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Ye X, Guerin LN, Chen Z, Rajendren S, Dunker W, Zhao Y, Zhang R, Hodges E, Karijolich J. Enhancer-promoter activation by the Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus episome maintenance protein LANA. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113888. [PMID: 38416644 PMCID: PMC11005752 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113888] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Higher-order genome structure influences the transcriptional regulation of cellular genes through the juxtaposition of regulatory elements, such as enhancers, close to promoters of target genes. While enhancer activation has emerged as an important facet of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) biology, the mechanisms controlling enhancer-target gene expression remain obscure. Here, we discover that the KSHV genome tethering protein latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) potentiates enhancer-target gene expression in primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), a highly aggressive B cell lymphoma causally associated with KSHV. Genome-wide analyses demonstrate increased levels of enhancer RNA transcription as well as activating chromatin marks at LANA-bound enhancers. 3D genome conformation analyses identified genes critical for latency and tumorigenesis as targets of LANA-occupied enhancers, and LANA depletion results in their downregulation. These findings reveal a mechanism in enhancer-gene coordination and describe a role through which the main KSHV tethering protein regulates essential gene expression in PEL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Ye
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Lindsey N Guerin
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Ziche Chen
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Suba Rajendren
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - William Dunker
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Ruilin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Emily Hodges
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - John Karijolich
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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2
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El Baba R, Herbein G. EZH2-Myc Hallmark in Oncovirus/Cytomegalovirus Infections and Cytomegalovirus' Resemblance to Oncoviruses. Cells 2024; 13:541. [PMID: 38534385 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060541] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 15-20% of global cancer cases are attributed to virus infections. Oncoviruses employ various molecular strategies to enhance replication and persistence. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), acting as an initiator or promoter, enables immune evasion, supporting tumor growth. HCMV activates pro-oncogenic pathways within infected cells and direct cellular transformation. Thus, HCMV demonstrates characteristics reminiscent of oncoviruses. Cumulative evidence emphasizes the crucial roles of EZH2 and Myc in oncogenesis and stemness. EZH2 and Myc, pivotal regulators of cellular processes, gain significance in the context of oncoviruses and HCMV infections. This axis becomes a central focus for comprehending the mechanisms driving virus-induced oncogenesis. Elevated EZH2 expression is evident in various cancers, making it a prospective target for cancer therapy. On the other hand, Myc, deregulated in over 50% of human cancers, serves as a potent transcription factor governing cellular processes and contributing to tumorigenesis; Myc activates EZH2 expression and induces global gene expression. The Myc/EZH2 axis plays a critical role in promoting tumor growth in oncoviruses. Considering that HCMV has been shown to manipulate the Myc/EZH2 axis, there is emerging evidence suggesting that HCMV could be regarded as a potential oncovirus due to its ability to exploit this critical pathway implicated in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranim El Baba
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Franche-Comté UFC, 25000 Besançon, France
| | - Georges Herbein
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Franche-Comté UFC, 25000 Besançon, France
- Department of Virology, CHU Besançon, 25030 Besançon, France
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Izumiya Y, Algalil A, Espera JM, Miura H, Izumiya C, Inagaki T, Kumar A. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus terminal repeat regulates inducible lytic gene promoters. J Virol 2024; 98:e0138623. [PMID: 38240593 PMCID: PMC10878276 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01386-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) genome consists of an approximately 140-kb unique coding region flanked by 30-40 copies of a 0.8-kb terminal repeat (TR) sequence. A gene enhancer recruits transcription-related enzymes by having arrays of transcription factor binding sites. Here, we show that KSHV TR possesses transcription regulatory function with latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA). Cleavage under targets and release using nuclease demonstrated that TR fragments were occupied by LANA-interacting histone-modifying enzymes in naturally infected cells. The TR was enriched with histone H3K27 acetylation (H3K27Ac) and H3K4 tri-methylation (H3K4me3) modifications and also expressed nascent RNAs. The sites of H3K27Ac and H3K4me3 modifications were also conserved in the KSHV unique region among naturally infected primary effusion lymphoma cells. KSHV origin of lytic replication (Ori-Lyt) showed similar protein and histone modification occupancies with that of TR. In the Ori-Lyt region, the LANA and LANA-interacting proteins colocalized with an H3K27Ac-modified nucleosome along with paused RNA polymerase II. The KSHV transactivator KSHV replication and transcription activator (K-Rta) recruitment sites franked the LANA-bound nucleosome, and reactivation evicted the LANA-bound nucleosome. Including TR fragments in reporter plasmid enhanced inducible viral gene promoter activities independent of the orientations. In the presence of TR in reporter plasmids, K-Rta transactivation was drastically increased, while LANA acquired the promoter repression function. KSHV TR, therefore, functions as an enhancer for KSHV inducible genes. However, in contrast to cellular enhancers