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Kim H, Lebeau B, Papadopoli D, Jovanovic P, Russo M, Avizonis D, Morita M, Afzali F, Ursini-Siegel J, Postovit LM, Witcher M, Topisirovic I. MTOR modulation induces selective perturbations in histone methylation which influence the anti-proliferative effects of mTOR inhibitors. iScience 2024; 27:109188. [PMID: 38433910 PMCID: PMC10904987 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109188] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging data suggest a significant cross-talk between metabolic and epigenetic programs. However, the relationship between the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), which is a pivotal metabolic regulator, and epigenetic modifications remains poorly understood. Our results show that mTORC1 activation caused by the abrogation of its negative regulator tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) coincides with increased levels of the histone modification H3K27me3 but not H3K4me3 or H3K9me3. This selective H3K27me3 induction was mediated via 4E-BP-dependent increase in EZH2 protein levels. Surprisingly, mTOR inhibition also selectively induced H3K27me3. This was independent of TSC2, and was paralleled by reduced EZH2 and increased EZH1 protein levels. Notably, the ability of mTOR inhibitors to induce H3K27me3 levels was positively correlated with their anti-proliferative effects. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that both activation and inhibition of mTOR selectively increase H3K27me3 by distinct mechanisms, whereby the induction of H3K27me3 may potentiate the anti-proliferative effects of mTOR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- HaEun Kim
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD JGH, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Benjamin Lebeau
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD JGH, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - David Papadopoli
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD JGH, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Predrag Jovanovic
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD JGH, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Mariana Russo
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Daina Avizonis
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Masahiro Morita
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Farzaneh Afzali
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Josie Ursini-Siegel
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD JGH, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Lynne-Marie Postovit
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Michael Witcher
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD JGH, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Ivan Topisirovic
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD JGH, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
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Bai YK, Sun J, Wang YS, Zheng N, Xu QL, Wang Y. The clinicopathological and prognostic significances of EZH2 expression in urological cancers: A meta‑analysis and bioinformatics analysis. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:315. [PMID: 37346412 PMCID: PMC10280112 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13902] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila zeste enhancer homolog 2 gene (enhancer of zeste homolog 2; EZH2) is an important member of the polycomb group (PcG) gene family, which maintains the homologous gene via chromosome modification during embryonic development. EZH2 is overexpressed in various tumors, is closely related to tumor formation and growth, and has a malignant phenotype that promotes tumor cell proliferation, proliferation and metastasis. In the present study, a meta- and bioinformatic analysis was performed using data from multiple online databases until August 30, 2022. EZH2 upregulation was found in kidney, bladder and prostate cancers. EZH2 expression was negatively related to TNM staging and pathological grade in kidney and prostate cancers (P<0.05), as well as invasion depth and pathological grade in bladder cancer. According to the KM-plotter database, EZH2 expression was inversely associated with poor overall survival in patients with kidney clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and papillary RCC and with favorable survival in bladder cancer. EZH2 expression was negatively related to relapse-free survival in kidney papillary RCC and bladder cancer but positively associated with kidney clear cell RCC. According to GEPIA and UALCAN databases, EZH2 expression was higher in tumor tissue than normal tissue. The TIMER database showed that EZH2 was closely associated with the proportion of seven immune cell infiltrates in kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers. High EZH2 expression may be a potential marker of tumorigenesis and metastasis in patients with urological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Kai Bai
- Department of Urology, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, P.R. China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated 3201 Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, P.R. China
| | - Ye-Song Wang
- Department of Urology, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, P.R. China
| | - Nan Zheng
- Department of Urology, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, P.R. China
| | - Qing-Le Xu
- Department of Urology, Hebei Provincial People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Urology, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, P.R. China
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Lin Z, Tang L, Chen S, Zhang W, Lin J, Gao H, Zhang P. EZH2 Expression in Retinoblastoma: A Potential Therapeutic Target. Ophthalmic Res 2023; 66:1014-1019. [PMID: 37311441 PMCID: PMC10357381 DOI: 10.1159/000531530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a member of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and is important in cell-cycle regulation. Increased expression of EZH2 has been reported in retinoblastoma (RB). The aim of the study was to determine EZH2 expression, compare this with clinicopathological parameters in RB, and assess its relationship with tumor cell proliferation. METHODS Ninety-nine retrospective cases of enucleated RB were included in the present study. Expression of EZH2 and the marker of cell proliferation, Ki67, were investigated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Among the 99 cases of RB in this study, EZH2 was found highly expressed (positive expression rate ≥70%) in 92 cases. EZH2 was expressed in tumor cells but absent in normal retinal tissues. The expression of EZH2 was positively linked to Ki67 expression (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Elevated EZH2 expression was found in most RB cases, indicating that EZH2 could be a potential therapeutic target for RB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuangling Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,
