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Sastow D, Levavi H, Wagner N, Pratz K, Tremblay D. Ven the dose matters: Venetoclax dosing in the frontline treatment of AML. Blood Rev 2024:101238. [PMID: 39217050 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2024.101238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Older/unfit adults with AML have worse outcomes and fewer treatment options than their younger/fit counterparts. In vitro studies have found a synergistic effect of hypomethylating agents (HMA) with venetoclax (VEN) on AML cells and since the phase 3 VIALE-A trial demonstrated a survival benefit, HMA + VEN has become the standard of care in the frontline setting for older/unfit adults with AML. Unfortunately, the standard 28-day cycle of VEN is associated with a high degree of myelosuppression leading to treatment delays and dose modifications. Many small retrospective studies have successfully shown comparable outcomes to VIALE-A with reduced dose/duration of VEN. Furthermore, low dose metronomic dosing of HMA + VEN has shown clinical benefit while minimizing myelotoxicity. Future trials are vital to understand the appropriate dose of VEN in combination with HMA, to evaluate HMA + VEN compared to intensive therapy for younger/fit patients, and to explore its utility in the relapsed/refractory setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahniel Sastow
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hannah Levavi
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Wagner
- Division of Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Keith Pratz
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Douglas Tremblay
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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2
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Truong P, Shen S, Joshi S, Islam MI, Zhong L, Raftery MJ, Afrasiabi A, Alinejad-Rokny H, Nguyen M, Zou X, Bhuyan GS, Sarowar CH, Ghodousi ES, Stonehouse O, Mohamed S, Toscan CE, Connerty P, Kakadia PM, Bohlander SK, Michie KA, Larsson J, Lock RB, Walkley CR, Thoms JAI, Jolly CJ, Pimanda JE. TOPORS E3 ligase mediates resistance to hypomethylating agent cytotoxicity in acute myeloid leukemia cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7360. [PMID: 39198401 PMCID: PMC11358519 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51646-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypomethylating agents (HMAs) are frontline therapies for Myelodysplastic Neoplasms (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). However, acquired resistance and treatment failure are commonplace. To address this, we perform a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen in a human MDS-derived cell line, MDS-L, and identify TOPORS as a loss-of-function target that synergizes with HMAs, reducing leukemic burden and improving survival in xenograft models. We demonstrate that depletion of TOPORS mediates sensitivity to HMAs by predisposing leukemic blasts to an impaired DNA damage response (DDR) accompanied by an accumulation of SUMOylated DNMT1 in HMA-treated TOPORS-depleted cells. The combination of HMAs with targeting of TOPORS does not impair healthy hematopoiesis. While inhibitors of TOPORS are unavailable, we show that inhibition of protein SUMOylation with TAK-981 partially phenocopies HMA-sensitivity and DDR impairment. Overall, our data suggest that the combination of HMAs with inhibition of SUMOylation or TOPORS is a rational treatment option for High-Risk MDS (HR-MDS) or AML.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Animals
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Mice
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/drug therapy
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/genetics
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/pathology
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/metabolism
- CRISPR-Cas Systems
- Sumoylation/drug effects
- Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/metabolism
- Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics
- DNA Damage/drug effects
- DNA Methylation/drug effects
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1/metabolism
- DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1/genetics
- DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Female
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Truong
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sylvie Shen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Swapna Joshi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Ling Zhong
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark J Raftery
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ali Afrasiabi
- UNSW BioMedical Machine Learning Lab (BML), The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hamid Alinejad-Rokny
- UNSW BioMedical Machine Learning Lab (BML), The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health Engineering (IHealthE), UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mary Nguyen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiaoheng Zou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Elaheh S Ghodousi
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Sara Mohamed
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- UNSW Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Cara E Toscan
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- UNSW Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Patrick Connerty
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- UNSW Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Purvi M Kakadia
- Leukaemia and Blood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stefan K Bohlander
- Leukaemia and Blood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Katharine A Michie
- Structural Biology Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonas Larsson
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Richard B Lock
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- UNSW Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carl R Walkley
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Julie A I Thoms
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - John E Pimanda
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Haematology Department, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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3
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Haumschild R, Kennerly-Shah J, Barbarotta L, Zeidan AM. Clinical activity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of oral hypomethylating agents for myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms and acute myeloid leukemia: A multidisciplinary review. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2024; 30:721-736. [PMID: 38509812 PMCID: PMC11118786 DOI: 10.1177/10781552241238979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the pharmacokinetic (PK)-pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles, disease setting, dosing, and safety of oral and parenteral hypomethylating agents (HMAs) for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and to provide a multidisciplinary perspective on treatment selection and educational needs relating to HMA use. DATA SOURCES Clinical and real-world data for parenteral decitabine and azacitidine and two oral HMAs: decitabine-cedazuridine (DEC-C) for MDS and azacitidine (CC-486) for AML maintenance therapy. DATA SUMMARY Differences in the PK-PD profiles of oral and parenteral HMA formulations have implications for their potential toxicities and planned use. Oral DEC-C (decitabine 35 mg and cedazuridine 100 mg) has demonstrated equivalent systemic area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) exposure to a 5-day regimen of intravenous (IV) decitabine 20 mg/m2 and showed no significant difference in PD. The AUC equivalence of oral DEC-C and IV decitabine means that these regimens can be treated interchangeably (but must not be substituted within a cycle). Oral azacitidine has a distinct PK-PD profile versus IV or subcutaneous azacitidine, and the formulations are not bioequivalent or interchangeable owing to differences in plasma time-course kinetics and exposures. Clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate oral HMA combinations and novel oral HMAs, such as NTX-301 and ASTX030. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with oral HMAs has the potential to improve quality of life, treatment adherence, and disease outcomes versus parenteral HMAs. Better education of multidisciplinary teams on the factors affecting HMA treatment selection may help to improve treatment outcomes in patients with MDS or AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Haumschild
- Emory University Hospital Midtown and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Julie Kennerly-Shah
- The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lisa Barbarotta
- Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Amer M. Zeidan
- Yale School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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4
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Woost PG, William BM, Cooper BW, Ueda Oshima M, Otegbeye F, De Lima MJ, Wald D, Mahfouz RZ, Saunthararajah Y, Stefan T, Jacobberger JW. Flow cytometry of DNMT1 as a biomarker of hypomethylating therapies. CYTOMETRY. PART B, CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2024; 106:11-24. [PMID: 38345160 PMCID: PMC11000818 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.22158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The 5-azacytidine (AZA) and decitabine (DEC) are noncytotoxic, differentiation-inducing therapies approved for treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemias (AML), and under evaluation as maintenance therapy for AML postallogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant and to treat hemoglobinapathies. Malignant cell cytoreduction is thought to occur by S-phase specific depletion of the key epigenetic regulator, DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) that, in the case of cancers, thereby releases terminal-differentiation programs. DNMT1-targeting can also elevate expression of immune function genes (HLA-DR, MICA, MICB) to stimulate graft versus leukemia effects. In vivo, there is a large inter-individual variability in DEC and 5-AZA activity because of pharmacogenetic factors, and an assay to quantify the molecular pharmacodynamic effect of DNMT1-depletion is a logical step toward individualized or personalized therapy. We developed and analytically validated a flow cytometric assay for DNMT1 epitope levels in blood and bone marrow cell subpopulations defined by immunophenotype and cell cycle state. Wild type (WT) and DNMT1 knock out (DKO) HC116 cells were used to select and optimize a highly specific DNMT1 monoclonal antibody. Methodologic validation of the assay consisted of cytometry and matching immunoblots of HC116-WT and -DKO cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells; flow cytometry of H116-WT treated with DEC, and patient samples before and after treatment with 5-AZA. Analysis of patient samples demonstrated assay reproducibility, variation in patient DNMT1 levels prior to treatment, and DNMT1 depletion posttherapy. A flow-cytometry assay has been developed that in the research setting of clinical trials can inform studies of DEC or 5-AZA treatment to achieve targeted molecular pharmacodynamic effects and better understand treatment-resistance/failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip G Woost
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Basem M William
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, and Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Brenda W Cooper
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, and Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Masumi Ueda Oshima
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, and Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Folashade Otegbeye
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, and Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Marcos J De Lima
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, and Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - David Wald
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Reda Z Mahfouz
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Tammy Stefan
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - James W Jacobberger
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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5
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Switzer CH. Non-canonical nitric oxide signalling and DNA methylation: Inflammation induced epigenetic alterations and potential drug targets. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 38116806 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation controls DNA accessibility to transcription factors and other regulatory proteins, thereby affecting gene expression and hence cellular identity and function. As epigenetic modifications control the transcriptome, epigenetic dysfunction is strongly associated with pathological conditions and ageing. The development of pharmacological agents that modulate the activity of major epigenetic proteins are in pre-clinical development and clinical use. However, recent publications have identified novel redox-based signalling pathways, and therefore novel drug targets, that may exert epigenetic effects. This review will discuss the recent developments in nitric oxide (NO) signalling on DNA methylation as well as potential epigenetic drug targets that have emerged from the intersection of inflammation/redox biology and epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher H Switzer
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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6
