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Del Moral-Morales A, Salgado-Albarrán M, Sánchez-Pérez Y, Wenke NK, Baumbach J, Soto-Reyes E. CTCF and Its Multi-Partner Network for Chromatin Regulation. Cells 2023; 12:1357. [PMID: 37408191 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Architectural proteins are essential epigenetic regulators that play a critical role in organizing chromatin and controlling gene expression. CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor) is a key architectural protein responsible for maintaining the intricate 3D structure of chromatin. Because of its multivalent properties and plasticity to bind various sequences, CTCF is similar to a Swiss knife for genome organization. Despite the importance of this protein, its mechanisms of action are not fully elucidated. It has been hypothesized that its versatility is achieved through interaction with multiple partners, forming a complex network that regulates chromatin folding within the nucleus. In this review, we delve into CTCF's interactions with other molecules involved in epigenetic processes, particularly histone and DNA demethylases, as well as several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are able to recruit CTCF. Our review highlights the importance of CTCF partners to shed light on chromatin regulation and pave the way for future exploration of the mechanisms that enable the finely-tuned role of CTCF as a master regulator of chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aylin Del Moral-Morales
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa (UAM-C), Mexico City 05348, Mexico
- Institute for Computational Systems Biology, University of Hamburg, D-22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marisol Salgado-Albarrán
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa (UAM-C), Mexico City 05348, Mexico
- Institute for Computational Systems Biology, University of Hamburg, D-22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yesennia Sánchez-Pérez
- Subdirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Nina Kerstin Wenke
- Institute for Computational Systems Biology, University of Hamburg, D-22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Baumbach
- Institute for Computational Systems Biology, University of Hamburg, D-22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Computational BioMedicine Lab., University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Ernesto Soto-Reyes
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa (UAM-C), Mexico City 05348, Mexico
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del Moral-Morales A, Salgado-Albarrán M, Ortiz-Gutiérrez E, Pérez-Hernández G, Soto-Reyes E. Transcriptomic and Drug Discovery Analyses Reveal Natural Compounds Targeting the KDM4 Subfamily as Promising Adjuvant Treatments in Cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:860924. [PMID: 35480330 PMCID: PMC9036480 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.860924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
KDM4 proteins are a subfamily of histone demethylases that target the trimethylation of lysines 9 and 36 of histone H3, which are associated with transcriptional repression and elongation respectively. Their deregulation in cancer may lead to chromatin structure alteration and transcriptional defects that could promote malignancy. Despite that KDM4 proteins are promising drug targets in cancer therapy, only a few drugs have been described as inhibitors of these enzymes, while studies on natural compounds as possible inhibitors are still needed. Natural compounds are a major source of biologically active substances and many are known to target epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation and histone deacetylation, making them a rich source for the discovery of new histone demethylase inhibitors. Here, using transcriptomic analyses we determined that the KDM4 family is deregulated and associated with a poor prognosis in multiple neoplastic tissues. Also, by molecular docking and molecular dynamics approaches, we screened the COCONUT database to search for inhibitors of natural origin compared to FDA-approved drugs and DrugBank databases. We found that molecules from natural products presented the best scores in the FRED docking analysis. Molecules with sugars, aromatic rings, and the presence of OH or O- groups favor the interaction with the active site of KDM4 subfamily proteins. Finally, we integrated a protein-protein interaction network to correlate data from transcriptomic analysis and docking screenings to propose FDA-approved drugs that could be used as multitarget therapies or in combination with the potential natural inhibitors of KDM4 enzymes. This study highlights the relevance of the KDM4 family in cancer and proposes natural compounds that could be used as potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aylin del Moral-Morales
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa (UAM-C), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marisol Salgado-Albarrán
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa (UAM-C), Mexico City, Mexico
- Chair of Experimental Bioinformatics, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Ortiz-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa (UAM-C), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Pérez-Hernández
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa (UAM-C), Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Ernesto Soto-Reyes, ; Gerardo Pérez-Hernández,
| | - Ernesto Soto-Reyes
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa (UAM-C), Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Ernesto Soto-Reyes, ; Gerardo Pérez-Hernández,