| | - Lijuan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuxia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianxian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanhuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Ardalan Khales S, Forghanifard MM, Abbaszadegan MR, Hosseini SE. EZH2 deregulates BMP, Hedgehog, and Hippo cell signaling pathways in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Adv Med Sci 2023; 68:21-30. [PMID: 36403545 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cell signaling pathways play central roles in cellular stemness state, and aberrant activation of these cascades is attributed to the severity of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In this study, we aimed to determine the potential impact of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) gene on different cell signaling pathways including bone morphogenesis protein (BMP), Hedgehog, and Hippo in ESCC, and to illuminate EZH2-mediated gene regulatory networks in this aggressive malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS EZH2 silencing was performed in two ESCC lines, KYSE-30 and YM-1, followed by gene expression analysis of BMP, Hedgehog, and Hippo signaling using RT-qPCR. EZH2 enforced expression was induced in both cell lines and gene expression of the pathways was evaluated in parallel. The contribution of EZH2 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration were also evaluated. RESULTS EZH2 downregulation decreased expression of the vital components of the Hedgehog and Hippo signaling, while EZH2 upregulation significantly increased its levels in both ESCC cell lines. The expression of BMP target genes was either reduced in EZH2-expressing cells or increased in EZH2-silencing cells. Enforced expression of EZH2 stimulated downregulation of epithelial markers and upregulation of mesenchymal markers in KYSE-30 and YM-1 cells. Significant downregulation of mesenchymal markers was detected following the silencing of EZH2 in the cells. Knocking down EZH2 decreased migration, while enforced expression of EZH2 increased migration in both ESCC lines. CONCLUSIONS These results may support the promoting role of EZH2 in ESCC tumorigenesis through the recruitment of important cell signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Seyed Ebrahim Hosseini
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Zand Institute of Higher Education, Shiraz, Iran
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Targeting emerging cancer hallmarks by transition metal complexes: Epigenetic reprogramming and epitherapies. Part II. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Day CA, Hinchcliffe EH, Robinson JP. H3K27me3 in Diffuse Midline Glioma and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Opposing Epigenetic Changes Leading to the Same Poor Outcomes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213376. [PMID: 36359771 PMCID: PMC9655269 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone post-translational modifications modulate gene expression through epigenetic gene regulation. The core histone H3 family members, H3.1, H3.2, and H3.3, play a central role in epigenetics. H3 histones can acquire many post-translational modifications, including the trimethylation of H3K27 (H3K27me3), which represses transcription. Triple methylation of H3K27 is performed by the histone methyltransferase Enhancer of Zeste Homologue 2 (EZH2), a component of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2. Both global increases and decreases in H3K27me3 have been implicated in a wide range of cancer types. Here, we explore how opposing changes in H3K27me3 contribute to cancer by highlighting its role in two vastly different cancer types; (1) a form of glioma known as diffuse midline glioma H3K27-altered and (2) epithelial ovarian cancer. These two cancers vary widely in the age of onset, sex, associated mutations, and cell and organ type. However, both diffuse midline glioma and ovarian cancer have dysregulation of H3K27 methylation, triggering changes to the cancer cell transcriptome. In diffuse midline glioma, the loss of H3K27 methylation is a primary driving factor in tumorigenesis that promotes glial cell stemness and silences tumor suppressor genes. Conversely, hypermethylation of H3K27 occurs in late-stage epithelial ovarian cancer, which promotes tumor vascularization and tumor cell migration. By using each cancer type as a case study, this review emphasizes the importance of H3K27me3 in cancer while demonstrating that the mechanisms of histone H3 modification and subsequent gene expression changes are not a one-size-fits-all across cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A. Day
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Edward H. Hinchcliffe
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - James P. Robinson
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Krossa I, Strub T, Aplin AE, Ballotti R, Bertolotto C. Lysine Methyltransferase NSD1 and Cancers: Any Role in Melanoma? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194865. [PMID: 36230787 PMCID: PMC9563040 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epigenetic events, which comprise post-translational modifications of histone tails or DNA methylation, control gene expression by altering chromatin structure without change in the DNA sequence. Histone tails modifications are driven by specific cellular enzymes such as histone methyltransferases or histone acetylases, which play a key role in regulating diverse biological processes. Their alteration may have consequences on growth and tumorigenesis. Abstract Epigenetic regulations, that comprise histone modifications and DNA methylation, are essential to processes as diverse as development and cancer. Among the histone post-translational modifications, lysine methylation represents one of the most important dynamic marks. Here, we focused on methyltransferases of the nuclear binding SET domain 1 (NSD) family, that catalyze the mono- and di-methylation of histone H3 lysine 36. We review the loss of function mutations of NSD1 in humans that are the main cause of SOTOS syndrome, a disease associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. We then report the role of NSD1 in triggering tumor suppressive or promoter functions according to the tissue context and we discuss the role of NSD1 in melanoma. Finally, we examine the ongoing efforts to target NSD1 signaling in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imène Krossa
- Université Côte d’Azur, 06100 Nice, France
- Team 1, Biology and Pathologies of melanocytes, Inserm, Equipe labellisée Ligue 2020 and Equipe labellisée ARC 2022, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, 06200 Nice, France
- Correspondence: (I.K.); (C.B.)
