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Pelos G, Riester M, Pal J, Myacheva K, Moneke I, Rotondo JC, Lübbert M, Diederichs S. Fast proliferating and slowly migrating non-small cell lung cancer cells are vulnerable to decitabine and retinoic acid combinatorial treatment. Int J Cancer 2024; 154:1029-1042. [PMID: 37947765 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients are often elderly or unfit and thus cannot tolerate standard aggressive therapy regimes. In our study, we test the efficacy of the DNA-hypomethylating agent decitabine (DAC) in combination with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), which has been shown to possess little systemic adverse effects. Screening a broad panel of 56 NSCLC cell lines uncovered a decrease in cell viability after the combination treatment in 77% of the cell lines. Transcriptomics, proteomics, proliferation and migration profiling revealed that fast proliferating and slowly migrating cell lines were more sensitive to the drug combination. The comparison of mutational profiles found oncogenic KRAS mutations only in sensitive cells. Additionally, different cell lines showed a heterogeneous gene expression response to the treatment pointing to diverse mechanisms of action. Silencing KRAS, RIG-I or RARB partially reversed the sensitivity of KRAS-mutant NCI-H460 cells. To study resistance, we generated two NCI-H460 cell populations resistant to ATRA and DAC, which migrated faster and proliferated slower than the parental sensitive cells and showed signs of senescence. In summary, this comprehensive dataset uncovers a broad sensitivity of NSCLC cells to the combinatorial treatment with DAC and ATRA and indicates that migration and proliferation capacities correlate with and could thus serve as determinants for drug sensitivity in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pelos
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marisa Riester
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jagriti Pal
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ksenia Myacheva
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, A Partnership Between DKFZ and University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Isabelle Moneke
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sven Diederichs
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, A Partnership Between DKFZ and University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Calabrò L, Bronte G, Grosso F, Cerbone L, Delmonte A, Nicolini F, Mazza M, Di Giacomo AM, Covre A, Lofiego MF, Crinò L, Maio M. Immunotherapy of mesothelioma: the evolving change of a long-standing therapeutic dream. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1333661. [PMID: 38259475 PMCID: PMC10800748 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1333661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is an aggressive and rare disease, characterized by a very poor prognosis. For almost two decades, the world standard treatment regimen for unresectable PM has consisted of a platinum-based drug plus pemetrexed, leading to an overall survival of approximately 12 months. The dramatic therapeutic scenario of PM has recently changed with the entry into the clinic of immune checkpoint inhibition, which has proven to be an effective approach to improve the survival of PM patients. The aim of the present review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the most promising immunotherapeutic-based strategies currently under investigation for advanced PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Calabrò
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bronte
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, National Institute of Health and Sciences On Ageing (IRCCS INRCA), Ancona, Italy
| | - Federica Grosso
- Mesothelioma, Melanoma and Sarcoma Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Luigi Cerbone
- Mesothelioma, Melanoma and Sarcoma Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Angelo Delmonte
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Fabio Nicolini
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Mazza
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Di Giacomo
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessia Covre
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- EPigenetic Immune-Oncology Consortium Airc (EPICA), Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Fortunata Lofiego
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- EPigenetic Immune-Oncology Consortium Airc (EPICA), Siena, Italy
| | - Lucio Crinò
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Michele Maio
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- EPigenetic Immune-Oncology Consortium Airc (EPICA), Siena, Italy
- Fondazione Network Italiano per la Bioterapia dei Tumori (NIBIT) Onlus, Siena, Italy
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3
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Negri A, Marozzi M, Trisciuoglio D, Rotili D, Mai A, Rizzi F. Simultaneous administration of EZH2 and BET inhibitors inhibits proliferation and clonogenic ability of metastatic prostate cancer cells. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2023; 38:2163242. [PMID: 36629431 PMCID: PMC9848337 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2163242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a common treatment for recurrent prostate cancer (PC). However, after a certain period of responsiveness, ADT resistance occurs virtually in all patients and the disease progresses to lethal metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Aberrant expression and function of the epigenetic modifiers EZH2 and BET over activates c-myc, an oncogenic transcription factor critically contributing to mCRPC. In the present work, we tested, for the first time, the combination of an EZH2 inhibitor with a BET inhibitor in metastatic PC cells. The combination outperformed single drugs in inhibiting cell viability, cell proliferation and clonogenic ability, and concomitantly reduced both c-myc and NF-kB expression. Although these promising results will warrant further in vivo validation, they represent the first step to establishing the rationale that the proposed combination might be suitable for mCRPC treatment, by exploiting molecular targets different from androgen receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aide Negri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marina Marozzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Daniela Trisciuoglio
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IMBP), National Research Council (CNR) c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin,” Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Rizzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy,National Institute of Biostructure and Biosystems (INBB), Rome, Italy,CONTACT Federica Rizzi Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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4
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Zhuang AQ, Chen Y, Chen SM, Liu WC, Li Y, Zhang WJ, Wu YH. Current Status and Challenges in Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Agents Based on Inactivation/Inhibition or Elimination of Hepatitis B Virus Covalently Closed Circular DNA. Viruses 2023; 15:2315. [PMID: 38140556 PMCID: PMC10747957 DOI: 10.3390/v15122315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been over half a century since the discovery of hepatitis B virus (HBV) to now, but approximately 300 million patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) still live in the world, resulting in about one million deaths every year. Although currently approved antivirals (e.g., nucleoside analogues) are effective at reducing HBV replication, they have almost no impact on the existing HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) reservoir. HBV cccDNA is a critical obstacle to the complete elimination of the virus via antiviral therapy. The true cure of HBV infection requires the eradication of viral cccDNA from HBV-infected cells; thus, the development of new agents directly or indirectly targeting HBV cccDNA is urgently needed due to the limitations of current available drugs against HBV infection. In this regard, it is the major focus of current anti-HBV research worldwide via different mechanisms to either inactivate/inhibit (functional cure) or eliminate (complete cure) HBV cccDNA. Therefore, this review discussed and summarized recent advances and challenges in efforts to inactivate/silence or eliminate viral cccDNA using anti-HBV agents from different sources, such as small molecules (including epigenetic drugs) and polypeptides/proteins, and siRNA or gene-editing approaches targeting/attenuating HBV cccDNA via different mechanisms, as well as future directions that may be considered in efforts to truly cure chronic HBV infection. In conclusion, no breakthrough has been made yet in attenuating HBV cccDNA, although a number of candidates have advanced into the phase of clinical trials. Furthermore, the overwhelming majority of the candidates function to indirectly target HBV cccDNA. No outstanding candidate directly targets HBV cccDNA. Relatively speaking, CCC_R08 and nitazoxanide may be some of the most promising agents to clear HBV infection in small molecule compounds. Additionally, CRISPR-Cas9 systems can directly target HBV cccDNA for decay and demonstrate significant anti-HBV activity. Consequently, gene-editing approaches targeting HBV cccDNA may be one of the most promising means to achieve the core goal of anti-HBV therapeutic strategies. In short, more basic studies on HBV infection need to be carried out to overcome these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yi-Hang Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, Department of Pharmacy, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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5
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Li X, Li D, Li J, Chen Y, Cai Z, Tan F. A Prognostic Model of Head and Neck Cancer Based on Amino Acid Metabolism-Related Signature and Its Implication for Immunosuppressive Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11753. [PMID: 37511510 PMCID: PMC10380987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Amino acid metabolism has been implicated in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Alterations in intracellular and extracellular metabolites associated with metabolic reprogramming in cancer have profound effects on gene expression, cell differentiation, and tumor immune microenvironment. However, the prognostic significance of amino acid metabolism in head and neck cancer remains to be further investigated. In this study, we identified 98 differentially expressed genes related to amino acid metabolism in head and neck cancer in The Cancer Genome Atlas. Using batch univariate Cox regression and Lasso regression, we extracted nine amino acid metabolism-related genes. Based on that, we developed the amino acid metabolism index. The prognostic value of this index was validated in two Gene Expression Omnibus cohorts. The results show that this model can help predict tumor recurrence and prognosis. The infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment was analyzed, and it was discovered that the high index is associated with an immunosuppressive microenvironment. In addition, this study demonstrated the impact of the amino acid metabolism index on clinical indicators, survival of patients with head and neck cancer, and the prediction of treatment response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. We conducted several cell experiments and demonstrated that epigenetic drugs could affect the index and enhance tumor immunity. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the index not only has important prognostic value in head and neck cancer patients but also facilitates patient stratification for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuran Li
- Department of ORL-HNS, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Danni Li
- Department of ORL-HNS, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Jiaojiao Li
- Department of ORL-HNS, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Yiliang Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Zhenyu Cai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Fei Tan
- Department of ORL-HNS, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
- The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
- The Royal College of Surgeons of England, London WC2A 3PE, UK
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6
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Soto-Castillo JJ, Llavata-Marti L, Fort-Culillas R, Andreu-Cobo P, Moreno R, Codony C, García Del Muro X, Alemany R, Piulats JM, Martin-Liberal J. SWI/SNF Complex Alterations in Tumors with Rhabdoid Features: Novel Therapeutic Approaches and Opportunities for Adoptive Cell Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11143. [PMID: 37446319 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin-remodeling complex is one of the most remarkably altered epigenetic regulators in cancer. Pathogenic mutations in genes encoding SWI/SNF-related proteins have been recently described in many solid tumors, including rare and aggressive malignancies with rhabdoid features with no standard therapies in advanced or metastatic settings. In recent years, clinical trials with targeted drugs aimed at restoring its function have shown discouraging results. However, preclinical data have found an association between these epigenetic alterations and response to immune therapy. Thus, the rationale for immunotherapy strategies in SWI/SNF complex alteration-related tumors is strong. Here, we review the SWI/SNF complex and how its dysfunction drives the oncogenesis of rhabdoid tumors and the proposed strategies to revert this alteration and promising novel therapeutic approaches, including immune checkpoint inhibition and adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan José Soto-Castillo
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Lucía Llavata-Marti
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 17007 Girona, Spain
| | - Roser Fort-Culillas
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 17007 Girona, Spain
| | - Pablo Andreu-Cobo
- Medical Oncology Department, Parc Tauli Hospital Universitari, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Rafael Moreno
- Cancer Immunotherapy Group, iPROCURE Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Carles Codony
- Cancer Immunotherapy Group, iPROCURE Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Xavier García Del Muro
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Ramon Alemany
- Cancer Immunotherapy Group, iPROCURE Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Josep M Piulats
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Cancer Immunotherapy Group, iPROCURE Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Juan Martin-Liberal
