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Bueloni B, Garcia Fernandez de Barrena M, Avila MA, Bayo J, Mazzolini G. Epigenetic mechanisms involved in hepatocellular carcinoma development and progression. EGASTROENTEROLOGY 2025; 3:e100186. [PMID: 40432834 PMCID: PMC12107448 DOI: 10.1136/egastro-2025-100186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2025] [Accepted: 03/17/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) typically develops in the context of chronic liver disease, where prolonged hepatocyte exposure to inflammation drives the synergistic accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations. Epigenetic regulation encompasses multiple mechanisms that govern the transcription machinery accessibility to DNA. This process is regulated by the addition and removal of covalent marks on chromatin, which can either affect DNA-histone interactions or serve as scaffolds for other proteins, among other mechanisms. Recent research has revealed that epigenetic alterations can disrupt chromatin homeostasis, redirecting transcriptional regulation to favour cancer-promoting states. Consequently, these alterations play a pivotal role in the acquisition of cancer hallmarks and provide insights into several biological processes involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. This review highlights the key epigenetic mechanisms underlying the development, progression and dissemination of HCC, with a particular focus on DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications. This knowledge is relevant for guiding the development of innovative therapeutic approaches based on epigenetic modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bueloni
- Hepatology and Gene Therapy Program, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Pilar, Argentina
- HZ4 Liver Inc./Spectrum, Dover, Delaware, USA
| | - Maite Garcia Fernandez de Barrena
- Solid Tumor Program, Hepatology Laboratory, Applied Medical Research Center (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Matias Antonio Avila
- Solid Tumor Program, Hepatology Laboratory, Applied Medical Research Center (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan Bayo
- Hepatology and Gene Therapy Program, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Pilar, Argentina
- Solid Tumor Program, Hepatology Laboratory, Applied Medical Research Center (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Mazzolini
- Hepatology and Gene Therapy Program, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Pilar, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
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Rahman MO, Das A, Naeem N, Jabeen-E-Tahnim, Hossain MA, Alam MN, Azad AKM, Alyami SA, Alotaibi N, Al-Moisheer AS, Moni MA. An Integrated Framework to Identify Prognostic Biomarkers and Novel Therapeutic Targets in Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Based Disabilities. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:966. [PMID: 39765633 PMCID: PMC11673266 DOI: 10.3390/biology13120966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2024] [Revised: 10/11/2024] [Accepted: 11/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors globally, significantly affecting liver functions, thus necessitating the identification of biomarkers and effective therapeutics to improve HCC-based disabilities. This study aimed to identify prognostic biomarkers, signaling cascades, and candidate drugs for the treatment of HCC through integrated bioinformatics approaches such as functional enrichment analysis, survival analysis, molecular docking, and simulation. Differential expression and functional enrichment analyses revealed 176 common differentially expressed genes from two microarray datasets, GSE29721 and GSE49515, significantly involved in HCC development and progression. Topological analyses revealed 12 hub genes exhibiting elevated expression in patients with higher tumor stages and grades. Survival analyses indicated that 11 hub genes (CCNB1, AURKA, RACGAP1, CEP55, SMC4, RRM2, PRC1, CKAP2, SMC2, UHRF1, and FANCI) and three transcription factors (E2F1, CREB1, and NFYA) are strongly linked to poor patient survival. Finally, molecular docking and simulation identified seven candidate drugs with stable complexes to their target proteins: tozasertib (-9.8 kcal/mol), tamatinib (-9.6 kcal/mol), ilorasertib (-9.5 kcal/mol), hesperidin (-9.5 kcal/mol), PF-562271 (-9.3 kcal/mol), coumestrol (-8.4 kcal/mol), and clofarabine (-7.7 kcal/mol). These findings suggest that the identified hub genes and TFs could serve as valuable prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC-based disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Okibur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Asim Das
- Department of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Nazratun Naeem
- Department of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Jabeen-E-Tahnim
- Department of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Ali Hossain
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Nur Alam
- Department of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - AKM Azad
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 13318, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salem A. Alyami
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 13318, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif Alotaibi
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 13318, Saudi Arabia
| | - A. S. Al-Moisheer
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 13318, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammod Ali Moni
- Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Futures Institute, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia
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3
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Liu D, Du Q, Zhu Y, Guo Y, Guo Y. UHRF1 knockdown induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer cells through the ZBTB16/ANXA7/Cyclin B1 axis. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024; 56:1633-1643. [PMID: 39308302 PMCID: PMC11659777 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2025] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-like containing PHD and RING finger domains 1 (UHRF1) is involved in tumorigenicity through DNA methylation in various cancers, including breast cancer. This study aims to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of UHRF1 in breast cancer progression. Herein, we show that UHRF1 is upregulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines as measured by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Breast cancer cells are transfected with a UHRF1 overexpression plasmid (pcDNA-UHRF1) or short hairpin RNA targeting UHRF1 (sh-UHRF1), followed by detection of cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and cell cycle. UHRF1 overexpression promotes proliferation and invasion and attenuates cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer cells, while UHRF1 knockdown shows the opposite effect. Moreover, methylation-specific PCR and ChIP assays indicate that UHRF1 inhibits zinc finger and BTB domain containing 16 (ZBTB16) expression by promoting ZBTB16 promoter methylation via the recruitment of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). Then, a co-IP assay is used to verify the interaction between ZBTB16 and the annexin A7 (ANXA7) protein. ZBTB16 promotes ANXA7 expression and subsequently inhibits Cyclin B1 expression. Rescue experiments reveal that ZBTB16 knockdown reverses the inhibitory effects of UHRF1 knockdown on breast cancer cell malignancies and that ANXA7 knockdown abolishes the inhibitory effects of ZBTB16 overexpression on breast cancer cell malignancies. Additionally, UHRF1 knockdown significantly inhibits xenograft tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, UHRF1 knockdown inhibits proliferation and invasion, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer cells via the ZBTB16/ANXA7/Cyclin B1 axis, and reduces xenograft tumor growth in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Liu
- The Comprehensive Breast Care Centerthe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’an710004China
| | - Qin Du
- The Comprehensive Breast Care Centerthe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’an710004China
| | - Yuxuan Zhu
- The Comprehensive Breast Care Centerthe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’an710004China
| | - Yize Guo
- The Comprehensive Breast Care Centerthe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’an710004China
| | - Ya Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’an710004China