| | - Thomas Strub
- Université Côte d’Azur, 06100 Nice, France
- Team 1, Biology and Pathologies of melanocytes, Inserm, Equipe labellisée Ligue 2020 and Equipe labellisée ARC 2022, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, 06200 Nice, France
| | - Andrew E. Aplin
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Robert Ballotti
- Université Côte d’Azur, 06100 Nice, France
- Team 1, Biology and Pathologies of melanocytes, Inserm, Equipe labellisée Ligue 2020 and Equipe labellisée ARC 2022, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, 06200 Nice, France
| | - Corine Bertolotto
- Université Côte d’Azur, 06100 Nice, France
- Team 1, Biology and Pathologies of melanocytes, Inserm, Equipe labellisée Ligue 2020 and Equipe labellisée ARC 2022, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, 06200 Nice, France
- Correspondence: (I.K.); (C.B.)
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Liu KL, Zhu K, Zhang H. An overview of the development of EED inhibitors to disable the PRC2 function. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:39-53. [PMID: 35224495 PMCID: PMC8792826 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00274k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) catalyzes the methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) and the enrichment of its catalytic product H3K27me3 is responsible for the silencing of tumor suppressor genes and the blocking of transcripts related to immunity and cell terminal differentiation. Aberrations of PRC2 components, such as mutation and overexpression, have been observed in various cancers, which makes PRC2 a potential therapeutic target for cancer. Up to now, targeting the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of PRC2, represents the main strategy in the development of PRC2 inhibitors. Although significant progress has been made, new problems also emerge, e.g. the drug resistance caused by secondary mutations. In recent years, more and more efforts have shifted to another new strategy - targeting embryonic ectoderm development (EED) to disrupt its major interactions with other components, which are necessary to the PRC2 function, and some promising results have been obtained. This review summarizes the recent development of EED inhibitors as possible chemotherapy for cancer treatment, which could help accelerate future related research work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Lu Liu
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan Jinan 250022 China
| | - Kongkai Zhu
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan Jinan 250022 China
| | - Hua Zhang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan Jinan 250022 China
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Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) in Malignant Progression of Gallbladder Carcinoma. J Gastrointest Cancer 2020; 52:1029-1034. [PMID: 33051796 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-020-00536-3] [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] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Data related to the role of epigenetic modifications in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is limited. We intended to assess the role of crucial epigenetic modifiers pertaining to histone modification and DNA-methylation system in gallbladder carcinogenesis. METHODS The expression of EZH2, H3K27me3, and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in cases of GBC (n = 39), gallbladder dysplasia (GBD, n = 12), and benign mucosa (BM, n = 16). A semi-quantitative scoring system was used for assessing the immunohistochemical expression. RESULTS The expression of EZH2 was significantly higher in cases of GBC than GBD (p value 0.001). The cases of BM were negative. Its expression was also higher in poorly differentiated tumors and positively correlated with the proliferative activity (MIB-1 labeling index) (p value 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). There was no significant difference in the expression levels of H3K27me3, DNMT-1, and DNMT-3B among GBC, GBD, and BM cases. Although GBC cases with strong EZH2 expression showed a shorter overall survival, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION This study highlights the crucial role of the key epigenetic regulators EZH2 in the pathobiology and evolution of gallbladder carcinogenesis. Given the reversibility of epigenetic alterations, EZH2 may be a novel therapeutic target for gallbladder carcinogenesis.
