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Iñiguez-Muñoz S, Llinàs-Arias P, Ensenyat-Mendez M, Bedoya-López AF, Orozco JIJ, Cortés J, Roy A, Forsberg-Nilsson K, DiNome ML, Marzese DM. Hidden secrets of the cancer genome: unlocking the impact of non-coding mutations in gene regulatory elements. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:274. [PMID: 38902506 PMCID: PMC11335195 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05314-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Discoveries in the field of genomics have revealed that non-coding genomic regions are not merely "junk DNA", but rather comprise critical elements involved in gene expression. These gene regulatory elements (GREs) include enhancers, insulators, silencers, and gene promoters. Notably, new evidence shows how mutations within these regions substantially influence gene expression programs, especially in the context of cancer. Advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies have accelerated the identification of somatic and germline single nucleotide mutations in non-coding genomic regions. This review provides an overview of somatic and germline non-coding single nucleotide alterations affecting transcription factor binding sites in GREs, specifically involved in cancer biology. It also summarizes the technologies available for exploring GREs and the challenges associated with studying and characterizing non-coding single nucleotide mutations. Understanding the role of GRE alterations in cancer is essential for improving diagnostic and prognostic capabilities in the precision medicine era, leading to enhanced patient-centered clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Iñiguez-Muñoz
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory at the Cancer Cell Biology Group, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Pere Llinàs-Arias
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory at the Cancer Cell Biology Group, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Miquel Ensenyat-Mendez
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory at the Cancer Cell Biology Group, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Andrés F Bedoya-López
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory at the Cancer Cell Biology Group, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Javier I J Orozco
- Saint John's Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Javier Cortés
- International Breast Cancer Center (IBCC), Pangaea Oncology, Quiron Group, 08017, Barcelona, Spain
- Medica Scientia Innovation Research SL (MEDSIR), 08018, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ananya Roy
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Forsberg-Nilsson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, UK
| | - Maggie L DiNome
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Diego M Marzese
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory at the Cancer Cell Biology Group, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), Palma, Spain.
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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2
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Iwasaki H. Association between protein arginine N-methyltransferase 1 polymorphism and overt diabetic nephropathy: Role of asymmetric dimethylarginine in vascular tone. J Clin Transl Endocrinol 2024; 36:100351. [PMID: 38799240 PMCID: PMC11126532 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcte.2024.100351] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background ω-NG,NG-asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) regulates vascular tone and may participate in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Objective To investigate whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) around the protein arginine N-methyltransferase 1 gene (PRMT1) influence ADMA dynamics and DN incidence and severity. Methods This study utilized a hospital-based database containing 310 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The association of PRMT1-related tagged SNPs with DN stage distribution was examined using a dominant model of minor alleles. PRMT1 mRNA, serum ADMA, reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry index (RHI), and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were compared between the genotype-based subgroups of causal SNP, and correlations between these variables were evaluated. Results The composition of DN stages significantly differed between the GG and GA + AA subgroups of rs892151 (p = 0.026). In a propensity-matching cohort of rs892151, the GA + AA subgroup had an increased incidence of overt DN (odds ratio 2.92, 95 % confidence interval 1.12-7.62, p = 0.028), along with higher PRMT1 mRNA, serum ADMA levels, and baPWV than the GG subgroup (p < 0.001, p = 0.023 and 0.047, respectively). There were correlations between PRMT1 mRNA and serum ADMA levels, between serum ADMA levels and RHI, and between baPWV and urinary albumin excretion (r = 0.335, p < 0.001, r = -0.221, p = 0.029, and r = 0.254, p = 0.004, respectively). Conclusions T2DM patients carrying the PRMT1-related variant rs892151 were susceptible to overt DN. ADMA-mediated endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness may be involved in the variant-related pathogenesis of overt DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Iwasaki
- Toshiba Rinkan Hospital, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, 7-9-1 Kami-tsuruma, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0302, Japan
- Minamiyamato Hospital, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, 1331-2 Shimowada, Yamato, Kanagawa 242-0015, Japan
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Osna NA, Tikhanovich I, Ortega-Ribera M, Mueller S, Zheng C, Mueller J, Li S, Sakane S, Weber RCG, Kim HY, Lee W, Ganguly S, Kimura Y, Liu X, Dhar D, Diggle K, Brenner DA, Kisseleva T, Attal N, McKillop IH, Chokshi S, Mahato R, Rasineni K, Szabo G, Kharbanda KK. Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease Outcomes: Critical Mechanisms of Liver Injury Progression. Biomolecules 2024; 14:404. [PMID: 38672422 PMCID: PMC11048648 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and represents a spectrum of liver injury beginning with hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) progressing to inflammation and culminating in cirrhosis. Multiple factors contribute to ALD progression and disease severity. Here, we overview several crucial mechanisms related to ALD end-stage outcome development, such as epigenetic changes, cell death, hemolysis, hepatic stellate cells activation, and hepatic fatty acid binding protein 4. Additionally, in this review, we also present two clinically relevant models using human precision-cut liver slices and hepatic organoids to examine ALD pathogenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A. Osna
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
| | - Irina Tikhanovich
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Martí Ortega-Ribera
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.O.-R.); (G.S.)