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
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7
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Wang X, Yu D, Chen L. Antimicrobial resistance and mechanisms of epigenetic regulation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1199646. [PMID: 37389209 PMCID: PMC10306973 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1199646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The rampant use of antibiotics in animal husbandry, farming and clinical disease treatment has led to a significant issue with pathogen resistance worldwide over the past decades. The classical mechanisms of resistance typically investigate antimicrobial resistance resulting from natural resistance, mutation, gene transfer and other processes. However, the emergence and development of bacterial resistance cannot be fully explained from a genetic and biochemical standpoint. Evolution necessitates phenotypic variation, selection, and inheritance. There are indications that epigenetic modifications also play a role in antimicrobial resistance. This review will specifically focus on the effects of DNA modification, histone modification, rRNA methylation and the regulation of non-coding RNAs expression on antimicrobial resistance. In particular, we highlight critical work that how DNA methyltransferases and non-coding RNAs act as transcriptional regulators that allow bacteria to rapidly adapt to environmental changes and control their gene expressions to resist antibiotic stress. Additionally, it will delve into how Nucleolar-associated proteins in bacteria perform histone functions akin to eukaryotes. Epigenetics, a non-classical regulatory mechanism of bacterial resistance, may offer new avenues for antibiotic target selection and the development of novel antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Wang
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Donghong Yu
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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8
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Tao F, Zhang Z. Editorial: Epigenetic drugs and therapeutic resistance for epithelial malignancies. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1208518. [PMID: 37229257 PMCID: PMC10203627 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1208518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Tao
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Basic Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiqian Zhang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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9
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Ding H, Li Y, Fang M, Chen J, Liu L, Lu Z, Hou J, Luo M. Epigenetic activation of the TUSC3 gene as a potential therapy for XMEN disease. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023:S0091-6749(23)00461-X. [PMID: 37086924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND "X-linked MAGT1 deficiency with increased susceptibility to EBV infection and N-linked glycosylation defect" (XMEN) disease is a rare combined immunodeficiency (CID) caused by loss of function mutations in the magnesium transporter 1 (MAGT1) gene. MAGT1 deficiency impairs magnesium transport and the N-glycosylation of a panel of proteins, which subsequently abolishes the expression of key immune receptors such as Natural-Killer Group 2, member D (NKG2D). These effects induce immune system abnormalities, chronic EBV infection and neoplasia. Recent research shows that MAGT1 and tumor candidate suppressor 3 (TUSC3) share high sequence and functional similarity. OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate the feasibility of activating TUSC3 expression to provide a potential therapeutic strategy for XMEN disease. METHODS The expression profiles of MAGT1 and TUSC3 were analyzed using multiple databases, RT‒PCR, and western blot. The effects of decitabine and panobinostat on the regulation of TUSC3 expression were explored in both MAGT1 knock-out (KO)/patient-derived lymphocytes and MAGT1 KO hepatocytes. RESULTS Although TUSC3 is widely expressed, it is undetectable specifically in the immune system and liver, consistent with the main diseased tissues in XMEN patients. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated KO of MAGT1 in the NKL cell line successfully mimicked the phenotypes of XMEN patient-derived lymphocytes, and exogenous expression of TUSC3 rescued the deficiencies in KO NKL cells. Using this in vitro model, we identified two epigenetic drugs, decitabine and panobinostat, by screening. Combination treatment using these two drugs significantly upregulated TUSC3 expression and rescued the immune and liver abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Epigenetic activation of TUSC3 expression constitutes an effective therapeutic strategy for XMEN disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haodong Ding
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuwei Li
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Maoxin Fang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiaojiao Chen
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lipin Liu
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Zhigang Lu
- The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China; Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Jia Hou
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Clinical Immunology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.
| | - Min Luo
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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10
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Chianese U, Papulino C, Megchelenbrink W, Tambaro FP, Ciardiello F, Benedetti R, Altucci L. Epigenomic machinery regulating pediatric AML: clonal expansion mechanisms, therapies, and future perspectives. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 92:84-101. [PMID: 37003397 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease with a genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptional etiology mainly presenting somatic and germline abnormalities. AML incidence rises with age but can also occur during childhood. Pediatric AML (pAML) accounts for 15-20% of all pediatric leukemias and differs considerably from adult AML. Next-generation sequencing technologies have enabled the research community to "paint" the genomic and epigenomic landscape in order to identify pathology-associated mutations and other prognostic biomarkers in pAML. Although current treatments have improved the prognosis for pAML, chemoresistance, recurrence, and refractory disease remain major challenges. In particular, pAML relapse is commonly caused by leukemia stem cells that resist therapy. Marked patient-to-patient heterogeneity is likely the primary reason why the same treatment is successful for some patients but, at best, only partially effective for others. Accumulating evidence indicates that patient-specific clonal composition impinges significantly on cellular processes, such as gene regulation and metabolism. Although our understanding of metabolism in pAML is still in its infancy, greater insights into these processes and their (epigenetic) modulation may pave the way toward novel treatment options. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the function of genetic and epigenetic (mis)regulation in pAML, including metabolic features observed in the disease. Specifically, we describe how (epi)genetic machinery can affect chromatin status during hematopoiesis, leading to an altered metabolic profile, and focus on the potential value of targeting epigenetic abnormalities in precision and combination therapy for pAML. We also discuss the possibility of using alternative epidrug-based therapeutic approaches that are already in clinical practice, either alone as adjuvant treatments and/or in combination with other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Chianese
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Chiara Papulino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Wout Megchelenbrink
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy; Princess Máxima Center, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Francesco Paolo Tambaro
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Pediatric Oncology Department AORN Santobono Pausilipon, 80129, Naples Italy.
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Benedetti
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy; Biogem Institute of Molecular and Genetic Biology, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy; IEOS, Institute for Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore" (IEOS), 80131 Naples, Italy.
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11
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Crimi E, Rumana U, Ang DN, Cintron C, Kapisoda K, Zeleznak W, Huazhi L, Galdiero M, Napoli C. Beneficial effects of prehospital use of statins in a large United States cohort of hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 patients. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2023; 24:172-183. [PMID: 36753725 PMCID: PMC9912995 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This large cohort study aimed to assess the role of chronic statin use on COVID-19 disease severity. METHODS An observational retrospective study from electronic medical records of hospitalized patients (n = 43 950) with COVID-19 between January and September 2020 in 185 hospitals in the United States. A total of 38 875 patients met inclusion criteria; 23 066 were included in the propensity-matched sampling with replacement cohort; 11 533 were prehospital statin users. The primary outcome was all-cause death; secondary outcomes were death from COVID-19 and serious complications. Mean, standard deviation, chi-square test, Student's t-test, linear regression, and binary and multinomial logistic regressions were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Among 38 875 patients, 30% were chronic statin users [mean age, 70.82 (±12.25); 47.1% women] and 70% were statin nonusers [mean age, 58.44 (±18.27); 48.5% women]. Key propensity-matched outcomes among 11 533 chronic statin users showed 20% lower risk of all-cause mortality (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.74-0.86, P < 0.001), 23% lower risk of mortality from COVID-19 (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.71-0.84, P < 0.001), 16% lower risk of ICU admission (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.79-0.89, P < 0.001), 24% lower risk of critical acute respiratory distress syndrome with COVID-19 (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.70-0.83, P < 0.001), 23% lower risk of mechanical ventilation (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.71-0.82, P < 0.001), 20% lower risk of severe sepsis with septic shock (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.67-0.93, P = 0.004), shorter hospital length of stay [9.87 (±8.94), P < 0.001] and brief duration of mechanical ventilation [8.90 (±8.94), P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION Chronic use of statins is associated with reduced mortality and improved clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Darwin N. Ang
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA; Ocala Health, Ocala
| | - Cristobal Cintron
- University of Central Florida, HCA Health Care Consortium: College of Medicine, GME-Family Medicine Department/North Florida Division, Office of Research Ocala, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Liu Huazhi
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA; Ocala Health, Ocala
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli
| | - Claudio Napoli
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy; IRCCS SDN, Naples, Italy
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12
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Padilla A, Manganaro JF, Huesgen L, Roess DA, Brown MA, Crans DC. Targeting Epigenetic Changes Mediated by Members of the SMYD Family of Lysine Methyltransferases. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28042000. [PMID: 36838987 PMCID: PMC9967872 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28042000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved in epigenetic changes in gene expression is essential to the clinical management of diseases linked to the SMYD family of lysine methyltransferases. The five known SMYD enzymes catalyze the transfer of donor methyl groups from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to specific lysines on histones and non-histone substrates. SMYDs family members have distinct tissue distributions and tissue-specific functions, including regulation of development, cell differentiation, and embryogenesis. Diseases associated with SMYDs include the repressed transcription of SMYD1 genes needed for the formation of ion channels in the heart leading to heart failure, SMYD2 overexpression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) or p53-related cancers, and poor prognosis associated with SMYD3 overexpression in more than 14 types of cancer including breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Given the importance of epigenetics in various pathologies, the development of epigenetic inhibitors has attracted considerable attention from the pharmaceutical industry. The pharmacologic development of the inhibitors involves the identification of molecules regulating both functional SMYD SET (Suppressor of variegation, Enhancer of Zeste, Trithorax) and MYND (Myeloid-Nervy-DEAF1) domains, a process facilitated by available X-ray structures for SMYD1, SMYD2, and SMYD3. Important leads for potential pharmaceutical agents have been reported for SMYD2 and SMYD3 enzymes, and six epigenetic inhibitors have been developed for drugs used to treat myelodysplastic syndrome (Vidaza, Dacogen), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (Zoinza, Isrodax), and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (Beleodag, Epidaza). The recently demonstrated reversal of SMYD histone methylation suggests that reversing the epigenetic effects of SMYDs in cancerous tissues may be a desirable target for pharmacological development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Padilla
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1617, USA
| | - John F. Manganaro
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
| | - Lydia Huesgen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1617, USA
| | - Deborah A. Roess
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1617, USA
| | - Mark A. Brown
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1005, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1678, USA
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Department of Ethnic Studies, Global Health and Health Disparities, Colorado School of Public Health, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1612, USA
- Correspondence: (M.A.B.); (D.C.C.)