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Emanet M, Lefevre MC, Ceccarelli MC, Battaglini M, Carmignani A, Schiavone F, Marino A, De Pasquale D, Prato M, De Boni F, Petretto A, Bartolucci M, Catalano F, Moscato S, Ciofani G. Polydopamine Nanoparticle-Based Combined Chemotherapy and Photothermal Therapy for the Treatment of Liver Cancer. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:40695-40713. [PMID: 39058979 PMCID: PMC11310915 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c08491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) are proposed as an anti-cancer tool against hepatocellular carcinoma through the combination of near-infrared (NIR)-mediated hyperthermia and loading with a chemotherapeutic drug, sorafenib (SRF). Cell membranes isolated from a liver cancer cell line (HepG2) have been exploited for the coating of the nanoparticles (thus obtaining CM-SRF-PDA NPs), to promote homotypic targeting toward cancer cells. The selective targeting ability and the combined photothermal and chemotherapeutic activity of the CM-SRF-PDA NPs following NIR irradiation have been evaluated on cell cultures in static and dynamic conditions, besides three-dimensional culture models. Eventually, the therapeutic effectiveness of the proposed approach has also been tested ex ovo on HepG2 spheroid-grafted quail embryos. This comprehensive investigation, supported by proteomic analysis, showed the effectiveness of the proposed nanoplatform and strongly suggests further pre-clinical testing in the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melis Emanet
- Smart
Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Marie Celine Lefevre
- Smart
Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Ceccarelli
- Smart
Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
- The
BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore
Sant’Anna, Viale
Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Matteo Battaglini
- Smart
Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Alessio Carmignani
- Smart
Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Francesco Schiavone
- Smart
Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Attilio Marino
- Smart
Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Daniele De Pasquale
- Smart
Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Mirko Prato
- Materials
Characterization Facility, Istituto Italiano
di Tecnologia, Via Morego
30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco De Boni
- Materials
Characterization Facility, Istituto Italiano
di Tecnologia, Via Morego
30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Petretto
- Core
Facilities—Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Bartolucci
- Core
Facilities—Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Federico Catalano
- Electron
Microscopy Facility, Istituto Italiano di
Tecnologia, Via Morego
30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Stefania Moscato
- Department
of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University
of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Smart
Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
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5
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Kim A, Benavente CA. Oncogenic Roles of UHRF1 in Cancer. EPIGENOMES 2024; 8:26. [PMID: 39051184 PMCID: PMC11270427 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes8030026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domains 1 (UHRF1) is an essential protein involved in the maintenance of repressive epigenetic marks, ensuring epigenetic stability and fidelity. As an epigenetic regulator, UHRF1 comprises several functional domains (UBL, TTD, PHD, SRA, RING) that are collectively responsible for processes like DNA methylation, histone modification, and DNA repair. UHRF1 is a downstream effector of the RB/E2F pathway, which is nearly universally deregulated in cancer. Under physiological conditions, UHRF1 protein levels are cell cycle-dependent and are post-translationally regulated by proteasomal degradation. Conversely, UHRF1 is overexpressed and serves as an oncogenic driver in multiple cancers. This review focuses on the functional domains of UHRF1, highlighting its key interacting proteins and oncogenic roles in solid tumors including retinoblastoma, osteosarcoma, lung cancer, and breast cancer. Additionally, current therapeutic strategies targeting UHRF1 domains or its interactors are explored, providing an insight on potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahhyun Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Claudia A. Benavente
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Huang X, Zhou LZ, Feng WJ, Liu YQ, Chen M, Tang LY, Gan ZY, Zhang P. Circ ubiquitin-like-containing plant homeodomain and RING finger domains protein 1 increases the stability of G9a and ubiquitin-like-containing plant homeodomain and RING finger domains protein 1 messenger RNA through recruiting eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3, transcriptionally inhibiting PDZ and homeobox protein domain protein 1, and promotes the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 39:596-607. [PMID: 38059880 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Circular ubiquitin-like, containing PHD and ring finger domains 1 (circUHRF1) is aberrantly upregulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain obscure. The present study aimed at elucidating the interactive function of circUHRF1-G9a-ubiquitin-like, containing PHD and ring finger domains 1 (UHRF1) mRNA-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3 (EIF4A3)-PDZ and LIM domain 1 (PDLIM1) network in HCC. METHODS Expression of circUHRF1, mRNAs of G9a, UHRF1, PDLIM1, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins, and Hippo-Yap pathway components was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR), immunofluorescence, or Western blot analysis. Tumorigenic and metastatic capacities of HCC cells were examined by cellular assays including Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays. Molecular interactions between EIF4A3 and UHRF1 mRNA were detected by RNA pull-down experiment. Complex formation between UHRF1 and PDLIM1 promoter was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to examine the binding between UHRF1 and G9a. RESULTS Circular ubiquitin-like, containing PHD and ring finger domains 1, G9a, and UHRF1 were upregulated, while PDLIM1 was downregulated in HCC tissue samples and cell lines. Cellular silencing of circUHRF1 repressed HCC proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT. G9a formed a complex with UHRF1 and inhibited PDLIM1 transcription. CONCLUSION Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3 regulated circUHRF1 expression by binding to UHRF1 mRNA promoter. circUHRF1 increased the stability of G9a and UHRF1 mRNAs through recruiting EIF4A3. Overexpression of circUHRF1 aggravated HCC progression through Hippo-Yap pathway and PDLIM1 inhibition. By elucidating the molecular function of circUHRF1-G9a-UHRF1 mRNA-EIF4A3-PDLIM1 network, our data shed light on the HCC pathogenesis and suggest a novel therapeutic strategy for future HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li-Zhi Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wan-Jiang Feng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yu-Qing Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mi Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lan-Yan Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ze-Ying Gan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Pan Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Ashraf W, Ahmad T, Reynoird N, Hamiche A, Mély Y, Bronner C, Mousli M. Natural and Synthetic Anticancer Epidrugs Targeting the Epigenetic Integrator UHRF1. Molecules 2023; 28:5997. [PMID: 37630248 PMCID: PMC10459542 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28165997] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and its incidence and mortality are increasing each year. Improved therapeutic strategies against cancer have progressed, but remain insufficient to invert this trend. Along with several other risk factors, abnormal genetic and epigenetic regulations play a critical role in the initiation of cellular transformation, as well as tumorigenesis. The epigenetic regulator UHRF1 (ubiquitin-like, containing PHD and RING finger domains 1) is a multidomain protein with oncogenic abilities overexpressed in most cancers. Through the coordination of its multiple domains and other epigenetic key players, UHRF1 regulates DNA methylation and histone modifications. This well-coordinated dialogue leads to the silencing of tumor-suppressor genes (TSGs) and facilitates tumor cells' resistance toward anticancer drugs, ultimately promoting apoptosis escape and uncontrolled proliferation. Several studies have shown that the downregulation of UHRF1 with natural compounds in tumor cells induces the reactivation of various TSGs, inhibits cell growth, and promotes apoptosis. In this review, we discuss the underlying mechanisms and the potential of various natural and synthetic compounds that can inhibit/minimize UHRF1's oncogenic activities and/or its expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ashraf
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
| | - Tanveer Ahmad
- Institut Pour L’avancée des Biosciences, Centre de Recherche UGA, INSERM U1209, CNRS 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38058 Grenoble, France; (T.A.); (N.R.)