| | - Sebastian Mueller
- Center for Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.M.); (C.Z.); (J.M.); (S.L.)
- Viscera AG Bauchmedizin, 83011 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Chaowen Zheng
- Center for Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.M.); (C.Z.); (J.M.); (S.L.)
| | - Johannes Mueller
- Center for Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.M.); (C.Z.); (J.M.); (S.L.)
| | - Siyuan Li
- Center for Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.M.); (C.Z.); (J.M.); (S.L.)
| | - Sadatsugu Sakane
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Raquel Carvalho Gontijo Weber
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Hyun Young Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Wonseok Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Souradipta Ganguly
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Yusuke Kimura
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Debanjan Dhar
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
| | - Karin Diggle
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - David A. Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.S.); (R.C.G.W.); (H.Y.K.); (W.L.); (S.G.); (Y.K.); (X.L.); (D.D.); (K.D.); (D.A.B.)
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Neha Attal
- Department of Surgery, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA; (N.A.); (I.H.M.)
| | - Iain H. McKillop
- Department of Surgery, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA; (N.A.); (I.H.M.)
| | - Shilpa Chokshi
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London SE59NT, UK;
- School of Microbial Sciences, King’s College, London SE59NT, UK
| | - Ram Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA;
| | - Karuna Rasineni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA;
| | - Gyongyi Szabo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.O.-R.); (G.S.)
| | - Kusum K. Kharbanda
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA;
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
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Yan J, Li KX, Yu L, Yuan HY, Zhao ZM, Lin J, Wang CS. PRMT1 Integrates Immune Microenvironment and Fatty Acid Metabolism Response in Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:15-27. [PMID: 38213310 PMCID: PMC10778267 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s443130] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) family members have important roles in cancer processes. However, its functions in the regulation of cancer immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the roles of PRMT1 in HCC. Methods Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and clinicopathological data were obtained and used to explore the diagnostic and prognostic value, cellular functions and roles in immune microenvironment regulation of PRMT1 in HCC. The functions of PRMT1 were explored using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO), as well as gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). TIMER and CIBERSORT were used to analyze the relationships between PRMT1 expression and immune cell infiltration. The STRING database was used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Results PRMT1 was aberrantly expressed in HCC, which high expression was associated with tumor progression, worse overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with HCC. PRMT1 was also associated with immune cell infiltration. Moreover, it was specifically expressed in immune cells, including exhausted CD8 T cells, B cells, and mono/macro cells in patients with immunotherapy. The expression of immune checkpoints was significantly increased in the high-PRMT1 expression groups of HCC patients. Regarding biological mechanisms, cell viability, migration and invasion, and the expression of genes related to fatty acid metabolism were suppressed in PRMT1 knockdown HCC cells. Moreover, genes co-expressed with PRMT1 were involved in the fatty acid metabolic process and enriched in fatty and drug-induced liver disease. Conclusion Taken together, these results indicate that PRMT1 might exert its oncogenic effects via immune microenvironment regulation and fatty acid metabolism in HCC. Our finding will provide a foundation for further studies and indicate a potential clinical therapeutic target for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yan
- School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
- Medical Experimental Center of Basic Medical School, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ke xin Li
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Yu
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Heng ye Yuan
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi min Zhao
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Lin
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
- Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang Shan Wang
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
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Hao L, Li S, Deng J, Li N, Yu F, Jiang Z, Zhang J, Shi X, Hu X. The current status and future of PD-L1 in liver cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1323581. [PMID: 38155974 PMCID: PMC10754529 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1323581] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of immunotherapy in tumor, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has played an important role in the treatment of advanced unresectable liver cancer. However, the efficacy of ICIs varies greatly among different patients, which has aroused people's attention to the regulatory mechanism of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in the immune escape of liver cancer. PD-L1 is regulated by multiple levels and signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including gene variation, epigenetic inheritance, transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional regulation, and post-translational modification. More studies have also found that the high expression of PD-L1 may be the main factor affecting the immunotherapy of liver cancer. However, what