| | - Debbie C. Crans
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1005, USA
- Correspondence: (M.A.B.); (D.C.C.)
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13
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Castro-Muñoz LJ, Vázquez Ulloa E, Sahlgren C, Lizano M, De La Cruz-Hernández E, Contreras-Paredes A. Modulating epigenetic modifications for cancer therapy (Review). Oncol Rep 2023; 49:59. [PMID: 36799181 PMCID: PMC9942256 DOI: 10.3892/or.2023.8496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a global public health concern. Alterations in epigenetic processes are among the earliest genomic aberrations occurring during cancer development and are closely related to progression. Unlike genetic mutations, aberrations in epigenetic processes are reversible, which opens the possibility for novel pharmacological treatments. Non‑coding RNAs (ncRNAs) represent an essential epigenetic mechanism, and emerging evidence links ncRNAs to carcinogenesis. Epigenetic drugs (epidrugs) are a group of promising target therapies for cancer treatment acting as coadjuvants to reverse drug resistance in cancer. The present review describes central epigenetic aberrations during malignant transformation and explains how epidrugs target DNA methylation, histone modifications and ncRNAs. Furthermore, clinical trials focused on evaluating the effect of these epidrugs alone or in combination with other anticancer therapies and other ncRNA‑based therapies are discussed. The use of epidrugs promises to be an effective tool for reversing drug resistance in some patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elenaé Vázquez Ulloa
- Faculty of Science and Engineering/Cell Biology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20500, Finland,Turku Bioscience, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20500, Finland
| | - Cecilia Sahlgren
- Faculty of Science and Engineering/Cell Biology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20500, Finland,Turku Bioscience, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20500, Finland,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Marcela Lizano
- Unidad de Investigacion Biomedica en Cancer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Ciudad de Mexico 14080, Mexico,Departamento de Medicina Genomica y Toxicologia Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico 04510, Mexico
| | - Erick De La Cruz-Hernández
- Laboratory of Research in Metabolic and Infectious Diseases, Multidisciplinary Academic Division of Comalcalco, Juarez Autonomous University of Tabasco, Comalcalco, Tabasco 86650, Mexico
| | - Adriana Contreras-Paredes
- Unidad de Investigacion Biomedica en Cancer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Ciudad de Mexico 14080, Mexico,Correspondence to: Professor Adriana Contreras-Paredes, Unidad de Investigacion Biomedica en Cancer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Avenue San Fernando, Col. Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Ciudad de Mexico 14080, Mexico, E-mail:
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14
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Noce B, Di Bello E, Zwergel C, Fioravanti R, Valente S, Rotili D, Masotti A, Salik Zeya Ansari M, Trisciuoglio D, Chakrabarti A, Romier C, Robaa D, Sippl W, Jung M, Häberli C, Keiser J, Mai A. Chemically Diverse S. mansoni HDAC8 Inhibitors Reduce Viability in Worm Larval and Adult Stages. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202200510. [PMID: 36250286 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni HDAC8 is a reliable target to fight schistosomiasis, and several inhibitors have been reported in the literature up to now. Nevertheless, only a few displayed selectivity over the human deacetylases and some exhibited very low or no activity against parasite larvae and/or adult worms. We report here the in vitro enzyme and biological activity of a small library of HDAC inhibitors from our lab, in many cases exhibiting submicromolar/nanomolar potency against smHDAC8 and diverse degrees of selectivity over hHDAC1 and/or hHDAC6. Such compounds were tested against schistosomula, and a selection of them against the adult forms of S. mansoni, to detect their effect on viability. Some of them showed the highest viability reduction for the larval stage with IC50 values around 1 μM and/or displayed ∼40-50 % activity in adult worms at 10 μM, joined to moderate to no toxicity in human fibroblast MRC-5 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Noce
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Di Bello
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Clemens Zwergel
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Fioravanti
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Masotti
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital-IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Trisciuoglio
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alokta Chakrabarti
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christophe Romier
- Département de Biologie Structurale Intégrative, Institut de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, 67404, Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Dina Robaa
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, 4001, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, 4001, Switzerland
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
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15
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Keshari S, Barrodia P, Singh AK. Epigenetic Perspective of Immunotherapy for Cancers. Cells 2023; 12. [PMID: 36766706 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has brought new hope for cancer patients in recent times. However, despite the promising success of immunotherapy, there is still a need to address major challenges including heterogeneity in response among patients, the reoccurrence of the disease, and iRAEs (immune-related adverse effects). The first critical step towards solving these issues is understanding the epigenomic events that play a significant role in the regulation of specific biomolecules in the context of the immune population present in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) during various treatments and responses. A prominent advantage of this step is that it would enable researchers to harness the reversibility of epigenetic modifications for their druggability. Therefore, we reviewed the crucial studies in which varying epigenomic events were captured with immuno-oncology set-ups. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic possibilities of their utilization for the betterment of immunotherapy in terms of diagnosis, progression, and cure for cancer patients.
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16
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Landuzzi L, Ruzzi F, Lollini PL, Scotlandi K. Synovial Sarcoma Preclinical Modeling: Integrating Transgenic Mouse Models and Patient-Derived Models for Translational Research. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030588. [PMID: 36765545 PMCID: PMC9913760 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Synovial sarcomas (SyS) are rare malignant tumors predominantly affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. The genetic hallmark of SyS is the t(X;18) translocation encoding the SS18-SSX fusion gene. The fusion protein interacts with both the BAF enhancer and polycomb repressor complexes, and either activates or represses target gene transcription, resulting in genome-wide epigenetic perturbations and altered gene expression. Several experimental in in vivo models, including conditional transgenic mouse models expressing the SS18-SSX fusion protein and spontaneously developing SyS, are available. In addition, patient-derived xenografts have been estab-lished in immunodeficient mice, faithfully reproducing the complex clinical heterogeneity. This review focuses on the main molecular features of SyS and the related preclinical in vivo and in vitro models. We will analyze the different conditional SyS mouse models that, after combination with some of the few other recurrent alterations, such as gains in BCL2, Wnt-β-catenin signaling, FGFR family, or loss of PTEN and SMARCB1, have provided additional insight into the mechanisms of synovial sarcomagenesis. The recent advancements in the understanding of SyS biology and improvements in preclinical modeling pave the way to the development of new epigenetic drugs and immunotherapeutic approaches conducive to new treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Landuzzi
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.L.); (P.-L.L.); Tel.: +39-051-2094796 (L.L.); +39-051-2094786 (P.-L.L.)
| | - Francesca Ruzzi
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastasis, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Pier-Luigi Lollini
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastasis, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.L.); (P.-L.L.); Tel.: +39-051-2094796 (L.L.); +39-051-2094786 (P.-L.L.)