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Varghese B, Del Gaudio N, Cobellis G, Altucci L, Nebbioso A. KDM4 Involvement in Breast Cancer and Possible Therapeutic Approaches. Front Oncol 2021; 11:750315. [PMID: 34778065 PMCID: PMC8581295 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.750315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, although recent scientific and technological achievements have led to significant improvements in progression-free disease and overall survival of patients. Genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications play a critical role in deregulating gene expression, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer progression. Aberrant histone modifications are one of the most frequent epigenetic mechanisms occurring in cancer. In particular, methylation and demethylation of specific lysine residues alter gene accessibility via histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) and histone lysine demethylases (KDMs). The KDM family includes more than 30 members, grouped into six subfamilies and two classes based on their sequency homology and catalytic mechanisms, respectively. Specifically, the KDM4 gene family comprises six members, KDM4A-F, which are associated with oncogene activation, tumor suppressor silencing, alteration of hormone receptor downstream signaling, and chromosomal instability. Blocking the activity of KDM4 enzymes renders them "druggable" targets with therapeutic effects. Several KDM4 inhibitors have already been identified as anticancer drugs in vitro in BC cells. However, no KDM4 inhibitors have as yet entered clinical trials due to a number of issues, including structural similarities between KDM4 members and conservation of the active domain, which makes the discovery of selective inhibitors challenging. Here, we summarize our current knowledge of the molecular functions of KDM4 members in BC, describe currently available KDM4 inhibitors, and discuss their potential use in BC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benluvankar Varghese
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Nunzio Del Gaudio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy.,Biogem Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Angela Nebbioso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy.,Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
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Desaulniers D, Vasseur P, Jacobs A, Aguila MC, Ertych N, Jacobs MN. Integration of Epigenetic Mechanisms into Non-Genotoxic Carcinogenicity Hazard Assessment: Focus on DNA Methylation and Histone Modifications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10969. [PMID: 34681626 PMCID: PMC8535778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics involves a series of mechanisms that entail histone and DNA covalent modifications and non-coding RNAs, and that collectively contribute to programing cell functions and differentiation. Epigenetic anomalies and DNA mutations are co-drivers of cellular dysfunctions, including carcinogenesis. Alterations of the epigenetic system occur in cancers whether the initial carcinogenic events are from genotoxic (GTxC) or non-genotoxic (NGTxC) carcinogens. NGTxC are not inherently DNA reactive, they do not have a unifying mode of action and as yet there are no regulatory test guidelines addressing mechanisms of NGTxC. To fil this gap, the Test Guideline Programme of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development is developing a framework for an integrated approach for the testing and assessment (IATA) of NGTxC and is considering assays that address key events of cancer hallmarks. Here, with the intent of better understanding the applicability of epigenetic assays in chemical carcinogenicity assessment, we focus on DNA methylation and histone modifications and review: (1) epigenetic mechanisms contributing to carcinogenesis, (2) epigenetic mechanisms altered following exposure to arsenic, nickel, or phenobarbital in order to identify common carcinogen-specific mechanisms, (3) characteristics of a series of epigenetic assay types, and (4) epigenetic assay validation needs in the context of chemical hazard assessment. As a key component of numerous NGTxC mechanisms of action, epigenetic assays included in IATA assay combinations can contribute to improved chemical carcinogen identification for the better protection of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Desaulniers
- Environmental Health Sciences and Research Bureau, Hazard Identification Division, Health Canada, AL:2203B, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Paule Vasseur
- CNRS, LIEC, Université de Lorraine, 57070 Metz, France;
| | - Abigail Jacobs
- Independent at the Time of Publication, Previously US Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20852, USA;
| | - M. Cecilia Aguila
- Toxicology Team, Division of Human Food Safety, Center for Veterinary Medicine, US Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, MD 20852, USA;
| | - Norman Ertych
- German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Miriam N. Jacobs
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton OX11 0RQ, UK;