is the difference of PD-L1 expressed by different types of cells in the microenvironment of HCC, and which type of cells expressed PD-L1 determines the effect of tumor immunotherapy remains unclear. Therefore, clarifying the regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 in liver cancer can provide more basis for liver cancer immunotherapy and combined immune treatment strategy. In addition to its well-known role in immune regulation, PD-L1 also plays a role in regulating cancer cell proliferation and promoting drug resistance of tumor cells, which will be reviewed in this paper. In addition, we also summarized the natural products and drugs that regulated the expression of PD-L1 in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Hao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shenghao Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shijiazhuang Fifth Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jiali Deng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Na Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fei Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhi Jiang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junli Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinli Shi
- Center of Experimental Management, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Jiang Y, Wei S, Koo JM, Kim HJ, Park W, Zhang Y, Guo H, Ha KT, Oh CM, Kang JS, Jeong JH, Ryu D, Kim KJ, Jo Y. Integrative Evaluation of the Clinical Significance Underlying Protein Arginine Methyltransferases in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4183. [PMID: 37627211 PMCID: PMC10453297 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164183] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
HCC is a major contributor to cancer-related mortality worldwide. Curative treatments are available for a minority of patients diagnosed at early stages; however, only a few multikinase inhibitors are available and are marginally effective in advanced cases, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic targets. One potential target is the protein arginine methyltransferase, which catalyzes various forms of arginine methylation and is often overexpressed in various cancers. However, the diverse expression patterns and clinical values of PRMTs in HCC remain unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the transcriptional expression of PRMTs in HCC cohorts using publicly available datasets. Our results revealed a significant association between PRMTs and prognosis in HCC patients with diverse clinical characteristics and backgrounds. This highlights the promising potential of PRMTs as prognostic biomarkers in patients with HCC. In particular, single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing analysis coupled with another human cohort study highlighted the pivotal role of PRMT1 in HCC progression, particularly in the context of Tex. Translating these findings into specific therapeutic decisions may address the unmet therapeutic needs of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikun Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Shibo Wei
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; (S.W.)
| | - Jin-Mo Koo
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Hea-Ju Kim
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonyoung Park
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - He Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Ki-Tae Ha
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Myung Oh
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea (D.R.)
| | - Jong-Sun Kang
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Heon Jeong
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; (S.W.)
| | - Dongryeol Ryu
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea (D.R.)
| | - Kyeong-Jin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Controlling Intercellular Communication (RCIC), College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunju Jo
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea (D.R.)
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Yang L, Zhao Q, Wang X, Pilapong C, Li Y, Zou J, Jin J, Rong J. Investigation on the regulatory T cells signature and relevant Foxp3/STAT3 axis in esophageal cancer. Cancer Med 2023; 12:4993-5008. [PMID: 36226375 PMCID: PMC9972178 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5194] [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: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have an important role in accelerating the immunosuppression of tumor. Tregs regulation is a hopeful strategy to improve the dismal prognosis of Esophageal cancer (EC), while its mechanisms have not yet been fully clarified. METHODS To characterize the role of Tregs in EC, we comprehensively explored its prognostic value, clinical pathology partnership, related biological functions and potential mechanisms at transcriptome level. Through the integrated analysis of GEO and TCGA datasets, we comprehensively evaluated the Tregs infiltration patterns in EC patients. The correlation between Tregs infiltration and genomic characteristics, as well as biological functions were analyzed by a variety of computational algorithms. RESULTS We observed that Tregs were significantly upregulated in EC and involved in various immune processes. According to TCGA and GEO transcriptional classification schemes, Tregs specific genes were observed to be highly expressed in tumor samples, as well as were closely associated with poor prognosis and worse clinical outcomes. In addition, EC patients can be stratified into high-risk and low-risk immune subgroups according to Tregs/macrophages infiltration level, and the results showed significant differences in tumor development, biological processes and probe gene expression pattern. The multi-variate analysis revealed that the interaction between STAT3 and Foxp3 was a potential prognostic signature of Tregs in EC, especially the modulation effect of STAT3 on Foxp3 expression, which has not been well studied in EC. We also identified that STAT3 and Foxp3 expression presented a high accuracy in predicting Tregs infiltration level in EC patients (AUC: 0.817; 95% CI: 0.756-0.878). CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed that Tregs have the potential to predict prognosis and tumor deterioration in EC patients. A comprehensive landscape of Tregs regulation mechanisms will help us interpret the immunosuppression of tumor microenvironment (TME) and novel strategies for EC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qijie Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.,Center of Excellence for Molecular Imaging (CEMI), Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Xing Wang