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Das P, Taube JH. Regulating Methylation at H3K27: A Trick or Treat for Cancer Cell Plasticity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2792. [PMID: 33003334 PMCID: PMC7600873 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Properly timed addition and removal of histone 3 lysine 27 tri-methylation (H3K27me3) is critical for enabling proper differentiation throughout all stages of development and, likewise, can guide carcinoma cells into altered differentiation states which correspond to poor prognoses and treatment evasion. In early embryonic stages, H3K27me3 is invoked to silence genes and restrict cell fate. Not surprisingly, mutation or altered functionality in the enzymes that regulate this pathway results in aberrant methylation or demethylation that can lead to malignancy. Likewise, changes in expression or activity of these enzymes impact cellular plasticity, metastasis, and treatment evasion. This review focuses on current knowledge regarding methylation and de-methylation of H3K27 in cancer initiation and cancer cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph H. Taube
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA;
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Abstract
The treatment landscape of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been revolutionized over the past two decades, bringing forth an era in which more than a dozen therapeutic agents are now available to treat patients. As a consequence, personalized care has become a critical part of developing effective treatment guidelines and improving patient outcomes. One of the most important emerging aspects of precision medicine in cancer is matching patients and treatments based on the genomic characteristics of an individual and their tumour. Despite the lack of a single genomic predictor of treatment response or prognostication feature in RCC, emerging research suggests that the identification of such markers remains promising. Mutations in VHL and alterations in its downstream pathways are the mainstay of RCC development and progression. However, the predictive value of VHL mutations has been questioned. Further research has examined mutations in genes involved in chromosome remodelling (for example, PBRM1, BAP1 and SETD2), DNA methylation and DNA damage repair, all of which have been associated with clinical outcomes. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of genomic evidence in the context of RCC and its potential predictive and prognostic value.
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12
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Eichenauer T, Simmendinger L, Fraune C, Mandelkow T, Blessin NC, Kluth M, Hube-Magg C, Möller K, Clauditz T, Weidemann S, Dahlem R, Fisch M, Riechardt S, Simon R, Sauter G, Büscheck F, Rink M. High level of EZH2 expression is linked to high density of CD8-positive T-lymphocytes and an aggressive phenotype in renal cell carcinoma. World J Urol 2020; 39:481-490. [PMID: 32303902 PMCID: PMC7910252 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-020-03200-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the catalytic part of the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), has a prognostic role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and was recently shown to modulate the immune response by reducing tumor cell immunogenicity. Methods To investigate whether the prognostic role of EZH2 might be driven by a modified immune environment, more than 1800 RCCs were analyzed in a tissue microarray for EZH2 expression and CD8 positive lymphocytes were quantitated by automated digital imaging. Results EZH2 positivity was found in 75.2% of 1603 interpretable tumors. In clear cell RCC, high EZH2 expression was significantly linked to high ISUP, Furmann, and Thoenes grade (p < 0.0001 each), advanced stage (p < 0.0001), nodal (p = 0.0190) and distant metastasis (p < 0.0001) as well as shortened overall (p < 0.0027) and recurrence free survival (p < 0.0001). The density of CD8+ cells varied from 0 to 5048 cells/mm2 (Median 120 cells/mm2). A high CD8+ count was significantly associated with high ISUP, Fuhrmann, and Thoenes grade (p < 0.0001 each), advanced tumor stage (p = 0.0041), distant metastasis (p = 0.0026) as well as reduced overall survival (p = 0.0373) and recurrence free survival (p = 0.0450). The density of CD8+ cells continuously increased with raising EZH2 levels (p < 0.0001). Conclusion Our data support a striking prognostic role of both EZH2 expression and the density of CD8+ cells in RCC. The tight relationship of EZH2 expression and CD8+ cell counts in RCC is consistent with models suggesting that EZH2 overexpression can be caused by high lymphocyte content in certain tumor types. Such a mechanism could explain the unique finding of high lymphocyte counts driving poor prognosis in RCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Till Eichenauer
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Luca Simmendinger
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Fraune
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim Mandelkow
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Niclas C Blessin
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martina Kluth
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Hube-Magg
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Möller
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Till Clauditz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sören Weidemann
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Roland Dahlem
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Margit Fisch
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Silke Riechardt
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ronald Simon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Guido Sauter
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Büscheck
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Rink