| | - Nicolas Reynoird
- Institut Pour L’avancée des Biosciences, Centre de Recherche UGA, INSERM U1209, CNRS 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38058 Grenoble, France; (T.A.); (N.R.)
| | - Ali Hamiche
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U1258, CNRS UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 67401 Illkirch, France;
| | - Yves Mély
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France;
| | - Christian Bronner
- Department of Functional Genomics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U1258, CNRS UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 67401 Illkirch, France;
| | - Marc Mousli
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France;
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Fang T, Jiao Z, You Y, Cao J, Wang C, Liu J, Zhao W. Lenvatinib inhibited HCC cell migration and invasion through regulating the transcription and ubiquitination of UHRF1 and DNMT1. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 210:115489. [PMID: 36893815 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of malignancy-related deaths. Lenvatinib, as a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has gained increasing attention for its antitumor activity. However, the effect and mechanisms of Lenvatinib on HCC metastasis are virtually unknown. In this study, we revealed that Lenvatinib inhibited HCC cell motility and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), along with cell adhesion and extension. Concomitant high DNMT1 and UHRF1 mRNA levels were in HCC patients and indicated worse prognosis. On the one hand, Lenvatinib modulated the transcription of UHRF1 and DNMT1via negatively regulation of ERK/MAPK pathway. On the other hand, Lenvatinib downregulated DNMT1 and UHRF1 expression by promoting their protein degradation through ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, consequently, resulting in upregulation of E-Cadherin. Moreover, Lenvatinib attenuated Huh7 cell adhesion and metastasis in vivo. Our findings provided insight into the intriguing molecular mechanisms regarding the anti-metastasis effect of Lenvatinib in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Fang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Translational Medical of Digestive System Tumor, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, PR China
| | - Zhen Jiao
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Translational Medical of Digestive System Tumor, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, PR China
| | - Yuting You
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Translational Medical of Digestive System Tumor, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, PR China
| | - Jiahao Cao
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Translational Medical of Digestive System Tumor, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, PR China
| | - Chuanzheng Wang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Translational Medical of Digestive System Tumor, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, PR China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Intestinal Microbiome and Human Health, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, PR China.
| | - Wenxiu Zhao
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Translational Medical of Digestive System Tumor, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, PR China.
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9
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Li S, Chen Z, Zhou R, Wang S, Wang W, Liu D, Li M, Guo T. Hsa_circ_0048674 facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma progression and natural killer cell exhaustion depending on the regulation of miR-223-3p/PDL1. Histol Histopathol 2022; 37:1185-1199. [PMID: 35187630 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play vital regulatory roles in human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we aimed to explore the functions of hsa_circ_0048674 in HCC development. METHODS Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was used to detect hsa_circ_0048674, ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domains 1 (UHRF1), microRNA-223-3p (miR-223-3p) and programmed death ligand 1 (PDL1). RNase R assay and Actinomycin D assay were employed to analyze the stability of hsa_circ_0048674. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay and 5-ethynyl-2'- deoxyuridine (EdU) assay were conducted to assess cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis, transwell assay and tube formation assay were carried out for cell apoptosis, migration, invasion and angiogenesis, respectively. Western blot assay was adopted for protein levels. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were used to analyze the relationship between miR-223-3p and hsa_circ_0048674 or PDL1. Murine xenograft model assay was conducted for the function of hsa_circ_0048674 in vivo. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay was used to detect Ki-67 level in tumor tissues. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were employed for the concentrations of inflammatory factors. RESULTS Hsa_circ_0048674 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cells. Silencing of hsa_circ_0048674 repressed cell growth, migration, invasion and angiogenesis and promoted apoptosis in HCC cells in vitro and hampered tumor growth in vivo. Hsa_circ_0048674 served as an miR-223-3p sponge to alter PDL1 expression. MiR-223-3p inhibition or PDL1 overexpression restored the impacts of hsa_circ_0048674 silencing on HCC malignant behaviors. In addition, hsa_circ_0048674 knockdown promoted natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity to HCC cells. CONCLUSION Hsa_circ_0048674 knockdown decelerated HCC progression through the mediation of the miR-223-3p/PDL1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suihui Li
- Tumor Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhuangzhong Chen
- Tumor Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruisheng Zhou
- Institute of Tumor, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Sisi Wang
- Tumor Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenping Wang
- Tumor Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - De Liu
- Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengquan Li
- Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tiansheng Guo
- Department of Oncology, Panyu Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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10
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Comprehensive Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals the Role of UHRF1-Mediated DNA Methylation and Immune Infiltration in Renal Cell Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:3842547. [PMID: 35656341 PMCID: PMC9152404 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3842547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-like PHD and ring finger domain protein 1 (UHRF1) are members of the multifunctional UHRF family, which can participate in DNA methylation change and histone posttranslational change through particular domains and participate in the event and development of tumors. The purpose of this study was to decide the molecular traits and potential medicine-based importance of UHRF1 that helped settle methylated immune infiltration in generalized cancer by carefully studying the relationship between UHRF1 expression and a variety of tumors and to further check for truth the functional role of UHRF1 in kidney-related cancer. A comprehensive analysis of UHRF1 in 33 cancers was performed based on TCGA database. This research involves analysis of mRNA expression profiles, prognostic value, immune infiltration, immune neoantigens, TMB, microsatellite instability, DNA methylation, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Both immune infiltration and DNA methylation were used to evaluate the importance and method of UHRF1 in renal cancer. The results showed that tumor tissue had higher expression level of UHRF1 than usual tissue. The high expression level of UHRF1 is related to the survival rate of renal cancer. UHRF1 expression was associated with tumor mutation load and microsatellite instability in different cancer types, and enrichment analysis identified terminology and pathways associated with UHRF1. This study showed that UHRF1 plays an important role in the group of objects and development of 33 tumors. UHRF1 may serve as a biomarker of immune infiltration and poor outlook of cancer.