- Shichuan Nursing Vocational College, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chalermchai Pilapong
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Imaging (CEMI), Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Jin
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinfeng Rong
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, People's Republic of China
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Zhang Y, Chen J, Liu H, Mi R, Huang R, Li X, Fan F, Xie X, Ding J. The role of histone methylase and demethylase in antitumor immunity: A new direction for immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1099892. [PMID: 36713412 PMCID: PMC9874864 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1099892] [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: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications may alter the proliferation and differentiation of normal cells, leading to malignant transformation. They can also affect normal stimulation, activation, and abnormal function of immune cells in the tissue microenvironment. Histone methylation, coordinated by histone methylase and histone demethylase to stabilize transcription levels in the promoter area, is one of the most common types of epigenetic alteration, which gained increasing interest. It can modify gene transcription through chromatin structure and affect cell fate, at the transcriptome or protein level. According to recent research, histone methylation modification can regulate tumor and immune cells affecting anti-tumor immune response. Consequently, it is critical to have a thorough grasp of the role of methylation function in cancer treatment. In this review, we discussed recent data on the mechanisms of histone methylation on factors associated with immune resistance of tumor cells and regulation of immune cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanling Zhang
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Junhao Chen
- Graduate School of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Hang Liu
- Department of Medical Cosmetology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Rui Mi
- Department of General Surgery, Zhijin County People’s Hospital, Bijie, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Xian Li
- Orthopedics Department, Dongguan Songshan Lake Tungwah Hospital, DongGuan, China
| | - Fei Fan
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua, China
| | - Xueqing Xie
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jie Ding
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China,*Correspondence: Jie Ding,
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9
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Srour N, Khan S, Richard S. The Influence of Arginine Methylation in Immunity and Inflammation. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:2939-2958. [PMID: 35602664 PMCID: PMC9114649 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s364190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Exploration in the field of epigenetics has revealed that protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) contribute to disease, and this has given way to the development of specific small molecule compounds that inhibit arginine methylation. Protein arginine methylation is known to regulate fundamental cellular processes, such as transcription; pre-mRNA splicing and other RNA processing mechanisms; signal transduction, including the anti-viral response; and cellular metabolism. PRMTs are also implicated in the regulation of physiological processes, including embryonic development, myogenesis, and the immune system. Finally, the dysregulation of PRMTs is apparent in cancer, neurodegeneration, muscular disorders, and during inflammation. Herein, we review the functions of PRMTs in immunity and inflammation. We also discuss recent progress with PRMTs regarding the modulation of gene expression related to T and B lymphocyte differentiation, germinal center dynamics, and anti-viral signaling responses, as well as the clinical relevance of using PRMT inhibitors alone or in combination with other drugs to treat cancer, immune, and inflammatory-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivine Srour
- Segal Cancer Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1E2, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, and Departments of Biochemistry, Human Genetics, and Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Sarah Khan
- Segal Cancer Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1E2, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, and Departments of Biochemistry, Human Genetics, and Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Stephane Richard
- Segal Cancer Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1E2, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, and Departments of Biochemistry, Human Genetics, and Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1E2, Canada
- Correspondence: Stephane Richard, Email
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10