bound by multiple transcription factors, perhaps the KSHV enhancer is predominantly regulated by the LANA nuclear body.IMPORTANCEEnhancers are a crucial regulator of differential gene expression programs. Enhancers are the cis-regulatory sequences determining target genes' spatiotemporal and quantitative expression. Here, we show that Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) terminal repeats fulfill the enhancer definition for KSHV inducible gene promoters. The KSHV enhancer is occupied by latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) and its interacting proteins, such as CHD4. Neighboring terminal repeat (TR) fragments to lytic gene promoters drastically enhanced KSHV replication and transcription activator and LANA transcription regulatory functions. This study, thus, proposes a new latency-lytic switch model in which TR accessibility to the KSHV gene promoters regulates viral inducible gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Izumiya
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Adhraa Algalil
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
- Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine, Glendale, Arizona, USA
| | - Jonna M. Espera
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Hiroki Miura
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Chie Izumiya
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Tomoki Inagaki
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
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Wu Y, Jia Q, Tang Q, Deng H, He Y, Tang F. Berberine-mediated Ferroptosis through System Xc -/GSH/GPX4 Axis Inhibits Metastasis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. J Cancer 2024; 15:685-698. [PMID: 38213727 PMCID: PMC10777030 DOI: 10.7150/jca.90574] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor that is highly prevalent in Southeast China, and its metastasis remains an unresolved clinical problem. Ferroptosis, a type of nonapoptotic cell death, is a critical pathway in tumor metastasis. Berberine (BBR), a plant alkaloid, has been explored as a potential anti-NPC metastatic agent; however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here, we showed that BBR exerted its anti-metastasis role by inhibiting system Xc-/GSH/GPX4 axis-driven ferroptosis. The present study demonstrated for the first time that BBR induced ferroptosis in NPC cells by increasing reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and cellular Fe2+ and that the ferroptosis inhibitors Ferrostatin-1 and Deferoxamine mesylate rescued BBR-induced NPC cell death. Moreover, the ferroptotic characteristics of BBR-treated NPC cells were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mechanistically, system Xc- (SLC7A11 and SLC3A2) and GSH levels were found to be suppressed after treatment with BBR. We demonstrated that the system Xc-/GSH/GPX4 axis was a critical mediator of BBR-induced ferroptosis. Furthermore, GPX4, a key inhibitor of lipid peroxidation, was greatly suppressed by BBR at both protein and mRNA levels. Molecular docking results showed a strong interaction between GPX4 and BBR. Notably, GPX4 overexpression reversed the effect of BBR-induced ferroptosis in NPC cells. Finally, BBR-mediated inhibition of NPC metastasis was validated in vivo using a mouse model. Taken together, our data suggest that BBR induced ferroptosis of NPC cells via suppressing the system Xc-/GSH/GPX4 axis, provides new insights into the mechanism of BBR anti-NPC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wu
- The First Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410007, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene and Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/ Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Qunying Jia
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene and Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/ Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Qi Tang
- The First Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410007, China
| | - Hongyu Deng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene and Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/ Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Yingchun He
- The First Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410007, China
| | - Faqing Tang
- The First Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410007, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene and Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/ Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410013, China
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5
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Cai R, Lv R, Shi X, Yang G, Jin J. CRISPR/dCas9 Tools: Epigenetic Mechanism and Application in Gene Transcriptional Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14865. [PMID: 37834313 PMCID: PMC10573330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated cleavage of DNA, which depends on the endonuclease activity of Cas9, has been widely used for gene editing due to its excellent programmability and specificity. However, the changes to the DNA sequence that are mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 affect the structures and stability of the genome, which may affect the accuracy of results. Mutations in the RuvC and HNH regions of the Cas9 protein lead to the inactivation of Cas9 into dCas9 with no endonuclease activity. Despite the loss of endonuclease activity, dCas9 can still bind the DNA strand using guide RNA. Recently, proteins with active/inhibitory effects have been linked to the end of the dCas9 protein to form fusion proteins with transcriptional active/inhibitory effects, named CRISPRa and CRISPRi, respectively. These CRISPR tools mediate the transcription activity of protein-coding and non-coding genes by regulating the chromosomal modification states of target gene promoters, enhancers, and other functional elements. Here, we highlight the epigenetic mechanisms and applications of the common CRISPR/dCas9 tools, by which we hope to provide a reference for future related gene regulation, gene function, high-throughput target gene screening, and disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijie Cai
- Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition and Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Runyu Lv
- Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition and Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xin'e Shi
- Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition and Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Gongshe Yang
- Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition and Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jianjun Jin
- Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition and Muscle Development, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
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6
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Jia Q, Deng H, Wu Y, He Y, Tang F. Carcinogen-induced super-enhancer RNA promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis through NPM1/c-Myc/NDRG1 axis. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:3781-3798. [PMID: 37693164 PMCID: PMC10492133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical carcinogen is one etiology of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) occurrence, N,N'-Dinitrosopiperazine (DNP) has been verified to cause NPC cell metastasis and generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). To investigate the oncogenic mechanism of DNP, NPC cells were exposed to DNP, and subjected to RNA-seq, GRO-seq, ChIP-seq, and data analysis. The results showed that the super-enhancer RNA (seRNA) participates in DNP-mediated NPC metastasis through regulating N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1). Mechanistically, DNP exposure upregulates the levels of NPC metastatic seRNA (seRNA-NPCm), seRNA-NPCm interacted with a special super-enhancer (SE) upstream of NDRG1 gene and bound to nucleophosmin (NPM1)/c-Myc complex at the NDRG1 promoter, resulting in an increase of NDRG1 transcription. Functional studies showed that DNP significantly increased the metastatic capability of NPC cells in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of seRNA-NPCm in NPC cells impaired the capability of metastasis. Furthermore, stably overexpressing seRNA-NPCm significantly increased the metastatic ability of NPC cells, while restoration of NDRG1 levels in these cells restored their metastatic capacity. Finally, the immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization analyses revealed that the expression of seRNA-NPCm in NPC patients is positively correlated with NDRG1, and the NDRG1 level independently predicts poor prognosis of NPC patients. Collectively, DNP induces seRNA-NPCm, and seRNA-NPCm promotes NPC metastasis through NPM1/c-Myc/NDRG1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunying Jia
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene and Clinical Laboratory of Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South UniversityChangsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Hongyu Deng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene and Clinical Laboratory of Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South UniversityChangsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yao Wu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene and Clinical Laboratory of Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South UniversityChangsha 410013, Hunan, China
- Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangsha 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Yingchun He
- Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangsha 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Faqin Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene and Clinical Laboratory of Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South UniversityChangsha 410013, Hunan, China
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Jia Q, Tan Y, Li Y, Wu Y, Wang J, Tang F. JUN-induced super-enhancer RNA forms R-loop to promote nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:459. [PMID: 37479693 PMCID: PMC10361959 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05985-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenic super-enhancers (SEs) generate noncoding enhancer/SE RNAs (eRNAs/seRNAs) that exert a critical function in malignancy through powerful regulation of target gene expression. Herein, we show that a JUN-mediated seRNA can form R-loop to regulate target genes to promote metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). A combination of global run-on sequencing, chromatin-immunoprecipitation sequencing, and RNA sequencing was used to screen seRNAs. A specific seRNA associated with NPC metastasis (seRNA-NPCM) was identified as a transcriptional regulator for N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1). JUN was found to regulate seRNA-NPCM through motif binding. seRNA-NPCM was elevated in NPC cancer tissues and highly metastatic cell lines, and promoted the metastasis of NPC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the 3' end of seRNA-NPCM hybridizes with the SE region to form an R-loop, and the middle segment of seRNA-NPCM binds to heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein R (hnRNPR) at the promoter of distal gene NDRG1 and neighboring gene tribbles pseudokinase 1 (TRIB1). These structures promote chromatin looping and long-distance chromatin interactions between SEs and promoters, thus facilitating NDRG1 and TRIB1 transcription. Furthermore, the clinical analyses showed that seRNA-NPCM and NDRG1 were independent prognostic factors for NPC patients. seRNA-NPCM plays a critical role in orchestrating target gene transcription to promote NPC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunying Jia
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene and Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, 410013, Changsha, China
| | - Yuan Tan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene and Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, 410013, Changsha, China
| | - Yuejin Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene and Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, 410013, Changsha, China
| | - Yao Wu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene and Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, 410013, Changsha, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 410208, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene and Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, 410013, Changsha, China
| | - Faqin Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene and Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, 410013, Changsha, China.