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11
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Liu C, Hao D, Ai M, Zhang Y, Li J, Xu C. The long non-coding RNA UPAT promotes gastric cancer cell progression via UHRF1. Genes Genomics 2022; 44:1283-1300. [PMID: 35294719 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01235-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND LncRNA ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domains 1 (UHRF1) protein associated transcript (UPAT) regulates the progression of many cancers. However, its role in gastric cancer (GC) is less frequently reported. OBJECTIVE In the context of the promoting effect of lncRNA on modulating GC progression, detailed insights into the role and underlying mechanism of UPAT in GC are the foothold in this study. METHODS Overall survival was calculated. The mRNA expressions of UPAT and UHRF1 were measured by qRT-PCR, and the protein expressions of UHRF1, Cyclin D1 and cleaved caspase-3 were determined by western blot. Cell viability, growth, migration and invasion were assessed by CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Apoptosis rate and cell cycle were assayed by flow cytometry. RESULTS UPAT was overexpressed in GC tissue and cell lines. Decreased UPAT level was associated with higher overall survival. Down-regulation of UPAT diminished cell proliferation, Cyclin D1 expression, and migration and invasion rates, increased apoptosis rate and cleaved caspase-3 expression, and blocked cell cycle in AGS and NCI-N87 cells. UPAT expression in GC was positively correlated with UHRF1 expression. UHRF1 overexpression offset the inhibitory effects of UPAT down-regulation on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and cell cycle, and partially reversed the positive effect of UPAT down-regulation on apoptosis. CONCLUSION UPAT might positively regulate the progression of GC via interacting with UHRF1. The UHRF1/UPAT axis revealed in the present study may provide a promising approach to intervene in the progression of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, No. 8, Hangkong Road, Shashi District, Jingzhou City, 434000, Hubei, China
| | - De Hao
- Blood Purification Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou City, 434000, Hubei, China
| | - Minghua Ai
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, No. 8, Hangkong Road, Shashi District, Jingzhou City, 434000, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, No. 8, Hangkong Road, Shashi District, Jingzhou City, 434000, Hubei, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, No. 8, Hangkong Road, Shashi District, Jingzhou City, 434000, Hubei, China
| | - Chao Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, No. 8, Hangkong Road, Shashi District, Jingzhou City, 434000, Hubei, China.
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12
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Kori S, Shibahashi Y, Ekimoto T, Nishiyama A, Yoshimi S, Yamaguchi K, Nagatoishi S, Ohta M, Tsumoto K, Nakanishi M, Defossez PA, Ikeguchi M, Arita K. Structure-based screening combined with computational and biochemical analyses identified the inhibitor targeting the binding of DNA Ligase 1 to UHRF1. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 52:116500. [PMID: 34801826 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of epigenetic alterations is one of the major causes of tumorigenesis. Aberrant DNA methylation patterns cause genome instability and silencing of tumor suppressor genes in various types of tumors. Therefore, drugs that target DNA methylation-regulating factors have great potential for cancer therapy. Ubiquitin-like containing PHD and RING finger domain 1 (UHRF1) is an essential factor for DNA methylation maintenance. UHRF1 is overexpressed in various cancer cells and down-regulation of UHRF1 in these cells reactivates the expression of tumor suppressor genes, thus UHRF1 is a promising target for cancer therapy. We have previously shown that interaction between the tandem Tudor domain (TTD) of UHRF1 and DNA ligase 1 (LIG1) di/trimethylated on Lys126 plays a key role in the recruitment of UHRF1 to replication sites and replication-coupled DNA methylation maintenance. An arginine binding cavity (Arg-binding cavity) of the TTD is essential for LIG1 interaction, thus the development of inhibitors that target the Arg-binding cavity could potentially repress UHRF1 function in cancer cells. To develop such an inhibitor, we performed in silico screening using not only static but also dynamic metrics based on all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, resulting in efficient identification of 5-amino-2,4-dimethylpyridine (5A-DMP) as a novel TTD-binding compound. Crystal structure of the TTD in complex with 5A-DMP revealed that the compound stably bound to the Arg-binding cavity of the TTD. Furthermore, 5A-DMP inhibits the full-length UHRF1:LIG1 interaction in Xenopus egg extracts. Our study uncovers a UHRF1 inhibitor which can be the basis of future experiments for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Kori
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Yuki Shibahashi
- Computational Life Science Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Toru Ekimoto
- Computational Life Science Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Atsuya Nishiyama
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Sae Yoshimi
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kosuke Yamaguchi
- Univ. Paris, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, UMR 7216 CNRS, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Satoru Nagatoishi
- Institute of Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Masateru Ohta
- HPC- and AI-driven Drug Development Platform Division, Center for Computational Science, RIKEN, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- Institute of Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan; Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Makoto Nakanishi
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | | | - Mitsunori Ikeguchi
- Computational Life Science Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; HPC- and AI-driven Drug Development Platform Division, Center for Computational Science, RIKEN, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kyohei Arita
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan.
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13
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Hahm JY, Park JW, Kang JY, Park J, Kim CH, Kim JY, Ha NC, Kim JW, Seo SB. Acetylation of UHRF1 Regulates Hemi-methylated DNA Binding and Maintenance of Genome-wide DNA Methylation. Cell Rep 2021; 32:107958. [PMID: 32726623 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
UHRF1 is a key regulator in DNA methylation maintenance. It binds histone H3K9me2/3 and hemi-methylated DNA and recruits DNMT1 to DNA replication forks during S phase. However, the regulatory mechanism of hemi-methylated DNA binding activity of UHRF1 remains unknown. In this study, we reveal that acetylation of UHRF1 is regulated by PCAF and HDAC1. We show that UHRF1 acetylation at K490 attenuates its binding affinity to hemi-methylated DNA. We analyze genome-wide DNA methylation and gene-expression patterns using stable cell lines and discover that cells where the endogenous UHRF1 is replaced with an acetyl-mimetic (UHRF1 K490Q) mutant show deficiencies in inherited DNA methylation and show different gene-expression patterns in genes related to cell survival. These results reveal that precise regulation of UHRF1 acetylation is required to maintain DNA methylation during cell division and control cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ja Young Hahm
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woo Park
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Young Kang
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Junyoung Park
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Hong Kim
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Young Kim
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Chul Ha
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Woong Kim
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Beom Seo
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Abdullah O, Omran Z, Hosawi S, Hamiche A, Bronner C, Alhosin M. Thymoquinone Is a Multitarget Single Epidrug That Inhibits the UHRF1 Protein Complex. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050622. [PMID: 33922029 PMCID: PMC8143546 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Silencing of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) through epigenetic mechanisms, mainly via abnormal promoter DNA methylation, is considered a main mechanism of tumorigenesis. The abnormal DNA methylation profiles are transmitted from the cancer mother cell to the daughter cells through the involvement of a macromolecular complex in which the ubiquitin-like containing plant homeodomain (PHD), and an interesting new gene (RING) finger domains 1 (UHRF1), play the role of conductor. Indeed, UHRF1 interacts with epigenetic writers, such as DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), histone methyltransferase G9a, erasers like histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), and functions as a hub protein. Thus, targeting UHRF1 and/or its partners is a promising strategy for epigenetic cancer therapy. The natural compound thymoquinone (TQ) exhibits anticancer activities by targeting several cellular signaling pathways, including those involving UHRF1. In this review, we highlight TQ as a potential multitarget single epidrug that functions by targeting the UHRF1/DNMT1/HDAC1/G9a complex. We also speculate on the possibility that TQ might specifically target UHRF1, with subsequent regulatory effects on other partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omeima Abdullah
- College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (O.A.); (Z.O.)
