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Xu R, Yang X, Tang B, Mao Y, Jiang F. Combined treatment of All-trans retinoic acid with Tamoxifen suppresses ovarian cancer. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2024; 94:259-270. [PMID: 38714534 PMCID: PMC11390921 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-024-04671-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor of the female reproductive system, and its mortality rate is as high as 70%. Estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive ovarian cancer accounted for most of all ovarian cancer patients. ERα can promote the growth and proliferation of tumors. METHODS The combined effect of All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and tamoxifen was obtained by the combination screening of tamoxifen and compound library by MTS. In addition, colony formation assay, flow cytometry analysis, immunofluorescence staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blot, and tumor xenotransplantation models were used to further evaluate the efficacy of tamoxifen and ATRA in vitro and in vivo for ER-α-positive ovarian cancer. RESULTS In our study, we found that All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) can cooperate with tamoxifen to cause cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and inhibit ERα-positive ovarian cancer in vivo and in vitro. Further exploration of the mechanism found that ATRA can Inhibit genes related to the ERα signaling pathway, enhance the sensitivity of ERα-positive ovarian cancer cells to tamoxifen, and ascertain the effectiveness of tamoxifen and ATRA as treatments for ovarian cancer with an ERα-positive status. CONCLUSION Combination of ATRA and tamoxifen is a new way for the treatment of ERα-positive ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xu
- Department of Gynecology, East China Normal University Wuhu Affiliated Hospital, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu City, No.259, Middle Jiuhua Road, Jinghu District, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Xiaowen Yang
- Department of Electrocardiogram, East China Normal University Wuhu Affiliated Hospital, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu City, No.259, Middle Jiuhua Road, Jinghu District, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Bin Tang
- Department of Gynecology, East China Normal University Wuhu Affiliated Hospital, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu City, No.259, Middle Jiuhua Road, Jinghu District, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Yifan Mao
- Department of Gynecology, East China Normal University Wuhu Affiliated Hospital, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu City, No.259, Middle Jiuhua Road, Jinghu District, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Feiyun Jiang
- Department of Gynecology, East China Normal University Wuhu Affiliated Hospital, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu City, No.259, Middle Jiuhua Road, Jinghu District, Wuhu, 241000, China.
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Han D, Lu J, Fan B, Lu W, Xue Y, Wang M, Liu T, Cui S, Gao Q, Duan Y, Xu Y. Lysine-Specific Demethylase 1 Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Review Utilizing Computer-Aided Drug Design Technologies. Molecules 2024; 29:550. [PMID: 38276629 PMCID: PMC10821146 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1/KDM1A) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for treating various cancers (such as breast cancer, liver cancer, etc.) and other diseases (blood diseases, cardiovascular diseases, etc.), owing to its observed overexpression, thereby presenting significant opportunities in drug development. Since its discovery in 2004, extensive research has been conducted on LSD1 inhibitors, with notable contributions from computational approaches. This review systematically summarizes LSD1 inhibitors investigated through computer-aided drug design (CADD) technologies since 2010, showcasing a diverse range of chemical scaffolds, including phenelzine derivatives, tranylcypromine (abbreviated as TCP or 2-PCPA) derivatives, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic (pyridine, pyrimidine, azole, thieno[3,2-b]pyrrole, indole, quinoline and benzoxazole) derivatives, natural products (including sanguinarine, phenolic compounds and resveratrol derivatives, flavonoids and other natural products) and others (including thiourea compounds, Fenoldopam and Raloxifene, (4-cyanophenyl)glycine derivatives, propargylamine and benzohydrazide derivatives and inhibitors discovered through AI techniques). Computational techniques, such as virtual screening, molecular docking and 3D-QSAR models, have played a pivotal role in elucidating the interactions between these inhibitors and LSD1. Moreover, the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence holds promise in facilitating the discovery of novel LSD1 inhibitors. The comprehensive insights presented in this review aim to provide valuable information for advancing further research on LSD1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Han
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China; (D.H.); (J.L.)
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang 453003, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Research, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Jiarui Lu
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China; (D.H.); (J.L.)