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Chen J, Wang Z, Phuc T, Xu Z, Yang D, Chen Z, Lin Z, Kendrick S, Dai L, Li HY, Qin Z. Oncolytic strategy using new bifunctional HDACs/BRD4 inhibitors against virus-associated lymphomas. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011089. [PMID: 36638143 PMCID: PMC9879403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) caused by Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis even under chemotherapy. Currently, there is no specific treatment for PEL therefore requiring new therapies. Both histone deacetylases (HDACs) and bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) have been found as therapeutic targets for PEL through inducing viral lytic reactivation. However, the strategy of dual targeting with one agent and potential synergistic effects have never been explored. In the current study, we first demonstrated the synergistic effect of concurrently targeting HDACs and BRD4 on KSHV reactivation by using SAHA or entinostat (HDACs inhibitors) and (+)-JQ1 (BRD4 inhibitor), which indicated dual blockage of HDACs/BRD4 is a viable therapeutic approach. We were then able to rationally design and synthesize a series of new small-molecule inhibitors targeting HDACs and BRD4 with a balanced activity profile by generating a hybrid of the key binding motifs between (+)-JQ1 and entinostat or SAHA. Upon two iterative screenings of optimized compounds, a pair of epimers, 009P1 and 009P2, were identified to better inhibit the growth of KSHV positive lymphomas compared to (+)-JQ1 or SAHA alone at low nanomolar concentrations, but not KSHV negative control cells or normal cells. Mechanistic studies of 009P1 and 009P2 demonstrated significantly enhanced viral reactivation, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in KSHV+ lymphomas through dually targeting HDACs and BRD4 signaling activities. Importantly, in vivo preclinical studies showed that 009P1 and 009P2 dramatically suppressed KSHV+ lymphoma progression with oral bioavailability and minimal visible toxicity. These data together provide a novel strategy for the development of agents for inducing lytic activation-based therapies against these viruses-associated malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungang Chen
- Department of Pathology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Zhengyu Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Tran Phuc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Zhigang Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Yongchuan, Chongqing, China
| | - Donglin Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Yongchuan, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengzhu Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Yongchuan, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen Lin
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Samantha Kendrick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Lu Dai
- Department of Pathology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Hong-yu Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (HL); (ZQ)
| | - Zhiqiang Qin
- Department of Pathology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (HL); (ZQ)
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Friedman MJ, Lee H, Kwon YC, Oh S. Dynamics of Viral and Host 3D Genome Structure upon Infection. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 32:1515-1526. [PMID: 36398441 PMCID: PMC9843816 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2208.08020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic chromatin is highly organized in the 3D nuclear space and dynamically regulated in response to environmental stimuli. This genomic organization is arranged in a hierarchical fashion to support various cellular functions, including transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Like other host cellular mechanisms, viral pathogens utilize and modulate host chromatin architecture and its regulatory machinery to control features of their life cycle, such as lytic versus latent status. Combined with previous research focusing on individual loci, recent global genomic studies employing conformational assays coupled with high-throughput sequencing technology have informed models for host and, in some cases, viral 3D chromosomal structure re-organization during infection and the contribution of these alterations to virus-mediated diseases. Here, we review recent discoveries and progress in host and viral chromatin structural dynamics during infection, focusing on a subset of DNA (human herpesviruses and HPV) as well as RNA (HIV, influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2) viruses. An understanding of how host and viral genomic structure affect gene expression in both contexts and ultimately viral pathogenesis can facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meyer J. Friedman
- Department and School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Haram Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Chan Kwon
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infections, Korean Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Soohwan Oh
- College of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
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Dunham D, Viswanathan P, Gill J, Manzano M. Expression Ratios of the Antiapoptotic BCL2 Family Members Dictate the Selective Addiction of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus-Transformed Primary Effusion Lymphoma Cell Lines to MCL1. J Virol 2022; 96:e0136022. [PMID: 36416587 PMCID: PMC9749474 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01360-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes several malignancies in people living with HIV, including primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). PEL cell lines exhibit oncogene addictions to both viral and cellular genes. Using CRISPR screens, we previously identified cellular oncogene addictions in PEL cell lines, including MCL1. MCL1 is a member of the BCL2 family, which functions to prevent intrinsic apoptosis and has been implicated in several cancers. Despite the overlapping functions of the BCL2 family members, PEL