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Dai W, Zhang J, Li S, He F, Liu Q, Gong J, Yang Z, Gong Y, Tang F, Wang Z, Xie C. Protein Arginine Methylation: An Emerging Modification in Cancer Immunity and Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:865964. [PMID: 35493527 PMCID: PMC9046588 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.865964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) have emerged as new members of a gene expression regulator family in eukaryotes, and are associated with cancer pathogenesis and progression. Cancer immunotherapy has significantly improved cancer treatment in terms of overall survival and quality of life. Protein arginine methylation is an epigenetic modification function not only in transcription, RNA processing, and signal transduction cascades, but also in many cancer-immunity cycle processes. Arginine methylation is involved in the activation of anti-cancer immunity and the regulation of immunotherapy efficacy. In this review, we summarize the most up-to-date information on regulatory molecular mechanisms and different underlying arginine methylation signaling pathways in innate and adaptive immune responses during cancer. We also outline the potential of PRMT-inhibitors as effective combinatorial treatments with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijing Dai
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianguo Zhang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Siqi Li
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fajian He
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Gong
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zetian Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Gong
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Translational Medicine, Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Tang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Fang Tang, ; Conghua Xie, ; Zhihao Wang, ;
| | - Zhihao Wang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Fang Tang, ; Conghua Xie, ; Zhihao Wang, ;
| | - Conghua Xie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Fang Tang, ; Conghua Xie, ; Zhihao Wang, ;
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11
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Hannemann J, Zummack J, Hillig J, Rendant-Gantzberg L, Böger R. Association of Variability in the DDAH1, DDAH2, AGXT2 and PRMT1 Genes with Circulating ADMA Concentration in Human Whole Blood. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11040941. [PMID: 35207213 PMCID: PMC8877358 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11040941] [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: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Asymmetric dimethylarginine is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis and a cardiovascular risk factor. Its regulation has been studied extensively in experimental models, but less in humans. We studied common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding for enzymes involved in ADMA biosynthesis and metabolism, i.e., PRMT1, DDAH1, DDAH2, and AGXT2, and assessed their associations with blood ADMA concentration in 377 unselected humans. The minor allele of DDAH1 SNP rs233112 was significantly more frequent in individuals with ADMA in the highest tertile or in the highest quartile, as was the major allele of DDAH2 rs805304. A combined genotype comprising both SNPs showed a significant genotype–phenotype association, with increasing ADMA concentration by an increasing number of inactive alleles. SNPs in the AGXT2 and PRMT1 genes showed no significant associations with blood ADMA concentration. Our study provides comprehensive evidence that DDAH1 and DDAH2 are the major enzymes regulating blood ADMA concentration, whilst PRMT1 indirectly affects ADMA, and AGXT2 may act as a back-up enzyme in ADMA metabolism under pathophysiological conditions only.
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12
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Wang W, Zhong GZ, Long KB, Liu Y, Liu YQ, Xu AL. Silencing miR-181b-5p upregulates PIAS1 to repress oxidative stress and inflammatory response in rats with alcoholic fatty liver disease through inhibiting PRMT1. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108151. [PMID: 34836796 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to probe the function of microRNA-181b-5p (miR-181b-5p)/protein inhibitor of activated STAT1 (PIAS1)/protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) axis in the progression of alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD). METHODS A rat model of AFLD was established and treated with altered miR-181b-5p, PIAS1 or PRMT1 expression constructs to identify their effects on liver function, serum inflammation, liver tissue oxidative stress, hepatocyte apoptosis and pathological changes of liver tissue in rats using a series of assays. miR-181b-5p, PIAS1 and PRMT1 levels were detected, and the targeting relationship between miR-181b-5p and PIAS1 was confirmed. RESULTS MiR-181b-5p and PRMT1 were elevated while PIAS1 was reduced in AFLD rat liver tissues, miR-181b-5p inhibition, PIAS1 overexpression or PRMT1 inhibition improved liver function, attenuated inflammation, oxidative stress, pathological changes and hepatocyte apoptosis in AFLD rat liver tissues. The impacts of miR-181b-5p inhibition on AFLD rats were reversed by PIAS1 silencing. PIAS1 was confirmed as a target gene of miR-181b-5p, and miR-181b-5p regulated PRMT1 expression through binding to PIAS1. CONCLUSION Inhibiting miR-181b-5p can promote the expression of PIAS1, thereby inhibiting PRMT1 and ultimately improving AFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Gastroenterology Department, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, Changsha 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Guan-Zhen Zhong
- Gastroenterology Department, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, Changsha 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Kai-Bing Long
- Gastroenterology Department, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, Changsha 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Gastroenterology Department, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, Changsha 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Ya-Qian Liu
- Gastroenterology Department, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, Changsha 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Ai-Lei Xu
- Gastroenterology Department, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, Changsha 410205, Hunan, China.