| | - Ziad Omran
- College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (O.A.); (Z.O.)
| | - Salman Hosawi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ali Hamiche
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS UMR7104, INSERM U964, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France; (A.H.); (C.B.)
| | - Christian Bronner
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS UMR7104, INSERM U964, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France; (A.H.); (C.B.)
| | - Mahmoud Alhosin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-597-959-354
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15
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Li Q, Chu Z, Geng S. UHRF1 Knockdown Attenuates Cell Growth, Migration, and Invasion in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Invest 2020; 39:84-97. [PMID: 33058714 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2020.1837152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin like with PHD and ring finger domains 1 (UHRF1) contributes to the progression of many cancers. Here, we firstly observed UHRF1 was elevated in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and related to the differentiation stages. Knockdown of UHRF1 in A431 and Scl-1 attenuated cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, leading to G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Through a mouse xenograft model, we found UHRF1 deficiency ameliorated tumor growth. These results may be associated with destruction of multiple signal pathways. In summary, our results suggest UHRF1 is involved in the pathogenesis of cSCC and may be a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyan Li
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhaowei Chu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Songmei Geng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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16
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Hu B, Xian Z, Zou Q, Zhang D, Su D, Yao J, Ren D. CircFAT1 Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Development Through Regulating miR-520b/ UHRF1 Axis or miR-302c-3p/ UHRF1 Axis. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2020; 36:45-57. [PMID: 32379550 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2019.3291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: It was reported that circular RNAs (circRNAs) exerted important functions in various human cancers. However, the function of circFAT1 was less known. The purpose of this study was to reveal the functional mechanism of circFAT1 in colorectal cancer (CRC). Materials and Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay were used to detect the levels of genes. Cell proliferation ability was assessed by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazoyl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Flow cytometry was used to investigate cell apoptosis rate. The glucose consumption and lactate production were determined using related kits. Furthermore, the interaction between circFAT1 or ubiquitin-like PHD and RING finger domain-containing protein 1 (UHRF1) and miR-520b or miR-302c-3p was predicted by starbase3.0, and then confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Besides, xenograft experiment was performed to analyze the effect of circFAT1 on tumor growth in vivo. Results: The levels of circFAT1 and UHRF1 were increased, as well as the levels of miR-520b and miR-302c-3p were decreased in CRC tissues and cells. CircFAT1 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, cycle, and glycolysis as well as induced apoptosis. Interestingly, circFAT1 was a sponge of miR-520b and miR-302c-3p, and miR-520b and miR-302c-3p could target UHRF1. Both miR-520b overexpression and miR-302c-3p overexpression inhibited CRC cell growth. Furthermore, both miR-520b knockdown and miR-302c-3p depletion weakened the effect of circFAT1 knockdown on the growth of CRC cells. Besides, circFAT1 depletion repressed tumor growth in vivo. Conclusion: The authors' findings suggested that circFAT1 upregulated UHRF1 to affect CRC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and glycolysis through targeting miR-520b and miR-302c-3p, providing theoretical basis for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bang Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenyu Xian
- Graceland Medical Center, and The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Su
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayin Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Donglin Ren
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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17
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A disparate role of RP11-424C20.2/UHRF1 axis through control of tumor immune escape in liver hepatocellular carcinoma and thymoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:6422-6439. [PMID: 31442209 PMCID: PMC6738438 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The immune system is critical in modulating cancer progression. Pseudogenes are a special type of long non-coding RNAs that regulate different tumorigenic processes. However, the potential roles of pseudogenes in tumor-immune interaction remain largely unclear. Here, we reported that pseudogene RP11-424C20.2 and its parental gene UHRF1 were frequently up-regulated and positively correlated in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) and thymoma (THYM), but associated with distinct clinical outcomes. We further found that RP11-424C20.2 may act as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to increase UHRF1 expression through sponging miR-378a-3p. Functional enrichment analysis showed a strong association of UHRF1 with immune-related biological processes. We also observed that UHRF1 expression significantly correlated with immune infiltration, and different types of tumor-infiltrating immune cells displayed different impacts on clinical outcomes. Furthermore, UHRF1 expression in LIHC and THYM showed an opposite correlation with biomarkers from monocyte, dendritic cell, Th1 and T cell exhaustion. Mechanism investigations revealed that RP11-424C20.2/UHRF1 axis regulated immune escape of LIHC and THYM at least partly through IFN-γ-mediated CLTA-4 and PD-L1 pathway. These findings demonstrate a disparate role of RP11-424C20.2/UHRF1 axis in LIHC and THYM via regulating immune infiltrates, and also indicate a therapeutic value for UHRF1 inhibitors in combination with anti-PD-L1/CLTA-4 blockade.
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18
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Rivas MP, Aguiar TFM, Fernandes GR, Caires-Júnior LC, Goulart E, Telles-Silva KA, Cypriano M, de Toledo SRC, Rosenberg C, Carraro DM, da Costa CML, da Cunha IW, Krepischi ACV. TET Upregulation Leads to 5-Hydroxymethylation Enrichment in Hepatoblastoma. Front Genet 2019; 10:553. [PMID: 31249594 PMCID: PMC6582250 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00553] [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: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma is an embryonal liver tumor carrying few genetic alterations. We previously disclosed in hepatoblastomas a genome-wide methylation dysfunction, characterized by hypermethylation at specific CpG islands, in addition to a low-level hypomethylation pattern in non-repetitive intergenic sequences, in comparison to non-tumoral liver tissues, shedding light into a crucial role for epigenetic dysregulation in this type of cancer. To explore the underlying mechanisms possibly related to aberrant epigenetic modifications, we evaluated the expression profile of a set of genes engaged in the epigenetic machinery related to DNA methylation (DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, DNMT3L, UHRF1, TET1, TET2, and TET3), as well as the 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) global level. We observed in hepatoblastomas a general disrupted expression of these genes from the epigenetic machinery, mainly UHRF1, TET1, and TET2 upregulation, in association with an enrichment of 5hmC content. Our findings support a model of active demethylation by TETs in hepatoblastoma, probably during early stages of liver development, which in combination with UHRF1 overexpression would lead to DNA hypomethylation and an increase in overall 5hmC content. Furthermore, our data suggest that decreased 5hmC content might be associated with poor survival rate, highlighting a pivotal role of epigenetics in hepatoblastoma development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Prates Rivas
- Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Talita Ferreira Marques Aguiar
- Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,International Center of Research, A. C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Carlos Caires-Júnior
- Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ernesto Goulart
- Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kayque Alves Telles-Silva
- Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Monica Cypriano
- Department of Pediatrics, Support Group for Children and Adolescents With Cancer (GRAACC), Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia Regina Caminada de Toledo