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Biswas S, Kang K, Ng KP, Radivoyevitch T, Schalper K, Zhang H, Lindner DJ, Thomas A, MacPherson D, Gastman B, Schrump DS, Wong KK, Velcheti V, Saunthararajah Y. Neuroendocrine lineage commitment of small cell lung cancers can be leveraged into p53-independent non-cytotoxic therapy. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113016. [PMID: 37597186 PMCID: PMC10528072 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancers (SCLCs) rapidly resist cytotoxic chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatments. New, non-cross-resistant therapies are thus needed. SCLC cells are committed into neuroendocrine lineage then maturation arrested. Implicating DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in the maturation arrests, we find (1) the repression mark methylated CpG, written by DNMT1, is retained at suppressed neuroendocrine-lineage genes, even as other repression marks are erased; (2) DNMT1 is recurrently amplified, whereas Ten-Eleven-Translocation 2 (TET2), which functionally opposes DNMT1, is deleted; (3) DNMT1 is recruited into neuroendocrine-lineage master transcription factor (ASCL1, NEUROD1) hubs in SCLC cells; and (4) DNMT1 knockdown activated ASCL1-target genes and released SCLC cell-cycling exits by terminal lineage maturation, which are cycling exits that do not require the p53/apoptosis pathway used by cytotoxic chemotherapy. Inhibiting DNMT1/corepressors with clinical compounds accordingly extended survival of mice with chemorefractory and ICI-refractory, p53-null, disseminated SCLC. Lineage commitment of SCLC cells can hence be leveraged into non-cytotoxic therapy able to treat chemo/ICI-refractory SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudipta Biswas
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kai Kang
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kwok Peng Ng
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Tomas Radivoyevitch
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kurt Schalper
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Hua Zhang
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Langone-Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Daniel J Lindner
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Anish Thomas
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Brian Gastman
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - David S Schrump
- Thoracic Epigenetics Section, Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kwok-Kin Wong
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Langone-Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Vamsidhar Velcheti
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Langone-Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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7
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Chen Q, Liu B, Zeng Y, Hwang JW, Dai N, Corrêa I, Estecio M, Zhang X, Santos MA, Chen T, Cheng X. GSK-3484862 targets DNMT1 for degradation in cells. NAR Cancer 2023; 5:zcad022. [PMID: 37206360 PMCID: PMC10189803 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcad022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of genomic methylation patterns at DNA replication forks by DNMT1 is the key to faithful mitotic inheritance. DNMT1 is often overexpressed in cancer cells and the DNA hypomethylating agents azacytidine and decitabine are currently used in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. However, the toxicity of these cytidine analogs and their ineffectiveness in treating solid tumors have limited wider clinical use. GSK-3484862 is a newly-developed, dicyanopyridine containing, non-nucleoside DNMT1-selective inhibitor with low cellular toxicity. Here, we show that GSK-3484862 targets DNMT1 for protein degradation in both cancer cell lines and murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs). DNMT1 depletion was rapid, taking effect within hours following GSK-3484862 treatment, leading to global hypomethylation. Inhibitor-induced DNMT1 degradation was proteasome-dependent, with no discernible loss of DNMT1 mRNA. In mESCs, GSK-3484862-induced Dnmt1 degradation requires the Dnmt1 accessory factor Uhrf1 and its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. We also show that Dnmt1 depletion and DNA hypomethylation induced by the compound are reversible after its removal. Together, these results indicate that this DNMT1-selective degrader/inhibitor will be a valuable tool for dissecting coordinated events linking DNA methylation to gene expression and identifying downstream effectors that ultimately regulate cellular response to altered DNA methylation patterns in a tissue/cell-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Chen
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Bigang Liu
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Yang Zeng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
- Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Jee Won Hwang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Nan Dai
- New England Biolabs, Inc, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
| | | | - Marcos R Estecio
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Margarida A Santos
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
- Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Taiping Chen
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
- Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030, USA
- Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX77030, USA
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8
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Jie C, Li R, Cheng Y, Wang Z, Wu Q, Xie C. Prospects and feasibility of synergistic therapy with radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1122352. [PMID: 36875059 PMCID: PMC9981667 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The morbidity and mortality of lung cancer are increasing, seriously threatening human health and life. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has an insidious onset and is not easy to be diagnosed in its early stage. Distant metastasis often occurs and the prognosis is poor. Radiotherapy (RT) combined with immunotherapy, especially with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has become the focus of research in NSCLC. The efficacy of immunoradiotherapy (iRT) is promising, but further optimization is necessary. DNA methylation has been involved in immune escape and radioresistance, and becomes a game changer in iRT. In this review, we focused on the regulation of DNA methylation on ICIs treatment resistance and radioresistance in NSCLC and elucidated the potential synergistic effects of DNA methyltransferases inhibitors (DNMTis) with iRT. Taken together, we outlined evidence suggesting that a combination of DNMTis, RT, and immunotherapy could be a promising treatment strategy to improve NSCLC outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Jie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rumeng Li
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajie Cheng
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhihao Wang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiuji Wu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Conghua Xie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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9
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Jiang W, Block ME, Boosani CS. Short communication: TNF-α and IGF-1 regulates epigenetic mechanisms of HDAC2 and HDAC10. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263190. [PMID: 35143520 PMCID: PMC8830685 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular restenosis often presents as a consequence of injury to the vessel wall, resulting from stenting and other interventional procedures. Such injury to the arteries induces proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMCs), resulting in cellular hyperplasia and restenosis. We and others have previously reported de-novo production of different cytokines and growth factors such as Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) and Insulin like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), after vascular injury. As complex as it is, the profuse proliferation of VSMCs appears to be occurring due to several induced factors which initiate molecular mechanisms and exacerbate disease conditions. In many pathological events, the deleterious effects of TNF-α and IGF-1 in initiating disease mechanisms was reported. In the present work, we explored whether TNF-α and IGF-1 can regulate epigenetic mechanisms that promote proliferation of VSMCs. We investigated the mechanistic roles of proteins which can structurally interact with DNMT1 and initiate cellular pathways that promote proliferation of VSMCs. Our findings here, identify a novel molecular mechanism that is initiated by TNF-α and IGF-1. It was previously reported that DNMT1 expression is directly induced by TNF-α and IGF-1 treatment and increased/induced expression of DNMT1 causes silencing of genes that are essential to maintaining cellular homeostasis such as the tumor suppressor genes. We have earlier reported that TNF-α and IGF-1 treatment elevates DNMT1 expression in VSMCs and causes increased VSMC proliferation. However, the molecular mechanisms involved were not fully deciphered. Interestingly, in the present study we found that TNF-α and IGF-1 treatment failed to elevate DNMT1 expression levels in absence of HDAC2 and HDAC10. Also, while HDAC2 expression was not affected by HDAC10 knockdown, HDAC2 is essentially required for HDAC10 expression. Further, in TNF-α and IGF-1 induced epigenetic signaling mechanism, the expression of two important proteins EZH2 and PCNA seem to be regulated in an HDAC2-HDAC10 dependent manner. Our results show an inter-dependence of epigenetic mediators in inducing proliferation in VSMCs. To our knowledge, this is the first report that shows HDAC2 dependent expression of HDAC10, and suggests a novel mechanistic link between DNMT1, HDAC10 and HDAC2 that regulates EZH2 and PCNA to enhance cell proliferation of VSMCs which is the underlying cause for neointimal hyperplasia and restenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlin Jiang
- Department of Clinical and Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Megan E. Block
- Department of Clinical and Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Chandra S. Boosani
- Department of Clinical and Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
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10
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Tuerxun N, Wang J, Zhao F, Qin YT, Wang H, Chen R, Hao JP. Bioinformatics analysis deciphering the transcriptomic signatures associated with signalling pathways and prognosis in the myelodysplastic syndromes. Hematology 2022; 27:214-231. [PMID: 35134316 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2022.2029256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies scatteredly identified the myelodysplastic syndromes' transcriptomic profiles (MDS). However, the exploration of transcriptional signatures, key signalling pathways, and their association with prognosis and diagnosis in the integrated multiple datasets remains lacking. METHODS We integrated the GSE4619, GSE19429, GSE30195, and GSE58831 microarray datasets of CD34 + cells for identifying the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the MDS. The series of bioinformatics methods are applied to identify the key hub genes, gene clusters, prognostic hub genes, and genes associated with diagnostic efficacy. Finally, we validated the expression differences of hub genes in the GSE114922 dataset. RESULTS We explored the DEGs related to gene ontology enrichment and KEGG pathways. We identified significant hub genes, including 168 upregulated hub genes (such as STAT1, IFIH1, EPRS, GRB2, RAC2, MAPK14, CASP1, and SPI1) and 52 downregulated hub genes (such as CREBBP, HIF1A, PIK3CA, EZH2, PIK3R1, MDM2, IRF4, CXCR4, PCNA, and CD19) in the MDS. In addition, we identified six significant molecular complex detection (MCODE)-derived upregulated gene clusters and one downregulated gene cluster, respectively. Moreover, we found that the higher expression level of MX2, GBP2, PXN, IFI44, FDXR, PLCB2, ASS1, ERCC4, PML, and RRAGD and the lower expression level of CD19, PAX5, TCF3, LEF1, NUSAP1, and TIMELESS hub genes are significantly correlated with shorter survival times of MDS patients. Furthermore, the area value under the ROC curve (AUC) of PXN, FDXR, PLCB2, PML, CD19, PAX5, and LEF1 prognostic genes are more than 0.80, indicating that these genes could be effectively used for the diagnostic efficacy of MDS patients. CONCLUSIONS Identifying key hub genes and their association with the prognosis and diagnostic efficacy may provide substantial clues for the treatment and diagnosis of MDS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niluopaer Tuerxun
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Zhao
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Ting Qin
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Chen
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Ping Hao
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
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11
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Epigenetics of Cutaneous Sarcoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010422. [PMID: 35008848 PMCID: PMC8745302 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes influence various physiological and pathological conditions in the human body. Recent advances in epigenetic studies of the skin have led to an appreciation of the importance of epigenetic modifications in skin diseases. Cutaneous sarcomas are intractable skin cancers, and there are no curative therapeutic options for the advanced forms of cutaneous sarcomas. In this review, we discuss the detailed molecular effects of epigenetic modifications on skin sarcomas, such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, angiosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and liposarcoma. We also discuss the application of epigenetic-targeted therapy for skin sarcomas.