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Huang K, Sun R, Chen J, Yang Q, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Xie K, Zhang T, Li R, Zhao Q, Zou L, Li J. A novel EZH2 inhibitor induces synthetic lethality and apoptosis in PBRM1-deficient cancer cells. Cell Cycle 2020; 19:758-771. [PMID: 32093567 PMCID: PMC7145336 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2020.1729450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibition of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has been suggested to be synthetic lethal with polybromo-1 (PBRM1) deficiency, rendering EZH2 to be an attractive target for the treatment of PBRM1 frequently mutated cancers. In the current study, we combined computational and biochemical approaches to establish an efficient system for the screening and validation of synthetic lethal inhibitors from a large pool of chemical compounds. Five putative EZH2 inhibitors were identified through structure-based virtual screening from 47,737 chemical compounds and analyzed with molecular dynamics. The efficacy of these compounds against EZH2 was tested using PBRM1 deficient and wide-type cell lines. The compound L501-1669 selectively inhibited the proliferation of PBRM1-deficient cells and down-regulated the tri-methylation of histone H3 at Lysine 27 (H3K27me3). Importantly, we also observed an increase in apoptotic activities in L501-1669 treated PBRM1-deficient cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that L501-1669 is a selective EZH2 inhibitor with promising application in the targeted therapy of PBRM1-deficient cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejia Huang
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Sun
- Basic Medical Research Center, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiarong Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianye Yang
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yucheng Wang
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kun Xie
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Li
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Zou
- School of Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Li
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
- School of Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
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14
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Wan Z, Jiang H, Li L, Zhu S, Hou J, Yu Y. Carcinogenic roles and therapeutic effects of EZH2 in gynecological cancers. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115379. [PMID: 32098708 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) is highly expressed in kinds of malignant tumors and related to tumor occurrence, development, and prognosis. EZH2 is the catalytic subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by epigenetic regulation of anti-tumor gene. It can activate numerous tumor-associated signaling pathways and interfere with DNA damage repair. In recent years, large amounts of studies have shown that EZH2 is closely related to gynecologic-related malignancies and can be used as a potential target gene for the treatment of gynecological-related malignancies. This review summarizes the oncogenic function of EZH2 and introduces the recent advances in the development of EZH2 inhibitors. On this basis, future research prospect of EZH2 is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Wan
- Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huabo Jiang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Li
- Assisted Reproduction Technology Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuhui Zhu
- Department of Food and Drug Engineering, Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Jingjing Hou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Yongsheng Yu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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15
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Krill L, Deng W, Eskander R, Mutch D, Zweizig S, Hoang B, Ioffe O, Randall L, Lankes H, Miller DS, Birrer M. Overexpression of enhance of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in endometrial carcinoma: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group Study. Gynecol Oncol 2019; 156:423-429. [PMID: 31843273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methyl transferase that mediates epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes. It is commonly over-expressed in several solid tumors and has been shown to be a prognostic biomarker. We investigated patterns of EZH2 expression in endometrial cancer. METHODS Evaluation of EZH2 expression was completed on both early and advanced stage endometrioid adenocarcinoma tissues and a subset of matched normal mullerian tissue samples, from participants enrolled in Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) protocol 210, using real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot (WB) analysis. Non-parametric methods were used to assess differences in mRNA and protein expression respectively with known clinical/pathologic prognostic factors. Survival analysis was performed using techniques including Cox proportional hazards (PH) model to evaluate differences in progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) based on EZH2 expression. RESULTS Eighty-seven patient samples were analyzed that included 60 tumors and 27 matched-normal tissue specimens. EZH2 mRNA (p < .0001) and protein expression (p < .0001) in tumor specimens were significantly higher than in matched-normal tissue. In primary tumors, EZH2 protein expression was associated with lympho-vascular space invasion (LVSI, p = .044), and EZH2 mRNA expression was associated with age (p = .037). Differences in EZH2 expression between primary tumors and matched normal tissue were not associated with other known clinical and pathologic factors. However, there did appear to be a trend toward decreased progression-free survival among patients with high EZH2 expression levels. CONCLUSIONS Our results confirm the differential expression of EZH2 in uterine cancers compared to normal tissues. However, there were no statistically significant differences in survival associated with EZH2 expression in patients with endometrial cancer. NCT #: NCT00340808.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Krill
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, Camden, NJ, United States of America.
| | - Wei Deng
- NRG Oncology, Clinical Trial Development Division, Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States of America.
| | - Ramez Eskander
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, United States of America.
| | - David Mutch
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University; St. Louis, MO.
| | - Susan Zweizig
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University of Massachusetts; Worcester, MA, United States of America.
| | - Bang Hoang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States of America.
| | - Olga Ioffe
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland Medical Center; Baltimore, MD 21201, United States of America.
| | - Leslie Randall
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, United States of America.
| | - Heather Lankes
- Biopathology Center, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States of America.
| | - David S Miller
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX 75390-9032, United States of America.
| | - Michael Birrer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America.