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang 453003, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Research, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Baoyi Fan
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China; (D.H.); (J.L.)
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang 453003, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Research, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Wenfeng Lu
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China; (D.H.); (J.L.)
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang 453003, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Research, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Yiwei Xue
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China; (D.H.); (J.L.)
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang 453003, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Research, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Meiting Wang
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China; (D.H.); (J.L.)
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang 453003, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Research, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Taigang Liu
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China; (D.H.); (J.L.)
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang 453003, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Research, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Shaoli Cui
- School of Forensic, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Qinghe Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Yingchao Duan
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Yongtao Xu
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China; (D.H.); (J.L.)
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang 453003, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Research, Xinxiang 453003, China
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Giuli MV, Hanieh PN, Forte J, Fabiano MG, Mancusi A, Natiello B, Rinaldi F, Del Favero E, Ammendolia MG, Marianecci C, Checquolo S, Carafa M. pH-sensitive niosomes for ATRA delivery: A promising approach to inhibit Pin1 in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Int J Pharm 2024; 649:123672. [PMID: 38052280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123672] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase Pin1 positively regulates numerous cancer-driving pathways, and it is overexpressed in several malignancies, including high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). The findings that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) induces Pin1 degradation strongly support that ATRA treatment might be a promising approach for HGSOC targeted therapy. Nevertheless, repurposing ATRA into the clinics for the treatment of solid tumors remains an unmet need mainly due to the insurgence of resistance and its ineffective delivery. In the present study, niosomes have been employed for improving ATRA delivery in HGSOC cell lines. Characterization of niosomes including hydrodynamic diameter, ζ-potential, morphology, entrapment efficiency and stability over time and in culture media was performed. Furthermore, pH-sensitiveness and ATRA release profile were investigated to demonstrate the capability of these vesicles to release ATRA in a stimuli-responsive manner. Obtained results documented a nanometric and monodispersed samples with negative ζ-potential. ATRA was efficiently entrapped, and a substantial release was observed in the presence of acidic pH (pH 5.5). Finally, unloaded niosomes showed good biocompatibility while ATRA-loaded niosomes significantly increased ATRA Pin1 inhibitory activity, which was consistent with cell growth inhibition. Taken together, ATRA-loaded niosomes might represent an appealing therapeutic strategy for HGSOC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Valeria Giuli
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100 Latina, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Nadia Hanieh
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Jacopo Forte
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Gioia Fabiano
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Angelica Mancusi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Bianca Natiello
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Federica Rinaldi
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Elena Del Favero
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090, Segrate, Italy.
| | - Maria Grazia Ammendolia
- National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Carlotta Marianecci
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100 Latina, Italy.
| | - Maria Carafa
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Wu J, Nie Q, Li G, Zhu K. Identifying driver pathways based on a parameter-free model and a partheno-genetic algorithm. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:211. [PMID: 37221474 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05319-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tremendous amounts of omics data accumulated have made it possible to identify cancer driver pathways through computational methods, which is believed to be able to offer critical information in such downstream research as ascertaining cancer pathogenesis, developing anti-cancer drugs, and so on. It is a challenging problem to identify cancer driver pathways by integrating multiple omics data. RESULTS In this study, a parameter-free identification model SMCMN, incorporating both pathway features and gene associations in Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network, is proposed. A novel measurement of mutual exclusivity is devised to exclude some gene sets with "inclusion" relationship. By introducing gene clustering based operators, a partheno-genetic algorithm CPGA is put forward for solving the SMCMN model. Experiments were implemented on three real cancer datasets to compare the identification performance of models and methods. The comparisons of models demonstrate that the SMCMN model does eliminate the "inclusion" relationship, and produces gene sets with better enrichment performance compared with the classical model MWSM in most cases. CONCLUSIONS The gene sets recognized by the proposed CPGA-SMCMN method possess more genes engaging in known cancer related pathways, as well as stronger connectivity in PPI network. All of which have been demonstrated through extensive contrast experiments among the CPGA-SMCMN method and six state-of-the-art ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingli Wu
- Key Lab of Education Blockchain and Intelligent Technology, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.