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Zavras PD, Shastri A, Goldfinger M, Verma AK, Saunthararajah Y. Clinical Trials Assessing Hypomethylating Agents Combined with Other Therapies: Causes for Failure and Potential Solutions. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:6653-6661. [PMID: 34551907 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-2139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Azacitidine and decitabine are hypomethylating agents (HMA), that is, both inhibit and deplete DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). HMAs are standard single-agent therapies for myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myelogenous leukemias. Several attempts to improve outcomes by combining HMAs with investigational agents, excepting with the BCL2-inhibitor venetoclax, have failed in randomized clinical trial (RCT) evaluations. We extract lessons from decades of clinical trials to thereby inform future work. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Serial single-agent clinical trials were analyzed for mechanism and pathway properties of HMAs underpinning their success, and for rules for dose and schedule selection. RCTs were studied for principles, dos and don'ts for productive combination therapy. RESULTS Single-agent HMA trial results encourage dose and schedule selection to increase S-phase-dependent DNMT1 targeting, and discourage doses that cause indiscriminate antimetabolite effects/cytotoxicity, because these attrit myelopoiesis reserves needed for clinical response. Treatment-related myelosuppression should prompt dose/frequency reductions of less active investigational agents rather than more active HMA. Administering cytostatic agents concurrently with HMA can antagonize S-phase-dependent DNMT1 targeting. Supportive care that enables on-time administration of S-phase (exposure-time)-dependent HMA could be useful. Agents that manipulate pyrimidine metabolism to increase HMA pro-drug processing into DNMT1-depleting nucleotide, and/or inhibit other epigenetic enzymes implicated in oncogenic silencing of lineage differentiation, could be productive, but doses and schedules should adhere to therapeutic index/molecular-targeted principles already learned. CONCLUSIONS More than 40 years of clinical trial history indicates mechanism, pathway, and therapeutic index properties of HMAs that underpin their almost exclusive success and teaches lessons for selection and design of combinations aiming to build on this treatment foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phaedon D Zavras
- Department of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Aditi Shastri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Mendel Goldfinger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Amit K Verma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
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PBRM1 loss in kidney cancer unbalances the proximal tubule master transcription factor hub to repress proximal tubule differentiation. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109747. [PMID: 34551289 PMCID: PMC8561673 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PBRM1, a subunit of the PBAF coactivator complex that transcription factors use to activate target genes, is genetically inactivated in almost all clear cell renal cell cancers (RCCs). Using unbiased proteomic analyses, we find that PAX8, a master transcription factor driver of proximal tubule epithelial fates, recruits PBRM1/PBAF. Reverse analyses of the PAX8 interactome confirm recruitment specifically of PBRM1/PBAF and not functionally similar BAF. More conspicuous in the PAX8 hub in RCC cells, however, are corepressors, which functionally oppose coactivators. Accordingly, key PAX8 target genes are repressed in RCC versus normal kidneys, with the loss of histone lysine-27 acetylation, but intact lysine-4 trimethylation, activation marks. Re-introduction of PBRM1, or depletion of opposing corepressors using siRNA or drugs, redress coregulator imbalance and release RCC cells to terminal epithelial fates. These mechanisms thus explain RCC resemblance to the proximal tubule lineage but with suppression of the late-epithelial program that normally terminates lineage-precursor proliferation. Gu et al. identify that transcription factor PAX8 needs the PBRM1/PBAF coactivator to activate proximal tubule genes. PBRM1 mutation/deletion thus explains the resemblance of clear cell kidney cancer to proximal tubule tissue but with suppressed terminal epithelial markers. This oncogenic mechanism could be repaired using drugs to inhibit corepressors.
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Zawit M, Gurnari C, Pagliuca S, Awada H, Maciejewski JP, Saunthararajah Y. A non-cytotoxic regimen of decitabine to treat refractory T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia. Clin Case Rep 2021; 9:e04533. [PMID: 34552731 PMCID: PMC8443408 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.4533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on a novel, successful, non-cytotoxic therapy to treat multiply-refractory T-LGL in an elderly patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misam Zawit
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research DepartmentTaussig Cancer CenterCleveland ClinicClevelandOHUSA
| | - Carmelo Gurnari
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research DepartmentTaussig Cancer CenterCleveland ClinicClevelandOHUSA
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention & Ph.D in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied BiotechnologyUniversity of Rome Tor VergataRomeItaly
| | - Simona Pagliuca
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research DepartmentTaussig Cancer CenterCleveland ClinicClevelandOHUSA
- Université de ParisParisFrance
| | - Hassan Awada
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research DepartmentTaussig Cancer CenterCleveland ClinicClevelandOHUSA
| | - Jaroslaw P. Maciejewski
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research DepartmentTaussig Cancer CenterCleveland ClinicClevelandOHUSA
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research DepartmentTaussig Cancer CenterCleveland ClinicClevelandOHUSA
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15
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Bull C, Mayrhofer G, Fenech M. Exposure to hypomethylating 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (decitabine) causes rapid, severe DNA damage, telomere elongation and mitotic dysfunction in human WIL2-NS cells. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2021; 868-869:503385. [PMID: 34454691 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2021.503385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5azadC, decitabine) is a DNA hypomethylating agent used in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes. Due to cytotoxic side effects dose optimization is essential. The aim of this study was to define and quantify the effects of 5azadC on biomarkers of chromosomal stability, and telomere length, in human lymphoblastoid cell line, WIL2-NS, at clinically relevant dosages. METHODS Human WIL2-NS cells were maintained in complete medium containing 0, 0.2 or 1.0 μM 5azadC for four days, and analysed daily for telomere length (flow cytometry), chromosomal stability (cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-cyt) assay), and global methylation (%5me-C). RESULTS DNA methylation decreased significantly in 1.0 μM 5azadC, relative to control (p < 0.0001). Exposure to 1.0 μM 5azadC resulted in 1.7-fold increase in telomere length (p < 0.0001), in parallel with rapid increase in biomarkers of DNA damage; (micronuclei (MN, 6-fold increase), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPB, a 12-fold increase), and nuclear buds (NBud, a 13-fold increase) (all p < 0.0001). Fused nuclei (FUS), indicative of mitotic dysfunction, showed a 5- and 13-fold increase in the 0.2 μM and 1.0 μM conditions, respectively (p = 0.001) after 4 days. CONCLUSIONS These data show that (i) clinically relevant concentrations of 5azadC are highly genotoxic; (ii) hypomethylation was associated with increased TL and DNA damage; and (iii) longer TL was associated with chromosomal instability. These findings suggest that lower doses of 5azdC may be effective as a hypomethylating agent, while potentially reducing DNA damage and risk for secondary disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bull
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Gate 13 Kintore Avenue, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Graham Mayrhofer
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Fenech
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Gate 13 Kintore Avenue, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Patel AA, Cahill K, Saygin C, Odenike O. Cedazuridine/decitabine: from preclinical to clinical development in myeloid malignancies. Blood Adv 2021; 5:2264-2271. [PMID: 33904891 PMCID: PMC8095139 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020002929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals of parenteral decitabine and azacitidine, DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, otherwise referred to as DNA hypomethylating agents (HMAs), have been a mainstay in the treatment of higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. The development of oral HMAs has been an area of active interest; however, oral bioavailability has been quite poor due to rapid metabolism by cytidine deaminase (CDA). This led to the development of the novel CDA inhibitor cedazuridine, which was combined with an oral formulation of decitabine. Preclinical work demonstrated a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile approximate to parenteral decitabine, leading to early-phase clinical trials of oral cedazuridine-decitabine (C-DEC) in myelodysplastic syndromes and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). A combination of oral decitabine 35 mg with oral cedazuridine 100 mg was established as the recommended phase 2 dose. Phase 2 data confirmed bioequivalence of C-DEC when compared with parenteral decitabine, and a larger phase 3 trial has demonstrated similar results, leading to the FDA approval of C-DEC for use in intermediate/high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and CMML. This review will focus upon the current role of HMA therapy in MDS/CMML, preclinical and clinical development of C-DEC, and potential roles of oral HMA therapy in myeloid malignancies moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand A Patel
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Kirk Cahill
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Caner Saygin
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Olatoyosi Odenike
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
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Gu X, Tohme R, Tomlinson B, Sakre N, Hasipek M, Durkin L, Schuerger C, Grabowski D, Zidan AM, Radivoyevitch T, Hong C, Carraway H, Hamilton B, Sobecks R, Patel B, Jha BK, Hsi ED, Maciejewski J, Saunthararajah Y. Decitabine- and 5-azacytidine resistance emerges from adaptive responses of the pyrimidine metabolism network. Leukemia 2021; 35:1023-1036. [PMID: 32770088 PMCID: PMC7867667 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-020-1003-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Mechanisms-of-resistance to decitabine and 5-azacytidine, mainstay treatments for myeloid malignancies, require investigation and countermeasures. Both are nucleoside analog pro-drugs processed by pyrimidine metabolism into a deoxynucleotide analog that depletes the key epigenetic regulator DNA methyltranseferase 1 (DNMT1). Here, upon serial analyses of DNMT1 levels in patients' bone marrows on-therapy, we found DNMT1 was not depleted at relapse. Showing why, bone marrows at relapse exhibited shifts in expression of key pyrimidine metabolism enzymes in directions adverse to pro-drug activation. Further investigation revealed the origin of these shifts. Pyrimidine metabolism is a network that senses and regulates deoxynucleotide amounts. Deoxynucleotide amounts were disturbed by single exposures to decitabine or 5-azacytidine, via off-target depletion of thymidylate synthase and ribonucleotide reductase respectively. Compensating pyrimidine metabolism shifts peaked 72-96 h later. Continuous pro-drug exposures stabilized these adaptive metabolic responses to thereby prevent DNMT1-depletion and permit exponential leukemia out-growth as soon as day 40. The consistency of the acute metabolic responses enabled exploitation: simple treatment modifications in xenotransplant models of chemorefractory leukemia extended noncytotoxic DNMT1-depletion and leukemia control by several months. In sum, resistance to decitabine and 5-azacytidine originates from adaptive responses of the pyrimidine metabolism network; these responses can be anticipated and thus exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Gu