| | - Katia Scotlandi
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
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17
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Skouras P, Markouli M, Strepkos D, Piperi C. Advances on Epigenetic Drugs for Pediatric Brain Tumors. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1519-1535. [PMID: 36154607 PMCID: PMC10472812 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220922150456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric malignant brain tumors represent the most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths in childhood. The therapeutic scheme of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy has improved patient management, but with minimal progress in patients' prognosis. Emerging molecular targets and mechanisms have revealed novel approaches for pediatric brain tumor therapy, enabling personalized medical treatment. Advances in the field of epigenetic research and their interplay with genetic changes have enriched our knowledge of the molecular heterogeneity of these neoplasms and have revealed important genes that affect crucial signaling pathways involved in tumor progression. The great potential of epigenetic therapy lies mainly in the widespread location and the reversibility of epigenetic alterations, proposing a wide range of targeting options, including the possible combination of chemoand immunotherapy, significantly increasing their efficacy. Epigenetic drugs, including inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases, histone deacetylases and demethylases, are currently being tested in clinical trials on pediatric brain tumors. Additional novel epigenetic drugs include protein and enzyme inhibitors that modulate epigenetic modification pathways, such as Bromodomain and Extraterminal (BET) proteins, Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9), AXL, Facilitates Chromatin Transcription (FACT), BMI1, and CREB Binding Protein (CBP) inhibitors, which can be used either as standalone or in combination with current treatment approaches. In this review, we discuss recent progress on epigenetic drugs that could possibly be used against the most common malignant tumors of childhood, such as medulloblastomas, high-grade gliomas and ependymomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Skouras
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Mariam Markouli
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Strepkos
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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18
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Zheng A, Bilbao M, Sookram J, Linden KM, Morgan AB, Ostrovsky O. Epigenetic drugs induce the potency of classic chemotherapy, suppress post-treatment re-growth of breast cancer, but preserve the wound healing ability of stem cells. Cancer Biol Ther 2022; 23:254-264. [PMID: 35389825 PMCID: PMC8993057 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2022.2052540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic therapy augments neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in breast cancer and may aid post-surgical wound healing affected by NACT. Our study investigates: (1) The cytotoxicity of classic paclitaxel chemotherapy on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) independently and in combination with epigenetic drugs. (2) The sustainable inhibition of breast cancer regrowth following paclitaxel and epigenetic therapies. (3) The effects of paclitaxel with and without epigenetic therapy on the post-treatment viability and wound healing potential of adipose stem cells (ASCs). Cytotoxicity assays were performed on TNBC and ASCs. Cells were treated and recovered in drug-free medium. Cell viability was measured via cell counts and MTT assays. W -ound healing was tested with scratch assays. The combination of epigenetic drugs shows increased toxicity against TNBC cells compared to standard chemotherapy alone. Moreover, the combination of paclitaxel with epigenetic treatments causes cancer toxicity that is sustainable to TNBC cells after the drugs' removal with minimal effect on ASCs wound healing ability. The use of epigenetic drugs in addition to standard chemotherapy is cytotoxic to TNBC cells and prevents post-treatment recovery of TNBC while maintaining ASC wound healing ability. This strategy may be useful in maximizing post-surgical wound healing following NACT in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Cooper University Healthcare, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Michelle Bilbao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Janhvi Sookram
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Kimberly M Linden
- Department of General Surgery, Cooper University Healthcare, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Andrew B Morgan
- Department of General Surgery, Cooper University Healthcare, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Olga Ostrovsky
- Division of Surgical Research, Cooper University Healthcare, Camden, NJ, USA
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19
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Abstract
Cancer development is driven by the accumulation of alterations affecting the structure and function of the genome. Whereas genetic changes disrupt the DNA sequence, epigenetic alterations contribute to the acquisition of hallmark tumor capabilities by regulating gene expression programs that promote tumorigenesis. Shifts in DNA methylation and histone mark patterns, the two main epigenetic modifications, orchestrate tumor progression and metastasis. These cancer-specific events have been exploited as useful tools for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment choice to aid clinical decision making. Moreover, the reversibility of epigenetic modifications, in contrast to the irreversibility of genetic changes, has made the epigenetic machinery an attractive target for drug development. This review summarizes the most advanced applications of epigenetic biomarkers and epigenetic drugs in the clinical setting, highlighting commercially available DNA methylation-based assays and epigenetic drugs already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Davalos
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer, Madrid, Spain
- Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avancats, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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20
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Sass P, Sosnowski P, Kamińska J, Deptuła M, Skoniecka A, Zieliński J, Rodziewicz-Motowidło S, Pikuła M, Sachadyn P. Examination of epigenetic inhibitor zebularine in treatment of skin wounds in healthy and diabetic mice. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 16:1238-1248. [PMID: 36350668 PMCID: PMC10099879 DOI: 10.1002/term.3365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
DNA methyltransferase inhibitor zebularine was proven to induce regeneration in the ear pinna in mice. We utilized a dorsal skin wound model to further evaluate this epigenetic inhibitor in wound healing. Full-thickness excisional wounds were made on the dorsum of 2 and 10-month-old healthy BALB/c and 3 and 8-month-old diabetic (db/db) mice, followed by topical or intraperitoneal zebularine delivery. Depending on the strain, age, dose, and delivery, the zebularine treatments either had no effect or accelerated or delayed wound closure. In principle, zebularine applied topically moderately promoted wound closure in the healthy but markedly delayed in the diabetic mice, which was in line with decreased viability of cultured keratinocytes from diabetic patients exposed to zebularine. The histological analysis revealed an improvement in the architecture of restored skin in zebularine-treated mice, manifested as a distinct layered pattern resembling panniculus carnosus. The finding corresponds with the zebularine-mediated activation of the Wnt5a gene, an essential regulator of Wnt signaling, the pathway involved in hair follicle development, the process which in turn is connected with regenerative skin healing. Although zebularine did not remarkably accelerate wound healing, zebularine and other epigenetic inhibitors deserve further testing as potential drugs to improve the quality of restored skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Sass
- Laboratory for Regenerative Biotechnology, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Paweł Sosnowski
- Laboratory for Regenerative Biotechnology, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jolanta Kamińska
- Laboratory for Regenerative Biotechnology, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Milena Deptuła
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Embryology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Aneta Skoniecka
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Embryology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jacek Zieliński
- Department of Oncologic Surgery, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Michał Pikuła
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Embryology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Paweł Sachadyn
- Laboratory for Regenerative Biotechnology, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
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21
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Oryani MA, Tavasoli A, Ghalavand MA, Ashtiani RZ, Rezaee A, Mahmoudi R, Golvari H, Owrangi S, Soleymani-Goloujeh M. Epigenetics and its therapeutic potential in colorectal cancer. Epigenomics 2022; 14:683-697. [PMID: 35473313 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death around the globe. 'Epigenetics' refers to changes in the chromosome rather than the DNA sequence, which may be transmitted down to daughter cells. Epigenetics is an essential part of controlling the development and variation of a single cell. ncRNAs have a role in epigenetic regulation in CRC, which will be discussed in this review in the context of DNA methylation and histone modifications. A greater survival rate for CRC patients might be achieved by addressing epigenetic mediators, as the authors show. In this review, they aim to thoroughly examine the role of epigenetics in the prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Akbari Oryani
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Tavasoli
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Ghalavand
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Alisam Rezaee
- Faculty of Medical Sciences & Technologies, Science & Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Golvari
- School of Nursing & Paramedical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Soroor Owrangi
- Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mehdi Soleymani-Goloujeh
- Department of Stem Cells & Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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22
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Lofiego MF, Cannito S, Fazio C, Piazzini F, Cutaia O, Solmonese L, Marzani F, Chiarucci C, Di Giacomo AM, Calabrò L, Coral S, Maio M, Covre A. Epigenetic Immune Remodeling of Mesothelioma Cells: A New Strategy to Improve the Efficacy of Immunotherapy. Epigenomes 2021; 5:epigenomes5040027. [PMID: 34968251 PMCID: PMC8715476 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes5040027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignancy with a severe prognosis, and with a long-standing need for more effective therapeutic approaches. However, treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors is becoming an increasingly effective strategy for MPM patients. In this scenario, epigenetic modifications may negatively regulate the interplay between immune and malignant cells within the tumor microenvironment, thus contributing to the highly immunosuppressive contexture of MPM that may limit the efficacy of immunotherapy. Aiming to further improve prospectively the clinical efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches in MPM, we investigated the immunomodulatory potential of different classes of epigenetic drugs (i.e., DNA hypomethylating agent (DHA) guadecitabine, histone deacetylase inhibitors VPA and SAHA, or EZH2 inhibitors EPZ-6438) in epithelioid, biphasic, and sarcomatoid MPM cell lines, by cytofluorimetric and real-time PCR analyses. We also characterized the effects of the DHA, guadecitabine, on the gene expression profiles (GEP) of the investigated MPM cell lines by the nCounter platform. Among investigated drugs, exposure of MPM cells to guadecitabine, either alone or in combination with VPA, SAHA and EPZ-6438 demonstrated to be the main driver of the induction/upregulation of immune molecules functionally crucial in host-tumor interaction (i.e., HLA class I, ICAM-1 and cancer testis antigens) in all three MPM subtypes investigated. Additionally, GEP demonstrated that treatment with guadecitabine led to the activation of genes involved in several immune-related functional classes mainly in the sarcomatoid subtype. Furthermore, among investigated MPM subtypes, DHA-induced CDH1 expression that contributes to restoring the epithelial phenotype was highest in sarcomatoid cells. Altogether, our results contribute to providing the rationale to develop new epigenetically-based immunotherapeutic approaches for MPM patients, potentially tailored to the specific histologic subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fortunata Lofiego
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
- Epigen Therapeutics S.R.L., 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Sara Cannito
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
- Medical Oncology, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Carolina Fazio
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Francesca Piazzini
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Ornella Cutaia
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Laura Solmonese
- Epigen Therapeutics S.R.L., 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Medical Oncology, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco Marzani
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Carla Chiarucci
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Anna Maria Di Giacomo
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
- Medical Oncology, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Luana Calabrò
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Sandra Coral
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
- Epigen Therapeutics S.R.L., 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Michele Maio
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
- Medical Oncology, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessia Covre
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.F.L.); (S.C.); (C.F.); (F.P.); (O.C.); (F.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.D.G.); (L.C.); (S.C.); (M.M.)
