, our findings indicate that TAMs are a driving force for MPM growth, progression, and resistance to tazemetostat; therefore, strategies of TAM depletion might be evaluated to improve the therapeutic efficacy of pharmacological inhibition of EZH2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Mola
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.M.); (G.P.); (A.A.G.); (L.M.)
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune & Allergic Diseases (CAAD), Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (M.C.); (M.D.A.); (V.M.)
| | - Giulia Pinton
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.M.); (G.P.); (A.A.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Marco Erreni
- Unit of Advanced Optical Microscopy, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy;
| | - Marco Corazzari
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune & Allergic Diseases (CAAD), Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (M.C.); (M.D.A.); (V.M.)
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale “A. Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Marco De Andrea
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune & Allergic Diseases (CAAD), Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (M.C.); (M.D.A.); (V.M.)
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, Medical School, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Ambra A. Grolla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.M.); (G.P.); (A.A.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Veronica Martini
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune & Allergic Diseases (CAAD), Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (M.C.); (M.D.A.); (V.M.)
- Department of Translational Medicine (DIMET), University of Piemonte Orientale “A. Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Laura Moro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.M.); (G.P.); (A.A.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Chiara Porta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.M.); (G.P.); (A.A.G.); (L.M.)
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune & Allergic Diseases (CAAD), Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (M.C.); (M.D.A.); (V.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0321-375883; Fax: +39-0321-375821
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Kim HJ, Cantor H, Cosmopoulos K. Overcoming Immune Checkpoint Blockade Resistance via EZH2 Inhibition. Trends Immunol 2021; 41:948-963. [PMID: 32976740 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent progress in cancer immunotherapy highlights the power of the immune system to control tumors, although a small patient subset responds to current immunotherapies. Additional approaches to mobilize antitumor immunity are required to overcome primary and acquired resistance to immunotherapy such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Emerging evidence shows that targeting epigenetic elements that promote tumor progression and inhibit immune cell activity can enhance antitumor immunity by reshaping the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we review the pleiotropic functions in tumor and immune cells of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), with a focus on EZH2 inhibition as a potentially promising approach to enhance current immunotherapies and improve patient outcomes for certain cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Jung Kim
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Harvey Cantor
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Pyziak K, Sroka-Porada A, Rzymski T, Dulak J, Łoboda A. Potential of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibitors for the treatment of SWI/SNF mutant cancers and tumor microenvironment modulation. Drug Dev Res 2021; 82:730-753. [PMID: 33565092 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a catalytic component of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is commonly overexpressed or mutated in many cancer types, both of hematological and solid nature. Till now, plenty of EZH2 small molecule inhibitors have been developed and some of them have already been tested in clinical trials. Most of these inhibitors, however, are effective only in limited cases in the context of EZH2 gain-of-function mutated tumors such as lymphomas. Other cancer types with aberrant EZH2 expression and function require alternative approaches for successful treatment. One possibility is to exploit synthetic lethal strategy, which is based on the phenomenon that concurrent loss of two genes is detrimental but the deletion of either of them leaves cell viable. In the context of EZH2/PRC2, the most promising synthetic lethal target seems to be SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable chromatin remodeling complex (SWI/SNF), which is known to counteract PRC2 functions. SWI/SNF is heavily involved in carcinogenesis and its subunits have been found mutated in approximately 20% of tumors of different kinds. In the current review, we summarize the existing knowledge of synthetic lethal relationships between EZH2/PRC2 and components of the SWI/SNF complex and discuss in detail the potential application of existing EZH2 inhibitors in cancer patients harboring mutations in SWI/SNF proteins. We also highlight recent discoveries of EZH2 involvement in tumor microenvironment regulation and consequences for future therapies. Although clinical studies are limited, the fundamental research might help to understand which patients are most likely to benefit from therapies using EZH2 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Pyziak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.,Biology R&D, Ryvu Therapeutics S.A., Kraków, Poland
| | | | | | - Józef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Łoboda
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Identification of Immune-Related Prognostic Biomarkers Associated with HPV-Positive Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:6661625. [PMID: 33506058 PMCID: PMC7810542 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6661625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As a type of malignant tumor, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) seriously threatens human health. This study is aimed at constructing a new, reliable prognostic model. Method The gene expression profile data of HNSCC patients were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. The immune-related differentially expressed genes (IRDEGs) related to HNSCC were identified. We then used Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis to explore IRDEGs related to the HNSCC prognosis and to construct and validate a risk scoring model and used ESTIMATE to evaluate tumor immune infiltration in HNSCC patients. Finally, we validated IGSF5 expression and function in HNSCC cells. Results A total of 1,195 IRDEGs were found from the GSE65858 dataset. Thirty-one of the 1,195 IRDEGs were associated with the prognosis of HNSCC. Nine key IRDEGs were further selected using the LASSO method, and a risk scoring model was established for predicting the survival of HNSCC patients. According to the risk scoring model, the prognosis of patients in the high-risk group was worse than that of the low-risk group; the high-risk group had significantly higher immune scores than the low-risk group; and between the high- and low-risk samples, there were significant differences in the proportion of 10 types of cells, including naive cells, plasma cells, and resting CD4+ memory T cells. IGSF5 has low expression in HNSCC, and overexpression of IGSF5 significantly impaired HNSCC cell proliferation. Conclusion This prognostic risk assessment model can help systematically evaluate the survival prognosis of HNSCC patients and provides a new research direction for the improvement of the survival prognosis of HNSCC patients in clinical practice.