cells are dependent only on MCL1, suggesting that MCL1 may have nonredundant functions. To investigate why PEL cells exhibit selective addiction to MCL1, we inactivated the intrinsic apoptosis pathway by engineering BAX/BAK1 double knockout cells. In this context, PEL cells become resistant to MCL1 knockdown or MCL1 inactivation by the MCL1 inhibitor S63845, indicating that the main function of MCL1 in PEL cells is to prevent BAX/BAK1-mediated apoptosis. The selective requirement to MCL1 is due to MCL1 being expressed in excess over the BCL2 family. Ectopic expression of several BCL2 family proteins, as well as the KSHV BCL2 homolog, significantly decreased basal caspase 3/7 activity and buffered against staurosporine-induced apoptosis. Finally, overexpressed BCL2 family members can functionally substitute for MCL1, when it is inhibited by S63845. Together, our data indicate that the expression levels of the BCL2 family likely explain why PEL tumor cells are highly addicted to MCL1. Importantly, our results suggest that caution should be taken when considering MCL1 inhibitors as a monotherapy regimen for PEL because resistance can develop easily. IMPORTANCE Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is caused by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. We showed previously that PEL cell lines require the antiapoptotic protein MCL1 for survival but not the other BCL2 family proteins. This selective dependence on MCL1 is unexpected as the BCL2 family functions similarly in preventing intrinsic apoptosis. Recently, new roles for MCL1 not shared with the BCL2 family have emerged. Here, we show that noncanonical functions of MCL1 are unlikely essential. Instead, MCL1 functions mainly to prevent apoptosis. The specific requirement to MCL1 is due to MCL1 being expressed in excess over the BCL2 family. Consistent with this model, shifting these expression ratios changes the requirement away from MCL1 and toward the dominant BCL2 family gene. Together, our results indicate that although MCL1 is an attractive chemotherapeutic target to treat PEL, careful consideration must be taken, as resistance to MCL1-specific inhibitors easily develops through BCL2 family overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Dunham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Host Inflammatory Responses, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Prasanth Viswanathan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Host Inflammatory Responses, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Jackson Gill
- Department of Biological Sciences, Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, USA
| | - Mark Manzano
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Host Inflammatory Responses, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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11
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Luo L, Chen X. Exploring the potential of eRNAs in cancer immunotherapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY - ONCOLYTICS 2022; 27:197-199. [PMID: 36381659 PMCID: PMC9647423 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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12
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Kuehnle N, Gottwein E. Druggable host gene dependencies in primary effusion lymphoma. Curr Opin Virol 2022; 56:101270. [PMID: 36182745 PMCID: PMC10043043 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2022.101270] [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: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). Here, we review what is known about human gene essentiality in PEL-derived cell lines. We provide an updated list of PEL-specific human gene dependencies, based on the improved definition of core essential genes across human cancer types. The requirements of PEL cell lines for interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), basic leukine zipper ATF-like transcription factor (BATF), G1/S cyclin D2 (CCND2), CASP8 and FADD like apoptosis regulator (CFLAR), MCL1 apoptosis regulator (MCL1), and murine double minute 2 (MDM2) have been confirmed experimentally. KSHV co-opts IRF4 and BATF to drive superenhancer (SE)-mediated expression of IRF4 itself, MYC, and CCND2. IRF4 dependency of SE-mediated gene expression is shared with Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) and human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-transformed adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) cell lines, as well as several B-cell lymphomas of nonviral etiology. LCLs and ATLL cell lines similarly share dependencies on CCND2 and CFLAR with PEL, but also have distinct gene dependencies. Genetic dependencies could be exploited for therapeutic intervention in PEL and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Kuehnle
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Eva Gottwein
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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13
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Umeton R, Bellucci G, Bigi R, Romano S, Buscarinu MC, Reniè R, Rinaldi V, Pizzolato Umeton R, Morena E, Romano C, Mechelli R, Salvetti M, Ristori G. Multiple sclerosis genetic and non-genetic factors interact through the transient transcriptome. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7536. [PMID: 35534508 PMCID: PMC9085834 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11444-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A clinically actionable understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS) etiology goes through GWAS interpretation, prompting research on new gene regulatory models. Our previous investigations suggested heterogeneity in etiology components and stochasticity in the interaction between genetic and non-genetic factors. To find a unifying model for this evidence, we focused on the recently mapped transient transcriptome (TT), that is mostly coded by intergenic and intronic regions, with half-life of minutes. Through a colocalization analysis, here we demonstrate that genomic regions coding for the TT are significantly enriched for MS-associated GWAS variants and DNA binding sites for molecular transducers mediating putative, non-genetic, determinants of MS (vitamin D deficiency, Epstein Barr virus latent infection, B cell dysfunction), indicating TT-coding regions as MS etiopathogenetic hotspots. Future research comparing cell-specific transient and stable transcriptomes may clarify the interplay between genetic variability and non-genetic factors causing MS. To this purpose, our colocalization analysis provides a freely available data resource at www.mscoloc.com.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Umeton