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13
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Zhao Q, Wongpoomchai R, Chariyakornkul A, Xiao Z, Pilapong C. Identification of Gene-Set Signature in Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Relevant Immune Characteristics. Front Oncol 2021; 11:740484. [PMID: 34745960 PMCID: PMC8570321 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.740484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rising worldwide, and there is limited therapeutic efficacy due to tumor microenvironment heterogeneity and difficulty in early-stage screening. This study aimed to develop and validate a gene set-based signature for early-stage HCC (eHCC) patients and further explored specific marker dysregulation mechanisms as well as immune characteristics. Methods We performed an integrated bioinformatics analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, and clinical data with three independent cohorts. We systematically reviewed the crosstalk between specific genes, tumor prognosis, immune characteristics, and biological function in the different pathological stage samples. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) patients with survival data. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC in Wistar rats was employed to verify the reliability of the predictions. Results We identified a Cluster gene that potentially segregates patients with eHCC from non-tumor, through integrated analysis of expression, overall survival, immune cell characteristics, and biology function landscapes. Immune infiltration analysis showed that lower infiltration of specific immune cells may be responsible for significantly worse prognosis in HCC (hazard ratio, 1.691; 95% CI: 1.171–2.441; p = 0.012), such as CD8 Tem and cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) in eHCC. Our results identified that Cluster C1 signature presented a high accuracy in predicting CD8 Tem and CTL immune cells (receiver operating characteristic (ROC) = 0.647) and cancerization (ROC = 0.946) in liver. As a central member of Cluster C1, overexpressed PRKDC was associated with the higher genetic alteration in eHCC than advanced-stage HCC (aHCC), which was also connected to immune cell-related poor prognosis. Finally, the predictive outcome of Cluster C1 and PRKDC alteration in DEN-induced eHCC rats was also confirmed. Conclusions As a tumor prognosis-relevant gene set-based signature, Cluster C1 showed an effective approach to predict cancerization of eHCC and its related immune characteristics with considerable clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijie Zhao
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Imaging (CEMI), Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Rawiwan Wongpoomchai
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Arpamas Chariyakornkul
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Chalermchai Pilapong
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Imaging (CEMI), Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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14
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Xu J, Richard S. Cellular pathways influenced by protein arginine methylation: Implications for cancer. Mol Cell 2021; 81:4357-4368. [PMID: 34619091 PMCID: PMC8571027 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Arginine methylation is an influential post-translational modification occurring on histones, RNA binding proteins, and many other cellular proteins, affecting their function by altering their protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions. Recently, a wealth of information has been gathered, implicating protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs), enzymes that deposit arginine methylation, in transcription, pre-mRNA splicing, DNA damage signaling, and immune signaling with major implications for cancer therapy, especially immunotherapy. This review summarizes this recent progress and the current state of PRMT inhibitors, some in clinical trials, as promising drug targets for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Xu
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Stéphane Richard
- Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, and Departments of Medicine, Human Genetics, and Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.
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15
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Lei Y, Han P, Tian D. Protein arginine methyltransferases and hepatocellular carcinoma: A review. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101194. [PMID: 34365222 PMCID: PMC8353347 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein arginine methylation is essential in multiple biological processes. The family of PRMTs is a novel regulator of liver diseases. Deregulation of PRMTs is correlated with HCC prognosis and clinical features. PRMTs play a vital role in HCC malignancy, immune responses and metabolism. PRMTs may represent druggable targets as novel strategies for HCC therapy.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers with a high mortality rate worldwide. The complexity of HCC initiation and progression poses a great challenge to the diagnosis and treatment. An increasing number of studies have focused on the emerging roles of protein arginine methylation in cancers, including tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, metabolism, immune responses, chemotherapy sensitivity, etc. The family of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) is the most important proteins that mediate arginine methylation. The deregulation of PRMTs’ expression and functions in cancers have been gradually unveiled, and many PRMTs inhibitors are in preclinical and clinical investigations now. This review focuses predominantly on the aberrant expression of PRMTs, underlying mechanisms, as well as their potential applications in HCC, and provide novel insights into HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ping Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Dean Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
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16
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Ibañez-Vega J, Vilchez C, Jimenez K, Guevara C, Burgos PI, Naves R. Cellular and molecular regulation of the programmed death-1/programmed death ligand system and its role in multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. J Autoimmun 2021; 123:102702. [PMID: 34311143 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2021.102702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Programmed Cell Death 1 (PD-1) receptor and its ligands (PD-Ls) are essential to maintain peripheral immune tolerance and to avoid tissue damage. Consequently, altered gene or protein expression of this system of co-inhibitory molecules has been involved in the development of cancer and autoimmunity. Substantial progress has been achieved in the study of the PD-1/PD-Ls system in terms of regulatory mechanisms and therapy. However, the role of the PD-1/PD-Ls pathway in neuroinflammation has been less explored despite being a potential target of treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent, chronic, inflammatory, and autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that leads to demyelination and axonal damage in young adults. Recent studies have highlighted the key role of the PD-1/PD-Ls pathway in inducing a neuroprotective response and restraining T cell activation and neurodegeneration in MS. In this review, we outline the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating gene expression, protein synthesis and traffic of PD-1/PD-Ls as well as relevant processes that control PD-1/PD-Ls engagement in the immunological synapse between antigen-presenting cells and T cells. Also, we highlight the most recent findings regarding the role of the PD-1/PD-Ls pathway in MS and its murine model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), including the contribution of PD-1 expressing follicular helper T (TFH) cells in the pathogenesis of these diseases. In addition, we compare and contrast results found in MS and EAE with evidence reported in other autoimmune diseases and their experimental models, and review PD-1/PD-Ls-targeting therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Ibañez-Vega
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Constanza Vilchez
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Environment, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karin Jimenez
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Environment, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Guevara
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paula I Burgos
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile.