- Guangxi Key Lab of Multi-source Information Mining and Security, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.
- College of Computer Science and Engineering, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.
| | - Qinghua Nie
- Key Lab of Education Blockchain and Intelligent Technology, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Key Lab of Multi-source Information Mining and Security, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
- College of Computer Science and Engineering, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Gaoshi Li
- Key Lab of Education Blockchain and Intelligent Technology, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Key Lab of Multi-source Information Mining and Security, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
- College of Computer Science and Engineering, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Kai Zhu
- Guangxi Key Lab of Multi-source Information Mining and Security, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
- College of Computer Science and Engineering, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
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5
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Dual Knockdown of Musashi RNA-Binding Proteins MSI-1 and MSI-2 Attenuates Putative Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics and Therapy Resistance in Ovarian Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111502. [PMID: 34768932 PMCID: PMC8584030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In ovarian cancer, therapy resistance mechanisms complicate cancer cell eradication. Targeting Musashi RNA-binding proteins (MSI) may increase therapeutic efficacy. Database analyses were performed to identify gene expression associations between MSI proteins and key therapy resistance and cancer stem cell (CSC) genes. Then, ovarian cancer cells were subjected to siRNA-based dual knockdown of MSI-1 and MSI-2. CSC and cell cycle gene expression was investigated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blots, and flow cytometry. Metabolic activity and chemoresistance were assessed by MTT assay. Clonogenic assays were used to quantify cell survival post-irradiation. Database analyses demonstrated positive associations between MSI proteins and putative CSC markers NOTCH, MYC, and ALDH4A1 and negative associations with NOTCH inhibitor NUMB. MSI-2 expression was negatively associated with the apoptosis regulator p21. MSI-1 and MSI-2 were positively correlated, informing subsequent dual knockdown experiments. After MSI silencing, CSC genes were downregulated, while cell cycle progression was reduced. Metabolic activity was decreased in some cancer cells. Both chemo- and radioresistance were reduced after dual knockdown, suggesting therapeutic potential. Dual knockdown of MSI proteins is a promising venue to impede tumor growth and sensitize ovarian cancer cells to irradiation and chemotherapy.
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6
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Xie W, Sun H, Li X, Lin F, Wang Z, Wang X. Ovarian cancer: epigenetics, drug resistance, and progression. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:434. [PMID: 34404407 PMCID: PMC8369623 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02136-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in women. OC is associated with the activation of oncogenes, the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, and the activation of abnormal cell signaling pathways. Moreover, epigenetic processes have been found to play an important role in OC tumorigenesis. Epigenetic processes do not change DNA sequences but regulate gene expression through DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA. This review comprehensively considers the importance of epigenetics in OC, with a focus on microRNA and long non-coding RNA. These types of RNA are promising molecular markers and therapeutic targets that may support precision medicine in OC. DNA methylation inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors may be useful for such targeting, with a possible novel approach combining these two therapies. Currently, the clinical application of such epigenetic approaches is limited by multiple obstacles, including the heterogeneity of OC, insufficient sample sizes in reported studies, and non-optimized methods for detecting potential tumor markers. Nonetheless, the application of epigenetic approaches to OC patient diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis is a promising area for future clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Xinhua Hospital, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Huizhen Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Xinhua Hospital, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoduan Li
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feikai Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Xinhua Hospital, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziliang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Xinhua Hospital, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xipeng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Xinhua Hospital, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China.