- Medical Oncology, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Correspondence:
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23
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He L, Lomberk G. Collateral Victim or Rescue Worker?-The Role of Histone Methyltransferases in DNA Damage Repair and Their Targeting for Therapeutic Opportunities in Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:735107. [PMID: 34869318 PMCID: PMC8636273 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.735107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Disrupted DNA damage signaling greatly threatens cell integrity and plays significant roles in cancer. With recent advances in understanding the human genome and gene regulation in the context of DNA damage, chromatin biology, specifically biology of histone post-translational modifications (PTMs), has emerged as a popular field of study with great promise for cancer therapeutics. Here, we discuss how key histone methylation pathways contribute to DNA damage repair and impact tumorigenesis within this context, as well as the potential for their targeting as part of therapeutic strategies in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lishu He
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States,Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States,Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Gwen Lomberk
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States,Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States,Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States,LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States,*Correspondence: Gwen Lomberk,
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24
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Xiao W, Zhou Q, Wen X, Wang R, Liu R, Wang T, Shi J, Hu Y, Hou J. Small-Molecule Inhibitors Overcome Epigenetic Reprogramming for Cancer Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:702360. [PMID: 34603017 PMCID: PMC8484527 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.702360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment is a significant challenge for the global health system, although various pharmacological and therapeutic discoveries have been made. It has been widely established that cancer is associated with epigenetic modification, which is reversible and becomes an attractive target for drug development. Adding chemical groups to the DNA backbone and modifying histone proteins impart distinct characteristics on chromatin architecture. This process is mediated by various enzymes modifying chromatin structures to achieve the diversity of epigenetic space and the intricacy in gene expression files. After decades of effort, epigenetic modification has represented the hallmarks of different cancer types, and the enzymes involved in this process have provided novel targets for antitumor therapy development. Epigenetic drugs show significant effects on both preclinical and clinical studies in which the target development and research offer a promising direction for cancer therapy. Here, we summarize the different types of epigenetic enzymes which target corresponding protein domains, emphasize DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA-mediated cooperation with epigenetic modification, and highlight recent achievements in developing targets for epigenetic inhibitor therapy. This article reviews current anticancer small-molecule inhibitors targeting epigenetic modified enzymes and displays their performances in different stages of clinical trials. Future studies are further needed to address their off-target effects and cytotoxicity to improve their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Xiao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command of PLA, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiaodan Zhou
- Department of Ultrasonic, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xudong Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chengdu First People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Information Department of Medical Security Center, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command of PLA, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruijie Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yonghe Hu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command of PLA, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Hou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command of PLA, Chengdu, China
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25
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Klomp MJ, Dalm SU, van Koetsveld PM, Dogan F, de Jong M, Hofland LJ. Comparing the Effect of Multiple Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors on SSTR2 Expression and [ 111In]In-DOTATATE Uptake in NET Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4905. [PMID: 34638389 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Patients diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are often treated with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). This therapy targets the somatostatin type-2 receptors (SSTR2) frequently overexpressed on these types of tumors. Although this therapy has proven to be effective, complete responses are rare and therapy improvement is desirable. We aimed to increase SSTR2 expression on NET cells, potentially increasing the number of patients eligible for SSTR2-targeted PRRT and improving clinical outcomes. We used histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) to manipulate the epigenetic machinery and hereby aimed to increase SSTR2 gene transcription. Our results showed that the HDACis increased SSTR2 expression in several NET cell lines. Moreover, the uptake of radiolabeled DOTATATE, the tracer used for PRRT, was enhanced. The observed reversibility profile after HDACi withdrawal of the induced effects suggests that proper timing of HDACi treatment is likely essential. Abstract The aim of this study was to increase somatostatin type-2 receptor (SSTR2) expression on neuroendocrine tumor (NET) cells using histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis), potentially increasing the uptake of SSTR2-targeted radiopharmaceuticals and subsequently improving treatment efficacy of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). Human NET cell lines BON-1, NCI-H727, and GOT1 were treated with HDACis (i.e., CI-994, entinostat, LMK-235, mocetinostat, panobinostat, or valproic acid (VPA); entinostat and VPA were the HDACis tested in GOT1 cells) to examine SSTR2 mRNA expression levels and uptake of SSTR2-targeting radiotracer [111In]In-DOTATATE. Reversibility of the induced effects was examined after drug-withdrawal. Finally, the effect of VPA on radiosensitivity was investigated. A strong stimulatory effect in BON-1, NCI-H727, and GOT1 cells was observed after HDACi treatment, both on SSTR2 mRNA expression levels and [111In]In-DOTATATE uptake. The effects of the HDACis were largely reversible over a period of seven days, demonstrating largest reductions within the first day. The reversibility profile of the induced effects suggests that proper timing of HDACi treatment is most likely essential for a beneficial outcome. In addition to increasing SSTR2 expression levels, VPA enhanced the radiosensitivity of all cell lines. In conclusion, HDACi treatment increased SSTR2 expression, and radiosensitivity was also enhanced upon VPA treatment.
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26
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Pratap UP, Sareddy GR, Liu Z, Venkata PP, Liu J, Tang W, Altwegg KA, Ebrahimi B, Li X, Tekmal RR, Viswanadhapalli S, McHardy S, Brenner AJ, Vadlamudi RK. Histone deacetylase inhibitors enhance estrogen receptor beta expression and augment agonist-mediated tumor suppression in glioblastoma. Neurooncol Adv 2021; 3:vdab099. [PMID: 34485908 PMCID: PMC8412056 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdab099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most lethal primary brain tumors. Estrogen receptor β (ESR2/ERβ) function as a tumor suppressor in GBM, however, ERβ expression is commonly suppressed during glioma progression. In this study, we examined whether drugs that reverse epigenetic modifications will enhance ERβ expression and augment ERβ agonist-mediated tumor suppression. Methods We tested the utility of epigenetic drugs which act as an inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACs), histone methylases, and BET enzymes. Mechanistic studies utilized RT-qPCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and western blotting. Cell viability, apoptosis, colony formation, and invasion were measured using in vitro assays. An orthotopic GBM model was used to test the efficacy of in vivo. Results Of all inhibitors tested, HDACi (panobinostat and romidepsin) showed the potential to increase the expression of ERβ in GBM cells. Treatment with HDACi uniquely upregulated ERβ isoform 1 expression that functions as a tumor suppressor but not ERβ isoform 5 that drives oncogenic functions. Further, combination therapy of HDACi with the ERβ agonist, LY500307, potently reduced cell viability, invasion, colony formation, and enhanced apoptosis. Mechanistic studies showed that HDACi induced ERβ is functional, as it enhanced ERβ reporter activities and ERβ target genes expression. ChIP analysis confirmed alterations in the histone acetylation at the ERβ and its target gene promoters. In orthotopic GBM model, combination therapy of panobinostat and LY500307 enhanced survival of tumor-bearing mice. Conclusions Our results suggest that the combination therapy of HDACi and LY500307 provides therapeutic utility in overcoming the suppression of ERβ expression that commonly occurs in GBM progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uday P Pratap
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Gangadhara R Sareddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Zexuan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.,Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Prabhakar Pitta Venkata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Junhao Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.,Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Kristin A Altwegg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Behnam Ebrahimi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaonan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Rajeshwar R Tekmal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Suryavathi Viswanadhapalli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Stanton McHardy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew J Brenner
- Hematology & Oncology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Ratna K Vadlamudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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27
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Viera M, Yip GWC, Shen HM, Baeg GH, Bay BH. Targeting CD82/KAI1 for Precision Therapeutics in Surmounting Metastatic Potential in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4486. [PMID: 34503296 PMCID: PMC8431267 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the main cause of mortality in breast cancer patients. There is an unmet need to develop therapies that can impede metastatic spread. Precision oncology has shown great promise for the treatment of cancers, as the therapeutic approach is tailored to a specific group of patients who are likely to benefit from the treatment, rather than the traditional approach of "one size fits all". CD82, also known as KAI1, a glycoprotein belonging to the tetraspanin family and an established metastasis suppressor, could potentially be exploited to hinder metastases in breast cancer. This review explores the prospect of targeting CD82 as an innovative therapeutic approach in precision medicine for breast cancer patients, with the goal of preventing cancer progression and metastasis. Such an approach would entail the selection of a subset of breast cancer patients with low levels of CD82, and instituting an appropriate treatment scheme tailored towards restoring the levels of CD82 in this group of patients. Proposed precision treatment regimens include current modalities of treating breast cancer, in combination with either clinically approved drugs that could restore the levels of CD82, CD82 peptide mimics or non-coding RNA-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximillian Viera
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117594, Singapore; (M.V.); (G.W.C.Y.)
| | - George Wai Cheong Yip
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117594, Singapore; (M.V.); (G.W.C.Y.)
| | - Han-Ming Shen
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
| | - Gyeong Hun Baeg
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117594, Singapore; (M.V.); (G.W.C.Y.)
- Ciechanover Institute of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Life and Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Boon Huat Bay
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117594, Singapore; (M.V.); (G.W.C.Y.)