| | - Rodrigo Naves
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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17
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Schonfeld M, Villar MT, Artigues A, Weinman SA, Tikhanovich I. Arginine Methylation of Hepatic hnRNPH Suppresses Complement Activation and Systemic Inflammation in Alcohol-Fed Mice. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:812-829. [PMID: 34027271 PMCID: PMC8122385 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein arginine methyl transferase 1 (PRMT1) is the main enzyme for cellular arginine methylation. It regulates many aspects of liver biology including inflammation, lipid metabolism, and proliferation. Previously we identified that PRMT1 is necessary for protection from alcohol-induced liver injury. However, many PRMT1 targets in the liver after alcohol exposure are not yet identified. We studied the changes in the PRMT1-dependent arginine methylated proteome after alcohol feeding in mouse liver using mass spectrometry. We found that arginine methylation of the RNA-binding protein (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein [hnRNP]) H1 is mediated by PRMT1 and is altered in alcohol-fed mice. PRMT1-dependent methylation suppressed hnRNP H1 binding to several messenger RNAs of complement pathway including complement component C3. We found that PRMT1-dependent hnRNP H methylation suppressed complement component expression in vitro, and phosphorylation is required for this function of PRMT1. In agreement with that finding, hepatocyte-specific PRMT1 knockout mice had an increase in complement component expression in the liver. Excessive complement expression in alcohol-fed PRMT1 knockout mice resulted in further complement activation and an increase in serum C3a and C5a levels, which correlated with inflammation in multiple organs including lung and adipose tissue. Using specific inhibitors to block C3aR and C5aR receptors, we were able to prevent lung and adipose tissue inflammation without affecting inflammation in the liver or liver injury. Conclusion: Taken together, these data suggest that PRMT1-dependent suppression of complement production in the liver is necessary for prevention of systemic inflammation in alcohol-fed mice. C3a and C5a play a role in this liver-lung and liver-adipose interaction in alcohol-fed mice deficient in liver arginine methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schonfeld
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKSUSA
| | - Maria T Villar
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKSUSA
| | - Antonio Artigues
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKSUSA
| | - Steven A Weinman
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKSUSA.,Liver CenterUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKSUSA
| | - Irina Tikhanovich
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKSUSA
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18
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Wagner M, Jasek M, Karabon L. Immune Checkpoint Molecules-Inherited Variations as Markers for Cancer Risk. Front Immunol 2021; 11:606721. [PMID: 33519815 PMCID: PMC7840570 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.606721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy has been revolutionized by a new approach that works by blocking receptors called immune checkpoints (IC). These molecules play a key role in maintaining immune homeostasis, mainly by suppressing the immune response and by preventing its overactivation. Since inhibition of the immune response by IC can be used by cancer to avoid recognition and destruction by immune system, blocking them enhances the anti-tumor response. This therapeutic approach has brought spectacular clinical effects. The ICs present heterogeneous expression patterns on immune cells, which may affect the effectiveness of immunotherapy. The inherited genetic variants in regulatory regions of ICs genes can be considered as potential factors responsible for observed inter-individual differences in ICs expression levels on immune cells. Additionally, polymorphism located in exons may introduce changes to ICs amino acid sequences with potential impact on functional properties of these molecules. Since genetic variants may affect both expression and structure of ICs, they are considered as risk factors of cancer development. Inherited genetic markers such as SNPs may also be useful in stratification patients into groups which will benefit from particular immunotherapy. In this review, we have comprehensively summarized the current understanding of the relationship between inherited variations of CTLA-4, PDCD1, PD-L1, BTLA, TIM-3, and LAG-3 genes in order to select SNPs which can be used as predictive biomarkers in personalized evaluation of cancer risk development and outcomes as well as possible response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monika Jasek
- Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Diseases, Department of Experimental Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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19