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Zhao J, Li L, Guo L, Wang R, Zhao Y, Li W, Liu Y, Ma Y, Jia J. Nano-Gold PCR in Detection of TERT Methylation and Its Correlation with Hepatitis B-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2021; 17:1284-1292. [PMID: 34446132 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to introduce nano-gold PCR for detection of TERT methylation, and explore the correlation between TERT methylation and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). From March 2016 to March 2018, 154 HBV carriers treated in our hospital were enrolled in the study and divided into HCC (68 cases), cirrhosis (45 cases) and chronic hepatitis (CH) groups (41 cases) based on clinical disease. HCC patients were further divided into methylation (30 cases) and non-methylation (38 cases) subgroup based on methylation status of the TERT. TERT methylation of HCC specimens were 44.12% and 35.24% by nano-PCR and conventional PCR, respectively. The TERT methylation and TERT expression in HCC specimens were higher than for cirrhosis and CH specimens. A significant positive correlation was observed between TERT methylation and TERT expression. AFP, Edmondson classification, tumor size, hilar lymph node and intrahepatic metastasis, and TNM staging in the methylation group were higher than in non-methylation group. Further, overall survival and progression-free survival were significantly shorter. Nano-gold PCR is more sensitive in detecting TERT methylation. As CHB progresses, TERT methylation increases. Greater methylation of the gene is associated with worse prognosis in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhao
- Department of Special Ward, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, PR China
| | - Li Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, PR China
| | - Liying Guo
- First Department of Combined Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, PR China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Special Ward, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, PR China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Special Ward, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, PR China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Special Ward, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, PR China
| | - Yupei Liu
- Department of Special Ward, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, PR China
| | - Yanhong Ma
- Department of Special Ward, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, PR China
| | - Jianwei Jia
- First Department of Combined Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, PR China
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Steers GJ, Carroll RS, O'Leary BR, Cullen JJ. Epigenetic effects of pharmacologic ascorbate. Oncotarget 2021; 12:876-877. [PMID: 33953841 PMCID: PMC8092345 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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9
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Natural products in the reprogramming of cancer epigenetics. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 417:115467. [PMID: 33631231 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the technological advancements, including next generation sequencing, the significance of deregulated epigenetic mechanisms in cancer initiation, progression and treatment has become evident. The accumulating knowledge relating to the epigenetic markers viz. DNA methylation, Histone modifications and non-coding RNAs make them one of the most interesting candidates for developing anti-cancer therapies. The reversibility of deregulated epigenetic mechanisms through environmental and dietary factors opens numerous avenues in the field of chemoprevention and drug development. Recent studies have proven that plant-derived natural products encompass a great potential in targeting epigenetic signatures in cancer and numerous natural products are being explored for their possibility to be considered as "epi-drug". This review intends to highlight the major aberrant epigenetic mechanisms and summarizes the essential functions of natural products like Resveratrol, Quercetin, Genistein, EGCG, Curcumin, Sulforaphane, Apigenin, Parthenolide and Berberine in modulating these aberrations. This knowledge along with the challenges and limitations in this field has potential and wider implications in developing novel and successful therapeutic strategies. The increased focus in the area will possibly provide a better understanding for the development of dietary supplements and/or drugs either alone or in combination. The interaction of epigenetics with different hallmarks of cancer and how natural products can be utilized to target them will also be interesting in the future therapeutic approaches.
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10
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Rauscher S, Greil R, Geisberger R. Re-Sensitizing Tumor Cells to Cancer Drugs with Epigenetic Regulators. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 21:353-359. [PMID: 33423645 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666210108102723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cancer drug resistance is a major problem for cancer therapy. While many drugs can be effective in first-line treatments, cancer cells can become resistant due to genetic (mutations and chromosomal aberrations) but also epigenetic changes. Hence, many research studies addressed epigenetic drugs in circumventing resistance to conventional therapeutics in different tumor entities and in increasing the efficiency of immune checkpoint therapies. Furthermore, repositioning of already approved drugs in combination with epigenetic modifiers could potentiate their efficacy and thus could be an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. Summarizing, we recapitulate current data on epigenetic drugs and their targets in modulating sensitivity towards conventional and immune therapies, providing evidence that altering expression profiles by epigenetic modifiers holds great potential to improve the clinical outcome of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Rauscher
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute - Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020Salzburg, Austria
| | - Richard Greil