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28
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Claringbould A, Zaugg JB. Enhancers in disease: molecular basis and emerging treatment strategies. Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:1060-1073. [PMID: 34420874 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Enhancers are genomic sequences that play a key role in regulating tissue-specific gene expression levels. An increasing number of diseases are linked to impaired enhancer function through chromosomal rearrangement, genetic variation within enhancers, or epigenetic modulation. Here, we review how these enhancer disruptions have recently been implicated in congenital disorders, cancers, and common complex diseases and address the implications for diagnosis and treatment. Although further fundamental research into enhancer function, target genes, and context is required, enhancer-targeting drugs and gene editing approaches show great therapeutic promise for a range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annique Claringbould
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Judith B Zaugg
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
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29
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Llinàs-Arias P, Íñiguez-Muñoz S, McCann K, Voorwerk L, Orozco JIJ, Ensenyat-Mendez M, Sesé B, DiNome ML, Marzese DM. Epigenetic Regulation of Immunotherapy Response in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4139. [PMID: 34439290 PMCID: PMC8394958 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined by the absence of estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression. This malignancy, representing 15-20% of breast cancers, is a clinical challenge due to the lack of targeted treatments, higher intrinsic aggressiveness, and worse outcomes than other breast cancer subtypes. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising efficacy for early-stage and advanced TNBC, but this seems limited to a subgroup of patients. Understanding the underlying mechanisms that determine immunotherapy efficiency is essential to identifying which TNBC patients will respond to immunotherapy-based treatments and help to develop new therapeutic strategies. Emerging evidence supports that epigenetic alterations, including aberrant chromatin architecture conformation and the modulation of gene regulatory elements, are critical mechanisms for immune escape. These alterations are particularly interesting since they can be reverted through the inhibition of epigenetic regulators. For that reason, several recent studies suggest that the combination of epigenetic drugs and immunotherapeutic agents can boost anticancer immune responses. In this review, we focused on the contribution of epigenetics to the crosstalk between immune and cancer cells, its relevance on immunotherapy response in TNBC, and the potential benefits of combined treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Llinàs-Arias
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory at the Cancer Cell Biology Group, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain; (P.L.-A.); (S.Í.-M.); (M.E.-M.); (B.S.)
| | - Sandra Íñiguez-Muñoz
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory at the Cancer Cell Biology Group, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain; (P.L.-A.); (S.Í.-M.); (M.E.-M.); (B.S.)
| | - Kelly McCann
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Leonie Voorwerk
- Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Javier I. J. Orozco
- Saint John’s Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA;
| | - Miquel Ensenyat-Mendez
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory at the Cancer Cell Biology Group, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain; (P.L.-A.); (S.Í.-M.); (M.E.-M.); (B.S.)
| | - Borja Sesé
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory at the Cancer Cell Biology Group, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain; (P.L.-A.); (S.Í.-M.); (M.E.-M.); (B.S.)
| | - Maggie L. DiNome
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA;
| | - Diego M. Marzese
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory at the Cancer Cell Biology Group, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain; (P.L.-A.); (S.Í.-M.); (M.E.-M.); (B.S.)
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30
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Giunta EF, Arrichiello G, Curvietto M, Pappalardo A, Bosso D, Rosanova M, Diana A, Giordano P, Petrillo A, Federico P, Fabozzi T, Parola S, Riccio V, Mucci B, Vanella V, Festino L, Daniele B, Ascierto PA, Ottaviano M, On Behalf Of Scito Youth. Epigenetic Regulation in Melanoma: Facts and Hopes. Cells 2021; 10:2048. [PMID: 34440824 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a lethal disease, even when diagnosed in advanced stages. Although recent progress in biology and treatment has dramatically improved survival rates, new therapeutic approaches are still needed. Deregulation of epigenetics, which mainly controls DNA methylation status and chromatin remodeling, is implied not only in cancer initiation and progression, but also in resistance to antitumor drugs. Epigenetics in melanoma has been studied recently in both melanoma preclinical models and patient samples, highlighting its potential role in different phases of melanomagenesis, as well as in resistance to approved drugs such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and MAPK inhibitors. This review summarizes what is currently known about epigenetics in melanoma and dwells on the recognized and potential new targets for testing epigenetic drugs, alone or together with other agents, in advanced melanoma patients.
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Karagiannis D, Rampias T. HDAC Inhibitors: Dissecting Mechanisms of Action to Counter Tumor Heterogeneity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3575. [PMID: 34298787 PMCID: PMC8307174 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intra-tumoral heterogeneity presents a major obstacle to cancer therapeutics, including conventional chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Stochastic events such as mutations, chromosomal aberrations, and epigenetic dysregulation, as well as micro-environmental selection pressures related to nutrient and oxygen availability, immune infiltration, and immunoediting processes can drive immense phenotypic variability in tumor cells. Here, we discuss how histone deacetylase inhibitors, a prominent class of epigenetic drugs, can be leveraged to counter tumor heterogeneity. We examine their effects on cellular processes that contribute to heterogeneity and provide insights on their mechanisms of action that could assist in the development of future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Karagiannis
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Theodoros Rampias
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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32
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Coughlan AY, Testa G. Exploiting epigenetic dependencies in ovarian cancer therapy. Int J Cancer 2021; 149:1732-1743. [PMID: 34213777 PMCID: PMC9292863 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer therapy has remained fundamentally unchanged for 50 years, with surgery and chemotherapy still the frontline treatments. Typically asymptomatic until advanced stages, ovarian cancer is known as “the silent killer.” Consequently, it has one of the worst 5‐year survival rates, as low as 30%. The most frequent driver mutations are found in well‐defined tumor suppressors, such as p53 and BRCA1/2. In recent years, it has become clear that, like the majority of other cancers, many epigenetic regulators are altered in ovarian cancer, including EZH2, SMARCA2/4 and ARID1A. Disruption of epigenetic regulators often leads to loss of transcriptional control, aberrant cell fate trajectories and disruption of senescence, apoptotic and proliferation pathways. These mitotically inherited epigenetic alterations are particularly promising targets for therapy as they are largely reversible. Consequently, many drugs targeting chromatin modifiers and other epigenetic regulators are at various stages of clinical trials for other cancers. Understanding the mechanisms by which ovarian cancer‐specific epigenetic processes are disrupted in patients can allow for informed targeting of epigenetic pathways tailored for each patient. In recent years, there have been groundbreaking new advances in disease modeling through ovarian cancer organoids; these models, alongside single‐cell transcriptomic and epigenomic technologies, allow the elucidation of the epigenetic pathways deregulated in ovarian cancer. As a result, ovarian cancer therapy may finally be ready to advance to next‐generation treatments. Here, we review the major developments in ovarian cancer, including genetics, model systems and technologies available for their study and the implications of applying epigenetic therapies to ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling Y Coughlan
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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33
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Abstract
Cancer cells possess the ability to evade apoptosis. Genetic alterations through mutations in key genes of the apoptotic signaling pathway represent a major adaptive mechanism of apoptosis evasion. In parallel, epigenetic changes via aberrant modifications of DNA and histones to regulate the expression of pro- and antiapoptotic signal mediators represent a major complementary mechanism in apoptosis regulation and therapy response. Most epigenetic changes are governed by the activity of chromatin modifying enzymes that add, remove, or recognize different marks on histones and DNA. Here, we discuss how apoptosis signaling components are deregulated at epigenetic levels, particularly focusing on the roles of chromatin-modifying enzymes in this process. We also review the advances in cancer therapies with epigenetic drugs such as DNMT, HMT, HDAC, and BET inhibitors, as well as their effects on apoptosis modulation in cancer cells. Rewiring the epigenome by drug interventions can provide therapeutic advantage for various cancers by reverting therapy resistance and leading cancer cells to undergo apoptotic cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Ozyerli-Goknar
- Brain Cancer Research and Therapy Laboratory, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul 34450, Turkey;
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Tugba Bagci-Onder
- Brain Cancer Research and Therapy Laboratory, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul 34450, Turkey;
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
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34
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Lin SQ, Li X. Epigenetic Therapies and Potential Drugs for Treating Human Cancer. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 21:1068-1083. [PMID: 32209040 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666200325093104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications ensure the maintenance of normal cellular functions, and their dysregulation is frequently found in many disease states, including cancer. Nowadays, the most studied epigenetic dysregulation associated with tumorigenesis, cancer progression and metastasis refers to the variations in DNA methylation, histone modification and chromatin structure. The development of novel agents targeting these processes has enabled us to open up new pathways for anti-cancer strategies. To date, many small molecules have been designed to target epigenetic modifiers, and some of them are currently in clinical trials for patients with haematologic malignancies and solid tumours. With this in mind, we elaborate on basic information on epigenetic modifications and potential epigenetic therapies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Qi Lin
- College of Marine Science, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Xia Li
- College of Marine Science, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
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35
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Zhou WM, Liu B, Shavandi A, Li L, Song H, Zhang JY. Methylation Landscape: Targeting Writer or Eraser to Discover Anti-Cancer Drug. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:690057. [PMID: 34149432 PMCID: PMC8209422 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.690057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a major global health challenge for our health system, despite the important pharmacological and therapeutic discoveries we have seen since past 5 decades. The increasing prevalence and mortality of cancer may be closely related to smoking, exposure to environmental pollution, dietary and genetic factors. Despite significant promising discoveries and developments such as cell and biotechnological therapies a new breakthrough in the medical field is needed to develop specific and effective drugs for cancer treatment. On the development of cell therapies, anti-tumor vaccines, and new biotechnological drugs that have already shown promising effects in preclinical studies. With the continuous enrichment and development of chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and its derivative technologies, epigenetic modification has gradually become a research hotspot. As key ingredients of epigenetic modification, Writers, Readers, Erasers have been gradually unveiled. Cancer has been associated with epigenetic modification especially methylation and therefore different epigenetic drugs have been developed and some of those are already undergoing clinical phase I or phase II trials, and it is believed that these drugs will certainly assist the treatment in the near future. With respect to this, an overview of anti-tumor drugs targeting modified enzymes and de-modified enzymes will be performed in order to contribute to future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Min Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Amin Shavandi
- BioMatter Unit, École Polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Hang Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Jian-Ye Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Abstract
Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and the primary form of dementia in the elderly. Changes in DNA methylation and post-translational modifications of histone tails are increasingly observed in AD tissues, and likely contribute to disease onset and progression. The reversibility of these epigenetic marks offers the potential for therapeutic interventions.Areas covered: After a concise and updated overview of DNA methylation and post-translational modifications of histone tails in AD tissues, this review provides an overview of the animal and cell culture studies investigating the potential of targeting these modifications to attenuate AD-like features. PubMed was searched for relevant literature between 2003 and 2021.Expert opinion: Methyl donor compounds and drugs acting on histone tail modifications attenuated the AD-like features and improved cognition in several transgenic AD mice; however, there are concerns about safety and tolerability for long-term treatment in humans. The challenges will be to take advantage of recent epigenome-wide investigations to identify the principal targets for future interventions, and to design novel, selective and safer agents. Natural compounds exerting epigenetic properties could represent a promising opportunity to delay disease onset in middle-aged individuals at increased AD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Kopytko P, Piotrowska K, Janisiak J, Tarnowski M. Garcinol-A Natural Histone Acetyltransferase Inhibitor and New Anti-Cancer Epigenetic Drug. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2828. [PMID: 33799504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Garcinol extracted from Garcinia indica fruit peel and leaves is a polyisoprenylated benzophenone. In traditional medicine it was used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Several studies have shown anti-cancer properties of garcinol in cancer cell lines and experimental animal models. Garcinol action in cancer cells is based on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but also on its potency to inhibit histone acetyltransferases (HATs). Recent studies indicate that garcinol may also deregulate expression of miRNAs involved in tumour development and progression. This paper focuses on the latest research concerning garcinol as a HAT inhibitor and miRNA deregulator in the development and progression of various cancers. Garcinol may be considered as a candidate for next generation epigenetic drugs, but further studies are needed to establish the precise toxicity, dosages, routes of administration, and safety for patients.