- Department of Pediatrics, Support Group for Children and Adolescents With Cancer (GRAACC), Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla Rosenberg
- Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dirce Maria Carraro
- International Center of Research, A. C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ana Cristina Victorino Krepischi
- Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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19
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Mahmood N, Rabbani SA. DNA Methylation Readers and Cancer: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Applications. Front Oncol 2019; 9:489. [PMID: 31245293 PMCID: PMC6579900 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a major epigenetic process that regulates chromatin structure which causes transcriptional activation or repression of genes in a context-dependent manner. In general, DNA methylation takes place when methyl groups are added to the appropriate bases on the genome by the action of "writer" molecules known as DNA methyltransferases. How these methylation marks are read and interpreted into different functionalities represents one of the main mechanisms through which the genes are switched "ON" or "OFF" and typically involves different types of "reader" proteins that can recognize and bind to the methylated regions. A tightly balanced regulation exists between the "writers" and "readers" in order to mediate normal cellular functions. However, alterations in normal methylation pattern is a typical hallmark of cancer which alters the way methylation marks are written, read and interpreted in different disease states. This unique characteristic of DNA methylation "readers" has identified them as attractive therapeutic targets. In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge on the different classes of DNA methylation "readers" identified thus far along with their normal biological functions, describe how they are dysregulated in cancer, and discuss the various anti-cancer therapies that are currently being developed and evaluated for targeting these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niaz Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Shafaat A Rabbani
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
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20
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Wu YJ, Ko BS, Liang SM, Lu YJ, Jan YJ, Jiang SS, Shyue SK, Chen L, Liou JY. ZNF479 downregulates metallothionein-1 expression by regulating ASH2L and DNMT1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:408. [PMID: 31138789 PMCID: PMC6538656 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1651-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Decreased expression of metallothionein-1 (MT-1) is associated with a poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we found that MT-1 expression was suppressed by 14-3-3ε, and MT-1 overexpression abolished 14-3-3ε-induced cell proliferation and tumor growth. We identified that 14-3-3ε induced expression of ZNF479, a novel potential transcriptional regulator by gene expression profiling and ZNF479 contributed to 14-3-3ε-suppressed MT-1 expression. ZNF479 induced the expression of DNMT1, UHRF1, and mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) complex proteins (ASH2L and Menin), and increased tri-methylated histone H3 (H3K4me3) levels, but suppressed H3K4 (H3K4me2) di-methylation. ZNF479-suppressed MT-1 expression was restored by silencing of ASH2L and DNMT1. Furthermore, ZNF479 expression was higher in HCC tissues than that in the non-cancerous tissues. Expression analyses revealed a positive correlation between the expression of ZNF479 and DNMT1, UHRF1, ASH2L, and Menin, and an inverse correlation with that of ZNF479, ASH2L, Menin, and MT-1 isoforms. Moreover, correlations between the expression of ZNF479 and its downstream factors were more pronounced in HCC patients with hepatitis B. Here, we found that ZNF479 regulates MT-1 expression by modulating ASH2L in HCC. Approaches that target ZNF479/MLL complex/MT-1 or related epigenetic regulatory factors are potential therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ju Wu
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, 350, Zhunan, Taiwan.,Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, 300, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Sheng Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, 100, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Man Liang
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, 350, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jhu Lu
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, 350, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Yee-Jee Jan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, 407, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Sheng Jiang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 350, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Song-Kun Shyue
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, 115, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Linyi Chen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, 300, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Yang Liou
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, 350, Zhunan, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, 404, Taichung, Taiwan.
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21
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UHRF1 promotes renal cell carcinoma progression through epigenetic regulation of TXNIP. Oncogene 2019; 38:5686-5699. [PMID: 31043707 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0822-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
UHRF1 is an important epigenetic regulator that belongs to the UHRF family. Overexpression of UHRF1 has been found in many kinds of tumors and its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and short survival in certain cancer types. However, its function in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not clear. Here we report that RCC tumor tissues had obviously higher UHRF1 expression than normal renal tissues. Downregulation of UHRF1 by siRNA or shRNA in RCC cell lines resulted in decreased cell viability, inhibited cell migration and invasion, and increased apoptosis. UHRF1 knockdown RCC xenografts also resulted in obviously inhibited tumor growth in vivo. After downregulation of UHRF1 in RCC cells, the expression of TXNIP was upregulated. In addition, after UHRF1 and TXNIP were simultaneously downregulated, cell viability and cell invasion increased, whereas cell apoptosis decreased compared with UHRF1 single downregulated cells. We also showed that UHRF1 could recruit HDAC1 to the TXNIP promoter and mediate the deacetylation of histone H3K9, resulting in the inhibition of TXNIP expression. Our results confirm that UHRF1 has oncogenic function in RCC and UHRF1 may promote tumor progression through epigenetic regulation of TXNIP. UHRF1 might be used as a therapeutic target for RCC treatment.
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22
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Overexpression of UHRF1 promoted the proliferation of vascular smooth cells via the regulation of Geminin protein levels. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20181341. [PMID: 30710064 PMCID: PMC6390124 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20181341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Geminin is an inhibitor of DNA replication licensing and cell cycle. Our previous study demonstrates that Geminin plays an important role in regulating phenotypic diversity and growth of vascular smooth cells (VSMCs). Ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING Finger domains 1 (UHRF1) is an epigenetic coordinator, whose RING domain confers intrinsic E3 ligase activity, mediating the ubiquitination of several proteins and the protein-protein interaction. Aberrant expression of UHRF1 was related to aggressiveness of multiple human malignancies, where knockdown of UHRF1 led to decreased proliferation of cancer cells. However, it is unclear whether proper UHRF1 function is involved in aberrant proliferation and phenotypic switching of VSMCs via altering Geminin protein levels. In present study, in UHRF1-overexpressing A10 cells, 3H-thymidine and 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine (EdU) and CCK8 were used to examine the proliferation of VSMCs. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to investigate whether UHRF1-mediated effects were achieved by altering Geminin expression in VSMCs. RNA-seq analysis was performed to dissect related mechanisms or signaling pathways of these effects. The results of in vitro experiments suggested that UHRF1 prompted proliferation and cell cycle of VSMCs via the down-regulation of Geminin protein levels with no change in Geminin mRNA expression. Besides, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was increased upon UHRF1 up-regulation. Our study demonstrated that overexpressing UHRF1 was involved in VSMCs proliferation through reducing inhibitory Geminin protein levels to promote cell cycle as well as activating PI3K-Akt signaling. This may provide key knowledge for the development of better strategies to prevent diseases related to VSMCs abnormal proliferation.