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16
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Xu S, Zhang H, Liu T, Chen Y, He D, Li L. G Protein γ subunit 7 loss contributes to progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:20002-20012. [PMID: 30945310 PMCID: PMC6767067 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common urinary neoplasm, looking for useful candidates to establish scientific foundation for the therapy of ccRCC is urgent. We downloaded genomic profiles of GSE781, GSE6244, GSE53757, and GSE66271 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GEO2R was used to analyze the derivative genes, while hub genes were screened by protein-protein interactions and cytoscape. Further, overall survival, gene methylation, gene mutation, and gene expression were all analyzed using bioinformatics tools. Colony formation and cell-cycle assay were used to detect the biological function of GNG7 in vitro. We found that GNG7 was downregulated in ccRCC tissues and negatively associated with overall survival in ccRCC patients. We also found that promoter methylation and frequent gene mutation were responsible for GNG7 gene suppression. GNG7 low expression was related to upregulation of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 and downregulation of disabled homolog 2-interacting protein. Further, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis results showed that mTOR1, E2F, G2M, and MYC pathways were all significantly altered in response to GNG7 low expression. In vitro, A498 and 786-O cells in which GNG7 expression was silenced, exhibited a lower G1 phase when compared to the negative control cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that GNG7 is a tumor suppressor gene in ccRCC progression and represents a novel candidate for ccRCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China.,Oncology Research Lab, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Haibao Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Tianjie Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Yule Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China.,Oncology Research Lab, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Dalin He
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China.,Oncology Research Lab, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China.,Oncology Research Lab, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, P.R. China
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17
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Epigenetic Regulation of EMT (Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition) and Tumor Aggressiveness: A View on Paradoxical Roles of KDM6B and EZH2. EPIGENOMES 2018; 3:epigenomes3010001. [PMID: 34991274 PMCID: PMC8594212 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes3010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
EMT (epithelial to mesenchymal transition) is a plastic phenomenon involved in metastasis formation. Its plasticity is conferred in a great part by its epigenetic regulation. It has been reported that the trimethylation of lysine 27 histone H3 (H3K27me3) was a master regulator of EMT through two antagonist enzymes that regulate this mark, the methyltransferase EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homolog 2) and the lysine demethylase KDM6B (lysine femethylase 6B). Here we report that EZH2 and KDM6B are overexpressed in numerous cancers and involved in the aggressive phenotype and EMT in various cell lines by regulating a specific subset of genes. The first paradoxical role of these enzymes is that they are antagonistic, but both involved in cancer aggressiveness and EMT. The second paradoxical role of EZH2 and KDM6B during EMT and cancer aggressiveness is that they are also inactivated or under-expressed in some cancer types and linked to epithelial phenotypes in other cancer cell lines. We also report that new cancer therapeutic strategies are targeting KDM6B and EZH2, but the specificity of these treatments may be increased by learning more about the mechanisms of action of these enzymes and their specific partners or target genes in different cancer types.
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18
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Estrogen receptor β promotes renal cell carcinoma progression via regulating LncRNA HOTAIR-miR-138/200c/204/217 associated CeRNA network. Oncogene 2018; 37:5037-5053. [DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0175-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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19
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Liu X, Wu Q, Li L. Functional and therapeutic significance of EZH2 in urological cancers. Oncotarget 2018; 8:38044-38055. [PMID: 28410242 PMCID: PMC5514970 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a core subunit of the polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2), which is overexpressed in numerous cancers and mutated in several others. Notably, EZH2 acts not only a critical epigenetic repressor through its role in histone methylation, it is also an activator of gene expression, acting through multiple signaling pathways in distinct cancer types. Increasing evidence suggests that EZH2 is an oncogene and is central to initiation, growth and progression of urological cancers. In this review, we highlight the critical role of EZH2 as a master regulator of tumorigenesis in the prostate, bladder and the kidney through epigenetic control of transcription as well as a modulation of various critical signaling pathways. We also discuss the promise and challenges for EZH2 inhibitors as future anticancer therapeutics, some of which are currently in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobing Liu
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingjian Wu
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Longkun Li
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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20