- Department of Informatics and Analytics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Biological Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Gianmarco Bellucci
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rachele Bigi
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Romano
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Buscarinu
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Reniè
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Rinaldi
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Pizzolato Umeton
- Department of Neurology, UMass Memorial Health Care, Worcester, MA, USA.,University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emanuele Morena
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Romano
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosella Mechelli
- IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy.,San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Salvetti
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. .,IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Ristori
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. .,Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
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14
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Wan L, Li W, Meng Y, Hou Y, Chen M, Xu B. Inflammatory Immune-Associated eRNA: Mechanisms, Functions and Therapeutic Prospects. Front Immunol 2022; 13:849451. [PMID: 35514959 PMCID: PMC9063412 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.849451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of multiple high-throughput sequencing technologies has made it possible to explore the critical roles and mechanisms of functional enhancers and enhancer RNAs (eRNAs). The inflammatory immune response, as a fundamental pathological process in infectious diseases, cancers and immune disorders, coordinates the balance between the internal and external environment of the organism. It has been shown that both active enhancers and intranuclear eRNAs are preferentially expressed over inflammation-related genes in response to inflammatory stimuli, suggesting that enhancer transcription events and their products influence the expression and function of inflammatory genes. Therefore, in this review, we summarize and discuss the relevant inflammatory roles and regulatory mechanisms of eRNAs in inflammatory immune cells, non-inflammatory immune cells, inflammatory immune diseases and tumors, and explore the potential therapeutic effects of enhancer inhibitors affecting eRNA production for diseases with inflammatory immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilin Wan
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenchao Li
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Meng
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Lishui District People’s Hospital, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Hou
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Biomedical Informatics and Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Lishui District People’s Hospital, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Lishui District People’s Hospital, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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15
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Choi HI, An GY, Yoo E, Baek M, Chai JC, Binas B, Lee YS, Jung KH, Chai YG. Targeting of noncoding RNAs encoded by a novel MYC enhancers inhibits the proliferation of human hepatic carcinoma cells in vitro. Sci Rep 2022; 12:855. [PMID: 35039581 PMCID: PMC8764030 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04869-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The proto-oncogene MYC is important for development and cell growth, however, its abnormal regulation causes cancer. Recent studies identified distinct enhancers of MYC in various cancers, but any MYC enhancer(s) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain(s) elusive. By analyzing H3K27ac enrichment and enhancer RNA (eRNA) expression in cultured HCC cells, we identified six putative MYC enhancer regions. Amongst these, two highly active enhancers, located ~ 800 kb downstream of the MYC gene, were identified by qRT-PCR and reporter assays. We functionally confirmed these enhancers by demonstrating a significantly reduced MYC expression and cell proliferation upon CRISPR/Cas9-based deletion and/or antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-mediated inhibition. In conclusion, we identified potential MYC enhancers of HCC and propose that the associated eRNAs may be suitable targets for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae In Choi
- Department of Bionanotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04673, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga Yeong An
- Department of Bionanotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04673, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunyoung Yoo
- Department of Bionanotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04673, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Baek
- Department of Molecular & Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Natural Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Choul Chai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Bert Binas
- Department of Molecular & Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Seek Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Hwa Jung