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rita Tohme
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Benjamin Tomlinson
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nneha Sakre
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Metis Hasipek
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Lisa Durkin
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Tomsich Pathology Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Caroline Schuerger
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Dale Grabowski
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Asmaa M Zidan
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tomas Radivoyevitch
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Changjin Hong
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Hetty Carraway
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Betty Hamilton
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ronald Sobecks
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Bhumika Patel
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Babal K Jha
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Eric D Hsi
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Tomsich Pathology Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jaroslaw Maciejewski
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Hu N, Qin T, Du X, Wang B, Wang X, Xu Z, Pan L, Qu S, Xiao Z. Evaluation of Reduced-Dose Decitabine and Azacitidine for Treating Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A Retrospective Study. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e928454. [PMID: 33514682 PMCID: PMC7856837 DOI: 10.12659/msm.928454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hypomethylating agents (HMA) are considered the first-line therapy for high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, as the efficacy and safety of rational dosing regimens are lacking, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of reduced-dose azacitidine (AZA) vs. decitabine (DAC) in adult MDS patients. Material/Methods This retrospective study was conducted at the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, for hospitalized MDS patients diagnosed (WHO 2008 classification criteria) from May 2006 to February 2020. These AZA- and DCA-naive patients treated with AZA 100 mg/(m2·day) for 5 days to 7 days or DAC 20 mg/(m2·day) for 3 days to 4 days, or 20 mg/(m2·day) 1 day/week for 3 weeks/month were assessed for treatment responses and adverse events. Results Of the 158 enrolled MDS patients, 120 and 38 patients were administered reduced-dose DAC and AZA, respectively. All the patients received a median of 2 treatment cycles. The overall response rates (ORR) were 50.0% and 73.3% in the AZA and DAC groups, respectively (P=0.007). The percentage of platelet transfusion dependence in the AZA group was lower than the DAC group (P=0.026). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the DAC treatment was a significant factor for improved responses (OR 2.928; 95% CI 1.267–6.896; P=0.012), and the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was a predictor of the ORR (OR 0.725; 95% CI 0.558–0.898; P=0.008). Neutropenia (P=0.016) and infection (P=0.032) incidences were higher in the DAC group. Conclusions The reduced-dose DAC group demonstrated a better response than the AZA group in MDS patients with different prognostic risks. The patients’ pre-treatment ANC was a significant factor associated with the ORR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naibo Hu
- Department of Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China (mainland).,Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China (mainland)
| | - Tiejun Qin
- Department of Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaoyan Du
- Medical Department, Yidu Cloud (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Bingyi Wang
- Medical Department, Yidu Cloud (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaoyun Wang
- Medical Department, Yidu Cloud (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Zefeng Xu
- Department of Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China (mainland)
| | - Lijuan Pan
- Department of Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China (mainland)
| | - Shiqiang Qu
- Department of Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China (mainland)
| | - Zhijian Xiao
- Department of Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China (mainland)
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Ultimate Precision: Targeting Cancer But Not Normal Self-Replication. Lung Cancer 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-74028-3_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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20
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Hill B, Jagadeesh D, Pohlman B, Dean R, Parameswaran N, Chen J, Radivoyevitch T, Morrison A, Fada S, Dever M, Robinson S, Lindner D, Smith M, Saunthararajah Y. A pilot clinical trial of oral tetrahydrouridine/decitabine for noncytotoxic epigenetic therapy of chemoresistant lymphoid malignancies. Semin Hematol 2021; 58:35-44. [PMID: 33509441 PMCID: PMC7847482 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
One mechanism by which lymphoid malignancies resist standard apoptosis-intending (cytotoxic) treatments is genetic attenuation of the p53/p16-CDKN2A apoptosis axis. Depletion of the epigenetic protein DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) using the deoxycytidine analog decitabine is a validated approach to cytoreduce malignancy independent of p53/p16. In vivo decitabine activity, however, is restricted by rapid catabolism by cytidine deaminase (CDA). We, therefore, combined decitabine with the CDA-inhibitor tetrahydrouridine and conducted a pilot clinical trial in patients with relapsed lymphoid malignancies: the doses of tetrahydrouridine/decitabine used (∼10/0.2 mg/kg orally (PO) 2×/week) were selected for the molecular pharmacodynamic objective of non-cytotoxic, S-phase dependent, DNMT1-depletion, guided by previous Phase 1 studies. Patients with relapsed/refractory B- or T-cell malignancies (n = 7) were treated for up to 18 weeks. Neutropenia without concurrent thrombocytopenia is an expected toxicity of DNMT1-depletion and occurred in all patients (Grade 3/4). Subjective and objective clinical improvements occurred in 4 of 7 patients, but these responses were lost upon treatment interruptions and reductions to manage neutropenia. We thus performed parallel experiments in a preclinical in vivo model of lymphoma to identify regimen refinements that might sustain DNMT1-targeting in malignant cells but limit neutropenia. We found that timed-alternation of decitabine with the related molecule 5-azacytidine, and combination with inhibitors of CDA and de novo pyrimidine synthesis could leverage feedback responses of pyrimidine metabolism to substantially increase lymphoma cytoreduction but with less neutropenia. In sum, regimen innovations beyond incorporation of a CDA-inhibitor are needed to sustain decitabine DNMT1-targeting and efficacy against chemo-resistant lymphoid malignancy. Such potential solutions were explored in preclinical in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Hill
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.
| | - Deepa Jagadeesh
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Brad Pohlman
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Robert Dean
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Neetha Parameswaran
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Joel Chen
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | | | - Ashley Morrison
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Sherry Fada
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Meredith Dever
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Shelley Robinson
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Daniel Lindner
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Mitchell Smith
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, George Washington University, DC
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH; Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.
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21
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Sundaravel S, Steidl U, Wickrema A. Epigenetic modifiers in normal and aberrent erythropoeisis. Semin Hematol 2021; 58:15-26. [PMID: 33509439 PMCID: PMC7883935 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Erythroid differentiation program is comprised of lineage commitment, erythroid progenitor proliferation, and termination differentiation. Each stage of the differentiation program is heavily influenced by epigenetic modifiers that alter the epigenome in a dynamic fashion influenced by cytokines/humeral factors and are amicable to target by drugs. The epigenetic modifiers can be classified as DNA modifiers (DNMT, TET), mRNA modifiers (RNA methylases and demethylases) and histone protein modifiers (methyltransferases, acetyltransferases, demethylases, and deacetylases). Here we describe mechanisms by which these epigenetic modifiers influence and guide erythroid-lineage differentiation during normal and malignant erythropoiesis and also benign diseases that arise from their altered structure or function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Sundaravel
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Ulrich Steidl
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY; Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Montefiore Medical center, Bronx, NY
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22
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Jha BK, Saunthararajah Y. Epigenetic modifier directed therapeutics to unleash healthy genes in unhealthy cells. Semin Hematol 2020; 58:1-3. [PMID: 33509437 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A common thread through malignant and nonmalignant diseases alerts us to a therapeutic opportunity to seize: disease may originate from genetic mutations, but resulting maladaptive/unhealthy cell fates and functions are mediated by epigenetic enzymes, that are druggable. Epigenetic enzymes modify DNA, and/or the histones around which DNA is organized, to regulate access to genes by the basal transcription factor machinery that transcribes genes. Epigenetic enzymes can be divided usefully into those that facilitate gene transcription ("on" enzymes or coactivators) and those that favor gene repression ("off" enzymes or corepressors). DNA-binding master transcription factors cooperate to recruit coactivators, and repulse corepressors, from thousands of genes, to thereby activate the gene expression programs that define cell fates and functions. In malignancy, this usual exchange of corepressors for coactivators fails, because of mutations to master transcription factors or the coactivators they recruit. Inhibiting corepressor enzymes using small molecules uses pharmacology to redress this coactivator/corepressor imbalance that originates from genetics, to in this way release cancer cells to the terminal lineage-fates intended by their master transcription factor content. Similarly, in nonmalignant β-hemoglobinopathies, inhibiting corepressors exploits transcription factor and lineage-context to activate unmutated fetal over mutated adult globin genes, to thereby treat these nonmalignant genetic diseases. Master transcription factors then are the "natural forces" in the Hippocratic dictum "Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease," and drugging epigenetic enzymes (corepressors) a way to harness these forces to heal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babal K Jha
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.