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Christofides A, Karantanos T, Bardhan K, Boussiotis VA. Epigenetic regulation of cancer biology and anti-tumor immunity by EZH2. Oncotarget 2018; 7:85624-85640. [PMID: 27793053 PMCID: PMC5356764 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb group proteins regulate chromatin structure and have an important regulatory role on gene expression in various cell types. Two polycomb group complexes (Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and 2 (PRC2)) have been identified in mammalian cells. Both PRC1 and PRC2 compact chromatin, and also catalyze histone modifications. PRC1 mediates monoubiquitination of histone H2A, whereas PRC2 catalyzes methylation of histone H3 on lysine 27. These alterations of histones can lead to altered gene expression patterns by regulating chromatin structure. Numerous studies have highlighted the role of the PRC2 catalytic component enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in neoplastic development and progression, and EZH2 mutations have been identified in various malignancies. Through modulating the expression of critical genes, EZH2 is actively involved in fundamental cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. In addition to cancer cells, EZH2 also has a decisive role in the differentiation and function of T effector and T regulatory cells. In this review we summarize the recent progress regarding the role of EZH2 in human malignancies, highlight the molecular mechanisms by which EZH2 aberrations promote the pathogenesis of cancer, and discuss the anti-tumor effects of EZH2 targeting via activating direct anti-cancer mechanisms and anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthos Christofides
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Theodoros Karantanos
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,General Internal Medicine Section, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kankana Bardhan
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vassiliki A Boussiotis
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Zhang D, Yang XJ, Luo QD, Fu DL, Li HL, Li HC, Zhang P, Chong T. EZH2 enhances the invasive capability of renal cell carcinoma cells via activation of STAT3. Mol Med Rep 2017; 17:3621-3626. [PMID: 29286132 PMCID: PMC5802166 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.8363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2) gene has been recognized to be a proto-oncogene and to be linked to human malignancies. However, the additional functions of EZH2 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are not completely understood. In the present study, a possible role of EZH2 in RCC was identified. EZH2 was demonstrated to promote the cell proliferation and invasion potential of 769-P cells, and inhibition of EZH2 was demonstrated to prevent these two processes in 786-O cells. Mechanically, EZH2 was demonstrated to increase the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and upregulate 72 kDa type IV collagenase (MMP-2) expression. When cells were treated with small interfering RNA targeting STAT3 or Stattic, a specific inhibitor of STAT3, the invasive ability of the cells was decreased and downregulation of MMP-2 was observed. Based on these results, in the present study it was hypothesized that EZH2 may serve a critical role in the progression of RCC. Its ability to facilitate invasion makes EZH2 a promising target for the management of advanced RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Jie Yang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Qi-Dong Luo
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - De-Lai Fu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Liang Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - He-Cheng Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Tie Chong
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
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23
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Yu Q, Liu Y, Zheng X, Zhu Q, Shen Z, Wang H, He H, Lin N, Jiang H, Yu L, Zeng S. Histone H3 Lysine 4 Trimethylation, Lysine 27 Trimethylation, and Lysine 27 Acetylation Contribute to the Transcriptional Repression of Solute Carrier Family 47 Member 2 in Renal Cell Carcinoma. Drug Metab Dispos 2016; 45:109-117. [DOI: 10.1124/dmd.116.073734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
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24
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Wang J, Liu L, Xi W, Long Q, Wang Y, Bai Q, Xia Y, Xu J, Guo J. Prognostic value of UTX expression in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Urol Oncol 2016; 34:338.e19-27. [PMID: 27106782 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our previous studies have identified an abnormal H3K27 methylation status in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat on chromosome X (UTX) has been demonstrated as a histone demethylase that specifically targets di-methyl groups and tri-methyl groups on lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me2/3). Herein, we explored the prognostic value of tumoral UTX expression in patient with ccRCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively enrolled 290 ccRCC patients underwent nephrectomy at a single institution between 2005 and 2007. UTX expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays and its prognostic value was assessed using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model. Nomograms were generated as prediction models for overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS). RESULTS Low expression of UTX was associated with reduced OS (P<0.001) and DFS (P = 0.001). In multivariate cox analyses, UTX was defined as an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio = 2.732 [95% CI: 1.650-4.493], P<0.001) and DFS (hazard ratio = 1.959 [95% CI: 1.153-3.326], P<0.001) as well. After stratifying patients into different risk groups using the Mayo Clinic stage, size, grade and necrosis/Leibovich score, decreased UTX expression was associated with shorter OS in both low-risk (P = 0.002) and high-risk groups (P = 0.030), but with shorter DFS only in low-risk group (P<0.001). Overall, 2 nomograms incorporating UTX expression with other parameters performed well in predicting patients' 5-year and 8-year OS and DFS (c-indices = 0.824 and 0.798, respectively). CONCLUSIONS UTX is a prognostic biomarker for patients with ccRCC both in OS and DFS prediction, especially significant in low-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xi
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qilai Long
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwei Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Bai
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiejie Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jianming Guo
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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25