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute - Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020Salzburg, Austria
| | - Roland Geisberger
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute - Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020Salzburg, Austria
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11
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Dratwa M, Wysoczańska B, Łacina P, Kubik T, Bogunia-Kubik K. TERT-Regulation and Roles in Cancer Formation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:589929. [PMID: 33329574 PMCID: PMC7717964 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.589929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is a catalytic subunit of telomerase. Telomerase complex plays a key role in cancer formation by telomere dependent or independent mechanisms. Telomere maintenance mechanisms include complex TERT changes such as gene amplifications, TERT structural variants, TERT promoter germline and somatic mutations, TERT epigenetic changes, and alternative lengthening of telomere. All of them are cancer specific at tissue histotype and at single cell level. TERT expression is regulated in tumors via multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations which affect telomerase activity. Telomerase activity via TERT expression has an impact on telomere length and can be a useful marker in diagnosis and prognosis of various cancers and a new therapy approach. In this review we want to highlight the main roles of TERT in different mechanisms of cancer development and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Dratwa
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Wysoczańska
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Łacina
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kubik
- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Electronics, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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12
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Li HJ, Wang Y, Li BX, Yang Y, Guan F, Pang XC, Li X. Roles of ten-eleven translocation family proteins and their O-linked β-N-acetylglucosaminylated forms in cancer development. Oncol Lett 2020; 21:1. [PMID: 33240407 PMCID: PMC7681232 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the ten-eleven translocation (TET) protein family of which three mammalian TET proteins have been discovered so far, catalyze the sequential oxidation of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, 5-formylcytosine, and 5-carboxylcytosine which serve an important role in embryonic development and tumor progression. O-GlcNAcylation (O-linked β-N-acetylglucosaminylation) is a reversible post-translational modification known to serve important roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis especially in hematopoietic malignancies such as myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia. O-GlcNAcylation activity requires only two enzymes: O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA). OGT catalyzes attachment of GlcNAc sugar to serine, threonine and cytosine residues in proteins, while OGA hydrolyzes O-GlcNAc attached to proteins. Numerous recent studies have demonstrated that TETs can be O-GlcNAcylated by OGT, with consequent alteration of TET activity and stability. The present review focuses on the cellular, biological and biochemical functions of TET and its O-GlcNAcylated form and proposes a model of the role of TET/OGT complex in regulation of target proteins during cancer development. In addition, the present review provides directions for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology Western China, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China.,Hematology Institute, School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Hematology, Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China
| | - Bing-Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology Western China, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China.,Hematology Institute, School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology Western China, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China
| | - Feng Guan
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology Western China, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Chen Pang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology Western China, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China.,Hematology Institute, School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology Western China, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China.,Hematology Institute, School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China.,Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, P.R. China
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13
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Garsuault D, Bouyer C, Nguyen E, Kandhari R, Prochazkova-Carlotti M, Chevret E, Forgez P, Ségal-Bendirdjian E. Complex context relationships between DNA methylation and accessibility, histone marks, and hTERT gene expression in acute promyelocytic leukemia cells: perspectives for all-trans retinoic acid in cancer therapy. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:1310-1326. [PMID: 32239597 PMCID: PMC7266276 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase (hTERT) reactivation and sustained expression is a key event in the process of cellular transformation. Therefore, the identification of the mechanisms regulating hTERT expression is of great interest for the development of new anticancer therapies. Although the epigenetic state of hTERT gene promoter is important, we still lack a clear understanding of the mechanisms by which epigenetic changes affect hTERT expression. Retinoids are well-known inducers of granulocytic maturation in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). We have previously shown that retinoids repressed hTERT expression in the absence of maturation leading to growth arrest and cell death. Exploring the mechanisms of this repression, we showed that transcription factor binding was dependent on the epigenetic status of hTERT promoter. In the present study, we used APL cells lines and publicly available datasets from APL patients to further investigate the integrated epigenetic events that promote hTERT promoter transition from its silent to its active state, and inversely. We showed, in APL patients, that the methylation of the distal domain of hTERT core promoter was altered and correlated with the outcome of the disease. Further studies combining complementary approaches carried out on APL cell lines highlighted the significance of a domain outside the minimal promoter, localized around 5 kb upstream from the transcription start site, in activating hTERT. This domain is characterized by DNA hypomethylation and H3K4Me3 deposition. Our findings suggest a cooperative interplay between hTERT promoter methylation, chromatin accessibility, and histone modifications that force the revisiting of previously proposed concepts regarding hTERT epigenetic regulation. They represent, therefore, a major advance in predicting sensitivity to retinoid-induced hTERT repression and, more generally, in the potential development of therapies targeting hTERT expression in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Garsuault