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Zhao Q, Guo J, Zhao Y, Shen J, Kaboli PJ, Xiang S, Du F, Wu X, Li M, Wan L, Li X, Wen Q, Li J, Zou C, Xiao Z. Comprehensive assessment of PD-L1 and PD-L2 dysregulation in gastrointestinal cancers. Epigenomics 2020; 12:2155-2171. [PMID: 33337915 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0093] [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] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: PD-L1 and PD-L2 are ligands of PD-1. Their overexpression has been reported in different cancers. However, the underlying mechanism of PD-L1 and PD-L2 dysregulation and their related signaling pathways are still unclear in gastrointestinal cancers. Materials & methods: The expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2 were studied in The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression databases. The gene and protein alteration of PD-L1 and PD-L2 were analyzed in cBioportal. The direct transcription factor regulating PD-L1/PD-L2 was determined with ChIP-seq data. The association of PD-L1/PD-L2 expression with clinicopathological parameters, survival, immune infiltration and tumor mutation burden were investigated with data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Potential targets and pathways of PD-L1 and PD-L2 were determined by protein enrichment, WebGestalt and gene ontology. Results: Comprehensive analysis revealed that PD-L1 and PD-L2 were significantly upregulated in most types of gastrointestinal cancers and their expressions were positively correlated. SP1 was a key transcription factor regulating the expression of PD-L1. Conclusion: Higher PD-L1 or PD-L2 expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival, higher tumor mutation burden and more immune and stromal cell populations. Finally, HIF-1, ERBB and mTOR signaling pathways were most significantly affected by PD-L1 and PD-L2 dysregulation. Altogether, this study provided comprehensive analysis of the dysregulation of PD-L1 and PD-L2, its underlying mechanism and downstream pathways, which add to the knowledge of manipulating PD-L1/PD-L2 for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijie Zhao
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, PR China.,Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China.,Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Jinan Guo
- The department of urology, The Second Clinical Medical college of Jinan University (Shenzhen people's Hospital), The First Affiliated Hospital of South University of Science & Technology of China, Shenzhen Urology Minimally Invasive Engineering Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China.,Shenzhen Public Service Platform on Tumor Precision Medicine & Molecular Diagnosis, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Parham Jabbarzadeh Kaboli
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shixin Xiang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Lin Wan
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Soochow, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xiang Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Qinglian Wen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Oncology & Hematology, Hospital (T.C.M) Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Chang Zou
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, PR China.,Shenzhen Public Service Platform on Tumor Precision Medicine & Molecular Diagnosis, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, PR China
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Nishida N, Kudo M. Immune Phenotype and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for the Treatment of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1274. [PMID: 32443599 PMCID: PMC7281618 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies are promising approaches for treating hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) refractory to conventional therapies. However, a recent clinical trial of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) revealed that anti-tumor responses to ICIs are not satisfactory in HCC cases. Therefore, it is critical to identify molecular markers to predict outcome and develop novel combination therapies that enhance the efficacy of ICIs. Recently, several attempts have been made to classify HCC based on genome, epigenome, and transcriptome analyses. These molecular classifications are characterized by unique clinical and histological features of HCC, as well immune phenotype. For example, HCCs exhibiting gene expression patterns with proliferation signals and stem cell markers are associated with the enrichment of immune infiltrates in tumors, suggesting immune-proficient characteristics for this type of HCC. However, the presence of activating mutations in β-catenin represents a lack of immune infiltrates and refractoriness to ICIs. Although the precise mechanism that links the immunological phenotype with molecular features remains controversial, it is conceivable that alterations of oncogenic cellular signaling in cancer may lead to the expression of immune-regulatory molecules and result in the acquisition of specific immunological microenvironments for each case of HCC. Therefore, these molecular and immune characteristics should be considered for the management of HCC using immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoshi Nishida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine; 377-2 Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-Sayama 589-8511, Japan;
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