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Mechanistic insights into KDM4A driven genomic instability. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:93-105. [PMID: 33492339 PMCID: PMC7925003 DOI: 10.1042/bst20191219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in global epigenetic signatures on chromatin are well established to contribute to tumor initiation and progression. Chromatin methylation status modulates several key cellular processes that maintain the integrity of the genome. KDM4A, a demethylase that belongs to the Fe-II dependent dioxygenase family that uses α-ketoglutarate and molecular oxygen as cofactors, is overexpressed in several cancers and is associated with an overall poor prognosis. KDM4A demethylates lysine 9 (H3K9me2/3) and lysine 36 (H3K36me3) methyl marks on histone H3. Given the complexity that exists with these marks on chromatin and their effects on transcription and proliferation, it naturally follows that demethylation serves an equally important role in these cellular processes. In this review, we highlight the role of KDM4A in transcriptional modulation, either dependent or independent of its enzymatic activity, arising from the amplification of this demethylase in cancer. KDM4A modulates re-replication of distinct genomic loci, activates cell cycle inducers, and represses proteins involved in checkpoint control giving rise to proliferative damage, mitotic disturbances and chromosomal breaks, ultimately resulting in genomic instability. In parallel, emerging evidence of non-nuclear substrates of epigenetic modulators emphasize the need to investigate the role of KDM4A in regulating non-nuclear substrates and evaluate their contribution to genomic instability in this context. The existence of promising KDM-specific inhibitors makes these demethylases an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in cancers.
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Chen F, Yuan H, Wu W, Chen S, Yang Q, Wang J, Zhang Q, Gui B, Fan X, Chen R, Shen Y. Three additional de novo CTCF mutations in Chinese patients help to define an emerging neurodevelopmental disorder. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 181:218-225. [PMID: 30893510 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is an important regulator for global genomic organization and gene expression. CTCF gene had been implicated in a novel disorder characterized by intellectual disability, feeding difficulty, developmental delay and microcephaly. So far, four patients have been reported with de novo CTCF mutations. We reported three additional Chinese patients with de novo variants in CTCF. The new evidence helped to establish the clinical validity between CTCF and the emerging disorder. We described the consistent phenotypes shared by all patients and revealed additional clinical features such as delayed or abnormal teeth development and a unique pattern of the eyebrow that may help to define a potential recognizable neurodevelopmental disorder. We also reported the first CTCF patient treated with recombinant human growth hormone. Follow-up and more case studies will further our understanding to the clinical presentations of this novel disorder and the prognosis of patients with this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Chen
- Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Birth Defect Prevention Research Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Children's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Haiming Yuan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Dongguan, China
| | - Wenyong Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Fuzhou Children's Hospital of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University Teaching Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shaoke Chen
- Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Birth Defect Prevention Research Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Children's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Birth Defect Prevention Research Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Children's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Birth Defect Prevention Research Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Children's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Birth Defect Prevention Research Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Children's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Baohen Gui
- Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Birth Defect Prevention Research Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Children's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Xin Fan
- Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Birth Defect Prevention Research Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Children's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Ruimin Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Fuzhou Children's Hospital of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University Teaching Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yiping Shen
- Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Birth Defect Prevention Research Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Children's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China.,Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Leon KE, Aird KM. Jumonji C Demethylases in Cellular Senescence. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10010033. [PMID: 30634491 PMCID: PMC6356615 DOI: 10.3390/genes10010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Senescence is a stable cell cycle arrest that is either tumor suppressive or tumor promoting depending on context. Epigenetic changes such as histone methylation are known to affect both the induction and suppression of senescence by altering expression of genes that regulate the cell cycle and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. A conserved group of proteins containing a Jumonji C (JmjC) domain alter chromatin state, and therefore gene expression, by demethylating histones. Here, we will discuss what is currently known about JmjC demethylases in the induction of senescence, and how these enzymes suppress senescence to contribute to tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Leon
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Penn Stage College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
| | - Katherine M Aird
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Penn Stage College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
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