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Rauscher S, Greil R, Geisberger R. Re-Sensitizing Tumor Cells to Cancer Drugs with Epigenetic Regulators. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 21:353-359. [PMID: 33423645 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666210108102723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cancer drug resistance is a major problem for cancer therapy. While many drugs can be effective in first-line treatments, cancer cells can become resistant due to genetic (mutations and chromosomal aberrations) but also epigenetic changes. Hence, many research studies addressed epigenetic drugs in circumventing resistance to conventional therapeutics in different tumor entities and in increasing the efficiency of immune checkpoint therapies. Furthermore, repositioning of already approved drugs in combination with epigenetic modifiers could potentiate their efficacy and thus could be an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. Summarizing, we recapitulate current data on epigenetic drugs and their targets in modulating sensitivity towards conventional and immune therapies, providing evidence that altering expression profiles by epigenetic modifiers holds great potential to improve the clinical outcome of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Rauscher
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute - Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020Salzburg, Austria
| | - Richard Greil
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute - Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020Salzburg, Austria
| | - Roland Geisberger
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute - Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020Salzburg, Austria
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Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder that affects 176 million women worldwide and 1 in 10 females in the United States. Endometriosis most often affects women of child-bearing age, with most going undiagnosed. Endometriosis also shares many characteristics common to invasive cancer and has been known to be associated with epithelial ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the 11th most common cancer among women and over 22,000 new cases will be diagnosed within the next year. Women most commonly diagnosed with this cancer are between the ages of 55–64 years, outside the range of the age of women affected with endometriosis. While no known cause of either disease has been established, epigenetic regulation is thought to play a major role in both. This review focuses on epigenetic changes that occur within each individual disease as well as those that are similar in both, suggesting a possible etiological link between the two diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Brunty
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Brenda Mitchell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Nadim Bou-Zgheib
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Nalini Santanam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA
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40
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Crimi E, Benincasa G, Figueroa-Marrero N, Galdiero M, Napoli C. Epigenetic susceptibility to severe respiratory viral infections and its therapeutic implications: a narrative review. Br J Anaesth 2020; 125:1002-1017. [PMID: 32828489 PMCID: PMC7438995 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.06.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of highly pathogenic strains of influenza virus and coronavirus (CoV) has been responsible for large epidemic and pandemic outbreaks characterised by severe pulmonary illness associated with high morbidity and mortality. One major challenge for critical care is to stratify and minimise the risk of multi-organ failure during the stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). Epigenetic-sensitive mechanisms, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs may lead to perturbations of the host immune-related transcriptional programmes by regulating chromatin structure and gene expression patterns. Viruses causing severe pulmonary illness can use epigenetic-regulated mechanisms during host-pathogen interaction to interfere with innate and adaptive immunity, adequacy of inflammatory response, and overall outcome of viral infections. For example, Middle East respiratory syndrome-CoV and H5N1 can affect host antigen presentation through DNA methylation and histone modifications. The same mechanisms would presumably occur in patients with coronavirus disease 2019, in which tocilizumab may epigenetically reduce microvascular damage. Targeting epigenetic pathways by immune modulators (e.g. tocilizumab) or repurposed drugs (e.g. statins) may provide novel therapeutic opportunities to control viral-host interaction during critical illness. In this review, we provide an update on epigenetic-sensitive mechanisms and repurposed drugs interfering with epigenetic pathways which may be clinically suitable for risk stratification and beneficial for treatment of patients affected by severe viral respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Crimi
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Ocala Health, Ocala, FL, USA.
| | - Giuditta Benincasa
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Neisaliz Figueroa-Marrero
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Ocala Health, Ocala, FL, USA
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Napoli
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy; IRCCS SDN, Naples, Italy
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41
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Horn V, Jongkees SAK, van Ingen H. Mimicking the Nucleosomal Context in Peptide-Based Binders of a H3K36me Reader Increases Binding Affinity While Altering the Binding Mode. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25214951. [PMID: 33114657 PMCID: PMC7662849 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25214951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting of proteins in the histone modification machinery has emerged as a promising new direction to fight disease. The search for compounds that inhibit proteins that readout histone modification has led to several new epigenetic drugs, mostly for proteins involved in recognition of acetylated lysines. However, this approach proved to be a challenging task for methyllysine readers, which typically feature shallow binding pockets. Moreover, reader proteins of trimethyllysine K36 on the histone H3 (H3K36me3) not only bind the methyllysine but also the nucleosomal DNA. Here, we sought to find peptide-based binders of H3K36me3 reader PSIP1, which relies on DNA interactions to tightly bind H3K36me3 modified nucleosomes. We designed several peptides that mimic the nucleosomal context of H3K36me3 recognition by including negatively charged Glu-rich regions. Using a detailed NMR analysis, we find that addition of negative charges boosts binding affinity up to 50-fold while decreasing binding to the trimethyllysine binding pocket. Since screening and selection of compounds for reader domains is typically based solely on affinity measurements due to their lack of enzymatic activity, our case highlights the need to carefully control for the binding mode, in particular for the challenging case of H3K36me3 readers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velten Horn
- Macromolecular Biochemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502 Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Seino A. K. Jongkees
- Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80082 Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Hugo van Ingen
- Macromolecular Biochemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502 Leiden, The Netherlands;
- NMR Group, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-30-253-9934
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42
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Quagliano A, Gopalakrishnapillai A, Barwe SP. Understanding the Mechanisms by Which Epigenetic Modifiers Avert Therapy Resistance in Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:992. [PMID: 32670880 PMCID: PMC7326773 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of resistance to anti-cancer therapeutics remains one of the core issues preventing the improvement of survival rates in cancer. Therapy resistance can arise in a multitude of ways, including the accumulation of epigenetic alterations in cancer cells. By remodeling DNA methylation patterns or modifying histone proteins during oncogenesis, cancer cells reorient their epigenomic landscapes in order to aggressively resist anti-cancer therapy. To combat these chemoresistant effects, epigenetic modifiers such as DNA hypomethylating agents, histone deacetylase inhibitors, histone demethylase inhibitors, along with others have been used. While these modifiers have achieved moderate success when used either alone or in combination with one another, the most positive outcomes were achieved when they were used in conjunction with conventional anti-cancer therapies. Epigenome modifying drugs have succeeded in sensitizing cancer cells to anti-cancer therapy via a variety of mechanisms: disrupting pro-survival/anti-apoptotic signaling, restoring cell cycle control and preventing DNA damage repair, suppressing immune system evasion, regulating altered metabolism, disengaging pro-survival microenvironmental interactions and increasing protein expression for targeted therapies. In this review, we explore different mechanisms by which epigenetic modifiers induce sensitivity to anti-cancer therapies and encourage the further identification of the specific genes involved with sensitization to facilitate development of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Quagliano
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Anilkumar Gopalakrishnapillai
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Sonali P. Barwe
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
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43
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Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and chromatin structure regulation, are critical for the interactions between tumor and immune cells. Emerging evidence shows that tumors commonly hijack various epigenetic mechanisms to escape immune restriction. As a result, the pharmaceutical modulation of epigenetic regulators, including 'writers', 'readers', 'erasers', and 'remodelers', is able to normalize the impaired immunosurveillance and/or trigger antitumor immune responses. Thus, epigenetic targeting agents are attractive immunomodulatory drugs and will have major impacts on immuno-oncology. Here, we discuss epigenetic regulators of the cancer-immunity cycle and current advances in developing epigenetic therapies to boost anticancer immune responses, either alone or in combination with current immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Cao
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Qin Yan
- Department of Pathology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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Karakaidos P, Verigos J, Magklara A. LSD1/KDM1A, a Gate-Keeper of Cancer Stemness and a Promising Therapeutic Target. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1821. [PMID: 31756917 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A new exciting area in cancer research is the study of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the translational implications for putative epigenetic therapies targeted against them. Accumulating evidence of the effects of epigenetic modulating agents has revealed their dramatic consequences on cellular reprogramming and, particularly, reversing cancer stemness characteristics, such as self-renewal and chemoresistance. Lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1/KDM1A) plays a well-established role in the normal hematopoietic and neuronal stem cells. Overexpression of LSD1 has been documented in a variety of cancers, where the enzyme is, usually, associated with the more aggressive types of the disease. Interestingly, recent studies have implicated LSD1 in the regulation of the pool of CSCs in different leukemias and solid tumors. However, the precise mechanisms that LSD1 uses to mediate its effects on cancer stemness are largely unknown. Herein, we review the literature on LSD1's role in normal and cancer stem cells, highlighting the analogies of its mode of action in the two biological settings. Given its potential as a pharmacological target, we, also, discuss current advances in the design of novel therapeutic regimes in cancer that incorporate LSD1 inhibitors, as well as their future perspectives.