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23
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Wang P, Zhao H, Ren F, Zhao Q, Shi R, Liu X, Liu J, Li Y, Li Y, Liu H, Chen J. [Research Progress of Epigenetics in Pathogenesis and Treatment of Malignant Tumors]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2020; 23:91-100. [PMID: 32093453 PMCID: PMC7049791 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2020.02.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
表观遗传学修饰与肿瘤的发生发展密切相关,其主要通过DNA甲基化、组蛋白修饰、非编码RNA调控和染色质结构重构等方式对基因功能和表达水平进行调控,从而影响肿瘤的进展。目前针对表观遗传学的药物已经逐渐应用于恶性肿瘤的治疗,常见的药物类型包括DNA甲基转移酶抑制剂和组蛋白去乙酰化酶抑制剂,但此类药物仍存在诸多不足之处广泛的临床应用仍需要进一步的研究,令人鼓舞的是表观遗传药物与多种抗肿瘤药物联合应用已表现出巨大的应用潜力。本文就表观遗传学在恶性肿瘤的发生发展机制和相关药物的新进展进行了综述。
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Wang
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Honglin Zhao
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Fan Ren
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Qingchun Zhao
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Ruifeng Shi
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Jinghao Liu
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Yongwen Li
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
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24
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Saunthararajah Y. Mysteries of partial dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibition and leukemia terminal differentiation. Haematologica 2020; 105:2191-2193. [PMID: 33054042 PMCID: PMC7556521 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2020.254482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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25
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Sohal D, Krishnamurthi S, Tohme R, Gu X, Lindner D, Landowski TH, Pink J, Radivoyevitch T, Fada S, Lee Z, Shepard D, Khorana A, Saunthararajah Y. A pilot clinical trial of the cytidine deaminase inhibitor tetrahydrouridine combined with decitabine to target DNMT1 in advanced, chemorefractory pancreatic cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:3047-3060. [PMID: 33042633 PMCID: PMC7539776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is scientifically validated as a molecular target to treat chemo-resistant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Results of clinical studies of the pyrimidine nucleoside analog decitabine to target DNMT1 in PDAC have, however, disappointed. One reason is high expression in PDAC of the enzyme cytidine deaminase (CDA), which catabolizes decitabine within minutes. We therefore added tetrahydrouridine (THU) to inhibit CDA with decitabine. In this pilot clinical trial, patients with advanced chemorefractory PDAC ingested oral THU ~10 mg/kg/day combined with oral decitabine ~0.2 mg/kg/day, for 5 consecutive days, then 2X/week. We treated 13 patients with extensively metastatic chemo-resistant PDAC, including 8 patients (62%) with ascites: all had received ≥ 1 prior therapies including gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel in 9 (69%) and FOLFIRINOX in 12 (92%). Median time on THU/decitabine treatment was 35 days (range 4-63). The most frequent treatment-attributable adverse event was anemia (n=5). No deaths were attributed to THU/decitabine. Five patients had clinical progressive disease (PD) prior to week 8. Eight patients had week 8 evaluation scans: 1 had stable disease and 7 PD. Median overall survival was 3.1 months. Decitabine systemic exposure is expected to decrease neutrophil counts; however, neutropenia was unexpectedly mild. To identify reasons for limited systemic decitabine effect, we measured plasma CDA enzyme activity in PDAC patients, and found a > 10-fold increase in those with metastatic vs resectable PDAC. We concluded that CDA activity is increased not just locally but also systemically in metastatic PDAC, suggesting a need for even higher CDA-inhibitor doses than used here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davendra Sohal
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of CincinnatiCincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Smitha Krishnamurthi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland ClinicCleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Rita Tohme
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland ClinicCleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Xiaorong Gu
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland ClinicCleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel Lindner
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland ClinicCleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - John Pink
- Translational Research Shared Resource, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Tomas Radivoyevitch
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland ClinicCleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sherry Fada
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland ClinicCleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Zhenghong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Dale Shepard
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland ClinicCleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Alok Khorana
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland ClinicCleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland ClinicCleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland ClinicCleveland, Ohio, USA
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26
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You L, Han Q, Zhu L, Zhu Y, Bao C, Yang C, Lei W, Qian W. Decitabine-Mediated Epigenetic Reprograming Enhances Anti-leukemia Efficacy of CD123-Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1787. [PMID: 32973749 PMCID: PMC7461863 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells represent a potentially curative therapy for patients with advanced hematological cancers; however, uncertainties surround the cell-intrinsic fitness as well as the exhaustion that restrict the capacity of CAR-T. Decitabine (DAC), a DNA demethylating agent, has been demonstrated to reverse exhaustion-associated DNA-methylation programs and to improve T cell responses against tumors. Here we show that DAC significantly enhances antileukemia functions of CD123 CAR-T cells in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, it inhibits the expression of DMNT3a and DNMT1. Using the Illumina Methylation EPIC BeadChip (850 K), we identified differentially methylated regions, most of which undergo hypomethylated changes. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that CD123 CAR-T cells treated with DAC were enriched in genes associated with naive, early memory T cells, as well as non-exhausted T cells. DAC treatment also results in upregulation of immune synapse-related genes. Finally, our data further suggest that DAC works through the regulation of cellular differentiation characterized by naive and memory phenotypes. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that DAC improves the anti-leukemia properties of CD123-directed CAR-T cells, and provides a basis for rational combinatorial CAR-T-based immunotherapy for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangshun You
- Department of Hematology, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Malignant Lymphoma Diagnosis and Therapy Center, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingmei Han
- Department of Hematology, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Hematology, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yijing Zhu
- Department of Hematology, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Changqian Bao
- Department of Hematology, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunmei Yang
- Department of Hematology, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Malignant Lymphoma Diagnosis and Therapy Center, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen Lei
- Department of Hematology, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Hematology, College of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenbin Qian
- Department of Hematology, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Hematology, College of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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27
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Representation of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome in clinical trials over the past 20 years. Blood Adv 2020; 3:2738-2747. [PMID: 31537526 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019000293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t-MDS), defined as MDS occurring after previous exposure to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, constitutes 10% to 20% of all MDS diagnoses. t-MDS patients tend to have higher-risk disease and worse outcomes than de novo MDS patients and are often excluded from therapeutic clinical trials. To explore this further, we extracted clinical trials across all status types registered on ClinicalTrials.gov from 1999 to 2018 studying untreated MDS patients. Using these specific search criteria, we analyzed 317 therapeutic MDS trials based on study status, therapeutic indication, eligibility criteria, and sponsor type to examine if these factors influenced t-MDS patient inclusion. Only 18 studies (5.7%) accrued 231 t-MDS patients in total, representing 3.2% of the total accrued MDS trial patient population. Fewer t-MDS patients were accrued in therapeutic trials sponsored by pharmaceutical sponsors vs nonpharmaceutical sponsors (2.8% vs 4.0%; P = .0073). This pattern of exclusion continues in actively enrolling trials; only 5 (10%) of 49 studies specifically mention the inclusion of t-MDS patients in their eligibility criteria. Our results indicate that therapeutic MDS trials seem to exclude t-MDS patients, rendering study results less applicable to this subset of MDS patients, who often have poor outcomes. Our study emphasizes the importance of the recent focus by National Cancer Institute cooperative groups and societies to broaden eligibility criteria for all patients.
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28
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Xu QY, Yu L. Epigenetic therapies in acute myeloid leukemia: the role of hypomethylating agents, histone deacetylase inhibitors and the combination of hypomethylating agents with histone deacetylase inhibitors. Chin Med J (Engl) 2020; 133:699-715. [PMID: 32044818 PMCID: PMC7190219 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000000685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation includes changes of DNA methylation and modifications of histone proteins and is essential for normal physiologic functions, especially for controlling gene expression. Epigenetic dysregulation plays a key role in disease pathogenesis and progression of some malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Epigenetic therapies, including hypomethylating agents (HMAs) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, were developed to reprogram the epigenetic abnormalities in AML. However, the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic effects of the two agents alone or their combination remain unknown. An overview of these epigenetic therapies is given here. A literature search was conducted through PubMed database, looking for important biological or clinical studies related to the epigenetic regimens in the treatment of AML until October 15th, 2019. Various types of articles, including original research and reviews, were assessed, identified, and eventually summarized as a collection of data pertaining the mechanisms and clinical effects of HMAs and HDAC inhibitors in AML patients. We provided here an overview of the current understanding of the mechanisms and clinical therapeutic effects involved in the treatment with HMAs and HDAC inhibitors alone, the combination of epigenetic therapies with intensive chemotherapy, and the combination of both types of epigenetic therapies. Relevant clinical trials were also discussed. Generally speaking, the large number of studies and their varied outcomes demonstrate that effects of epigenetic therapies are heterogeneous, and that HMAs combination regimens probably contribute to significant response rates. However, more research is needed to explore therapeutic effects of HDAC inhibitors and various combinations of HMAs and HDAC inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Yu Xu
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim 68169, Germany
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China
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29
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Sekeres MA, Patel BJ. Lowering the boom on lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2019; 2019:367-372. [PMID: 31808873 PMCID: PMC6913460 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2019000040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes are defined using prognostic scoring systems that incorporate data on bone marrow blast percentage, degree and numbers of cytopenias, and cytogenetic abnormalities. Increasingly, these are incorporating molecular abnormalities to further refine risk. Therapy is geared toward predominating cytopenias, with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents luspatercept and lenalidomide used to ameliorate anemia, romiplostim and eltrombopag tackling thrombocytopenia, and hypomethylating agents and antithymocyte globulin palliating pancytopenia. Newer agents on the horizon are abrogating the downstream sequelae of specific molecular mutations. One challenge for the future is in further modifying response criteria to align with improvements that are clinically meaningful to patients.