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Semeniuk-Wojtaś A, Stec R, Szczylik C. Are primary renal cell carcinoma and metastases of renal cell carcinoma the same cancer? Urol Oncol 2016; 34:215-20. [PMID: 26850779 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2015.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is a process consisting of cells spreading from the primary site of the cancer to distant parts of the body. Our understanding of this spread is limited and molecular mechanisms causing particular characteristics of metastasis are still unknown. There is some evidence that primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and metastases of RCC exhibit molecular differences that may effect on the biological characteristics of the tumor. Some authors have detected differences in clear cell and nonclear cell component between these 2 groups of tumors. Investigators have also determined that primary RCC and metastases of RCC diverge in their range of renal-specific markers and other protein expression, gene expression pattern, and microRNA expression. There are also certain proteins that are variously expressed in primary RCCs and their metastases and have effect on clinical outcome, e.g., endothelin receptor type B, phos-S6, and CD44. However, further studies are needed on large cohorts of patients to identify differences representing promising targets for prognostic purposes predicting disease-free survival and the metastatic burden of a patient as well as their suitability as potential therapeutic targets. To sum up, in this review we have attempted to summarize studies connected with differences between primary RCC and its metastases and their influence on the biological characteristics of renal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafał Stec
- Department of Oncology, Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Cezary Szczylik
- Department of Oncology, Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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26
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Clinical and prognostic relevance of EZH2 in breast cancer: A meta-analysis. Biomed Pharmacother 2015; 75:218-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2015.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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27
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Chen S, Huang L, Sun K, Wu D, Li M, Li M, Zhong B, Chen M, Zhang S. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 as an independent prognostic marker for cancer: a meta-analysis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125480. [PMID: 25974088 PMCID: PMC4431777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Novel biomarkers are of particular interest for predicting cancer prognosis. This study aimed to explore the associations between enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and patient survival in various cancers. Methods Relevant literature was retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science databases. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results Forty-nine studies (8,050 patients) were included. High EZH2 expression was significantly associated with shorter overall (hazard ratio [HR] 1.74, 95% CI: 1.46–2.07), disease-free (HR 1.59, 95% CI: 1.27–1.99), metastasis-free (HR 2.19, 95% CI: 1.38–3.47), progression-free (HR 2.53, 95% CI: 1.52–4.21), cancer-specific (HR 3.13, 95% CI: 1.70–5.74), and disease-specific (HR 2.29, 95% CI: 1.56–3.35) survival, but not recurrence-free survival (HR 1.38, 95% CI: 0.93–2.06). Moreover, EZH2 expression significantly correlated with distant metastasis (OR 3.25, 95% CI: 1.07–9.87) in esophageal carcinoma; differentiation (OR 3.00, 95% CI: 1.37–6.55) in non-small cell lung cancer; TNM stage (OR 3.18, 95% CI: 2.49–4.08) in renal cell carcinoma; and histological grade (OR 4.50, 95% CI: 3.33–6.09), estrogen receptor status (OR 0.15, 95% CI: 0.11–0.20) and progesterone receptor status (OR 0.30, 95% CI: 0.23–0.39) in breast cancer. Conclusions Our results suggested that EZH2 might be an independent prognostic factor for multiple survival measures in different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuling Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lixia Huang
- Division of Respiration, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Kaiyu Sun
- Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Dexi Wu
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Minrui Li
- Division of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Manying Li
- Division of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Bihui Zhong
- Division of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Minhu Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- * E-mail: (SZ); (MC)
| | - Shenghong Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- * E-mail: (SZ); (MC)
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Yamaguchi H, Hung MC. Regulation and Role of EZH2 in Cancer. Cancer Res Treat 2014; 46:209-22. [PMID: 25038756 PMCID: PMC4132442 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2014.46.3.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is the epigenetic regulator that induces histone H3 lysine 27 methylation (H3K27me3) and silences specific gene transcription. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is an enzymatic subunit of PRC2, and evidence shows that EZH2 plays an essential role in cancer initiation, development, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. EZH2 expression is indeed regulated by various oncogenic transcription factors, tumor suppressor miRNAs, and cancer-associated non-coding RNA. EZH2 activity is also controlled by post-translational modifications, which are deregulated in cancer. The canonical role of EZH2 is gene silencing through H3K27me3, but accumulating evidence shows that EZH2 methlyates substrates other than histone and has methylase-independent functions. These non-canonical functions of EZH2 are shown to play a role in cancer progression. In this review, we summarize current information on the regulation and roles of EZH2 in cancer. We also discuss various therapeutic approaches to targeting EZH2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirohito Yamaguchi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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El Baroudi M, La Sala D, Cinti C, Capobianco E. Pathway landscapes and epigenetic regulation in breast cancer and melanoma cell lines. Theor Biol Med Model 2014; 11 Suppl 1:S8. [PMID: 25077705 PMCID: PMC4108926 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4682-11-s1-s8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic variation is a main regulation mechanism of gene expression in various cancer histotypes, and due to its reversibility, the potential impact in therapy can be very relevant. METHODS Based on a selected pair, breast cancer (BC) and melanoma, we conducted inference analysis in parallel on a few cell lines (MCF-7 for BC and A375 for melanoma). Starting from differential expression after treatment with a demethylating agent, the 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DAC), we provided pathway enrichment analysis and gene regulatory maps with cross-linked microRNAs and transcription factors. RESULTS Several oncogenic signaling pathways altered upon DAC treatment were detected with significant enrichment. We represented the association between these cancers by depicting the landscape of common and specific variation affecting them.
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