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Parrillo L, Spinelli R, Nicolò A, Longo M, Mirra P, Raciti GA, Miele C, Beguinot F. Nutritional Factors, DNA Methylation, and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity: Perspectives and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20122983. [PMID: 31248068 PMCID: PMC6627657 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20122983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A healthy diet improves life expectancy and helps to prevent common chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. The mechanisms driving these effects are not fully understood, but are likely to involve epigenetics. Epigenetic mechanisms control gene expression, maintaining the DNA sequence, and therefore the full genomic information inherited from our parents, unchanged. An interesting feature of epigenetic changes lies in their dynamic nature and reversibility. Accordingly, they are susceptible to correction through targeted interventions. Here we will review the evidence supporting a role for nutritional factors in mediating metabolic disease risk through DNA methylation changes. Special emphasis will be placed on the potential of using DNA methylation traits as biomarkers to predict risk of obesity and T2D as well as on their response to dietary and pharmacological (epi-drug) interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Parrillo
- Department of Translation Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy.
- URT Genomic of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Rosa Spinelli
- Department of Translation Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy.
- URT Genomic of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonella Nicolò
- Department of Translation Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy.
- URT Genomic of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Michele Longo
- Department of Translation Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy.
- URT Genomic of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Paola Mirra
- Department of Translation Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy.
- URT Genomic of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Gregory Alexander Raciti
- Department of Translation Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy.
- URT Genomic of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Claudia Miele
- Department of Translation Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy.
- URT Genomic of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Francesco Beguinot
- Department of Translation Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy.
- URT Genomic of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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Donati B, Ciarrocchi A. Telomerase and Telomeres Biology in Thyroid Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2887. [PMID: 31200515 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20122887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere and telomerase regulation contributes to the onset and evolution of several tumors, including highly aggressive thyroid cancers (TCs). TCs are the most common endocrine malignancies and are generally characterized by a high rate of curability. However, a small but significant percentage develops distant metastasis or progresses into undifferentiated forms associated with bad prognosis and for which poor therapeutic options are available. Mutations in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter are among the most credited prognostic marker of aggressiveness in TCs. Indeed, their frequency progressively increases passing from indolent lesions to aggressive and anaplastic forms. TERT promoter mutations create binding sites for transcription factors, increasing TERT expression and telomerase activity. Furthermore, aggressiveness of TCs is associated with TERT locus amplification. These data encourage investigating telomerase regulating pathways as relevant drivers of TC development and progression to foster the identification of new therapeutics targets. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about telomere regulation and TCs, exploring both canonical and less conventional pathways. We discuss the possible role of telomere homeostasis in mediating response to cancer therapies and the possibility of using epigenetic drugs to re-evaluate the use of telomerase inhibitors. Combined treatments could be of support to currently used therapies still presenting weaknesses.
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Pippa S, Mannironi C, Licursi V, Bombardi L, Colotti G, Cundari E, Mollica A, Coluccia A, Naccarato V, La Regina G, Silvestri R, Negri R. Small Molecule Inhibitors of KDM5 Histone Demethylases Increase the Radiosensitivity of Breast Cancer Cells Overexpressing JARID1B. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24091739. [PMID: 31060229 PMCID: PMC6540222 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24091739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: KDM5 enzymes are H3K4 specific histone demethylases involved in transcriptional regulation and DNA repair. These proteins are overexpressed in different kinds of cancer, including breast, prostate and bladder carcinomas, with positive effects on cancer proliferation and chemoresistance. For these reasons, these enzymes are potential therapeutic targets. Methods: In the present study, we analyzed the effects of three different inhibitors of KDM5 enzymes in MCF-7 breast cancer cells over-expressing one of them, namely KDM5B/JARID1B. In particular we tested H3K4 demethylation (western blot); radio-sensitivity (cytoxicity and clonogenic assays) and damage accumulation (COMET assay and kinetics of H2AX phosphorylation). Results: we show that all three compounds with completely different chemical structures can selectively inhibit KDM5 enzymes and are capable of increasing sensitivity of breast cancer cells to ionizing radiation and radiation-induced damage. Conclusions: These findings confirm the involvement of H3K4 specific demethylases in the response to DNA damage, show a requirement of the catalytic function and suggest new strategies for the therapeutic use of their inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pippa
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Mannironi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Valerio Licursi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "A. Ruberti", Italian National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Luca Bombardi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Gianni Colotti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Enrico Cundari
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d' Annunzio" of Chieti, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Antonio Coluccia
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Valentina Naccarato
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Rodolfo Negri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Nadeem Abbas M, Kausar S, Wang F, Zhao Y, Cui H. Advances in Targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Pathway by Synthetic Products and Its Regulation by Epigenetic Modulators As a Therapy for Glioblastoma. Cells 2019; 8:cells8040350. [PMID: 31013819 PMCID: PMC6523687 DOI: 10.3390/cells8040350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common primary tumor of the nervous system, and approximately 50% of patients exhibit the most aggressive form of the cancer, glioblastoma. The biological function of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in tumorigenesis and progression has been established in various types of cancers, since it is overexpressed, mutated, or dysregulated. Its overexpression has been shown to be associated with enhanced metastatic potential in glioblastoma, with EGFR at the top of a downstream signaling cascade that controls basic functional properties of glioblastoma cells such as survival, cell proliferation, and migration. Thus, EGFR is considered as an important therapeutic target in glioblastoma. Many anti-EGFR therapies have been investigated both in vivo and in vitro, making their way to clinical studies. However, in clinical trials, the potential efficacy of anti-EGFR therapies is low, primarily because of chemoresistance. Currently, a range of epigenetic drugs including histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, DNA methylation and histone inhibitors, microRNA, and different types of EGFR inhibitor molecules are being actively investigated in glioblastoma patients as therapeutic strategies. Here, we describe recent knowledge on the signaling pathways mediated by EGFR/EGFR variant III (EGFRvIII) with regard to current therapeutic strategies to target EGFR/EGFRvIII amplified glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Cancer center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Saima Kausar
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Cancer center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Feng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Cancer center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Yongju Zhao
- College of Animal and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China.
- Cancer center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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Manzotti G, Ciarrocchi A, Sancisi V. Inhibition of BET Proteins and Histone Deacetylase (HDACs): Crossing Roads in Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030304. [PMID: 30841549 PMCID: PMC6468908 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone DeACetylases (HDACs) are enzymes that remove acetyl groups from histones and other proteins, regulating the expression of target genes. Pharmacological inhibition of these enzymes re-shapes chromatin acetylation status, confusing boundaries between transcriptionally active and quiescent chromatin. This results in reinducing expression of silent genes while repressing highly transcribed genes. Bromodomain and Extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are readers of acetylated chromatin status and accumulate on transcriptionally active regulatory elements where they serve as scaffold for the building of transcription-promoting complexes. The expression of many well-known oncogenes relies on BET proteins function, indicating BET inhibition as a strategy to counteract their activity. BETi and HDACi share many common targets and affect similar cellular processes to the point that combined inhibition of both these classes of proteins is regarded as a strategy to improve the effectiveness of these drugs in cancer. In this work, we aim to discuss the molecular basis of the interplay between HDAC and BET proteins, pointing at chromatin acetylation as a crucial node of their functional interaction. We will also describe the state of the art of their dual inhibition in cancer therapy. Finally, starting from their mechanism of action we will provide a speculative perspective on how these drugs may be employed in combination with standard therapies to improve effectiveness and/or overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Manzotti
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Alessia Ciarrocchi
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Valentina Sancisi
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
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50
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Abstract
Introduction: Epigenetic modification without DNA sequence mutation plays an important role in cancer development. Some small molecular inhibitors targeting key epigenetic molecules have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat hematological malignancies. However, the anticancer effects of these drugs on solid tumors are not satisfactory, and the mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. Areas covered: The review summarizes the latest research on cancer epigenetics and discusses the potentials and limitations of using epigenetic drugs to treat solid tumors. An analysis of possible reasons for epigenetic drug treatment failure in solid tumors in some clinical trials is discussed along with prospects for future development. Expert commentary: Next-generation small molecule inhibitors will target novel epigenetic regulators with high cancer specificity. Combined modalities exploiting epigenetic drugs with chemo-/radiotherapy, molecular-targeting drugs, and immunotherapy will be able to effectively treat solid tumors in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghui Liu
- a Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , Hunan , China
| | - Yingxue Gao
- a Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , Hunan , China
| | - Xiong Li
- a Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , Hunan , China
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