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30
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Grieve S, Wajnberg G, Lees M, Chacko S, Weir J, Crapoulet N, Reiman T. TAZ functions as a tumor suppressor in multiple myeloma by downregulating MYC. Blood Adv 2019; 3:3613-3625. [PMID: 31743393 PMCID: PMC6880893 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019000374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable blood cancer that is often characterized by amplification and overexpression of the MYC oncogene. Despite efforts, direct targeting of MYC is not yet possible; therefore, alternative strategies to inhibit MYC activity are necessary. TAZ is a transcriptional coactivator downstream of the Hippo-signaling pathway that functions as an oncogene in many solid tumors. However, its role in hematological malignancies is largely unexplored. Here, we show that, in contrast to solid tumors, expression of TAZ is lower in hematological malignancies, and that high expression of TAZ correlates with better patient outcomes. We further show that TAZ is hypermethylated in MM patient samples and in a panel of MM cell lines. Genetic overexpression of TAZ or pharmacological upregulation of TAZ by treatment with the demethylating agent decitabine induces apoptosis. Importantly, TAZ-induced apoptosis is independent of canonical Hippo components LATS1 or the TEA-domain family of transcription factors. Instead, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that overexpression of TAZ represses a MYC transcriptional program and we show that increased TAZ expression correlates with decreased MYC expression in both cell-line models and patient samples. Furthermore, promoter derepression of TAZ expression sensitizes MM cell lines through a reciprocal reduction in MYC expression using additional therapeutics such as bortezomib, trichostatin A, and panobinostat. Our findings uncover an unexpected role for TAZ in MM tumorigenesis and provide a compelling rationale for exploring the therapeutic potential of upregulating TAZ expression to restore sensitivity to specific therapeutics in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Grieve
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
| | | | - Miranda Lees
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
| | - Simi Chacko
- Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Jackson Weir
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
| | | | - Tony Reiman
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB, Canada; and
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Saint John, NB, Canada
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31
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Awada H, Mahfouz RZ, Kishtagari A, Kuzmanovic T, Durrani J, Kerr CM, Patel BJ, Visconte V, Radivoyevitch T, Lichtin A, Carraway HE, Maciejewski JP, Saunthararajah Y. Extended experience with a non-cytotoxic DNMT1-targeting regimen of decitabine to treat myeloid malignancies. Br J Haematol 2019; 188:924-929. [PMID: 31736067 PMCID: PMC7154732 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The nucleoside analogue decitabine can deplete the epigenetic regulator DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), an effect that occurs, and is saturated at, low concentrations/doses. A reason to pursue this molecular-targeted effect instead of the DNA damage/cytotoxicity produced with high concentrations/doses, is that non-cytotoxic DNMT1-depletion can cytoreduce even p53-null myeloid malignancies while sparing normal haematopoiesis. We thus identified minimum doses of decitabine (0·1-0·2 mg/kg) that deplete DNMT1 without off-target anti-metabolite effects/cytotoxicity, and then administered these well-tolerated doses frequently 1-2X/week to increase S-phase dependent DNMT1-depletion, and used a Myeloid Malignancy Registry to evaluate long-term outcomes in 69 patients treated this way. Consistent with the scientific rationale, treatment was well-tolerated and durable responses were produced (~40%) in genetically heterogeneous disease and the very elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Awada
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Reda Z Mahfouz
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashwin Kishtagari
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Teodora Kuzmanovic
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jibran Durrani
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Cassandra M Kerr
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Bhumika J Patel
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Valeria Visconte
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tomas Radivoyevitch
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Alan Lichtin
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Hetty E Carraway
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jaroslaw P Maciejewski
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Saunthararajah Y. Targeting sickle cell disease root-cause pathophysiology with small molecules. Haematologica 2019; 104:1720-1730. [PMID: 31399526 PMCID: PMC6717594 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.207530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex, frequently devastating, multi-organ pathophysiology of sickle cell disease has a single root cause: polymerization of deoxygenated sickle hemoglobin. A logical approach to disease modification is, therefore, to interdict this root cause. Ideally, such interdiction would utilize small molecules that are practical and accessible for worldwide application. Two types of such small molecule strategies are actively being evaluated in the clinic. The first strategy intends to shift red blood cell precursor hemoglobin manufacturing away from sickle hemoglobin and towards fetal hemoglobin, which inhibits sickle hemoglobin polymerization by a number of mechanisms. The second strategy intends to chemically modify sickle hemoglobin directly in order to inhibit its polymerization. Important lessons have been learnt from the pre-clinical and clinical evaluations to date. Open questions remain, but this review summarizes the valuable experience and knowledge already gained, which can guide ongoing and future efforts for molecular mechanism-based, practical and accessible disease modification of sickle cell disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Chilakala S, Feng Y, Li L, Mahfouz R, Quteba E, Saunthararajah Y, Xu Y. Tracking Decitabine Incorporation into Malignant Myeloid Cell DNA in vitro and in vivo by LC-MS/MS with Enzymatic Digestion. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4558. [PMID: 30872721 PMCID: PMC6418203 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41070-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The DNA hypomethylating agents decitabine and 5-azacytidine are the only two drugs approved for treatment of all subtypes of the myeloid malignancy myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The key to drug activity is incorporation into target cell DNA, however, a practical method to measure this incorporation is un-available. Here, we report a sensitive and specific LC-MS/MS method to simultaneously measure decitabine incorporation and DNA hypomethylation. A stable heavy isotope of 2'-deoxycytidine was used as an internal standard and one-step multi-enzyme digestion was used to release the DNA bound drug. Enzyme-released decitabine along with other mononucleosides were separated by a reverse-phase C18 column and quantified by mass spectrometry using multiple-reaction-monitoring (MRM) mode, with a lower limit of quantitation at 1.00 nM. In vitro studies demonstrated dosage and time-dependent incorporation of decitabine into myeloid leukemia cell DNA that correlated with extent of DNA hypomethylation. When applied to clinical samples serially collected from MDS patients treated with decitabine, the method again demonstrated correlation between decitabine DNA-incorporation and DNA hypomethylation. This novel assay to measure the intended molecular pharmacodynamic effect of decitabine therapy can therefore potentially provide insights into mechanisms underlying sensitivity versus resistance to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujatha Chilakala
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, 44115, USA
| | - Ye Feng
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, 44115, USA
| | - Lan Li
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, 44115, USA
| | - Reda Mahfouz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 2010 East 90th Street, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Ebrahem Quteba
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 2010 East 90th Street, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 2010 East 90th Street, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, 44115, USA.
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Lin Y, Lin R, Zhou G, Liu Y, Dong W, Cao Y, Xie X, Gu W. Decitabine combined with all-trans retinoic acid as treatment in a case of primary myelofibrosis transforming into acute myeloid leukaemia. J Int Med Res 2019; 47:1064-1071. [PMID: 30616420 PMCID: PMC6381513 DOI: 10.1177/0300060518820147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a type of cloned myeloproliferative neoplasm stemming from haematopoietic stem cells, and tends to transform to acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in approximately 10–20% of cases over a 10-year period. The transformation into AML has a poor prognosis, with a median overall survival of only 2.6 months in patients receiving supportive treatment. To date, treatment of AML transformation remains poor. The case of a 58-year-old female patient with AML transformed from PMF, who was treated with decitabine combined with all-trans retinoic acid, is reported. The patient had complete remission and a 17-month overall survival from initial diagnosis of transformed AML, with tolerated haematologic toxicity during the treatment period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lin
- Department of Haematology, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Rongrong Lin
- Department of Haematology, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Guangquan Zhou
- Department of Haematology, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Haematology, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Weimin Dong
- Department of Haematology, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Haematology, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xiaobao Xie
- Department of Haematology, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Weiying Gu
- Department of Haematology, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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Velcheti V, Schrump D, Saunthararajah Y. Ultimate Precision: Targeting Cancer but Not Normal Self-replication. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2018; 38:950-963. [PMID: 30231326 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_199753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Self-replication is the engine that drives all biologic evolution, including neoplastic evolution. A key oncotherapy challenge is to target this, the heart of malignancy, while sparing the normal self-replication mandatory for health and life. Self-replication can be demystified: it is activation of replication, the most ancient of cell programs, uncoupled from activation of lineage-differentiation, metazoan programs more recent in origin. The uncoupling can be physiologic, as in normal tissue stem cells, or pathologic, as in cancer. Neoplastic evolution selects to disengage replication from forward-differentiation where intrinsic replication rates are the highest, in committed progenitors that have division times measured in hours versus weeks for tissue stem cells, via partial loss of function in master transcription factors that activate terminal-differentiation programs (e.g., GATA4) or in the coactivators they use for this purpose (e.g., ARID1A). These loss-of-function mutations bias master transcription factor circuits, which normally regulate corepressor versus coactivator recruitment, toward corepressors (e.g., DNMT1) that repress rather than activate terminal-differentiation genes. Pharmacologic inhibition of the corepressors rebalances to coactivator function, activating lineage-differentiation genes that dominantly antagonize MYC (the master transcription factor coordinator of replication) to terminate malignant self-replication. Physiologic self-replication continues, because the master transcription factors in tissue stem cells activate stem cell, not terminal-differentiation, programs. Druggable corepressor proteins are thus the barriers between self-replicating cancer cells and the terminal-differentiation fates intended by their master transcription factor content. This final common pathway to oncogenic self-replication, being separate and distinct from the normal, offers the favorable therapeutic indices needed for clinical progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamsidhar Velcheti
- From the Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH; Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - David Schrump
- From the Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH; Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- From the Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH; Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
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Gu X, Ebrahem Q, Mahfouz RZ, Hasipek M, Enane F, Radivoyevitch T, Rapin N, Przychodzen B, Hu Z, Balusu R, Cotta CV, Wald D, Argueta C, Landesman Y, Martelli MP, Falini B, Carraway H, Porse BT, Maciejewski J, Jha BK, Saunthararajah Y. Leukemogenic nucleophosmin mutation disrupts the transcription factor hub that regulates granulomonocytic fates. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:4260-4279. [PMID: 30015632 PMCID: PMC6159976 DOI: 10.1172/jci97117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleophosmin (NPM1) is among the most frequently mutated genes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It is not known, however, how the resulting oncoprotein mutant NPM1 is leukemogenic. To reveal the cellular machinery in which NPM1 participates in myeloid cells, we analyzed the endogenous NPM1 protein interactome by mass spectrometry and discovered abundant amounts of the master transcription factor driver of monocyte lineage differentiation PU.1 (also known as SPI1). Mutant NPM1, which aberrantly accumulates in cytoplasm, dislocated PU.1 into cytoplasm with it. CEBPA and RUNX1, the master transcription factors that collaborate with PU.1 to activate granulomonocytic lineage fates, remained nuclear; but without PU.1, their coregulator interactions were toggled from coactivators to corepressors, repressing instead of activating more than 500 granulocyte and monocyte terminal differentiation genes. An inhibitor of nuclear export, selinexor, by locking mutant NPM1/PU.1 in the nucleus, activated terminal monocytic fates. Direct depletion of the corepressor DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) from the CEBPA/RUNX1 protein interactome using the clinical drug decitabine activated terminal granulocytic fates. Together, these noncytotoxic treatments extended survival by more than 160 days versus vehicle in a patient-derived xenotransplant model of NPM1/FLT3-mutated AML. In sum, mutant NPM1 represses monocyte and granulocyte terminal differentiation by disrupting PU.1/CEBPA/RUNX1 collaboration, a transforming action that can be reversed by pharmacodynamically directed dosing of clinical small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Gu
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Quteba Ebrahem
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Reda Z. Mahfouz
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Metis Hasipek
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Francis Enane
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Tomas Radivoyevitch
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Nicolas Rapin
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, DanStem, and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bartlomiej Przychodzen
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Zhenbo Hu
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Ramesh Balusu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Claudiu V. Cotta
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Tomsich Pathology Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - David Wald
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | - Maria Paola Martelli
- Institute of Hematology, Center for Research in Hematology-Oncology (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Brunangelo Falini
- Institute of Hematology, Center for Research in Hematology-Oncology (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Hetty Carraway
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Bo T. Porse
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, DanStem, and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jaroslaw Maciejewski
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Babal K. Jha