- Convergence Technology Campus of Korea Polytechnic II, Incheon, 21417, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Systems, Gwangmyeong Convergence Technology Campus of Korea Polytechnic II, Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 14222, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Gyu Chai
- Department of Bionanotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04673, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Molecular & Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Yan T, Wang K, Zhao Q, Zhuang J, Shen H, Ma G, Cong L, Du J. Gender specific eRNA TBX5-AS1 as the immunological biomarker for male patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma in pan-cancer screening. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12536. [PMID: 34900441 PMCID: PMC8627656 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
As an innate feature of human beings, gender differences have an influence on various biological phenotypes, yet it does not attract enough attention in genomics studies. The prognosis of multiple carcinomas usually exhibits a favorable ending for female patients, but the neglect of gender differences can cause serious bias in survival analysis. Enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) are mostly downstream of androgens or estrogen. The present study was aimed to screen eRNAs in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. The findings revealed that eRNA TBX5-AS1 was expressed differently between female and male patients. Meanwhile, its prognostic significance appeared only in male patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) type. The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis proved that the expression level of TBX5-AS1 increased following the activation of the androgen signaling pathway. In pan-cancer analysis, the prognostic prediction based on gender grouping obtained more meaningful results, and the synergy between TBX5-AS1 and its homologous target was more consistent. Furthermore, immunity variations between sexes prompted us to explore the role that TBX5-AS1 played in tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy. The robust evidence proved that male patients with high expression of TBX5-AS1 possessed a malignant immune microenvironment and urgently needed immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. In conclusion, TBX5-AS1 may be one of the strongest candidates to predict prognosis for male patients with SCC and provide a reference for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yan
- Institute of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Healthcare Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qidi Zhao
- Institute of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Junjie Zhuang
- Institute of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medicine University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongchang Shen
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medicine University, Jinan, China
| | - Guoyuan Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Cong
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medicine University, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiajun Du
- Institute of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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17
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Shimoda M, Lyu Y, Wang KH, Kumar A, Miura H, Meckler JF, Davis RR, Chantarasrivong C, Izumiya C, Tepper CG, Nakajima KI, Tuscano J, Barisone G, Izumiya Y. KSHV transactivator-derived small peptide traps coactivators to attenuate MYC and inhibits leukemia and lymphoma cell growth. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1330. [PMID: 34857874 PMCID: PMC8639922 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02853-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In herpesvirus replicating cells, host cell gene transcription is frequently down-regulated because important transcriptional apparatuses are appropriated by viral transcription factors. Here, we show a small peptide derived from the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus transactivator (K-Rta) sequence, which attenuates cellular MYC expression, reduces cell proliferation, and selectively kills cancer cell lines in both tissue culture and a xenograft tumor mouse model. Mechanistically, the peptide functions as a decoy to block the recruitment of coactivator complexes consisting of Nuclear receptor coactivator 2 (NCOA2), p300, and SWI/SNF proteins to the MYC promoter in primary effusion lymphoma cells. Thiol(SH)-linked alkylation for the metabolic sequencing of RNA (SLAM seq) with target-transcriptional analyses further confirm that the viral peptide directly attenuates MYC and MYC-target gene expression. This study thus provides a unique tool to control MYC activation, which may be used as a therapeutic payload to treat MYC-dependent diseases such as cancers and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Shimoda
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis (UC Davis), Sacramento, CA, USA.
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | - Yuanzhi Lyu
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis (UC Davis), Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Kang-Hsin Wang
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis (UC Davis), Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis (UC Davis), Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Hiroki Miura
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis (UC Davis), Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Joshua F Meckler
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ryan R Davis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | - Chie Izumiya
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis (UC Davis), Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Clifford G Tepper
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ken-Ichi Nakajima
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis (UC Davis), Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Joseph Tuscano
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Gustavo Barisone
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Yoshihiro Izumiya
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis (UC Davis), Sacramento, CA, USA.