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23
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Ou H, Huang Y, Xiang L, Chen Z, Fang Y, Lin Y, Cui Z, Yu S, Li X, Yang D. Circulating Tumor Cell Phenotype Indicates Poor Survival and Recurrence After Surgery for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Dig Dis Sci 2018; 63:2373-2380. [PMID: 29926241 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-018-5124-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating tumors cells (CTCs) may be a promising prognostic marker for patients with malignant tumors. However, there are few reports regarding its value for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. AIMS To investigate CTCs with epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes as a potential prognostic biomarker for HCC patients. METHODS Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 165 HCC patients before radical surgery. CTCs were isolated via the CanPatrol CTC enrichment technique and classified using epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. The relationship of CTC phenotype with clinicopathological factors and HCC recurrence in patients was analyzed. RESULTS CTC-positive status (count ≥ 2/5 mL) was found in 70.9% of the 165 HCC patients. Increased CTC number was more common in patients with higher AFP levels, multiple tumors, advanced TNM and BCLC staging, and presence of embolus or microembolus (P < 0.05). CTCs heterogeneity was noted using EMT markers. Mesenchymal CTCs were significantly correlated with high AFP levels, multiple tumors, advanced TNM and BCLC stage, presence of embolus or microembolus, and earlier recurrence (P < 0.05). The presence of mesenchymal CTCs predicted the shortest relapse-free survival, followed by mixed phenotypic CTCs, and then epithelial CTCs (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION CTC phenotype may serve as a prognostic indicator for HCC patients. CTCs assessment should include phenotypic identification tailored to characterize cells based on epithelial and mesenchymal markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huohui Ou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Leyang Xiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhanjun Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yinghao Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yixiong Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhonglin Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Sheng Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xianghong Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Dinghua Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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24
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Patnaik D, Estève PO, Pradhan S. Targeting the SET and RING-associated (SRA) domain of ubiquitin-like, PHD and ring finger-containing 1 (UHRF1) for anti-cancer drug development. Oncotarget 2018; 9:26243-26258. [PMID: 29899856 PMCID: PMC5995235 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-like containing PHD Ring Finger 1 (UHRF1) is a multi-domain protein with a methyl-DNA binding SRA (SET and RING-associated) domain, required for maintenance DNA methylation mediated by DNMT1. Primarily expressed in proliferating cells, UHRF1 is a cell-cycle regulated protein that is required for S phase entry. Furthermore, UHRF1 participates in transcriptional gene regulation by connecting DNA methylation to histone modifications. Upregulation of UHRF1 may serve as a biomarker for a variety of cancers; including breast, gastric, prostate, lung and colorectal carcinoma. To this end, overexpression of UHRF1 promotes cancer metastasis by triggering aberrant patterns of DNA methylation, and subsequently, silencing tumor suppressor genes. Various small molecule effectors of UHRF1 have been reported in the literature, although the mechanism of action may not be fully characterized. Small molecules that potentially bind to the SRA domain may affect the ability of UHRF1 to bind hemimethylated DNA; thereby reducing aberrant DNA methylation. Therefore, in a subset of cancers, small molecule UHRF1 inhibitors may restore normal gene expression and serve as useful anti-cancer therapeutics.
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25
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Wei C, Lu N, Wang L, Zhang Y, Feng Z, Yang Y, Qi F, Gu J. Upregulation of UHRF1 promotes the progression of melanoma by inducing cell proliferation. Oncol Rep 2018; 39:2553-2562. [PMID: 29620240 PMCID: PMC5983928 DOI: 10.3892/or.2018.6356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive cutaneous cancer due to its propensity to metastasise and proliferate. Melanoma accounts for 80–90% of skin-cancer related deaths worldwide. Alhough numerous published studies have attempted to define the markers of diagnosis and prognosis of melanoma, a sensitive and specific biomarker for melanoma remains unknown. Recently, ubiquitin-like with PHD and ring finger domains 1 (UHRF1) has attracted attention due to its role in cell proliferation and it has been deemed as a potential therapeutic target for cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role and the clinical significance of UHRF1 in melanoma. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed with tissue microarray (TMA) to examine the expression of UHRF1 and Ki-67, and the role of UHRF1 in cell proliferation was determined through CCK-8, colony formation and flow cytometry by interfering with the expression of UHRF1. Subsequently, the relationship among the expression of UHRF1 and several major clinical characteristics of melanoma were analysed to evaluate the role of UHRF1 in the progression of melanoma. Finally, the clinical significance of UHRF1 was estimated in 56 melanoma patients. It was observed that the expression of UHRF1 was significantly upregulated in melanoma compared with benign nevi tissues (P<0.05). In addition, the downregulation of the expression of UHRF1 significantly decreased cell proliferation. Furthermore, the level of UHRF1 was positively correlated with the expression of Ki-67 in melanoma cells, as well as in melanoma tissues. Clinically, a high level of UHRF1 was prone to be related to a high TNM classification (P=0.017) and Breslow's thickness (P=0.034) of melanoma. Furthermore, a high level of UHRF1 was positively associated with a shorter overall survival of melanoma patients. Importantly, the Cox regression model analysis demonstrated that the expression of UHRF1 was an independent prognostic factor for the overall survival of melanoma patients. In conclusion, the elevated expression of UHRF1 plays an important role in melanoma cell proliferation and progression, and it can be used as a prognostic biomarker for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanyuan Wei
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Nanhang Lu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Zihao Feng
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yanwen Yang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Fazhi Qi
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Jianying Gu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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26
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Beck A, Trippel F, Wagner A, Joppien S, Felle M, Vokuhl C, Schwarzmayr T, Strom TM, von Schweinitz D, Längst G, Kappler R. Overexpression of UHRF1 promotes silencing of tumor suppressor genes and predicts outcome in hepatoblastoma. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:27. [PMID: 29507645 PMCID: PMC5833129 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0462-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common liver tumor of childhood and occurs predominantly within the first 3 years of life. In accordance to its early manifestation, HB has been described to display an extremely low mutation rate. As substitute, epigenetic modifiers seem to play an exceptional role in its tumorigenesis, which holds promise to develop targeted therapies and establish biomarkers for patient risk stratification. Results We examined the role of a newly described protein complex consisting of three epigenetic regulators, namely E3 ubiquitin-like containing PHD and RING finger domain 1 (UHRF1), ubiquitin-specific-processing protease 7 (USP7), and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), in HB. We found the complex to be located on the promoter regions of the pivotal HB-associated tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) HHIP, IGFBP3, and SFRP1 in HB cells, thereby leading to strong repression through DNA methylation and histone modifications. Consequently, knockdown of UHRF1 led to DNA demethylation and loss of the repressive H3K9me2 histone mark at the TSG loci with their subsequent transcriptional reactivation. The observed growth impairment of HB cells upon UHRF1 knockdown could be attributed to reduced expression of genes involved in cell cycle progression, negative regulation of cell death, LIN28B signaling, and the adverse 16-gene signature, as revealed by global RNA sequencing. Clinically, overexpression of UHRF1 in primary tumor tissues was significantly associated with poor survival and the prognostic high-risk 16-gene signature. Conclusion These findings suggest that UHRF1 is critical for aberrant TSG silencing and sustained growth signaling in HB and that UHRF1 overexpression levels might serve as a prognostic biomarker and potential molecular target for HB patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-018-0462-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Beck