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Enane FO, Saunthararajah Y, Korc M. Differentiation therapy and the mechanisms that terminate cancer cell proliferation without harming normal cells. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:912. [PMID: 30190481 PMCID: PMC6127320 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0919-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic drugs have a common intent to activate apoptosis in tumor cells. However, master regulators of apoptosis (e.g., p53, p16/CDKN2A) are frequently genetically inactivated in cancers, resulting in multidrug resistance. An alternative, p53-independent method for terminating malignant proliferation is to engage terminal-differentiation. Normally, the exponential proliferation of lineage-committed progenitors, coordinated by the master transcription factor (TF) MYC, is self-limited by forward-differentiation to terminal lineage-fates. In cancers, however, this exponential proliferation is disengaged from terminal-differentiation. The mechanisms underlying this decoupling are mostly unknown. We performed a systematic review of published literature (January 2007-June 2018) to identify gene pathways linked to differentiation-failure in three treatment-recalcitrant cancers: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), ovarian cancer (OVC), and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We analyzed key gene alterations in various apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation pathways to determine whether it is possible to predict treatment outcomes and suggest novel therapies. Poorly differentiated tumors were linked to poorer survival across histologies. Our analyses suggested loss-of-function events to master TF drivers of lineage-fates and their cofactors as being linked to differentiation-failure: genomic data in TCGA and ICGC databases demonstrated frequent haploinsufficiency of lineage master TFs (e.g., GATA4/6) in poorly differentiated tumors; the coactivators that these TFs use to activate genes (e.g. ARID1A, PBRM1) were also frequently inactivated by genetic mutation and/or deletion. By contrast, corepressor components (e.g., DNMT1, EED, UHRF1, and BAZ1A/B), that oppose coactivators to repress or turn off genes, were frequently amplified instead, and the level of amplification was highest in poorly differentiated lesions. This selection by neoplastic evolution towards unbalanced activity of transcriptional corepressors suggests these enzymes as candidate targets for inhibition aiming to re-engage forward-differentiation. This notion is supported by both pre-clinical and clinical trial literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis O Enane
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Murray Korc
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- The Pancreatic Cancer Signature Center at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis and Indiana University Simon Cancer, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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38
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Nucleosidic DNA demethylating epigenetic drugs – A comprehensive review from discovery to clinic. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 188:45-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Lavelle D, Engel JD, Saunthararajah Y. Fetal Hemoglobin Induction by Epigenetic Drugs. Semin Hematol 2018; 55:60-67. [PMID: 29958562 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) inhibits the root cause of sickle pathophysiology, sickle hemoglobin polymerization. Individuals who naturally express high levels of HbF beyond infancy thus receive some protection from sickle complications. To mimic this natural genetic experiment using drugs, one guiding observation was that HbF is increased during recovery of bone marrow from extreme stress. This led to evaluation and approval of the cytotoxic (cell killing) drug hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell disease. Cytotoxic approaches are limited in potency and sustainability, however, since they require hematopoietic reserves sufficient to repeatedly mount recoveries from stress that destroys their counterparts, and such reserves are finite. HbF induction even by stress ultimately involves chromatin remodeling of the gene for HbF (HBG), therefore, a logical alternative approach is to directly inhibit epigenetic enzymes that repress HBG-implicated enzymes include DNA methyltransferase 1, histone deacetylases, lysine demethylase 1, protein arginine methyltransferase 5, euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 and chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 4. Clinical proof-of-principle that this alternative, noncytotoxic approach can generate substantial HbF and total hemoglobin increases has already been generated. Thus, with continued careful attention to fundamental biological and pharmacologic considerations (reviewed herein), there is potential that rational, molecular-targeted, safe and highly potent disease-modifying therapy can be realized for patients with sickle cell disease, with the accessibility and cost-effective properties needed for world-wide effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Lavelle
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, IL; Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.
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40
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He ZY, Zhang YG, Yang YH, Ma CC, Wang P, Du W, Li L, Xiang R, Song XR, Zhao X, Yao SH, Wei YQ. In Vivo Ovarian Cancer Gene Therapy Using CRISPR-Cas9. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:223-233. [PMID: 29338433 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yao He
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya-Guang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu-Han Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Cui-Cui Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Du
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Xiang
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiang-Rong Song
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shao-Hua Yao
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu-Quan Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
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Decitabine, a DNA-demethylating agent, promotes differentiation via NOTCH1 signaling and alters immune-related pathways in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:3217. [PMID: 29242529 PMCID: PMC5870579 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0024-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant DNA methylation observed in cancer can provide survival benefits to cells by silencing genes essential for anti-tumor activity. DNA-demethylating agents such as Decitabine (DAC)/Azacitidine (AZA) activate otherwise silenced tumor suppressor genes, alter immune response and epigenetically reprogram tumor cells. In this study, we show that non-cytotoxic nanomolar DAC concentrations modify the bladder cancer transcriptome to activate NOTCH1 at the mRNA and protein level, increase double-stranded RNA sensors and CK5-dependent differentiation. Importantly, DAC treatment increases ICN1 expression (the active intracellular domain of NOTCH1) significantly inhibiting cell proliferation and causing changes in cell size inducing morphological alterations reminiscent of senescence. These changes were not associated with β-galactosidase activity or increased p16 levels, but instead were associated with substantial IL-6 release. Increased IL-6 release was observed in both DAC-treated and ICN1 overexpressing cells as compared to control cells. Exogenous IL-6 expression was associated with a similar enlarged cell morphology that was rescued by the addition of a monoclonal antibody against IL-6. Treatment with DAC, overexpression with ICN1 or addition of exogenous IL-6 showed CK5 reduction, a surrogate marker of differentiation. Overall this study suggests that in MIBC cells, DNA hypomethylation increases NOTCH1 expression and IL-6 release to induce CK5-related differentiation.
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Odenike O. Incorporating novel approaches in the management of MDS beyond conventional hypomethylating agents. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2017; 2017:460-469. [PMID: 29222294 PMCID: PMC6142530 DOI: 10.1182/asheducation-2017.1.460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, the treatment of higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) has revolved around the azanucleosides, azacitidine and decitabine, which at lower doses are postulated to work predominantly via their effects on inhibition of DNA methyltransferases and consequent DNA hypomethylation. For patients who relapse after, or do not respond to, hypomethylating agent therapy, the outcome is dismal, and new agents and approaches that have the potential to alter the natural history of these diseases are desperately needed. Allogeneic stem cell transplant is the only known potentially curative approach in MDS, but its applicability has been limited by the advanced age of patients and attendant comorbidities. There is now an increasing array of new agents under clinical investigation in MDS that aim to exploit our expanding understanding of molecular pathways that are important in the pathogenesis of MDS. This review focuses on a critical appraisal of novel agents being evaluated in higher-risk MDS that go beyond the conventional hypomethylating agent therapies approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olatoyosi Odenike
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL; and The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL
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Velcheti V, Radivoyevitch T, Saunthararajah Y. Higher-Level Pathway Objectives of Epigenetic Therapy: A Solution to the p53 Problem in Cancer. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2017; 37:812-824. [PMID: 28561650 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_174175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Searches for effective yet nontoxic oncotherapies are searches for exploitable differences between cancer and normal cells. In its core of cell division, cancer resembles normal life, coordinated by the master transcription factor MYC. Outside of this core, apoptosis and differentiation programs, which dominantly antagonize MYC to terminate cell division, necessarily differ between cancer and normal cells, as apoptosis is suppressed by biallelic inactivation of the master regulator of apoptosis, p53, or its cofactor p16/CDKN2A in approximately 80% of cancers. These genetic alterations impact therapy: conventional oncotherapy applies stress upstream of p53 to upregulate it and causes apoptosis (cytotoxicity)-a toxic, futile intent when it is absent or nonfunctional. Differentiation, on the other hand, cannot be completely suppressed because it is a continuum along which all cells exist. Neoplastic evolution stalls advances along this continuum at its most proliferative points-in lineage-committed progenitors that have division times measured in hours compared with weeks for tissue stem cells. This differentiation arrest is by mutations/deletions in differentiation-driving transcription factors or their coactivators that shift balances of gene-regulating protein complexes toward corepressors that repress instead of activate hundreds of terminal differentiation genes. That is, malignant proliferation without differentiation, also referred to as cancer "stem" cell self-renewal, hinges on druggable corepressors. Inhibiting these corepressors (e.g., DNMT1) releases p53-independent terminal differentiation in cancer stem cells but preserves self-renewal of normal stem cells that express stem cell transcription factors. Thus, epigenetic-differentiation therapies exploit a fundamental distinction between cancer and normal stem cell self-renewal and have a pathway of action downstream of genetic defects in cancer, affording favorable therapeutic indices needed for clinical progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamsidhar Velcheti
- From the Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH; Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH; Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Tomas Radivoyevitch
- From the Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH; Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH; Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- From the Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH; Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH; Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
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Ye X, Chen D, Zheng Y, Zhu X, Fu J, Huang J. Effective treatment of low-dose decitabine in myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasms. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 10:5425-5428. [PMID: 29180875 PMCID: PMC5692198 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s142561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is one of the Philadelphia negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). The main clinical features are obvious physical symptoms and symptomatic splenomegaly. It may be converse to leukemia and has a shortened life expectancy. Nowadays, the therapy for PMF is aimed at maintaining comfort and there is no curative treatment. PMF with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), called MDS/MPN-u, is rare and the treatment is complex. In this study, we want to discuss an effective treatment for MDS/MPN via a case report and literature review. Materials and methods A female patient was diagnosed with MDS/MPN through bone marrow cytology, immunology, cell genetics, molecular biology, and pathology. She received thalidomide and prednisone as initial treatment. Ten months later, the first-line therapy had failed, she presented with clinically relevant pancytopenia and increased blasts in bone marrow. Because decitabine is one of the first-line treatments for MDS and the patient was frail, she received low-dose decitabine as second-line therapy. Decitabine was administered at 15 mg/m2 once a week for 3 weeks, in a 4 week cycle. If there was improvement the treatment interval was prolonged. Result After one cycle, the blasts in bone marrow were decreased to 0.5%. After four cycles, she felt comfortable and hematological improvement was achieved. The treatment interval was prolonged. After eight cycles, the spleen reduced to 2 cm under the rib, and she achieved complete hematological remission. After ten cycles, the mutation of JAK2/V617F expression was decreased from 60.63% to 0.01%. During the therapy, the patient presented with grade III–IV hematological toxicity after the first two cycles, but there were no side effects after subsequent cycles. Conclusion Our research showed that low-dose decitabine may be an effective treatment for MDS/MPN, especially in improving physical symptoms and achieving hematological remission. Besides, it may be possible to reverse positive JAK2 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingnong Ye
- Department of Hematology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Chen
- Department of Hematology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of Hematology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqiong Zhu
- Department of Hematology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Junkai Fu
- Department of Hematology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Hematology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
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Saleh MFM, Saunthararajah Y. Severe pyoderma gangrenosum caused by myelodysplastic syndrome successfully treated with decitabine administered by a noncytotoxic regimen. Clin Case Rep 2017; 5:2025-2027. [PMID: 29225849 PMCID: PMC5715603 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.1221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a morbid necrotizing neutrophilic dermatoses for which current treatments are inadequate. Here, we describe the use of a novel noncytotoxic regimen of the deoxycytidine analog decitabine to treat underlying myeloid malignancy causing PG, to thereby produce safe and effective resolution of extensive PG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa F M Saleh
- Department of Hematology and Oncology Taussig Cancer Institute Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Ohio.,Internal Medicine Department Assiut University Hospitals Assiut Egypt
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Hematology and Oncology Taussig Cancer Institute Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Ohio
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Therapeutics targeting Bcl-2 in hematological malignancies. Biochem J 2017; 474:3643-3657. [PMID: 29061914 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20170080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Members of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) gene family are attractive targets for cancer therapy as they play a key role in promoting cell survival, a long-since established hallmark of cancer. Clinical utility for selective inhibition of specific anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins has recently been realized with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of venetoclax (formerly ABT-199/GDC-0199) in relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with 17p deletion. Despite the impressive monotherapy activity in CLL, such responses have rarely been observed in other B-cell malignancies, and preclinical data suggest that combination therapies will be needed in other indications. Additional selective antagonists of Bcl-2 family members, including Bcl-XL and Mcl-1, are in various stages of preclinical and clinical development and hold the promise of extending clinical utility beyond CLL and overcoming resistance to venetoclax. In addition to direct targeting of Bcl-2 family proteins with BH3 mimetics, combination therapies that aim at down-regulating expression of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members or restoring expression of pro-apoptotic BH3 family proteins may provide a means to deepen responses to venetoclax and extend the utility to additional indications. Here, we review recent progress in direct and selective targeting of Bcl-2 family proteins for cancer therapy and the search for rationale combinations.