- Team: Cellular Homeostasis, Cancer, and Therapies, INSERM UMR-S 1124, Université de Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Paris Sorbonne Cité, France.,Paris-Sud University, Paris-Saclay University, Orsay, France
| | - Claire Bouyer
- Team: Cellular Homeostasis, Cancer, and Therapies, INSERM UMR-S 1124, Université de Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Paris Sorbonne Cité, France
| | - Eric Nguyen
- Team: Cellular Homeostasis, Cancer, and Therapies, INSERM UMR-S 1124, Université de Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Paris Sorbonne Cité, France
| | - Rohan Kandhari
- Team: Cellular Homeostasis, Cancer, and Therapies, INSERM UMR-S 1124, Université de Paris, France.,Indian Institute of Technology, BHU, Varanasi, India
| | | | - Edith Chevret
- Team Cutaneous Lymphoma Oncogenesis, INSERM U1053, Bordeaux, France
| | - Patricia Forgez
- Team: Cellular Homeostasis, Cancer, and Therapies, INSERM UMR-S 1124, Université de Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Paris Sorbonne Cité, France
| | - Evelyne Ségal-Bendirdjian
- Team: Cellular Homeostasis, Cancer, and Therapies, INSERM UMR-S 1124, Université de Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Paris Sorbonne Cité, France.,BioMedTech Facilities, CNRS UMS2009/INSERM US36, Université de Paris, France
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14
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DNA methylation of the TERT promoter and its impact on human cancer. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 60:17-24. [PMID: 32114294 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Telomere maintenance is a hallmark of human cancer that enables replicative immortality. Most cancer cells acquire telomere maintenance by telomerase activation through expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), a rate-limiting component of the telomerase holoenzyme. Although multiple cancer-specific genetic alterations such as gain of TERT copy number and recurrent TERT promoter mutations (TPM) have been identified, the majority of cancers still express TERT via unknown mechanisms. In the last decade, DNA methylation of the TERT promoter emerged as a putative epigenetic regulatory mechanism of telomerase activation in cancer. Here, we comparatively discuss studies that investigated the DNA methylation landscape of the TERT promoter. We further review the biological and clinical impacts of TERT promoter hypermethylation in cancer and provide insight into future applications of this phenomenon.
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15
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Si M, Zhang J, Cao J, Xie Z, Shu S, Zhu Y, Lang J. Integrated Analysis To Identify Molecular Biomarkers Of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:10057-10075. [PMID: 31819501 PMCID: PMC6877452 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s228678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer-related death worldwide. Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer can significantly improve patient prognosis. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify key diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers specific for ovarian cancer. Because high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most common type of ovarian cancer and accounts for the majority of deaths, we identified potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognosis of HGSOC. Methods Six datasets (GSE14001, GSE18520, GSE26712, GSE27651, GSE40595, and GSE54388) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database for analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HGSOC and normal ovarian surface epithelium samples were screened via integrated analysis. Hub genes were identified by analyzing protein-protein interaction (PPI) network data. The online Kaplan-Meier plotter was utilized to evaluate the prognostic roles of these hub genes. The expression of these hub genes was confirmed with Oncomine datasets and validated by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. Results A total of 103 DEGs in patients with HGSOC-28 upregulated genes and 75 downregulated genes-were successfully screened. Enrichment analyses revealed that the upregulated genes were enriched in cell division and cell proliferation and that the downregulated genes mainly participated in the Wnt signaling pathway and various metabolic processes. Ten hub genes were associated with HGSOC pathogenesis. Seven overexpressed hub genes were partitioned into module 1 of the PPI network, which was enriched in the cell cycle and DNA replication pathways. Survival analysis revealed that MELK, CEP55 and KDR expression levels were significantly correlated with the overall survival of HGSOC patients (P < 0.05). The RNA and protein expression levels of these hub genes were validated experimentally. Conclusion Based on an integrated analysis, we propose the further investigation of MELK, CEP55 and KDR as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manfei Si
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Junji Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianzhong Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhibo Xie
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Shu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yapei Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinghe Lang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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