Collapse
|
48
|
Zhou L, Xu N, Shibata H, Saloura V, Uppaluri R. Epigenetic modulation of immunotherapy and implications in head and neck cancer. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:141-152. [PMID: 33403469 PMCID: PMC7897200 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09944-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer progression is facilitated by distinct mechanisms developed by cancer cells to avoid immune recognition and clearance. The clinical application of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), via monoclonal antibodies blocking PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA4, has achieved promising durable therapeutic response in various cancer types, including recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). HNSCC represents a rational target of ICB treatment given its relatively high mutation burden and the presence of immune infiltrates. However, the limited response rates and recent negative clinical trials data identify an urgent need for new strategies to overcome immunotherapy resistance. Preclinical studies have revealed an important contribution of epigenetic regulators in the anti-tumor immune response. Multiple components of the tumor and host immune system interaction are under epigenetic regulation, including the cancer cells themselves, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, regulatory T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and tumor-associated macrophages. Epigenetic targeting drugs such as DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, histone deacetylase, and methyltransferase inhibitors have demonstrated the potential to reverse immune suppression in various cancer models. The aim of this review is to summarize recent preclinical studies focused on investigating the function of epigenetic modulation in the host immune and cancer cell interface. We also provide a perspective on combining epigenetic modulation and immunotherapy in the management of HNSCC to improve outcomes—an area of great interest in future clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liye Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Na Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Tea and Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Hirofumi Shibata
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Vassiliki Saloura
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ravindra Uppaluri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Surgery/Otolaryngology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Su X, Lu X, Bazai SK, Compérat E, Mouawad R, Yao H, Rouprêt M, Spano JP, Khayat D, Davidson I, Tannir NN, Yan F, Malouf GG. Comprehensive integrative profiling of upper tract urothelial carcinomas. Genome Biol 2021; 22:7. [PMID: 33397444 PMCID: PMC7780630 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-020-02230-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crosstalk between genetic, epigenetic, and immune alterations in upper tract urothelial carcinomas and their role in shaping muscle invasiveness and patient outcome are poorly understood. RESULTS We perform an integrative genome- and methylome-wide profiling of diverse non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive upper tract urothelial carcinomas. In addition to mutations of FGFR3 and KDM6A, we identify ZFP36L1 as a novel, significantly mutated tumor suppressor gene. Overall, mutations of ZFP36 family genes (ZFP36, ZFP36L1, and ZFP36L2) are identified in 26.7% of cases, which display a high mutational load. Unsupervised DNA methylation subtype classification identifies two epi-clusters associated with distinct muscle-invasive status and patient outcome, namely, EpiC-low and EpiC-high. While the former is hypomethylated, immune-depleted, and enriched for FGFR3-mutated, the latter is hypermethylated, immune-infiltrated, and tightly associated with somatic mutations of SWI/SNF genes. CONCLUSIONS Our study delineates for the first time the key role for convergence between genetic and epigenetic alterations in shaping clinicopathological and immune upper tract urothelial carcinoma features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Su
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaofan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Center of Biostatistics and Computational Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Sehrish Khan Bazai
- Department of Cancer and Functional Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, CNRS/INSERM/UNISTRA, 67400, Illkirch, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Eva Compérat
- Department of Pathology, GRC No. 5, Predictive Onco Uro, AP-HP, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Roger Mouawad
- Department of Medical Oncology, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Hui Yao
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Morgan Rouprêt
- Department of Urology, GRC No. 5, Predictive Onco Uro, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Spano
- Department of Medical Oncology, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - David Khayat
- Department of Medical Oncology, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Irwin Davidson
- Department of Cancer and Functional Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, CNRS/INSERM/UNISTRA, 67400, Illkirch, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Nizar N Tannir
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fangrong Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Center of Biostatistics and Computational Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Gabriel G Malouf
- Department of Cancer and Functional Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, CNRS/INSERM/UNISTRA, 67400, Illkirch, France.
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de Strasbourg-Europe, Strasbourg, France.
- Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Mirzaei S, Gholami MH, Mahabady MK, Nabavi N, Zabolian A, Banihashemi SM, Haddadi A, Entezari M, Hushmandi K, Makvandi P, Samarghandian S, Zarrabi A, Ashrafizadeh M, Khan H. Pre-clinical investigation of STAT3 pathway in bladder cancer: Paving the way for clinical translation. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 133:111077. [PMID: 33378975 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective cancer therapy requires identification of signaling networks and investigating their potential role in proliferation and invasion of cancer cells. Among molecular pathways, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been of importance due to its involvement in promoting proliferation, and invasion of cancer cells, and mediating chemoresistance. In the present review, our aim is to reveal role of STAT3 pathway in bladder cancer (BC), as one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In respect to its tumor-promoting role, STAT3 is able to enhance the growth of BC cells via inhibiting apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. STAT3 also contributes to metastasis of BC cells via upregulating of MMP-2 and MMP-9 as well as genes in the EMT pathway. BC cells obtain chemoresistance via STAT3 overexpression and its inhibition paves the way for increasing efficacy of chemotherapy. Different molecular pathways such as KMT1A, EZH2, DAB2IP and non-coding RNAs including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs can function as upstream mediators of STAT3 that are discussed in this review article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahmood Khaksary Mahabady
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Research Services, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Amirhossein Zabolian
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amirabbas Haddadi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology & Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- IstitutoItaliano di Tecnologia, Centre for Micro-BioRobotics, viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956, Istanbul, Turkey; Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, OrtaMahalle, ÜniversiteCaddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla, 34956, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|