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Molokie R, Lavelle D, Gowhari M, Pacini M, Krauz L, Hassan J, Ibanez V, Ruiz MA, Ng KP, Woost P, Radivoyevitch T, Pacelli D, Fada S, Rump M, Hsieh M, Tisdale JF, Jacobberger J, Phelps M, Engel JD, Saraf S, Hsu LL, Gordeuk V, DeSimone J, Saunthararajah Y. Oral tetrahydrouridine and decitabine for non-cytotoxic epigenetic gene regulation in sickle cell disease: A randomized phase 1 study. PLoS Med 2017; 14:e1002382. [PMID: 28880867 PMCID: PMC5589090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD), a congenital hemolytic anemia that exacts terrible global morbidity and mortality, is driven by polymerization of mutated sickle hemoglobin (HbS) in red blood cells (RBCs). Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) interferes with this polymerization, but HbF is epigenetically silenced from infancy onward by DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). METHODS AND FINDINGS To pharmacologically re-induce HbF by DNMT1 inhibition, this first-in-human clinical trial (NCT01685515) combined 2 small molecules-decitabine to deplete DNMT1 and tetrahydrouridine (THU) to inhibit cytidine deaminase (CDA), the enzyme that otherwise rapidly deaminates/inactivates decitabine, severely limiting its half-life, tissue distribution, and oral bioavailability. Oral decitabine doses, administered after oral THU 10 mg/kg, were escalated from a very low starting level (0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, or 0.16 mg/kg) to identify minimal doses active in depleting DNMT1 without cytotoxicity. Patients were SCD adults at risk of early death despite standard-of-care, randomized 3:2 to THU-decitabine versus placebo in 5 cohorts of 5 patients treated 2X/week for 8 weeks, with 4 weeks of follow-up. The primary endpoint was ≥ grade 3 non-hematologic toxicity. This endpoint was not triggered, and adverse events (AEs) were not significantly different in THU-decitabine-versus placebo-treated patients. At the decitabine 0.16 mg/kg dose, plasma concentrations peaked at approximately 50 nM (Cmax) and remained elevated for several hours. This dose decreased DNMT1 protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by >75% and repetitive element CpG methylation by approximately 10%, and increased HbF by 4%-9% (P < 0.001), doubling fetal hemoglobin-enriched red blood cells (F-cells) up to approximately 80% of total RBCs. Total hemoglobin increased by 1.2-1.9 g/dL (P = 0.01) as reticulocytes simultaneously decreased; that is, better quality and efficiency of HbF-enriched erythropoiesis elevated hemoglobin using fewer reticulocytes. Also indicating better RBC quality, biomarkers of hemolysis, thrombophilia, and inflammation (LDH, bilirubin, D-dimer, C-reactive protein [CRP]) improved. As expected with non-cytotoxic DNMT1-depletion, platelets increased and neutrophils concurrently decreased, but not to an extent requiring treatment holds. As an early phase study, limitations include small patient numbers at each dose level and narrow capacity to evaluate clinical benefits. CONCLUSION Administration of oral THU-decitabine to patients with SCD was safe in this study and, by targeting DNMT1, upregulated HbF in RBCs. Further studies should investigate clinical benefits and potential harms not identified to date. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01685515.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Molokie
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Donald Lavelle
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Michel Gowhari
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Michael Pacini
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Lani Krauz
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Johara Hassan
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Vinzon Ibanez
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Maria A. Ruiz
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kwok Peng Ng
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Philip Woost
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Tomas Radivoyevitch
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Daisy Pacelli
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sherry Fada
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Matthew Rump
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Matthew Hsieh
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Section, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - John F. Tisdale
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Section, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - James Jacobberger
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Mitch Phelps
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - James Douglas Engel
- Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Santhosh Saraf
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Lewis L. Hsu
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Victor Gordeuk
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Joseph DeSimone
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
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Yang B, Yu R, Cai L, Chi X, Liu C, Yang L, Wang X, He P, Lu X. A comparison of therapeutic dosages of decitabine in treating myelodysplastic syndrome: a meta-analysis. Ann Hematol 2017; 96:1811-1823. [PMID: 28842789 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-017-3102-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Decitabine is used to treat myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of different dosing regimens of decitabine in treating intermediate and/or high-risk MDS. Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched up to October 23, 2015. Randomized controlled trials, prospective, cohort, and case series studies were included. Fifteen studies were included with a total of 1378 patients. The decitabine 100 mg/m2/course dosing regimen had a greater overall response rate than the 60-75 mg/m2/course (51 vs. 25%; P = 0.003). It also had higher complete response rate compared with the 135 mg/m2/course regimen (24.2 vs.13.7%; P = 0.016). The three dosing regimens were similar with respect to bone marrow complete response and partial response and hematologic improvement (P values > 0.05). Decitabine 135 mg/m2/course regimen had similar hematologic improvement as best supportive care (P = 0.066). The incidence of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, infections, and anemia was similar across treatment groups (range, 31 to 38%; P values ≥ 0.899). The 100 mg/m2/course decitabine regimen showed benefit with respect to overall response rate compared with the 60-75 mg/m2/course regimen, as well as greater improvement in complete response rate compared with the 135 mg/m2/course regimen. All three dosing regimens had similar frequency of adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yang
- Department of Geriatric Hematology, Nanlou Clinic, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Fuxing Road 28, Handian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Ruili Yu
- Department of Allergy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Lili Cai
- Department of Geriatric Laboratory Medicine, Nanlou Clinic, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xiaohua Chi
- Department of Pharmacy, Chinese PLA Rocket Force General Hospital, Beijing, 100800, China
| | - Cui Liu
- Department of Geriatric Ultrasound, Nanlou Clinic, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Medical Department, Nanlou Clinic, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xueyan Wang
- Department of Allergy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Peifeng He
- Medical Information Management Major, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 30001, China
| | - Xuechun Lu
- Department of Geriatric Hematology, Nanlou Clinic, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Fuxing Road 28, Handian District, Beijing, 100853, China.
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Abstract
Advances in cancer research in the past have led to an evolving understanding of cancer pathogenesis and the development of novel drugs that significantly improve patient outcomes. However, many patients still encounter treatment resistance, recurrence, or metastasis and eventually die from progressing disease. Experimental evidence indicates that a subpopulation of cancer cells, called cancer stem cells (CSCs), possess "stemness" properties similar to normal stem cells, including self-renewal, differentiation, and proliferative potential. These stemness properties are lost during differentiation and are governed by pathways such as STAT3, NANOG, NOTCH, WNT, and HEDGEHOG, which are highly dysregulated in CSCs due to genetic and epigenetic changes. Promising results have been observed in preclinical models targeting these CSCs through the disruption of stemness pathways in combination with current treatment modalities. This has led to anti-CSC-based clinical trials in multiple stages of development. In this review, we discuss the role of CSCs and stemness pathways in cancer treatment and how they relate to clinical observations. Because CSCs and the stemness pathways governing them may explain the negative clinical outcomes observed during treatment, it is important for oncologists to understand how they contribute to cancer progression and how they may be targeted to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., NC10, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| | - Huiping Liu
- Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine (Hematology/Oncology), Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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