- 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Franziska Trippel
- 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra Wagner
- 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Saskia Joppien
- 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Max Felle
- 2Department of Biochemistry III, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christian Vokuhl
- 3Institute of Paidopathology, Pediatric Tumor Registry, Christian-Albrecht's-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Schwarzmayr
- 4Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,5Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Tim M Strom
- 4Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,5Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Dietrich von Schweinitz
- 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Gernot Längst
- 2Department of Biochemistry III, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Roland Kappler
- 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
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Ye J, Zhang Y, Liang W, Huang J, Wang L, Zhong X. UHRF1 is an Independent Prognostic Factor and a Potential Therapeutic Target of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Cancer 2017; 8:4027-4039. [PMID: 29187878 PMCID: PMC5706005 DOI: 10.7150/jca.21256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Ubiquitin-like with plant homeodomain and ring-finger domains 1 (UHRF1) plays an essential role in DNA methylation, and the overexpression of UHRF1 is associated with poor prognosis in various cancers. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) accounts for approximately 90% of esophageal cancer cases in China, but the five-year survival rate for patients is less than 10% due to limited clinical approaches for early diagnosis and treatment. The present research aimed to investigate the expression of UHRF1 in ESCC and its biological role in ESCC development. Methods: UHRF1 expression in ESCC and normal esophageal tissues was examined using immunohistochemical staining, followed by analysis of the correlation between UHRF1 expression and clinical features. In addition, the effects of lentivirus-mediated RNA interference of UHRF1 on global DNA methylation, cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis and were investigated in ESCC cells. Results: UHRF1 was overexpressed in ESCC tissues and was an independent prognostic factor for ESCC patients. In ESCC cells, knockdown of UHRF1 caused global DNA hypomethylation, inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, UHRF1 depletion induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, accompanied by activation of Wee1 and DNA damage response pathway. Conclusions: Our findings identify UHRF1 as a promising prognostic marker for ESCC and suggest that UHRF1 may be a potential therapy target for ESCC patients with elevated UHRF1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiecheng Ye
- Department of Pathology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Institute of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Weiye Liang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jianxian Huang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lihui Wang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xueyun Zhong
- Department of Pathology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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28
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Ashraf W, Ibrahim A, Alhosin M, Zaayter L, Ouararhni K, Papin C, Ahmad T, Hamiche A, Mély Y, Bronner C, Mousli M. The epigenetic integrator UHRF1: on the road to become a universal biomarker for cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:51946-51962. [PMID: 28881702 PMCID: PMC5584303 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world causing record number of mortalities in both developed and undeveloped countries. Despite a lot of advances and breakthroughs in the field of oncology still, it is very hard to diagnose and treat the cancers at early stages. Here in this review we analyze the potential of Ubiquitin-like containing PHD and Ring Finger domain 1 (UHRF1) as a universal biomarker for cancers. UHRF1 is an important epigenetic regulator maintaining DNA methylation and histone code in the cell. It is highly expressed in a variety of cancers and is a well-known oncogene that can disrupt the epigenetic code and override the senescence machinery. Many studies have validated UHRF1 as a powerful diagnostic and prognostic tool to differentially diagnose cancer, predict the therapeutic response and assess the risk of tumor progression and recurrence. Highly sensitive, non-invasive and cost effective approaches are therefore needed to assess the level of UHRF1 in patients, which can be deployed in diagnostic laboratories to detect cancer and monitor disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ashraf
- Laboratory of Biophotonics and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Abdulkhaleg Ibrahim
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Mahmoud Alhosin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Cancer Metabolism and Epigenetic Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, King Fahd Centre for Medical Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Liliyana Zaayter
- Laboratory of Biophotonics and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Khalid Ouararhni
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Christophe Papin
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Tanveer Ahmad
- Laboratory of Biophotonics and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Ali Hamiche
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Yves Mély
- Laboratory of Biophotonics and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Christian Bronner
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Marc Mousli
- Laboratory of Biophotonics and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
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A Tox21 Approach to Altered Epigenetic Landscapes: Assessing Epigenetic Toxicity Pathways Leading to Altered Gene Expression and Oncogenic Transformation In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18061179. [PMID: 28587163 PMCID: PMC5486002 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
An emerging vision for toxicity testing in the 21st century foresees in vitro assays assuming the leading role in testing for chemical hazards, including testing for carcinogenicity. Toxicity will be determined by monitoring key steps in functionally validated molecular pathways, using tests designed to reveal chemically-induced perturbations that lead to adverse phenotypic endpoints in cultured human cells. Risk assessments would subsequently be derived from the causal in vitro endpoints and concentration vs. effect data extrapolated to human in vivo concentrations. Much direct experimental evidence now shows that disruption of epigenetic processes by chemicals is a carcinogenic mode of action that leads to altered gene functions playing causal roles in cancer initiation and progression. In assessing chemical safety, it would therefore be advantageous to consider an emerging class of carcinogens, the epigenotoxicants, with the ability to change chromatin and/or DNA marks by direct or indirect effects on the activities of enzymes (writers, erasers/editors, remodelers and readers) that convey the epigenetic information. Evidence is reviewed supporting a strategy for in vitro hazard identification of carcinogens that induce toxicity through disturbance of functional epigenetic pathways in human somatic cells, leading to inactivated tumour suppressor genes and carcinogenesis. In the context of human cell transformation models, these in vitro pathway measurements ensure high biological relevance to the apical endpoint of cancer. Four causal mechanisms participating in pathways to persistent epigenetic gene silencing were considered: covalent histone modification, nucleosome remodeling, non-coding RNA interaction and DNA methylation. Within these four interacting mechanisms, 25 epigenetic toxicity pathway components (SET1, MLL1, KDM5, G9A, SUV39H1, SETDB1, EZH2, JMJD3, CBX7, CBX8, BMI, SUZ12, HP1, MPP8, DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, TET1, MeCP2, SETDB2, BAZ2A, UHRF1, CTCF, HOTAIR and ANRIL) were found to have experimental evidence showing that functional perturbations played “driver” roles in human cellular transformation. Measurement of epigenotoxicants presents challenges for short-term carcinogenicity testing, especially in the high-throughput modes emphasized in the Tox21 chemicals testing approach. There is need to develop and validate in vitro tests to detect both, locus-specific, and genome-wide, epigenetic alterations with causal links to oncogenic cellular phenotypes. Some recent examples of cell-based high throughput chemical screening assays are presented that have been applied or have shown potential for application to epigenetic endpoints.
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