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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18
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Kasprzyk ME, Sura W, Dzikiewicz-Krawczyk A. Enhancing B-Cell Malignancies-On Repurposing Enhancer Activity towards Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3270. [PMID: 34210001 PMCID: PMC8269369 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133270] [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: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
B-cell lymphomas and leukemias derive from B cells at various stages of maturation and are the 6th most common cancer-related cause of death. While the role of several oncogenes and tumor suppressors in the pathogenesis of B-cell neoplasms was established, recent research indicated the involvement of non-coding, regulatory sequences. Enhancers are DNA elements controlling gene expression in a cell type- and developmental stage-specific manner. They ensure proper differentiation and maturation of B cells, resulting in production of high affinity antibodies. However, the activity of enhancers can be redirected, setting B cells on the path towards cancer. In this review we discuss different mechanisms through which enhancers are exploited in malignant B cells, from the well-studied translocations juxtaposing oncogenes to immunoglobulin loci, through enhancer dysregulation by sequence variants and mutations, to enhancer hijacking by viruses. We also highlight the potential of therapeutic targeting of enhancers as a direction for future investigation.
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19
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Viral Manipulation of the Host Epigenome as a Driver of Virus-Induced Oncogenesis. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061179. [PMID: 34070716 PMCID: PMC8227491 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061179] [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: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis due to viral infection accounts for a high fraction of the total global cancer burden (15–20%) of all human cancers. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which viral infection leads to tumor development is extremely important. One of the main mechanisms by which viruses induce host cell proliferation programs is through controlling the host’s epigenetic machinery. In this review, we dissect the epigenetic pathways through which oncogenic viruses can integrate their genome into host cell chromosomes and lead to tumor progression. In addition, we highlight the potential use of drugs based on histone modifiers in reducing the global impact of cancer development due to viral infection.
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20
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Prusinkiewicz MA, Mymryk JS. Metabolic Control by DNA Tumor Virus-Encoded Proteins. Pathogens 2021; 10:560. [PMID: 34066504 PMCID: PMC8148605 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050560] [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: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses co-opt a multitude of host cell metabolic processes in order to meet the energy and substrate requirements for successful viral replication. However, due to their limited coding capacity, viruses must enact most, if not all, of these metabolic changes by influencing the function of available host cell regulatory proteins. Typically, certain viral proteins, some of which can function as viral oncoproteins, interact with these cellular regulatory proteins directly in order to effect changes in downstream metabolic pathways. This review highlights recent research into how four different DNA tumor viruses, namely human adenovirus, human papillomavirus, Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's associated-sarcoma herpesvirus, can influence host cell metabolism through their interactions with either MYC, p53 or the pRb/E2F complex. Interestingly, some of these host cell regulators can be activated or inhibited by the same virus, depending on which viral oncoprotein is interacting with the regulatory protein. This review highlights how MYC, p53 and pRb/E2F regulate host cell metabolism, followed by an outline of how each of these DNA tumor viruses control their activities. Understanding how DNA tumor viruses regulate metabolism through viral oncoproteins could assist in the discovery or repurposing of metabolic inhibitors for antiviral therapy or treatment of virus-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joe S. Mymryk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
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21
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Primary effusion lymphoma enhancer connectome links super-enhancers to dependency factors. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6318. [PMID: 33298918 PMCID: PMC7726151 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20136-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) has a very poor prognosis. To evaluate the contributions of enhancers/promoters interactions to PEL cell growth and survival, here we produce H3K27ac HiChIP datasets in PEL cells. This allows us to generate the PEL enhancer connectome, which links enhancers and promoters in PEL genome-wide. We identify more than 8000 genomic interactions in each PEL cell line. By incorporating HiChIP data with H3K27ac ChIP-seq data, we identify interactions between enhancers/enhancers, enhancers/promoters, and promoters/promoters. HiChIP further links PEL super-enhancers to PEL dependency factors MYC, IRF4, MCL1, CCND2, MDM2, and CFLAR. CRISPR knock out of MEF2C and IRF4 significantly reduces MYC and IRF4 super-enhancer H3K27ac signal. Knock out also reduces MYC and IRF4 expression. CRISPRi perturbation of these super-enhancers by tethering transcription repressors to enhancers significantly reduces target gene expression and reduces PEL cell growth. These data provide insights into PEL molecular pathogenesis.
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